Chapter 69: Chapter 69: A Fifth-Realm Freshman! The Out-of-Control Liam
No one expected that a freshman ceremony, an event for the entire academy, would really be delayed because one person hadn't arrived. Among the freshmen, there wasn't much concern, but the senior students were visibly annoyed.
"Seriously? Late on the first day? This freshman chief sure is arrogant," one senior grumbled.
"Who is this guy? If he can't show up on time, just start without him. This is so disrespectful," another added.
"I've heard about him. Apparently, the freshman ceremony was delayed for two days because of him. Not sure what kind of big shot he is," a senior remarked.
All around the stands, the senior students were complaining loudly. It was often like this—"seniors" always felt they had the upper hand when dealing with "newbies."
In a shaded corner, a few seniors sat together, one of them calmly speaking up, "Well, he's got skills. Didn't that freshman assessment have a god's descent? Apparently, he fought and even made significant contributions."
A guy wearing flip-flops next to him added, "I heard about it too. They're saying all sorts of things about this kid, with different versions flying around. Who knows what's true?"
"Freshman chief, huh? He's definitely a genius. If you've got the talent, you're bound to have some arrogance. It's the same every year."
"But each year, the freshman chief gets schooled in the challenge matches, coming out with their tail between their legs," the flip-flop guy laughed, recalling his own time as a freshman, feeling invincible and then getting a reality check.
"Yeah, a rite of passage. Who didn't think they were a genius back then?"
"So, you're gonna be the one to teach this year's freshman chief a lesson?" another senior joked.
"Alright, I'll take him on this time. Haha, I've been here three years. It's kind of unfair, though," the flip-flop guy laughed.
As the students whispered among themselves, Cain was also feeling frustrated. How could Liam really be this disrespectful? From what he remembered, Liam wasn't that kind of person. What was going on? Using his abilities, he sent a message directly to Sophia's ear:
"What's up with him? Didn't he promise to come back? Why isn't he here yet?"
Sitting in a corner of the venue, Sophia couldn't help but hold her forehead in frustration. She had no idea what was going on either. She couldn't reach Liam and had no clue what he was up to.
Just then, a figure appeared in the distant sky, speeding toward the ceremony. All the students immediately tensed, with some even standing up. They all knew that unless it was someone with inherent flight abilities, like Lila, flying was a skill reserved for those in the Fifth Realm and above.
The Fifth Realm was a significant achievement, the level of academy teachers or specialized elite fighters. The flying figure was zigzagging through the air, diving and climbing erratically, almost like someone flying under the influence.
Given this strange flight pattern, people rationally assumed that the person must be injured and was rushing to report an urgent issue to the dean. Had something happened at the Eastern Academy? Many knew the world might be on the brink of chaos, but no one expected it to come this quickly.
For a brief moment, they thought they could hear the person shouting something, but it was unclear.
As the figure got closer, they finally made out the words.
"Make way! Make way! I can't control it!"
"Can someone help me out? I'm afraid I might crash into you!"
Ever since learning he could fly, Liam hadn't been able to stop practicing. He was constantly trying to get the hang of it. Although Sophia had told him he'd master it in a week or two, Liam was impatient. The feeling of soaring through the air was entirely different from being on the ground, almost like moving from a two-dimensional space to a three-dimensional one.
Today was no different. He flew and flew until he lost track of time, drifting far away and forgetting about the ceremony. The journey back was quite a distance, which led to the current scene.
Boom!
He crash-landed directly onto the podium, kicking up a cloud of dust. Luckily, the area was spacious enough to avoid hitting anyone else. All the students stared at him anxiously, wanting to know what had happened.
As the dust settled, Cain walked up with a smile, facing the students.
"Well, looks like everyone's finally here. Next time, be mindful of the time, okay?"
"Since our freshman chief has arrived, let's officially start this year's freshman ceremony!"
??!!!
This is a student? Not a combat officer?!
He's the freshman chief? He's still just a freshman?!
A Fifth-Realm freshman? Are you kidding? Why does he even need to attend the academy? Shouldn't he go straight into a superhuman organization?!
Liam apologized to Cain and then found a chair to sit in, signaling the start of the freshman celebration. Meanwhile, the senior students watching from the sidelines were clearly on edge.
This year's freshman chief seems a bit too much to handle.
"So, what do you think? Are you still going to teach the freshman chief a lesson?" one of the previously chatting seniors asked the flip-flop guy.
"Uh... cough, cough, never mind, I was just kidding…" he replied.
The freshman ceremony proceeded smoothly, with Cain mainly addressing the academy's conditions and his hopes for the students' futures. Soon, it was time for the outstanding students from the direct admissions assessment to receive their rewards.
Liam's turn came quickly. When the staggering amount of his reward was announced, everyone gasped. This freshman chief must be the academy's favorite, giving him so much! However, considering his terrifying Fifth-Realm power, no one dared to voice any complaints, not even a hint of jealousy. The gap was just too vast.
"Alright, now it's time for our freshman chief to give his speech," Cain announced.
Liam had planned to leave after collecting his rewards, but Cain grabbed him, pulling him back. With the microphone thrust into his hand, Liam had no choice but to speak, albeit a bit awkwardly.
"Hello, everyone. I don't really have much to share. Everyone has their own training pace, and most of my success is down to luck."
"I'm mainly here today because Dean Mo told me I'd only get my rewards at the ceremony. If I didn't show up…"
"Cough, cough!!" Cain, standing next to him, coughed loudly and glared at Liam.
Are these the kinds of things you say here?!
Liam quickly changed the subject, saying, "Ah, actually, everyone should work hard to improve their abilities. Don't waste your talents. The stronger you are, the more valuable you'll be. It's also easier to make money, and, um…"
"Cough, cough, cough!" Cain started coughing uncontrollably, almost like he had a chronic cough.
But Liam seemed to be on a roll, now completely lost in his own speech. "Also, not long ago, I took on a job. They promised three million as a reward, and Dean Mo said if I did well, thirty million wouldn't be out of the question."
"But I don't think I've seen that money yet, so I'd like to ask about that…"
Listening to this unprecedented freshman chief speech, every student and teacher, without exception, was left dumbfounded!
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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