I am the Arcane Archer, and all my skills are self-created.

"Hey, isn't this our Squad Leader Li?" Zhao Tianyu's voice wasn't loud, but it was loud enough for everyone around to hear clearly.

"Why are you hiding in a corner drinking juice all by yourself? You should go out and socialize more in this kind of situation. Maybe you can get on the good side of some big shot and make a living in the Origin Realm in the future."

His henchmen immediately burst into laughter.

"Brother Yu, don't say that. Our Squad Leader Li is a proud and arrogant person. How could he do such a thing?"

"Exactly! He's a genius who awakened the hidden class 'Arcane Archer,' why would he need to rely on someone powerful?"

The words "Arcane Archer" were deliberately emphasized, conveying a strong sense of sarcasm.

Li Wu didn't even bother to lift his eyelids, simply staring calmly at the orange juice in his glass, as if the people in front of him were just a swarm of noisy flies.

His disregard made Zhao Tianyu feel like he had punched a cotton ball, and his face turned somewhat ugly.

Seeing this, Li Qiuyue gently tugged at his sleeve and said softly, "Tianyu, let it go, don't bother with people who are unrelated to us. The principal and the others are coming."

"Unrelated person?" Zhao Tianyu sneered. He wanted to trample Li Wu underfoot in front of everyone, especially in front of Li Qiuyue.

He wanted to show Li Qiuyue how wise her choice had been!

"Li Wu, I heard your mother's surgery is over? Have you raised enough money?" Zhao Tianyu asked, feigning concern.

"Well, that's true. The subsidies for Awakened are so high now, 500,000 shouldn't be a big problem for you. But the subsequent rehabilitation costs are no small amount. Can you, the 'Arcane Archer,' earn money in the game? Don't end up begging for help again, will you?"

These words were piercing to the heart.

However, Li Wu still did not react.

Just as Zhao Tianyu was about to escalate the humiliation, the lights in the banquet hall suddenly dimmed, and a spotlight shone on the stage.

The principal of Xinshi No.1 Middle School and a middle-aged man with slicked-back hair walked onto the stage.

Li Wu finally shifted her gaze from the cup to the middle-aged man.

Wang Hai, Director of the Academic Affairs Office.

The man who once pointed his finger at him, called him "useless," and withheld his life-saving money.

Li Wu's eyes finally turned cold.

On the stage, the lights shone brightly.

The principal of Xinshi No.1 Middle School, a middle-aged man with a Mediterranean hairstyle, held a microphone with a ruddy complexion, his voice loud and passionate.

"Distinguished guests, friends from the media, and our proudest students from Xinshi No.1 Middle School! Good evening!"

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

The principal cleared his throat and continued:

"Today, we gather here to celebrate the remarkable achievements our school has made in cultivating Awakened Ones! For twenty-one years since the arrival of 'The Realm of Origin,' our Xinshi No. 1 Middle School has always been at the forefront of the times, cultivating generation after generation of outstanding Awakened Ones for the nation and for humanity!"

His voice was passionate and full of pride.

"Over the past twenty-one years, our school has produced a total of 3,760 Awakened Ones! Among them are elite members like Captain Zhou Hai of the 'Knights' Alliance' and Vice President Wang Lei of the 'Sword Alliance'! And our special guest today is Ms. Qin Yufei, Vice President of the 'Flower Language Guild'!"

The spotlight shone on the first row of the VIP section at just the right moment. A woman in a silver dress, with a noble and elegant demeanor, stood up and smiled as she gestured to the crowd.

Her appearance instantly ignited the atmosphere of the entire venue.

"My God! It's Qin Yufei, the 'Moonlight Sword Dance'! She's a legendary figure from our Xinshi No. 1 Middle School!"

"I heard she's already past level 100, a true big shot at the very top of the pyramid!"

"She actually came too! This social gathering is way too high-class!"

Hearing the gasps of amazement around him, the principal's smile widened. He waited for the applause to subside before continuing:

"The glory of our predecessors is what we strive to emulate! But what makes us even more gratified is the rise of our successors! Especially this year, countless geniuses have emerged from our latest batch of Awakened Ones!"

He paused for a moment, then looked at Zhao Tianyu and Li Qiuyue in the audience, his eyes full of approval.

"They will be the pride of our Xinshi No.1 Middle School in the future, and the hope for humanity's future!"

Wang Hai, the director of the Academic Affairs Office, took the microphone at the opportune moment. He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and spoke in a melodious tone:

"To recognize these outstanding young talents and inspire more students to strive for excellence, the school has decided to establish the 'Newcomer of the Year' award series!"

