章 32: Chapter32-The First Batch of Core Members

Mia never would have imagined that the news she heard from Peggy would be like this!

Her brother, Dane, being taken to the Academic Affairs Office?

Since entering Crossbridge Academy, Mia's group had immediately noticed the academy's strict regulations.

Compared to Black Bear Town, Crossbridge Academy was paradise.

They were determined to stay here permanently and strictly follow all rules.

As for Dane, Mia knew her brother well; although he could be a bit mischievous, he'd never do anything that would get him expelled.

There had to be a misunderstanding.

"Peggy, what exactly happened? Dane wouldn't break the academy's rules," Mia asked seriously.

"I just heard it from others. Apparently, Dane offended someone who joined the academy last month… that's why he was taken to the Academic Affairs Office," Peggy explained, anxious to relay what she had learned.

"And the person Dane offended is supposedly related to the Academic Affairs Office Director. I'm afraid Dane won't be allowed to stay in Crossbridge Academy… and it might even affect the rest of us."

"No way, Crossbridge Academy wouldn't…" Mia started, though her voice grew uncertain.

They were from a small town near Riverside City and couldn't afford to provoke powerful figures there.

It was Rose who had saved them from the people of House Windwhisper, and Mia had a good impression of Crossbridge Academy because of her.

But just yesterday, Mia had overheard some troubling rumors about Crossbridge Academy, which had shaken her confidence.

Maybe these powerful forces in Riverside City were all the same?

Rose was probably an exception.

People from small towns like theirs were destined to be oppressed…

"Mia, maybe we could ask Miss Rose for help?" Peggy suggested.

But Mia shook her head, replying, "Miss Rose is also a student. How could she possibly go against the Academic Affairs Office Director's relative?"

After all, even if Rose was powerful and popular, she was still a student and not on the same level as the faculty.

So what could she do?

Mia sighed. "I'll go wait at the Academic Affairs Office and see if I can get that young master's forgiveness."

She regretted not preparing Dane for the reality of the world.

In a big place like Riverside City, powerful people could crush them with a snap of their fingers.

Mia quickly made her way to the Academic Affairs Office, with Peggy following behind.

This incident involved a student named Elwin.

He'd been part of Crossbridge Academy for a while and was related to the Academic Affairs Office Director, Rowan.

Elwin was known for his arrogance, often bullying newcomers.

This time, Dane had clashed with Elwin over a task and was captured and taken to the Academic Affairs Office.

When Mia reached the building, she saw a figure standing there.

"Mia, I think that's Elwin," Peggy whispered from behind her.

Hearing Peggy's words, Mia lowered her head and approached Elwin.

"Young Master Elwin, Dane… the one who offended you, is my brother. I promise to discipline him so he won't bother you again. Please show mercy…"

Just as she was apologizing, someone tugged on her sleeve. Mia turned to find it was Peggy.

"Mia, look…" Peggy whispered, indicating Elwin.

Mia looked up to see Elwin, who seemed like he'd been crying and was now looking at Mia with fear. Before Mia could process this, Elwin hurriedly spoke.

"I'm sorry. It was my fault. I shouldn't have bullied Dane…" he apologized, leaving Mia and Peggy puzzled.

At that moment, a voice called out, "Sister!" Mia turned to see Dane walking up from downstairs.

"Dane! Are you okay?" Mia hurried over, looking him over.

"Of course, I'm fine! I wasn't the one who broke academy rules, so this punishment has nothing to do with me," Dane replied nonchalantly, casting a mocking glance at Elwin. "Well, some people aren't so lucky… hehe."

Seeing Dane's carefree attitude, Mia's frustration flared. She slapped him lightly and then hugged him tightly.

"Do you know how worried I was about you? Don't ever do this again, okay? Not everywhere is like this academy…"

"Yeah, not everywhere is like this academy. But one day, students from Crossbridge Academy will make other places like it," a middle-aged man said as he walked over, looking at Dane with approval.

"Your brother is a good kid," he said.

"Thank you for the compliment, but he's far too prone to offending people," Mia replied humbly, then added worriedly, "I heard that Young Master Elwin is related to the Academic Affairs Office Director…"

The man laughed, "Haha… I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Rowan; you can call me Mentor Rowan. I am the Academic Affairs Office Director. And as for Elwin, I've never heard of him."

…

The incident with Dane shocked many of the students who had recently joined Crossbridge Academy!

Elwin's name was well-known to them.

They knew he claimed to have a connection to the Academic Affairs Office and had a reputation for bullying newcomers.

The new students, mostly from small towns near Riverside City or the frontier, didn't dare to resist.

But this time, the Academic Affairs Office had stood up for them, leaving them feeling encouraged!

Here at Crossbridge Academy, even ordinary students could be treated equally and feel a sense of fairness, which further fueled their enthusiasm for studying and advancing.

There was also a recent announcement about an academy tournament to select candidates for the Mistriver Realm.

Participation was restricted to students who were already at the academy and had experienced frontier training, excluding those who joined recently.

This essentially limited eligibility to the original cohort of over two hundred students.

When registration ended, the tournament began.

Although participation was restricted, there were no limits on spectators, so the new students could observe and clearly see the gap between themselves and those in the tournament.

Daniel watched a few matches when he had time.

The students who returned from the frontier were noticeably more mature. Though he still saw some flaws, their progress in such a short period was commendable.

The tournament selected twenty students in total. Rose, of course, was among them, dominating her matches with little opposition.

Daniel's nephew, Green, also made it in, though he struggled and even sustained some injuries.

The remaining students had all gained considerable insight and growth from their frontier experiences, making them stand out.

The twenty selected students gathered in Daniel's office.

Familiar with each of their faces, Daniel addressed them.

"I'll keep this brief. You're here because of the Mistriver Realm. From today on, I'll personally train each of you until the realm opens. No matter what you see during this period, don't panic. Keep your questions to yourselves and focus on improving your abilities. Prepare well for the secret realm."

"Rose, come with me. The rest of you, wait here."

As soon as Daniel finished speaking, he and Rose disappeared from the office, leaving the other students surprised but remembering his instructions to stay calm.

They obediently waited in the office, wondering what awaited them next.