Chapter 32 - Dean of Garden College

As Valeria started to walk to the gates, she looked back at Fang and waved her hand. “Come on!”

Fang followed her but couldn’t help but ask, “Valeria, I’ve heard that the admissions process for Garden College is extremely strict, and getting in another way than the application might be difficult, right?”

“Others might not be able to get direct admission, but we’re meeting a special man—the Dean of Garden College!”

Taken aback, he stared. “What?”

To become the dean of a famous school like this, one wouldn’t just have to be competent—they should be tremendously powerful. Although in the void, he had met ten masters, none had been able to display their full abilities. There was no pressure during that time. But now, out here in the world, he was about to meet someone who would be a true, dominant master. “Wouldn’t the dean be too busy? How would we meet him? Plus, his expectations would be beyond what I could achieve.”

She kept walking forward. “The dean and my father were close friends, and I know him personally. Two days ago, I arranged an appointment, so it’ll be fine.”

Nervously, Fang asked, “Wait, when I meet the dean, what should I do?”

Valeria shrugged. “It’s simple. Just show your energy level and the techniques that you know.”

Seeing her carefree attitude, Fang relaxed a bit.

After traveling through the empty hallways, they arrived in a spacious field instead of an office. A figure stood with his back facing them. Fang’s predictions were thrown into a loop; he expected a stalwart, big man giving off a strong aura, but instead, it was a diminutive person with his back slightly bent.

Hearing their footsteps, the dean turned towards them, and Fang almost laughed.

The old man had a balding head, small eyes, a big nose, and looked quite shabby. Though that wasn’t the defining feature, the swirled hooked beard particularly made him appear comedic.

Is this guy really the dean?

His tension disappeared as Valeria confirmed his suspicions. “Dean Rook, long time no see! Are you doing well?”

The old man snorted. “Well, do you think I’d fare well after having one of my brightest students give up and leave?”

From what Fang knew, it had been eight years since Valeria had left school, so he didn’t think the dean would hold that grudge. Maybe all masters were like this; he clearly remembered the crazy elders cramming information down his throat.

Unexpectedly, Valeria didn’t take offense and laughed instead. “Oh, dean, I hope you don’t dwell on that; it’s been so long. To make up for it, I brought a talented genius.”

“Genius?” He looked at Fang. “This guy?”

She nodded. “Yes, this is Fang.”

While the old man didn’t seem that powerful, Fang humbly greeted him. “Hello, Dean Rook.”

The old man didn’t respond, glancing at Fang with a single eye. Fang suddenly felt cold for a brief moment, as if the dean had examined his soul, but the feeling disappeared.

“Damn, Valeria, you recommend a 2nd grade intermediate!” In rage, he kept shouting. “Oh, you’re funny. If he’s talented, then everyone in Garden College is a talented genius!”

Just with a single glance, he saw my energy level!

Fang felt a bit ashamed, as he knew that this college had one of the highest standards of all the colleges.

Valeria looked unimpressed. “Yes, Fang is ‘only’ a 2nd grade intermediate. However, Dean, there’s one thing that you don’t know. Three months ago, he was only a novice.”

He widened his eyes. “What? Did he take three months to raise his level by two grades?”

She corrected him. “Specifically, two grades in two months, as only half a month ago Fang became a 2nd grade intermediate.”

Rook didn’t believe her. “How could there be such a fast practice speed? Even you and Yume couldn’t absorb energy at that monstrous speed. If you’re not lying to me, I must be stupid to have never heard of this.”

Valeria responded, “Well, you do have access to the country’s examination results. You could look up Fang, and you’ll see that I’m completely serious.”

Scrutinizing her eyes for any trace of doubt, Rook stared. “All right, I don’t believe that you’ve lied. So what?”

“Not just his practicing speed; his energy is quite explosive while demonstrating unusual capacity. Although he started later than others, he has unlimited potential and will make waves in this world sooner or later. I thought I’d be considerate and recommend him to you. If you don’t take him, it’ll be a loss for Garden College!”

Rook didn’t speak as Fang’s upgraded speed surprised him a little. He broke his silence and roared, “Attack me! Show me what you know!”

Attack the dean?

Fang turned to Valeria, and upon getting a thumbs up, he launched his energy and sent out a couple of Energy Balls while dashing to the side. It wasn’t all—thanks to his experience, he knew that his attacks should flow without giving the opponent a pause, so he instantly rushed and used Energy Devour.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Rook stood there, calmly watching as the energy dissipated completely a few meters away from him. There wasn’t even a trace of his energy. Fang helplessly retreated, seeing with awe that his assault yielded not even a single reaction.

After a bit of contemplation, the old man finally said, “Yes, for a 2nd grade intermediate, these fighting techniques show an incredible amount of power. As well, he even mastered Energy Devour, which is difficult for the students in this academy. Considering his skills, he might be able to match up to 5th or 6th grade intermediates!”

Valeria let out a small breath of relief. Rook was famous for his bluntness, but he thought highly of Fang—there was no question Fang would get admitted now.

The dean narrowed his eyes. “Valeria, did you give him an energy bath with high-quality materials?”

For most people, this would be a secret matter. However, this was a special scenario, and she trusted the dean, so she nodded. “Yes.”

“Though he was assisted with an energy bath, the practice speed shouldn’t be so fast…” Rook muttered, wondering at the same time.

If Valeria treated him with an energy bath and recommended him to Garden College, her goal must be the same. It had been a long time, but this stubborn child had never given up. Fang was her hope for revenge!

Considering this, I should grant her this favor and let him in, but now, it’s for a different reason. This kid is worth granting special admission to; his amazing potential will likely eclipse the college in the future.

Under the watchful eyes, the old man slowly nodded. “On the day of opening, arrive at Garden College not a second late!"