Chapter 87

The admissions counselors from three prestigious universities sat across from Winnie, their eyes filled with a mixture of disappointment and concern.

“Ms. Bryant, choosing a college is a pivotal decision for your future. You must think this through!” pleaded the Silverpine University representative, his face a portrait of frustration. They were top–tier institutions, and yet, she was considering some obscure school!

Even Emerald University would have been a better choice!

The counselor from Capital University, aware of their own school’s collaboration with the CU Department of Paranormal Studies, didn’t share the same disdain for the department.

In fact, he had an inkling of what the country’s top three Departments of Paranormal Studies represented – places not just anyone could enter.

“Ms. Bryant, are you particularly interested in esoteric studies? At Capital University, we offer specialized courses in religious studies ” he offered, attempting to sway her The Emerald University counselor, not to be outdone, chimed in, “We may not have that specific program, but we could certainly create one for ”

The Bryant family joined in the chorus of persuasion, their faces etched with disapproval.

“Winnie, you really need to consider this more carefully. You can’t rush into a decision.” someone advised.

“A Department of Paranormal Studies? That’s a dead end,” Middleton scoffed.

“Maybe you don’t have to decide today. The counselors surely can give you some time to think it over.”

Amidst the babble, even Hobson, her rival for valedictorian, felt the urge to step in and reason with her. Winnie, the state’s top scholar, choosing such an offbeat institution was like a slap in the face to everyone who had lost to her, especially him.

However, Winnie remained unfazed by the barrage of well–meaning advice, her gaze clear and resolute.

“I’ve made my choice,” she stated firmly.

Turning to Bacchus and Clifford, she continued earnestly, “I hope you can respect my decision.”

After a brief pause, she added, “Even if you don’t, it won’t matter.”

She wasn’t going to budge.

Bacchus‘ mouth twitched slightly, catching the subtext in Winnie’s words.

Clifford, though he felt his daughter’s choice was impulsive, wasn’t about to force her to change her mind.

“If you’ve made up your mind, then we’ll support your decision,” he said, effectively settling the matter The visiting counselors from the three universities looked on, crestfallen.

The representative from the Department of Paranormal Studies, on the other hand, was beaming with satisfaction as he handed Winnie a finely crafted wooden box.

“Ms. Bryant, the EU Department of Paranormal Studies welcomes you. Here is a welcome gift and a personalized invitation to join our institution.”

The other counselors watched with complex emotions. They couldn’t believe this Department of Paranormal Studies counselor had come so prepared, almost as if he was certain of Winnie’s choice.

How could anyone in their right mind turn down their esteemed universities for a Paranormal Studies department? They were baffled by their loss.

Regardless of their confusion, the outcome was set. Though they didn’t secure Winnie as a student, Bacchus graciously handed each a small gift as a token of appreciation for their efforts.

Clifford and Winnie personally saw the counselors out. As they left, Winnie pulled aside Andrea, the Paranormal Studies counselor. “Excuse me, do you have a professor named Master Seven?”

Andrea, still in high spirits, looked puzzled. “I haven’t heard of her. Such a unique name–l’d remember. Is this someone you know?”

“She’s my master,” Winnie explained without hesitation.

That didn’t surprise Andrea; many students had masters before joining their department. “I’ll look into it for you. If such a person exists, we’ll find them.”

“Thank you,” Winnie said, sending the counselor on his way before rejoining Clifford.

As they walked back to walk this path?

Clifford’s concern was evident. “Winnie, are you absolutely sure you want He wasn’t like others who might find the notion of his daughter becoming a mystic embarrassing. He was worried about the skepticism and criticism she might face.

Winnie didn’t quite understand his concern. “I’m already on my path,” she replied confidently.

It had been set the moment she began learning the mystical arts from her master, and even more so since the Henderson family had meddled with her destiny.

Her fate was intertwined with supernatural things, and regardless of the university she chose, she would follow the direction her master had pointed her towards.

First and foremost, she needed to find her master Studies was her only clue.

Clifford, meeting his daughter’s clear, determined gaze, eventually let the subject drop. After she had helped the Sanchez family with their troubles, he should have understood–his was no ordinary person.

had her own convictions.

In the Bryant household, there was a strength that rivaled any member of the family. But at the heart of the matter, what truly concerned Clifford was that the path Winnie had chosen was one he couldn’t follow or offer help with. After all, he was just an ordinary rich man.

Mulling it over, Clifford realized the only support he could provide his daughter was financial With that thought, he whipped out his smartphone and transferred a whopping $10,000,000 to her account. Winnie had aced her SATs, clinching the top spot statewide–such an achievement deserved a hefty reward.

Winnie, seeing the notification pop up on her phone, couldn’t help but think fondly of her father’s impulsive generosity.

Together, father and daughter returned inside to find the rest of the Bryant family deep in discussion about the kids‘ college entrance exams.

Winnie, who was beyond persuasion, was out of their hands, but the other two were still within their grasp.

Springer, disinterested in the conversation, was fixated on the beautifully carved wooden box emblazoned with the words “EU Supernatural Department.”

Upon seeing Winnie’s return, he eagerly waved her over, “Winnie! Come quick! Let’s see what kind of welcome gift the EU Supernatural Department has sent you!”

Prompted by Springer, the rest of the family also showed a flicker of curiosity, even Hobson glanced briefly at the box, as if waiting to see her open it.

Without hesitation, Winnie approached and opened the antique–looking wooden box. A subtle aroma of aged incense wafted out.

Everyone craned their necks to peek inside and saw six neatly arranged items:

A compass engraved with mystical symbols, a small cherry wood wand, a talisman inscribed with a peace blessing, a quill pen, a wooden token carved with the words ‘Academy Pass“.

And among these unusual items, the only remotely normal thing was the golden–papered admission letter from the academy.

Winnie raised an eyebrow ever so slightly.

The rest of the Bryant family remained silent, a mix of awe and bewilderment painted on their faces.

After a lengthy pause, it was Horace who first found his voice. “Well… no surprise from the Supernatural Department, their welcome gifts are certainly… unique.”

The others could only chuckle in agreement.