Chapter 81: Instant Karma, The Tragic Chen Feng
Outside the Eye of the Poison Swamp Abyss Dungeon.
The originally empty wilderness had been transformed into a military quarantine zone enclosed by temporary barbed wire.
Military jeeps were parked on the muddy ground, and several fully armed soldiers stood guard beside the swirling dungeon entrance.
Zhao Hongtao, the Dean of Academic Affairs at Sky Dome Academy, stood with his hands behind his back, his brow furrowed as he stared at the portal, which was constantly emitting a grey-black miasma.
Chen Feng stood beside Zhao Hongtao, an irrepressible sneer on his face.
"Dean Zhao, it's not that I deserted the battlefield; it's just that Su Chen is such a cancer!"
Chen Feng continued, acting heartbroken, "The Abyss Dungeon difficulty is already a matter of life and death, but he insisted on showing off. Lu Qingyan and the others are likely already..."
Before he could finish his sentence.
Hum—
The vortex at the dungeon entrance suddenly began to spin violently.
Immediately after.
That suffocating grey-black Abyss miasma instantly dissipated without a trace.
The dungeon portal, which had originally been blood-red, rapidly dimmed in color, finally turning to the light blue that signified a successfully cleared status.
"This..."
A military major standing nearby was stunned.
Zhao Hongtao's eyes also widened sharply.
The Abyss characteristics had vanished?
This meant that the Abyss Dungeon had been cleared!
Just as everyone was in shock, four figures walked out of the portal.
Walking at the very front was none other than Su Chen.
Behind him, Lu Qingyan, Lin Wei, and Song Xin filed out one after another.
Although they looked exhausted, they were in decent condition, and there were no casualties.
"Su Chen?!"
Seeing that Su Chen had actually come out alive, Chen Feng's face stiffened.
How is that possible?!
How could the four of them possibly walk out of the Abyss Dungeon alive?!
But he quickly regained his composure, pointed at Su Chen, and shouted, "Officer! It's him! He's the cancer who caused trouble in the dungeon! Hurry up and arrest him!"
Major Lin Hu frowned and waved his hand.
Four soldiers immediately leveled their rifles and approached Su Chen in a semi-enclosing formation.
"What are you doing?!"
Lu Qingyan took a sharp step forward, blocking Su Chen.
With a loud clang!
She slammed her tower shield heavily onto the ground, forcing the approaching soldiers to retreat half a step.
"Lu Qingyan, what are you doing?"
Zhao Hongtao's face darkened. "Put your weapon away!"
"Dean Zhao, I'd like to ask, on what grounds is the military arresting someone?"
Lu Qingyan stared at Zhao Hongtao without backing down.
Lin Wei also gripped her staff tightly, standing beside Lu Qingyan. Although she felt a trace of fear, her eyes were exceptionally firm.
Song Xin silently slid to the edge of the shadows on the flank, the dagger in her hand glinting coldly.
The reactions of these three girls stunned everyone present.
Zhao Hongtao frowned slightly.
He keenly sensed that something was wrong.
Didn't Chen Feng say that Su Chen was recklessly luring monsters and harming people inside the dungeon?
Why were these three girls acting as if they would die to protect Su Chen?
"Chen Feng reported that Su Chen refused to listen to commands in the Abyss Dungeon and maliciously lured monsters, causing the team to fall into a desperate situation."
Zhao Hongtao stared at Lu Qingyan. "What exactly happened? How did you clear it? Did he cause trouble in there?"
Hearing this, Lin Wei laughed in anger.
"Chen Feng said that? He has the nerve to say that?"
Lin Wei pointed at Chen Feng's nose and cursed, "Who was the one causing trouble? As soon as we entered the dungeon, he threw a tantrum, saying if we didn't kick Su Chen out of the team, he would leave! He's certainly learned how to shift the blame well!"
Chen Feng's face turned deathly pale.
He thought Lu Qingyan and the others were doomed, and even if someone managed to escape, he could muddy the waters.
That was why he dared to make up such a story.
Who could have imagined that three girls, accompanied by a first-year dead weight, would actually manage to clear the Abyss Dungeon?
"You... you're talking nonsense!"
Chen Feng insisted, fighting back. "He's just a first-year freshman; if it wasn't him causing trouble, who could it be? You're just trying to cover for him!!"
Lu Qingyan looked at the look on Chen Feng's face and trembled with anger.
She took a deep breath, turned around abruptly, and grabbed Su Chen's arm.
"Cover for him?"
Lu Qingyan said painfully, "Do you know how he led us to clear it?"
Su Chen, being held by the arm by Lu Qingyan, sighed slightly.
"..."
Both Zhao Hongtao and Major Lin Hu remained silent, waiting for what she had to say next.
They also wanted to know what exactly happened inside the dungeon.
"To kill the final Boss, Su Chen took the full force of the leader's dying counterattack."
Lu Qingyan said, enunciating every word. "He was hit by the Abyss Curse, an incurable, permanent curse."
Once these words were spoken.
A deathly silence fell over the scene.
Everyone's expression changed drastically in that instant.
Abyss Curse!
In this world where everyone changes classes, this was a term written into confidential files.
Anyone afflicted with the Abyss Curse, no matter what dungeon they enter, will cause monsters to mutate, their attributes to skyrocket, and their resistances to soar.
For any professional, this meant completely losing the ability to solo-run, and it also meant that no team would dare to easily accept them.
