Chương 86: Welcoming Ceremony

"Greetings, new students, to the College of Advancement. You are here at a historic time as the College of Advancement soars to new heights," The Mathemancer said to a large round of applause.

"For the last 827 years, I have served as the First Dean and Founder of this College. Rebuilding and preserving the knowledge of the Eldarin Empire after its collapse. Everyone here, including me, stands upon the shoulders of those who came before, their ancestors, the Professors, and civilization itself."

"For the forces of terrorism and evil shall not withstand the power of civilization and reason. While the Dark Cabal initiated an act of terrorism against this College and the city of Undercraft, the worst outcome was prevented. For the motto of this institution is Divinity Ascendent!"

"We aspire to reach new heights. Now, this College soars above the continent as a beacon of light and learning. While I had hoped to see a Tier 7 skill by now, I know such accomplishments will come in time. Looking out at all the unfamiliar faces and seeing the ones who have stuck around, devoting their lives and even their names to this College, allows me to have a calm heart."

"I am announcing my retirement." At that, there was an uproar and shouting. After a minute, everyone finally quieted down.

"It has always been my intention to retire one day. A Supreme Legend does not die in bed. I shall make a final descent into the dungeon to see what lies at the bottom. As the College starts a new chapter, it needs new leadership. Please step forward, Assistant Dean Legend Beacon Smith." An older man stood up from the platform where the Mathemancer was speaking, and the seven Assistant Deans were seated behind the podium. There were 47 legends up there, along with my mother.

She sat alone on a gold and platinum throne off to one side.

"Legend Beacon Smith, do you swear to protect this College and all those who reside in it?"

"I so swear."

"Legend Beacon Smith, do you swear to safeguard the progress of civilization, without political bias, into the world beyond the College?"

"I so swear."

"Legend Beacon Smith, do you swear to use only merit, math, and science in the running of this College?"

"I so swear."

"Then I name you Dean of the College of Advancement and entrust to you the future of civilization itself. May you guard this place with surety and clarity, providing a light to future generations," The Mathemancer said and then stepped back. He went over and sat down on a gold and platinum throne on the stage while Dean Beacon Smith stepped up to the podium.

"Students, staff, professors, and colleagues. I stand here today on the shoulders of great men and women. The greatest is our former Dean, The Mathemancer!" There was a long round of applause as everyone stood up. Well, everyone except The Mathemancer and my mother. She gave a couple of polite claps, but that was it.

"This place is my home, and I will ensure that the traditions are continued and maintained, while also not remaining stagnant. The first thing I plan to do is figure out how to handle resupplying our flying city," he said to some laughter.

"Now there is more that can be said, but I figure you aren't interested in me increasing my levels of Speech, but rather working hard yourselves," he addressed to more laughter and applause.

"Study and work hard, students of the College of Advancement. For greatness is within all of you waiting to be grasped. Divinity Ascendent!" There was another standing ovation. I got up from my seat and looked back up at my mother. She was already gone from the stage along with The Mathemancer. I made my way through the large group of students leaving the stadium.

"Mister Burnstock," Melody greeted me. I was glad that she had survived. She was a nice woman. They had only knocked her out and tied her up, but despite all of that, she didn't let it get her down.

"Staff Member Melody," I greeted her. Healer Melon was standing with her. They had clearly been chatting together before I showed up.

"Come! There is a reception for the top 100 most promising students entering this year," she said. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

"A reception? Is my student uniform okay to wear?"

"More than acceptable, it is expected," she replied, and I nodded. I followed her towards the central tower.

"What do you think of The Mathemancer retiring?" I asked.

"The Dean is a great man. Now that we are soaring through the sky, he has more than earned a retirement. I hope his descent goes well." My mother was going on a descent. They were probably going to go together. I could only hope that it went well. We went into the central tower that towered above the entire College. After entering, we went to a large ballroom. I noted that the Legends who had been on stage, the Assistant Deans, several Professors, and other students were present.

"I will excuse myself now.

"The event should last two hours."

"I will be just out here, in the waiting room. Let me know when you are ready to leave," Healer Melon said, and I nodded. He went to sit with the other retainers. I entered the ballroom. I moved forward with confidence, looking around mostly at the other students.

"Justin!"

"Legend Extravagant Warren, I hope you are well along with your Warhammer Absolute Domination," I greeted the man. Several people looked over at us, since the man was loud. But I was here to be the best. I would stand out regardless, so it was best to embrace my fame and not hide, which would just be embarrassing.

