Raised From The Wild-Chapter 430: Commencement Rite

The days melted into nights, and soon a week had passed — before Amaya knew it, the momentous day arrived in the blink of an eye.

Her graduation day.

The university’s grand auditorium buzzed with excitement, though the atmosphere was laced with tension. Security was exceptionally tight — and rightfully so. The King and Queen of Lireya were in attendance, accompanied by Crown Prince Ibarra and Donello, the future heir to the throne. There was also the young Prince Yohan. Even the Princess Consort was present, along with Danella and Ibarra’s two daughters, Camilla and Riyana.

It was a powerhouse because that day was no ordinary ceremony.

"Amaya, over here," Julienne Green’s voice cut through the hum of the crowd, her arm waving eagerly to signal Amaya toward the assembly area for graduates.

Julienne was a special student. She was the Princess’ study companion and personal guard and was also graduating.

Clad in black togas, the graduates stood in neat rows, their faces alight with pride and anticipation. As the triumphant notes of the graduation march filled the air, the procession began.

Amaya led the line as she was the summa cum laude — the brightest of them all. Each step felt surreal, her heart pounding with quiet excitement. Yet, amidst the sea of smiling faces and the glimmering chandeliers above, she felt it — a steady but intense gaze.

Her eyes drifted to the front rows, reserved for school officials and distinguished guests. That’s when she saw him.

Marx.

Her breath caught. She had invited him, but he declined, saying that he had an important business to attend to. She was disappointed and hurt too, but did not show it to him. In the two years that they were separated, she was no longer the naive girl who showed her emotion on her face like a mirror.

But she never expected he would attend — let alone stand at the podium as the guest speaker. Their invitation only mentioned a mysterious "recent tycoon" and top investor in Lireya.

Marx is the guest speaker? She had invited him but he never told her that he would be the guest speaker. The invitation card did not mention his name but only mentioned about a recent tycoon who was the top investor in Lireya.

His dark eyes met hers, a soft, knowing smile playing at his lips. With a casual flick, he raised it in a playful salute. Amaya couldn’t help but smile back, warmth blooming in her chest until the crowd carried her forward, and he was out of sight.

After the national anthem of Lireya was played, the king was called for a speech, and finally, it was the guest speaker’s turn.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the host announced, "please welcome the former CEO of Skylar Conglomerate and the visionary behind Lireya’s newest landmark — the Ibrahim Rocas Museum." The crowd murmured in recognition. "A project that grew from humble miniature replicas into the breathtaking life-sized wonder we see today."

The host’s pleasant voice faded in the background as Marx became lost in his thoughts.

Marx completed the whole design of the museum during the first few weeks he returned from the island and handed it to Dave. It was a very ambitious project that required billions in investment, and when he first shared the idea with Amaya, her eyes brightened, and she giggled like a girl.

She offered to fund the project fully, but Marx did not agree. So they became partners, each having bigger shares of the capital, while Dave contributed his efforts and a bit of money.

When Marx disappeared two years ago, the construction of the improved museum did not stop, as Dave was managing that. Unfortunately, it was completed a week before the outbreak of the deadly octavirus, so the opening of the improved museum was postponed. It was rescheduled in time for Amaya’s graduation and would be presented to her as a gift.

"... His company, Skylar Technologies, only started two years ago, but it is one of the fast-rising companies in the country. Everyone, let us welcome, Marx Sylar." The pleasant voice of the host filled the auditorium.

Thunderous applause erupted, but Marx remained seated in his seat. Dave nudged him. "Dude, that’s your cue."

Marx strode to the stage with quiet confidence, each step deliberate, his posture regal — like an emperor walking to claim his throne. The auditorium seemed to hold its breath. Amaya watched, captivated, as he stood before the podium.

For the first time, she saw him in his element, commanding the crowd not just with his words but with his presence. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, emphasizing broad shoulders and a lean frame. His blue eyes sparkled even from a distance.

The men looked on with envy and admiration, while the women... well, their stares told a different story. He carried himself with a poise that made it seem as if the universe had poured perfection into him.

Why was the heavens so biased? When God bestowed the gift of handsomeness to humankind, Marx seemed to have gotten all the best features. He exuded a powerful aura and was oozing with self-confidence and elegance.

His speech was concise yet profound. It included practical advice on success, sprinkled with personal anecdotes that painted him not as the genius he was, not as an heir born with a golden spoon in his mouth, but as someone who relentlessly pursued his dreams.

Amaya barely blinked, drinking in every word.

The ceremony continued, leading to the much-anticipated awarding of honors. When Amaya’s name echoed through the auditorium, the lights dimmed and a large screen illuminated behind her.

A video montage played — a glimpse into the life of a girl who had once been isolated on a quiet island. There she was as a child, etching doodles into the dirt with a stick, her bright eyes filled with wonder as she looked up to a tall, rugged-looking man. The screen shifted to images of her early clay tablets, then rough papers marked with sketches and scribbles. Each frame painted a story of curiosity, resilience, and growth.

Several entertainment companies had approached Prince Ibarra to get the right to film a documentary about her life, but Amaya had already given that right to Dave and he did a good job.

Whispers and slanders had filled the internet prior graduation. Some had questioned her achievements — how could someone graduate in just two years? Accusations of favoritism lingered in the air, the weight of her royal lineage casting a shadow over her accomplishments. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

The contenders for the top spot that year were the most vocal in expressing their dissent. They felt that if not for Amaya, then they could have garnered the number 1 spot of the graduating class.

But the university had been transparent. Her entrance exam results had been published for all to see. Each test, each assignment, had been a testament to her brilliance. She made up for what she lacked in worldly knowledge upon leaving the island, especially in current events, technological and scientific advancement, and the political arena, with tireless determination. Within weeks, she devoured every subject. From then on, she aced every exam, silencing even her most vocal critics.

As the video faded to black, the applause surged once more. Amaya stood tall, her heart swelling with pride and gratitude. This was her moment.

But as she glanced toward the front rows, her gaze found Marx once again. His eyes met hers, and in that fleeting second, she saw it — admiration, pride... and something else. Something deeper.

And in that instant, she knew. This was only the beginning.