Once you get hit by it, your whole life is ruined!
Zhao Hongtao's pupils dilated. He rushed forward and stared intensely at the center of Su Chen's forehead.
[Abnormal Status Detected: Target is afflicted with a permanent, incurable status—Abyss Curse.]
Zhao Hongtao shuddered violently.
The look in his eyes when he looked at Su Chen instantly shifted from suspicion to extreme pity and shock.
A freshman who had just enrolled, willing to sacrifice his entire career to save his teammates.
What kind of spirit was this?
Su Chen stood in place, his gaze drifting toward the clouds in the sky.
Damn, it's so hard to keep a straight face!
If I said right now that I'm actually having a blast, would I get beaten up?
Forget it.
Might as well continue playing the role of the noble martyr.
Su Chen lowered his eyelids slightly, putting on an appearance of not wanting to talk about it further.
This calm demeanor, in the eyes of others, became a display of strength as he forcibly suppressed his pain.
Zhao Hongtao took a deep breath.
He turned his head abruptly and looked at Chen Feng with an extremely unfriendly gaze.
"Chen Feng."
Zhao Hongtao's voice was icy cold.
Chen Feng panicked completely.
His legs went weak, and he backed away repeatedly. "Dean... Dean Zhao, I didn't know... I really didn't know he had cleared it... This has nothing to do with me!"
If they had failed, he could still have muddied the waters.
But now the dungeon had been cleared.
The disappearance of the Abyss characteristics was an ironclad fact, and the curse on Su Chen was irrefutable proof.
In the face of absolute facts, his previous lies naturally crumbled on their own.
"You deserted the battlefield, not only abandoning your teammates but also maliciously framing a hero who sacrificed himself for the team after coming out!"
Zhao Hongtao pointed at Chen Feng's nose, furious. "According to the regulations of Sky Dome Academy, I have decided to temporarily expel you!"
Chen Feng was struck as if by lightning.
"And."
Zhao Hongtao continued, "According to the laws of the Great Hua Empire, we will pursue criminal liability for your obstruction of the Abyss Dungeon raid and for endangering the lives of your teammates!"
"All materials will be handed over to the judicial authorities after I report this to the school disciplinary committee!"
"No! You can't!"
Chen Feng screamed.
He grabbed Zhao Hongtao's sleeve. "Dean Zhao, you can't do this to me! My father is Chen Tianqiao! He is an outstanding graduate of Sky Dome Academy and donates so much money to the school every year; you can't expel me!"
Zhao Hongtao sneered.
"Very well."
Zhao Hongtao shook off Chen Feng's hand. "The fault of the child lies with the father! Since your father raised a piece of trash like you who is afraid of death and frames classmates, then I will propose to the disciplinary committee to strip your father of his honorary title of outstanding graduate as well!"
"Your dad is expelled too!"
"..."
"Huh?"
Chen Feng's mouth hung open; he was stunned.
He collapsed into the mud, his brain buzzing.
He hadn't just ruined himself; he had dragged his father down with him.
Just then.
Major Lin Hu suddenly took a step forward.
His gaze was fixed intently on Su Chen's chest.
Just now, when Lu Qingyan was pulling on Su Chen, his robe had opened slightly, revealing a dark gold badge engraved with nine coiling Dragons.
"Th-this badge is..."
Major Lin Hu's breathing instantly became rapid.
Clap!
Major Lin Hu snapped to attention and gave Su Chen an incredibly standard military salute.
The whole scene was stunned again.
Major Lin Hu lowered his hand and turned to look at Chen Feng, who was slumped on the ground, his eyes filled with thick Killing Intent.
"How Sky Dome Academy deals with you is none of my business."
Major Lin Hu's voice was as cold as ice. "But you just attempted to slander a top-level protected person of the military and tried to mislead the military into taking violent action."
Major Lin Hu waved his hand. "Take him! Transfer him directly to the Northern Frontier Third Theater Military Court, prosecute him for treason, and pursue criminal liability!"
Four soldiers, fierce as wolves and tigers, pounced instantly.
They pinned Chen Feng directly into the mud, twisted his arms behind his back, and dragged him toward the jeep.
Chen Feng couldn't even make a sound to beg for mercy before his mouth was gagged.
Su Chen touched the Nine-Dragon Purple Gold Badge on his chest.
Elder Zhan was right; this badge is actually so useful.
Zhao Hongtao, Lu Qingyan, and the others looked at Su Chen, then at the respectful major.
For a moment, they all looked at each other in confusion.
A top-level protected person of the military?!
With this kind of treatment, you could count the people who get this on one hand in the entire country, right?
Just how many secrets is he hiding?
Chapter 82: Abyss Set Effects, Abyss Awakening!
Chen Feng was dragged onto the military jeep like a dead dog.
He tried to struggle, but the soldier beside him raised a hand and slapped him hard.
Chen Feng quieted down immediately.
"Alright, stop looking."
Zhao Hongtao patted Su Chen on the shoulder and sighed, "The military's law enforcement authority is absolute. Since they have taken over Chen Feng, the matter is settled. Local administration has no right to interfere, and as Sky Dome Academy is just a university, we have even less standing to question it."
"Let's go, we should head back to the school first."
"Wait, Director Zhao."
Major Lin Hu called out to them, saying to Su Chen, "Student Su Chen, I am Major Lin Hu of the Northern Frontier Third Military District. If you need any help in the future, come directly to the military district to find me."
