After the cataclysm, applying for university is one thing, but being selected for an interview is another. While most interviews go smoothly, there are still rare cases where universities reject applicants.
The reasons for rejection usually stem from poor interview performance, leaving the interviewers dissatisfied, or a mismatch between the applicant's chosen major and their abilities.
However, to ensure fairness, a cap of 3% rejection rate has been set for all new students.
Of course, none of this applies to Kent. With his first-place finish in the Microglow City qualifiers, he could practically choose any major, and there would be no problem at all.
"Look, here come the new students from Microglow City."
"Microglow City? Hah, nothing special, their strength is average, I don't expect much from them."
"Exactly. After all, the city's overall strength isn't impressive, so we shouldn't have high expectations."
On the way to registration, Kent and his group overheard several seniors chatting. Leng Zimu and Dong Fanglei clenched their fists, clearly displeased.
Kent frowned slightly. These upperclassmen were being incredibly rude, pointing fingers at them right in front of their faces. Didn't they know how impolite that was?
However, Kent also understood that the seniors probably had the arrogance to back up their behavior. His own strength wasn't enough to warrant any real response.
"Did you hear? This year, there are some truly monstrous freshmen who are getting a lot of attention."
"Who are they?"
"From Luoyang City, there's Mu Ziqin, with a 30-level Sky-tier beast, and she's said to be a beauty."
"From Kaifeng City, there's Ning Yuanyan, his beast is a golden-grade vicious bird, and it's already at level 38. He's even slain a level 41 Lord-tier monster on his own."
"And then there's Zhang Zhicheng from Jinan City, also exceptional..."
Listening to these discussions, Kent's group couldn't help but feel disheartened. Compared to the so-called 'monstrous' freshmen, they felt they were worlds apart, with no way to even compare. Even Kent himself felt somewhat lacking.
"You guys don't need to worry about it. Just be yourselves. The words of outsiders will only cloud your judgment. When you come to Earthstar University, the first thing you need to do is understand your own heart and find your own path," a low, soothing voice said from the front.
It was the lead instructor, Liu Yingchen.
Everyone's hearts tightened as they heard his words, and they took a deep breath, choosing to no longer be swayed by external opinions.
Earthstar University's campus was vast, with complete facilities and towering ancient trees lining the paths. Since it was autumn, the northern Earthstar City had already begun to feel a chill in the air.
The academic atmosphere here was dense, and the culture of Beastmasters was well-developed. They saw many upperclassmen engaged in discussions, releasing their beasts into the open, who roamed the grounds calmly.
These beasts were mostly above level 30, with at least silver-grade beasts. Kent even spotted one that resembled a dinosaur, towering over six stories tall, its neck taking up two-thirds of its height, with feet as large as small carts — truly astonishing.
"Truly the number one university," Zhao Mengxi, who was walking behind Kent, said, her bright eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Kent suddenly felt poetic, and without warning, recited, "I stand on a bridge, admiring the scenery, while people below gaze up at me. The bright moon decorates my window, and I decorate the dreams of others."
"Wow, what a beautiful poem, did you write that?" Zhao Mengxi asked, smiling brightly, her dimples making her look even more charming.
"Uh, Mengxi, I think you missed the point," Kent said helplessly. "Did you not notice how many eyes are staring at you?"
"Ugh… I thought it was for me. Turns out it's a reminder for me," Zhao Mengxi said, giving him a playful glare. "Of course, I noticed. But what can I do? My parents made me too beautiful."
"Ah, beauty is a curse," Kent shook his head.
After completing their registration, they received temporary ID cards. With these, they could only enter the campus and the library — nothing else. Until they were formally accepted, new students had to manage their own food and lodging, while using the three days to explore the library and figure out which major suited them best.
While this caused some dissatisfaction, they had no choice but to accept it.
"Kent, let's go find somewhere to stay," Zhao Mengxi said, walking up to him.
"Sure," Kent replied, rolling his eyes. "I thought we'd be able to get some proper rest, but this hospitality is pretty poor. We have to figure out our own accommodation."
"Come on, in my experience, you're not the complaining type. We've just arrived, and everyone has to figure things out. Don't overthink it," Zhao Mengxi said, sounding more open-minded than he expected.
The two of them split off from the group and headed outside. They immediately spotted many inns and a luxury hotel.
"Let's go check it out," Kent suggested.
However, after walking for over half an hour, their legs were sore, and they hadn't found anything. Either the inns were fully booked or had been reserved ahead of time.
"What now?" Zhao Mengxi asked, a frustrated but cute expression on her face.
"Isn't there that five-star Changdao Hotel?" Kent asked, his eyes lighting up.
"Not that one, it sounds awful," Zhao Mengxi immediately rejected.
"Why's that bad? Changdao, Changdao, great name, it sounds like 'great human way'," Kent replied, genuinely puzzled.
"Ugh… your brain must be made of wood." Zhao Mengxi's face turned crimson. She lowered her voice and explained with great embarrassment, "Changdao, Changdao… it's a slang for 'female prostitute, male thief.'"
Kent's face immediately changed. "What? That's… definitely not great."
"Forget the name, let's just go ask," Kent suggested, trying to move past the awkwardness.
Though Zhao Mengxi didn't look too thrilled, she still followed him.
"Do you have any rooms left?" Kent asked when they reached the front desk.
The receptionist was a pair of pretty girls, exuding youthful vitality with sweet smiles.
As soon as they saw Kent and Zhao Mengxi, the two girls exchanged a knowing look, and Kent could swear he saw a mischievous glint in their eyes.
"Yes, we do, but there's only one room left," the receptionist on the right said.
"Well... what now?" Kent was at a loss, so he turned to Zhao Mengxi, leaving the decision up to her.
"What do you expect me to do?" Zhao Mengxi asked, her expression a little embarrassed but still graceful. "How about I sleep on the bed, and you sleep on the floor? We'll just make do."
"Okay, you take the bed. Don't worry, I'm pure as snow," Kent reassured her, slapping his chest dramatically.
"I trust you," Zhao Mengxi said with a firm nod.
"Sorry," the receptionist on the left said with a smile. "I'll need to confirm if you two are a couple before I can give you the room."