Phoebe, also dressed in the academy's royal uniform, stood in front of Aeren.
"Good morning, Aeren, Rover."
Rover nodded in response.
Then Aeren spoke, "I thought you wanted to join the church. Did you change your mind?"
"I, uh, I guess so. I figured there is no harm in joining the academy and the church at the same time," Phoebe answered, one hand holding the tip of her hat. "Besides, as your friend, it's only right that I stick with you, no?"
Aeren expected her to say something like this.
'Figured as much. Not that I blame her; she can be kind like that.'
For as long as he remembered, he had always been stuck inside his room, barely making any friends.
So far, Rover and Phoebe were the only two people he had had any real relationship with.
Oh, and there's also that one person.
Before Aeren could reply to her, a voice echoed from the speakers on the school grounds.
{Aspiring Students, please gather around; the ceremony is about to begin.}
"Looks like they are about to start; let's go in," Phoebe smiled before turning around.
'I guess it's happening.'
"Let's go." Rover, seemingly serious, grabbed Aeren by the arm and strode forward.
By the time they arrived at the gathering, every student was accounted for.
Over two hundred students were present.
As they stood amongst the crowd, Aeren was able to get a clear view of the people addressing the masses from the platform.
There were three of them.
One was the principal of Gu-yong Academy, Changli, known to be called the Empress of Flames.
The other was the Head of the Student Council, Jinshi, also the first daughter of the Sentinel clan, Jue.
And lastly, there was the God of Eternity, who ruled over the Gu-Long region, Raiden Shogun.
She was the face of the ceremony.
Her lustrous white shirt that only barely hid her bust and her black pencil skirt drew out her curvy hips.
If anything, many of the male students had their eyes on her.
This included Aeren, although it was for another reason entirely.
'The Archon of Electro came as a representative? That must mean another nightmare is approaching, and they are looking for suitable candidates.'
He glared.
'Did one appear ten years ago? It's becoming too frequent.'
"Aeren…"
Rover suddenly called out to him.
He glanced at her, listening.
"If the God of Eternity is here, then I want you to remain vigilant, okay? Don't let your guard down."
'Huh? What does she mean by that?'
{My name is Raiden Shogun, the Archon and God of Eternity, as many of you know me. I have chosen to supervise the awakening ceremony today; as such, I wish you all the best on your endeavors for your admission into the Gu-yong Academy.}
Her speech went on for some time, explaining how the Higiguals and Tacet Discords are growing in numbers, giving way to a second wave of nightmares.
Aeren was right; they were trying to bring in new recruits to join the warriors for the upcoming wave.
Not that Aeren was the least bit confident in his chances.
As soon as Raiden was done, Changli stepped forward, her breasts swaying with every step she took.
"Now then, we shall commence with the ceremony; it is quite simple. All you need to do is step to the platform here and place your hand on the Gem of Truth. Your information will be displayed, which will be your star rank and ability. Those that fall below four stars will be at the lowest priority; those at five stars are guaranteed to pass."
She scanned the crowd.
"If you have it all set and understood, you may approach the platform."