Chapter 58 Chapter58-Shocking All, Choosing an Academy!
Daniel Dylan's words erupted like a bomb amidst the crowd.
Not just the students, but all mentors, headmasters, and senior figures were struck with disbelief.
They'd clearly heard earlier that Howard had awakened the lowest, F-level talent.
How could he be invited by the Holy Abyss Academy?
"Damn, is Holy Abyss Academy really this shameless? As a top-tier academy, are they really trying to recruit an F-level talent student just to lure someone with an S-level talent?"
"This can't be! Holy Abyss Academy is already formidable enough. If they snatch Abby, then our Hogman Academy will forever be overshadowed by them!"
Hogman Academy had been rivaling Holy Abyss Academy for years.
Their recruiting mentor, not willing to see Abby stolen away, immediately called out, "Abby, if you agree to join Hogman Academy, we'll accept Howard and offer both of you a piece of Gold equipment and an A-level skill book!"
It was undeniable; Hogman Academy was making a significant offer.
Even in Adia, an A-level skill book was a precious rarity.
"Really?" Abby's face lit up with excitement.
However, she turned her gaze to Howard, considering that he had already received an invitation from Holy Abyss Academy.
Abby wasn't one to play hard to get.
Her sole aim was to join the same prestigious academy as Howard.
She didn't care about any extra benefits they might receive.
But she wasn't sure if Howard was after those benefits, so she chose to leave the decision to him.
Seemingly stimulated by Daniel and Hogman Academy's mentor, mentors from other academies also began to shout their offers. "Abby, we're very sincere. If you join us, not only will we accept Howard, but we can also ensure that you're directly elevated to LV50. Plus, any skill below S-level in our academy is yours to learn!"
"Young Miss Abby, if you choose our Dark Weapon Academy, I can convince the Dean to take Howard as a disciple and teach him the art of physique! I'm aware that he's awakened the F-level talent 'Mana Recovery,' which is quite unimpressive and offers no real boost in combat power!"
"..."
Hearing the numerous mentors' offers, the group of students was astounded.
Jealousy gleamed in their eyes as they looked at Howard, wishing they could take his place.
Despite their awakened talents being of a higher level than Howard's, the disparity in treatment was vast.
How could they bear it?
They yearned to replace Howard and stand beside Abby.
Yet, faced with countless invitations from the mentors, Howard remained unswayed.
What a joke.
He himself possessed a supreme talent.
Why would he need these so-called benefits?
Direct monetary offers would be more tempting.
The only thing Howard truly considered was Abby.
Just as Howard was about to ask Abby about her academy choice, a voice thundered from the stage.
It was Rick Suleiman, "Enough! You were invited to recruit, not to seduce students!"
His voice, booming like a startling clap of thunder, echoed.
This time, Rick Suleiman even channeled his strength into his speech, instantly startling the many mentors.
There was no choice but to be in awe. Rick Suleiman's prowess was far beyond theirs.
Be it equipment, skills, or even the level gap – a vast 20-level difference stood between them.
One shouldn't underestimate this 20-level gap.
The higher the level, the slower the advancement.
The experience required to level up from 80 to 81 might be enough for someone to ascend from level 1 to 80!
While Howard could bridge a gap of more than 40 levels, it was only because the level disparities at the beginning stages were relatively minor.
"Academy recruitment should not involve force or seduction. Any violators will be punished by the alliance," Rick Suleiman, looking at Howard, whispered, "Howard, you don't have to worry about refusing them and facing resentment. I am here, and everything will be fair and just."
After a brief pause, Rick Suleiman added, "Perhaps, you might consider taking me as your mentor."
Hearing Rick Suleiman's words, the mentors were taken aback to an unimaginable degree, to the point of becoming numb.
What's going on?
Was Rick Suleiman also captivated by Abby's talent, aiming to use Howard as a stepping stone to take Abby under his wing?
In a world where it's the survival of the fittest, the academy isn't the only path.
Many independent powerhouses, or top-tier warriors, are forged through relentless battles.
They, in turn, seek standout talents as disciples to carry on their legacy.
