Chapter 56 Student Clubs

'The only student who passed the public recruitment?' Vale repeated in his mind as he recalled his last year's attempt to enroll.

Lisa certainly achieved an impressive feat and everyone in the classroom knows this as well. If she has a common background, it means that she drank the Darkness Possession potion which has a very high chance of death.

For them, the act of force-feeding the potion may have been acceptable if they are still in a state of war against the other "righteous" factions but it is different now. During that time, according to their parents or elders, they would have to "collect" various children from many towns and cities to have them drink the deadly Darkness Possession. No one thinks too much about its danger since they are at war.

They would turn these people into their elite soldiers after nurturing them for years… if they ever survived.

However, now that they are in a peaceful era, these unnecessary deaths can be avoided if they have an expert on their side.

In short, no one really thinks that people would still think of enrolling in this academy unless they have some background in the Darkness Arcane Path.

The looks given at her were mixed. Some pity her, some were curious, some with disdain like she was dirty, and a few were uninterested.

'Professor, you're trying to get her into trouble, aren't you?' Vale was quite surprised but he didn't speak.

Lisa sat down as she felt everyone's burning gaze. It seems that they have plenty of questions in their minds and were just waiting for Professor Harwin to leave so they can start talking to her.

To be honest, she was also shocked after hearing the professor's words. She didn't think she was alone.

After all, there are a total of 30 students here. She was expecting that other public recruitment or enrollment sites were able to invite a few people…

However, it appears that she had greatly underestimated herself.

'Am I that special?' Lisa asked herself.

"You're amazing… Does it mean that you haven't learned how to create your Magic Zone?" Chad Bulmung asked in a soft voice.

"Magic Zone?" Lisa repeated.

At this question, Vale and the others know that she's a complete noob about this.

In any case, this is the reason why she's in the academy. She can easily learn about all the basics so even if they have an advantage today, it will only help them in the first two years in the academy.

"Let's talk about it later. Let's be friends…" Another female student beside Lisa said in excitement… She looks at Lisa like a rare species as she made up her mind in befriending her.

Professor Harwin then cleared her throat to get everyone's attention.

"Ahem… That's all for me. I would normally ask everyone to introduce yourselves to each other but you'll be doing it in another class. That's Elementary Spirit Law tomorrow and I'm assigned to that subject as well. We will be checking your Spirit Strands at the same time." She then paused for a moment as she looked at everyone's reaction. Seeing that no one is upset that they didn't get to introduce themselves today, she continued.

"You can now visit the Assembly Hall. You have a week to select a club so make sure you visit all possible clubs that you may like before joining them."

After saying this, she left the classroom leaving the students to their own devices.

A group naturally formed to those who are seated close to each other.

Some were excited about tomorrow's Spirit Strand test while others are discussing the club they wanted to join.

Needless to say, Vale easily grouped up with Chad, Lisa, and Aubrey, the girl seated next to Lisa.

A few classmates wanted to talk to Lisa but seeing that she already formed a group, they silently backed out.

"Guys, are you going to visit the Assembly Hall now?" Another student close to them asked.

His round face and plump body would make everyone remember his name.

"Yes… You're Blair Etton, right? Do you want to join us?" Chad asked as he showed his smile.

"Thank you! I want to join a specific club… However, I don't think I can do it alone."

Vale was curious as he followed up with a question.

"What club is it?"

After hearing the question, Blair's eyes lit up as he immediately introduced the club he was interested in.

"It's the Variant Research Club. It's a club aiming to strengthen the current versions of Variants and even discover the third type. I heard that they already made progress. As you know, most of the Variants are from male body parts. I want to help them to make a female version… Female Variants are the best. If money is their only problem---"

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Before he can finish his words, a few students started clapping as someone stood in front of everyone. He has short blond hair, a sharp nose, and brown eyes like many others…

Vale couldn't recall who he was but he didn't seem nervous standing in there. It appears that he was used to attracting attention.

After clearing his throat, their classmate started his agenda.

"You probably all know who I am. However, I will still introduce myself. I'm Neil Somerhalder. Yes… I'm from the Somerhalder County."

Vale had no idea who he was. However, some of his classmates were surprised at this young man's identity… Chad Bulwung even reacted with an explanation.

"I thought I only misheard the professor a while ago… So it's really the Somerhalder of the Rune Arts Faction… I wonder how were you able to attend here?"

"Interesting… 'A Somerhalder Learning The Dark Arts: Is he a Spy or an Exile?' I think that it's quite a good headline."

Jody Lumbarde, a female student with short red hair commented after hearing his introduction. It seems that she's planning to join the Academy's Publication Club or something similar.

Neil didn't mind her words. He was glad to be recognized by his fellow classmates so he nodded proudly and continued with his speech.