Chapter 32: Test

As Valeria started to walk to the gates, she looked back at Fang and waved her hand. “Come on!”

Fang followed her, but couldn’t help but ask. “Valeria, I’ve heard that the admissions process for Garden College was extremely strict, and getting in another way than the application might be difficult, right?”

“Other people might not be able get direct admission, however, we’re looking for a special man, the Dean of Garden College!”

Taken aback, he stared. “What?”

To become a dean of a famous school like this, they wouldn’t just have to be competent – they should be tremendously powerful. Although in the void, he had met ten masters, but inside they were never able to display their full abilities at all. There was no pressure during that time. But now, out here in the world, he was about to meet the person who would be a true, dominant master. “Wouldn’t the dean be so busy? How would we meet with him? Plus, his expectations would be beyond what I could achieve.”

She kept on walking forwards. “The dean and my father were close friends, and I know him personally. Two days ago I had arranged an appointment, so it’ll be fine.”

Nervously, Fang asked, “Wait, when I meet the dean, what should I do?”

Valeria shrugged. “It’s simple, just show your grade of energy and the techniques that you know.”

Seeing her carefree attitude, Fang relaxed a bit.

After traveling through the empty hallways, they arrived in a spacious field instead of an office. A figure stood with his back facing them. Fang’s predictions were thrown into a loop; he expected a stalwart, big man, giving off a strong aura, but instead, it was a diminutive person with his back bent slightly.

Hearing the footsteps, the dean turned towards them and Fang almost laughed.

The old man had a balding head, small eyes, big nose and looked quite shabby. Though, that wasn’t the defining feature, instead, the swirled hooked beard particularly caused him to appear comedic.

Is this guy really the dean?

His tension disappeared as Valeria confirmed his suspicions. “Dean Rook, long time no see! Are you doing well?”

The old man snorted. “Well, do you think I’d fare well after having one of my brightest students give up and leave?”

From what Fang knew, it had been eight years since Valeria had left school, so he didn’t think the dean would hold that grudge. Maybe it was that all masters were like this, he clearly remembered the crazy elders cramming down information on and on.

Unexpectedly, Valeria didn’t take offense, and laughed instead. “Oh, dean, I hope you don’t dwell on that, it’s been so long. Though, to make up for it, I brought talented genius.”

“Genius?” He looked at Fang. “This guy?”

She nodded. “Yes, this is Fang.”

While the old man didn’t seem that powerful, Fang humbly greeted him. “Hello, Dean Rook.”

The old man didn’t respond, glancing at Fang with a single eye. Fang suddenly felt cold for a brief moment, as if the dean had examined his soul, but the feeling disappeared.

“Damn, Valeria, you recommend me a 2nd grade intermediate!” In rage, he kept shouting. “Oh, you’re funny, if he’s talented, then everyone in our Garden College is a talented genius!”

Just in a single glance, he saw my energy level!

Fang felt a bit ashamed, as he knew that this college had one of the highest standards of all the colleges.

Valeria looked unimpressed. “Yes, Fang is ‘only’ a 2nd grade intermediate, however, Dean, there’s one thing that you don’t know. Three months ago, he was only a novice.”

He widened his eyes. “What? Did he take three months to raise his level by two grades?”

She corrected him. “Specifically, two grades in two months, as only half a month ago Fang became a 2nd grade intermediate.”

Rook didn’t believe her. “How could there be such a fast practicing speed, even you and Yume couldn’t absorb energy at that monstrous speed? If you’re not lying to me, I must be stupid to have never heard of this.”

Valeria responded, “Well, you do have access to the country’s examination results, you could look up Fang and you’ll know that I’m completely serious.”

Scrutinizing her eyes for any trace of doubts, Rook stared. “All right, I don’t believe that you’ve lied. So what?”

“Not just his practicing speed, his energy is quite explosive while demonstrating unusual capacity. Although he had started later than others, he has unlimited potential and sooner or later, will make waves in this world. I’d thought I’d be considerate, and recommend him to you. If you don’t take it, it’ll be a loss for Garden College!”

Rook didn’t speak as Fang’s upgraded speed had surprised him a little. He broke his silence and roared, “Attack me, show me what you know!”

Attack the dean?

Fang turned to Valeria, and upon getting a thumbs up, he launched his energy and sent out a couple of Energy Balls while dashing to the side. It wasn’t all – with the experience he had gained, he knew that his attacks should flow without giving pause for the opponent, so he instantly rushed and used Energy Devour.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Rook stood there, calmly watching as the energy dissipated completely a few meters away from him. There wasn’t even a trace of his energy. Fang helplessly retreated, as he saw with awe that his assault yielded not even a single reaction.

After a bit of contemplation, the old man finally said, “Yes, for a 2nd grade intermediate, these fighting techniques show an incredible amount of power. As well, he even mastered Energy Devour, which is difficult for the students in this academy; taking account his skills, he might be able to match up to 5th or 6th grade intermediates!”

Valeria let out a small breath in relief, Rook was famous for his bluntness, but he thought so highly of Fang – there was no question Fang would get admitted now.

The dean narrowed his eyes. “Valeria, did you give him an energy bath, and with the high quality materials?”

For most people, this would be a secret matter. However, this had to do with a special scenario, and she trusted the dean, so she nodded. “Yes.”

“Though he was assisted with an energy bath, the practice speed shouldn’t be so fast…” Rook muttered, wondering at the same time.

If Valeria treated him with an energy bath and recommended him to Garden College, her goal should be the one and same. It had been a long time, but this stubborn child had never given up it seemed. Fang was her hope for revenge!

Considering this, I should grant her this favor and let him in, but now, it’s for a different reason. This kid is worth granting special admission to, his amazing potential will likely eclipse the college in the future.

Under the watchful eyes, the old man slowly nodded. “On the day of opening, arrive at Garden College not a second late!”