YM778.TV Chapter 721: The Strongest Pillar Of The First Years [Part 1]
Just like Ethan had expected, the Appraisal Stone also went bonkers when it was Cedric\'s turn to have his talent appraised.
Countless swords made of light, danced in the surroundings, making the young ladies look at Lilian\'s handsome brother with great interest.
When the sorting was finally finished, Professor Rinehart raised his hand, making everyone look at him with expectations.
"I\'m sure that the Second Years, Third Years, and Fourth Years are already aware of what is going to happen next," Professor Rinehart said in a mischievous tone. "It is none other than our yearly tradition of welcoming our First Years.
"But, before that, I decided to make some changes this year to make things more exciting. Instead of having your Professors prepare this special event, we decided that it would be more fun for the Senior Students themselves to prepare the challenge for this year\'s Initiation Ceremony.
"So, without further delay, let me call upon the Head Prefect of Dud Manor, George Marshal to climb up here on stage, and tell everyone the special event that he prepared for our First Years."
Every member of Dud Manor glanced at their Head Prefect in surprise because they didn\'t know that there was a special event like this.
The Initiation Ceremony was an important part of the Academy\'s Tradition, and this heavy responsibility was now placed on their shoulders.
None of them were informed that such a thing was happening, so they looked at the only person who could give them some explanation, and it was none other than their not-so-dependable Head Prefect, George Marshall.
"Oh sh*t…" George facepalmed. "Now I remember what it was that I forgot!"
The members of Dud Manor also wanted to facepalm after hearing their Head Prefect say such a thing, making all of them feel like they wanted to dig a hole and hide from everyone\'s gazes.
However, after muttering those words, George coughed lightly before fixing his robe and walking towards the stage as if he had everything under his control.
When he arrived at the stage, he faced the student body and smiled.
"Everyone, I would like to make an announcement," George said with a serious expression on his face.
The students of the academy looked at the Head Prefect of Dud Manor with bated breath as they waited for his announcement.
Fortunately, they didn\'t have to wait long before hearing his explosive announcement.
"I, George Marshal, are no longer single!" George declared.
Making the members of Dud Manor avert their gazes, pretending that they didn\'t know the foolish guy that was giving them second-hand-embarrassment.
But, to their surprise, someone spoke up from the Second Years, making even George look in her direction in disbelief.
"Yes, George Marshal and I are now a couple!" a young lady with light-brown hair shouted.
To Ethan\'s surprise, the young lady that shouted just now was not Sabrina, whom George had introduced to them as his fiance.
Sabrina blinked once and twice, as she gazed at the Second Year, who had just declared that she and her boyfriend were a couple.
But, before George could ask the girl who she was, he suddenly felt a hand rest on his shoulder, holding him in place in a vice-grip.
"George, while I am happy that you are now in a relationship, you should choose the time and place to announce it, okay?" Professor Rinehart said with a smile that wasn\'t a smile, making George cough lightly.
"Everyone, it is my greatest honor to give the First Years an experience that they will never forget!" George said with determination, doing his best to remain calm despite the fact that he wanted to run away from the stage as fast as he could.
"The students of Dud Manor have prepared something special that will be written down as the greatest Initiation Ceremony in the history of the Brynhildr Academy!"
Once again, the members of Dud Manor glanced at each other, and shook their heads because this was the first time they were hearing such a thing.
"This Year\'s Initiation Ceremony is really simple, yet challenging at the same time," George desperately glanced at his Manor Mates as his brain tried to think of a way to get out of this mess.
When his gaze landed on Ethan, a thought appeared in his head, which made George feel as if he had a "Eureka!" moment.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this year, I would like to let everyone see the prowess of the Dud Manor," George\'s voice sounded more confident than it was a while ago as he faced the five Pillars of the First Years of the Academy with a mischievous smile on his face.
"This year\'s Initiation Ceremony will be a Battle Royale between the former Strongest Pillar of the First Years, Ethan Gremory, and the entirety of the First Years," George declared. "This is the special event that Dud Manor has prepared for all of you this year, so let us all go to the Arena and get his party started!"
The corner of Ethan\'s lips twitched after hearing George\'s declaration.
He was certain that their Head-Prefect had made an impromptu event on the spot, and used him as a way to liven up the mood.
But, since his sister had enrolled in the academy, Ethan decided to play along and make Joanne\'s Initiation Ceremony a memorable experience.
Waving his wand, Ethan conjured Fairy wings on his back and flew several meters above the ground.
"I am Ethan Gremory, and I challenge all the First Years to a magical duel," Ethan said with a smile. "If you manage to defeat me, I will give you three things, the first thing that you will get are these two Pillar Badges in my hand.
"Last year, I was a double Pillar Holder, and having these two badges will signify that you have beaten the former Strongest Pillar of the First Years. Just so you know, I was also one of the Champions of last year\'s Clash of Manors.
"If you want to have some bragging rights, then getting these badges will make the Second, Third, and Fourth Years recognize your strength."
Lennox, who had declared himself as the Strongest Pillar of the First Years, narrowed his eyes as he looked at the two Pillar Badges in Ethan\'s hand.
Joanne, who wanted a rematch with her brother, was also feeling excited because she wanted to show him how much she had grown during the time that they were together.
Ethan then raised another finger to announce the second reward that he would be giving to the winner.
"Whoever defeats me will not only get these two badges, but will also receive the title of the Strongest First Year of the Academy. This means that even if you are not a Pillar, you will be recognized as one of them.
"I will personally give you triple the monthly stipend that the academy gives the Pillar Holders."
The other First Years, who were looking for fame and glory, were very enticed by Ethan\'s offer.
Some of them didn\'t come from well-off families, so if they happened to land a lucky hit and defeated him, they would gain something that surpassed what the Pillars received from the academy.
"Last, but not the least, I will grant you a wish," Ethan declared. "As long as I am able to grant it. I will definitely grant it without fail."
This time, a faint smile appeared on Hecate\'s face, and a glint of determination stirred in the depths of her eyes.
"Well then, let\'s head to the Coliseum, and get this party started," Ethan said before glancing at Professor Rinehart.
The Headmaster nodded his head in understanding and waved his wand, creating a portal that would directly send anyone who passed through it to the Coliseum of Brynhildr Academy.
Ethan was the first one to pass through the portal, followed by Lennox, and the other Pillars of the First Years.
Soon, all the First Years entered the portal, looking very excited.
They thought that since they were only fighting against a Second Year, they would have a high chance of defeating him if they all worked together.
But, those who knew Ethan, especially those who were present for Lily\'s wedding, shook their heads helplessly because the First Years would get first hand experience for what it was like to face an anomaly, whose powers had drastically increased since the last time they saw him.