"Now, I am honored to announce that the winner of this year's 'Best Talent Award' is..." Wang Hai deliberately dragged out his words, whetting everyone's appetite.

"Zhao Tianyu! His awakened class is the powerful 'Warrior,' and his talent has reached the outstanding level of 'Intermediate Strength Enhancement'! Let's give Zhao Tianyu a warm round of applause as he comes to the stage!"

"Whoosh—"

The audience erupted in applause.

Amidst countless envious and jealous glances, Zhao Tianyu, chest puffed out, strode confidently onto the stage like a proud rooster.

He took a gleaming gold trophy from Wang Hai, raised it high, and enjoyed his moment of glory.

"Thank you, Principal! Thank you, Director Wang! Thank you everyone!" Zhao Tianyu said spiritedly. "Awakening my outstanding talent is just the beginning! My goal is to follow in the footsteps of Senior Qin Yufei and become a new legend at Xinshi No. 1 High School!"

These bold words drew another round of applause.

Wang Hai nodded in satisfaction, his smile almost overflowing. He looked at Zhao Tianyu as if he were gazing upon a priceless treasure.

The subsidies that were withheld from Li Wu were immediately allocated to Zhao Tianyu as a "Special Fund for the Cultivation of Geniuses." In retrospect, this investment was incredibly worthwhile!

"Well said!" Wang Hai patted Zhao Tianyu on the shoulder, then turned to the audience and raised his voice again.

"Zhao Tianyu's excellence is undeniable! But what surprises us even more is the powerful collaboration between two geniuses! Next, we will be presenting the most prestigious award of the year—the 'Best Newcomer Group Award'!"

"The recipients of this award are Zhao Tianyu and his most compatible partner, Li Qiuyue, who has awakened her healing profession!"

The applause rang out again, even more enthusiastic than before.

Li Qiuyue, lifting her skirt, walked gracefully onto the stage under the spotlight, like a true princess, and stood beside Zhao Tianyu.

The two stood side by side, and in everyone's eyes, they were indeed a match made in heaven.

"What a perfect couple!"

"One is a powerful warrior with exceptional talent, the other a healer—this combination is simply a godsend for clearing new content!"

"Li Qiuyue has excellent judgment; following Zhao Tianyu will undoubtedly lead to a bright future!"

Listening to the discussions below the stage, Li Qiuyue's smile became even sweeter. She secretly glanced at Li Wu in the corner, a hint of victor's smugness flashing in her eyes.

See? This is my choice! This is the future you can never give me!

On stage, Wang Hai handed another trophy to Li Qiuyue, then said with a smile, "Li Qiuyue, as one of the most outstanding female students in our class, is there anything you'd like to say to everyone?"

All eyes were on Li Qiuyue.

Li Qiuyue took a deep breath, took the microphone, and scanned the entire room before finally fixing her gaze precisely on the lonely figure in the corner.

Her voice, transmitted clearly through the microphone, resonated throughout the entire banquet hall.

"Thank you for the school's recognition." She said politely at first, then changed the subject, her voice filled with emotion and relief.

"Standing here, what I want to say most is gratitude. I thank fate for allowing me to make the right choice at the crossroads of my life."

As she spoke, she turned her head and glanced affectionately at Zhao Tianyu beside her.

"A person's background and past achievements don't determine anything. In this era, talent and potential are everything. I'm glad that I chose to stand with true geniuses instead of being held back by some vague and unreliable past."

These words were loaded with meaning, and many people present understood the implied message, their gazes involuntarily drifting towards Li Wu.

Li Qiuyue seemed to think it wasn't enough. She paused, then suddenly raised her voice, carrying a condescending pity and determination.

"Some people are like mud at the bottom of a well; even if they occasionally glimpse the sky, they'll never break free and soar to the clouds. I hope everyone, especially girls, will keep their eyes open when choosing their future. Because choice is more important than effort!"

After he finished speaking, there was a brief silence, followed by thunderous applause and cheering laughter.

"Well said!"

"That's right! Choice is more important than effort!"

"Haha, 'too bad to be helped' is a perfect metaphor!"

Zhao Tianyu proudly embraced Li Qiuyue and kissed her on the forehead, as if showing off his spoils to the world.

All eyes—mocking, pitying, and those just watching the spectacle—were like sharp swords, piercing that corner of the banquet hall.

It was shot at the boy who remained expressionless throughout.