Daniel stepped forward as well.
The changes in the students were obvious, but what displeased him was that they were carrying quite a few injuries.
Not only that, their mage robes and knight uniforms were damaged, and Daniel even saw one student holding a sword broken in two.
“What happened?” He looked at Lady Isolde. “Isn’t the academy supposed to have weekly reports on equipment replacements and distribution of healing potions?”
“I have no idea.” Lady Isolde was stunned.
She had been distributing all kinds of supplies on time and in full.
Seeing the students in such tattered conditions was beyond her expectations.
The three teachers who had accompanied the group returned as well.
Hearing Daniel’s question, Ironhand Lindsey laughed heartily. “Daniel, these kids are just too frugal! You wouldn’t believe it—they carry magic sewing kits with them and refuse to discard their torn mage robes.”
“The young knights spent most of their time at the blacksmith shop in the border town, patching up and repairing their gear.”
“If I didn’t know they had mana stones from the academy, I would have thought they were living in utter hardship.”
One-eyed Emily nodded in agreement, “Yes, they truly know how to cherish things. None of them waste a single mana stone.”
This support mission left a deep impression on the three teachers.
Initially, they were either there because of Daniel’s power or due to the influence of mana stones, but after spending time with the students, the three expert teachers came to realize that Crossbridge Academy was not an ordinary school—it was more like a large family.
The students cared for each other and showed genuine respect toward the teachers, which deepened the three teachers’ sense of belonging to the academy.
“Father!” Rose’s eyes lit up the moment she saw Daniel. She ran over to him in a few quick steps. “Father, I’m back! All the students who participated in the support mission have returned safely!”
As she spoke, she respectfully performed a standard knight’s salute to Daniel.
After this period of training, Rose had reached the mid-tier of iron rank.
She had grown taller and her demeanor had become more mature.
“Well done,” Daniel patted her on the shoulder.
That simple praise made Rose beam with joy.
The other students greeted Daniel respectfully, and he told them to go and rest. The academy had already prepared hot meals, and the new hot water magic array was ready for them to use.
“Wow, this is awesome!” the students cheered. “We can take hot baths anytime now!”
“The academy looks so different! It’s so beautiful—even the street lamps have magical fluctuations. Is this really the academy we know?”
“It’s suddenly so full of happiness!”
The students couldn’t wait to rush inside and explore their newly renovated campus.
“Why aren’t you going to rest?” Daniel asked Rose. “Is there something you want to tell me?”
“Yes, Father.” Rose nodded.
She hesitated, unsure whether to share her thoughts.
But seeing the encouraging look in Daniel’s eyes, she chose to speak up.
“Father, during this support mission, we not only faced spell beasts but also saw many unfortunate children,” she said. “Many of them didn’t even have enough to eat or shoes to wear.”
“A lot of our classmates used their mana stones to buy clothes and food for those children.”
Most of the students at Crossbridge Academy were orphans, but thanks to the efforts of the former headmaster, while their learning environment might have been tough, they had never lacked clothes or food.
It was only after visiting the border city that they saw what true survival struggles looked like.
This experience deeply moved the students.
Rose even came up with a bold idea.
“Father, since the academy has always taken in orphans, could we…” She hesitated, then softly asked, “Could we also take in those unfortunate children and make them academy students?”
“Yes,” Daniel said. “But you’ll be responsible for this matter, and it must not interfere with your studies. If there’s a problem, you’ll be held accountable.”
He wanted to give Rose a chance to develop her various abilities.
Although the orphans were pitiful, in their struggle to survive, they might resort to petty theft. The challenge would be how to reform them and help them adapt to academy life—this would be Rose’s test.
“Thank you for trusting me, Father,” Rose said shyly. “Actually, during the trip to the border, I made friends with a few children who have great potential, so I’ve already brought them back.”
“They’re with Cousin Green right now, outside the academy.”
“How has Green been doing?” Daniel asked.
He recalled that Green was the son of the original headmaster’s younger brother, who had gone on an expedition and had been missing for years. Green had been living with them ever since.
“Green has improved a lot.” Rose smiled. “He used to be afraid of blood, but now he’s completely fine! Even when he was covered in blood from battle, he didn’t faint.”
“Not bad,” Daniel said. “In the future, if you come across children with good character and integrity, just inform Lady Isolde. You don’t need to report each one to me.”
“Understood, Father.”
While the students were resting, Daniel called Rowan, the head of the Academic Affairs Office, over.
“Daniel, what can I do for you?”
“You’ve seen how frugal the kids are,” Daniel said. “It’s a good mindset, but it’s holding back their progress.”
Rowan nodded, “So, what do you propose?”
“Set up an internal exchange system within the academy,” Daniel said. “In addition to the regular supplies distributed, students can earn ‘score’ by improving their skills, completing academy tasks, and so on. These scores can be used to exchange for items.”
“I’ll create a list of items, ranging from basic potions and materials to 3-star treasures, and there will be more things added in the future.”
“Anyone, as long as they have enough score, can exchange for these items.”
“The teachers as well.”
At this, even the usually calm Rowan looked excited.
3-star treasures?
Such rare items could be exchanged just by accumulating score!
Once this news spread, the entire academy—teachers and students alike—would be buzzing as if they had drunk molten lava potions.
Rowan knew that some wealthy families had similar systems, but he never expected that Crossbridge Academy would undergo such a transformation.
“Daniel, your decision is truly brilliant!” Rowan praised. “This way, everyone will be more motivated, and their sense of belonging to the academy will grow stronger.”
That was precisely Daniel’s intention.
With so many students, some were bound to have peculiar or sensitive personalities.
Such individuals could easily turn to the dark side if not handled properly.
But now, with the score system, it didn’t matter what their personalities were like or how good their relationships were—if they worked hard, they would always get what they wanted.
“It’s not just about academic performance. We want well-rounded talent at this academy,” Daniel instructed. “Teach each student carefully, observe what they excel at. Even if it’s something like organizing, cleaning, or being particularly meticulous—those are all strengths!”
Rowan nodded repeatedly.
He had once thought that Daniel was not as capable as the former headmaster.
But now, every decision Daniel made earned his deep respect.
These children were being treated seriously by Daniel as headmaster. Even if they didn’t become great knights or mages, they would still grow into honest and capable individuals.
Sure enough, when the newly named “Crossbridge Treasure Vault” exchange system was announced, the students were ecstatic.
“Wow! Everyone gets five hundred starting score. Haha, that’s enough to exchange for fifty mana stones! I never thought something like this could happen.”
“I heard we’re going to get a lot more score soon based on our performance during the support mission.”
“Have you seen the items in the Treasure Vault? There are so many good things! I need to work hard—there’s all the magic materials I want.”
“The tasks haven’t been posted yet, but you can earn score just by studying diligently. Am I dreaming?”
“Wait, finding reliable talents to join the academy earns three thousand score!”
“Students getting married will receive bonus points!”
“Even children of adult students joining the academy will earn score!”
Everyone looked at each other in disbelief.
Daniel was always full of surprises. This system seemed to not only cover student life but even marriage and having children in the future.