When they reached the school, Ella was waiting for them at the gate. There were also some other parents there. Lucas greeted Ella.
She said, "Lucas, why don't you accompany Jack to your classroom? I will be there shortly."
She pointed at another teacher who was waiting there. Lucas bid his mother goodbye and went to the classroom with Jack.
Ella looked at Sienna and said, "We're waiting for some more parents, and then I will escort you all to the Principal's Office."
Sienna nodded. She saw a familiar face in the group of parents and said, "Gina, you're here too?"
Gina was Noah's mother. With their kids being so close to each other, they had also become good friends.
Gina said, "Sienna, you got the call too?"
Sienna replied, "Yeah. At first, I thought that Lucas had done something wrong."
Gina chuckled and said, "Tell me about it. I was sure that Noah had gotten into trouble again when I got the call. He is so full of energy, always running around. It is very difficult for me when it is his nap time."
Sienna sighed, "Lucas is the same. Nine out of ten times, he will pretend to fall asleep, and when I go check on him afterward, I'll find him reading a book under his covers."
Soon the rest of the parents also joined their conversation. Their kids were also similar.
Some time passed and Ella said, "Everyone is here. Principal Jean is waiting for you in the gym. I'll escort you there. Please follow me."
After that, she led them to the gym where a woman with auburn hair, an eye patch on her left eye, and a commanding air was waiting for them. They all took seats and waited for the woman to speak.
She said, "My name is Jean Reeno. I'm the new Principal of this school. All of the parents here are busy people and frankly speaking, so am I. So, I'll just cut to the chase. Maple City did really badly in the last Antharia Tamer's Tournament, mostly because none of the participants were worthy."
She paused and looked at the parents' confused faces. She continued, "They were nepo kids whose only reason for participating was their parents' wealth and connections. That is all I will say about them. Due to this and the fact that the previous City Lord was stealing Federation funds, he was replaced.
The new City Lord is different. She only believes in capabilities. If one is capable enough, she doesn't care about their background. That is why she has decided to launch Project Bloom."
"Children who show talent, whether it be an intense desire to learn, sports, etc., such as your children, will be nurtured in a new different school. These children have been chosen not just from this school, but also other schools and even the slums. They will be nurtured in an elite environment where their talents will have the opportunity to…well, bloom."
"Financial or social circumstances will no longer be the reason that a child's talent is buried. I will be very honest with you. Your children will have everything: resources, qualified teachers, and opportunity.
The competition will be intense, but the results will be just as gratifying. Envoys from the City Lord's Mansion are having this very conversation in every kindergarten in Maple City. The new institute has already been built. We are just waiting for this academic year to end, and then we can proceed.
I know it's a lot to take in, so take some time to fully process this information. You can also ask any questions that you have. I'll conclude by saying that this is an incredible opportunity."
And she was right. The parents did need some time to process all of this. One of the parents said, "What about the fees?"
Jean said, "It is completely free. We also provide lodging, nutritious meals, books, and any sporting equipment that your ward might need. As I said, financial and social circumstances will no longer be obstacles that will hinder their growth.
Of course, if you want to donate, that is up to you. Just know this, no matter how much you donate, your child will not get any special treatment. Not to mention, only the independent currency, i.e., Bloom Points or BP for short, will have any monetary value inside the institute.
I would also suggest making use of the lodging. It will be painful and difficult to part with your child, but you'll be able to see them every weekend. This will help your children become more disciplined, and as they mingle with each other, they will be able to make new friends."
The parents started discussing the offer with each other, asking Jean any questions that they had. Jean answered them all patiently in a clear and concise manner.
Just as the discussion was dying down, Jean said, "I forgot to mention this, but we will also be providing initial Beast Eggs of at least Gold quality and up to Iridescent Diamond quality when your children awaken their talents.
Of course, whether your children last in the institute until then is a different matter. You do not have to make your decision now. Think about this very carefully and discuss it with your children. You have a week to make your choice."
Soon the parents left. Sienna returned to her home and told her mother about what had happened. Her mother said, "I had heard that the new City Lord was planning to make some radical changes, but to think that it would be this drastic. You have to take this opportunity. It would be a waste of Lucas's talent if you don't."
Sienna knew that her mother was right, but she didn't want to part with her son. Her mother said, "Listen to me. You still haven't told me who Lucas's father is. And I get that there must be a reason for that. But you have to make preparations.
There is a high chance that Lucas will inherit his father's talent. And his father's enemies will come after him. Don't think that I've forgotten the day when you arrived at my doorstep, covered in injuries and blood. If it wasn't for Little Will, I would have lost both my daughter and grandson that day."