242: Chapter 242 Academic Debate Competition

"Reference: 'Research on the Reproducibility of Material Memory'..."

"Done! Another 1.2 million in the bag."

Zhang Huaiyuan typed the final line of text, stood up, and stretched.

"Are you that short on money?"

At that moment, a somewhat surprised voice suddenly came from behind.

"Who's there!"

Zhang Huaiyuan was startled and immediately manifested dozens of Phase Shields, turning to look.

This was an independent dormitory area—who could appear here without making a sound!

"Hmm... Mental Manifestation, impressive. To master such a technique at such a young age."

He saw a Peculiar Being with countless electronic tentacles standing behind him, smiling at him.

"Are you... Second Martial Brother?"

Looking at the somewhat familiar form, Zhang Huaiyuan suddenly remembered what his teacher had said: his second disciple served as the principal of the Time Book House.

He immediately retracted the shields and hurriedly bowed in greeting.

"No need for formalities, Junior Martial Brother."

Mild smiled and said, "Speaking of which, I should have come to see you earlier. But I was away at a seminar discussing this year's Three-Academy Peak Academic Tournament and only returned today. Hmm..."

At this, his gaze drifted to the just-completed thesis in Zhang Huaiyuan's hands, and he asked again:

"Junior Martial Brother, are you that short on money?"

"Well... since Second Martial Brother has seen it, I won't hide it."

Zhang Huaiyuan somewhat awkwardly gave a brief account of how he owed Brie Dawn and was preparing to create a perfect body for an intelligent lifeform.

"Tsk... 500 billion plus a World Tree branch to make a body for an intelligent lifeform. You're quite the character, Junior Martial Brother."

Even with Mild's vast experience, he was momentarily speechless.

"They are my best companions, so naturally, I must find a way to provide them with the best."

Zhang Huaiyuan's expression remained unchanged, as if stating the obvious.

"Well said. Worthy of being a successor of the Virtual Tower."

Hearing this, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Mild's eyes. After a brief pause, he said:

"However, this behavior does violate school regulations and cannot continue. Also, Junior Martial Brother, do you know the value of a World Tree branch?"

"Please enlighten me, Second Martial Brother. I couldn't find it in the database."

"In principle, your current clearance level doesn't grant access to this... but given your talent, becoming our teacher's formal disciple is only a matter of time. It won't hurt to tell you now."

As he spoke, the smile on Mild's face faded slightly:

"For shaping a body, you can't use a fallen branch meant as a token. You must cut a healthy, intact branch. A half-meter-long intact World Tree branch, valued in time coins, exceeds 10 trillion—and even that is scarce on the market."

"What!"

Zhang Huaiyuan couldn't help but exclaim.

10 trillion!

"Second Martial Brother, why is it so expensive?"

"This involves an important secret."

Mild shook his head slightly and said:

"You only need to know that the existing World Tree was personally planted by the supreme being of the Zerg Race to help suppress a terrifying enemy. Therefore, the number of available branches is extremely limited."

"Moreover, it is one of the few ultimate materials that cannot be replicated. Many high-level rule studies require it. Even I, your Second Martial Brother... have only obtained a branch no longer than two meters over my long years."

"So that's how it is..."

Zhang Huaiyuan couldn't help but frown, feeling somewhat discouraged.

According to what Mild said, it might take who knows how many years to achieve this.

"However..."

Seeing the look on Zhang Huaiyuan's face, Mild changed his tone and said with a faint smile:

"There is currently an opportunity to obtain one."

"Oh? Please enlighten me, Second Martial Brother."

Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes lit up slightly.

"Do you remember what I just mentioned? In three years, the Time Book House, Leviathan Laboratory, and Holy Light Monastery—representing the highest-level academies across all realms—will hold an Academic Debate."

Mild explained calmly:

"In terms of overall level, without a doubt, our Time Book House, backed by the Association, is absolutely number one."

"As for the Leviathan Laboratory, with the Zerg Race's inherent advantages in biotechnology, they surpass us slightly in that single discipline."

"As for the Holy Light Monastery... they're a bunch of theology-obsessed lunatics, but it's undeniable that there are many exceptional geniuses among them."

"Coincidentally, this year's batch of students in the Elite Zone is the worst in countless years..."

As he spoke, he looked at Zhang Huaiyuan, who seemed deep in thought:

"Junior Martial Brother, in principle, past participants were selected through layers of assessment from the top hundred students by grade point average, with ten chosen to compete. However... I've read your theses, and their level is no less than that of an ordinary Scholar."

"So, how about it? Do you have the confidence to lead a team and secure victory for your martial brother in this tournament?"

Saying this, Mild turned to look at Zhang Huaiyuan.

"This..."

Zhang Huaiyuan was slightly taken aback and hesitated:

"Second Martial Brother, I've only been enrolled for a short time. My abilities might not be as high as you think..."

He knew his own limitations.

Without the boost from True Sight, purely in terms of knowledge, there was still a significant gap compared to the top students in the academy.

Making a fool of himself was a minor issue, but ruining the academy's reputation would be disastrous.

"Don't refuse just yet. This year's Academic Debate is hosted by the Leviathan Laboratory from the Origin Star Sea. The Elf Race is also one of the organizers. If you win the championship, you can prioritize choosing a reward, which includes a World Tree branch."

Mild interrupted with a smile:

"Additionally, if you secure first place, I'll cover the remaining 500 billion time coins for the materials. How about that?"

"Second Martial Brother, where are your words? Defending the academy's honor is our duty. Please, give me this opportunity."

Zhang Huaiyuan's expression turned serious.

On second thought, with three years left, if he used some time-acceleration artifacts, he could definitely reach a higher level. Combined with True Sight, at the very least, he wouldn't hold the team back.

"Hahaha, you rascal."

Hearing this, Mild couldn't help but laugh:

"Very well, I'll add your name to the training roster. Don't embarrass our Virtual Tower."