"Next is the [Nodists School]!" Hyacine pointed towards a relatively quiet area where students were either calculating on large sand tables or carving complex geometric figures onto stone slabs. "They are obsessed with the mysteries of numbers and the truths of geometry, believing the laws of the world are hidden within points, lines, and planes."
"The [Venerationists School]!" She gestured towards an area with solemn stone pillars and altars. "They delve into ancient rituals, the evolution of laws, and discuss how to maintain order and faith."
"The [Erythrokeramists School]!" Hyacine pointed to an area filled with a philosophical atmosphere, where many people sat in silent meditation or engaged in heated debates. "They question the nature of the soul and explore the meaning of existence. They are the artists and philosophers at the forefront."
"The [Helkolithists School]!" She pointed towards a distant, open field from which faint shouts and the dull thuds of heavy objects landing could be heard. "In their own words—'specializing in the research and practice of physical and psychological limits'!"
By now, they had entered the Grove core area. Enormous branches formed natural domes and colonnades. Students clutching heavy tomes hurried past everywhere, scholars debated fiercely in small groups, and individuals immersed in their own research worlds were a common sight. The air was vibrant with intellectual energy.
Phaethon listened to these details he hadn't paid much attention to in his past life playing games, nodding while thinking to himself. *So, to put it directly, these schools are... Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Mathematics, Rituals & History? Art & Philosophy? And... the Jocks?*
"You said there were seven major schools, Miss Hyacine. You only introduced six," Phainon asked puzzedly, like a blind man discovering the focal point.
Phaethon gently elbowed Phainon. "I say, Phainon, were you spacing out just now? Miss Hyacine introduced herself right at the start—she's a Teaching Assistant for the [Nousporists School]!"
He turned back to Hyacine, a curious smile on his face. "However, I'm also very curious. What does the [Nousporists School] study? It sounds impressive. Could I trouble Miss Hyacine to explain it to us?"
Hyacine seemed a bit embarrassed by Phaethon's flattery, quickly waving her hands. "Ah, no trouble at all! The [Nousporists School] is actually..."
Just as Hyacine was enthusiastically preparing to introduce the mysterious [Nousporists School], a cold, hard, distinctly displeased male voice pierced the atmosphere like an ice pick from above:
"Assistant Hyacinthia!" The voice's owner stood high on the spiraling living-wood staircase, looking down on them from his superior position.
"Might I ask how much longer you intend to lead these three... *tourists* in blocking the main thoroughfare? The paths of the Grove are the lifeblood for seekers of knowledge, not a venue for your tea party!"
"Ah! Sorry, Professor!" Hyacine hurriedly pulled Phaethon and the others to the side of the path.
Anaxagoras walked up to the group, his attention deliberately lingering on Phaethon's leg for a moment.
"What in the world is that woman Aglaea playing at? Stuffing a bunch of weak and crippled individuals into the Grove? Has she finally degenerated to the point of mental instability?"
After a brief exchange of verbal barbs with Aglaea from afar, Anaxagoras seemed to be in a slightly better mood.
"Fine. Who knows which unfortunate school will end up taking in the people that woman sent over. And remember, Assistant Hyacinthia, we have a class this afternoon! I do not tolerate tardiness!"
"Oh, right, Professor! I'll definitely be on time!" Hyacine quickly assured his retreating back.
***
"Who was that guy?" Phainon asked curiously after Anaxagoras left. "It sounds like... he and Lady Aglaea don't get along?"
"That was Professor Anaxagoras, one of the Grove's Seven Sages, and also the founder of the [Nousporists School] I was just about to mention."
Feng Jin replied. "Professor Anaxagoras and Lady Aglaea have some differences in their perspectives, so... their relationship is a bit complicated. It's hard to explain simply."
(Castorice: *Her amethyst eyes gleamed slightly, her internal notebook frantically recording: Major discovery! Entangled history between Okhema's Guardian and an Grove Sage! Material +1!*)
"Finally," Hyacine took a deep breath, her expression turning serious, "the [Nousporists School] is indeed the most controversial school within the Grove."
"Its core philosophy, simply put, is—*question everything*! Question authority, question tradition, question the 'truths' held as sacrosanct. Professor Anaxagoras believes true wisdom begins with doubt. So..."
She spread her hands, a bit helplessly, "The students he teaches often carry this 'prickly' demeanor, enjoying challenging the established systems. In the eyes of the other schools here, they are indeed... not very popular."
Hyacine looked at the three of them, adding in a firm tone: "But! I assure you! Professor Anaxagoras is absolutely a erudite, profound, and excellent teacher! He's just, um... very demanding and speaks rather directly."
"Alright," Hyacine raised her smile again, "Now, you can consider which school interests you the most?"
"While the Grove encourages cross-disciplinary studies, choosing a primary school is still necessary..." Before she could finish, a communication slate at her waist emitted a soft hum.
Hyacine picked up the slate puzzedly, scanning the message. A few seconds later, her smile froze on her face, her expression turning extremely vivid.
She looked up at the three curious faces, cleared her throat awkwardly, her tone full of profound apology: "Um... Well... My apologies, everyone. Plans... have changed."
"Lady Aglaea just sent 'special instructions'..." She held up the slate as if she could see Aglaea's expressionless face in it. "She demands—that all three of you *must* choose the [Nousporists School] as your primary affiliation."
(Far away in Okhema, within the Garden of Life, Aglaea calmly put down her communication slate. Deep within her emerald eyes, an extremely tiny, almost "pleased" glint flashed and vanished: *Plan successful~*)
Phaethon, Phainon: ...
Castorice: *We have to study under such a strict mentor? (⋟﹏⋞) So nervous...*
***
That afternoon, in a distinctly styled lecture hall, the air seemed frozen with an intangible pressure. Scattered cushions and low desks projected ever-shifting formulas and star charts. The dancing light and shadow on Phaethon, Phainon, and Castorice's faces added to the tension.
Anaxagoras—or perhaps he should now be formally addressed as Professor Anaxagoras—slowly swept his gaze over the three, finally letting it rest on Phaethon's slightly lame right leg before moving away, emitting an almost imperceptible soft snort.
(Anaxagoras: *I wonder which unfortunate school will get Aglaea's hand-me-downs? So hard to guess~*)
"My name is Anaxagoras. One of the Seven Sages of the Grove, founder of the Nousporists School." His voice wasn't loud, but it cut clearly through the low hum of the projectors, carrying a cold, metallic quality.
"Needless to say, first, do not call me 'Anaxa'." He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping over Phaethon and Phainon, as if confirming they remembered. "Second, do not interrupt me—silence is golden. Remember this."