The Last Gentleman-Chapter 135: The Headmaster

Chapter 135: The Headmaster

The academy's [test] is somewhat unique, or rather, the test varies for each new gentleman.

It is not designed to simply measure a person's strength—after all, an individual's "personal strength" can be directly assessed through their gentleman's attire.

Some students are born with exceptional talent, possessing high base attributes even before entering the academy.

Others may require extensive training or a pivotal moment to gradually reveal their unique abilities and extraordinary traits.

Therefore, the academy's test focuses on [inner potential].

Through this test, the academy can effectively evaluate whether a new gentleman is worth further cultivation.

The methods of testing are diverse and strictly confidential.

Faculty members and students who have already undergone the test are forbidden from disclosing any details.

Violations will result in severe punishment, potentially leading to formal accountability.

According to Professor Chamberson, the test will be quite interesting and may even contribute to Yi Chen's personal growth.

This time, the test will take place in one of the Twin Towers—specifically, the Swan Lecture Hall, where public lectures on "The Studies of the Gentleman" are held.

Since Yi Chen barely slept the previous night, Zed insisted that he take a nap to ensure his mental state during the test.

Taking advantage of his weekly two-hour outdoor allowance,

Zed timed it perfectly with the test schedule.

Completely disregarding his status as an instructor,

he tied the sleeping Yi Chen to his back using a hemp rope,

swiftly climbing across the suspension bridge that connected the Twin Towers to reach the Swan Lecture Hall.

The exterior of the hall resembled a large cathedral.

Constructed from white stone, it displayed a distinct Gothic architectural style. Everything, from the load-bearing columns to the trusses between them,

from the window frames to the main entrance, featured triangular designs,

reinforcing a "mountain-like structure", giving the impression of soaring into the sky.

The grand entrance was composed of multiple layers of archways and wall columns,

each layer receding inward, drawing one further inside.

At its peak, a beautiful and pure white swan sculpture was intricately carved,

symbolizing the elegance and refinement of a gentleman.

Beyond the entrance, the hall featured an expansive two-tiered interior.

On both sides, long wooden desks were arranged for shared use, each accommodating up to eight students.

A long aisle in the center stretched from the entrance to the podium at the far end, paved with white-veined marble,

serving as the "gentleman's walkway" for the instructor.

During lectures, the professor would pace back and forth,

randomly selecting students to demonstrate gentlemanly postures and movements,

correcting the fine details of their behavior.

All students of Alfarostic Academy were required to attend a weekly public gentlemanly lecture here every Monday morning.

At all other times, the Swan Lecture Hall remained closed to the public.

Today, however, was different.

Aside from the newly admitted gentlemen like Yi Chen, the previous and next class cohorts were also gathered here for the annual test, totaling 40 participants.

The moment Zed entered, carrying the sleeping Yi Chen on his back, every pair of eyes in the hall turned toward them.

Even Professor Chamberson furrowed his brows slightly at the sight.

Many academy instructors reacted differently upon seeing Zed—some with unease, some with wariness,

while a few even looked at him with disdain.

Zed quickly apologized:

"My sincerest apologies! This kid completely forgot about the test.

He spent the whole night messing around in my paradise, and now he's trying to get some last-minute rest to recover,

so it doesn't affect his test performance.

It's all my fault—I failed to adjust his special training schedule in time."

Zed’s friendly attitude surprised the crowd.

However, Professor Chamberson, standing in the front row, immediately scolded him sternly:

"Zed, today's annual test will be personally overseen by the headmaster.

If the headmaster sees such an undisciplined display, you might lose some of the freedoms you've been granted."

Zed scratched his eyepatch in frustration, looking both helpless and innocent.

Just as he prepared to wake Yi Chen with a joint-locking technique—

A gentle female voice echoed through the hall, gradually enveloping everyone's ears from the outside.

"It's alright. Let him rest properly.

I will arrange for his test to take place later.

If his body and mind are too exhausted, it could indeed affect the results."

As the sound permeated the air,

Whoosh!

A black pillar of light, adorned with dazzling particles, descended from the outer sky, piercing through the central rooftop of Swan Academy.

Under the effect of the light beam, the stone structure at the top of the academy gradually became intangible and transparent, no longer a solid entity.

Following closely—

A pair of full, vibrant black wings carried a flawlessly proportioned, slightly curvaceous white-haired woman through the rooftop, descending into the heart of the academy.

Her face was concealed behind an intricate "Crying Mask", predominantly black, with teardrop-like embellishments at the corners of the eyes that shimmered like starlight.

She wore a long, dark robe with gold-trimmed edges, accompanied by several floating satin ribbons that hovered around her.

This robe contained a high amount of living leather, pulsating with vitality as it constantly shifted.𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

The fitted design of her attire accentuated the perfection of her upper body,

while her long, slender legs, subtly toned, flickered in and out of view beneath the flowing robe.

[Mystery], [Brilliant Night Sky], [Motherly Presence]

—These were the first impressions she left on the crowd.

She was Deslin Baldivia, the current headmistress of Alfarostic Academy, the Connector of the Luminous Starry Night.

Every gentleman present, including honorary professor Chamberson,

as well as Zed, a long-detained elite combatant who had almost lost touch with reality, instinctively bowed their heads.

Deslin had been one of the key figures responsible for suppressing Zed in the past—

the mere memory of it was enough to make his head ache.

Meanwhile, Little Grape immediately hid inside Yi Chen's body, not daring to make a sound.

Even in his sleep, Yi Chen was instinctively awakened by the unfamiliar presence,

as the subdermal plants within him began writhing rapidly in response.

As his vision gradually cleared, his eyes automatically locked onto the source of the aura.

In his line of sight—

A weeping black mask was gazing straight at him.

Startled, Yi Chen hurriedly climbed down from Zed’s back, straightened his posture, and performed a gentleman’s bow.

There was no need for an introduction.

Through rapid environmental analysis, Yi Chen quickly deduced that the woman before him was none other than the legendary headmistress.

Conversely, the masked headmistress, upon witnessing Yi Chen’s quick adaptation, seemed to smile slightly before shifting her gaze forward.

She took graceful strides to the center of the lecture hall and began explaining the rules of the upcoming test.

The gathered faculty and students immediately dispersed to the sides and took their seats.

"I will be overseeing this year's annual test.

Each of you will engage in direct 'Contact' with me in sequential order.

Upon touch, your consciousness will be drawn into a special Cognitive Space.

This space is sustained by my mind, while its contents will be created by your own.

Inside, you will face the weakest aspect of yourself which is your lowest base attribute, excluding [Luck].

For instance:

A gentleman with the weakest [Physique] may find himself in a mindscape filled with massive boulders, requiring him to push them aside to locate the exit.

A gentleman with the weakest [Coordination] may be placed in an archery range,

where countless archers will fire at him, forcing him to evade arrows and find the only escape route.

In short, each student’s trial will vary based on their own strengths and weaknesses,

and the method to complete it will also differ.

As long as you wake up normally within three minutes, you will pass the test.

If anyone can wake up within one minute, they will receive a special gift from me.

I look forward to seeing such a student emerge.

Now then, if you're ready

Let us begin."