Chapter 228: Rewarding Ceremony
"Well, then we'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, see you at the ceremony," Adrian replied as his little group of friends left the room.
After they left, he made himself comfortable by sitting and leaning on the pillow.
'Finally, everything ended.' He thought. 'But to think things would go this way, the future is really unpredictable, huh.'
He was planning to confront Rowan at the ultimate finals and expose him during their fight, however, maybe he was lucky or Rowan was unlucky, and the Truth or Trial game ended up as the final game.
He had to reconsider his plans and strategize a good way to deal with him in a short time. Fortunately, the situation was better for him, at least better than fighting and risking his life.
'Right, I need to thank Aria too. I'm sure she was the one who warned the Principal.' Adrian remembered when he had a private conversation with Aria when Rowan was participating in the first event. He told her a few things, including hints that Rowan wasn't a person as he seemed to be.
Surprisingly, she didn't doubt him but doubted Rowan. She even said she found it odd Rowan called her to meet early in the morning and led her to the scene where Eluna accused him.
In a way, his plans somehow worked and things turned out in his favor.
He got to reveal his relationship with his sister so many(his friends, Irithel apologized many times again), but he was also exposed about his love. Though he was sure many didn't think much about it.
Adrian sighed, feeling a mixture of relief and exhaustion. The adrenaline from the confrontation with Rowan had worn off, leaving him to process everything that had happened. He reached for a glass of water on the bedside table, taking a sip to soothe his dry throat.
'But it seems the talks about if you offend the young ones, the older ones will come or something like that was true.' Adrian remembered how difficult it was to stand under Bernard, Rowan's father's pressure, heck it even caused him to have injuries. 'I only hope they won't trouble me... Damn, I feel like I set up a flag!'
'I know for sure they won't do anything to me when I'm in the academy... But I also know how persistent the Ironheart Family is...'
'Sigh... How am I gonna deal with them...'
'Whatever, I will think about it when the time comes, let me enjoy this little vacation.'
"Knock~ Knock~"
Just then the door was knocked gently.
"Come in," Adrian called.
The door opened and a beautiful girl with wavy silver hair entered the room.
"Oh, hi Aria, I was just thinking about you." Adrian greeted her with a smile.
Aria gave a warm smile in return. "How are you? Are you feeling ok?"
"I'm alright, nothing to worry about," Adrian reassured her.
Aria gave him a once-over, her eyes assessing him carefully. "You still need to rest," she said firmly, taking the chair beside his bed and sitting down. "You've been through a lot today."
Adrian chuckled softly. "Yeah, I suppose I have. Thanks for coming to check on me."
"Of course," she replied, her voice gentle. "I wanted to make sure you were really okay. You have a knack for getting into trouble, you know."
Adrian smiled. "Trouble seems to find me, I guess."
They spent a few minutes talking about mundane things—the upcoming ceremony, the vacation classes, and other topics. Aria's presence was comforting, and Adrian found himself relaxing more with each passing moment.
As the conversation naturally wound down, Aria stood up. "I'll see you tomorrow at the rewarding ceremony," she said.
"Wait," Adrian called just as she turned to leave.
She paused, her hand on the doorknob, but didn't look back. "Yes?"
"Do you remember the promise?" Adrian asked.
Aria remained silent for a moment before responding softly, "Tomorrow evening, then." She opened the door and left the room without looking back.
Adrian smiled in joy and relief. Finally, he would confess his feelings to her. The thought filled him with a sense of anticipation and excitement. Despite the day's trials and the challenges that he experienced, the promise of tomorrow brought a newfound lightness to his heart.
'Guess I will have a girlfriend tomorrow. Hehe...'
His mind was filled with imaginations of his future with Aria. Maybe he already experienced it, even if it was an illusion, his imaginations were nearly perfect.
'One son and one daughter isn't enough... Let's have two sons and two daughters...!'
(N: He is really good at imagining...)
_______ ____ _
The next day.
The arena was designed to host the grand Rewarding Ceremony, a spectacular event where the achievements of the students were recognized and celebrated. Banners fluttered in the wind, and the stands were filled with excited students, spectators, visitors, teachers, and family members. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation.
Adrian, dressed in his formal academy attire, stood among the other participants, feeling a mix of anticipation and satisfaction.
The ceremony began with the Principal giving a speech about the importance of integrity, courage, and perseverance. His words echoed through the arena, and Adrian found himself reflecting on the events of the past few days.
As the Headmaster concluded his speech, he began announcing the awards. One by one, students were called up to receive their accolades. The crowd cheered for each recipient, their applause a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students.
Finally, the moment Adrian had been waiting for arrived.
Rewarding for the event he won started.
The announcer's voice boomed through the arena, capturing the attention of everyone present. "In the first place of the 'Arcane Knowledge Quiz' event for the first years, we have student Adrian Lighthaven."
The crowd erupted in applause, cheering for his achievement. The principal handed him a beautifully engraved medallion and a strange and thick book, a rare and valuable reward. Adrian bowed respectfully, while already inspecting the book to make sure it was the reward he wanted.
After the applause died down, the ceremony continued, with more students being called up to receive their awards for various events.
A few events later, the announcer called Adrian's name again. "And at the first place of the 'Trial of Illusions' event, we have the first-year student, Adrian Lighthaven."