Chapter 174: Orientation
Today was the day of the orientation, where the freshmen students would officially meet their instructors and learn about the path their education would take.
Alex found himself standing in a large clearing outside of the city, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of freshmen just like him.
The sun shone brightly overhead, casting a warm glow over the gathered crowd. A massive stage had been erected at the front of the clearing, where many figures were already standing.
These figures were the professors who would be in charge of the freshmen for the next year.
Alex stood near the front of the crowd, alone. Mira had gotten separated from him in the throng of students as they made their way over. He scanned the sea of faces, hoping to spot her, but there were simply too many people.
However he wasn't concerned one bit, as the two of them could just meet up again afterwards when the orientation ended.
'I wonder how this orientation will go,' Alex thought to himself. 'Though I'm not too bothered about what instructor I get assigned to.'
As the murmur of the crowd grew, a hush suddenly fell over the clearing.
The principal of the university suddenly appeared on stage, and his presence stunned the students into silence.
Alex's eyes widened in awe.
The principal was a very well known public figure, not just within the university, but throughout the entire federation. As the second strongest person in the federation, he was immensely powerful and respected.
He was also the very first S tier individual Alex had ever seen in person, and to top it off he was far stronger than the average S tier awakened as well. His interest in the principal only grew higher as he studied the mysterious man on stage.
The principal, a tall and imposing figure with an air of authority, stepped to the centre of the stage. He needed no microphone, injecting a tiny bit of energy into his voice, he began to speak, and every student and staff member in the large clearing could hear him crystal clear.
"Welcome, freshmen," he began, his voice resonating through the air.
"Congratulations on making it to our prestigious university. You are the best of the best, and we are here to ensure you stay that way."
The crowd listened intently, the weight of the moment sinking in.
Many students felt excitement, thinking 'This is where my rise to glory begins!'
Though most of the students thinking this were near the bottom of the ranking, or hadn't even made it on there.
The principal continued, "The purpose of this orientation is to introduce you to your instructors and to explain the course of your training. The decisions you make today will shape the next four years of your life, so choose wisely."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "Additionally, I am pleased to announce the formation of an elite class. Only the top 100 students will be granted access to this class, where you will receive personal tutoring from an instructor of your choice once per week, provided they agree.
This class will offer many benefits, including exclusive access to five C~B tier combat techniques from our library per month, not to mention many other beneficial resources for your training."
Alex's heart raced.
'An elite class? Personal tutoring? Exclusive combat techniques? This is incredible!'
He remembered his experiences with combat techniques, particularly the Phoenix Fury technique that had significantly enhanced his abilities. The thought of gaining access to more powerful techniques filled him with glee.
"Be wary though, as your position in the elite class can be taken away as easily as it is granted. If you should fall outside of the top 100, then the student who takes your place will also replace you in the elite class. So don't slack off." The principal warned.
The principal concluded his speech with a congratulatory message to those who had already made it into the top 100, then stepped aside. Another senior-looking professor took his place, ready to continue the orientation.
The professor, a stern-faced man with a no-nonsense demeanour, addressed the crowd. "General classes such as combat and theoretical studies will be up to you to attend. Each class will have thousands of students, so it's impossible for one professor to personally tutor every individual. Instead, you will practise your techniques and fight against each other.
If a professor sees a student they like, they may pay extra attention and provide personal guidance if you prove yourself worthy."
Alex nodded to himself, absorbing the information.
'It makes sense, with so many students, the professors can't possibly focus on everyone. It's a good thing I'm in the elite class.'
The professor continued, "Your success here depends on your dedication and effort. Take advantage of every opportunity provided to you, and don't be afraid to push your limits. Remember, you are here to become the best."
Alex glanced around, noticing the ferocious expressions of the students around him. Each one of them glanced at him from time to time, looking like they wanted to tear him apart and take his spot in first place on the rankings.
"Go back to your dorms and await further instruction, you will be notified of your instructors and schedules within the next hour."
Finally, the orientation drew to a close.
Alex made his way through the crowd, heading towards his dorm. He was lost in thought.
'I wonder where Mira is?'
As he walked, his communicator buzzed with a notification. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen.
[Congratulations, Alex. You have been officially accepted into the elite class!]
The message continued with more details, which the principal had already mentioned on the stage.
But it was a given that Alex would make it to the elite class, considering he was in first place…