The murmurs of the students had not gone unnoticed by the many mentors present, who couldn’t help but furrow their brows in concern.
At first, when they heard Abby’s words, they didn’t mind recruiting Howard to their academies.
After all, in their eyes, someone cherished by Abby must possess a talent awakening close to hers.
Even if it wasn’t S-level, it should be around B-level or A-level.
Recruiting a student with a B-level talent would be considered a boon to them.
It was like hitting two birds with one stone!
However, their enthusiasm waned when they discovered that Howard had only awakened an F-level talent.
Ever since the world became data-driven, no one below C-level talent has managed to thrive.
They can’t even participate in battles against demons or resist the invasions from the Extraplanar!
At best, they could only serve as cannon fodder.
As elite academies, their objective is to nurture individuals capable of battling demons or venturing into various extraterrestrial spaces to repel external foes, not to train mere distractions!
Even the prestigious Holy Abyss Academy had a minimum requirement of A-level talent.
Even some lesser-known academies demanded at least a C-level talent!
Hence, they hesitated, unable to make a hasty decision.
Even their previous disputes had paused.
They exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of how to respond.
Noticing this, Abby pouted, readying herself to speak, when a voice interrupted, “Enough! All the students have arrived. Let the official recruitment commence!”
The voice, though not particularly loud, echoed clearly in the ears of everyone present, rendering the entire place silent.
Howard looked up and saw three figures seated on a distant podium.
The one in the middle was unmistakably Rick Suleiman.
The other two were identified by the placards before them: Mayor Hanno Bass of Saint City and Principal Hacks Roger of Saint City.
“All academies return to their respective podiums. Students interested in a particular academy may approach and inquire,” Hacks Roger announced.
Following his command, mentors from various elite academies began heading towards the stages set up the previous day.
Their desire to recruit Abby was evident, but their reluctance to take in Howard was equally palpable.
With the leadership making its decree, they reluctantly put their immediate desires on hold, hoping to strategize for the long run.
Abby was no fool.
Watching them walk away, she immediately understood their intent, gritting her teeth in frustration.
“It’s infuriating! How can they look down on you like this? You are truly outstanding!”
Howard, in response, patted Abby’s head gently, whispering, “You should apply for Holy Abyss Academy. I’ll find another way to reach Adia.”
Though Howard seemed to make no demands, his was the most ambitious choice.
For in this world, the debts of gratitude are always the hardest to repay.
Having benefited so immensely from Howard, Rick Suleiman would undoubtedly step in to help if he witnessed Howard not being accepted by any academy.
Hence, Howard was actually the one with a surefire chance of admission!
In the face of personal favor, talent sometimes becomes utterly insignificant.
“No,” Abby resolutely shook her head, her voice unwavering, “Wherever you go, I’ll go. I won’t leave your side.”
Seeing Abby’s steadfast determination, Howard couldn’t deny the warmth it brought to his heart. But it also induced a headache.
He had his ways to reach Adia.
If Abby missed out on the Holy Abyss Academy because of him, wouldn’t that be a detriment to her?
Howard himself possessed a supreme talent, ensuring his rise in any academy he chose.
But the same couldn’t be said for Abby.
Without entering a prestigious academy or being mentored by the best, her S-level talent could potentially be squandered.
Still, Howard recognized that persuading Abby would be futile.
He began pondering how to secure her entry into the Holy Abyss Academy.
Meanwhile, the enrollment ceremony officially began!
This ceremony essentially involved each elite academy laying out their requirements for student intake, showcasing the strength of their institution, and listing the benefits one would reap upon joining.
Students who were interested would approach these academies, make inquiries, and undergo a simple assessment to determine if they met the criteria.
From the outset, a swarm of students gravitated towards the more common academies, self-aware of their modest talents, not daring to overreach by approaching the top-tier institutions.
Only those with talents awakened at B-level or above dared approach institutions like the Holy Abyss Academy to ascertain their enrollment criteria.
Apart from talent, other enrollment constraints existed, such as one’s rank or the level of skills comprehended.
Numerous mentors adeptly answered students’ inquiries, yet their gazes were undeniably drawn to Abby.
How they wished Abby would leave Howard behind!
But to their dismay, Abby showed no interest in the enrollment proceedings.
