But the truth was that she was not famous for her power. Matt could see that.
'Sure, she's famous because she can summon different spirits... Or maybe she's a great researcher. But the Founder and those other 3, they're much more powerful than her.' Matt thought, frowning.
These people in front of him belonged to the elite of the Human Empire. Naturally, they couldn't be weak.
He was amazed that he could fight the rumored Great Summoner and might even manage to win if he played his cards correctly, but the others were out of his league.
Besides, they were all several times his age.
He was sure that woman should be in her 40s, and she was the youngest. The rest were in their 70s, even if they didn't look it.
They walked across the room and soon walked up to the stage.
The Founder then stepped forward and nodded to all the newcomers.
"With the entrance of a new year, the new incoming students begin to look at the world of us summoners. This is always a source of joy for me, ever since I founded the Academy. That is why I look forward to seeing the spirits that you all will summon in the future and that you will do so for the good of the Academy."
"You must remember that the Academy is the one that spent resources on instructing you, so be grateful. Also, as a word of advice from me, never indulge in arrogance or selfishness, for there are spirits who would never accept such practices.
Perhaps I am not the greatest example of invocation, for we have great people like the Great Summoner who can tell you better words regarding it, but I still have enough experience to teach you much."
"Dear students, you, as a new generation, do not need to do anything but focus on learning. I have heard good news from all your teachers. It seems that we have several great talents and two new ones who are in the sights of the greats; let me congratulate you on that.
Now, I am just another Founder who does not know how to say motivational words and has grown old, so I will not expand any further from here. I hope the words of the Great Summoner and my companions present will be enough motivation for you."
With those words, the Founder stepped aside from the stage after a loud applause from those present. At the same time, the Great Summoner went up there.
After that, they made several toasts with high-quality wine, and the ceremony became quiet as they waited for the moment of the dancing ceremony.
While Alice was alone, an amazing duo approached her. They were the Webb Brothers, who had just been promoted to 'Members of the Alignment'.
Hardly anyone noticed this, as everyone was on their own at this point. Some who were not good with alcohol were even slightly drunk. After all, it had already been 2 hours since the start of the Ceremony. Therefore, they both took the opportunity to approach the woman who left a deep impression on them.
During that time, Robert called Matt to a slightly lonely part.
"Zen Student, I have great news for you. The Great Summoner wants to meet you and asked me to take you with her." Robert was beaming as he said this. This was just what he had wanted since the first day.
For it was the Great Summoner, who was the only one who could properly teach this very talented duo with Magical Artifacts.
Matt was surprised by this. 'The Great Summoner wants to meet me?' Though he looked thoughtful for a moment, in the end, he nodded.
"Professor Robert, I don't want to leave Aelia alone right now, so I can come when the Ceremony is over or by tomorrow."
After an answer like that, Robert couldn't find a way to respond. 'Is there anyone capable of refusing to meet the Great Summoner when she shows interest in meeting him?' He was stunned, but that was why he could only nod.
"This... Then I'll tell the Great Summoner about it." He even scratched his head a bit, not knowing what to say.
But, just then, the sound of something breaking came from a specific place in the room.
And a voice came out.
"I already told you that I have no interest in dancing with any of you. Just because you're talented doesn't mean I'm interested in you." The voice sounded cold, making Matt turn quickly to where Alice was.
The few remaining teachers were standing away, and only Robert noticed this. In a solitary setting like this, where the highest-ranking were the Webb Brothers, it was normal for them to act authoritarian.
Matt stared at them and narrowed his eyes. A dangerous look crossed his face.