Chapter 172: Freshmen Orientation

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The auditorium filled with her aura as she raised her hand. Accordingly, the students before her fell into a kind of trance. While inside the trance, their abilities were laid bare. However, when she came across two anomalies, Geneva raised her eyebrows with interest.

On one hand, there was Apollo. While he was restricted by her aura, he didn't fall into her grasp. Moreover, even after she increased the intensity, her aura failed to penetrate his mind. It was as if something was shielding him from her inspection.

On the other hand, there was Odessa—a Paragon. Not to mention, a progeny of the Crux. Her being here was nothing short of a surprise. Even though she was unaffected by the aura as well, Geneva expected as much. After all, the Supreme Family has numerous capable of shielding the mind.

Although she wanted to see what this anomaly was about when she sensed the identity on his trial card, Geneva connected the dots, 'Ah, that's the boy Irauk insisted I rope in. However, from what he tells me, this boy is a handful. So, why is he so insistent? Just an Empyrean Root isn't enough for me to justify letting a headache run amok.'

As she looked at Apollo, Geneva became pensive. She thought of the ways she could discern the worth of Apollo. As the Headmaster, she had to lead by example. Thus, she couldn't break the rules and send him out earlier.

'What interests me isn't his potential, but his mindset. I need to know whether this boy will be an asset or liability to the Vermillion Night Academy in the future. For now, I'll just leave him be. But, when I have the time, I will monitor his actions. If they're agreeable, I'll agree to Irauk's first suggestion,' Geneva determined.

With a snap of her fingers, Geneva abolished the trance nearly everyone was subject to. Needless to say, she got the information she intended to collect.

"I have confirmed that over 80% of you possess an affinity with our specialty here. For those of you who don't, there are still numerous classes and areas for you to attend to advance your training. First, let's talk about the two leading institutes in the academy—the Umbra Night Institute and the Vermillion Flames Institute.

"As each name suggests, one is centralized around teaching those with high-affinity with fire, while the other for those who travel the path of darkness. Of course, there is also the option to be a dual student. But, to do so, you need to show that your worth and prove you're capable of withstanding the simultaneous courses," Geneva smiled, before asking, "Any questions."

As they heard this question, Apollo and the others looked amongst themselves. They all had several questions, however, they also felt it would be answered with them. Plus, it wouldn't look proper if they presented a question already on the curriculum for the orientation.

Nevertheless, curious is as curious does. Apollo stood and asked the question on his mind, "Does this mean that to enroll in both institutes, you'd have to contest for a seat?"

"Mm, it could be seen that way. Each institute has a finite number of mentors. Additionally, they too, have to train themselves. Hence, there are dedicated times and seats. And, they're all on a first-come, first-serve basis. While you can immediately join one, to attend both, you'll require a special pass as well as sufficient talent. To get that pass, it is I who will determine your ability," Geneva answered with a small smile.

The reason the academy operated this way with its two institutes was simple. It was an extreme rarity for one to possess a Dark and Fire affinity at the same time. In truth, unless it was a unique circumstance, they didn't work well together. This was because fire could be seen as a form of light.

When a spark was ignited, it dispersed all darkness that surrounded it. Therefore, the two affinities were in direct conflict. What Geneva was looking for were either variants or those who were capable of merging the elements to create their own unique path.

It went without saying, Hellfire was one of these unique flames. Its properties went beyond a simple blend of Fire and Darkness. It was flames birthed by a Sin to deal with a Sin. Therefore, it also had faint properties that others would call Light. But, this wasn't the type of light others were used to.

"I see," Apollo nodded. After receiving his answer, he sat. When the chance presented itself, he would definitely approach the Headmaster for that special pass. Not just Hellfire, he wanted to see if he could create other techniques by utilizing the ideas taught within formal practices.

"If there are no other questions, then we'll move along to the rules. First and foremost, outside of deemed mortal combat, death is forbidden. Those who are caught violating this rule, not only will you be expelled, you'll be banned from entering Pangea Island. In short, you will become a rogue cultivator but that is just the lightest of punishments. What happens to you outside the walls of this Academy after expulsion is not my concern," Geneva stated with indifference.

In return, a few of the youths had frightened appearances. It seemed their ideas to threaten people with death for extra resources flew out the window. Now, it appeared they needed to rethink their future actions. 

"Secondly, for the next year, you aren't permitted to leave the academy grounds. This is for your safety. As a freshman, your current ability is but a drop in a vast ocean. If you think you can contribute to anything, you're sorely mistaken. Do not approach life with a swelled ego, that is how you have a reunion with the earth you came from," Geneva said in a solemn tone. 

"The next rule is more so strictly for you new admittees. Until you reach the peak of the Spirit Apprentice Realm and have contracted your own Spirit as well, you will be unable to continue into your second year."

As she spoke, Geneva walked away from the podium and through the isles of the auditorium. Her vibrant eyes scoured the crowd for those who already showed adequate signs.

A look of praise appeared in her eyes as she nodded, "Although it is only a select few, I can see that some of you have already opened your Soul Temples. As long as you hone your Soul Conscience and mature those temples further, you'll reach the benchmark needed to attempt a contracting session."

"After my last remark, you all are free to go. Beyond the initial offer you were given, resources are up to your own efforts to acquire. Think of that offer as a starting package. It doesn't give you any special benefits outside of the first batch of resources you receive.

"With that, this orientation is concluded. I hope you all prosper inside and outside the walls of this Academy. To help you familiarize yourself with this place, I will distribute guides. They will also brief you on the way of life," Geneva added. 

After she finished, she disappeared in a wisp of smoke. Exactly 3 minutes later, the doors opened. Numerous other students of differing years entered the premises and stood before everyone. 

They called out names as they selected the group of people that Geneva assigned to them. Soon enough, a tall male called Apollo's as well as a few other's names.

Once they gathered, the guide exited the auditorium. He was similar in height to Apollo, however, his slender frame and dark eyes were much different. The guide turned around and looked at the others as he smiled.

"I'll keep my introduction short and simple. My name is Lance and I'm a second-year here. Not too long ago, I was in your position. Thus, I will show you the different barracks and other amenities that are vital to everyday life here," Lance uttered. 

Instead of waiting for replies, he began walking with a weird gait. If one looked closely, they'd realize each step seemed to follow a strange pattern. Additionally, a thin layer seemed to be separating his foot and the ground.

'I wonder, is he training a special technique at all times?' Apollo inwardly thought while observing Lance's obscure technique. Despite being new, Apollo was compelled to follow. However, the issue was he didn't quite understand how to exercise minute control like that.

In comparison, his Partial Shade Silhouette was far more exhaustive. The mechanics of the technique wasn't as fine as what he was witnessing.

Several moments later, Lance came to his intended stop. "Since you are new, we'll go on a viewing through the Outer Barracks first."