She leaned affectionately into Howard, her face adorned with a beaming smile.
“Cough, cough! Spirit Academy is recruiting! For those who meet the criteria, each will receive a piece of Silver equipment!”
Out of the blue, a mentor’s voice rang out, instantly capturing the attention of all the students present.
While Silver equipment wasn’t particularly rare, to those newly awakened talents, it was already akin to a Supreme Artifact!
In a flash, a multitude of students hastily converged towards the Spirit Academy’s podium.
This left other mentors utterly bewildered. Since when did recruitment come with such perks?
However, they weren’t foolish. It quickly dawned on them that this was an attempt to lure Abby.
Regrettably for them, what they didn’t realize was that Abby’s parents were merchants, with no shortage of money or high-tier equipment.
“Long Wind Academy is recruiting! Those who pass the assessment will be rewarded with 10 gold coins each!”
“Dark Weapon Academy boasts an LV85 SS-level talent mentor. Those who pass can benefit from his guidance!”
“…”
With one academy setting the precedent, the others quickly followed suit.
Money, high-tier equipment, elite skills, and even teachings from top-tier talent awakeners were all promised.
For a moment, the students found themselves pondering which academy to choose.
Little did they know that the mentors’ generous offerings were aimed squarely at Abby.
Even if other students managed to pass the assessment, they would undoubtedly introduce a more challenging test as an excuse.
After all, there was no shortage of students with A-level talents.
If they genuinely offered perks to each qualifying student, besides Holy Abyss Academy and Hogman Academy, only Wing Academy from Silverglow could afford such generosity.
The other academies simply didn’t have the financial means.
Alas, no matter how much the various academies upped the ante, Abby remained utterly indifferent.
This left the mentors visibly frustrated, with some even distractedly addressing students who approached with inquiries.
Before setting out, their respective principals had given strict orders: regardless of the cost, they must do whatever it took to secure Abby’s enrollment in their academy.
The addition of an S-level Talent Awakener could undoubtedly elevate a standard academy to new heights or further enhance a top-tier academy’s prestige.
There was no helping it; the number of S-level Talent Awakeners was simply too few and far between.
As long as they could safely develop, at the very least, they would become high-ranking leaders within their Province!
Or they’d be front-line warriors with immense influence, commanding such respect that even the alliance would give them deference.
Just then, a startling clap of thunder resounded, its deafening roar echoing throughout the entire field.
Numerous students and even some mentors were startled, turning their heads just in time to see a figure enveloped in flickering lightning descend from the sky, landing swiftly on the platform of Holy Abyss Academy.
What’s more, a gust of wind suddenly surged forth as a silvery-white figure moved with lightning speed, covering the distance in the blink of an eye.
A crisp “snap” sounded, and a fierce blade aura tore through the air, seemingly rending the very fabric of space itself.
In an instant, countless students were taken aback, their eyes wide with shock.
Especially when the figure in the sky landed, revealing her breathtaking beauty and proud stature, causing numerous male students to audibly swallow.
“She’s so beautiful.”
“My God, which academy’s mentor is she?”
“If I could marry her, even if I were to die the next day, it’d be worth it!”
“How can this young mentor be so powerful?”
While the students were still in awe, Caitlin Bass appeared atop the platform of Holy Abyss Academy in a flash.
Despite her simple attire and lack of adornment, she still drew the eyes of countless male students.
The mentor responsible for Holy Abyss Academy’s recruitment stepped forward with a cheerful smile, “Dear students, the two who just showcased their skills are students of our Holy Abyss Academy. They’ve been with us for just two years, and now they already possess LV40 strength!”
He paused for emphasis before continuing, “If you all wish to achieve such progress, then Holy Abyss Academy welcomes you! As long as you’ve awakened an A-level talent, or possess a special B-level talent, we’ll be glad to accept you!”
“Holy shit?!”
“How is that possible?”
“That powerful and gorgeous girl is actually a student?!”
“What the hell?! I’m applying to Holy Abyss Academy; I want to chase after that senior!”
“Oh, that guy surrounded by lightning was so handsome too! I want to marry him!”
For a moment, whether male or female, every student’s mind seemed to gravitate towards Holy Abyss Academy!
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