"Major Lin, you are too kind."
Su Chen replied quickly.
Major Lin Hu said solemnly, "Rest assured, I will report the matter of you being afflicted by the Abyss Curseimmediately."
"Uh, alright."
Su Chen nodded helplessly.
Actually, he didn't really want to remove this debuff.
Oh well, let them report it if they want.
The military specifically dispatched a spacious armored troop carrier to escort the team that had cleared the Abyss Dungeon back to Sky Dome Academy.
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was somewhat stifling.
Lu Qingyan and Lin Wei sat opposite Su Chen, their gazes sweeping over him from time to time.
Their eyes still held deep guilt.
"Su Chen."
Zhao Hongtao, sitting in the passenger seat, turned his head and said, "I will report the situation of this Abyss Dungeon accurately to the school's higher-ups. You withstood the Abyss Curse from the boss to clear the dungeon and protect the people; the school will not forget this sacrifice."
He paused, seemingly weighing his words.
"Regarding the [Abyss Curse] on you... the school will find a way. For the next few days, don't worry about anything; just focus on recuperating in your dormitory. The school will provide you with a generous amount of credits and resource compensation."
Su Chen nodded, "Thank you, Director Zhao."
Recuperate?
He didn't need to recuperate at all.
He even wanted to go into a dungeon right now to test the probability of monsters becoming Abyssal.
However.
He wouldn't say that out loud.
Since there's resource compensation, he might as well take it.
After arriving at the teleportation array, everyone got off the vehicle one after another.
The group transferred to an airship to enter the academy.
Zhao Hongtao left first, heading straight for the administrative district.
Too much had happened today, including a student being arrested by the military, so he had to report to the leadership immediately.
Lu Qingyan walked up to Su Chen and took out her phone, "Junior Su, let's add each other as friends."
Lin Wei hurriedly leaned in as well, "Yes, yes, yes! Me too!"
Su Chen took out his phone and scanned them both.
"Ding."
[Notification: Added Lu Qingyan as a friend.]
[Notification: Added Lin Wei as a friend.]
"Junior Su."
Lu Qingyan put away her phone, her expression exceptionally serious, "If it weren't for you this time, the three of us would have lost our lives. I will remember this favor. In the future at Sky Dome Academy, no matter what trouble you encounter or what materials you need, just tell me directly."
Lin Wei nodded vigorously, "Yeah! If no one else is willing to form a party with you, I'll be there whenever you call!"
As one of the top priests in the academy, she was usually in high demand.
Su Chen smiled, "Alright, I'll look for you if I need anything."
The two of them urged Su Chen to rest well a few more times before leaving.
After Lu Qingyan and Lin Wei walked away, Song Xin, who had been leaning against a nearby lamppost, slowly strolled over.
She had her hands behind her back, and the firm, thin braid on her right side swayed slightly in the night breeze.
"Boss Su."
Song Xin tilted her head slightly, a playful curve tugging at the corners of her mouth.
Su Chen raised an eyebrow, "What is it, Senior Sister Song? Do you still need something?"
Song Xin stepped closer and lowered her voice, "You kid, you're quite the actor."
"Acting what?"
Su Chen remained composed.
"I only realized it on the way back."
Song Xin pursed her lips, "Your damage is True Damage, right?"
She extended a finger and pointed at the center of Su Chen's forehead.
"This [Abyss Curse] increases monster attributes by 100%, but the experience points also double."
Song Xin narrowed her eyes, "For others, this is a curse, but for a freak like you... are you secretly happy about it?"
Su Chen looked at Song Xin.
This woman had quite the sharp eye.
However, admitting it was out of the question.
Su Chen sighed and said in an extremely mournful tone, "Senior Sister Song, you don't understand. A 100% increase in monster attributes—do you have any idea what a heavy burden that is for a squishy mage?"
"Furthermore."
Su Chen pointed at his own face, "Doesn't this wretched appearance of mine, plagued by a curse, deserve a little sympathy from you, Senior Sister?"
"I'll give you a ghost of sympathy."
Song Xin rolled her eyes.
Squishy?
With Su Chen's shield, which was nearing 70,000, she might not even be able to break it even if she dulled her dagger trying!
She was certain now.
Su Chen was deliberately playing the victim!
Song Xin glared at Su Chen fiercely, though she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
She waved her hand, "Alright, alright, go back and get some rest early. The reward for clearing an Abyss Dungeon is usually 100,000 credits per person, but since Director Zhao said he would give you extra rewards, it will be more than that."
"Only 100,000?"
Su Chen was somewhat disappointed.
One hundred thousand... he couldn't even afford a month's rent for his dormitory.
"..."
Song Xin's mouth twitched.
What do you mean "only"?
One hundred thousand credits was enough to keep her busy for a month, okay?
"How would a nouveau riche like you understand the value of credits? Forget it, goodbye."
Gritting her teeth, Song Xin made a face and turned to leave.
Su Chen shrugged and walked toward his dormitory.
After returning to his dormitory.
Rich magical elements rushed toward him, nourishing Su Chen's Mental Strength.
He leaned back comfortably on the sofa and took out the Abyssal Phantom Leggings that had dropped in the dungeon.
The leggings were pitch black, and the surface seemed to have a layer of dark mist flowing over it.
Su Chen put them on immediately.
Instantly.
He felt that sense of being completely drained again.
