565 Chapter 565: Opening Address (1/2)
He then turned to the bald man who was climbing the podium. I watched from a distance, intrigued. To the far end, I could see Director Henry Porter in the VIP box along with the people from the board, and his granddaughter, Lilith. I was sure Lilith would participate in the match later – she was too high profile and too powerful to not take part.
”If you would please, Dean Xiao.”
The professor politely offered his microphone to Dean Xiao, but the bald man raised a hand and shook his head.
”I won't be needing that.”
Instead, he proceeded to the top of the podium and cleared his throat. Then he spoke up, his voice resounding across the entire stadium, despite not having any mechanical aid. Even though he wasn't using a spell or any device, every student in the stadium could hear him clearly, even the summoning students in the backroom.
Amazing.
”Before I deliver the opening address, there is something I would like to say,” Dean Xiao began, his voice stern. He cast his gaze across the entire stadium, where all the students had fallen into respectful silence. ”If all you care about is gaining recognition and status…if the whole reason why you chose to become a mage is for fame and fortune, then I will be frank and inform you that you've come to the wrong place.”
”The mages who graduate from Vermillion University all have a responsibility. I'm sure you heard this from a comic somewhere, but great power comes with great responsibility. Magic has the potential to reshape the world, and as its bearers, all of you have some responsibility in ensuring that it is not misused.”
Dean Xiao's voice was clear and strong.
Yup, I completely agreed with him. I could see some discomfort in the spectators, especially with the long-range sensors installed in my lenses allowing me to zoom in and focus on their faces from a distance. Looked like Dean Xiao's words struck a nerve.
And he was far from done.
”If you only covet wealth and status, then we can just give you the graduation certificate and you can leave. There is no point in teaching you. You are free to live whatever luxurious lives you desire with the certificate.”
I could see Henry Porter smiling in amusement at that, and he nodded in approval. Lilith, on the other hand, remained stoic. She probably bought into these values because of her grandfather. As for my fellow summoning students, they seemed to be watching everything in awe.
”Our Vermillion University does not lack wealth or prestige. What we truly want are for students with sincere intentions…those who seek to better mankind and protect the vulnerable. Heroes who will ensure that humanity will endure for eternity!”
Henry Porter clapped, and the staff followed. Several students hesitated, but as more and more students applauded, they joined in, and soon the entire stadium rang with applause and cheers. Dean Xiao smiled and waited for the cheers to die down before he raised a hand.
”Today is the day for all of you to show off your abilities!” he declared. Then he turned around and gestured toward the backroom. ”Allow us to welcome our seven stars!”
At his words, the seven of us exited the backroom and walked toward the stage. I wasn't comfortable with being in the limelight so I hung at the back, but I could see Hai Da Pang waving arrogantly at the audience, while a few others behaved confidently. Zheng Ying Shou was the only one who strode forward in a disciplined manner, not at all affected by his comrades or the attention lavished upon us by the other students.
”And anyone who defeats them will be rewarded greatly!”
At that, all the students roared enthusiastically, many rising from their seats to issue their challenge. I cringed, wondering where their confidence and excitement came from. Then again, they were all coming at us in groups, so maybe they did have a good reason to believe they had a good chance of defeating summoners who could summon beforehand.
This was Vermillion University, after all. I glanced up at Lilith Porter, noting her presence. She was a powerful mage, and if the majority of the students were close to her caliber, then this was going to be a tough battle. We couldn't afford to underestimate the other students.
”Heh…” Lilith was watching me from above, unaware that I could hear her from down here. She turned to Henry Porter. ”I see that you've succeeded in recruiting Richard, Grandpa.”
”He's such a promising student. Of course I would go all out to recruit him.” Henry Porter chuckled. Lilith frowned, but she smiled and shrugged.
”He'll bring prestige to Vermillion University. I'm sure of it.”
”Oho…you think so too?”
”Based on what I've seen…yes.”
”I agree.” Henry Porter was nodding. Then he grinned and nudged her. ”If you have a chance, you should get close to him.”
Lilith scowled at that. ”No. He's not my type, unfortunately.”
”Ho…?” Her grandfather raised an eyebrow curiously. ”Then what is your type?”
”Hot-blooded males with muscles,” Lilith replied with a mischievous smile. She jerked her head in my direction. ”Richard is too diminutive and soft for my tastes.”
”Oh…so you like muscleheads. That's…a surprise.”
”What's wrong with that?!”
”No, nothing wrong at all. Nothing wrong at all.” Henry Porter was smiling brightly. He then turned away, and his scholarly features twisted into a concerned expression. His voice dropping into a whisper filled with despair, he had to suppress the urge to hold his head with both hands. ”So my beloved granddaughter is more interested in muscular jocks than intellectual scholars…how did Glen raise her?!”
Speaking of Uncle Glen, he was missing. Then again, he didn't work for the university. He was a mercenary just like my father. The Divine Tiger, or…? Sorry, seemed like nobody caught the Divine Wolf reference.
Anyway, I wasn't really interested in watching the grandfather-granddaughter comedy between the two, so I focused on the current events. While I lingered at the back, I heard another person mention my name.
”Theodore?”
Theodore Hammond waved from above, having caught my eye. He was currently sitting with another girl, who I presumed was his girlfriend.
”You know him?” his girlfriend asked. He nodded.
”Yeah. A junior from my high school. We both attended Jing Tian Academy together. You don't recognize him? He was in the same team as me when we took part as representatives in the national tournament last year.”
”Oh…now that you've mentioned it…but summoning isn't his main element, is it? Don't tell me, he's already a mid-tier mage?”