“Well... Urgent matters. I know you prefer taking care of yourself, anyway."
Adam just waved an absentminded hand in Aoife’s direction as she left, he was slightly disappointed that he wasn't able to watch her practice with his ‘Sight’ but reasoned he could ask to watch it later, after he figured out how to best explain it. With a shrug he returned to his speech making thoughts. A short while later the Headmaster was setting off the young man turned to follow as Miataea spoke up "Good luck to you, A . . . Adam, right? I didn't want to give that speech anyway. I hate crowds.”

“I’m disinclined towards this crowd as well, but nothing is gained by avoidance” He said softly as he nodded a farewell before moving to catch up with the Headmaster. The walk to the Grand hall was a silent affair as the young mage was busy silently formulating his speech. He was partially aware of the look on the teacher’s faces as the Headmaster explained the situation to them; the disbelief easily understandable as his reputation among the staff was not the most exemplary. Still the choice had been made and none of the staff would openly talk back to the Headmaster, so they saved their complaints for later. 

Shortly after the explanations Adam was seated in the wings just off stage, his attention seemingly fixed to the floor just in front of him. Internally Adam was receiving a small appreciation for some of the con artists that he had run with, it was a surprising challenge to take his thoughts and put them to words in a way that would let him clearly voice his opinion while also masking it long enough that he wouldn’t be lynched where he stood. 

“Adam, you’re up” said one of the staff helping running the opening rights, breaking him from his thoughts. Nodding he stood, took a deep breath and started walking towards the podium that had been set up for this occasion. It was an interesting event to behold as the crowd quieted down when they saw him walking towards the podium, only to break out in quiet murmurings as they began to recognize just who it was.

“For those who are not aware my name is Adam, I am one of the senior students here at Aledine. I am here today to bid you welcome to this reputable academy” He rasped, his voice being amplified by the enchantments on the podium in front of him. “In these halls you will receive the opportunity to grown and learn in academics, skills, habits, and traits that will help you excel in any aspect of life. There are classes and groups involving and dedicated to every branch of hobby and interest with staff that are just as involved and interested as you are. That being said you must prepare yourselves, as failure is inevitable. for nothing can be gained without sacrifice. For each accomplishment that can be acquired a debt must be paid for with perseverance. You will falter as you seek out your goals, some may find themselves buried under pressure, others will come to harm due to the nature of some of the courses that are taught, and a few will have dreams trampled upon. Failure shall walk alongside you always. Always remember the opportunity that has been offered, for learning and experience, only is worth as much as you willing to make it worth. So go and let your actions speak for themselves, as you work among comrades and fellow students, go and prove yourself for all to see.”

Adam’s voice was as even as he could make it as he spoke and everyone could hear the conviction he had in his voice. He was struggling to keep the smirk of his face however, for the context of which he spoke was not quite as innocent as it appeared. It was true that everyone would be given the same opportunity, but Adam knew that few would truly take that opportunity for all it was worth. Many would just pay lip-service to learning, content to coast on by, none truly ready to pay the cost required for true learning. The actions of the many told of a lack of commitment to what it took to master something. They would rise to the plateau of their peers and then be content to waste away. 

He motioned to speak more but a rough cough stopped him “It seems I must end here for now, remember; you are only what you make of yourself” he said before turning to walk off the stage as another cough wracked his body. With a smile Adam returned to his seat and waited for the opening ceremony to end, he had just challenged and insulted everyone present. Challenged them to rise up and prove that they are worth the effort and insulted them by implying all they shall face is failure, best yet no one would notice until later.