Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Dean Constantine checked the pocket watch in his hand and took a small sip of the black tea beside him. The aroma of the tea filled the air, lending a tranquil and elegant air. He watched the chaotic scene before him calmly, his face showing no trace of emotion. Only then did he speak in a measured tone, "Stop!" The four senior knights returned to their original positions, their breathing was slightly labored, but their gazes remained resolute. However, each held a stack of student resumes in one hand while occasionally working the fingers of their free hand, their eyes filled with wariness as they looked at each other. They were like a pride of vigilant lions, ready to face any potential challenge at any moment.

Dean Constantine glanced at the few remaining resumes on the table—those of students with fewer kills, slightly poorer temperament assessments, or minor background issues. These were the leftover students, their futures filled with uncertainty. Yet, the dean had not given up on them; he believed that under the training of the Imperial Knight Academy, these students could also become outstanding talents.

"Starting from Class One, those who haven't reached twenty-five students, come forward and select students in order," the dean's voice rang out again, breaking the brief silence.

Five minutes later, everything was settled. The four class advisors left the office with the profiles of their future students, their steps firm and powerful, like envoys bearing a solemn duty. Only the dean and the grade dean remained in the office.

Dean Constantine finished his tea and gently set down the beautiful bone china cup. The crisp sound seemed like a period, marking the end of a phase. He then looked at Chris, "Freshmen will also take firearms training. In the future, they may easily defeat Formal Knights or low-level professionals with the help of firearms, but as students of the Imperial Knight Academy, I will not allow them to forget that their own strength is true strength."

Dean Constantine was very serious, his eyes revealing a firm conviction. Even with firearms, ordinary people could inflict damage comparable to professionals, but as the dean of the Imperial Knight Academy, Constantine would not relax his standards for student education because of this. The battles between the empire's military and the indigenous people of the colonies were not only direct frontal confrontations; they also involved various tricks and schemes, leaving no time to draw and fire guns. Moreover, some areas had special fields where weapons like gunpowder would fail. Thus, the dean scoffed at the idea of lowering graduation requirements. He deeply understood that only by continuously improving their own strength could students remain invincible in future wars.

"Rest assured, Dean, I will make those little ones understand that even with guns, if they themselves are not strong enough, they are still ants that can be crushed at will." Chris smiled slightly and bowed. Her voice was clear and pleasant, filled with confidence and determination. The riding suit's collar was cut rather low, and as she bowed, a tantalizing view was presented to old Constantine. The previously stern dean immediately couldn't take it, leaning back, covering his nose with both hands, and slumped down, feeling rather lightheaded.

Straightening up again, Chris tossed her beautiful blonde hair, revealing a charming and captivating smile. Her beautiful face was full of confidence and allure, like a blooming flower.

"Dong! Dong! Dong! Dong!"

At six in the morning, the bell tolled throughout the Imperial Knight Academy. The sound was clear and resonant, like a battle horn awakening the sleeping students. Evan immediately got out of bed, his movements swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation. He finished washing up, changed into clothes and shoes most suitable for activity—the clothes light and comfortable, the shoes sturdy and durable. He was like a warrior about to step onto the battlefield, fully prepared. Then, Evan rushed out of the room.

As he closed the door, Evan saw others leaving their rooms as well. Their faces bore a determined expression, like a group of warriors about to face a challenge. Evan nodded tacitly with them, saying nothing more, and quickly left the villa, merging into the flow of people. He headed toward the nearest large sports field he had scouted on the first day. The last page of the booklet Senior Anlu gave him yesterday had a handwritten list of essential knowledge for freshmen, the first item being morning runs at six every day (best to persist for the first month after school starts). Careful and perceptive students trusted the advice given by the senior in exchange for money. As for other freshmen who didn't buy the booklet, it depended on their self-discipline.

More and more people joined the morning run; besides most freshmen, there were also second-year students on campus. Their figures ran on the sports field, forming a beautiful scene. Four men who clearly were not students wandered around various sports fields on campus, occasionally jotting notes in the booklets in their hands. Their eyes were focused and serious, as if recording the students' growth and progress.

Evan ran on the circular track of the sports field, controlling his pace, moving forward at his most comfortable speed. The cool morning breeze brushed his face, making him feel refreshed and comfortable. Evan's smile grew brighter and brighter, his eyes filled with confidence and vitality. He didn't know if it was his imagination, but running here felt different; his blood seemed to boil more easily, and it was easier to get into the zone. He seemed to merge with the sports field, each step filled with power and passion.

Unconsciously, Evan ran for a full hour. At seven in the morning, Evan left the sports field, a trace of fatigue on his face but more so a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. He took a quick shower. The water felt like a clear spring, washing away the fatigue and sweat from his body. Changing into his school uniform and putting on his school badge, Evan went to the nearest cafeteria. The cafeteria was filled with the aroma of food, stimulating the appetite. Evan ate a free breakfast; though simple, it was nutritious. Holding his class schedule, Evan found the very Gothic-style teaching building. The building was tall and majestic, full of a mysterious aura. The first-year classes were on the first floor, and Evan was assigned to Class Two of the first year.

After confirming the class sign, Evan adjusted his bow tie and school badge once more. His movements were elegant and composed, as if performing a solemn ceremony. Then, Evan formally stepped into the classroom.

The classroom was very spacious, more than twice as large as a high school classroom from his previous life. Twenty-four desks and chairs were neatly dispersed in the classroom, with large intervals between seats; even swinging a sword at one's seat wouldn't disturb others. The desks and chairs were arranged in perfect order, like an army awaiting inspection. Over a dozen people had already arrived in the classroom; the window seats were all taken, and since the front row seats were under the teacher's direct gaze, no one had chosen them.

Evan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, his eyes revealing determination and confidence. He strode to the front row and directly chose the seat corresponding to the lectern. He was like a brave pioneer, daring to challenge a position others dared not try. After sitting down, he quietly waited for the teacher's arrival, his heart filled with anticipation and longing.