Chapter 220: Representative’s Speech A lot of people had been expecting it. After all, he was the son of the Sword Saint. It was only natural that he would stand as the Representative of the First Years. Still, a number of students especially the older ones found it hard to imagine him as a scholar. A handsome young man, sharp-minded, talented with a blade and could even use magic? He had already shook the world and... he was interested in books too? That felt like too much perfection rolled into one. Azel cleared his throat as he took a deep breath next to the microphone. "I’m glad you’ve all come today," Azel began, his voice carrying across the massive hall, "to see the new batch of First Years welcomed into Astralis." The first line was simple, but it quieted the restless hearts in the audience. He looked out at the faces before him — nervous First Years like himself, smug upperclassmen, and even his professors. "We’ve all fought our way here. The entrance exams weren’t easy. Every one of us knows the sweat and pain we poured into reaching this stage. For some of you, it was long nights of study. For others, it was the clash of weapons and the strain of combat. No matter the path, we all arrived here as equals." Azel continued. "But let me tell you something important: getting into Astralis was the first step. The true journey begins now. Ahead of us lies challenge after challenge, trial after trial. The academy is not child’s play, it requires will, you cannot move forward without putting in the effort." He glanced at the older students, his tone respectful. "And we have guides. To our seniors — the Second and Third Years, I offer respect. You’ve endured what we have yet to face. You carry the lessons of experience, and I hope we, the new First Years, can learn from you, whether in battle or in life. To our professors, we offer gratitude. You chose this path not for yourselves, but to sharpen us into the weapons and shields the Empire will one day need. And to the Principal—" he turned slightly, nodding toward Dorian Astralis, "... thank you for building a place where talent can rise without chain or shackle." It was a good speech. Even the skeptical professors found themselves nodding along. A few second-years softened their expressions, reminded of the fire they themselves once had. But Azel wasn’t finished. He let the silence hang for a moment. Then his tone shifted, and a confident smile made it’s way onto his handsome face. "And yet..." he said slowly, "for all of this respect, for all of this admiration... I stand here as the Representative. That means something. It means I earned the right to stand before you. Through strength and effort and also through being stronger than every other First Year." "So here’s my message to my peers," Azel declared. "If any of you believe you deserved this position more than me... if you think your strength, your mind, or your will can surpass mine, then come. Challenge me. The Representative’s jacket isn’t given... it’s taken. If you can take it from me, then it’s yours. Of course you’ll have to pay for the challenge though..." There were gasps... "But let me save you some disappointment. You won’t beat me. Not now, not tomorrow, not even when you’ve grown stronger. Because I’m not just ahead of you... I’m running faster than you can imagine. Every step I take, I widen the gap. And yet..." He paused again, his gaze sweeping the hall, falling on the First Years one by one. "That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. In fact, I want you to. I want you to come at me with everything you have. Fail a hundred times if you must. Because in that failure, you’ll find growth. And in chasing me, in trying to catch up to me, you’ll discover just how far you can go." The hall was silent for a moment then erupted. Claps rang out, followed by whistles and cheers. Some First Years cheered simply because he had lit a fire in them. Others cheered out of anger, already vowing to prove him wrong. And then there were the girls and even some boys who threw pink flower petals toward the stage, their admiration plain to see. Azel allowed himself a brief breath of relief as he stepped back from the microphone. [Ding] [Hidden Mission Completed] [Give a Heartfelt speech as the First Year Representative] [Rewards are being distributed] [Healing Pill Formula x1] ’Guess those nights of studying speeches paid off,’ he thought exhaustedly. He had gone through countless drafts, reread the speeches of former representatives, and even rewritten entire paragraphs until his head ached. But judging by the roaring applause, it had been worth it. Even the cocky part at the end — they’d loved it. The Principal, Dorian Astralis, returned to the microphone once the noise dulled. "Thank you, Representative Thorne," he said, his voice carrying a tone of approval. "And now, unlike last year, I must introduce a new body within the academy. A committee established to uphold order, enforce rules, and ensure the safety of every student. I speak of the Disciplinary Committee." His words drew curious murmurs from the audience. "Everybody here entered Astralis through the same trials. There was no cheating, no favoritism. Therefore, do not think to use your noble identity to oppress or force commoners into submission. Any who try will face dire consequences. That is the purpose of this committee." He gestured. Smoke unfurled across the stage, swirling into the shape of five figures. As it cleared, the crowd saw them. They were five young women, each clad in fitted black uniforms. Azel blinked. He had been expecting the disciplinary committee to appear any moment from now but there were some new faces. The first was Eliana. His eyes narrowed slightly in surprise. He hadn’t seen her in a while, but she was unmistakable. Her cold, spiteful stare met his, and he felt a jolt of confusion. What had he done to offend her? He couldn’t remember. The second face he recognized shocked him even more... Charlotte. Yes, Charlotte, the self-proclaimed fortune-teller, scammer, and troublemaker. How in the world had someone like her gotten into this? "These students," Principal Dorian continued, "are all Second Years. They are the most honest, disciplined, and reliable among their peers. That is why they were chosen to enforce order, and they will work directly under the Student Council. While you may have doubts about Eliana due to her stunts, she’ll be under strict guidance by the Committee." Azel glanced at Charlotte again. She noticed and grinned slyly at him, as though daring him to laugh. ’Most honest?’ he thought grimly. ’Charlotte is anything but.’ Still, he kept his mouth shut. He had no desire to cause a scene. The Principal raised a hand, drawing the attention of the crowd once more. His expression softened slightly, and he spread his arms wide. "Now then... I officially welcome the First Years to Astralis Academy. May you find strength, wisdom, and purpose here. I hope you enjoy your time in these halls." The ceremony was complete.