Chapter 122: First Glimmer of Light (7)

Chapter 122: Chapter 122: First Glimmer of Light (7)

The corner of Simon’s eye twitched, the profound meaning in his gaze known only to himself.

The rest of the welcome ceremony went off without a hitch. Simon didn’t cause any more trouble, allowing the organizers to breathe a sigh of relief!

After the morning’s events, all the participants from Apex knew of this remarkably low-key girl who was fluent in five languages and had a razor-sharp wit. Many instinctively tried to get closer to her; if they didn’t want to be steamrolled by the foreign students, they desperately needed Seraphina Sterling’s help!

The first activity of the winter camp was, surprisingly, mountain climbing! This was not what Seraphina Sterling had expected. ’Weren’t we supposed to be learning about the outstanding traditional culture of Apex? So what’s this about climbing a mountain!’ The organizers hadn’t anticipated this request either, but since the team leader from abroad had spoken, they naturally deferred to their guests’ wishes.

Luckily, not far from the city of Sanford, there was a place called Mount Cinder. Its continuous range of bizarre peaks and sheer, treacherous cliffs attracted many tourists. The organizers brought the winter camp contingent here, and the massive group began their grand procession up the mountain!

Crystal Marshall, having changed into a full hiking outfit, glanced over at Seraphina Sterling in her tracksuit. "Try to move a little faster later, and don’t drag us down! We certainly won’t be helping you!"

"I hear country folk are supposed to have good stamina, so you’d better not disgrace them and tarnish your identity as a hick! We train at a dedicated fitness club every week with professional instructors. We’re dead set on taking first place, and if you make us lose it, I will absolutely make you regret it!"

Michelle Galloway’s tone was even more vicious.

Seraphina Sterling didn’t even spare them a glance, merely slowing her pace to let them rush on ahead.

"I’m very curious. Tollan High doesn’t offer other language courses, and there are no such language tutoring centers in Tollan Town. How did you become so proficient in five languages?" The team leader from Aethelgard First High School slowed his pace on the mountain.

"I’m curious as well. Although Aethelgard is the capital of Apex, and Aethelgard First High School has some developmental training, the standard is a far cry from systematic, military-style training. Where did you learn such advanced hiking and climbing skills? If I’m not mistaken, you must be incredible at rock climbing!"

Seraphina Sterling gave him a passing glance. She had been observing him for a long time; he seemed less like a student and more like a rigorously trained soldier, or perhaps a national-level athlete.

He was taken aback. ’She could even tell that? What sharp eyes!’

"I never would have thought a place like Sanford was a land of crouching tigers and hidden dragons! Let’s have a proper introduction. My name is Logan Grant, the student representative from Aethelgard First High School."

’From Aethelgard, with the surname Grant, and with physical prowess likely unrivaled by his peers... She was almost certain now: this Logan Grant was from the Grant Family of Aethelgard!’ "Seraphina Sterling, from Tollan High."

"I have, in fact, received systematic mountaineering training, and ever since I was a child, too! So, what about you? How does someone your age become proficient in five languages?" Logan Grant answered Seraphina’s question first.

The usual warm smile hung on Seraphina Sterling’s face. "I trust that Grant, living in a bustling metropolis like Aethelgard, has heard of this thing called the internet. And I’m sure you also know about a learning method called ’self-study’!"

Logan Grant: ...

"What are you two whispering about over here? We’re already falling behind!" The student representative from Veridia First High School was a girl named Genevieve Churchill. She was lively, straightforward, and very likable.

"I remember you! You’re Seraphina Sterling, right? You’re amazing, knowing so many languages! Your stamina is just a little lacking, though! But don’t worry. Stick with your big sis, and I’ll lead the way! I’ll make sure you don’t end up in last place!" Genevieve Churchill gave Seraphina Sterling’s shoulder a hearty pat.