Chapter 55: Unique Inner Academy
"Welcome, welcome, welcome, esteemed newcomers." Slowly emerging from the palace gates was a middle-aged man. He wielded no tools, yet his voice resounded like a solemn bell echoing across the small square.
Upon seeing a teacher arrive, over twenty individuals stood straight, fearing to display any semblance of negligence.
"Ah, most have arrived," the teacher nodded slightly. "I have no formalities to convey. Unlike the exterior chambers, there won't be someone standing atop a platform for hours on end, delivering pleasantries."
The teacher's words were succinct indeed.
"Amongst you, there are individuals ranging from first-rate to ninth-rate, creating a complete imbalance in prowess. However, I pay no heed to such distinctions, for I am merely your instructor for the day, a guide and coordinator. Firstly, I shall swiftly lead you through a tour of the Inner Academy, then inquire about your aspirations."
"The management system within the Inner Academy starkly contrasts with the exterior. While outside, classes consist of several dozen students led by a few fixed teachers, here we embrace a more relaxed governance. There are no classes or fixed instructors within the Inner Academy. Each student constitutes an independent entity, free to select their curriculum and study venue. I shall distribute to each of you a dossier detailing when and where each instructor will conduct their sessions."
"I understand your curiosity regarding the loose management within the Inner Academy," the middle-aged teacher smiled at the students' puzzled expressions. "It's because we lack the time to micromanage you youngsters. Our time is precious, and do not assume all interior instructors are full-time. For us, teaching is merely incidental. Hence, you may encounter situations where a teacher misses several consecutive classes."
The interior instructors were truly authoritative, issuing a direct notice to the students: "Our classes are not a plea for your attendance. Whether you choose to attend or not is of no concern to us."
Such was the demeanor of seasoned professionals!
"You are all the cream of the exterior chambers, possessing remarkable self-discipline. Hence, we can comfortably adopt a loose management approach, as you are all capable of self-regulation, and we shall not intervene." The middle-aged teacher now adopted a somewhat authoritative tone. "My name is Toulouz, a seventh-grade warrior proficient in horsemanship and spear combat, with a decent understanding of dual-handed swords and single-handed swords as well."
"Toulouz, the Vice Principal!" exclaimed someone from the crowd, evidently recognizing Toulouz's identity.
"Yes," Toulouz nodded slightly, saying no more. After all, within the Sacred Heart Academy, there were many who knew his name, but few who had seen his true appearance.
"You may peruse the materials at your leisure later on. After all, you are yet unaware of the duration of your stay within the Inner Academy. However, I must caution you that while there are no examinations within the Inner Academy, do not rejoice too soon. All instructors reserve the right to administer their own assessments during regular intervals. If over one-third of your completed courses result in failure, I regret to inform you that you will be expelled from the Inner Academy."
Upon hearing this, some breathed a sigh of relief. In all examinations within the exterior chambers, which student did not nearly achieve full marks each time? The Inner Academy' requirements seemed remarkably low—only those with a failure rate exceeding one-third faced elimination.
"Do not celebrate prematurely, for the assessments crafted by interior instructors are... hmm... peculiar, perhaps not conventional exam questions, but rather tasks requiring practical application. In summary, do not underestimate the interior instructors." Vice Principal Toulouz turned back. "Furthermore, avoid conflicts with the instructors; they possess the authority to expel you. Most instructors have peculiar temperaments, so strive to maintain amicable relations. As interior instructors do not handle administrative affairs, such matters are overseen by the Student Autonomous Management Committee, and it's unwise to clash with them."
"Lastly, each year, the Inner Academy welcome not only students from the exterior chambers but also promising individuals recruited from external sources. Do not underestimate them, as they may hold you in even lower regard."
Some exceptionally gifted individuals might find themselves enrolled in the Sacred Heart Academy without having delved into magic, becoming interior chamber students unwittingly. Whether from innate talent or combat prowess, they far surpassed those selected from the exterior chambers.
"Alright, come inside," Toulouz opened the palace doors.
Radiant colors, golden embellishments, even the walls were coated with layers of gold, while the sculptures were adorned with exquisite gemstones. The marble floor gleamed, reflecting the palace's dome and the figures of Toulouz and his entourage.
Magnificent, the only words fitting to describe this grandeur. The vast palace echoed only with the footsteps of Toulouz's group, while faint strains of music wafted from somewhere within.
"This palace held no special significance during its construction; it was merely a whim of the builders. However, it now serves as a venue for certain student societies within the Inner Academy. These societies require nothing more than a room to conduct their activities." That such a splendid palace was born out of a whim and now serves as a venue for student societies underscores the economic prowess of the Sacred Heart Academy!
This also accentuates the distinction in treatment between interior and exterior chamber students.
"You may also join these societies. However, the manner of joining depends entirely on you. I must inform you that the societies within the Inner Academy differ vastly from those outside. External societies actively recruit members to earn society fees, whereas interior societies do not. Nevertheless, the society you join will become a vast network of contacts for you in the future."
Those admitted to the Inner Academy were prodigies. In the future, these individuals would undoubtedly become influential figures in the Roland Continent. The relationships forged within the academy would wield significant influence in the years to come.
Next, Toulouz led the students on a tour of the library and various teaching communities. Most doors remained tightly shut, opening only at specific times for instruction by the teachers.
Each student's dormitory consisted of a standalone structure, imbued with the architectural style of the Sheng Luo Empire. Of course, students could choose to share a dormitory, as there were no restrictions within the Inner Academy.
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