Chapter 209 Nighttime Chat
As the four finalists were decided, the New Star Competition was nearing its end.
Although most students were still unaware of the results, the teachers acting as judges were well aware.
At noon, several teachers gathered in the lounge to discuss the current freshmen situation.
A teacher with a goatee sat on a rosewood sofa, sipping tea before sighing, “These few years’ students are much more impressive than we were.”
“Yes, geniuses have been emerging like crazy these past few years. In our time, most freshmen were at Sequence 2-3, with only around fifty at Sequence 4. This year, out of over 1,200 freshmen, most are at Sequence 3, with nearly 200 at Sequence 4,” said a kind-eyed elderly woman.
“Even though some didn’t participate in the competition, the potential of the over 100 Sequence 4 participants alone is immense. About ten of them already had Golden Rank power at Sequence 4, with two even reaching Pearl Rank, equivalent to near Sequence 6 combat power. Truly remarkable,” continued the teacher with the goatee.
Then, another teacher sitting on a recliner spoke up, his voice deep and resonant, like an aged lion with a white beard around his face.
“Every time I see these new geniuses, those who reach our level in just a few short years, I often wonder if we’re too entrenched in past experiences, being left behind by the times.” After a pause, he added, “But we must believe in ourselves; this isn’t an illusion.”
“That’s true, but sometimes I do think they work hard,” the goatee teacher seemed to recall past events.
“I remember when I was a student, there were many leisure activities at Emanas. Sometimes we would travel together during holidays. Once, we even rode griffins all the way to the Eastern Region’s House of Plantagenet to see the Lantern Festival. That scene is something I will never forget, always so nostalgic,” he reminisced.
“But now, that’s not possible. Freshmen are so eager to improve their strength, their minds full of becoming stronger. They even skip classes sometimes, which is quite inappropriate,” he lamented.
“You old man is still talking like that? Don’t you know what era this is?” the kind-eyed elderly woman countered.
“When I was a student, Westwind was in its renaissance period due to the north-south canal, everyone became wealthy and carefree. Even Cangcui, after the Battle of Broken Bows, saw the empire stop expanding and focus on internal construction, leading to a prosperous era. Many people, not just commoners, found work, and nobles dedicated themselves to major projects, becoming more tolerant and approachable.”
“Now it’s completely different,” she continued.
“Westwind has decayed internally in recent years, and people often rebelled due to living conditions. Last year, they were overthrown. Cangcui’s high nobility has monopolized land and resources, making it harder for commoners and lesser nobles to advance.”
“Nowadays, everyone is striving to climb up. The younger generation of Snowfall Seven Kingdoms witnessed war and feel intense crisis. Commoner students in Cangcui also want to gain noble status for a breath of fresh air. Only those from prestigious families live more freely.”
“Sigh, but when will this ever end?” the goatee elder stroked his beard.
The burly man with a thick beard took a large gulp of ale and said, “A great war. The winning side gains vast lands and new resources to stabilize and balance internally. Even the losing side can eliminate troublemakers and open positions, then enjoy a long period of stability.”
“Isn’t there any other way?” the goatee teacher sighed.
“It’s difficult because the pie is only so big, and many want a piece,” the bearded man belched and continued his analysis.
“Cangcui Empire’s population has grown significantly in recent years, and there’s a lot of pent-up resentment. The Northern Dragons of the South have started to show some intentions.”
“They are closest to Snowfall Seven Kingdoms and can easily channel this pent-up anger next door.”
“When war breaks out, the national righteousness banner is raised, and those who are usually unruly, such as ruffians, are conscripted. Lesser nobles and low-ranking extraordinary beings are sent to the front lines, leaving mostly stable and honest farmers and craftsmen behind. Managing them later becomes much easier.”
“Imperial strategy, truly cruel,” the goatee teacher shook his head.
“Haha, cruel? This is life.”
“Humanity is like this. We get so used to peaceful days. We orcs have to compete for milk from birth, and as adults, we fight over pastures and grasslands with neighboring villages. Even as extraordinary beings, we struggle against demonic beasts for survival.”
“The meaning of life is to fight, constantly fighting, continuously eliminating the weak, so our descendants become stronger.”
“Alright, alright, don’t argue anymore. You were all so cute when you were kids. Why do you all seem so stubborn now?”
The elderly woman intervened, her silver hair revealing pointed ears. She was not only a teacher to the new students but also to the two men in the room, making her very respected.
“Yes, dear Ms. Qiong,” the two male teachers showed respect to their former teacher and ceased the argument.
“By the way, that black-haired Eastern lady gave up.”
—
After the match ended, night had fully fallen. Bumansa and Lolan walked back, the orange candlelight filtering through thick glass onto the ground.
“Why did you let me enter the top four?” Bumansa asked the black-haired girl beside her, stepping carefully over puddles, occasionally seeing pink petals fall from branches into the water, creating slight ripples.
“Because you wanted to see more formidable people, and you need that precious Crystal-grade creation,” Lolan replied.
“Yes, but I think it’s unfair to make someone else give up because of my needs.”
“Do you want the truth?” Lolan turned her head, walking ahead, speaking playfully. Her clear eyes reflected warm yellow light, sparkling like gems.
“Because I want to stay low-key. Winning temporarily keeps things secret, but eventually, people find out and make you the center of attention. After all, you can’t silence your opponents.”
“Being constantly watched is exhausting. Sometimes, I just want to take a break.”
“So you pushed me out to attract everyone’s attention?” Bumansa laughed hearing this.
“Don’t say it like that, Sister Bumansa. Believe me, I did it with good intentions,” Lolan blinked her black crystal-like eyes.
Thank you, Xiaomeixiao Tian, for the rotation, jump, spiral ascent, and the three donations.
(End of Chapter)
