Once something happens once, it's bound to happen again. Since staying at Chen Yuan's manor, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing had rarely returned to the academy. After all, the academy mostly left them to their own devices.
As long as they met the graduation requirements, they could graduate as outstanding alumni of Shrek Academy. If they didn't meet the requirements, they would simply drop out. Frankly, Flender had thought this through quite well, as most academies on the continent operated this way.
Two months passed quickly. Chen Yuan smoothly broke through to the next level, reaching 40th rank in spirit power. All he needed now was to absorb a spirit ring to become a four-ring Spirit Ancestor.
Not only Chen Yuan, but even Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing had each gained a level in spirit power, bringing them closer to the 30th rank.
During this time, the two girls had been living and eating at Chen Yuan's manor, only returning to the academy every ten days or so to give Flender some semblance of accountability.
This time, when they returned, Flender told them not to leave in a hurry, as he had an important announcement to make the next day.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing were curious. Since it was just one night, they decided to stay and leave the next day.
---
The next morning!
At Shrek Academy's square, one figure after another arrived. All the teachers and students were present, making this one of the most complete gatherings in the academy's history.
Once everyone had gathered, Flender stepped forward and spoke in a heavy tone
"It is with great regret that I must inform you all that Shrek Academy has run out of funds and can no longer sustain itself. As the headmaster of Shrek Academy, I have no choice but to announce that Shrek Academy… is officially bankrupt…"
Even though he had come to terms with it, saying these words out loud still filled Flender with immense sadness.
The reactions among the crowd varied. Zhao Wuji, Lu Qibin, Li Yusong, and Shao Xin—teachers who had been with Shrek Academy for a long time—all glanced subtly at Yu Xiaogang, their eyes filled with dissatisfaction and anger.
They had a rough idea of where the academy's funds had gone. They had all been squandered by Yu Xiaogang, with the majority being spent on Tang San and Xiao Wu. This was the real reason behind the academy's bankruptcy.
However, since Yu Xiaogang was Flender's close friend, they couldn't say much. But deep down, they resented him. After all, Shrek Academy was not only Flender's life's work but also theirs. Seeing it come to this was truly heartbreaking.
Yu Xiaogang, on the other hand, remained calm. He had prevented Tang San and Xiao Wu from attending other intermediate spirit academies because he didn't want them to be trained by others. He wanted to personally nurture them.
Now that Shrek Academy could no longer support Tang San and Xiao Wu's growth, they needed to move elsewhere. By bringing Flender, Zhao Wuji, and the others along, Yu Xiaogang believed he could establish a stronger foothold in a new place.
At this moment, Yu Xiaogang stepped forward, seemingly oblivious to the sadness on Flender's face, and said calmly
"Flender, let's discuss our next steps and see if everyone agrees."
Hearing this, Flender quickly composed himself and looked at his old comrades. With a mix of emotion and helplessness, he said
"Old Zhao, Old Lu, Old Li, Old Shao, we've been brothers for many years. Later, we came together to establish Shrek Academy. Unfortunately, the academy can no longer sustain itself."
"We're all getting old. We don't have the same drive we had in our youth. We just want to find a place to retire. So, following Xiaogang's suggestion, we'll be seeking refuge at another advanced spirit academy. If you have nowhere else to go, come with us. With our strength, we'll definitely be valued and receive favorable treatment."
"Plus, we'll still be able to gather often, drink tea, and chat. What do you think?"
The teachers exchanged glances. Soon, Zhao Wuji scratched his head and said
"Boss Flender, I don't have any family or other places to go. The Spirit Hall even has a bounty on me. I'll follow you. But when we get to the new academy, you'll have to negotiate our terms properly. We can't end up like this again."
After he spoke, the other three teachers also voiced their thoughts, deciding to follow Flender to the new academy. In the past, they had worked independently, with no ties to sects or families. While they had no other options, going to a new academy together would allow them to continue their camaraderie. So, they agreed.
Flender was deeply moved. His old comrades didn't blame him and were willing to stay by his side. He thumped his chest and assured them
"No problem at all. With our strength and my silver tongue, I'll make sure we get the best treatment."
After settling matters with his old friends, Flender turned his attention to the seven students in front of him. This was the largest number of students Shrek Academy had ever had. Unfortunately, the academy could no longer support them, so their future was now in their own hands. He spoke in a gentle tone
"The academy's bankruptcy affects you the most, but there's nothing we can do. Our academy has always struggled financially. Now, whether you stay or leave is up to you."
"If you choose to leave now, the academy can't offer you any promises. We can't refund your tuition, and you won't receive a diploma. If we meet again in the future, we might be strangers."
"If you choose to stay, I'll take you to a new academy. You're all geniuses, monsters. No advanced spirit academy would reject you. We'll still be your teachers and help you secure more resources."
This was a rather shameless statement. These students had paid enrollment fees and tuition, yet the academy wouldn't refund their money or issue diplomas. Instead, Flender wanted to drag them along to a new academy.
Among the seven students, Ma Hongjun was the most nonchalant. He shrugged and said directly
"Headmaster, you know me. If I don't go with you, I have nowhere else to go. My village doesn't even have a single spirit master. When we get to the new academy, I'll probably meet a lot of beautiful seniors and juniors. Hehe…"
At the end, he laughed lewdly.
After he spoke, Oscar also chimed in
"Headmaster, you know me too. I'm in the same boat as Fatty. I have nowhere else to go. I'll leave with you."
After the two of them spoke, Dai Mubai thought about his family situation. Returning to the Star Luo Empire now would undoubtedly mean certain death. Staying under Flender's protection would allow him to live a few more carefree years. He said
"Headmaster, I'm the same. I'll leave with you."
After these three senior students voiced their decisions, Tang San and Xiao Wu also followed suit.
Tang San said.
"Wherever my teacher goes, I'll go."
Xiao Wu said.
"Wherever my brother goes, I'll go."
Out of the seven students, five had made their decisions. Only Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing remained silent.
(End of Chapter)
Word Count : 1,220
---
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.