101. The First to Arrive on the Scene and Eat Melons Was Li Aozi
Since they both appeared to be Tanasian, they chatted all the way, and got along quite well.
"By the way, Leoz, do you know our school's course schedule?"
"I know a bit," Li Aozi replied. Truth be told, he wasn't too familiar, since he had never actually attended a university. "It can't be anything other than the credit system, right? Complete courses, pass exams, earn credits, gather enough, and you can graduate."
"That's more or less correct, but there's something different about our school."
Hobbs spoke mysteriously:
"You've seen it yourself. Besides us commoners who got in by grades, most of the students here are either rich or powerful. With such a batch of people, if you were the school administration, how would you evaluate them?"
Li Aozi's prosthetic head wasn't capable of showing expressions, so he casually replied:
"If it's an exam, just take the exam. What else is there to do?"
"Hey! Look at you. If it were that easy, we wouldn't even need to discuss it."
Hobbs chuckled lightly:
"The school is under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not the Ministry of Education, for exams and graduation. So guess what? Terrivila doesn't even have a Foreign Affairs Department. These students practically have no direct authority overseeing them."
Li Aozi gave a brief "oh"—it wasn't enough to catch his interest.
"Our exams are quite special. They're not just about credits; they also include club activities and practical lessons—but our practical lessons aren't just workshops."
Hobbs explained:
"During our first year, we all take courses in a large classroom, but starting in the second year, each of us chooses our own workshop and mentor. The mentor decides, based on your grades and performance, whether you're eligible to graduate."
"Doesn't sound much different."
"The difference lies in the workshops at our school." Hobbs smiled, "Our workshops are more like a teacher leading students in an enterprise, conducting research while also producing goods. But since our school caters to allies and foreign friends, core technical workshops aren't open."
"So, our workshop courses are all just for show?"
"Quite the opposite. My workshop doesn't involve mass production but instead focuses on handmade, intricate craftsmanship. Instead of competing in production, it's more like artistic competition, and the ranking in these competitions affects your final graduation results."
Ah.
Li Aozi understood now.
It turns out, while students at other schools study and work part-time, they study and compete here.
"In this system, if something goes wrong, the school can cleanly shirk responsibility, saying it's just students competing and competing among themselves."
Hobbs's eyes lit up, "Exactly! You hit the nail on the head! They're all royal nobles, and nobody wants to handle them. Better let the students fight it out themselves."
"Given this," Li Aozi naturally pondered what it meant, "I imagine competition among students would be pretty intense..."
"Competition starts in the first year, or rather, the moment you step onto campus. First-year club activities and academic performance directly determine future workshop mentors' evaluations of you."
Hobbs said:
"I did my homework and researched the school's rules and regulations. Got a bit of insight—what do you say, Leoz, buddy? Shall we team up, considering we're compatriots?"
Li Aozi shook his head, "Let's see. I don't like getting involved in this kind of thing. I'm content with just getting a diploma."
Hobbs wasn't surprised at Li Aozi's attitude. Sooner or later, he would understand just how fierce the competition at this school was.
After all, this was White Candle Star, the highest institution of the Crystal Tower civilization—getting in was easy, but graduating was hard.
"No problem, let's exchange contacts and keep in touch."
It never hurt to know more people.
"No problem."
Li Aozi glanced at the ring on Hobbs's left hand.
He was a bit curious about it, but it was best for him not to use Omega Energy for now. If he kept interacting with Hobbs, he might get a chance to find out more.
[What exactly is that? A mimic beast? An illusion demon? No, it could also be some kind of new equipment—but what kind of equipment could have such an effect? Even Jenia, that kind of divine artifact, couldn't do this...]
As Li Aozi fell into thought, the two of them crossed a long stone bridge, reaching the main gate of the School of Applied Magic.
The weather was cold today, and mist was gathering on the bridge, making the towering castle appear even more mysterious. Light blue magical patterns danced in the air like ribbons in the wind. Students and teachers passing by all wore robes of various colors.
In the interstellar era, wizards had also kept up with the times. Apart from some old-timers insisting on wearing long flowing robes, most people's attire was more like uniforms. Male wizards mostly wore dark jackets, light-colored vests, and belted trousers, with emphasis on belt buckles and ties. For the older ones, it was often a trench coat-style robe.
The female wizards, on the other hand, had a wider variety—more conservative ones wore pants and capes, while those from the city sported anything from business attire and evening gowns to sportswear. White and black stockings were everywhere, and the youthful female wizards were obviously more endearing than the witches from the outside world. Despite the diverse cultural backgrounds, the standard of beauty was quite consistent, and many male students found themselves unable to move, just staring.
But for Li Aozi and Hobbs, the castle was far more interesting than the pretty female classmates.
"Wow, as expected of a top institution—this mist-shrouded castle built on a swamp is truly serene and magnificent."
Hobbs sighed.
At the next moment, a raucous noise erupted nearby.
"Lucite Kaostro! Are you ever going to stop? Following me all the way to university is bad enough, but even chasing me here to White Candle Star—aren't you ashamed of disgracing your home planet?"
"Me stalking you? Don't flatter yourself, Beizhong Guiming! Do you really think you're some kind of peerless beauty? I earned my place at this university, unlike someone who threatened to commit suicide to force her brother to give up his spot."
"Slander! Lies! Lucite, you reincarnated idiot of nine generations—you truly are vile. I was just messing around while saying goodbye to my family, and you spread rumors that I threatened to kill myself! Everyone, look—this is Lucite Kaostro from Ravins Star, a liar with venomous words!"
The argument escalated, and more and more people gathered around, even blocking the traffic.
They had just praised the tranquility of the surroundings, and yet chaos had erupted so quickly—it left Hobbs speechless.
"Looks like we can't get through." Hobbs said, exasperated, "Ozzy, buddy, do you think we can even get our textbooks before dinner?"
Flying spells were still a bit challenging for new students, and Li Aozi had no desire to stand out.
"Let's go take a look."
Li Aozi wasn't one for idle talk. Instead of being stuck here, he chose to move forward. Thanks to his sturdy physique, he cut his way through the crowd. With Li Aozi leading, they soon reached the inner circle of the argument.
There, a pair of alien men and women with slimy skin and catfish-like whiskers were in a heated confrontation. Both were glaring daggers at each other, their glowing yellow eyes indicating they wished to tear each other apart.
The female appeared elegant, with hardly any alien features. Her human form was highly refined, and she looked like a beautiful, well-dressed noblewoman.
In contrast, the male's appearance was rugged—tall and muscular, with black-and-white armor and fin-like protrusions, and slightly red eyes. He looked like a merman that hadn't fully evolved.
The outwardly attractive female spewed venomous words, while the male maintained composure, calmly responding to every accusation:
"I'll say it again, Miss Beizhong Guiming, I never intended to bother you, and we have nothing to do with each other. You're the one slandering me."