The first years gathered in a large auditorium. There were about 2000 students. Out of the 1 million entrants who gathered for the entrance, these were the cream of the crop.
Varian stood out in the crowd as his surroundings were vacant. On the huge stage, at least 100 teachers, men and women, were seated. Their age ranged from 20s to 80s. Their actual age was likely older. They wore formal uniform — the ceremonial one and browsed through their lists.
Varian saw Akiho, Body path specialization class teacher among them.
The clock hit 6 and a bald middle-aged man wobbled onto the stage. He was beer-bellied and walked with hands behind his back.
He reached the center of stage and coughed twice for the dramatic silence.
"I'm Knox. Supervisor of first-year students and a Level 7 Space Awakener." He snapped his fingers.
Varian felt something change. He tried to move his finger, but felt like he was hitting a very tough wall. He tried to move his legs, hands and head. Every time, he clashed with an invisible solid wall and couldn't move.
He was familiar with this feeling. The space was solidified.
'Space Binding! He covered so much area, without direct contact and so strong.' Varian was awed.
He focused on the space around him and channeled the space power within him.
He bound the space around his hand and it clashed with space frozen by Knox. Varian focused on the space surrounding his hand and soon, he was able to somehow feel the space with an increased clearity.
He could already tell the coordinates of an object from him since the practice on murloc island. But that needed him to sit down and focus.
Now, Varian could feel a slight but important change.
[+10 Xp
Space Path Level 1: 80/100]
'I was trying hard to progress, but I got it in the most unexpected way.' He chuckled to himself.
The next moment, Varian felt the space around him revert. The students who were trying to break free from the solid space finally were able to move and thus almost fell from their seats.
Varian imitated them, but while doing so, he channeled his space power. Then he knew exactly what changed.
He was able to vaguely feel the space around him while moving. It wasn't perfect yet. But during combat, he could feel the space vaguely and use it to his advantage. A basic use would be covering 360 degree range on battle and thus, shielding himself from any sneak attacks.
"Tutors are very important to a new student. Your tutor will give you more resources, impart their personal experience and even take time from their private to guide you." Knox spoke in a lofty tone.
Tutor-pupil relationship wasn't similar to the ones in the master-disciple one. A tutor had many pupils and a pupil could be under many tutors. Usually, most students only had one tutor throughout their academic years.
However, a small percentage of them got new tutors every year. Tutors benefitted if their pupils were famous. After enlisting in the army, pupils gave back to their tutors in the form of resources, favors and being the business card of their tutor themselves.
It was a networking of sorts and a mutually beneficial relationship.
"We'll first start with the honorary students." Knox snapped his finger and the hologram list of 25 honorary students appeared on the stage.
The name of 25th student was highlighted. Paulo. Level 2 Mind Awakener.
"I'll be your tutor. I can give you 20mp per month as a stipend. I'll also provide you with important books and even 5 aura crystals a month. You will graduate at Level 5." An old man, seemingly in 60s but full of vigor, said out loud.
"I'm better. I can give you 6 aura crystals per month, important books you'll need. I'll also gift you a customized 3 star treasure once you break through." A female teacher seemingly in her 40s spoke.
"I will be under your care." The student bowed to the female teacher.
Then the 24th student. 23rd. All the way up to 4th. Adir. Level 3 Earth Awakener.
"25 Aura crystals per month. You can have access to all my personal important books. You can contact me 24x7."
"30 Aura crystals per month. I'll be honored if you choose me. Make any requests you can."
"I…"
"I promise …"
More than thirty teachers offered generous conditions. Varian checked their profiles and saw that even the ones in different divine paths joined.
"I will be your pupil." He pointed to the three with the highest bid.
They were taken back for a moment, but after some thought; they agreed.
Adir was an important member of the Caron Family, one of the three prime families. Even though Caron family's influence was strong on Jupiter, developing good relationships with a prime family was always good.
Third. Ryan. Level 3 Body Awakener.
Almost eighty teachers scrambled. Some even promised their daughters and granddaughters.
It was crazier than a market. It soon devolved into a verbal fight.
Ryan Albert. His grandfather was William Albert, one of the three marshals of Human Armed Forces. Albert was the head of all armies of Mercury, Venus, and Earth.
No wonder these teachers acted the way they did. Ryan was the only grandson of Albert and was doted on.
"I decline. A level 8 tutor teaching 3rd year is my tutor. You are not worthy." Ryan said curtly.
The teachers were embarrassed but gave a flattering smile one after another.
Second. Narcis Xander. Level 3 Morpher.
All the hundred teachers were anxious and gave everything they got. Some even took off their heirlooms.
It wasn't about Narcis needing them, but them needing Narcis.
Julius Xander was the youngest Sovereign and he might be the one breaking the ceiling of Sovereign power level. Albert was older in comparison.
"Shut up. I picked a Level 8 tutor." Narcis said in a scornful tone.
"I heard Charles had a Level 9 tutor from the start. Tsk." Adir's voice sounded.
The students were already shocked at Narcis's and Ryan's revelation, but this one really broke the straw.
Level 9 — barring the eight Sovereigns, they were the strongest humans. Only a few dozen Level 9s existed in Human Federation.
This was a feat in and of itself.
'Charles Xander...this guy is my biggest challenge in the academy.' Varian was slowly learning the feats of this legend in making.
But his own vow resounded in his mind.
'I will take your throne.'
'I… have one year. System, I'm counting on you.'
[Host, set your targets higher. Charles Xander is not enough. Pick at least Julius Xander.]
Varian's eyebrows twitched, and he had the urge to smash the system in its face. Lucky for it, it had no face.
'1 year. From Level 1 to Sovereign. Who are you kidding? It's getting harder to progress with each level and sometimes, I'm just stuck without any progress.'
[Host, your practice is lacking. You need to have proper knowledge of the divine paths, and use your own way to progress.
Normal awakeners spend a lot of time practicing. You are more suitable for learning through combat.
Just fight a Level 3 and you'll see tremendous progress.]
'You really want me to die, don't you?' Varian cursed, but he acknowledged the initial advice of system.
The list highlighted the first honorary student.
Varian. Level 2 Body Awakener.
The crowd fell silent.
Not a single teacher opened their mouth.
A few, including Akiho, hesitated. They came from normal backgrounds and knew how hard it was to compete against these established powers.
While it was a pity to not cultivate his talent, they were afraid to give up what they had. Their lives won't be threatened if they helped Varian, their careers would be affected.
The Xanders would help their rivals and they would have no prospects whatsoever.
So they gave up on him and instead shifted the blame onto him to convince themselves.
'Blame yourself for offending Xanders.'
This was the decision that everyone of them would regret the most in their lives.
They missed the best opportunity.
Knox smirked and said, "Then we'll move onto—"
"I'll be his tutor."
*** **** ***
A/N: Discord link below:
https://discord.gg/kBKaTtsrpb