Chapter 177

Chapter 177: The Path of Glory

Emanas, Central School Building Plaza.

At dawn, the long rows of teaching halls on either side of the square formed a “Tong” character, encircling the plaza. The reason they used teaching halls instead of buildings was because their appearance and internal structures differed significantly from what Lolan Hill remembered of typical school buildings.

The broad steps led up to a row of tall, sturdy pillars. Inside, there were high domes like those of a church, and wide, spacious corridors and hallways. On either side were large classrooms.

All the teaching halls were constructed from frost-gray stone, which was dense and strong, offering some extraordinary resistance. This made them less prone to damage, allowing them to withstand the effects of students using magic without collapsing at any moment. Additionally, anti-magic patterns were engraved on the inner walls during the early construction phase, further increasing their strength.

Ordinarily quiet classrooms were bustling today as many new students followed signposts to find their respective classrooms.

“Loosen up a bit.”

“Haha, isn’t this fine?”

“Why are they all white? I want a bright red one.”

“Do we need to add lion’s mane?”

“Yes, yes, golden-red is so cool.”

In a spacious classroom with steps, sunlight poured through five-meter-high windows, illuminating a group of excited young people. Most wore white cloaks, while some were still adjusting.

Since they were all freshmen, the school couldn’t provide fitting uniforms for everyone in half a day. Thus, first-year students were issued white cloaks with gray collars, creating a uniform look that also respected individual preferences. The cloaks came in various sizes—large, medium, and small—to accommodate different body types.

Lolan Hill held her newly issued cloak, preparing to put it on.

The cloak wasn’t thin; its outer surface was white, giving it a lustrous silk-like quality, smooth to the touch. The lining was light gray and soft, almost velvety. Overall, the cloak was of excellent quality. In Lolan’s observation, it was likely crafted from silver-grade materials.

As she had said before, silver-grade fabrics were rare and precious. This cloak wasn’t just attractive; it could shield against wind and keep one warm, repel rain, and serve as a blanket when sleeping outdoors. It could even be used as a bag to carry things.

Even on the battlefield, the cloak could protect against weaker arrows, preventing arrowheads from piercing flesh.

In terms of practicality, the cloak had many uses. No wonder Emanas used it as a replacement for student uniforms. Properly fitting Emanas uniforms were only made after second-year students advanced to the four major classes. (Additionally, note that Emanas does not charge tuition.)

“Lolan, can you check if it’s crooked?” Letis asked after adjusting her own cloak.

“Mm, sure.”

“Are you ready, Nia?” Alena asked her roommate who was fixing her back.

“I’m ready. This will do,” Nia replied, lifting her head.

“Thank you, Nia.”

Several girls helped each other get dressed. More students entered the classroom, registering at the door and receiving appropriate cloaks. Young men and women gathered, introducing themselves, chatting, and quickly becoming familiar.

The sources of new students were widespread. Not only did they see beastfolk with animal ears and horns, but also Easterners in long-sleeved robes. Although they spoke the common language, regional accents varied, creating a unique blend of styles.

“Who is that girl across the way? She’s really beautiful.”

“You’ve been saying that a dozen times today. Maybe you’re lonely and think everyone looks good,” her roommate responded without looking up.

“She’s really pretty, with hair like golden threads and skin like pearl. Truly lovely, ah.”

“What’s wrong? Why did you suddenly stop?” the boy adjusted his buttons and looked up.

In the gentle morning light, a black-haired girl turned sideways, tying a ribbon for her blonde friend. Her jade-like fingers moved deftly, forming a bow. Sparse sunlight revealed faint facial hair, serene clear eyes, and a focused expression, as if captured in a timeless masterpiece.

“I think you’re right this time.”

Some boys and girls in the class began secretly observing the black-haired girl. While Letis was also attractive, being a wealthy heiress with blonde hair, people preferred the exotic charm of the East, its rare beauty.

“Is she also in our class?”

“Of course, she’s in our classroom.”

“I feel like I’m in love. What should I do?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re always like this, always in heat. You really need to control yourself.”

“Can you say you’re not moved?”

“This…”

“Rock, look at the girl by the window.”

“Yeah, I see.” A teenage boy with short wine-red hair glanced up, then returned to filling out forms.

“Are you moved, Rock?” his roommate asked.

“There’s no point in being moved. She’s from another world,” Rock continued writing.

“True, that’s your style,” his roommate chuckled.

After the new students dressed properly, under the guidance of their class teachers, they lined up on the square by class sections, waiting quietly.

—

White cloaks hung neatly, forming orderly rows. Whether viewed head-on or diagonally, they created straight lines. Morning sunlight wasn’t intense, and the sky was a pure azure, devoid of clouds. As the new students gathered and stood in formation, music accompanied by prelude began.

On both sides of the tall white podium, there were two rows of musicians. Drummers, violinists, pianists, trumpeters—all were present. From their faces, they seemed to be upperclassmen. There were about 100 on each side.

As the prelude ended, a man in a gray robe stepped onto the podium. His hair was slightly gray, but he appeared robust, around 50 years old. He was the dean of the Central School Building.

“Welcome to Emanas!”

His voice echoed throughout the venue.

“Whether you come from the far reaches south of the Southern Sea or the uninhabited lands north of the North, whether from the dragon kingdom of the East or the Windy City of the West, please temporarily set aside past prejudices. Treat every classmate with equality and respect.”

“The world has nurtured countless races and civilizations. Life grows freely and abundantly in different environments and experiences, forming distinct styles and customs.”

“Regardless of who or which race you belong to, everyone hopes for a better and happier life.”

“Therefore, I hope everyone can understand and recognize things different from themselves based on this consensus, viewing the surroundings with objectivity and fairness.”

“And I hope everyone can see the myriad beauties existing in this world. Even with flaws, even needing change, still loving this imperfect world, as a proud guardian of civilization, defender of order and culture. Together, we protect this hard-won world.”

“This was the vision and wish of the founders when they established Emanas.”

“In the face of the terrifying chaos of the disaster, races and civilizations united for the first time to write a great epic. We hope you continue this epic through your hands.”

“While we are all ordinary individuals, I still believe that even ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things, even achieving heroic feats.”

“Now, you have stepped into Emanas. The path of glory lies before you.”

“Are you prepared?”

“To embark on this heroic journey!”

As the dean finished speaking, soothing music played from both sides, and a grand chorus echoed over the square.

[The wind calls, toward the journey to the future]

[The world opens its arms in welcome]

[Open your heart to feel the immense power]

[Emotions surge, stepping out with determination]

[In endless legends]

[Full of surprising encounters… now]

[Toward the path of heroes]

[Now unfolding]

[Toward the path of truth]

[Now unfolding]

[Together, toward the end of belief]

[With unity, nothing is impossible]

[And now, let us join hands tightly]

[Open the new door, bravely forward]

[Life is once in a lifetime]

[What should I choose now]

[Toward the path of heroes]

[Now unfolding]

[Toward the path of glory]

[Now unfolding]

The lyrics were simple, the melody repetitive yet stirring. Even decades later, hearing it again would still stir emotions, the initial dreams and purest flowers blooming deep within.

Special thanks to SilentSheep, Xunxunxun, BookFriend20201012211120573, and the others for their support.