Chapter 35: The First Lesson

"Early, teacher, power, core, purification... there are too many ways to expand these sentences. My own thoughts on the matter are actually unimportant."

Although he had a theory, setting aside the variations in the words these characters could expand into, the sheer number of ways they could be combined was infinite. However, Wen Xishu suspected that seeing garbled text was likely due to his magic resistance being too low. In other words, the secret treasure of the Three Towers Academy was indeed related to the paranormal. To deconstruct the treasure, one simply needed to increase their magic resistance. It was highly probable that once his magic resistance was high enough, he would be able to decipher the notes and find a way to enter the "Paranormal Tower Academy."

Yes, with all the clues gathered, Wen Xishu was almost certain that this was the gateway to the Paranormal Tower Academy. The characters above described content related to it. Even though Albert claimed there was no such thing as a Paranormal Tower Academy, the Three Towers Academy itself ought to contain three towers. Combining this with what Albert had said—that the Paranormal Tower arrived later—it was highly plausible that the Paranormal Tower Academy appeared later as well.

"Shall we try digging further?" Nisen asked.

Yue Yun and Wen Xishu both shook their heads. Yue Yun said, "If we do that, not only will you fail to find the treasure, but you'll also have your academic credits deducted for damaging academy property."

Nisen chuckled foolishly. The trio's treasure hunt could only end here.

Wen Xishu said, "We have the clues to the treasure, and one could even say we’ve already found the 'treasure chest.' As for how to open it, that is a matter for later. Let's call it a day."

Yue Yun agreed, and Nisen had no objections. The three of them soon climbed back to the surface along the outer wall of the library, acting like a trio of thieves. After this night of exploration, Yue Yun had a new understanding of Nisen and "Wen Xun." Nisen’s physical talent was monstrous, even surpassing his own, and Wen Xun was no less impressive. What was most frightening was that Wen Xun also possessed keen observational skills and... some kind of special aptitude. Yue Yun wasn't jealous; he was simply struck by the realization that this was a gathering place for geniuses. He would have to put in twelve times the effort to stay ahead of the countless talents here.

...

Two days later, early morning.

As the light from the dome began to brighten, Nisen ran to the courtyard to practice breakdancing, while Yue Yun went to the simulation hall early to start striking the wooden training posts. Today, the freshmen of the Slaughter Tower Academy department of the Three Towers Academy would attend their first class. Yue Yun hoped to be in top form, while Nisen hoped his singing and dancing would help him make more friends.

Wen Xishu had originally planned to sleep in, wake up to cram some general knowledge about the Three Towers and the Bunker in the library, and then head to his first class at a leisurely pace. However, changes always come faster than plans. Before he had gotten enough sleep, Jabbar, Albert's assistant, had already arrived at his dormitory.

"Hello, student Wen Xun. I am Jabbar from the Academic Affairs Office. I handle some miscellaneous tasks for the Headmaster. Some of your documentation is still incomplete, so you need to come with me."

Jabbar was very short, creating a striking height difference with the towering Albert. He appeared to be about 1.5 meters tall and looked like a gentle and humble man. He carried a cane, moved with a calm and measured pace, and was impeccably polite. His suit did not have a single wrinkle.

Looking at this man, who resembled an old butler, Wen Xishu's first reaction was: Albert wants to see me. The talk about incomplete documentation was just an excuse the old Headmaster had made up. Wen Xishu did not refuse and followed Jabbar toward the Academic Affairs Office.

Along the way, Wen Xishu did not attract any attention, as Jabbar often did this sort of thing. The school frequently contacted students to finalize paperwork or sign agreements. Jabbar’s presence in the academy was common and not unusual. Of course, while Jabbar appeared often, Albert rarely did. If people knew a freshman was being summoned by the Headmaster, they would certainly take notice.

Jabbar led Wen Xishu into the Headmaster's office. This office was usually empty, as Headmaster Albert was a crazy old man who preferred to immerse himself in the Slaughter Tower to kill enemies. But this time, Albert was already sitting in the level-five boss office chair he had brought back from the tower, lounging in a slovenly posture, and greeting Wen Xishu with complete disregard for his image:

"Hahahaha, little friend Wen Xun. You've been at the Three Towers Academy for a few days now. How is it? Have you made any discoveries?"

Wen Xishu didn't mince words with Albert: "Old Headmaster, let's get straight to the point. Why did you call for me today?"

Albert laughed and said, "Jabbar, go attend to your business. Young Wen and I have a few things to discuss."

Jabbar nodded respectfully: "Then I shall not disturb the two of you. If you need anything else, please summon me at any time."

Jabbar withdrew. Now, there were only two people in the vast Headmaster's office.

Wen Xishu said, "Can you tell me what's going on now? If there’s nothing urgent, I’d like to go back and catch up on some sleep so I can attend my afternoon class in peak condition."

"Hmm, your dedication to your studies is admirable. But the improvement from classes is minimal—or rather, our classes are effective for ordinary students, but for you, we need a different approach." Albert wore a playful smile.

Wen Xishu immediately had a bad premonition. Seeing Wen Xishu frown, Albert chuckled: "Hahahaha, don't be so nervous. In any case, you won't be able to attend your first class today. I will be announcing a new school regulation this afternoon."

Wen Xishu asked irritably, "What regulation? Why can't I attend class?"

Albert said, "You should know that academic credits for the Slaughter Tower Academy and the Desire Tower Academy are earned by climbing their respective towers. Slaughter Tower students earn credits by climbing the Slaughter Tower, and Desire Tower students earn them by climbing the Desire Tower."

Wen Xishu's bad premonition grew stronger.

Albert continued, "But there has never been an incentive mechanism for the Paranormal Tower. Our Three Towers Academy is not a place that is out of touch with reality. We must, of course, keep pace with the times and respond to the Bunker's call. The era of the younger generation exploring the Paranormal Tower is about to begin. To that end, our Three Towers Academy must set an example. This regulation will take effect this afternoon: students who explore the Paranormal Tower will receive double the academic credits."

Wen Xishu had already anticipated the direction of the conversation: "Are you planning to make me explore the Paranormal Tower today?"

Albert clapped: "How clever! You remind me of your brother, Wen Chaohua. You are indeed brothers; just as brilliant."

Wen Xishu offered a cold, mirthless smile: "That place has a 'starting-line kill,' and the rules are extremely difficult to grasp at every stage. One moment of carelessness and you could die..."

Albert shrugged: "But you will survive, won't you? In any case, this is your assignment for today—your first class. Now, I won't nag you any further. Don't worry about the afternoon classes; that isn't your track."

Albert didn't give Wen Xishu a chance to refuse, and Wen Xishu knew he had no choice. Albert picked up an old-fashioned landline phone: "This is a level-six item I brought back from the Slaughter Tower. I named it 'Mysterious CEO Calling.' If I dial, the other party is forced to answer, but they cannot call me back, nor can they see my number."

Wen Xishu hadn't expected this seemingly ordinary phone to have such an effect.

"Before you enter the Paranormal Tower, there are a few formalities to address. Two people want to see you."

A holographic projection appeared above the boxy black phone. The images of Liu Jinsen and Sha Ruijing appeared in the projection.

"They have something to say to you."

Wen Xishu realized then that this tower entry, while ostensibly an assignment required by Albert, was in fact being pressured by the Bunker Security Bureau. He was not entirely safe just because of the protection of a legend like Albert. There were likely some terrifying entities at the very top of the Bunker Security Bureau as well.

Wen Xishu picked up the phone: "Officer Liu, this is Wen Xishu."