50 The Entrance Ceremony (2/2)

”As many of you know, I am the principal of A.S. Academy, Lim Yi Feng. It is my great pleasure to welcome your all to the beginning of the 20XX school year. Every student has all worked hard to come this far, and you should be proud of your achievements.

This summer, there were over a thousand students accepted as freshman. Especially within the combat department, there was a record high of students accepted. In fact, the number of students accepted this semester is more than double of those in previous years. In recent years, the number of talented awakened youngsters has skyrocketed. You are part of a jewel generation, a generation of tigers and dragons.

This also means the competition will become much greater. As many know, competition is imbedded in the culture of our academy. Students drive each other to improve and push beyond their limits. Our society, despite the current status quo, is not as peaceful as it appears on the surface. It is here, that you will gain the knowledge and skills to improve, aid, and survive in the real world.

A.S Academy is one of the oldest institutions . . . ”

Hana drifted along the middle of the speech. 'Ah, this is extremely boring,' she sighed.

She began to observe more of her fellow students instead. Below, it was easy to see the divisions among students.

A large group dressed in dark clothes. The leader was the black haired girl in the center. Hana could see the girl's emotionless red eyes as she turned to speak to the boy behind her. And she should see Aria Xie looking anxiously, no, enviously at the group. Interesting.

A smaller boy was being bullied by the taller people around him. She could see Song Qi and Renae muttering in the east. A girl with silver hair sat paying full attention to the speech like an honor student.

” . . . and finally, I would like to give special regards to this years two Alpha students, Xie Bai

Zhuang and Zhao Hana!”

Hana blinked in surprise. Too high profile, her name was announced. And someone else's was too.

The principal smiled. ”It is rare for an Alpha student to be accepted in the first place. But this year, we have one in each department. I look forward to seeing how everyone will improve in the following year.

Congratulations to you all, and welcome to A.S. Academy!”

After the ceremony, students spilled out onto campus. Classes began the next day. The first day was meant for students to mingle and familiarize themselves with campus.

”Hana!” In the quad, Song Qi and Renae waved her over.

”I'm so glad it's over. I nearly fell asleep during the speech.” Renae complained. ”Let's get some food!”

Hana was about to agree, but her instincts roared. Her dagger flashed behind her, diverting the blade heading toward her head past her ear.

”Not bad.” A sneering drawl.

Hana stared coldly at the boy holding the sword. ”What is the meaning of this?”

”What else could it be? It's a challenge of course.” The boy smirked.

”The Phoenix Coalition is challenging Bluewing to a dorm duel.”