Chapter 859: Dak Demon and the Exchange Students 4k
Things were more serious than anticipated.
Yet, they were better than expected.
Principal Altair did not face any real danger.
The team she initially took with her had already safely reunited with Chris’s team.
However, finding answers still required some time.
But the time she spent exploring the Mountain of Gods was too long, and it was time to return to the academy.
“In April, before Easter, Cynthia should return,” Professor Shylph revealed Altair’s schedule.
Dak asked, “Why Easter? Is there an important event?”
Professor Shylph replied, “It has nothing to do with Easter itself. It just so happens that there will be guests visiting on that day.”
Dak questioned, “Guests?”
Professor Shylph nodded, “This was supposed to be explained in next week’s meeting, but since we’ve brought it up, let’s elaborate.”
Their conversation didn’t avoid those around them.
People who initially showed no interest also gathered when they heard “meeting.”
Professor Shylph said, “In light of certain agreements, we decided to collaborate with the Secret Rite Academy of the Saints to some extent. Of course, this is the public stance.”
“Collaborate with the Secret Rite Academy?” Diana exclaimed, realizing what the professors were discussing.
Professor Shylph glanced at her, wanting to say, “Just continue eating.”
“On the surface, yes. But they clearly have other intentions, and we have things we want to clarify. Plus, we made contact during our exploration of the Mountain of Gods, leading to a certain consensus.”
Dak nodded, “Then, how will you collaborate? Since Principal Altair needs to return personally, the visitor must be of high standing.”
Professor Shylph pondered, “This time, it’s Chief Archbishop Caleb Norris leading the delegation. He will bring a few students under the guise of an exchange learning program.”
Dak asked, “Exchange learning?”
“Yes.” Professor Shylph continued, “To foster friendship between the two academies, improve mutual understanding and respect among students, and cultivate a comprehensive worldview, both academies will send exchange students for mutual learning.”
Dak thought, “So, it’s about exchange students?”
“That’s right. But this was only confirmed recently, so we haven’t decided on the exchange students yet.”
Dak wondered, “That’s interesting. Who will we send? Are there名额 restrictions?”
Professor Shylph said, “Two or three. It depends on who the other side sends. Exchange students represent the academy’s image. Even if the task isn’t crucial, they need to match the level of the other side.”
Dak asked, “What exactly is the task?”
Professor Shylph explained, “Investigate some matters. The Secret Rite Academy’s library has books we need, which can help forge a God’s Core for [Oil Snake]. Additionally, Cynthia needs to investigate something related to the Mountain of Gods. However, the primary task executors are the lead professors; students are auxiliary.”
Dak nodded, “Then it’s best to choose from within the organization.”
Professor Shylph sighed, “Originally, you were the best choice, but you’re participating in the Golden Cup.”
Dak smiled. Even without the Golden Cup, he wouldn’t want to visit the Church’s lair.
But there was someone in the crowd who was undoubtedly qualified.
“Let Wit go,” Dak suggested, looking at Wit.
Wit’s face darkened, shaking his head vigorously.
But Professor Shylph looked at him, saying, “Wit is indeed a planned candidate. There’s a Sacred Soul Spring in the Secret Rite Academy that benefits soul restoration. Also, the Secret Rite Academy has a trial called [Sword in the Stone]. Passing it grants a Holy Sword. You haven’t obtained one yet, have you?”
Wit, feeling ashamed, said, “I’ll try my best.”
Dak pretended not to know about “Holy Sword.”
Professor Shylph said, “If it’s Wit, then the other two should ideally be from the second year.”
Dak blurted out, “Then add Robert and… hmm…”
He immediately realized this exchange student event might be a key plot to help players get a Holy Sword in the original game.
The three exchange students would naturally be the trio from the original story—Wit, Robert, and Emma.
As for him, the minor antagonist, he seemed to be there to set up the subsequent supporting characters—the students exchanged to Saint Maryann Academy.
However, the timing and reasons for this plot might differ.
At least, in the original game, players weren’t usually given related tasks.
These were all speculations.
And the development of this event would certainly be different, with no practical reference value.
Even the exchange students from the Secret Rite Academy might not be the same batch.
“Robert…” Professor Shylph considered Dak’s suggestion seriously, “This exchange learning is different from normal circumstances. Robert’s level might be insufficient. But if Wit feels he needs a reliable person by his side…”
“No!” Wit quickly shook his head, “Don’t worry about me! Robert is indeed lacking, and he’s not part of the organization, making it unsafe to put him in danger.”
(When did I agree to be an exchange student?)
Wit paused, seeing Professor Shylph nod, “Though theoretically safe, it’s dangerous going to their territory at such a critical moment. Moreover, relations between our academy and the Secret Rite Academy have worsened. Exchanged students will likely face challenges from their students. Wit, do you have any suitable candidates in mind?”
“Me?” Wit instinctively looked at Dak.
Dak immediately rolled his eyes, indicating he had no involvement.
Wit looked away, then at Diana.
Diana puffed out her cheeks, shaking her head forcefully.
Rose had already lowered her head to savor her milk tea before he could look at her.
Only Aurora gave him a gentle smile.
Wit felt bitter, looking at Professor Shylph, “Professor, are there grade requirements?”
Professor Shylph said, “Not really, but it’s better to have a senior guide two juniors. I think the other side will do the same.”
