Vol-3: 105. In School, I Can Hear All My Classmates' Voices

105. In School, I Can Hear All My Classmates' Voices

"Pfft!"

Though it wasn't the best timing, Li Aozi really couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Originally, he still had his doubts about Lucite's story, but as soon as Lucite mentioned 'failing math,' he instantly believed him.

"No matter what, math doesn't lie. If you can't do it, you just can't."

Li Aozi's remark struck a chord with the other two.

"Math is just too hard. Is it even made for humans?"

"Exactly, even us catfish folks can't master it..."

After joking around, the three of them became more comfortable with each other. Lucite, after taking his potion, stood up straight away. This unlucky civil engineer who never got his chance quickly blended in, chatting cheerfully as they collected their textbooks together. By the time they were done, it was late, so they decided to have dinner at the cafeteria.

Hobbs opened a bottle of red wine. This university was largely self-regulated by the students, and there were no strict rules or taboos. The three toasted to their growing friendship, but soon the conversation drifted back to what happened earlier in the day:

"But after what happened, Beizhong Guiming will definitely hold a grudge against you and will surely cause trouble for you in the future."

"There's nothing I can do about that. I feel like there's no solution here." Lucite swallowed a large bite of mutton pie, smacking his lips as if he'd never tasted anything so greasy and delicious before. "Beizhong Guiming has way more clout than I do. Plus, she's an evolved species. In our Xilusi society, that's the pinnacle... I guess I'll just have to avoid her as much as I can."

Li Aozi raised his glass. The wine here obviously couldn't compare to the concoctions of the silicon-based mixologist at the Spirit Bar, so he opted for some orange juice instead. Taking a few sips, he spoke:

"It's not impossible; there are ways to solve it."

"Really, Leoz?" Lucite hurriedly asked, "I really don't want to fight. I may be ugly and big, worked all my life, but I'm just not good at fighting..."

"Concentrate all your power and crush her in one fell swoop."

Li Aozi said calmly:

"It's that simple."

"But… she's part of the Beizhong clan. Someone like me from a backward group can't really compete with her..."

"Then that's up to you," Li Aozi said. "Magic may depend on talent, but in the journey of climbing the Path, talent only determines your floor. One of our graduation requirements is reaching the Zeta level before graduating. As long as you stay ahead of her on the Path, she won't dare mess with you."

"That's true," Hobbs said, taking a sip of red wine, his face immediately flushed, "But that would make your college life quite dull and tough, Lucite."

"It doesn't matter." Lucite scratched his head, "I came here to study anyway; I was prepared for this."

"Since you're so determined, we can help out a little."

Li Aozi remembered an interesting side quest—no level requirements, available anytime during the early, mid, or late game.

Anyway, he was trying to stay low-key while investigating the Social infiltration.

The pigs—the players—were still busy grinding, and since he had nothing pressing to do, why not complete the quest?

Only problem, it wasn't a solo quest.

But, well, it was convenient.

He had two beefy companions right next to him.

Plus, he could hunt for some easter eggs; just two more and he would unlock a reward.

So he said:

"Since we have three people, why not form a study group? It'll make it easier to grab seats in the study room and the workshop."

"That's a good idea. Lucite, let me add you to the group. Just remember, no spicy pictures or political talk, or we might get banned."

"Got it. Since we're friends now, let me show you my collection first."

"Come on, Leoz, show us yours."

The two burly guys had no idea they were about to face a dark future, cheerfully sharing their prized possessions with Li Aozi.

['Hobbs Ruhl (?)' has joined your party.]

['Lucite Chaosstro' has joined your party.]

[Due to Lucite's talent [Cluster Action], party bonuses have been activated, allowing experience accumulation during rest.]

Oh!

Li Aozi was pleasantly surprised.

An unexpected bonus.

[This talent!]

[Cluster Action]was a fun talent. Not only could it provide experience points, but it was also well-suited for exploring the Star Abyss.

No more words needed—this friend was a keeper.

Li Aozi checked the [Shop] and immediately noticed that Glina Waterspiral had put a bunch of new materials and treasures up for sale, while Little Mihail was promoting certain items enthusiastically.

But these things were way too expensive. Li Aozi had already spent 5,000 vouchers on the [Pioneer Order] last time, so his vouchers were running low.

With that in mind, he checked his [Mailbox] and found that the official store had sent him 2,500 vouchers.

Of these, 2,000 were compensation for a nasty bug, and the other 500 were a launch reward for the public server opening.

"I'll have to grind some Auto Chess for vouchers later…"

Li Aozi muttered.

He was running low on vouchers.

As for experience, he had already harvested enough from the pigs, and he wouldn't be returning to Azure Star for a while. The lower-level players wouldn't be able to provide much experience either.

Money, on the other hand, wasn't an issue. Even if he spent all of it now, Constantine would send money in a couple of days, ensuring a steady minimum balance of 2.5 million Aln Gold in his account.

Seeing that Li Aozi was only browsing and not buying, Little Mihail rushed up to him, making noises and trying to sell cutely:

'Arf, meow, baa, woof!'

Li Aozi teased the adorably ugly little patchwork creature before browsing items related to talent replication.

Cute as it was, vouchers were tight.

He had a stable way to get 'Gifts' for now, but what he needed was to acquire talents.

As for [Treki's Admission Ticket], that was something he wouldn't touch in his lifetime.

After searching for a bit, under Little Mihail's disappointed gaze, Li Aozi found a newly updated item in the original shop:

————————

[Name]: Saintess Pact

[Category]: Consumable/Paid Exclusive

[Description]:

"As a friend, I am willing to ease your burdens."

Saintess Valendino, kind-hearted and always ready to lend a hand to her friends, never hesitating to help.

[Effect]: Using this pact allows you to activate any unique quest from a target with an affinity level of 'Like' or above.

You can only use it once per target.

If you fail, the quest cannot be reattempted.

Completing the quest yields no experience points.

You may replicate any one of the target's talents/skills.

Additionally, the target will gain the [Life Fulfilled] permanent status.

[Life Fulfilled]: The target has fulfilled their deepest desire, realizing their true dream. Their affinity with the user will remain at 'Faith' level.

[Price]: 3,000 vouchers

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"Why does it feel like all these new sections in the store have overpriced rip-off products..."

Seeing the 3,000 voucher price tag, Li Aozi let out a sigh of relief.

It didn't exceed his budget, but buying it would leave him without the means to buy practical tools from the [Shop] for quite some time.

"Let's see what players think of the new version. Under Li Aozi's guidance, [Mutants] must be thriving, welcomed by players wherever the Path takes them! Perhaps right now, players are creating tribute videos and fan edits for me!"

Li Aozi imagined his glorious image. As the most famous NPC on Azure Star, he was certain he would be adored, praised, and idolized by players.

So he opened the forum, and a series of threads immediately caught his eye:

"Li Aozi, are you proud of yourself? Screw you! Refund! "

"Featured Post | The Epic Trap of the [Mutants]. Roguelike mechanics? More like pay-to-win! Newbies beware! "

"I wanted to be a [Mutant] and play with Aether. Sounds cool, right? Become a [Mutant], play with Aether! Play my ass! "

"Li Aozi's delusional promotion of Frost-Plated. I call it the greatest scam in gaming history. "

"Who dares say Frost-Plated isn't great? President David Lin, just give the word, and we will be loyal! "

"After watching the latest plot, is Li Aozi against Frost-Plated? I'm starting to understand Abyss Humanitarian now. "

...…

"What happened?" Li Aozi looked bewildered, "Why is it nothing like I imagined?"