Chapter 190: Welcoming the New Student
After touring the four academic levels of Emanas and resting for two days, new lives began.
The six main courses that every new student had to learn commenced their lectures: Literature, History, Mathematics, Codex, Magic Power, and Combat. The first three were easy to understand and didn’t require much elaboration. As for the Codex, it mainly covered the systems, laws, disciplines, customs, and habits of various countries.
In this world of multiple races and cultures, achieving basic harmony required understanding each other’s likes and dislikes, as well as some fundamental customs and rules. To avoid unnecessary conflicts among students, Emanas taught these subjects relatively early.
Regarding Magic Power, it was knowledge related to Extraordinary Beings. Although most students had some outside knowledge, it might not be comprehensive or accurate, so corrections and supplements were necessary.
Combat, as its name suggested, was also easily understood. Despite the apparent peace among nations, there were still many conflicts between various organizations, and numerous Demonic Beasts still roamed the wilds, threatening some living areas.
Violence couldn’t solve everything, but it still had the capability to resolve 90% of problems. For countries that hadn’t entered the industrial age, high-ranking Extraordinary Beings were direct symbols of power for each nation, and strength was also the most important means of protecting oneself.
Apart from the six main courses, there were many elective courses available for students to choose from, such as Alchemy (Mechanics, Craftsmanship, Metallurgy, Engraving), Herbalism, Geography, Military Strategy, Music, Business, Navigation, Painting, and Farming. Some schools had requirements for related elective course scores for advancement.
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“Let’s welcome our new classmate. This is Miss Lohil from the New Vergha Alliance.”
As the teacher finished speaking, applause filled the classroom, followed by a silver-haired girl entering.
After writing her name neatly on the blackboard with chalk, she turned around, her pure blue eyes looking at the students in the classroom. She bowed slightly, smiled, and began her introduction.
“Hello everyone, my name is Lohil. I come from the southern city of Vergha.”
Spring sunlight shone on her, her voice ethereal and clear, causing ripples in the classroom. Her fair face and flawless eyes seemed to make one feel at ease and want to sleep.
After reverting to her silver hair, Lolan discovered that the effect of the charm to fade her appearance was significantly reduced. The overly eye-catching silver hair seemed to enhance her presence, making it hard to ignore her original appearance.
If before, when she was still using the name Loran, people found her just very beautiful, now, after returning to her original hair color and eye color, there was a dreamlike feeling that was almost otherworldly.
As a result, after morning classes ended, a large group of people surrounded her, blocking all paths. Not only boys, but mostly girls from her class, chattered away asking Lolan Hil all sorts of questions.
“Lohil, what kind of skincare product do you use?” asked a curious girl.
“I haven’t used any of those, I don’t know.” Lolan Hil answered cautiously, feeling that such an answer might seem arrogant, but she really couldn’t think of any brand, as saying the wrong one could lead to jokes and misunderstandings.
“Really? It can’t be true, right? Is it really natural?” the girl was somewhat incredulous.
“Don’t speculate about Lohil with your shallow knowledge,” several girls nearby defended her.
“Is Lohil a young lady from a distinguished family? So pretty, and so elegant, I’m so envious.”
“This…” Lolan Hil didn’t know what to say for a moment.
“How about we take you to the dining hall for lunch today? They have some excellent dishes there,” several noble-born young ladies proposed together.
“Why should you monopolize the new classmate? Can’t everyone go together?” others started to collectively oppose.
“That’s right.”
“Lohil, can I be friends with you?”
“Stinky boy, move away, don’t touch Lohil’s desk.”
“How about having Lohil be the squad leader?” one girl suggested, and the others echoed in agreement.
“That sounds good.”
“I agree too.”
“Unanimous approval!” In just one morning, Lolan Hil had gained control over the new class.
Looking at her classmates, Lolan Hil realized they were mostly 16-17 years old, at the age of budding youth. Many things were judged solely by appearance, driven purely by impulse and excitement.
Being good-looking couldn’t feed you, she thought, truly incomprehensible. She shook her head slightly, her silver hair sliding over her shoulders to fall on the books in front of her. Looking at the notes recorded there, everything seemed to return to that season of youthful blossoming, the quiet classroom in summer, and the blackboard with “X days left until graduation.”
Memories of youth tasted different when recalled at different ages. In the few years after graduating from university, the memories were mostly regretful, regretting not studying hard enough, not getting into a good university or major.
After working for a few years, the emotions of that time felt pure and cherished, as if the time was coated with a layer of sweetness. Some things and people became more beautiful.
At lunchtime, a large group of people gathered together, bringing several sets of tableware, nearly the entire class gathered to welcome the new classmate.
Lolan Hil sat in the middle, surrounded by her classmates. Every movement of hers drew countless gazes. If she wanted anything, as long as she looked in that direction, a classmate would help pass it to her.
This sense of being the center of attention put immense pressure on her, as if every action was under a spotlight.
What if she made a fool of herself? What if she said something wrong? She had thought that with her second life, she wouldn’t be afraid of such small scenes, but actually, she was quite nervous.
It wasn’t like this back at the merchant guild. There, she was the young lady of the guild, naturally superior to those people. When they were together, they discussed official business, and no one dared to gossip about her private matters. Moreover, what she did for the guild brought considerable benefits, giving her a sense of security.
But in school, students were on equal footing. If everyone paid close attention to every move you made, discussed you, gossiped about you, and evaluated you, you couldn’t ask them not to do so. Moreover, because you had to study and attend classes together, you couldn’t avoid these situations.
The topics at the table revolved around her. Although it was currently harmonious and flattering, there was no guarantee that the situation wouldn’t change someday. After all, young people were prone to impulsiveness, and she had experienced and witnessed some things. The higher the praise, the more uneasy and worried Lolan Hil felt.
For the first time, she had an urge to escape.
Thank you all for your support. This seems to be a bit… well, very difficult lately. I hope you can understand.
(End of Chapter)