His total Stamina was only 53 points, and now it had dropped directly to 13.
It was almost the same as before he had changed classes.
"It's a good thing I have the shield from the Dragon Language Robe, otherwise I really wouldn't dare wear these."
Su Chen gave a wry smile.
13 points of Stamina was about the same as when he was Level 1; even a Goblin could take his life now.
"The Bronze-grade Bloodthirsty Pigskin Leggings are finally retired. The Sprint skill wasn't that practical anyway; it definitely can't compare to Phasing."
Su Chen put the replaced leggings into his inventory.
He opened his attribute panel with high expectations.
What were the effects of the Abyss four-piece set?
[Additional Entry 3: [Abyss Awakening]: Active skill. After activation, immediately enter the Abyss Awakeningstate, increasing all attributes by 100%, reducing skill cooldowns by 90%, and each attack deals additional Dark-attribute damage equal to Mental Strength * 3. [Abyss Rift] evolves into [Abyssal Great Rift]. Abyss monsters will not attack enemies in the Abyss Awakening state. Duration: 120 seconds, Cooldown: 24 hours.]
[After the skill ends, the user enters a 24-hour Weakened period, during which all attributes are reduced by 90%.]
[Abyssal Great Rift: No new rifts appear after killing enemies, but the length evolves to 2000 meters, and an Abyss Army is guaranteed to appear, lasting 24 hours, during which it cannot be actively closed.]
Chapter 83: A Terrifying Burst Skill, Summoned by the Vice Principal
Su Chen: "!!!"
Even though Su Chen considered his mentality to be as stable as an old dog, his eyes still widened when he saw the effects of the four-piece set.
This was undoubtedly a burst-type skill that was powerful to the point of being nearly perverse.
Upon activation, all attributes are directly doubled.
This was the first time Su Chen had ever seen such a shameless bonus...
What was even more terrifying was that this was a percentage-based bonus!
This meant that the stronger Su Chen became, the greater the bonus would be.
Moreover, what excited him the most was that heaven-defying attribute that reduced cooldowns directly by 90%!
Equipment that reduces skill cooldowns is extremely rare in this world.
Su Chen had already looted quite a lot of equipment; previously, when he and Lin Shiqing were in an Abyss Dungeon, they had looted over thirty pieces of Gold-Levelequipment, but not a single one had cooldown reduction!
The drop rate was terrifyingly low.
Therefore, any piece of equipment on the market with a "Cooldown Reduction" affix, even if it only reduced it by 5%, could be sold for an astronomical price, becoming a core strategic resource fought over by major guilds.
And this one cut 90% of the cooldown straight away!
After reducing skill cooldowns by 90%, a professional could pull off all sorts of fancy tricks.
For example, a Warrior could achieve infinite taunting.
A Mage could blink infinitely.
For Su Chen, with the 90% cooldown reduction, the Snake Guard's cooldown became 3 seconds.
Poison Explosion was even faster, at one every 1.5 seconds.
"1.5 seconds for 4 billion damage... who can withstand that?"
Su Chen did a quick calculation and gasped.
Even if the King of Heaven himself came, he could still blast them to death!
"I just don't know... if this 90% cooldown reduction effect works on equipment affix skills as well."
A gleam flashed in Su Chen's eyes.
If it worked, then the skills on his own equipment would also undergo a qualitative change.
However, after calming down, Su Chen keenly discovered a fatal flaw in this skill.
"The duration is a bit short... and the cost is too high."
The duration was only two minutes, yet the cooldown was a full 24 hours.
After using it, he would enter a 24-hour period of weakness. During this period, all attributes would be reduced by 90%.
It could be said that he would be crippled.
Even for Su Chen, if his Spirit attribute dropped by 90%, his damage per second would drop to only a little over a million.
True damage doesn't fear the enemy's dual resistances, but it does fear reductions to one's own attributes.
Furthermore, his Stamina was currently only 13 points; if that was reduced by 90%... he really would be worse off than an ordinary person who hadn't changed classes.
Additionally, the two-piece Abyss set's [Abyss Rift] had evolved into [Abyss Great Rift].
"2000 meters?!" Seeing the skill description, Su Chen was shocked.
An ordinary Abyss Rift was only 20 meters long. The evolved Great Rift had increased by a hundredfold.
"The length has increased a hundredfold, and although the damage hasn't changed, one can imagine that the suction range has likely also increased by 100 times."
Su Chen clicked his tongue. Just thinking about that scene made his scalp tingle.
A massive spatial rift stretching two thousand meters would appear out of thin air above the earth, devouring everything around it crazily.
If this move were used, it would truly be world-destroying.
What was even more outrageous was... the duration was a full 24 hours.
"Cannot be actively closed, and is guaranteed to spawn an Abyss Army..." Su Chen carefully examined the wording, his expression turning grave.
Previously, the description for the Abyss Rift was "may spawn Abyss monsters." The phrase "Abyss Army" was worlds apart from "Abyss monsters."
"It's likely an organized army of Abyss monsters. The monsters summoned by the last Abyss Rift were Level 35 elite monsters; the ones summoned by the Great Rift will only be stronger." Su Chen's expression became serious.
Once the Great Rift is unleashed, it will last for 24 hours and cannot be actively closed. Wouldn't that mean... an Abyss Army would emerge endlessly?
If the situation spiraled out of control and an Abyss Army invaded, he would become a historical sinner.
