Chapter 66: Consideration

Prior to the start of the semester, Jiang Hui had already contacted an instructor at the academic affairs office to explain her situation.

It was a pity that she still failed to transfer her major directly. Although the instructor deeply sympathized with her plight, he simply lacked the authority to make such a change. However, this kind-hearted instructor informed Jiang Hui that he had already reported her situation upward and would inquire about the school administration's stance on the matter.

A few days prior, Jiang Hui received a comm-link message from that very instructor, stating that the school leadership was now aware of her situation and had arranged an appointment for her with the university president.

This left Jiang Hui somewhat flattered. She was just an ordinary student who, having missed the transfer window, merely wanted to consult the administration to see if an exception could be made allowing her to transfer out of the military-related major. After all, she possessed enough self-awareness to know that remaining in the combat mecha-pilot department meant she was essentially occupying a precious and hard-earned academic slot.

Yet, since the administration had responded and even successfully granted her an audience with the president, it proved there was room for negotiation. Consequently, Jiang Hui still harbored a faint glimmer of hope in her heart at that moment.

Upon arriving at the academic affairs office, the instructor led her to the president's office. Yet the ultimate outcome was still not the one Jiang Hui desired.

The president was a young man of refined appearance and demeanor, bearing the surname Xia. His features leaned somewhat toward those of Huachao descent, though it seemed he might carry other bloodlines as well. However, this blend was remarkably seamless, radiating an exceptionally approachable warmth.

He appeared to be expecting her. As Jiang Hui realized she was being led straight into the presence of the academy president on her very first day, she found the feeling rather subtle, despite having a valid reason for her visit.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this would likely be her first and only private meeting with the president during her time at this institution.

Not entirely certain how one ought to greet a university president in this interstellar era, Jiang Hui figured that a polite greeting was always the safest bet.

"Student Jiang, you're here... Please sit, no need to be too formal." Fortunately, the president did not seem like the rigid sort; his tone and attitude were relaxed and exceptionally approachable.

"Instructor Duan has already explained the purpose of your visit to me, and I deeply regret your experience," Principal Xia said to the girl standing before him.

Jiang Hui remembered then that the academic affairs instructor who had received her was indeed named Duan.

"Both the administration and our faculty completely understand your request, but—"

At this transitional conjunction, Jiang Hui's heart instantly turned ice-cold. She hardly needed to hear the rest; the implication of rejection was painfully obvious.

Yet she simply could not fathom why the administration would still refuse her. Did they not realize she was truly wasting an academic slot in the combat mecha-pilot department? Even if she forced herself through a year of study in this major, she would ultimately end up wasting someone else's spot for nothing—Jiang Hui was well aware of her own limitations.

"Has Student Jiang never considered another path?" the older man asked softly, hands lightly clasped together. Perhaps out of consideration for her state of mind, his gestures remained rather conservative.

In her past life, the original owner had studied military logistics and literature in her preparatory academy, though she herself had apparently felt that major ill-suited for her, planning to re-evaluate and choose a more appropriate path after her secondary awakening—only for something to go wrong during that very secondary awakening.

Now, Jiang Hui simply wanted to distance herself from danger and live a peaceful life, choosing to study an ordinary major. She had never imagined that even this would prove so difficult.

"As Instructor Duan previously mentioned, the application portal for major transfers is currently closed and cannot be forcibly reopened under normal circumstances. If you cannot complete a transfer through the system, you will be unable to participate in various examinations and courses, nor will you be able to accumulate credits. Therefore, under these circumstances, we still recommend that you remain in the combat mecha-pilot department for a year of study."

"I have already reviewed your file. You have only recently undergone your secondary awakening, yet your assessed mental power has already reached Grade A. Both of your parents are exceptional military officers of the Empire. I believe you might consider trying out a major with high mental power demands first."

"If, after a year, you truly find yourself unable to adapt, it will not be too late for you to switch when the transfer portal opens next academic year. By then, we will convert your credits based on the coursework you completed in the combat mecha-pilot department, allowing you to graduate on a normal schedule."

His words were gentle, completely devoid of any condescending lecturing tone. On the contrary, they sounded more like sincere advice. Although he mentioned her parents, she was not the original owner and remained largely un-sensitive about the topic; Jiang Hui could readily accept this level of inquiry and advice.

Yet this outcome hardly brought Jiang Hui any joy. It meant that, come what may, she would have to spend the next year studying in the combat mecha-pilot department, unless she applied for a leave of absence right now and waited until next year to transfer.

So what on earth had she been hoping for? The result remained unchanged. But making this trip finally allowed Jiang Hui to give up all remaining illusions completely.

Fair enough. Rules were rules; in the interstellar society, which was far more transparent than Blue Star, this was only to be expected.

So be it. The mecha-pilot department it was; fate had evidently ordained that she walk this path.

Just as Jiang Hui settled her thoughts, Principal Xia, seeing her remain silent and mistaking it for hesitation, continued, "If Student Jiang is worried about lacking prior foundation and potentially falling behind at first, the administration has already taken that into consideration. We will inform your instructors, and your requirements will be halved and reduced until you are able to adapt."

"However, if after a year you wish to continue your studies in the combat mecha-pilot department, you must fully meet the department's standards. We will no longer be able to offer halved requirements thereafter," the principal told her.

This contingency had to be accounted for. The administration agreed to halve Jiang Hui's requirements solely because she genuinely lacked a foundation and the reason for missing the transfer window was beyond her control, while Jiang Hui herself could not yet be certain she could handle such a major.

Yet if she subsequently changed her mind, studying within the combat mecha-pilot department was her right, seeing as she had entered through the military dependent quota. However, continuing to grant her halved requirements would be unfair to the other students.

These matters had to be made clear to Jiang Hui beforehand; otherwise, it would inevitably lead to major complications later on.

Since Jiang Hui had already accepted the reality that she must temporarily study in the combat mecha-pilot department, she naturally expressed her understanding. She felt that the arrangements made by the administration and the principal were considerate and thorough—perhaps a bit too thorough. She had nothing left to be dissatisfied about.

With nothing more to discuss, Jiang Hui figured the meeting was drawing to a close. Delaying any longer would mean missing her chance to pick a good dormitory room, so she timed her departure and bade farewell to the principal.

Just before she left, the principal called her back, reaching into a drawer to retrieve a square metal box. With her sharp eyes, Jiang Hui spotted her name seemingly inscribed along the edge of the box immediately.

Without dragging it out, Principal Xia handed the box to Jiang Hui.

As the object landed in her palm, Jiang Hui found it astonishingly light, entirely lacking the weight characteristic of metal. What on earth was this—?