บท 68: Chapter 68: A New Man

Bridge suddenly was filled with nervous excitement. "What do we choose?"

"Well as you said, last names represent your roots. They can be derived from a hereditary occupation in your family. For example, if your father and your father's father and so on were all blacksmiths, at one point your family may have taken on a last name based on that, like Jack Smith."

Bridge looked awkward. "I don't think that would apply to us."

Kain nodded, "It can also be based off of the name of a prominent ancestor of yours. Like if you had a famous grandfather named John, you might pick the last name Johnson, to show you are descended from him."

"Still doesn't apply to us…is there a method of coming up with a last name that doesn't depend on knowing who your parents are?"

"I was getting to that. We can also pick a last name after a unique feature. For example, three of our empire's founders supposedly picked their last names based off of their gifts. Several legacy families also have last names based off the most common affinity inherited by their lineage. For example, while Heather Frost didn't awaken during the affinity ceremony, many members of her family supposedly have ice-attribute affinities"

Bridge began to nod, "I don't have a gift… but maybe I could pick a last name based on my affinity. Who knows, I may even end up guessing a last name the same as my birth parents!"

"We said we'd pick the same last name didn't we? I don't have a wolf affinity."

"Ahem…that's correct please continue."

"Another method is to base the last name after a prominent personal characteristic, physical or personality-wise, or some kind of aspiration. Supposedly, Founder Blackheart took on that last name after enemies of the kingdom began to call him black-hearted for his unwillingness to spare anyone in battle. Clearly, he took it as complement though"

"Hmm…are personalities are really different and we look nothing alike. I guess we could make a common last name based off of a goal we both share…but what?" Bridge pondered.

"Finally, a last name could be based off of where you're from. Which is the option I was thinking we should go with."

"Like Kain and Bridge Brightstar after Brightstar city? It could work... but it feels a little awkward to take the name of our city as our last name"

Kain's brow twitched in annoyance, "No. I was thinking in terms of the orphanage—New Beginning's Orphanage. We could take on the last name Newman. It's not that unusual of a last name, and it has meaning to us. Director Silas took us in and gave us a family, it makes sense to take our name from the orphanage we call home."

Seeing that Bridge was remaining silent with his head down, Kain thought he wasn't convinced so he continued, "It can also have an additional meaning that we are now embarking on new lives as beast-tamers at a top 5 college if you'd prefer."

Bridge raised his head with tears in his eyes, "No. I prefer the first meaning. We should have a last name based on our family. The members of the orphanage… do you…do you think the other members of the orphanage will also consider taking it as a last name?"

Kain smiled, "We can ask them when get back home."

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After they had filled out their registration packets, now with last names added, they went down to dinner with the celebratory atmosphere restored.

The cafeteria was much emptier since the majority of students had failed and then immediately left the city to head to another exam. Therefore, it was easy to spot the twins already seated and eating.

After filling their plates, they went over to them.

Thankfully as they ate they started to discuss some of what Kain missed during the information session earlier when he tuned out.

Kain already knew that all tuition fees at top 5 colleges were waived in appreciation for their being the Empire's greatest talent pool.

Additionally, they will receive a basic amount of school credits every month to provide food for their contracts. Each additional contract also comes with an increase in allowance.

However, some contracts have more rare nutritional needs, so students are encouraged to talk to the resource manager once school starts to see if the school can provide for any special needs.

That got Kain thinking. He probably won't have the time once school starts to go hunting continuously to feed Bea. However, he may be able to purchase the brains of high-level spiritual creatures.

While not as good as the fresh thing, it should be able to allow Bea to grow while saving him time from having to hunt himself.

Additionally, he finally found out one of the purposes for the entrance test ranking. Their room assignments once school starts will be dependent on their ranking.

Bridge looked sad at the prospect that he and Kain would not be neighbours or roommates. While Kain groaned. His roommate will likely end up being that blonde prince.

The twins giggled at his suffering.

"Don't worry. You won't have to share a room with him," Addison comforted him.

'Well, that's one relief.'

"Unlike the other students that have roommates and are separated into men's only and women's only dorms. The top 5 students of each year live in a separate co-ed building."

Aiden continued, "I heard that each floor in the building is for a separate year, so your room may not even be that close to his."

Kain was immediately excited, "Sweet! No wonder some of the students looked unhappy by their ranks. I wasn't expecting that kind of benefit"

"Apparently, there are even more benefits throughout the year to having a higher ranking. That's why the future ranking tests will be intense. People are desperate to even go up one spot in rank"

"I'm sorry, what?" Another ranking test? This is the first he's heard about this?!

Addison scoffed, "You didn't think the entrance test rankings were permanent, did you? Students will be re-ranked every three months."

"H-How are we re-ranked?"

"Of course, by battling one another 1 on 1. You better protect that number 1 spot well, because everyone in our year will be coming for it" She laughed in a somewhat threatening manner.

'I'm screwed'