As the first part of the graduation ceremony concluded with Dean Privett's opening words, tears threatened to stream down the graduating students' cheeks.
Memories of their classmates and friends who didn't make it through the academy's trials resurfaced in their young minds—it seemed like it was just yesterday when the unfortunate moments happened.
Heartbroken as they might be, they had to carry on for their friends—some even lovers, who perished.
Hence, once the veteran instructor, Colby, started calling names, the graduating students quickly wiped their puffy eyes.
It was a special day after all so they should be happy.
"Chloe Batchest!" Colby exclaimed, beckoning a young woman with short red hair, bearing a striking resemblance to her father, to ascend the stage.
As applause filled the air, Chloe exchanged customary handshakes with the four deans before accepting her Colzen Academy graduation token—a credential essential for her future applications to adventurer guilds.
When positioned atop a mana-powered token checker, the token would activate, projecting a small scrollable holographic screen. This feature allows the guild's receptionist to review her academy grades and register her as an adventurer of suitable rank.
Colzen graduates typically have a head start in their adventurer careers compared to those who didn't graduate from any academy, thanks to their strength and grades upon graduation.
This advantage often enables them to commence their careers at ranks around steel and silver.
After receiving her token, Chloe descended the stage with a bittersweet feeling in her heart.
She will surely miss this academy, her instructors, and her friends.
Hopefully, someday, they will meet again.
"Azrael Idesanya"
...
"Alexis Pereira"
...
When he was about to descend the stage, an instructor stationed at the stairs instructed him to remain onstage.
And so, he did.
As Kiin walked towards his designated space onstage, Colby called the next representative.
"Priestess representative from our respected Colzen Monastery, Wendy Primrose!"
Upon realizing that she was called, Wendy nervously stood up, however, none of her inner feelings were revealed to the crowd as her ice-cold expression remained steadfast.
Unbeknownst to her, the nickname "Ice Fairy" was already widespread throughout the academy even though she rarely made appearances.
She looked beautiful.
The tailored representative graduation robes fit her wonderfully, accentuating her captivating curves, particularly her enormous-would-be-an-understatement bosom, which had grown fantastically over the years.
Hence, when she ascended the stage, the heavenly bounces of her chest prompted the male crowd to cheer their hearts out.
Wendy, who typically avoided attention, felt embarrassed.
However, her naturally icy expression concealed her true feelings, leading the crowd to believe she was proud of her endowed figure.
This misconception prompted them to cheer even louder, leaving Kiin feeling somewhat betrayed when he noticed that the archer course students were cheering louder for her than for him.
After shaking the hands of the deans and the respected archpriest Deo who guided her every step of the way, Wendy received her own customized golden token with a life-staff insignia in the middle before walking in front to do something Maia told her to—strike a cute peace sign pose in front of the crowd.
This unexpected move of hers caught even the other representatives off-guard.
Naturally, the already rowdy crowd cheered even louder, borderline damaging their throat as they deemed Wendy their one and only "Goddess of Ice".
Heck, with how cute she looked, even Siegfried, who typically paid little attention to such things, found his heart racing.
As for Shye, he was just like every other male student, however, since he already had a girlfriend, difficult as it was, he tried his hardest not to look lest unholy thoughts flood his young hotblooded mind.
It turned out to be the correct decision though as in her seat, Shirley sternly observed him with a menacing glare, all too ready to punish him should he act inappropriately.