Primordial Awakening: My Bloodline Evolves Infinitely

Later the same day, Leonard, Elizabeth, and Arabella were approached by President Jasmine.

"Juniors, given your outstanding performance during the Monster Wave, you are being given the chance to enter the Academy Council. Are you willing to accept the responsibilities of the role?"

Although the benefits of joining were clear, especially the monthly allowance of 1,000 Merit Points, it brought along heavy duties that not many of the scholars were capable of taking on.

"Sure." Leonard answered first with a shrug. There was no way he would miss out on such a large sum of funds, which he could use to stock up on potions.

"Yes." Elizabeth replied in a collected voice.

"It will be an honor for me to be the first elf to join the Academy Council." Arabella accepted with a determined nod.

Jasmine’s lips curled into a wide grin. She handed the three badges before leading them toward their own hall.

Inside, Leonard came face-to-face with the rest of the Academy Council once more. They were already sitting around a circular table, divided by their year, with those closer to graduation seated farther toward the end.

"Everyone, welcome our new additions." Jasmine announced their arrival.

Leonard’s eyes swept up the scholars, noting two familiar faces.

Karson, who met his gaze straight through his square glasses, and Daniel, who tried to mask his true emotions with indifference, yet still let out a faint trace of boiling hatred.

"You can settle down." Jasmine said casually, going over to the end of the desk and taking a seat. She crossed her legs beneath the table and leaned back in her chair.

"Since this is your first time here, you are not expected to contribute. Just get familiar with how meetings go." She explained.

The three complied and followed her instructions. Leonard found himself sitting next to Karson.

"Junior." Karson extended a formal greeting, readjusting his glasses.

"Senior." Leonard returned the gesture before his gaze drifted to the President.

"Does anybody have anything to report?" Jasmine asked her underlings.

"Yes." Daniel answered and folded his arms.

"Yesterday, there was a conflict between two third-years. Both were about to fight over a woman until I intervened. Sooner or later, the two will clash for real, and it will cause bloodshed."

"If they are so eager to fight, let them be." Jasmine giggled. "Arrange a duel between them. When everything is official, neither we nor the academy can be held liable for the consequences."

The meeting proceeded, with the members discussing a range of topics, from important matters to barely consequential ones.

Just as the gathering was about to be closed, the door to the room creaked open.

Professor Hartman walked in. However, his usually expressive face had shifted into a stone-cold expression. His eyes were void of emotion, like he was reminded of his past in the military.

"Professor Hartman? What do we owe the pleasure?" Jasmine welcomed him, though surprised by his appearance.

Remaining silent, he walked toward her and dropped a fat stack of records in front of her.

"Read."

He spoke in a tone that left no room for argument.

"Aloud."

A frown etched onto Jasmine’s face. It was clear that something was not right.

She took the report, beginning to scan it.

"An hour ago, our southern border was attacked by Sandromia City. They have succeeded in pushing into our territory, conquering the closest settlements to them, and are continuing to advance throughout the region of Eternia City..."

She paused briefly, a deadly silence settling over the room. None of the Academy Council members knew how to respond.

"Continue." Hartman ordered, with not a change in his expression.

"Right..." Jasmine took a deep breath.

"The recorded death toll is still unconfirmed. Conservative estimates exceed 10,000 casualties, including awakened soldiers and... civilians of all ages... It’s believed that unless stopped, Sandromia will reach the main city within a couple of months..."

What followed were reports of the nearby settlements and the most appropriate ways to respond to the approaching army, though Jasmine didn’t read them, slowly resting the papers on the table.

"What is this?" She murmured, completely baffled.

"A declaration of war." Hartman replied, his tone unwavering.

"Preposterous!" Outraged, the gathered scholars began to mutter among themselves.

Evidently, judging by their faces, everybody was taken aback by the sudden hostility of their neighbors. The only one who didn’t share their surprise was Leonard.

’I have to admit, although I expected them to attack, I didn’t think it was going to happen so soon after my grandfather warned me. It’s almost too perfect to be a coincidence.’ He stroked his chin, deep in thought.

"I will have order in this room!" Hartman yelled, bringing stillness to the chamber.

"Don’t misunderstand me. I know very well how you feel. However, this is life. Regardless of how well you can prepare for the future, sometimes things just aren’t meant to go your way." He shook his head with a deep sigh.

"Then what are we meant to do?" Jasmine narrowed her eyes.

Now that the city had entered a state of war, everything was bound to change. Not only were the borders going to be affected, but also the lives of ordinary civilians and awakened individuals who were still studying in the academy.

Hartman remained silent for a couple of seconds.

"The academy program will be heavily altered. The subjects you were supposed to learn over the course of a large period of time will be crammed into a week, prioritizing human-to-human combat and warfare tactics. After this period expires... we will be joining the war effort."

"Joining the war?" Daniel’s forehead broke out in cold sweat. "B—But we are still just scholars!"

Hartman met his stare.

"First, you are all adults, not some hopeless kids. Second, precisely because you attend the academy, it makes you more knowledgeable compared to your peers who may exceed your level. Like it or not, you are the perfect candidates for being drafted into the war."

Karson raised his hand.

"Does that mean we would be forced to attend regardless of our will?"

Hartman wasn’t surprised by the question.

"No. Even if we are at war, things aren’t so desperate to be in a state of emergency. Everybody has the option to opt out of participating. However... that would mean immediate expulsion from the academy and a lifetime ban on ever attending. From today onward, our values have changed. From preparing you to handle monsters to clashing with humans."

He surveyed their haunted expressions. Understandably, they needed some time to adjust to the sudden news.

"Does anyone have any more questions?"

"..."

"Very well. As members of the Academy Council, you are all expected to break the news to your peers and prepare them for what’s ahead. If you have any concerns, you may speak with me or Headmistress Jennifer."

Hartman announced, making his exit.

"You are all dismissed. May fortune be with you in the days to come."

Rendered speechless, the Academy Council members blankly stared at each other. Suddenly, the problems they had been discussing prior looked insignificant compared to the bombshell that had just been dropped.

With a groan, Leonard massaged his temples and leaned back in his chair.

"The first day in the Academy Council is shaping up to be quite the headache..."

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