"Killed one of those Dark Cabal bastards. Horribly weak, but your mother really took the spotlight, killing all those monsters and fighting their leader."

"My mother is a singular force of existence."

"Hah, very true. So, a new student?"

"Yes, are you teaching here?"

"No. Just passing through and checking this place out. But being a legend comes with perks like getting invited to nice events like this," he replied, while holding out a large mug. A staff member quickly rushed over to refill it.

"Was planning to leave, but a flying city, huh? Now that is something one doesn't see every day."

"Indeed. The runes must be incredibly complex."

"Probably. So, planning to study runes?"

"That, along with spells," I replied honestly.

"Runes are crafting nonsense, but there is no need to argue about such things. Your mother would tell you off if she thought you were foolish, so what do I know?" I knew he didn't mean to annoy me, but what he said got under my skin.

"Justin Burnstock?" I turned to see a female elf standing off to my side.

"Yes, that is me, and who are you?" I asked.

"Windshell Gossimer of the Twilight Forest. Your initial skill count is quite impressive for your age." Legend Extravagant Warren listened in while drinking from his large mug.

"Thank you. Unfortunately, I haven't checked the public rankings due to all the excitement recently."

"You are currently ranked number one, and I am ranked number two, but it won't be that way for long."

"Oooh, don't let her talk down to you!" Extravagant Warren shouted. He made me want to leave in embarrassment, but I would be the only one embarrassed.

"I look forward to the challenge, Windshell Gossimer. If you came over as a declaration of intent, let me tell you that reaching the top position will not be easy. I may not be a genius in learning, but I am a genius in hard work."

"Oooh, don't let him talk like that," Extravagant Warren said, trying to stir things up.

"With my people supporting me, I shall allow no one, especially the child of a human Supreme Legend, to look down on me. Prepare yourself, Justin, for I will triumph over you in the College," she declared and then left.

"Say something," Extravagant Warren told me.

"Why should I? When she can earn more levels than I can, I will take her seriously. Until then, I am not worried." While my mother might have left, she had given me an incredible head start over everyone else. Perhaps I would struggle and fail; maybe I would take the number one spot. But a competition in learning and gaining skill levels wasn't like a fight. Focusing on other people would distract me. I had enough to worry about with the egg back in my room and having to prepare mentally for classes tomorrow.

"Well said, young man. The competition is fierce, but worrying about others behind you will only slow you down."

"Justin Burnstock," I introduced myself.

"Professor Arctus Dynamis. You will probably never see me outside of an event like this," he said with a smile.

"Which course are you responsible for?"

"Differential Equations, a tier 4 skill. The prerequisite is Calculus, which almost no one reaches mastery in. Seven years is far too short for learning."

"What is that kind of math used for?"

"Diffusion models mostly. Decay or increase over a period of time. Gravity and other spatial effects use this kind of math."

"I am just learning Algebra and Geometry."

"Tier 2 already? Well, I might see you in my class one day. Don't underestimate the power of math. Our former Dean is the perfect example of such a thing. His understanding was truly transcendent."

"Is there a Tier 5 math skill?"

"Topology, Abstract Algebra, and Abstract Geometry are a couple. But they truly are mind-bending. Even with higher stats, understanding the higher mathematical concepts is a question of conception, not learning speed. That is the challenge with higher-tier skills. It isn't about learning something, but about understanding it in perfect detail. Increased levels only enhance one's recall and application, not one's understanding of a topic.

Math skills are the true test of one's ability to learn and understand," the Professor explained.

"Bah! You aren't going to kill a monster with a Differential Equation," Extravagant Warren said.

"Perhaps, but The Mathemancer is proof that understanding doesn't prevent power. It can act as an enhancement instead." The Legend grunted and walked away, clearly done with the conversation.

"But it isn't easy merging combat and knowledge."

"I will keep your words in mind, Professor."

"What courses are you planning to take?"

"Dwarven Tier 1 skills this first semester as my main focus. I was told learning runes is very important."

"Math is the building block of the physical. Runes are the building blocks of Mana. They will serve you well in every aspect of your life, from combat to crafting. But achieving the skill Runic Mastery is not simple, especially with all known rune sets."

"I have time. I have already started learning Eldarin Runes."

"Level?"

"Forty,""A good start, but you have a long way to go. You have taken several steps, but the journey to the top takes thousands of steps. Especially when you work on Tier 4 skills, they take forever."