"This is New Earth. At the end of the Sixth Aeon, humanity separated into four different continents—Western, Eastern, Northern, and Southern." Ariana’s smile broadened as she continued to speak.
It caused Lazarus to take his gaze away from Neron for a moment.
"Our Academy Kingdom of Wisteria was created during this period—kickstarting the beginning of the Seventh Aeon. The Dark Moon Historian Academy was founded not too long after."
There was a certain pride in her tone as she spoke.
It was infectious.
Every student was smiling with glee, Lazarus included.
The current year was 7,120.
The Dark Moon Historian Academy had a history of over 7,000 years! It had existed since the start of the era and was still standing till today.
This was the great citadel where they would be studying at!
’Compared to the other Continents and their method of governance, Wisteria is more geared towards education. A lot of emphasis is placed on the Academy...’ Lazarus quietly nodded to himself.
Although most of his past memories were buried, he still remembered a few things.
For example, his experience in Dark Moon Academy when he was still a Squire, as well as the interactions he had with the other Continents.
’The Southern Continent has its Theocracy State of Salem while the Northern Continent has the Military Empire of Nast. Even though every Continent has its own Historian Association and places a lot of emphasis on the development of Historians, they each have their specializations.’
While Lazarus sighed, he recalled a lot of past events.
This caused him to frown.
’We’ll surely be facing students from the other Academies at some point. I wonder how the other Continents are faring...’
Each Continent maintained minimal contact with one another in his past life, and it seemed like that tradition had continued even in this present age.
This wasn’t too surprising, given their different policies and the distance separating them.
"Each Academic Year will have two terms, and like I said earlier, you’ll be spending three years in this institute. You’ll also be separated according to your talent levels. In essence, each student group will have different schedules for the day, though there will be joint classes from time to time. This will determine whether or not a student can be promoted to a higher class or even demoted from their current class. What this means is that you shouldn’t slack off on your studies and training. There is a chance to ascend, and an equally possible chance to descend."
’This is good...’
Lazarus couldn’t help but slowly nod when he heard this.
Although he was only at 5 Percent Subintegration, this wouldn’t be the case for very long.
He had ways to rapidly improve his Integration, which meant he couldn’t possibly be satisfied with any placement that the Academy gave him at this point.
’I wasn’t able to reach the highest class in my past life, but this one should be different...’
His eyes shone with brilliance as determination fueled his heart.
"I’m sure you all know your current Integration. It has also been recorded within our records. Those whose Sub-Integration fall between 1-2 Percent will be placed in Class D. Students above that, with the limit of 4 Percent, will be placed in Class C. Those with a Sub-Integration of 5-6 Percent will be placed in Class B. As for Class A, it will feature students with a Sub-Integration of 7 Percent or higher."
Lazarus nodded once again.
So far, nothing was different from what he remembered in his past life.
’In fact, that isn’t all...’ His mind rapidly flowed with expectations as he awaited Ariana to continue with the other requirements.
However, much to his surprise, she stopped discussing the matter of classes and proceeded to another topic entirely. This came as an absolute surprise to Lazarus, who was expecting the other half of the explanation.
’In my past life, each Academic Year featured the removal of one class. In essence, after being promoted to Year 2, all of those who remained in Class D were removed from the Academy. In Year 3, there was only Class A and Class B. Only one class could graduate, which meant the final exams involved those in Class B being eliminated if they couldn’t make the cut at the end of the first term. The second term and final exams can only be passed by those with an Integration of 10 percent or higher. In essence... Scholars.’
Lazarus started off in Class B in his past life, since his Sub-Integration was 6 Percent.
He quickly climbed up the ranks and eventually graduated after three years, becoming a Rank 2 Historian—Scholar.
Many of his peers were eliminated in the process.
’But what about now? If such a system doesn’t exist, how does the Academy intend to filter those who won’t reach 10 Percent Integration at the end of three years? Will it waste its resources even though they have no prospects? Or could it be...?’
While this question was swirling in his mind, someone raised their hand in query.
Lazarus looked to his side and found it to be the young man who also sat in the front row seat.
His green hair fluttered slightly as he rose to ask his question, "What happens to students who don’t reach 10 Percent Integration at the end of these three years?"
As he asked this, he quietly glanced at Lazarus and smiled.
’Eh? Is he trying to start something?’
Lazarus was taken aback by the sudden attention he received from this young man, though he maintained his calm demeanor and didn’t react to his clear provocation.
’I guess my 1 Percent Sub-Integration has spread to everyone at this point...’
This wasn’t because 1 Percent was rare.
In fact, many Squires started off with this number, it wasn’t anything strange.
What made Lazarus’ situation different was the attention he received during the Integration Ceremony. He had caused a huge scene by suddenly vomiting blood and fainting, causing his name to spread among these potential students.
As such, even though he should have been unremarkable in their eyes, he caught the attention of quite a few people.
One of them was this handsome, talented boy.
"What is your name, young man?" Ariana asked with a calm smile as she looked at him.
He swiftly replied with a proud smile.
"Zurbluris."