Little did they know, Rick Suleiman's desire to take Howard as his apprentice had nothing to do with Abby.
It was purely an act of repaying a debt to Howard.
In Rick Suleiman's eyes, Howard's evidence had avenged his entire family.
This debt was monumental.
He felt the need to shield Howard from storms, even if it cost him his life!
After all, since Howard didn't ask for any rewards, the evidence wasn't a transaction but a favor.
Transactions are simple; favors are harder to repay.
That's why Rick Suleiman had spoken up now.
Otherwise, during academy recruitment, as long as no one tried to replace a student right in front of him, he'd turn a blind eye.
Rick Suleiman's words heightened the envy people felt towards Howard.
Even if they didn't know Rick Suleiman personally, it was clear that he, seated centrally, held the highest status and was the most powerful present.
Being mentored by such a figure was no less prestigious than studying in the Holy Abyss Academy.
After all, while the academy catered to many, there were only so many direct disciples, ensuring more resources per student.
Yet, what shocked everyone more was Howard's refusal of Rick Suleiman.
He smiled, saying, "I appreciate your kind offer, sir, but I'm more inclined to join an academy."
"Fair enough. With so many mentors vying for you, choose the academy that captures your heart," Rick Suleiman nodded. His gaze swept across the mentors, silencing their murmurs instantly.
Just as Howard was about to consult Abby, Daniel abruptly interjected, "Let me clarify: I'm not trying to lure anyone here. Sir Rick Suleiman, please permit me a word."
Rick Suleiman glanced at him and simply commanded, "Speak."
With permission, Daniel bowed slightly in respect and then addressed Howard, "Howard, my interest in you isn't just because of Abby. Do you wish to be a subsidiary member, joining some other academy, or be a regular student at my Holy Abyss Academy? We won't offer you any special treatment, but I guarantee you'll have everything our students have."
"We won't bribe you with perks and leave you to fend for yourself. Instead, you'll have a fair shot at participating in every academy event, not missing a single opportunity."
Upon hearing Daniel's words, the eyes of the many mentors sharply narrowed in disbelief. They couldn't fathom that Daniel would make such a pledge.
While this promise seemed to lack tangible benefits, it was in fact the most significant one!
What the mentors had previously promised were one-time consumables.
If they later excluded Howard from student activities, it would be as if he never joined the academy at all.
"Damn it! Has Daniel lost his mind? Risking such a valuable slot for someone who's awakened an F-level talent?"
"What's Holy Abyss Academy up to? Or did we misjudge Howard? Could he possibly possess more potential than an F-level talent?"
"That can't be right! So many students said the same thing; it must be true! Damn! Could it be that Holy Abyss Academy is simply flaunting its wealth and wants to play the sucker for Abby's sake?"
The mentors muttered under their breaths. But with Rick Suleiman present, they dared not voice their objections too loudly.
Besides, they couldn't match Daniel's promise.
While they had the authority to bestow some benefits onto Howard, they lacked the power to grant him full student status over a nominal one.
"Howard, why not consider Holy Abyss Academy?" Before Howard could decide, Abby whispered, "I can tell the other mentors look down on you. Holy Abyss Academy is different."
Howard, having never been truly keen on any academy, and hearing Abby's resolve, immediately responded, "I appreciate the mentors' kind offers, but Abby and I choose Holy Abyss Academy."
As his words settled, sighs of resignation emerged from the other academy mentors. They realized they had lost the chance to recruit Abby.
Only Daniel beamed, stating, "Howard, Abby, welcome to Holy Abyss Academy!"
Though Abby had awakened an S-level talent, Daniel had a clear vision.
Given the same period, Howard had outperformed Abby, indicating that Howard's abilities surpassed hers.
Hence, he placed Howard's name first, disregarding talent ranks.
This scenario seemed utterly bizarre to the onlookers, especially to Headmaster Jay, whose beard seemed to flutter in sheer astonishment.
In his mind, Howard had always been a waste, even hampering his plans to introduce Abby to young nobles.
Yet, to his surprise, during the enrollment ceremony, Howard was admitted into the Holy Abyss Academy!
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