Under enthusiastic applause, the remaining students finally claimed their graduation certificates for the 201st elite training program. Every student was ecstatic afterward.
“After hearing what Professor Vic said to me just now, I think attending the training program was even more worth it.”
“He is a master, after all. I have benefited a lot during these past few months.”
“I am honored that two masters have presented me with my certificate.”
…
For the first time in the training program’s history, the organizing committee had arranged for two masters, Hank and Vic, to present the certificates. They also told the two masters to prepare short comments for each student.
Although their sentences were simple, they were personal and helpful to everyone’s future growth. Moss also received comments when he went up to accept his graduation certificate from the two masters.
Moss was delighted with Hank’s comments, but Vic’s was slightly vague in comparison. In addition, Moss thought that Vic’s gaze was strange, especially after shaking his hand.
Moss felt a potent spiritual power surging toward him when he shook Vic’s hand. It made Moss feel a sense of oppression, albeit for a moment.
Moss instinctively released his spiritual power to resist Vic’s oppressive energy. Moss knew Vic was only testing him and meant no harm, so he did not have too much trouble resisting. However, Moss had no control over his spiritual power.
Moss did not overthink because he was used to it. He thought that Vic knew he was a knight who performed excellently during the elite training program and would more or less be biased.
…
The certificate presentation ended, and it was time for the highly anticipated best graduate segment. Although the organizing committee had not yet presented the award, the students knew who the recipient would be.
However, the student’s friends and family did not know the exact situation or understand the student’s performance during the training program. Hence why they were curious to see who the best graduate was.
Old Mur held the microphone and solemnly announced, “After much consideration and evaluation, the instructors and teachers of the elite training program have decided that the winner of the 201st Best Graduate award is…”
A hint of shock flashed across Old Mur’s face as he opened the envelope. He cleared his throat and continued, “T-The winner of the 201st Best Graduate award is B-666, Moss! He is a level 25 knight and a second-year student from White Deer High!”
Old Mur was amazed when he read the last line of words he saw on the card. He almost choked on the spot because a second-year student had already become a level 25 knight.
‘These brats didn’t inform me of Moss’s levels beforehand! I almost embarrassed myself because of them!’ Old Mur cursed inwardly.
Moss was now tied with the highest leveled student ever in the elite training program. Still, Old Mur was in awe because Moss was only a second-year student. However, it was not just a tie. Moss had utterly surpassed all students who had ever attended the training program.
After all, everyone called Murphy Old Mur for a reason. He had witnessed many things and met many people.
He quickly composed himself and continued, “Let’s invite Moss to come up on stage to receive his awards.”
Old Mur shot a fierce gaze in Flying Wolf and Red Spider’s direction. He had the authority to do that when no one else could.
The assembly hall erupted with discussions immediately after.
“Wow! B-666 is level 25?! I think he was only level 15 when we first arrived at the training camp.”
“I wouldn’t have doubted B-666 yesterday if I knew he had reached level 25!”
…
The students were shocked, and the guests were even more so!
“I finally understand why my grandson didn’t get first place!” A tall and thin older gentleman with gray hair muttered as he looked at Moss approaching the stage imposingly. The older gentleman was Duke’s grandfather. He saw Moss and felt like he was in his glory days.
“Master, do you want me to look into that kid?” A man in black whispered to the older gentleman.
“Sure, but only a little.” The older gentleman’s gaze was still on Moss—his eyes full of admiration.
Meanwhile, another older gentleman in an excellent viewing angle on the second floor stared at Moss unblinking. The man looked calm as water on the surface, but there were ripples in his heart. “He reached level 25, even though he’s only a second-year student. It seems Arthur needs to work harder.”
The man was Arthur’s grandfather. He initially wanted to see Old Mur when the award ceremony ended, but it seemed there was no longer a need for that.
Everyone in the assembly hall talked about Moss animatedly as Flying Wolf handed another envelope to Old Mur.
Old Mur rolled his eyes at Flying Wold, opened the envelope, and read its contents into the mic, “Moss has reached level 25 at the training program’s end and has caught up to Safin’s record, which he held for more than 20 years.”
Old Mur could not help but feel exhilarated as he spoke. After all, Safin was the training program and all knights’ pride and joy. Unable to hide his excitement, he continued, “Although Moss is at the same level as Safin, he is only a second-year student, meaning he has surpassed Safin.
“In addition, Moss has set a new record for the fastest level up rate. He leaped ten levels in just a few months since his arrival at the training camp. Therefore, Moss is also eligible to receive the Best Progress Award. Let us congratulate Moss once again!”
The assembly hall erupted in cheers and chants a second later, instantly pushing the lively atmosphere to greater heights.
“Safin is like a God-like existence! If this kid has surpassed Safin, his future will have limitless possibilities!”
“A second-year student who is a level 25 knight, eh? I am thankful for living long enough to witness the revival of knights!”
…
The students below the stage might not know much about Safin, but their parents and teachers were amazed by the mere mention of Safin’s name. They were shocked to hear Moss had improved astoundingly in just a few months.
The teachers and instructors on stage congratulated Moss as he accepted his award. Red Spider was teary-eyed at that moment as she looked at Moss, gratified. Then she turned to Flying Wolf beside her and said, “Make sure you have your wine opener ready.”
“I’ll be ready when the ceremony is over. I’ll be waiting for you at my place,” Flying Wolf excitedly replied, without a hint of regret.
When Moss appeared before Hank, he grabbed Moss’s hand with shining eyes and said excitedly, “Moss, you must keep in touch with me. I cannot continue my research without you, boy!”
Moss nodded and gave Hank a big warm hug. The two no longer needed to use words to express their emotions.
When Old Mur saw Moss approaching, he strode forward to put the Record Breaker medal around Moss’s neck and place the Best Progress and Best Graduate awards in his arms.
Then Old Mur whispered to Moss, “Excellent work, Moss. Please come to the training camp often. I want you to give a lecture to the future students.”
Moss wanted to refuse but could only readily agree on such an occasion. However, what surprised Moss most was Vic. He appeared before Vic and shook his hand again. Only this time, Moss did not feel a trace of oppression. Instead, he felt warmth.
“I have high hopes for you, young man! If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact me.”
Vic’s offer overwhelmed Moss as he thanked Vic and exited the stage. Then Old Mur’s resounding voice abruptly sounded, “Moss, wait!”