As such, he dared not use it casually. At the very least, it could not be used within the borders of the Great Hua Empire.
Additionally, there was a special effect—entering the Abyss Awakening state would prevent him from being attacked by Abyss monsters.
Su Chen immediately thought of the lantern he had looted earlier.
"Now I finally have the confidence to enter the Abyss. If things go wrong, I'll immediately activate Abyss Awakening, and I'll be treated as one of their own."
"If you can't beat them, join them; that's quite reasonable, right?"
"No, the duration is only two minutes. If I can't get out within two minutes, things will get interesting."
"..."
Having made up his mind, Su Chen closed the equipment panel and glanced at his experience bar.
After clearing an Abyss Dungeon, it hadn't moved much.
"Experience points are growing so slowly. No wonder Lin Wei and the others are sophomores and are only around Level 25. After the first class change, an ordinary person might not even level up once a year."
Su Chen felt the difficulty of leveling up after the first class change.
"I have to work even harder from now on."
At the very least, he needed to level up a few times quickly to boost his Stamina. That pitiful 13 points of Stamina made him feel uneasy.
...
The next day.
Bang, bang, bang!
A rapid knocking on the door woke Su Chen up.
He opened the door while yawning, and Song Xin was standing outside.
Today, Song Xin was no longer wearing her combat leather armor, but had changed into her uniform.
The Sky Dome Academy female uniform was very eye-catching: a simple white shirt with the Sky Dome Academyemblem embroidered on the left chest, paired with a dark blue pleated skirt, black calf-length socks, and small leather shoes.
After changing her clothes, Song Xin looked much more spirited. However, her expression was a bit strange, as if she were trying hard to suppress something.
"Boss Su." Song Xin looked at Su Chen, her tone laced with a sour note, "The Vice Principal wants to see you."
"The Vice Principal?" Su Chen rubbed his eyes.
The Principal of Sky Dome Academy held a Level one level higher than a provincial governor in terms of administrative position. The Vice Principal seemed to be on the same level as a provincial governor.
Such a big shot, whom he could only see on television in his daily life, was specifically asking for him by name?
Su Chen looked confused: "Why does he want to see me?"
"How would I know!" Song Xin gritted her teeth, her eyes full of envy, jealousy, and hatred.
"That's Vice Principal Lin! One of the few tenth-Levelprofessionals at Sky Dome Academy! Usually, even Director Zhao can't easily get an audience with him, yet he actually specifically named you, a freshman who just enrolled!"
Song Xin became more and more excited as she spoke, even unable to resist poking Su Chen.
"Do you know how many people dream of getting a single word of guidance from Vice Principal Lin?"
"Even just a single sentence could save someone ten years of taking the wrong path!"
"What kind of dogshit luck did you have, you guy! First, 30 million academy credits, then a badge that could scare a military major, and now this is even better—Vice Principal Lin is summoning you directly!"
"Are you even human?"
Su Chen leaned against the doorframe, watching Song Xin's frantic appearance, and his expression also turned serious.
It was one thing for his administrative Level to be high, but he was actually a tenth-Level professional just like Elder Zhan! Such high-level combat power—each one was a cornerstone of the Great Hua Empire's national defense. He couldn't help but show respect.
Su Chen asked: "Where is he?"
"The Administrative District, top floor of the Central Tower." Song Xin calmed herself down and pushed Su Chen inside: "Hurry up and change clothes, put on your uniform, don't keep Vice Principal Lin waiting!"
Su Chen was pushed into the room by her and quickly changed into the brand-new Sky Dome Academy men's uniform. A black jacket, white shirt, and black trousers; the overall look was clean and sharp.
He followed Song Xin and walked briskly toward the Administrative District.
The morning sunlight spilled onto the campus, which was shaded by green trees, and waves of magic power could be felt from various parts of the campus from time to time.
Su Chen suddenly remembered something and asked: "By the way, why are you the one running errands again?"
"Duh, do you know there are academy credits involved?" Song Xin rolled her eyes, "We people from the Assassin Academy are born to be errand runners—we're fast and have high stealth. Whenever the Academic Affairs Officehas an emergency task, they contact us directly. It's billed per job, and the pay is very generous."
"Is it really that generous? Then why are you still living in a low-grade dormitory after running so many errands?"
"...Shut up, you!!" Song Xin snapped. Why was this guy's mouth so poisonous?!
Chapter 84: Heaven-Reaching Tower Entry Qualification, Lin Xiaotian's Trial
On the way to the Central Tower, Song Xin's mouth never stopped.
As she walked, she used an extremely exaggerated tone to educate Su Chen on the glorious deeds of this Vice Principal.
"Lin Xiaotian, Executive Vice Principal of Sky Dome Academy."
Song Xin lowered her voice and asked mysteriously, "Do you know about the Blood Moon Abyss Rift incident from thirty years ago?"
Su Chen shook his head.
High school compulsory education would not teach these secret histories.
Song Xin rolled her eyes, wearing an expression that said, "You really are a country bumpkin."
"At that time, a Mythical-Level Abyss Rift tore open directly above the capital of Coal Province, and countless monsters poured out like a tide! The entire city was on the verge of falling."
"And guess what happened? Vice Principal Lin, alone with a single spear, guarded the entrance of the rift for three days and three nights, forcibly piercing through all the monsters that rushed out of the Abyss, including several Legendary-Level bosses!"
