Chapter 441: The Archaeologist’s Archaeological Soul
After that, Okor called on some students for introductions, adding a few more who stepped up voluntarily.
This took up about a quarter of the total students.
We can deal with the rest later; there are more pressing matters to attend to in class.
“Everyone is familiar with the learning model of Saint Felis Academy. In the first semester, you won’t be forced to belong to any particular academy. However, if you have a strong inclination, feel free to apply directly.”
“I have application forms here. Anyone who needs one can come get it. No rush for those who are still unsure; just come find me when you’ve made up your mind. If you have questions, you can ask me now.”
Soon, quite a few hands went up for the forms.
Yuliya and Heidis were among them, while Kaise was taking her sweet time.
Seeing that Yuliya had already made her choice, Okor became a bit more serious. The other students also diverted some attention her way.
After all, she was currently the top student of this new cohort. No matter which academy she associated with, she would be treated with high importance and ensured the best mentors.
He passed her the form while asking, “Which academy does Riya plan to join? I can offer some suggestions for reference.”
“Sure!” Yuliya took the form and, while filling it out, asked, “Okor, do you know much about the History Academy? Any mentors you recommend?”
“Oh, History… wait, which academy are you talking about?”
“History.”
Okor blinked twice, looking down to see that she had already filled in “History Academy” in the form.
“Why on earth would you choose the History Academy?”
Okor was utterly dumbfounded, his mind swirling with question marks.
Even with his years of experience as a mentor, he was having a hard time processing this.
The History Academy had the least presence at Saint Felis Academy… well, second least, because Plant Studies was in last place.
These two academies were lagging behind the other four like a turtle in a race.
In terms of percentages, the grand Magic Academy had thirty percent of the students, followed by the Martial Arts Academy with over twenty.
Alchemical and Theology were both around twenty as well.
The remaining ten percent? Split mostly between the History and Plant Studies Academy.
The History Academy had a slight edge, thanks to more opportunities for field experiences with mentors, which allowed for casual learning.
Plant Studies? Well, their popularity was as low as their student count because, let’s be honest, it’s mainly auxiliary magic!
Now, among this batch of potentially-super-students, one had chosen the utterly unpopular History Academy.
This… just doesn’t feel right!
Yuliya tilted her head. “Is there something wrong with the History Academy?”
“Not really, it’s just… I think with your talent, you’d shine brighter in the Magic Academy.”
Okor wasn’t about to outright say the History Academy was lacking, but deep inside, he couldn’t help comparing it to other academies.
You should totally join the Magic Academy!
Even if I don’t get to mentor you, I know other mentors will be fighting over you!
“If you choose the Magic Academy, I… I can talk to Euphilia about it. You’d probably love the Elven mentor.”
Yuliya could only smile awkwardly but politely.
“Okor, the Magic Academy is great, but I have plenty of chances to access magic elsewhere, and my interest in history is genuine—knowledge that I can’t find anywhere else. I came to Saint Felis Academy to fill gaps in my education.”
Which really meant she had her other magical self, and snagging both pieces of cake wouldn’t be fair. Better to go find some fun elsewhere!
“How about you consider the Theology Academy? You’re Human, and history is a bit lacking there too! Plus, I remember you joined the secret reading club, and there are many resources in the Theology Academy!”
“No, no, I love history!”
Okor was thoroughly speechless.
With such remarkable magical talent, she was looking to join the sub-group of the Theology Academy?
Fine, we’ll let that slide since it’s an extracurricular thing.
But now you’re telling me you want to dive headfirst into digging up dirt every day?
What a waste! Truly a waste!
Okor’s disappointment was palpable, but Yuliya thought for a moment and decided to offer some comfort. “Mentor, I’ll just check out the History Academy first. I won’t neglect my magic studies either. Besides, I can always switch later if it doesn’t feel right!”
“That’s true, but make sure to think it over carefully. You can visit first and transfer right away if it’s unsuitable!”
“Definitely, absolutely!”
Okor felt a bit better and even recommended three History Academy mentors to Yuliya.
As the class mentor, it was his job to help resolve student issues, and he wouldn’t skimp on that.
Since it was a classroom-style meeting, the atmosphere was pretty relaxed, allowing students to whisper to each other freely.
When they learned that Yuliya had chosen the History Academy, the other students were left gaping.
Some even asked their neighbors what was up with the History Academy.
Most hadn’t even tried the history class yet.
It seemed unnecessary to engage with something so clearly unpopular.
But now they wondered—could it be that the History Academy is secretly AMAZING? Did I miss the mark here?
Yet, after some exploration, they couldn’t help but sigh.
This is what “Excellence” looks like in a fresh student—her thoughts aren’t just different, she dares to walk on paths no ordinary person would dare to!
I’m just not that great; I’ll stick to one of the popular academies!
“Hey, Okor, did you just say you can talk to Euphilia for recommendations? I was wondering if I…”
“Cough, cough! Euphilia may have just joined the academy, but she’s a full-on Magic Professor and the head of the Classical School. She’s always super busy! Getting a meeting with her isn’t exactly a walk in the park.”
“…”
Wasn’t that just said as a possibility? Now it’s a whole different story!
A mentor’s words are as fickle as the wind!
But what can you do? Some people just have their privileges.
But Yuliya was more concerned about the latter part of Okor’s statement.
Busy every day?
Busy napping, I bet!
Look at Euphilia; her next class is all about magic, yet she’s totally snoozing!
On the other side, Euphilia suddenly opened her eyes and glanced at the time.
Hadn’t it only been ten minutes to class? Plus a twenty-minute break, that’s over half an hour of chill time!
What’s the rush?
So, she flopped back down to snooze some more.
Finally, when the class ended, Okor collected over twenty application forms.
Just like previous years, a small group of students had clear aims.
Most still aimed for the Magic and Martial Arts Academies, while a handful leaned towards the Theology Academy.
Those with clear goals generally set their eyes on these three academies.
The remaining students took more time to compare and contemplate their options.
But as he looked at the form on top, glaring at the bold “History Academy,” he let out a heavy sigh.
Sigh!
