Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 156 - 149: The Choice of the Heart

When Lyle descended from the Spine Wheel, they greeted him as one would welcome a hero.

Mr. Dragon also brought good news, as the most outstanding graduate of this year, Lyle could keep his creation, the Spine Wheel.

"This gentleman is the creator of the Triple-Locked creation you see before you, the excellent graduate from the Spirit Summoning Studies, Mr. Plague Doctor! And his... avatar, Jordania!"

Nia pressed her body onto Lyle’s head, enthusiastically responding to the cheers from the crowd below.

"Thank you, everyone! Nia is the best! Nia is number one!"

In the crowd, the most intense reactions came from the trio of the Literature Society, namely Mr. Gentleman, Mr. Reporter, and Mr. Fantasizer. I believe their excitement had a lot to do with the large bag of Gold Coins at their feet, with Mr. Reporter even lifting the hem of his garment to perform a short tap dance, his Photography Crystal sparkling in rhythm during the dance.

"Mr. Plague Doctor, please join our society, we need a fine newcomer like you!"

"No, it’s more fitting for you to join our society!"

"Ours is the most suitable!"

The crowd below suddenly erupted with invitations to join their societies, which had themes even unrelated to Spirit Summoning Studies, momentarily overwhelming Lyle.

Mr. Dragon patted his shoulder and gave Lyle a detailed explanation.

"This is part of the tradition of Andrey. You have attended the recruitment and the private invitation to the Cup of Luxury, so this is the third type of recruitment for societies. The Spirit Summoning foundational graduation exam is also known as the cradle of Andrey. Here, a large number of potential newcomers are born, and to most, only those who have gone through this graduation exam are recognized as true members of Andrey. This is a new beginning, and also your beginning. Plague Doctor, I very much hope you will continue to choose Spirit Summoning Studies, but if you have other ideas in your heart, I respect your choice, my most proud student. Your future starts from this moment."

Lyle looked at Mr. Dragon’s serious expression, his imminent response lingering in his mouth.

"I have seen the future, this newcomer will achieve great things in my society."

In the crowd, a deep voice overpowered the noise, like the huge bell at the top of a cathedral, resonating with everyone’s heartstrings. It was a person in a long robe with colorful patterns, with intricate and dense patterns that dazzled the eyes, carrying a kind of allure that tugged at the heartstrings, his facial features hidden in the shadow of his hood, an aura of impressive mystery resonating in everyone’s hearts.

Whispers went around the crowd, but they seemed afraid to speak too loudly, as if out of fear.

"Who is he?"

"The Destiny Preacher, Mr. Destiny, the head of the newly risen large society Destiny Preachers, said to possess the power of foresight."

Mr. Destiny paid no mind to the low murmurs or the discreet gazes around him, as if they were all but mere ants.

He was staring at the Plague Doctor standing on the platform, as if looking at a sculpture, and he reached out his hand; in Lyle’s vision, he only saw his beckoning hand, "Come, follow destiny, return to the place you are meant to be."

Lyle felt like a puppet being controlled, dumbly following his directive.

"I..."

"You want to steal my person?"

If the voice of Destiny sounded like the authority of a commanding person silencing everyone through intimidation,

This strong voice was like a slap followed by duct tape, forcibly silencing you in no uncertain terms.

Mr. Raymond pushed away a few who had gotten too close, already stained gold by the Holy Light, like a volcano on the brink of eruption, he stepped forward.

The surrounding crowd had already descended into madness.

"What’s going on! How did this unlucky star come here? Doesn’t he always avoid the Spirit Summoning graduation ceremonies? Did I run into bad luck when I left the house today, utterly jinxed!"

"I suddenly remember who the Plague Doctor is—it’s the sacrifice of the Holy Light, isn’t it? Damn, I should’ve thought of this earlier. Now it’s over. I wonder if I can still make it back in one piece."

Mr. Raymond, who originally wanted to make a heroic entrance, now had sweat beads forming on his forehead, as these damned fools really knew how to ruin the mood. Can’t they see that I am the side of justice?

The righteous Mr. Raymond decided to defend his status in the eyes of the Purifier.

"Shut up, you trash, or tomorrow I’ll bring warmth to your club!"

"..." Complete silence fell over the crowd.

Mr. Raymond nodded in satisfaction and turned his gaze back to his enemy.

"You..." A single word popped out of Raymond’s mouth, his eyes more serious than ever before.

Raymond turned his head to look at Sister Aryan following behind him and pointed to the Destiny Preacher’s large robe.

"Who is he?"

Sister Aryan lamented her misfortune. "He is the Destiny Preacher, a member of a society that studies destiny."

Raymond suddenly realized, "Ah... I’ve never heard of it, but whatever. Fortune-teller, you want to compete with the Holy Light for people? Have you forgotten to calculate your own death date?"

Facing Raymond’s threat, the Destiny Preacher remained calm. "You, cannot defy destiny."

Raymond let out a scoff, his arm raised high. The dark clouds in the sky were torn apart, creating a huge hole through which a divine light shone down on Raymond, casting a glow on his wings that seemed to be forged from gold.

"I am destiny."

The Destiny Preacher looked at Raymond, as if realizing something in his mind. His gaze shifted towards the sky, as if seeing some invisible beyond. He trembled, as if all his spine had been withdrawn in an instant.

"Destiny... has been changed? My society... has perished?"

Watching the man in front of him concede, Raymond wanted to happily declare his victory.

Lyle said what he had been longing to say.

"Mr. Raymond, thank you. You have taught me to take control of my own destiny. I’ve decided, I will continue to delve into Spirit Summoning Studies. I won’t let Dragon Teacher’s expectations down. I will advance Spirit Summoning Studies, bringing it to new heights—heights where we Spirit Summoners rule our own destinies."

Lyle looked at Dragon Teacher with his hands folded behind his back, Mr. Crimson emerging from a clot of blood, and Mr. Astounding hovering in place. "Teachers, please impart your precious knowledge to me."

"Whatever you seek, you shall be granted."

"Whatever confuses you, shall be answered."

"What we strive for, is to surpass ourselves."

Mr. Raymond watched as his moment of bravery turned into someone else’s bridal gown. He pointed at the still dazed Destiny Preacher, "Your club is doomed! I, Raymond, will become your nightmare!"

........

Manipulator and others, just coming out of the examination, looked at the bustling scene here, watching Lyle’s figure with admiration gleaming in their eyes.

"Flexibility, I want to major in Spirit Summoning Studies now."

Mr. Flexibility smiled, "Of course, my brother, I will walk with you to the end."