159 Cross Academy (2/2)
”Correct.” Then his eyes became sharper as he directed them at her. ”Drakon, what is your connection to Fantom?”
She took two deep breaths before answering. ”Fantom…taught me everything I need to know about hacking and computers. You can say that Fantom is my master.”
Professor Dupont looked like he already expected her answer. ”Since that's the case, do you know Fantom's real identity?”
Her eyes darkened. ”Yes.”
They waited for her to say more. It took almost a full minute before she finally answered.
”Fantom is…was Evelina Vetrova, a Cross Academy alumni,” she whispered in a flat tone. ”And she's dead.”
Everyone was quiet after that. Nobody said a word. The atmosphere became heavy, almost suffocating.
Professor Dupont sighed heavily. ”Indeed. What a sad life she lived. She was one of the brightest talents that I have known. Our Cross Academy will always be proud of her.”
Iris' hands clenched into fists. They trembled a bit, before she forced them to relax.
The he looked at her again. ”But her amazing skills live through you. That's why we're here today. Tell me, Miss Long. Did you create that ruckus all over the world just to get our attention?”
”Yes, sir. I want education but I have no interest in wasting my time at a regular school.”
He nodded. ”Indeed, your past school records are horrendous. Fortunately, Cross Academy doesn't judge base on that. Specialized talent and skills aren't necessarily reflected on school report cards. Miss Long, you are indeed a disciple of the late Miss Vetrova. Not only did you inherit her world-class skills as a hacker, but you're also skilled in languages. As you requested, we will not enroll you to our Computer Science Program like her but in the Foreign Languages Program instead with minor focus on Business Administration. After all, with Fantom as your master, we can't really teach you anything new as a hacker since she herself had a huge influence to the development of our current Computer Science program when she was still a student and later on as an alumni.”
Then he gestured to the blonde woman sitting beside him, silently instructing her to take over.
Giulia Moretti nodded and then smiled at Iris. ”Miss Long, would you be willing to accept our offer to become a student of Cross Academy?”
”Of course,” Iris answered. ”It will be my honour.”
Giulia Moretti: ”Excellent! Please complete the form I gave you and provide the necessary documents. The Headmaster and I will be staying in this country for a week to process your official enrollment. If you have any questions or issues, please feel free to give me a call and I'll do my best to assist you.”
”Thank you very much, Professor Dupont and Madame Moretti.”
The Headmaster's stern and sharp eyes softened a bit, showing a pleased glint within them. ”Miss Xiulan Long, as the Headmaster, I welcome you to Cross Academy.”
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Footnotes:
[1] A Japanese 13-stringed musical instrument which is also Japan's national instrument.