243: Chapter 243 Intensive Training

"First place, Talix, final test score 98, selected."

"Second place, Fang Qingran, final test score 96, selected."

"..."

"Ninth place, Morris, final test score 91, selected."

"Congratulations to the nine students above on successfully qualifying to represent Time Book House in this year's Academic Discourse Competition. Please proceed immediately to Senior Scholar Kabul for identity registration."

Inside Lecture Hall No. 1, over a hundred of the academy's most elite students competed through dozens of rounds of assessment before the winners were finally decided.

"Nine? Is there a mistake? Isn't it usually ten people?"

One of them looked at his score sheet of 90 in shock, his initially excited expression freezing on his face.

One must know that being able to participate in the Academic Discourse Competition represented more than just honor. Even if one were eliminated in last place, there were still generous rewards, making it a significant highlight on one's future resume.

"No, I have to go and ask for clarification."

Thinking this, he quickly followed the nine admitted students to the registration desk.

After patiently waiting for the other nine to finish their registration, he hurriedly asked:

"Professor Kabul, I remember the notice saying a total of ten were needed. Do you think one is missing?"

Hearing this, some of the admitted students who were on good terms with him also spoke up:

"That's right, Professor Kabul. Was a slot missed? He is also a very outstanding student. Aside from us few, there shouldn't be anyone in the academy who can surpass him."

"There are ten slots."

Kabul stopped in his tracks and said calmly:

"However, the last slot has already been filled."

"What!"

The students, who had originally offered a few casual words out of politeness, were suddenly stunned and couldn't help but ask:

"Who is it, Professor Kabul? Weren't we the only ones participating in the assessment? Is there someone else?"

"It's a slot personally added by Principal Mild. You will naturally see them when the intensive training begins."

Kabul waved his hand somewhat impatiently:

"Alright, this isn't something you should worry about. Complete the intensive training properly and do not bring shame to the academy."

With that, he left without looking back.

Watching his receding figure, the expressions of those left behind darkened, especially the one who had scored exactly 90 and was cut from the list.

His hand clutching the score sheet tightened involuntarily, and he couldn't help but blurt out:

"Damn it! Since when did Time Book House start stuffing well-connected people into this kind of competition..."

"Watch your words!"

Talix, ranked first, quickly interrupted: "Are you crazy? How dare you criticize the academy."

"There might be some special reason."

The others also chimed in to smooth things over.

Though they said that, their expressions were not pleasant either.

After all, they had all gone through dozens of rounds of assessment to finally stand out through their own strength. Why should someone else be selected directly without any assessment?

More importantly, this was a team competition. If they brought along someone who would hold them back, it would affect the collective performance.

"Is it possible that it's a hidden peerless genius?"

At this moment, a cold, clear voice rang out.

"Hmm?"

Everyone turned around and said in surprise:

"Senior Sister Qingran, do you know who it is?"

"Perhaps."

Fang Qingran seemed to think of something, and a hint of a smile flashed in her eyes, but her expression quickly returned to one of indifference:

"We'll know when the time comes. I trust the academy's arrangements, especially those of His Excellency the Principal."

"True, intensive training is about to start anyway. Whether they're a genius or a burden will be clear at a glance."

The others nodded and said no more.

Although the student who had been bumped from the list was indignant, he could only helplessly comply with the arrangement... Ten days later, inside a Simulated World.

The nine top-ranking students were all in place, chatting quietly.

At this moment, the light of teleportation flickered, and the figure of a man with a gentle smile on his face appeared.

"Sorry everyone, I'm late. I'm also here for the intensive training."

"Hmm? Is this the last participant? He looks a bit unfamiliar; I wonder what his background is."

Many people glanced over, feeling somewhat surprised.

"Junior Brother, it really is you."

A sweet smile appeared on Fang Qingran's face as she walked up to meet him:

"I knew it. Aside from you, there's no one else who could get the academy to grant an exception and admit them without an exam."

"You flatter me, Senior Sister. My Senior Brother asked me to come and give it a try. I hope I won't hold you all back."

Zhang Huaiyuan spoke somewhat bashfully.

"Senior Brother? So it's him!"

Hearing this form of address, the others suddenly realized.

Professor Kabul had said before that this slot was personally added by the Principal. Someone who could call him 'Senior Brother' was undoubtedly the genius who had caused quite a stir recently.

As a group of the academy's finest students, they spent most of their time studying and researching, with no time to pay attention to new students. However, they had still heard of such a major event.

"However, I heard this guy comes from a lower world and only recently enrolled. It seems he only took two subjects for the Association's assessment. Although his talent is high, the Three Academies Discourse Competition tests more than just one or two subjects. Damn, could the Principal have sent him here just to pad his resume?"

Everyone exchanged subtle looks, all seeing the worry in each other's eyes.

On the surface, however, they forced smiles and greeted him warmly:

"So it's the disciple of the two Tower Masters. No wonder you could get special permission to enter without an exam. With you here, Junior Brother, it seems this competition is in the bag."

"You seniors think too highly of me. I've only just enrolled and my scholarship is far inferior to yours. I've come this time with the mindset of learning from all of you."

His attitude was actually quite good.

The few of them exchanged looks again, their expressions softening slightly. Just as they were about to say more, the entire Simulated World suddenly trembled.

They saw the projection of an old man with white hair and a white beard land in front of them.

"Professor Deis."

Everyone's expression turned solemn as they hurried to salute.

"Take your seats."

The old man nodded slightly and spoke calmly:

"I only have seventeen days. How much you can master depends on your own ability."

What a vigorous and resolute mentor.

Zhang Huaiyuan did not dare to be negligent. He quickly found a place to sit, injected several doses of the improved Inspiration Potion, and entered the zone.

The others also seemed to understand this mentor's style and cooperated by quickly preparing themselves.

"Very well. Let us begin the lesson."

The old man's gaze swept over them briefly as he reached out to swipe across the world.

Complex symbols and equations were constructed at his fingertips one by one.

"As everyone knows, Pure Mathematics is the truly important core theory in combat for advanced civilizations."

"True mathematical research isn't about calculating faster or simply providing theoretical support. It is about directly modifying the underlying logic of the world..."

"..."