Henry Sutton immediately recognized the identities of the two people—one was Professor of Spirit Guidance, Eric Thompson, and the other was Professor of Spirit Plant Cultivation, William Warren.

　　To be a professor at Jiangzhou University of Technology, even though it’s only a second-tier college, their academic ability was beyond question. Both were level 3 or above experts. Today, these two were also serving as on-site judges—or rather, proctors—for the freshmen.

　　John Warren, who were engaged in animated discussion, showed no reaction to Henry Sutton's arrival. Even Frank Young, who wanted to say something, held his tongue after glancing at the two professors.

　　Standing on the edge of the crowd, listening to the professors speak, as time passed, Patrick Grant finally smiled and asked for permission to head toward the auditorium.

　　This freshman counselor, upon reaching the podium, managed to stir up the atmosphere among the thousands of spectators with just a few words. Not that he needed to—everyone was already excited enough. This was the All-Star Games, one of the most prestigious events on Earth, far more popular than the Olympics or World Cup of his previous life.

　　Even as just a spectator, being able to witness the opening of such an event in person was an intense thrill.

　　After Patrick Grant, Eric Thompson and William Warren took the stage one after another, once again sparking cheers from the audience and prolonged applause.

　　“I won’t say too many pleasantries. The University All-Star League, first held at the suggestion of Emperor Chongzhen, has a history of over three hundred years. It has produced countless strong individuals and pioneers in every field of humanity. Now, in our Great Ming, there’s even a saying: if you haven’t participated in the provincial round of the All-Star Games, don’t expect to get very far in life. The highest you’ll ever reach is magistrate or general. I hereby announce: the All-Star League, Jiangzhou University of Technology, Spirit Wood Department, freshman competition officially begins!”

　　“Let’s welcome contestant number one, Grace Warren!”

　　……

　　The two professors took their seats at the front. Once the applause gradually died down, Patrick Grant acted as the host, smiling as he spoke. As soon as Grace Warren's name was announced, even though the other 19 contestants were still backstage, the thunderous applause and cheers from the audience made everyone’s expressions change.

　　Grace Warren looked radiant, his gaze sweeping over the other 18 classmates like a lion king surveying his territory. After a glance, he walked toward the passageway with a proud smile.

　　When Grace Warren appeared at the front of the auditorium, under the attention of nearly two thousand teachers and students—

　　All kinds of cheers and applause erupted like boiling water.

　　Professor William Warren lightly coughed at this moment, his voice gradually calming the crowd. He smiled and said, “I’m quite familiar with Grace Warren. Having taught the freshmen for nearly a year, he’s always had the richest theoretical knowledge and the best hands-on skills. Even his cultivation is the highest among all the freshmen. It’s just a pity that this kid is a bit lazy and hasn’t fully utilized his talent. Otherwise, I think the freshman spot would be a foregone conclusion.”

　　Standing backstage, the contestants could clearly hear the commentary. The proctoring professor made no secret of his high opinion. Of the 18 waiting to go on stage, except for Frank Young who looked displeased, most of the others remained calm.

　　What Professor Wang said was true!

　　Many people were frustrated that Grace Warren rose to prominence thanks to his family background, but there’s no such thing as absolute fairness in this world. Why shouldn’t the wealth and status earned by one’s parents and grandparents be enjoyed by their descendants?

　　Jiangzhou University of Technology was only a second-tier college in the province. If you went to one of the top three first-tier colleges in the province, or to top schools outside the province or elite universities, ordinary students would feel even more hopeless.

　　At the front, with Professor Wang’s introduction, Grace Warren also smiled modestly, not daring to put on airs in front of the professors. After his turn on stage, when Patrick Grant announced the second contestant, Frank Young, this handsome young man flashed a proud smile at the crowd, “After today, Grace Warren will be outshone by me!!”

　　After saying this, he turned his gaze to Henry Sutton, grinning mischievously, “Henry Sutton, guess what will happen when it’s your turn? We all get applause and cheers—will you get a chorus of boos? Haha, it’s okay, you’ll get used to it.”

　　With laughter, he walked toward the stage passage. The remaining 16 contestants all looked at Henry Sutton with odd expressions, several of them barely able to hold back their laughter.

　　These top twenty contestants, even if they didn’t have the confidence to compete with Hugh Warren or Frank Young, would at least get some applause and recognition. They had the strength and qualifications to compete with those few. Henry Sutton?? Are you sure this guy didn’t sign up just for laughs?

Chapter 011: Looks Are Justice

　　The academic stars competing for the Spirit Wood Department’s only freshman spot were all elite.

　　Grace Warren’s overall evaluation: Theoretical knowledge level 1, score 09; practical ability level 1, score 07. Even if he graduated and entered society now, he’d be considered an outstanding undergraduate nationwide.

　　Frank Young’s overall evaluation: Theoretical knowledge level 0, score 99; practical ability level 0, score 98.

　　Emily Thompson’s overall evaluation: Theoretical knowledge level 0, score 96; practical ability level 0, score 97.

　　Henry Sutton’s own overall evaluation: Theoretical knowledge level 1, score 45; practical ability level 1, score 19.

　　He was a little surprised to find that, except for Grace Warren, whose data hadn’t changed from a week ago, both the proud Frank Young and the freshman goddess Emily Thompson had higher scores than a week before. But that was normal—while he was working hard and occasionally completing tasks from the Academic God System, the other top students weren’t just sitting around either.

　　Leaving aside these perennial top three—

　　There were two others who had consistently ranked in the top five in various assessments over the past year.

　　George Grant’s overall evaluation: Theoretical knowledge level 0, score 95; practical ability level 0, score 96.