"We have already selected 100 students from the 4th year who will participate in this 3rd selection process. Now, please welcome them," announced Lysandra, and the fourth years entered the auditorium.
As the first-year students stood there, somewhat taken aback by the unorthodox arrival of their senior counterparts, a storm of whispers and speculations rippled through their ranks. Until this moment, they had rarely encountered the fourth-year students, and the mystery surrounding them had only deepened over time. Now, as the seniors strolled into the vast auditorium with an air of indifference, the stark contrast between the two generations became glaringly apparent.
The island on which Freljord Academy was situated was enormous, and its vastness was purposefully utilized to keep each year of students separate from one another. This isolation had been a deliberate choice by the academy's founders to minimize conflicts among the students, but it also meant that the first-years had little interaction with their senior counterparts.
Of course, Eren has come across some of his seniors during some special training sessions in his past life, but the opportunity to meet them had never presented itself during this life.
However, now, with the unexpected announcement of the third round of the selection process, their paths were destined to cross.
The Tower representatives had unveiled the final selection process, requiring two first-year students to cooperate with two fourth-year students from the Freljord Academy. The process involved grouping the first-year and fourth-year teams and assigning them missions to complete. The catch was that someone from the towers would be spectating from the shadows, evaluating their performance and teamwork.
With this revelation, the towers summoned the fourth-year students to the selection auditorium, leading to the current situation of anticipation and tension among the first-years.
"Are they our seniors?" whispered a bewildered first-year, his eyes scanning the unconventional attire of the senior students.
"Where are their uniforms?" questioned another, observing the luxurious and varied clothing choices of the fourth-years.
"Why do they look so... free-spirited?" mused a third, taking note of the nonchalant demeanor of the senior students.
The newcomers were like a pack of wild dogs without collars, moving at their own pace and paying little heed to the organized rows of the first-year students. Their apparent lack of discipline and order stood in stark contrast to the juniors' tightly regulated academy life.
"Are these weak-looking chickens supposed to be our teammates?" scoffed a senior, his disdainful tone cutting through the silence.
"They look like they would die if someone released their aura," added another, and the seniors erupted into laughter, their mockery aimed squarely at the bewildered first-years.
The young students felt a surge of frustration and determination welling up within them as they could clearly hear their seniors.
While all the first years seethed with rage, Eren stood as if it had nothing to do with him. After all, he had firsthand experience of what it would be like if he drew attention from his seniors, and he wasn't going to make the same mistake again!
However, not everyone was as calm as Eren; the youthful vigor in their veins was such that it would boil at the slightest spark!
Julia, who got frustrated by her seniors remarks clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing with resolve.
While Zephyr who was standing beside Eren leaned towards him and whispered, "I guess it's time to show these seniors that chickens can become eagles when they spread their wings."
Of course, it wasn't just a whisper; he made sure that everyone around him heard what he said, leading to smiles appearing on the faces of the freshmen.
The seniors glared at their younger juniors, but the juniors didn't back down; instead, they glared back at them. A competitive spirit began to rise among both groups as a result.
It was precisely the kind of spirit they needed in this situation. They might be inexperienced, but they were determined to prove themselves.
Madam Lysandra, observing the interactions closely, stepped forward once more. Her calm and authoritative presence captured the attention of both first-year and fourth-year students.
"Dear students," she began, her voice carrying a soothing yet firm tone, "it is natural for there to be differences and uncertainties when you first come together as teams. However, remember that unity in diversity can lead to the most remarkable achievements."
The senior students, who had initially been dismissive, began to show more interest in Lysandra's words. She continued, "Each one of you brings unique strengths and perspectives to the table. The challenges you will face in the upcoming missions will require cooperation and adaptability. You have the opportunity to learn from each other and, in doing so, become stronger together."
With her message of unity and cooperation, Lysandra's speech resonated with the students, both young and old. The tense atmosphere in the auditorium began to soften a bit, and the first-years tried to view their senior counterparts not just as intimidating figures but as potential allies on their journey.
"Now, the teams will be announced. Please find your teammates and stand with them," Lysandra said as she gave up her spot to the blonde lady who wasted no time and began the process of pairing the first-year and fourth-year teams.
"Evan D Sheldon and Julia Rozental from the first year will be teaming up with ..."
It was a hefty process which could be done if they had just sent a message to the student using their student projectors but instead they chose manual which was time consuming.
Anyway, after some time Eren's name was called out, and he listened intently to the announcement. "Eren Pendragon and Ezio from the first year will be teaming up with Selena Everhart and Elric Ironforge."
'Selena Everhart?!', he thought to himself.
Eren couldn't help but react, a hint of surprise crossing his features.
The name struck a chord deep within him, a memory from his past life resurfacing.
Selena Everhart, a name he had heard many times in his previous existence. She hailed from a noble Marquise household, but what made her truly remarkable was her proficiency in using holy magic, a rare and coveted form of magic that very few possessed.
Holy magic was a gift granted to only the most exceptional individuals, and not even one in a million people would be born with the talent to wield it. While Eren himself didn't know all the details of Selena's past, he had heard stories of her great deeds during the time when demons had invaded the mortal realm in his previous life.
Selena Everhart's reputation as a powerful wielder of holy magic and her heroic actions in defense of their world had made her a legendary figure in his past life. The prospect of teaming up with her filled him with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, as he knew he would be working alongside a true force to be reckoned with.
As for the other member of their team, Eren remained unaware of his identity, except for the fact that his surname, Ironforge, referred to the Viscount household of Ironforge. The Ironforge family was renowned throughout the empire for their exceptional weapon production skills, and their reputation as master craftsmen preceded them.
With the names of the teams announced, Eren and Ezio began their search for their senior teammates. The bustling crowd of students made it somewhat challenging to locate the individuals they were looking for.
Meanwhile, the blonde representative from the Tower of Purity continued with the task of assigning teams. She worked efficiently, pairing up students with a mix of seniority and backgrounds to ensure diversity within each group. Her meticulous approach aimed to create teams that would be capable of facing the challenges that lay ahead.
Before long, all the teams were assigned, and the representative signaled for their attention. "Please come up to the stage, group by group, and receive your respective missions." Her voice echoed through the auditorium, and teams began to make their way to the stage one after the other.
The representatives handed out the missions, each wrapped in an air of mystery, and instructed the teams to gather in designated locations to discuss and plan their approaches.
"The missions will start from tomorrow, prepare for whatever you need in the meantime," the representative announced, her words resonating with a sense of urgency. With the mission start date quickly approaching, the students knew they had limited time to ready themselves for the challenges ahead.
As the teams dispersed, each clutching their sealed envelopes containing their assigned missions, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air.
Unbeknownst to the students, hidden observers from the towers were already in place, concealed within the shadows, and silently watching their every move.
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