Vol-3: 114. Aozi's Fall from Glory

114. Aozi's Fall from Glory

After attending a week of classes, Li Aozi's credits, unsurprisingly, were deducted down to -121. The entire first year was now abuzz with his legend. Almost everyone knew there was a freshman who, in just one week, had lost over a hundred credits, breaking the fastest record in the school's 400-year history.

The young noble of the Molodiya family, who had once mocked Li Aozi, was it Antifa or Ania? Either way, he didn't even glance at Li Aozi when passing by afterward.

To others, Li Aozi's rapid loss of credits in such a short time revealed his hollow bluster. Many even began to question the legitimacy of his entrance exam scores.

On the bright side, with his credits so far in the negative, no one challenged Li Aozi to a duel.

Still, this couldn't continue forever.

His credits kept plummeting, while other students saw their scores gradually rise. As the knowledge gap between students widened and the curriculum became more challenging, even Hobbs and Lucite might not be able to help him.

It couldn't be helped either. The negative effects of being a [Echoer] were severe; no matter how much Li Aozi studied, he simply couldn't integrate the knowledge.

The Magic Application Academy's oversight of its students was almost nonexistent, but they were strict about grades and education. After copying his companions' homework for two days, Li Aozi was caught by the professor, who scolded him thoroughly. He had no choice but to rely on repeatedly machine-translating his assignments.

Li Aozi's abnormal performance was quickly reported to the education bureau. Both senior officials, Balkomon and Atkez, were left skeptical after reviewing it.

"Could it be that his entrance exam results were indeed obtained through cheating?" Atkez couldn't help but wonder, "But that essay..."

"Yes, multiple-choice questions could be cheated, but how could one cheat on a subjective essay?"

Balkomon unsealed Li Aozi's original exam papers and, after rereading them, arrived at the same conclusion:

"Leoz has a divine quality, there's no doubt about it."

"Since you're sure of this, I have a thought: maybe it was just a stroke of luck that his divine side manifested during the exam, and now this is his true state..."

Atkez's statement was interrupted by Balkomon, who impatiently interjected:

"But then how do you explain Leoz's outstanding performance in Vanlenkov? According to our intel, during the Vanlenkov autonomous region's assault, Velazi Corporation lost 24 senior executives. Even 'Crown Prince' Andrew Velazi, who came for an inspection, was personally threatened. A battleship was dismantled, two other battleships had their entire crew incapacitated, and even the Velazi Tower in Vanlenkov was destroyed."

Balkomon rubbed his head in frustration.

"I admit there must have been some distortion and exaggeration during the transmission of information, but most of it is true. Velazi even compiled a detailed economic damage report. You might question the strength of those who were attacking, but why would the side that got attacked belittle their opponent? Wouldn't that make them look even worse?"

Atkez fell silent.

In fact, whenever discussing Leoz, this contradictory reality inevitably came to light.

On the one hand, his exam performance had amazed everyone, impressing the Ministry of Education. On the other hand, since returning from Vanlenkov, Leoz hadn't done anything particularly noteworthy.

"I think Leoz is definitely hiding something."

Atkez pondered for a moment before continuing:

"The monitor's report stated: (Leoz) He is well aware and cooperative with our plan, keeping a low profile. But he hasn't displayed anything beyond the ordinary, and his progress along his path is stalled at the Gamma tier."

"He's still at the Gamma tier now?"

"The progress of path study can be directly measured via biological frequency detection, as you know, and there's virtually no way to hide or falsify this frequency signal."

Balkomon clasped his hands, falling into contemplation.

After a long while, he shook his head, as if he had come to terms with something:

"I still believe in my judgment. However... maybe it really was just a subtle coincidence back then."

"So what now?"

"What else can we do? With his current grades, it won't be long before this epic-level failure is asked to leave the academy. Stop monitoring Leoz. Redirect our resources to something worthwhile."

Balkomon swiped his hand across the magical projection, and Li Aozi's student file was immediately replaced by that of a golden-haired, golden-eyed dragonkin girl:

"Fortunately, we have more than one choice. Besides Leoz, White Candle Star has attracted quite a few talents aligned with the Crystal Tower civilization. Atkez, focus on their education and cultivation. Five years from now, I'll personally lead the evaluation."

Atkez's heart sank. He watched his superior, his gaze wavering:

"Sir, are you finally initiating that plan...?"

"We have no choice. The Galaxy Eye campaign is a complete meat grinder. A decisive weapon that can break the balance must be deployed to change the fate of this war."

Balkomon raised his hand, staring at the twisted space and light within his palm, his gaze firm:

"Five years from now, I will lead the elite students of White Candle Star into the Deep Abyss to break through the limits and receive the blessing."

...

