"Principal Quinn!" Leael exclaimed in surprise, after her eyes met the elderly man who had spoken earlier.
The sudden arrival and appearance of an elderly gentleman, who seemed to be in his seventies, captured the attention of everyone.
He slowly made his way towards the center stage, and as he stepped onto it, Leael could closely observe his physical attributes.
He had a rotund body and was clad in clothing that looked like it was about to burst at the seams.
The round features of his face were adorned with a wide, joyous smile that appeared to be directed straight at her, as if he was thoroughly delighted by the situation.
He resembled a clean-shaven version of Santa Claus.
"Hohoho, it's been a long time since someone has brought such joy into my life." he began with his broad smile.
"Principal Quinn, good day to you!" Leael greeted respectfully.
The other students who were present, whom she presumed to be at higher levels, also greeted him with polite nods.
While the first-year students like her merely watched, unsure of how to react.
"Hohoho, a splendid day to all who have gathered here today. It seems that this year is turning out to be exceptionally promising, with so many of you joining us in the gymnasium to witness the selection test for our first-year students. Hohoho!" Principal Quinn's voice resonated with enthusiasm as he addressed the attentive crowd.
"But it's entirely understandable why everyone is feeling excited. This year is brimming with potential, especially given what I had the privilege of witnessing earlier. Hohoho" he added, casting an appreciative glance in Chastine's direction.
"Principal Quinn, you seem quite delighted. Would you be willing to share with us what you found so remarkable and exhilarating about the events you witnessed?" Taking advantage of the moment, Leael asked.
"Hohoho, I've witnessed a lot of extraordinary occurrences today, most notably the significant number of students reaching the blue level, a feat that was once a rarity. Moreover, it's not just the prospect of reaching the red level that's exciting this year, but even levels beyond that. Hohoho" Principal Quinn responded.
"When you mention 'levels beyond the red level,' Principal, what exactly are you referring to?" Leael pressed further.
"Hohoho, the evidence is right before us, exemplified by Ms. Wood's ability to shatter the crystal ball. Hohoho " he disclosed with a hearty chuckle.
While Principal Quinn's words had stirred a notion in Leael's mind earlier, she was struggling to accept the possibility that the crystal ball might have been the issue.
She was trying to convince herself that perhaps the problem lay with the crystal ball itself, despite her initial judgment.
She found it difficult to accept the truth, especially since no record existed of such an event occurring at the school.
It was hard for her to acknowledge, even though she knew several individuals from powerful clans within her own clan.
As a member of the Fire Clan, she had a deeply ingrained belief that their clan was the most powerful.
It was painful for her to consider that there might be those from other clans who were stronger.
"How did you come to that conclusion, Principal? There's no record of this ever happening in the school." Leael asked, her curiosity evident as her words were channeled through the microphone, capturing the attention of everyone in the gymnasium who wanted to know the answer.
"Such a question doesn't need to be asked, as it simply means that Ms. Wood possesses a remarkably high level of power, which might make her surpass others multiple times in terms of the mana she possesses. Our power level meter couldn't handle it because she requires a high-power level meter. Hohoho." Principal Quinn responded, seemingly amused as he held his chin, thoroughly enjoying the attention around him.
"In that case, does the school have other power level meters aside from the one we commonly use every year?" Leael asked, seeking further clarification.
"Of course, Ms. Committee. Our school has no trouble providing a higher-level power level meter. " Principal Quinn responded, his jovial tone and demeanor remaining unchanged. " It seems like it's time for our usual crystal ball to be replaced. Hohoho.." He playfully mimicked stroking an imaginary beard as if contemplating the situation.
"Excuse me, Mr. Principal Quinn, may I inquire about something?" Chastine suddenly interjected.
"Certainly, what is it, Ms. Wood?" he responded with a radiating a warm and welcoming aura.
"Um... are you referring to the highest level of PLM?"
"Hohoho. No, Ms. Wood, the highest level of PLM can only be used by those with the highest levels of mana. No student at our school has reached that level yet, so we only use the student-level PLM. But why do you ask? Hohoho" Principal Quinn asked with a tinge of curiosity.
Chastine hesitated for a moment, feeling a slight blush creep up on her cheeks.
"Uh... it's just that the middle-level PLM still can't measure the amount of mana I have... it would still explode and break if I used your PLM at that level." she admitted, a touch of shyness in her voice, even though there was no real reason for her to feel embarrassed about sharing that information.
Mr. Principal Quinn's face went through a quick transformation, from initial surprise to an amused grin.
Then, a realization seemed to wash over him, and he couldn't contain his amusement, bursting into hearty laughter that filled the gym.
"HOHOHOHOHO!"
His laughter rang out, and she just stood there perplexed, unable to fathom the reason behind his outburst.
"Sorry, Ms. Wood, I momentarily forgot that members of the Wood Clan tend to have a monstrous level of mana, especially when they are in proximity to various elemental influences. HoHoHoHo..." Mr. Principal Quinn managed to explain between his bouts of laughter.
The students in the gym, who had been following the conversation with great curiosity, exchanged puzzled looks, struggling to make sense of what the principal had just said.
As the entire gym observed her, she took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure.
Their inquisitive gazes felt like a collective effort to unearth her secrets.
In response, she met their curious looks with a calm and indifferent demeanor, as if she had no qualms about their attempts to understand her.
"Sorry, Ms. Wood, I forgot that members of the Wood Clan often have such high levels of mana, especially when there are different elemental influences in the surroundings. HoHoHoHo!" Mr. Principal Quinn managed to explain between his bouts of laughter.
"For those who aren't aware, among all the clans, only the Wood Clan possesses an extensive reserve of mana derived from various elemental sources in their vicinity..." He continued.
"In other words, as long as there are many elements in their surroundings, they won't run out of mana. In simple terms, each of you who possesses an elemental affinity contributes to the strength of someone like Ms. Wood. Hohohoho!" he concluded with a cheerful tone.