Before long...
Nearly a dozen student societies surrounded Kieran.
Their members remained surprisingly orderly.
No one shouted.
No one attempted to intimidate the others.
Within the Grand Academy...
Such behavior was strictly forbidden.
Each society simply waited for its chance to speak.
---
The young man from the Azure Society stepped forward first.
"Our society specializes in exploration missions."
"We believe true growth comes from experiencing the world beyond the Academy."
He smiled confidently.
"You'll never lack opportunities to learn."
---
The young woman from the Crimson Pavilion folded her arms.
"We focus on practical combat."
"Members spar regularly with senior disciples."
"If you want to improve quickly..."
"You'll find no better place."
---
Another representative adjusted his emerald robes.
"The Verdant Hall welcomes scholars."
"Our members include alchemists, healers, and formation masters."
"Knowledge is our greatest treasure."
---
One after another...
Each society presented its strengths.
Some offered resources.
Others promised guidance.
A few even hinted at powerful backers among the Academy Elders.
Throughout it all...
Kieran listened quietly.
He interrupted no one.
Asked no questions.
Simply listened.
---
When the last representative finished...
Everyone looked toward him expectantly.
Kieran bowed politely.
"Thank you."
"I'm honored by your invitations."
The representatives smiled.
Then Kieran continued.
"But..."
"I'd like to understand each society before making a decision."
Silence followed.
Not because his answer was offensive.
But because...
No one had expected it.
---
Darius from the Azure Society laughed first.
"A wise answer."
He handed Kieran a small jade token.
"This contains information about our society."
The others quickly followed suit.
Within moments...
Kieran held eleven jade tokens.
Each represented a different student society.
---
Mira stared at the growing pile.
"I've never seen anyone receive this many invitations."
Selene smiled.
"Neither have I."
Even Ronan looked mildly impressed.
---
As the crowd dispersed...
A lone figure remained standing beneath a nearby maple tree.
It was neither Darius...
Nor the woman from the Crimson Pavilion.
It was an elderly groundskeeper holding a broom.
He swept fallen leaves without looking up.
Then he quietly said,
"Sometimes..."
"The best choice..."
"...isn't among those who ask to be chosen."
Kieran turned.
The old man continued sweeping as though he had said nothing.
Before Kieran could respond...
The groundskeeper walked away.
His figure soon disappeared around a corner.
---
Mira blinked.
"Who was that?"
A passing senior disciple overheard her question.
"The old groundskeeper?"
He shrugged.
"No one really knows."
"He's been here longer than most instructors."
"He spends every day sweeping the Academy."
Then he walked away.
---
That evening...
Kieran returned to the Pavilion of Reflection.
Elder Rowan was arranging several books upon a shelf.
"You seem troubled."
The old man observed.
Kieran placed the eleven jade tokens upon the table.
"They all invited me."
"But..."
"I don't know which one to choose."
Rowan looked at the tokens.
Then...
He gently pushed them aside.
"What do you want?"
Kieran remained silent.
After several moments...
He answered honestly.
"I want to learn."
"Good."
"What else?"
"I want to travel."
"What else?"
"I want to understand the world."
Rowan smiled.
"Then ask yourself."
"Which society helps you do those things?"
"Not..."
"Which society others think you should join."
---
Kieran nodded slowly.
Once again...
The answer wasn't being given to him.
He had to find it himself.
---
Later that night...
He spread the jade tokens across the table in his room.
Each one projected a small image describing its society.
Resources.
Activities.
Notable members.
Achievements.
One by one...
He examined them carefully.
Hours passed.
When he finally finished...
He set ten tokens aside.
Only one remained before him.
It bore no extravagant emblem.
Only a simple mountain surrounded by flowing clouds.
Its name read:
The Wayfarer's Society
Description:
"We seek understanding through travel, observation, and experience. We neither pursue power nor avoid it. We simply continue walking."
Kieran smiled.
"It feels..."
"...familiar."
Almost as though...
It had been waiting for him.
Far away...
The golden symbol within his spiritual sea pulsed once.
The ancient voice echoed softly.
"Walk."
Kieran gently picked up the jade token.
Tomorrow...
He would visit the Wayfarer's Society.
Little did he know...
It was the smallest society in the entire Academy.
Yet...
It had once produced some of the greatest cultivators in the history of Gaia.
End of Chapter 86