Chapter 77: Win-win Exchange

Chapter 77: Win-win ExchangeAdrian stood before Vice Dean Victoria’s desk, the pendulum-driven clock ticking steadily between them. Her piercing gray eyes studied him, waiting for his response.

"Yes, ma’am. I figured it out through my studies. I’ve always been fascinated by mechanics. I experimented with different weights and materials until I found a balance that keeps time accurately, no matter the conditions."

Victoria’s gaze flicked back to the clock, her fingers brushing its polished brass face. She was silent for a moment, but Adrian could see the gears turning in her mind.

As Vice Dean, she was no stranger to innovation, and she was sharp enough to grasp the implications of such a device.

The Academy’s reliance on sundials and hourglasses which were highly inefficient.

A device that synchronized time down to the second could streamline everything. She envisioned students arriving promptly, instructors coordinating seamlessly, and even alchemy labs timing their brews with precision.

Beyond the Academy, the implications were staggering. A kingdom unified by a single, reliable measure of time could transform trade, governance, and warfare.

Others had tried to solve this problem, but where they failed, this first-year student had succeeded.

She leaned forward, her expression softening with a rare hint of admiration.


"Boy, you’re something special. This is big... bigger than you might realize. What do you want in return for this creation?"

Adrian paused, considering his options. The Academy wasn’t likely to offer gold or rare materials of value to a student, and he already had access to enough of them resources through his [System Factory].



But more knowledge was something he craved. That was among the driving reasons why he came to the Academy.

The Academy’s main library located in the Year 2 section should contain enough for him to gain more, and if possible get the book on Rune Making from the Staff section.

Access to those could fuel his next breakthroughs. Adrian didn’t ponder anymore, as he had his decision made.

"I’d like unrestricted access to all the Academy’s libraries for research," he said. "I’m working on other projects, and the knowledge there would help me develop more innovations to share with the Academy. I’d also be grateful for contribution points to support my studies."

Victoria’s brows rose, surprised by the humility and foresight of his request. She had expected something flashier from a student bold enough to present such a device.

"Library access and contribution points," she repeated, nodding thoughtfully. "A wise choice. Master Gorran will award you 10,000 contribution points at your next meeting. That’s a substantial amount for a first-year, enough to ease your path here.

As for the libraries, I’ll grant you full access to all collections, including the restricted archives for students, provided you share any significant findings with the Academy."

"You’ve done remarkable work, Adrian. The Academy values innovation, and students like you will shape the future. If you need guidance or help, my door is open."

Adrian bowed slightly. "Thank you, ma’am. I’ll share the clock’s construction process with Master Gorran so the Academy can begin production."

Victoria smiled genuinely. "I appreciate your initiative. That will be invaluable. You’re dismissed, though, Gorran, please stay a moment."

Gorran nodded, and Adrian stepped out, closing the heavy oak door behind him.

As he descended the staircase of the Administrative building, a grin spread across his face.



’Unrestricted library access and 10,000 contribution points,’ he thought as the exhilaration bubbled within him.

’That’s a goldmine of knowledge and freedom.’

The points would let him not worry about attending classes anymore for points, and the library might just upgrade, if not earn him new knowledge.

The entire exchange had been a win-win to him. As he crossed the courtyard, Adrian muttered to himself,

"Now that’s done, it’s time to cultivate. Hopefully, I’ll hit 2-Star by tomorrow."

***

The steady thump of boots against the packed dirt floor echoed around the Dojo as the Knights ran laps for their morning drills.

Sweat filled students’ faces and their breaths came in sharp puffs as they pushed through the grueling exercise, because this time Master Von had told them to push for speed.

Von was not meditating this time, as something important had grabbed his attention.

He stood at the side of the Dojo with his arms crossed as students passed. An hourglass on a nearby table trickled its final grains, marking that the end of the allotted hour was approaching, yet every student kept running.

Some faltered in fatigue, but none stopped, even though they had all ran past 20 laps

Master Von’s sharp eyes scanned the group, noting their endurance. It wasn’t surprising most times, but only one person did.

His gaze lingered on a boy with white hair outpacing the rest wugb ease. Adrian.



Von’s brow furrowed as he muttered under his breath, "Oh, no. It’s not possible."

A thought struck him, and his eyes narrowed. "It has to be a formation. What mess has this boy gotten himself into?"

The idea of a student knowing how to craft a formation was absurd. Formations were complex, requiring advanced knowledge of rune-crafting, so it was possible he was wrong.

Yet Adrian’s performance was just not believable. He had broken through to 2-Star, and Von was confident in the claim.

As the final lap ended, the students slowed to a stop, panting and reaching for their water containers. A crowd quickly formed around Adrian, their voices overlapping with praise.

"What happened to you, Adrian!"

"You literally improved overnight."

Adrian, as usual, remained aloof with a neutral expression as he sipped from his container. He didn’t spare the swarming Knights a glance as his focus lay inward.

’Who knew 2-Star was this great?’ he thought with excitement. The surge of power from ascending was far better than he expected.

Karl, standing off to the side, drank from his container in silence. He was the only one that knew of Adrian’s secret, but he kept his lips sealed in respect for his friend.

The chatter soon died down when Master Von’s voice cut through the Dojo in a commanding tone.

"Adrian! We need to speak."