Another School Enrollment

Ever since she took a wobbly little wooden boat and arrived at the city of Olifando, suspended above a lake, Anana's eyes hadn't rested for a moment... Everything before her was completely different from the frozen snowfields she was familiar with, filled with heart-pounding novelty.

The moment she stepped onto the solid shore of the lake, Anana darted straight toward the towering academy in the center of the city like a leaping fawn.

"Wow! It's so big."

Anana tilted her small face upward, staring in astonishment at the old giant guarding the academy gates, and let out a heartfelt gasp of admiration.

"Is this your first time seeing a giant, little girl?" The old giant guard named Andor noticed the tiny figure by his feet. He sat down on the ground and slowly bent over, trying to close the distance. But even so, his height of nearly five meters was still too much for him to look Anana in the eye.

"Are you... a street sweeper?" Anana asked curiously upon seeing the massive broom in Andor's hand that matched his towering height.

"No, little one. This is a magic academy, and I am actually a wizard." Andor lowered his voice, trying his best to make it sound softer, but to Anana's ears, it still sounded like rumbling thunder.

"You see, aren't witches said to ride brooms? This broom is also my weapon."

"Grandpa Giant, I know the stories about witches flying on brooms are just made up!" Anana puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction, feeling like she was being looked down upon.

"Is that so? Haha, what a pity... Alright, I am indeed the street sweeper here," Andor let out a thunderous laugh. "I'm in charge of cleaning up some pesky garbage."

"With such a big broom, cleaning must be very convenient," Anana couldn't help but sigh in awe, beginning to imagine a scene of sweeping away armies.

"Of course. You see, the academy's plaza is so large... For anyone other than me, trying to clean this place up wouldn't be an easy task." Andor was quite friendly to this outgoing little girl. "I haven't seen you around before. Are you a new student at Olifando?"

"Mhm! I'm here to enroll," Anana said excitedly.

Andor was a bit puzzled. "But the opening ceremony seems to be another week away."

Anana's face instantly froze. "Eh?"

Following the merchant caravan here had taken quite a bit of time. Afraid she wouldn't make it, Anana had been constantly urging the group to hurry up... She hadn't expected to arrive early as a result.

"Don't worry, it doesn't matter if you're early. The academy has empty dormitories where you can stay temporarily. They won't kick you out," Andor said with a smile.

Only then did Anana let out a long sigh of relief, though she secretly began to mutter in her heart... An opening ceremony? What was that? A child from the snowfields had never heard of such a thing. She had originally thought that once she arrived, she could immediately start learning wondrous magic.

"For these next few days, you can also take a tour around the academy." Andor's eyes narrowed into slits, his gaze carrying a hint of understanding.

He could tell that Anana's aptitude was quite good. Barring any accidents, she would definitely be admitted.

"Thank you, Grandpa Giant, I got it!" Anana left joyfully.

What a polite and good child.

Andor chuckled a few times, slowly stood up, gripped his massive broom tightly, and began his daily cleaning work.

...

On the day of enrollment, a crowd gathered at the entrance.

The day of official enrollment had finally arrived. The academy gates were bustling with people, packed with young boys and girls coming to register. Most of them were around the same age as Anana, but there were also a few older faces mixed in... When it came to age, Olifando did not have very strict limits.

"Hey, look at that girl."

"What kind of clothes is she wearing? I've never seen that before... Is that animal skin?"

"Haha, she looks so dirty."

A few brightly dressed girls gathered together, whispering and pointing at Anana.

Although Anana could not hear exactly what they were saying, looking around at her attire that was completely out of place with everyone else, she could pretty much guess the meaning behind those gazes.

Anana gave a soft, disdainful snort in her heart.

Her father had said that this complete piece of snowfield beast skin could be sold for a lot of gold coins outside... Moreover, it was hand-sewn by her mother, making it far more precious than the robes they were wearing.

In the small pocket on the front of Anana's clothes lay a ring... That was also something her father had spent a great deal of money to get for her. Although it only had one cubic meter of space inside, fortunately, Anana hadn't brought many things, so it was enough.

Anana then looked at the necklace resting on her chest. Embedded in it was a Fireflare Stone, radiating a faint warmth. This was given to her in the past by Mr. Wolund... She heard that Mr. Wolund was also the principal of Olifando.

She had plenty of good things on her; there was no need to stoop to the level of these paupers.

Anana proudly lifted her small head, leaving the people around her somewhat baffled.

Suddenly, the crowd in front let out waves of exclamation as a blazing burst of fire materialized out of thin air and lit up before everyone.

The flames dissipated, and a young figure stepped out from within, landing in front of the crowd.

Mian looked at the young boys and girls before him, feeling a surge of emotion. Two years ago, he had been one of them.

"I am your senior. My name is Mian, and I will be in charge of your enrollment test today." Mian revealed a gentle and warm smile.

"It's Senior Mian!"

"I heard he is the most prominent genius in the academy over the past two years!"

"He's only been enrolled for two years, and his strength is already on par with some of the instructors in the academy!"

Excited whispers immediately broke out in the crowd. Clearly, Mian was quite famous both inside and outside the academy.

Anana curiously sized up this somewhat shy older brother in front of her. His face still looked a bit youthful, but his eyes were bright and steady. Mian also noticed the gaze of this differently dressed girl and smiled at her.

"Follow me..." Mian said to the crowd with a smile.

"Hey! Little ones, make way, make way! Don't block the road," a shout suddenly came from behind.

Liyana drove a carriage, slowly passing by from the side.

Even upon seeing the large crowd in front... the earth dragon did not show any stage fright, walking past with its head held high and chest puffed out.

"Look! It's an elf, she's so beautiful."

"Hah, what's so rare about an elf?"

"What is their status?"

"Not sure, probably seniors."

The gazes of the people around subconsciously focused on Liyana, but they only took a passing glance.

"There are so many people at the main gate today. Is it the day for new student enrollment... If I had known, I would have taken the side gate." Liyana muttered as she drove the carriage further away.

No one paid much mind to this minor interlude.