Chapter 67 No. 1499 [1]

Instructor Wren didn't linger too long on the issue and went on with the others. After the first two students who were the First and Second ranked first years respectively were called, there wasn't as much hype or tension with any other. Just because we had the first two top rankers in the same class, didn't mean all of the top 30 or 50 were present. In fact, aside from Ceres and Deandra, and a few others, the ranks quick dropped to just far below 50. "Rank 625, Nicodemus Kodrey. "Rank 635', Aiden Nightshade . . . . Rank 787, Alexander Crossfield... . . And, Rank 1499... Victor Bright." I coughed. "... Present." There was a slight moment of hesitation in Instructor Wren's gaze when it got to my turn. Her cold eyes were glazed over but the look was quickly recomposed. 'What was that all about?' "Good. It's seems everyone is here. You all present are the privileged and lucky ones to make into the Institution. While I'm here, there are a few things I'd like to say, as your assigned teacher, before sending you off for the rest of the day. In Aegis, it is all about skill, ranks, talent and efforts, but I'll cut the introduction speech because you will be hearing it soon at the orientation anyway." Instructor Wren paused. Her gaze was unmoving and filled the room with silence. All of the eyes of everyone was converged on her with utmost focus, making Wrenna nod almost indiscernibly. "On the first week of a new academy calendar, there won't be much you'll be doing. As newly admitted first years, a special orientation and congratulatory ceremony will be held in a few days. After which, a welcome and social banquet will be hosted in your name for each of you to get to know each other. Class curriculum will officially begin by next Monday. And until the time of the orientation and banquet by the end of this week, you will be taking light common classes, and introductions to the various departments..." Instructor Wren droned on. As I listened, I noticed they were things I already knew. Things I was forced to know, drilled into my head by Adrianne ahead of time. Various departments existed in Aegis, as well as common and Specialized classes. There were even kinds of Majors, and all that. At some point, after the first week when the first year curriculum officially begins, each of us will have to fill an application and submit a form mentioning our chosen specialized classes which we will be offering for the first term, or even the entire year. But before that, we had to go through all of them each... I felt like my head wanted to explode just thinking about it. And this was supposed to be like some kind of free week off for us. "Further details and informations will be sent to your respective bracelets linked with your communication..." -Beep -Beep -Beep Just as Wren said that, my bracelet suddenly vibrated and beeped. The same thing was happening all over the classroom with the others. "Seems like it's already here. Well... The Freshmen Orientation will be held on Wednesday, and it is strictly mandatory for all first years to be present without exemption. Failure to attend will be dealt promptly with a severe punishment, or even outright expulsion." Following her words, I took a seat across from the desk and waited silently. Wren pushed aside her current matters and matched her icy gaze with mine. Her motionless face spoke nothing of her intentions and thoughts, and those eyes that seemingly bore down on me were very burdensome. While it seemed like this stiffling staring competition would only last, Wren's lips parted coldly as she said. "Number 1499, what is your goal?" What...? "My goal...?" I was taken aback and repeated slightly. "Yes. Why are you here? What do you hope to achieve, and how do you hope to do so?" 'What the hell is this?' It felt like I was being lectured by my class teacher during my final moments as a final year just before applying for college. For a quick second, I observed the unmoving face of Wren and silently pondered her intentions. Then I scratched the side of my face and responded after a moment of hesitation. "I want to get stronger." I said. And Wren frowned lightly before easing up. "I see." Then the words that flowed from her lips next made me freeze. "Give up." I flinched and gaped slightly. "Eh?" "I said, give up." Wren continued in her usual manner without a ripple in her eyes or expression. She pulled out a long white sheet of paper and placed it before me. "This is a summary of your results and details." "Name, Victor Bright. Age, 16 Awakened Rank: Mortal Assessed Talent; Null Estimated value as a prospect: undefined. Overall rank: 1499" 'How rude!' involuntarily, my eyes twitched. "You're hopeless. You can't...you won't survive in the world of Awakened with your nonexistent talent. All of your efforts will be in vain. Give up, and drop out." Wren's gaze were piercing and deeper than usual. Those violet eyes bore deeply into my being if threatening to chill my soul with the cold gaze. But internally, I sighed with relief. 'What, so that's it?' As expected, I was here in this situation on the note of my evaluation. But what the hell is this?! Estimated talent as a prospect, Undefined?! It sounded more like my evaluation as a person rather than a future Hero just dropped! 'In the end, having a Null talent really is going to cause me a lot of problems.' looking up at the type of face Wren was showing me, I reaffirmed this thought solidly in my heart before speaking back. "I can't."