Song Xin said this with stars in her eyes: "At that time... he was truly a man who could hold back ten thousand!"
Listening to this, Su Chen felt a tremor in his heart.
Guarding alone for three days and three nights?
And pierced through Legendary-Level bosses?
He really is a fierce man.
Being able to solo a Legendary-Level boss thirty years ago, this old man's current strength must be even greater.
Moreover, unlike General Zhan Wuji, who excelled at formations and did not engage enemies head-on, this Vice Principal Lin sounded like a pure melee powerhouse.
"So, be sharp when you go in later, and don't look so sloppy."
Song Xin stopped in front of the private elevator at the Central Tower and warned, "Vice Principal Lin has a bad temper. If you make him angry, he could crush your small frame into dust with just one finger."
"Got it."
Su Chen waved his hand and walked into the elevator.
The elevator climbed all the way to the top floor.
With a "ding," the metal doors slid open to both sides.
The top-floor office was surprisingly large, and the interior layout was very simple.
A burly old man with a head of silver hair was standing with his back to Su Chen, in front of a huge floor-to-ceiling window.
Unlike the reserved nature of General Zhan Wuji, who hid among the common people, this old man's aura was not restrained in the slightest.
Just by standing there, the surrounding air seemed to freeze.
"Su Chen."
Lin Xiaotian turned around.
His eyes were exceptionally sharp, and just making eye contact put immense pressure on people.
"Hello, Principal Lin."
Su Chen greeted him naturally.
Lin Xiaotian stared at Su Chen for a while, a trace of imperceptible appreciation flashing in his eyes.
A freshman who had just completed the first job transfer, being able to stand straight under his pressure without his voice trembling, really had something to him.
"Your bones are quite hard; no wonder General Zhan Wujitook a fancy to you and even gave you the nine dragon purple gold medal."
Lin Xiaotian slowly paced over to stand in front of Su Chen, "The title of National Top Scholar is indeed loud among high school students. That old guy General Zhan Wuji has always been arrogant; since he is insisting on protecting you, it means that this SSS-Level hidden class of yours, what is it called... Poison Mage, indeed has its unique aspects."
"Elder Zhan is too kind; I was just lucky."
Su Chen said politely.
"Hmph, whether it's luck or not, I have my own judgment."
Lin Xiaotian's expression was cold, "I am aware of your performance in the college entrance exam bonus round, as well as the Abyss Dungeon yesterday... Your performance was indeed good."
"Regarding your curse, I also know about it; the school will find a way."
"Small talk is over. Compared to these things, I am more concerned about another matter."
Lin Xiaotian suddenly changed the subject, "I heard... you and that girl, Lin Shiqing, are quite close?"
Su Chen's heart skipped a beat.
What the hell?
How did it suddenly involve Lin Shiqing? The tone shift was too sudden, right?
He looked up at Lin Xiaotian's cold, hard face, then thought about the two names "Lin Shiqing" and "Lin Xiaotian"... both had the surname Lin.
Su Chen cautiously probed, "Um... Principal Lin, if I may ask, what is your relationship with classmate Lin Shiqing..."
Lin Xiaotian snorted coldly, hands behind his back, looking down at him.
"That girl, Lin Shiqing, usually calls me uncle. As for the rest, you don't need to know yet."
Su Chen: "..."
Damn!
The Vice Principal of Sky Dome Academy, a provincial-level cadre, the powerhouse who soloed a Legendary-Level boss thirty years ago, was actually that girl's uncle!
No wonder Lin Shiqing could walk sideways in Tianhe City; it turns out her family was not only rich, but her backing was ridiculously strong!
"Hehe... so it's Uncle Lin... oh no, Principal Lin."
Su Chen laughed awkwardly, "Classmate Lin and I are just ordinary classmates. We usually just spar and occasionally compete; it's very innocent."
Lin Xiaotian's tone softened slightly, "Lin Shiqing has been excellent since she was a child. If you really want to stand firmly by her side..."
Lin Xiaotian paused, "Relying solely on the status of National Top Scholar is not enough! Even if General Zhan Wuji personally vouches for you, it is not enough!"
"In this world, ultimately, it comes down to strength!"
"So?"
Su Chen keenly grasped the point.
This old man had paved the way for so long; he must have a mission to assign.
"General Zhan Wuji entrusted me to invite you to participate in the World Olympiad a month from now."
Lin Xiaotian said, "This is a grand event that only top class-advancers from the world's top universities can participate in."
"Okay, I'll participate."
Su Chen nodded.
There was no reason not to participate; it was a good chance to see the Prodigies from other countries.
The world is so big; resting on one's laurels will only lead to self-destruction.
"There is one more thing."
Lin Xiaotian continued, "Regarding your reward as the National Top Scholar, after the school's research, it has been decided to give you early entry qualifications for the Heaven-Reaching Tower."
"The rules of the Heaven-Reaching Tower are very simple. Every floor you go up, the monsters' Level and level will increase. There is no resurrection mechanism inside; if you die, you die for real. But the monsters' experience is extremely rich, and the clear rewards are also very special."
"The qualification to enter the Heaven-Reaching Tower is extremely precious and is generally only open to top students in their third and fourth years. Even if you are the National Top Scholar, if your ability is not up to par, I will never allow you to go in and throw your life away."
"There is a regular dungeon behind the school, [Scarlet Monastery]."