Wit took a deep breath, “In that case, let’s add Senior Betty.”
Professor Shylph thought, “Is it Betty Morrey from the fifth-year Mana Academy? Her number in [Mana Spirit] is 90010. Except for lacking strength, she fits well. Add her to the provisional list. Another one?”
Wit frowned, “Others include Sarah, Heidi, a first-year orc, and a third-year senior. Can I choose Sarah?”
“Sarah Swati? She’s a great choice,” Professor Shylph finally smiled.
…
April departure, May return.
This exchange activity will last only a month.
After the exchange ends, the exchange students will be able to participate in the Academy Cup selections and final exams.
Without any unexpected events, these exchange student slots should be finalized.
Though Betty Morrey from the fifth-year Mana Academy lacks strength, her talent isn’t weak. And when she’s not overly emotional, her EQ is actually decent, with looks and demeanor that make her a good leader.
As for Wit Gold and Sarah Swati, these two are the true stars.
One is the son of a hero, the other the daughter of an ancient sage. Their second-year status means they won’t face targeted attacks from higher grades in the other academy.
Facing challenges from second-year students, they are more than enough!
However, neither Sarah nor Betty fully understand the organization [Mana Spirit].
So, the task instructions must be carefully designed.
First, the existence of [Oil Snake] cannot be easily disclosed, so related tasks can only be handled by Wit alone.
Regarding investigating information about the Mountain of Gods, it can be openly discussed.
This way, it’s balanced.
…
“These new trio should be stronger than the original trio, right?”
Dak thought, trying to steer the conversation back to the Mountain of Gods.
But Professor Shylph’s knowledge of the Mountain of Gods was limited, directly stating they needed to wait for Principal Altair’s return for more information.
Though eager, Dak remembered he’d soon taste Principal Altair’s watermelon and held back.
During dinner, professors talked among themselves, while students discussed the exchange students.
Dak wanted to stay out of it.
But from Professor Shylph’s expression, he knew it wasn’t simple.
…
Dinner ended at 9:30 PM.
Since Wit was taken by Ophelia and Erlangnie left with Professor Kazel, the group was reduced to Dak and three others.
They were all from the Noble Academy, walking towards the tower together.
Diana, having enjoyed her meal, recalled earlier and excitedly asked, “Dak, will transfer students come after Easter?”
“It’s exchange students,” Dak corrected, “and not necessarily after Easter.”
Diana pouted, “Whatever. Why not after Easter?”
Dak smiled, “I feel they’ll come before Easter. We have the Easter Duel Festival, don’t we?”
Though the Golden Cup finals are before the Easter Duel Festival, the Golden Cup is more about internal motivation, while the Easter Duel Festival is entertainment-focused.
If it’s exchange students, they probably wouldn’t miss this event.
Of course, it’s possible the exchange students don’t have much say, as Archbishop Caleb Norris leads them.
“Ah,” Diana jumped, “I wonder who the transfer students from the Secret Rite Academy will be? I heard their students sing hymns, girls are dignified like saints, boys are upright like knights.”
Aurora said, “Our academy has a Knight Academy too.”
“Haha, true,” Diana’s eyes shifted, recalling someone.
Rose warned, “Don’t cause trouble when the exchange students arrive.”
Diana pouted, “Do I seem like someone who causes trouble? I’m thinking, if they like candy, I’ll give them some.”
Aurora said, “We could have a tea party and invite them. Speaking of which, where will the exchange students live? Teacher’s Dormitory or Student Tower?”
Dak interjected, “Probably the tower. But which tower? Does the Secret Rite Academy have branches?”
Diana and Rose shook their heads.
They didn’t care much about other academies.
Only Aurora added, “They have branches. I asked a priest from the Church when I was in the city. The Secret Rite Academy has three branches: the Saint Maiden Academy, the Saint Son Academy, and the Holy Knights Academy.”
Dak was puzzled, “What’s the difference?”
Aurora explained, “The Church values student purity. So, they have a Saint Maiden Academy for only females and a Saint Son Academy for only males. The Holy Knights Academy is mixed. Students in the Saint Maiden and Saint Son Academies usually have higher status and talent, while Holy Knights Academy students are trained as guardians for the Maidens and Sons, not necessarily future holy knights.”
Dak said, “I see.”
Aurora continued, “The Secret Rite Academy’s educational approach differs from ours. They usually teach in pairs. The Holy Knights Academy has the most students, nearly equaling the combined total of the Saint Maiden and Saint Son Academies. Every Christmas, there’s a special dance at the Secret Rite Academy. Saint Maiden and Saint Son students select a guardian [Knight] from the Holy Knights Academy as a partner for the dance and the following year. It’s not mandatory.”
“That sounds nice,” Rose mused after listening.
But realizing everyone was looking at her, her face flushed.
Aurora laughed, “Actually, I think it’s nice too.”
Even Diana nodded enthusiastically.
Indeed, girls always dream of having their own knight.
But Dak muttered, “If I were in the Secret Rite Academy, I’d probably be in the Saint Son Academy.”
The girls’ gazes turned, smiling, “Sure, our academy is better!”
…
Moonlight slanted, shadows intertwined.
Rose nudged Diana, whispering, “But Diana, you can be a knight.”
Diana quickly shook her head, “No way!”
They started laughing and play-fighting.
Dak and Aurora walked behind, laughter echoing.
…
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