Chapter 392

Chapter 392: Reunion Once More

The abnormal Emanas reverted back to its usual peaceful state. Except for Ausuna who remained in a deep sleep, most of the infected students had recovered. Life at the school resumed its normal pace, though there were subtle differences.

At the High Tower in the Northern Region, the Book Witch, who had served as the dean for hundreds of years, officially stepped down. The new dean was a renowned sage, Magic Sequence 9 – Fixed Balance Scale, Gold.

Knocking sounds echoed outside the office.

“Enter!”

The elder sitting in his office looked up from the ancient yellowed book he was holding and responded. A youth pushed the door open and walked in.

“Good day, Dean Gold. I am Jack.”

This student looked nervously at the elder. He had sparse white hair and a somewhat gaunt face, but he seemed robust.

“Sit down.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jack walked over to the sofa and sat down, crossing his legs and placing his hands nervously by his sides.

This was his first encounter with the new dean, and he was merely an ordinary student. His grades weren’t particularly outstanding, and he had made a grave mistake recently.

“Could you tell me what happened?”

The dean put down the notes he was reviewing, which detailed various matters of the school. It was hard to imagine how the previous dean, Night Mistress, managed all these tasks, almost tirelessly.

He felt a surge of admiration, then turned his attention to this student, one of the key figures involved in recent events at the school—Jack, a third-year student.

From his record, this student had been diligent but not remarkable. However, he was curious about why he had embarked on this path or why that witch had chosen him specifically.

“Yes, Dean Gold,” Jack began recounting the events again.

“In other words, you were disheartened by the failure of your experiment and accepted the witch’s charity, is that correct?”

“Yes,” Jack lowered his head, feeling ashamed and his voice trembling.

“It’s okay, lift your head,” Gold waved his hand, looking at the youth before him. He had light blonde hair and a decent appearance, though his clothes were plain and his shoes worn. There were faint bloodshot veins in his eyes, suggesting he hadn’t slept well lately.

“I’ve heard some students say you work extremely hard. Is that true?” In reality, it was more than just hard work; it bordered on self-abuse, Gold thought silently.

“It doesn’t count as anything commendable,” Jack’s voice was bitter. Such efforts did not guarantee success, only accumulating frustration, anxiety, and resentment.

“Hmm.”

Gold looked at the youth, seeing many similar faces overlapping in his mind. There were many such students.

Many students worked hard during their school years, but not everyone could reach the top few ranks. It involved talent, direction, effort, and opportunity. Often, hard work alone wasn’t enough for success.

The experienced dean spoke.

“In fact, whether it’s the school or any industry, there are always many people striving to stand out, competing for those top spots, yet they remain unaware of how slim the chances of success are, or even consider it a luxury. I don’t deny that competition can spur progress, but it also brings pain, sometimes far outweighing the gains.”

He continued, as if recalling the faces and faded memories of those who had grown old over time.

“Sometimes, after investing a long time and effort into something, even becoming exhausted, you find no change in your current situation. Your grades haven’t improved, your parents don’t care more, your teachers haven’t noticed, your friendships remain unchanged, your treatment hasn’t improved, your popularity hasn’t risen, and your prospects are uncertain, leaving you with no motivation.”

“Don’t doubt it; this is a common experience. It happens to many, including me.”

“At such times, you become very anxious, questioning the purpose of your efforts and the meaning of competition. You start doubting your talents and abilities, later rejecting your personality and origins, as failures accumulate. One day, you realize that not everyone has to reach the pinnacle of their field to be considered successful.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“Throughout history, most people must accept mediocrity, not just for a lifetime, but for decades.”

His voice suddenly strengthened: “What does it mean to strive upstream? Often, it’s already a mental manipulation by those already at the top against those below.”

“Like saying, if you haven’t reached the top, you’re a failure, worthless, inferior, unfortunate, thus satisfying their sense of superiority and making you compete for those few positions to their benefit.”

“Thus, competition gradually becomes the source of your pain.”

The dean’s tone softened.

“So, not being at the top doesn’t mean you’re not excellent. You’ve worked very hard, and you’ve done a great job.”

“I’m proud to have a student like you.”

“Thank you, teacher,” Jack said, his voice choked with emotion, blinking rapidly to keep his tears from falling.

To avoid embarrassing the student, Gold said, “Alright, go back now.”

“Write a detailed report of the incident, and I will handle the rest.”

“Understood, teacher,” Jack bowed his head and quickly left the office, disappearing at the end of the corridor.

—

Fortress Academy, under the shade of trees by the lake.

Lolan Hill sat on a green stone, her pure white dress spreading over the tender green grass and small flowers. She slowly flipped through the book on her knees, occasionally glancing at the tranquil lake like a gemstone. Bird songs echoed above her.

Summer had arrived early, and the bright sunlight made it hard to open one’s eyes. Her white dress appeared blurry in the sun, the reflected light obscuring the intricate patterns on the fabric.

Her smooth hair fell over her shoulders and chest, swaying gently with the breeze.

A short-haired girl in the distance hesitated, pacing back and forth under the tree.

After a while, she finally mustered the courage and approached.

“It’s been a long time, Lolan. I’m sorry about what happened before.”

She lowered her emerald eyes, unable to look directly at the girl before her. Was it guilt or shame? She couldn’t quite explain. Before, in the underground church of the ‘Black Veil,’ she had treated this friend roughly and even injured her.

“It’s Jena, isn’t it? It’s been a while. Don’t worry about that. How are you doing now?”

Lolan Hill invited the girl to sit beside her and started talking.

“I’m doing fine. I heard it was all thanks to you.”

Jena’s hand, held by Lolan Hill, felt slightly embarrassed.

“It was nothing much. Not that big a deal.”

Lolan Hill looked at the friend she had met on the airship, feeling a mix of emotions. It had been nearly two years.

“How’s school going?”

“Not too bad. I feel I’m not cut out for the Nature Sequence.”

Jena tried to ease her tension and continued.

“I can never find the right approach. I’m getting anxious. Now I’m starting to doubt if I can pursue this path.”

“Is that so? Give it a try. If it doesn’t work, switch to another Supernatural Sequence. Overall, doing what you’re good at is best.”

Lolan Hill suggested, doing what you’re good at would bring more positive feedback, boosting confidence and motivation. Over time, it becomes a strength, an advantage, and you’ll grow to love it.

“Mm-hm.”

Jena nodded, and they continued chatting under the tree for a while. Then Jena stood up.

“I should get going, Lolan.”

“See you next time.”

Lolan Hill raised her wrist.

“See you next time,” Jena smiled, facing away from the sun, and walked away lightly.

Summer was coming. Lolan Hill shielded her eyes from the white sun and looked at the clear blue sky, reflecting on the semester.

Due to the unusual climate this year, summer had come early, and Emanas had started its holiday season ahead of schedule.

—

End of Chapter