"Thanks to Sage Meriwether's improvements to the magic formation output formula, we have now abandoned the outdated staves and ridiculous flimsy robes. Semi-automatic magical firearms, such as revolvers, bolt-action rifles, and crystal armor, are now the standard equipment for modern mages. But remember, staves have not completely disappeared from history. In many places, staves are still practical combat weapons... That's basically all. Class dismissed. Have a good weekend, everyone."

With the Saturday lecture over, Li Aozi packed up his materials. Hobbs and Lucite had already earned their credits for this course and had moved on to electives, leaving him alone in this general class.

As Li Aozi turned to leave, the professor on the podium suddenly raised his voice:

"Although most of you probably aren't worried, this old man must reiterate: Monday's test will determine if you pass this course. If anyone thinks they can scrape by with just a few group assignments, let me just say: welcome to the retake."

Several students nearby immediately laughed, all eyes focusing on Li Aozi.

Clearly, he was the "someone" the professor was referring to.

"Is it that guy? The one who lost over a hundred credits in a week?"

"Must have cheated on the entrance exam to get in. Now he's exposed."

"Good-looking face, but who knows what strings he pulled to get here. Heh, some people use connections, some use back doors..."

Li Aozi didn't pay them any mind. After a week of deep thought, he had fixed in his mind the implementation of a strategy he had once seen. It was information dug up by a mediocre independent media outlet during version 3.16.

"The content's still a bit fuzzy. I need something more concrete... I'll have to seek the help of magic potions."

Fortunately, he'd been inquiring about ways to dig up deep memories this past week, and had an appointment scheduled for this afternoon. He planned to skip class to meet the contact.

As he passed the back row of desks, three students with casual, flippant demeanors saw him alone and immediately had a mischievous idea. They got up and followed.

"What do you say? Should we mess with this guy?"

"That armored catfish guy used to be around, I was a bit wary."

"What are you scared of? Didn't you see him in practicals? He couldn't even cast a single magic missile!"

The three followed closely behind. Li Aozi, ignoring the world around him, walked on, deep in thought. One of the students shouted at him.

"Hey, white-negative freak!"

Li Aozi, still lost in thought about how to handle the upcoming meeting, didn't hear the shout and continued walking. Seeing Li Aozi completely unresponsive, the three got irritated. They ran up behind him, reaching out to grab his shoulder:

"I'm talking to you, are you deaf?!"

Before the hand could land on his shoulder, Li Aozi suddenly stopped.

Coincidentally, Li Aozi had just reached the door. A powerful shockwave rushed towards him, like a raging beast, immediately alerting Li Aozi.

He looked up, and immediately saw a dreadful scene: About twenty students were sprawled on the ground, the surrounding air filled with violent magical radiation. Intense heat had melted the ground, dragging several students deep into molten iron. Only their Gamma-tier qualities allowed them to barely survive.

This was already a show of mercy from the perpetrator.

Still, most of them were burned to a crisp, skin charred, with a pungent stench of burnt fat and scorched flesh filling the air—a terrifying sight.

The perpetrator, meanwhile, was gripping the neck of a clueless caster. He struggled violently, his magical dagger stabbing wildly, yet failed to pierce the seemingly delicate and smooth skin. Each clash of blade and dragon-scaled texture created brilliant sparks but had no other effect.

"Ugh—You monster—"

What a joke, twenty-one Gamma-tier mages, and they couldn't even break her skin.

The caster, held aloft by the girl, was visibly terrified. His feeble resistance was utterly meaningless in the face of her iron-like grasp.

"You're too weak. Stop demonizing your enemy to excuse yourself."

Diaran casually flicked her wrist, tossing the student aside like garbage. Without a care for the onlookers, she seemed to sense something, turning slightly to meet Li Aozi's gaze as he walked out of the teaching building.

"Yo!" Li Aozi greeted casually, "Fancy seeing you here, taking this class too?"

They'd only met twice in total, but out of courtesy, he decided to greet her.

Diaran's eyes met his for a moment before she spoke:

"This is a first-year general course."

"I know, just needed an excuse to start a conversation." Li Aozi glanced at the gloomy sky, "Lovely weather today, have you eaten?"

Diaran gently shook her head, ignoring Li Aozi's small talk. Instead, as if offering advice, she said:

"Don't let a temporary setback lead to a permanent downfall."

With that, she cast a brief glance at the students behind Li Aozi. Her gaze was like a sharp blade, shattering their fragile confidence, leaving them stunned in place.

Diaran turned and left without saying another word, leaving Li Aozi bewildered.

He turned to look at the three students behind him:

"What do you guys want?"

"No—nothing!"

The three students frantically waved their hands:

"We just wanted to remind you not to forget about the afternoon class."

"Haha, didn't think you and Diaran were so close."

"We've got things to do, we'll be off now."

Li Aozi watched the three students scurry away like clowns, rubbing his chin.

"What a shame, couldn't provoke those three into action."