( University For Nourishment Of Young Talents )

On the final evening of the university, there was a small graduation party organized by the teachers and staff as was the custom every year.

Rocky was invited to this party as the valedictorian and asked to give a small speech.

At this event, students who had achieved the Floor 21 benchmark were not only eligible to receive their final graduation degrees but also had the opportunity to be recognized for their exceptional performance.

The top three graduates, in particular, were slated to receive a monetary reward, acknowledging their outstanding academic achievements.

This celebration served as both a recognition of hard work and a motivation for future students to strive for excellence.

The atmosphere of the party was very lively, with students dancing in joy alongside teachers.

If one turned their heads, they could spot the lovers in the far corners of the party venue promising to keep in touch, the notorious friends playing some final pranks on one another towards the back, The Live band playing soft mellow music for everyone to enjoy and more.

Rocky, roaming the party in his valedictorian robes was approached and congratulated by many as everyone seemingly wanted to form a personal bond with the Champion Of Gemini who looked like he was set for greatness.

Cool, calm and unbothered, Rocky could discern the real motive behind every congratulations that he received using his aura eyes and hence he was never flattered by the useless words that people used to cozy up to him.

For him, the only reactions that mattered were those of fear and intimidation, as amongst this pile of fake smiles and celebrations, the only genuine emotion he found was fear and jealousy, as those who considered themselves to be his enemies, found his image tonight, standing tall in the valedictorian robes as intimidating.

Just like him, Erin and Buhara were drowned in praises as well, however, without having his discerning eye, the two took those compliments to heart and smiled gleefully.

Being a believer of the church of vanity, Erin replied every compliment with an equally valuable compliment, turning his conversations into a cringe fest, whereas Buhara began flexing his muscles under his graduation robes and even managed to tear the fabric slightly.

Soon, the ceremony finally started and after a small motivational speech by Principal Maven, the students who were to receive their permanent degrees started to be called up to the stage one after another in decreasing order of merit.

This meant that Rocky was going to be the last student to be called on the stage to receive his degree, giving him ample time to prepare the speech he was going to say in his mind.

The students, filled with excitement and adrenaline, showcased their skills as they were called to receive their degrees.

One student, a nimble elf, performed a flawless front flip, landing gracefully to a roar of applause from the crowd, while another student, a mischievous mage, conjured a small burst of fireworks as he walked up the stage, prompting cheers and laughter from the crowd.

Overall, the atmosphere was electric and joyous with each surprise show, making the ceremony more and more lively and memorable.

As the ceremony progressed, it was soon time to felicitate the top three graduates.

First, Principal Maven called Buhara to the stage as the towering orc, grinning broadly, stepped forward and received his reward of 150,000 TG.

“BUHAHAHAHARA” Laughed Buhara receiving the reward, as he pumped his fists with the tiny degree scroll inside towards the crowd, which roared in applause in response.

Next, Erin was called to the stage, with him looking as red as a tomato from being basked in the applause by the crowd.

He accepted his reward of 300,000 TG with a flamboyant bow, eliciting a mix of cheers and amused laughter from his peers.

Finally, it was Rocky’s turn to be called, and as his name was called, the entire hall erupted in applause.

Rocky walked up to the stage with a calm and composed demeanor as Principal Maven handed him his degree and the grand reward of 1 million TG.

As Rocky received his degree, the crowd rose to their feet, giving Rocky a standing ovation that echoed throughout the hall which was something that hadn’t happened for any other student.

Slowly as Rocky approached the podium, the cheers gradually subsided as everyone eagerly awaited his speech.

Approaching the podium, Rocky looked out at the sea of faces, his expression serious as he placed his degree on the podium table and leaned in towards the crowd.

“Thank you,” he began, his voice steady and clear.

“Tonight is a celebration of our hard work, but it is also a reminder of the harsh realities we face.

The Tower of Ascension is not kind. It does not forgive mistakes. It is a place of relentless challenges and brutal truths.” Rocky said, pausing, as he let his words sink in.

“We must remember that while it is important to strive for greatness, it is equally important to know our limits.

Set your goals high, but understand when to be content with what you have achieved.

Yes, Dreams are indeed worth pursuing, but survival is paramount.” Rocky said, as he reminded everyone what Principal Liam always instructed.

“While the tower may be able to make all of your wishes come true. If you make peace with what you have, you will find what the tower has to offer useless.

Always remember this, fellow climbers” Rocky said, stepping back from the podium as he concluded his valedictorian speech leaving a profound impact on everyone in the room.

For a moment, the hall was silent before the applause began again, this time more subdued, filled with respect and understanding.

Everyone expected Rocky to talk about their future and the hopes and dreams that everyone carried like any usual valedictorian speech, however, Rocky chose to be unique.

He left everyone with something deep to ponder on…. Something that was sure to save their lives if they ever found themselves becoming too greedy for their own good.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep