After getting the invitation, Silas was so happy that he told his father first.
His father beamed with pride. "Good job, son! Don't tell your mom and sister yet. We'll surprise them with a party tonight when they come back from work."
Silas laughed and agreed instantly. His mom and sister were currently inside Eternal Ascendancy, busy with their jobs. They'd return tonight.
His father then added, "Silas, you should inform your university too. They'll probably throw a goodbye party for you."
Silas wasn't the first to receive an invitation. Many others had already been selected.
Whenever a school, university, or workplace heard the news, they threw parties to congratulate the chosen ones and say farewell.
It had become a new trend on the E.A. Network. Players even sent gifts and messages of congratulations, hoping to build connections with the future academy students.
Of course, there was jealousy and anger too—every accepted person meant one less seat for others.
But strict E.A network moderation kept most negative comments in check.
Silas wasn't particularly excited about a university party. He had no real friends there.
He never bothered talking to anyone. When someone tried, he just listened quietly with little reply. People quickly stopped approaching him after seeing he wasn't interested.
Still, he respected his father's suggestion. He agreed to contacted the university.
His father watched him from behind, quietly proud.
Entering the Central Academy was thousands of times better than joining India Concord.
They offered things no one else could provide.
He murmured under his breath, "I wish that child could escape that hell and get admitted to the Central Academy too…"
He shook his head quickly. He didn't want to remember. It only brought guilt.
Then he turned away to contact friends and relatives, inviting them for tonight's celebration.
***
On the other hand, when Silas informed his university, they were immediately excited that one of their students had been accepted into the Central Academy.
They didn't ask for any proof. Everyone knew no one would dare lie about something like this.
The whole world would be watching. If the person was exposed as a liar, the backlash would be unbearable.
So they trusted him completely. They told Silas to come to the world lobby, Sunday region, tomorrow.
There, they would throw a party.
Silas was surprised to hear the party would be held in Sunday region. But he quickly calmed down after thinking more.
They were likely using this celebration to promote the university. The event would attract eyes from across the world, putting their private institution in the spotlight.
He murmured softly, "Looks like the university is really suffering…"
His university was private and received no government support. Students were choosing government schools and universities instead. Enrollment had dropped sharply.
They were taking this step to gain visibility with minimal expense.
He shook his head to clear the thoughts. The university's problems weren't his concern.
He would just attend the party and return.
He could have told them, "I don't want any party—just give me my university leaving certificate."
And they would have to comply.
But he didn't say it. First, because his father had told him to go. Second, he was indifferent to others—not disrespectful.
He wouldn't disrespect the university by refusing outright.
Anyway, he didn't have to do much. Just sit there, let them celebrate, and come back.
He then went to his father, who was busy talking with friends and relatives.
His father was inviting them to tonight's celebration and repeatedly reminding everyone: "Don't tell my wife or daughter yet. It's a surprise."
When Silas heard that the celebration would be attended by those people, his mood soured instantly.
He didn't like them.
They weren't sincere. He had always felt jealousy hidden in their words and fake smiles. Their praise would feel like poison—sweet on the surface, bitter underneath.
But he didn't stop his father.
He understood. His father just wanted to show off his proud son to the world. Silas wouldn't take that joy away.
While his father was still on the phone, Silas spoke up calmly, "Dad, I told the university about it. They want to throw a party tomorrow in the Sunday region of the world lobby."
His father paused mid-sentence, then laughed brightly. "Whoa, son! You're really going to be the center of attention tomorrow. Remember to pick your best outfit, okay?"
Silas nodded quietly.
He sat down on the couch and began thinking about his plans after entering the academy.
The academy would officially start in two days. He needed to prepare—mentally.
He couldn't keep acting indifferent there.
He had to make friends.
He remembered a phrase he had read once: "The lonely person survives, but the person with meaningful and supportive social connections thrives."
If he wanted to become truly strong, he needed more than just the cultivation system and resources.
He needed peers—people who would challenge him, push him to grow, show him new paths, walk beside him through dangers, and share opportunities.
He knew his expectations were high.
But he still hoped.
He hoped that at the academy, someone—maybe even a few people—would become that kind of peer.
Silas stared at the ceiling, breathing slowly.
For the first time in a long while, the thought of connecting with others didn't feel like a burden.
It felt like a necessary step forward.
He closed his eyes.
Two days.
He would be ready.