“Hello, fellow junior brothers and sister. I am your senior brother Stanley Thompson. This year’s orientation is my responsibility. Truly, I am very, very happy to welcome you. Our Rune Academy hasn’t had any new students for several years now.” Stanley Thompson said with emotion, looking at the three of them with great satisfaction. In fact, although soul spirits are rare, there are still some every year. Unfortunately, nowadays, soul spirits are not very willing to join the ranks of rune masters, and besides, the elite path of the Judgement Sanctuary across the way is even more attractive.

　　At the side, Note hesitated, but still raised her small hand. “Senior brother, may I ask a question?”

　　Stanley Thompson smiled slightly. “If you want to ask something, just say it. Studying runes is different from other professions. The path is lonely, so you’ll need to help and support each other in the future.”

　　“Senior brother, how old are you?”

　　“Me? Let me think. I completed the third-order rune at forty-three and became a full rune master. Five years have passed since then, so I’m forty-eight this year.” As he said this, a rare trace of pride and satisfaction appeared on Stanley Thompson’s face.

　　Old Walker was nervous. Forty-eight looks like sixty-eight—studying runes really takes a toll. I need to revise my settings when I get back.

　　“Senior brother, does it take everyone this long?” Morton couldn’t help but ask. “Won’t you be old by the time you finish learning?”

　　When dealing with the senior brother of the Rune Academy, Morton was still very respectful. The Eight Tribes have always respected the strong, and they hold a sense of awe for the runes that changed humanity.

　　Stanley Thompson also laughed. “It varies from person to person. I’m rather slow. The first-order rune was faster—it took me three years. The second order took ten years, and the third order took twenty years. Rune knowledge is as vast as the sea; time means nothing in the face of knowledge.” Stanley Thompson said with both emotion and reverence.

　　For those who are dedicated to research and knowledge, Old Walker has always admired them. He knows he couldn’t do it himself.

　　“Senior brother Stanley Thompson, you’re too modest. You’re the greatest genius in the history of Rose Sanctuary after Principal Karida. It’s truly an honor to study runes with you.” Note said.

　　Stanley Thompson smiled slightly, a hint of pride flashing by, but he clearly didn’t care much about these things. “You three should get to know each other as well. Being able to study runes and comprehend their mysteries together is fate, and also luck. You’ve chosen the right profession.”

　　“Frank Walker, nothing special. Thank you to the school for transferring me to the Rune Academy. I’ll work hard and won’t let Principal Karida down.” Frank Walker said earnestly. In a strange place, the basic survival skill is to name-drop.

　　Stanley Thompson nodded. “Frank Walker, the teacher specifically told me to be strict with you. After so many years, it’s the first time I’ve seen Teacher Huo Kelan value someone so much. Maybe you’ll surpass me soon. If you have any questions in your studies, you can always come to me.”

　　…………

　　Old Walker… was trembling. Really, he could actually hear the sincerity in the other’s voice. Is everyone’s acting this good?

　　He just didn’t know what exactly the so-called ‘specifically told to be strict’ would entail. Would there be props involved?

　　You can’t call the police here, either.

　　Morton and Note were quite surprised. This person didn’t look like a genius who needed special attention. Could it be what humans often say, “You can’t judge a book by its cover”?

Chapter 8: As Long As You Breathe, You Keep Showing Off

　　“Hello, senior brother Stanley Thompson, I’m Note, from the Gandharva tribe of the Eight Tribes. I like singing, dancing, and musical instruments. My major is runes, and my minor is exorcism. My dream is to become a great hero and have bards sing of my legend.”

　　Stanley Thompson nodded, showing that kind and amiable grandfatherly smile again. “Personally invited by the principal—everyone has high hopes for you. With the Gandharva’s artistic talent, it’s very possible you’ll break the record for rune studies. Keep it up.”

　　“Hello, senior brother Stanley Thompson, I’m Morton, a Mahoraga. My major is martial arts, and my minor is runes. I don’t really like complicated things, but I’ll do my best.” Morton said honestly.

　　Stanley Thompson smiled and nodded. “Even if you’re only minoring in runes, runes are very helpful for martial arts as well. Study hard.”

　　They had already greeted each other above. Morton joined the Rune Academy mainly as a companion, but he himself is also a divine seed.

　　“All right, I’m done here. You should go gather at Triumph Square. The principal will give a speech soon, and someone will bring you your course schedule.” With that, Stanley Thompson hurried off. Clearly, routines and understanding these things are a waste of time in the eyes of a rune master.

　　On the way out, since there were only three people, Morton walked in the middle, using his broad body to block Frank Walker’s gaze, but Note still glanced at Frank Walker from time to time, her big eyes full of curiosity.

　　Yes, that’s exactly how Frank Walker used to look at animals at the zoo.

　　“Junior sister Note, junior brother Morton, from now on we’re brothers and sisters in the same trench. We have to help each other. If there’s anything you can’t solve among humans, you can come to me. I’m quite influential in this area!” Frank Walker said enthusiastically. No matter what, he had to make more friends. Otherwise, if he suddenly got buried one day, no one would even know. The more he lived in the sunlight, the safer he’d be.

　　Morton wanted to “beat the guy to death,” but… it didn’t seem right to say that. He opened his mouth but held back, his face turning red. His instincts told him the other guy was just showing off.