Chapter 44: Assessment over

Next day The Principal of the Starwood academy is in an extremely good mood as he felt that he got one over the money- grubbing brat, Sam. That is why, he is full of smiles since morning as he followed, he attended his duties.

But this smile didn’t last when he met two people waiting at his office for him. He furrowed his brows as he recognised them as an Artisan and his assistant who runs a business in the city. He is good at making carriages and all the carriages in the noble families and merchants are made by him. When Principal saw him, he was quite puzzled. He invited them into the office and asked them.

"Why do you want to see me?"

"Sir, I am here to collect payment for an order." The man who seemed to be the boss said in a low voice.

"Payment? I don’t remember having made any deal with you and even the academy doesn’t have business. Are you here by mistake?" Principal grew more and more and confused.

"No, Sir. If you look at this, you will understand." He said as he passed over a letter to the principal which he took and read. As soon as the Principal read the content, he immediately became enraged and wanted to punch someone in the face. But he forced himself to calm down and looked at the boss in front of him and asked.

"Did this happen yesterday?"

"Yes, sir." The boss said. Even though, he is an artisan, he is merely a rank 1 and doesn’t have much status as he skills were low. That is why, he started using his knowledge to make the carriages instead of weapons. He was nervous, when ’that’ person came to his shop yesterday and placed an order on behalf of the Principal’s name. But he quickly dismissed the thoughts as he knew that a person of ’that’ status doesn’t need to bother to make him go against the Principal to deal with him. That is why, he became more confident and came to look for the Principal to foot the bill. But looking at the Principal’s expressions, he is starting to doubt his decision.

Principal suddenly heaved a sigh and looked away from the letter and asked. "How much is the bill?"

"5000 spirit stones." The person said slowly looking at the Principal’s expression and as expected, he saw the Principal’s expression turn dark and ugly and he immediately explained himself.

"Sir, He gave us a special order and the design himself, including the materials to be used. If you want, you can take a look at it." Boss passed over a huge scroll. Principal looked at the exquisite sketches and the designs of various components and became impressed, but when he looked at the list of the materials needed, he almost puked blood in rage. He held back his anger and returned the scroll for the boss and finished the Payment along with. Boss left the academy happily.

After making sure that nobody is around, Principal immediately roared in rage as tore down the letter.

"SAAAAMMMMM"

He became so enraged at the content of the letter. The words are written like this. ’Honourable Principal, yesterday when we discussed the travel arrangements, you only mentioned about the beasts of mine and forgot to mention about the carriage. So, as a humble student, I took it up on myself and ordered a specially made carriage for our team and I am writing this to remind you complete the payment. You don’t need to thank me as it is my responsibility to help you do these minor tasks. – Sam.’

Principal immediately understood Sam’s intention of getting himself a new carriage under the expense of him. But he can’t lose face and get embarrassed by exposing the truth. Because, if he exposed the truth, he has to action against Sam for blatantly using the Principal’s name which he obviously unable to do. That is why, he can only curse in his heart. Just when he thought he took advantage of that brat, he made him lose another 5000 spirit stones.

Between those surprised gazes there is one with some disdain. Sam came out of his stupor and walked towards the Principal.

"Hello, Sir." He greeted him with a nonchalant face. The rest of the people also came out of their stupor and looked at Sam.

"Hello, Sam take your seat." He said as he pointed at the seat.

Sam nodded and took a seat without greeting anyone else. He just gave his friends a look before turning to look at the Principal.

"Now, that all the participants are here, I will say a few words. We will be going to the Falcon cliff city day after tomorrow. The ten of you are going to represent the Starwood city in the tournament that is going to be conducted by the Count himself. There will be teams from the other cities under the jurisdiction of the Count and people from the Falcon Cliff city will also participate in it. I can’t tell you what the rewards are but the tests would be on various aspects and the winners will get the recognition and rewards beyond imagination. I hope you guys will prepare well and work hard in representing our city and the academy." Principal spoke as he looked at the ten participants.

"Sir, how many days is the tournament going to be conducted?" Philip asked as he raised his hand.

"I am not quite sure. But you will know after we reach there. I and City lord are going to accompany you all. Eisen, you are going to be the in charge of the team." Principal said as he looked at a person and that guy stood up. He is the one who looked at Sam in disdain. Sam saw the three stars on his chest. He seems to be at the initial stage Novice.

"Sir, do you mean that I am the leader of the team?" Eisen asked as he looked straight at the Principal. The latter nodded.

"I have an objection regarding the team." He said with an arrogant tone. Principal raised his eyebrow as he looked at Eisen.

"What would that be?" Principal asked in a low voice.

"I don’t want someone who used their status to get into the team through the backdoor. This will not do justice for the team members at all." Eisen said as he looked at Principal straight in the eyes without noticing the change of expressions on other members. But everyone could understand that he is talking about Sam and then all of them looked towards him. They wanted to see how Sam would react to that, but all they could see was a cold, emotionless and nonchalant face without any reaction. Then they heard the reaction from another person.

"So, Eisen. You mean the Principal of this academy, me is a person who is influenced by the people’s status and open the backdoor without considering their capability." Principal asked as he voice sounded a little colder.

Eisen was dumbfounded for a moment when he heard this. He really dared not agree to what Principal said. How could he agree that Principal is a person with out morals? That would be courting death. Even if he really felt that, he wouldn’t dare to say that.

"No sir. I-I mean that someone might have u-used their status to threaten......" He started in a fl.u.s.tered tone and was interrupted by the Principal.

"Enough. I am not going to ask your opinions nor do I care. You are only a leader of team because of the cultivation level. Don’t think that you have some say in the team members selection simply because I gave you the position. You better keep your mouth shut. Everyone you guys can leave. Meet me at the Academy gate at morning in the day after tomorrow. You are dismissed."