Lin Xiaotian paused and said, "Go and clear its Hard difficulty solo, and bring back the final boss's head to see me! If you can't do it, don't even think about entering the Heaven-Reaching Tower early, and don't go to the Olympiad to embarrass yourself."
Su Chen looked at Lin Xiaotian's stern face and, on the contrary, breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.
Should have said so earlier.
It took all this time just to get a pledge of loyalty, having him clear a dungeon to prove his strength.
He thought Lin Xiaotian was going to throw a five-million-dollar check at him to make him leave Lin Shiqing.
Fighting monsters and clearing dungeons, he was familiar with that.
"No problem."
Su Chen agreed decisively, "Hard difficulty, right?"
Lin Xiaotian was stunned by his nonchalant attitude, and his brows furrowed even tighter.
"The dungeon's monsters are all Elite monsters above Level 23, and the final boss is a Level 25 Gold-Level boss. You had better not be too arrogant and capsize in the gutter."
Lin Xiaotian warned coldly.
"Thank you for your concern, Principal Lin. Then I'll go get to work."
Su Chen waved his hand, turned, and walked into the elevator.
Watching the elevator doors close, a complicated expression finally appeared on Lin Xiaotian's cold, hard face.
"This kid's temper... is actually a bit more likable than that old guy General Zhan Wuji."
"I hope you don't let me down."
"..."
At this moment, the door was pushed open again, and Zhao Hongtao walked in.
He asked, "Principal Lin, have you met with that kid Su Chen?"
"Yes, he just left."
Lin Xiaotian nodded, "I asked him to solo the Hard difficulty [Scarlet Monastery]."
"Solo the Hard difficulty?"
Zhao Hongtao was stunned.
Scarlet Monastery was a place where many second-year students leveled up; the monsters inside had very strong lifesteal abilities.
He shook his head and laughed, "This is not something a first-year student should be fighting; he's likely going to be stuck for a long time."
After saying this.
Zhao Hongtao didn't say anything more but said seriously, "Principal Lin, Chen Feng's matter has been settled; the military has officially arrested him."
Lin Xiaotian asked with a blank expression, "What was the Chen family's reaction?"
"Resolutely obedient."
"Regardless of whether they accept it or not, they can't make any waves."
Lin Xiaotian sneered.
Zhao Hongtao continued, "Additionally, Principal Lin, it's about this year's freshman selection tournament..."
Chapter 85: Hard Level Secret Realm? Just steamroll it!
The back mountain of Sky Dome Academy could be called a gathering place for various Secret Realms.
Dozens of stone pillars, emitting lights of different colors, stood scattered about.
Each stone pillar represented an independent entrance to a Secret Realm.
At this moment, it was bustling with noise.
"The [Raging Blood Lion] team is setting off! Looking for a main tank at Level 22 or higher! The healer is already in position; we need a frontliner. Potions provided!"
"The [Shadow Blade] team is departing! Only looking for Assassins. High credit commission, bringing newbies into the Secret Realm!"
"Outer rim of the Crimson Monastery, Normal Level. Looking for a high-output mage, missing one to start!"
"..."
Just as Su Chen stepped into the plaza, the clamor, resembling a wet market, made him rub his ears.
It was exactly the same as the situation he had encountered before.
It seemed that no matter where one went, there were always plenty of people looking to form a party.
He swept his gaze across the senior students holding signs and shouting, then approached a senior sister wearing black-rimmed glasses.
"Senior sister."
Su Chen asked, "May I ask, what is the protocol for these teams?"
The senior sister pushed up her glasses and looked Su Chen up and down.
Seeing that he wasn't wearing any academy badge on his chest, she immediately understood that this was a newly enrolled student.
"An early-reporting freshman, right?"
The senior sister closed her book and said, "Teams are student organizations within our Sky Dome Academy. Simply put, it's about huddling together for warmth."
She pointed to a giant holographic projection screen in the center of the plaza.
It was densely packed with the names of various teams.
"Every month, the school Levels teams based on their comprehensive strength, Secret Realm clearance records, and arena battle results. For the top ten ranked teams, every member can receive additional credit rewards and resource prioritization."
The senior sister explained, "Furthermore, once teams from Sky Dome Academy enter society, they basically become medium-sized guilds or larger. If you can join a good team during your university years, you'll be a core member of a guild immediately after graduation."
Su Chen nodded.
Simply put, Sky Dome Academy was a microcosm of society.
Teams were the equivalent of guilds.
And top-ranked teams would receive credit rewards.
He rubbed his chin.
"Then what if I build a team myself?"
Su Chen asked.
The senior sister was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh, "Build one yourself? You can. As long as you can afford the 500-credit registration fee."
"However, I advise you not to indulge in wishful thinking. If a freshman builds a team themselves, they won't even be able to scrape together the money for potions to pioneer a Normal Level Secret Realm with their members. You won't be able to recruit anyone at all, let alone compete with those veteran teams."
Su Chen nodded in understanding.
Just like in society, without special advantages, late-arriving forces found it very difficult to compete with established ones.
However... he didn't need to recruit anyone.
If he built a team himself and pushed the ranking up, wouldn't he enjoy the rewards all by himself?
At most, he'd bring along that girl, Lin Shiqing.
Decided, he would find time to build one!
"Thanks, senior sister."
Su Chen turned around and walked towards the depths of the plaza.
In front of each Secret Realm, there was an information board with the name of the Secret Realm, which also contained some basic information about it.
