"Please enter in order according to your assigned numbers. We have prepared the relevant tests for you in designated testing grounds. Due to the Alliance Academy's preliminary establishment, some applicants will be eliminated in this round of selection. But please believe that this absolutely does not mean you will never be able to study at the academy."
High above the academy, An Dongcheng's live speech played across an enormous light screen.
Today, he was not wearing the black uniform exclusive to Alliance ministers that everyone knew so well. Instead, he had changed into a somewhat lighter, simpler linen outfit.
His plain clothes bore no unnecessary patterns. Only the emblem of an open book, representing the academy, was printed over his chest.
An Dongcheng looked straight ahead. Even separated by the cold light screen, everyone could feel the sincerity and resolve in his words.
"The academy has existed from beginning to end to give everyone a path upward. Yet because of reality, we cannot accommodate every person who wishes to study. But I promise you all that the academy's expansion will never cease. On this day every year from now on, we will open the academy to those who seek admission."
"Residents who are regretfully not selected this year, we will reserve places specifically for you next year. Please believe us—we will not abandon a single person!"
At the end of his speech, An Dongcheng clenched his hand into a fist and lightly struck his left chest.
It was the symbol of an oath, and it also meant that the Alliance would bear witness to his words.
After hearing An Dongcheng's heartfelt speech, the many young people hoping to enroll could not help but feel moved.
In their eyes, An Dongcheng, already the head of an Alliance department, had long been