Chapter 97: Preparation For A Monster Wave
Leonard didn’t let his gaze linger for longer than necessary. Just for a few moments his eyes observed Daniel.
The man seemed calm and didn’t bother to glance in his direction.
Still, Leonard remained on high alert.
Ever since Daniel had been present during Leonard’s awakening, the two had been on bad terms, even if they hadn’t spoken after their first meeting.
First, Daniel had played a role in the assassin going after Leonard’s life.
Later, Martin, his little brother, sought to personally get rid of Leonard, eventually perishing as a result.
’I am not the one who killed Martin. He succumbed to corruption because he was too focused on killing me. However, it’s possible that Daniel suspects I am the person who killed his little brother.’ Leonard thought.
’Information that we were in the same party has surely leaked by now. Given the prejudice the heirs of the Royal Trade have against me, I must be high on their list of suspects.’
Jasmine’s voice echoed across the lecture hall. Everyone instantly quieted, all attention fixed on her.
"Greetings, juniors. Now that the initial period of getting accustomed to the academy has passed, we, the Academy Council, have come to personally introduce ourselves."
She brushed her violet hair to the side as her lips curled into a charming smile.
"To keep it short, the Academy Council handles internal affairs regarding scholar safety. Additionally, in rare cases, we are the ones who represent Eternia’s Academy when matters arise with the other cities."
Jasmine paused briefly, allowing the silence to settle.
"Essentially, our words are akin to law, second only to the Professors and the Headmistress. Remember the faces you see here. If one of our members requests your assistance, you are expected to offer your full cooperation."
Her green eyes surveyed the Elite grade one by one.
She held her gaze a bit longer on Elizabeth and Arabella, as if testing the two students who stood out as the best of the grade.
"As your seniors, we have come here to search for scholars who wish to join the Academy Council. Those who join the Council will have a higher chance of becoming a member of a Dungeon Response Unit after graduation, plus a monthly allowance of 1,000 Merit Points."
Leonard’s eyes narrowed. A thousand Merit Points was a significant sum, even more so if he earned them every month!
Just for that alone, becoming a member of the Academy Council would be worth all the hassle!
Russell raised a hand.
"Senior Jasmine, may I ask what the requirements for joining are?" He asked. There wasn’t a trace of his usual arrogance as he made sure to remain respectful.
Her eyes shone with approval.
"The process is straightforward. At the end of the week, the usual monster wave suppression will be held. You will be placed at the border of our city and tasked with handling the monster wave. Those with the highest kill counts will be allowed to join. Other feats are also appreciated, but your performance there will be the main one."
Most of the awakeners who enrolled in the academy had done so intending to join the Dungeon Response Unit later.
After graduation, one of their responsibilities would be to handle the sudden waves of monsters that try to storm the city, in addition to dealing with dungeon breakouts.
Participating in suppressing a monster wave early was the perfect way to familiarize the scholars with how to handle the monsters while they were still under their professors’ supervision.
’So we are evaluated based solely on our performance. Last time, the Void Believers intervened and ruined my chance to properly show off. This time, there will be nothing to stop me!’ Russell smirked and threw a subtle glance at Leonard.
Finally, things were going to be set straight, and with his Heavenly Bloodline, he was going to prove once and for all that Leonard and his Common Bloodline were not fit to be in Elite grade!
"That’s all, juniors. Good luck to you all, and remember that there are limited spots, so you’d better give it your all." Jasmine waved them goodbye, her smile turning more alluring.
Walking behind their President, the entire Academy Council left.
"So, basically, this is our next form of examination." Leonard leaned back, placing both hands behind his head. "At least we’ll get to leave the academy’s grounds for a while."
Puzzled by the unusual lack of response, he looked to his side.
William’s face had flushed red, his gaze fixed on the doors through which Jasmine had left.
"Did you see her? Why did nobody mention that the Council’s President was a total bombshell?! Unlike Cassandra, Lady Jasmine is close to our age. We truly have a chance with her!" He proclaimed.
"L—Let’s just say that she piqued my interest about joining the Academy Council too..." Winston stuttered.
"Seriously?" Leonard was baffled. Though, a moment later, he noticed that Samantha and Cassie had also been smitten. Heck, the majority of the Elite grade was!
"Being the Council’s President puts her at the top of the academy, even above the fourth-years." Harley heaved a deep sigh. She was one of the few who had remained unfazed by Jasmine’s presence.
Her eyes slowly settled on Leonard. Once she saw that his demeanor had remained unchanged, a faint smile tugged at her lips.
Leonard took advantage of the moment and went to her side.
"I wanted to ask, did you speak with your mother about... you know?"
Harley instantly realized he was referring to how Martin had planned to marry her before he perished.
"Yes, I did, and I mentioned the possible plot at play. From now on, the Velmura brand would distance itself from the Royal Trade."
He nodded, not pressing for details. It wasn’t his place to pry. All he needed to know was that the Royal Trade acquiring the Velmura brand had become impossible.
Professor Albert entered the lecture hall.
"Now that Scholar Jasmine has informed you about the incoming monster wave, we will be discussing wilderness survival. Pay attention. Most of the first-years fail not because monsters overwhelm them, but because they don’t know how to fend for themselves when away from civilization for long periods of time."
The rest of the lectures served to prepare them for what lay ahead.
Soon enough, the end of the week arrived, and with it came the start of the monster wave.