Such as monster Level, difficulty, recommended entry Level, and so on.
Su Chen quickly discovered his target.
A huge scarlet portal; just by getting close, one could faintly smell a pungent scent of blood.
[Crimson Monastery]
[Secret Realm Level: Normal Level, Hard Level]
[Secret Realm Level: 20-25]
[Secret Realm Capacity: Up to 5 people]
[Secret Realm Time: Clear within 8 hours]
There were two difficulties available for the Level 20-25 Secret Realm.
Su Chen chose the Hard difficulty without hesitation and walked straight toward the portal.
Hum—
The portal instantly erupted with blinding blood-colored light, enveloping Su Chen's body.
"...Hey, wait!"
The senior sister who had just been questioned by Su Chenwas instantly startled.
The light erupting from the portal was countless times more dazzling than usual.
Furthermore. Su Chen had gone in alone.
Could it be... that he had entered the Hard difficulty alone?!
She immediately took out her phone and dialed the emergency number nearby.
"Is this the Student Union? I'm at the back mountain Secret Realm area. There's an emergency here; a freshman has entered the Hard difficulty of the [Crimson Monastery] alone!"
"What?!"
The person on the other end of the line was shocked.
"Stay where you are; I'm sending people from the Medical Department over immediately, ready for emergency rescue at any time!"
"Okay, hurry up. I estimate he won't last more than 10 minutes."
...
Inside the Secret Realm.
A pungent scent of blood rushed toward him.
Su Chen opened his eyes and found himself standing on a dilapidated stone road.
The sky was an oppressive dark red, and on both sides of the road were broken statues and withered black trees.
Not far ahead, a magnificent but decaying monastery, emitting a strong aura of rot, stood silently in the blood-colored mist.
Clop, clop, clop.
The sound of heavy hooves came from the mist.
Three monsters, over two meters tall and half-human, half-horse, charged out of the mist.
Their upper bodies were strong human torsos, entirely blood-red, holding rusty heavy spears in their hands, while their lower bodies were the bodies of warhorses covered in black scales.
[Scarlet Centaur (Elite Monster)]
[Level: 23]
[Strength: 380]
[Agility: 330]
[Constitution: 550]
[Spirit: 210]
[Skills: Charge Trample, Armor-Piercing Strike, Bloodlust]
[Bloodlust (Passive): Each time damage is dealt, restore HP equal to 20% of the damage dealt.]
Just as Lin Xiaotian said, in Hard difficulty, the monsters in the Secret Realm were all Elite Monsters.
Their attributes were truly not low. If a normal Level 25 party came in, just breaking their defense would take a long time to grind away.
The most outrageous thing was the skill [Bloodlust].
The skill effect was simple and brutal—20% lifesteal!
If this were a normal team without a Mortal Wound skill—that is, a skill to reduce the opponent's healing—they would likely be dealing less damage than the monster could heal.
However.
"Too bad, you met a cheater like me."
Su Chen laughed.
Lifesteal? I'll just one-shot you, let's see how you steal!
"Neigh—!"
The three centaurs discovered Su Chen, and their scarlet eyes erupted with a bloodthirsty light.
With hooves flying, they directly activated the skill [Charge Trample].
The ground shook violently.
The three centaurs charged toward Su Chen at a rapid speed.
Three spears, accompanied by a piercing sound of breaking air, headed straight for Su Chen's face.
Su Chen stood in place, not even moving an inch.
He tapped his staff lightly on the ground.
"Corrosive Snake Guard."
Hiss!
The soil in front of him instantly cracked open.
Hundreds of Snake Guards burst from the ground, actually knocking the three centaurs directly into the air, flying a full three meters high.
"Holy crap!"
Su Chen was startled.
He hadn't expected the Snake Guard could be used like this.
It was already enough that it forcibly interrupted the centaurs' Charge skill, but it actually knocked them into the air too.
His development of the Snake Guard was still not up to par.
At this moment, the three centaurs were panic-stricken, wildly kicking their four hooves in the air.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—!"
The Snake Guards wouldn't show mercy; their attacks arrived instantly.
Countless green venom splattered onto the three centaurs.
Immediately after, three terrifying damage numbers jumped frantically from above their heads.
-123636100
-123643226
-123650352
...
In just one second.
The three pitiful centaurs didn't even land; their HP bars were emptied in mid-air, turning into a few puddles of pus.
[Notification: Killed Scarlet Centaur, gained 2200 EXP.]
[Notification: Triggered trait [Doom Siphon], maximum toxin stack limit permanently +1. Current stack limit: 17351 stacks.]
[Obtained Centaur Hoof *3]
[...]
As the System notifications ended, Su Chen curled his lip.
The EXP is a bit low.
It doesn't even compare to the Job Advancement Secret Realm he had cleared before.
However, even a mosquito's leg is meat; might as well fight.
Su Chen carried his staff and continued walking deeper into the Secret Realm.
After encountering more than a dozen more centaurs, Su Chen arrived at an empty plaza.
Under his feet was a potholed, dilapidated floor, and the fountain in the center was gushing with thick, blood-red liquid.
At a glance, centaurs were densely packed, numbering over a hundred.
Just at this moment.
An evil purple-black light suddenly appeared, enveloping the entire plaza.
"Roar—!"
Over a hundred centaurs let out painful roars in unison.
[Warning: Some monsters in the Secret Realm have been Abyssified!]