Chapter Fifty-Six: The Quota for Matching

In truth, Dallas Academy had long since decided to offer Luo Chen a guaranteed admission; it was a decision made alongside the use of beauty as a lure to recruit Shi Feng. Their investigations had revealed that Luo Chen was not only Shi Feng’s roommate but also his closest friend. The two of them lived together in the old tower at Winston Academy and enjoyed a bond of unwavering loyalty.

Although it was by no means certain that Shi Feng would change his decision simply because of this bargaining chip, Dallas Academy was determined to pursue any measure that could increase their odds of winning him over. To that end, they had gathered a considerable amount of information about Luo Chen. Yet, Luo Chen’s unexpected performance during the end-of-month assessments made such an impression that, even setting aside his connection to Shi Feng, the academy decided to list him among the candidates for guaranteed admission. While other academies were busy courting top students like Ellie and Kevin, Dallas Academy sought out Luo Chen first, hoping to secure his agreement without delay.

"Guaranteed admission?" Luo Chen was astonished. He had never imagined that such good fortune might come his way. No wonder Henry’s attitude had shifted so dramatically; in his eyes, any student accorded such an offer naturally gained a new measure of importance.

Julie smiled. "That’s right, Luo Chen. If you accept our guaranteed admission, Dallas Academy will waive both your tuition and accommodation fees. In addition, we promise to place you in the best honors class, grant you access to the finest training facilities, and allow you three free sessions per week in the gravity chamber."

Luo Chen’s heart skipped a beat. The offer was simply too generous—waived tuition and accommodation alone would save him a considerable sum, and three weekly sessions in the gravity chamber was equally enticing. After all, using the gravity chamber was almost as costly as burning money.

For a money-minded person like Luo Chen, financial considerations were paramount; the promise of an honors class, in comparison, barely registered.

Julie saw at once that Luo Chen was tempted and pressed her advantage. "Luo Chen, even if you manage to enter Blue Emperor Academy, at best you’ll be admitted to an ordinary class with little attention paid to you. Diligence is essential, of course, but without a mentor’s special guidance, your path will be much more arduous. If you accept our offer, however, you will join the honors class, and as a student of your caliber, our mentors will take special care of you. Your future achievements might well rival those of a Blue Emperor student."

Julie spoke the truth. In the ancient days, there was a saying: "Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix." The benefits of being the leading figure were numerous. For that reason, many talented students sometimes preferred to accept guaranteed admission from a lesser academy, for at Blue Emperor, they might remain unnoticed among the sea of talent, while elsewhere, they could shine in the spotlight, garnering prestige and attention.

Henry chimed in, "Mentor Julie and Dallas Academy are sincerely making you an offer, Luo Chen. Think it over carefully—guaranteed admission is a privilege few receive, and it would be a pity to let it slip by."

"Well..." Luo Chen hesitated. His first choice was naturally Blue Emperor Academy, but there was no certainty he would be admitted there. Even if he were, the conditions would hardly match what Dallas Academy was offering.

Noticing the envious looks from many classmates, the homeroom mentor of Class Five, the old witch Donna, felt a surge of irritation. Wasn’t this all just a guaranteed spot at a second-rate academy? What was there to fuss about? Just wait—when Ellie and Joanna from her class received guaranteed admission to Blue Emperor Academy, that would be something to marvel at.

The thought that two of her students might simultaneously be offered places at Blue Emperor brought a smile to the old witch’s face. She intended to prove to the academy that her teaching methods were correct and that she was the most qualified candidate for the position of grade director. At that moment, she saw Peter approaching, passing by Class Four and heading straight for Class Five. Her heart leaped—Peter, the leader of Blue Emperor Academy’s admissions team, had come in person to discuss guaranteed admission for Ellie and Joanna. This was truly a moment of pride. Then again, it was not surprising; after all, Class Four only had Kevin, while her own Class Five boasted two top students.

The old witch broke into a smile and stepped forward. "Director Peter, hello—"

"Hello, Mentor Donna," Peter replied, nodding politely before continuing past her and heading straight to Class Six. There, he stopped and said, "Pardon me, Mentor Julie, but our Blue Emperor Academy admissions team has decided to match Dallas Academy’s offer and grant Luo Chen a guaranteed place!"

At these words, everyone was stunned. Blue Emperor Academy had set aside its usual reserve and offered guaranteed admission to a Level Four psionic student—an unprecedented move! Donna could hardly believe her ears. Peter must have lost his mind. How could he ignore her own two top students and offer a place first to Luo Chen from Class Six?

Ordinarily, Blue Emperor Academy was so confident in its own prestige and so concerned with maintaining its elite reputation that it seldom used guaranteed admission offers to compete for students, unless the student in question was an extraordinary case like Shi Feng.

Class Five was right next to Class Six, so Joanna also heard Peter’s words and was dumbfounded. She had hoped Luo Chen would manage to gain admission to Blue Emperor through his own efforts, but now he had surpassed all expectations—the academy was offering him a guaranteed spot.

"Luo Chen," Peter said, "I admire the way you have overcome adversity as a special admittee and persevered to achieve today’s results. Blue Emperor Academy has always favored students of determination and strong will."

Peter, a seasoned veteran, offered this official explanation for the matched admission. But everyone present understood the real reason—countless students worked hard, so why choose Luo Chen, if not for his special circumstances?

Peter continued, "Furthermore, on behalf of Blue Emperor Academy, I can promise to waive your tuition and accommodation fees." This was the best offer Blue Emperor could extend to Luo Chen. With his current Level Four psionic ability, he could not possibly be placed in the honors class.

Julie’s expression changed slightly. With Blue Emperor matching the offer, Dallas Academy’s hopes all but vanished.

With such an offer from Blue Emperor, Luo Chen’s decision was beyond question. He was about to accept when Henry cleared his throat and said, "Luo Chen, since both academies are interested in you, perhaps you should take a few days to consider carefully which one is the better fit. There are still ten days before the graduation exams, so there’s no need to rush."

Jason agreed, "That’s right, Luo Chen; choosing an academy is no trivial matter, so don’t be too hasty."

Both men knew full well that Luo Chen was almost certain to choose Blue Emperor Academy. But since Julie was present, if Luo Chen accepted Blue Emperor’s offer without a second thought, Dallas Academy would lose face. Even if only for appearances’ sake, they needed to drag things out for a few days.

Though Luo Chen was not as smooth and worldly as Henry and Jason, he noticed his homeroom mentor’s meaningful glance and went along with it. "Thank you both for your consideration," he said, "but I’d like a few days to think it over before giving you my answer. Is that all right?"

"Of course," they replied.

Julie sighed, knowing that Luo Chen’s guaranteed admission was now all but lost, and promptly took her leave to focus her efforts elsewhere. Peter permitted himself a barely perceptible smile, then moved on to Class Five to continue discussions with Ellie and Joanna about their offers.

The old witch was deeply displeased. Her class produced two students worthy of guaranteed admission, both ranking among the top five in the entire grade, yet the first spot from Blue Emperor Academy went to Luo Chen from Class Six.

And to think that this boy—who had nearly cost her prized student Ellie her life—was nothing more than a newly advanced Level Four psionic warrior!