"Alright, everyone's here, so come up and get your application forms. Fill them out and head to the corresponding university's registration window to complete your professional information registration. Then you can prepare for the upcoming assessments," said Class Advisor Xu Chengguang, silencing the students who had been chatting about their experiences leveling up in the wilderness.
"Leng Bingyue, which university do you plan to apply to? With your A-rank Gale Swordsman qualifications, I'm sure you've leveled up to 10 by now," a student asked.
"If I had Bingyue's qualifications, I'd apply to Saint Clare University."
"Actually, North Martial University isn't bad either. My cousin told me that there's going to be a reshuffling among the top professional academies in Dragon Nation this year. Both Saint Clare and North Martial Universities are definitely going to increase their investments."
"I'm a C-rank professional, so I'll just find an easy university to get into. I won't be too ambitious."
"A C-rank isn't bad. At least it's an augmenting profession. Unlike those D-rank professionals who didn't even come today, they've already given up and joined guilds one after another."
Zheng Mu looked over at Leng Bingyue, and their eyes met for a moment before Bingyue scoffed and turned away. However, Zheng Mu caught a glimpse of the words "Saint Clare University" on Bingyue's application form.
With a faint smile, Zheng Mu murmured "tsundere" and exchanged glances with Cai Shengkun next to him. Without any hesitation, they both filled out Saint Clare University on their application forms, as well as their high school information, profession name, and level.
Xu Chengguang had been watching their actions, feeling excited. While Zheng Mu's A-rank profession met the admission criteria for Saint Clare University, his combat ability was considered rather mediocre. Cai Shengkun, on the other hand, was a promising talent from their class.
As a B-rank professional with an impressively powerful Golden Gun Sharpshooter profession, his skills on the battlefield and in the wilderness were formidable.
"This year, our Yuntong High School might just produce three Saint Clare University professionals if our luck holds," Xu Chengguang thought, his smile growing even brighter at the prospect of the generous rewards he would receive as their class advisor.
Meanwhile, Zheng Mu and the others made their way towards the registration window.
In a vast indoor space that resembled a job fair, the different universities' registration booths awaited.
Saint Clare University, a top-tier institution in Dragon Nation, was easy to spot with its conspicuous sign. At the moment, however, there was already a long line of people waiting to register.
Despite Saint Clare University's rigorous assessment criteria, many still sought to try their luck. Among the top universities, Saint Clare and North Martial Universities had the longest queues.
After waiting quietly in line, it was soon Zheng Mu's turn. Leng Bingyue was first, and the person in charge of Saint Clare University's booth said, "A-rank Gale Swordsman, not bad at all. Although the assessments for top universities are challenging, with qualifications like Bingyue's, passing should be quite easy."
"Alright, you can proceed to the professional information registration at the back."
Taking Leng Bingyue's application form, the somewhat balding man in charge nodded in satisfaction, his nod becoming more vigorous after inspecting Bingyue's appearance.
Leng Bingyue furrowed her brows but said nothing, proceeding to the back.
Next was Cai Shengkun. The information of a B-class Golden Gun Shooter only elicited a slight lifting of the eyebrows from the official, who quickly directed him to the back to register without any additional words of praise.
Finally, it was Zheng Mu's turn.
Upon reading the information on the registration form, the bald official's brow furrowed.
"An A-class Mechanic? Is there such a profession in the A-class? Young man, did you fill this in incorrectly?"
Hearing the question, a flash of surprise appeared in Zheng Mu's eyes.
However, he shook his head: "I'm sorry, but I didn't fill it out incorrectly. Perhaps you could think about it again?"
At this point, someone sitting behind the bald man seemed to recall something and whispered a few words into his ear.
Immediately, the bald man's gaze towards Zheng Mu turned noticeably disdainful.
After pondering for two seconds, he shook his head and pushed Zheng Mu's registration form back towards him.
"If it were any other A-class profession, I wouldn't hesitate to let you register. But a Mechanic..."
The man paused, his face showing a clear look of disdain.
"Mechanics are too mediocre. They're incapable of fighting or supporting, and they're even inferior to the lowest D-class lifestyle professions. Young man, you should know."
"Our St. Clare University bears the immense responsibility of cultivating top-tier professionals for the Dragon Nation. Not just anyone can enter."
"So, please leave. You've come to the wrong place. You won't pass St. Clare University's assessment."
With that, the man shook his head, wearing a face that said, "I'm doing this for your own good," and gestured for Zheng Mu to leave.
The sudden turn of events immediately attracted the attention of those nearby.
Onlookers from North Martial University, who were initially eager to watch the commotion, shook their heads after hearing that Zheng Mu was a Mechanic. Not only would St. Clare University not admit him, but neither would their own North Martial University.
The surrounding gazes caused Zheng Mu's expression to turn cold.
"Sir, if I'm not mistaken, the assessment registration only requires one to meet the eligibility criteria, right?"
"St. Clare University's requirement is for B-class or above professions, as well as Lv. 10 newcomers to register and participate. I believe I meet both of these requirements, don't I?"
Hearing Zheng Mu's rebuttal, the bald man, who had grown arrogant from his position, had his expression turn cold.
"Fine, a Mechanic is a garbage profession. We don't need them at St. Clare University. Go somewhere else and cool off!"
Upon hearing the unreasonable and disdainful words, Zheng Mu's expression turned icy cold.
He stared deeply at the man in front of him, as if to engrave his face into his memory. Then, he glanced towards North Martial University.
However, before he could take a step, the official in charge there waved him off.
"Apologies, but the Mechanic profession is too specialized. We're not considering recruiting them at North Martial University. Please look for another institution."
Now, sharp gazes from all around were directed at Zheng Mu.
Zheng Mu's face turned pale with anger.
[System detected host's choice to advance, issuing an advancement mission]
[Please apply to Southwest Martial University and achieve top results in the Dragon Nation's top university assessments]
[Reward: Red Hero-class Blueprint*1]
(to be continued)