3: Chapter 3 Angel Investors and Future Choices!
As soon as the awakening ceremony ended,
Zhou Heng was practically "escorted" into the principal's office, flanked by the principal and several school leaders.
Their enthusiasm was warmer than if they had seen their own fathers.
"Student Zhou Heng! Sit, sit, sit! Quick, pour some tea for Student Zhou! Use that tin of 'Cloud Mist Spirit Tea' from my private collection!"
The glowing principal personally attended to him, the wrinkles on his face smiling into the shape of a chrysanthemum.
Zhou Heng wasn't polite either; he sat down boldly, seeing right through the principal's "angel investor" facade.
"Zhou Heng, you've performed a great service for our Jiangcheng No. 3 High School, and for our Jiangcheng!"
The principal rubbed his hands, his tone excited. "An S-rank! We haven't seen one in so many years! Your future is limitless!"
"You flatter me, Principal. It was luck, all luck." Zhou Heng was humble in speech, but his expression was perfectly composed.
"Hey! Excessive modesty is just pride!"
The principal waved a hand grandly. "For a genius like you, the school must provide full support! This is your recommendation form for early admission; you can take your pick of the top universities in the country!"
As he spoke, he took out several exquisitely crafted recommendation letters shimmering with a faint energy luster.
"Magic City Elemental University is the authority on elemental systems and energy control. They have massive resources, are near the sea, have many secret realms, and beautiful... ahem, many opportunities for academic exchange."
"Kyoto Divine Seal Martial Arts University is in the heart of the Imperial Capital, the political and cultural center. It's teeming with experts and children of noble families; the networking is vast, but the waters are deep."
"Donghuang First Military Martial University has a military background and a tough style. It's the base for the main combat faction. The chance of entering the Garrison Army or the Demon Slaying Division system directly upon graduation is extremely high. There are many rules, but the backing is solid."
"Jiangnan War University has strong comprehensive strength, focusing on the combination of practical combat and technology. It's located in a wealthy area with plenty of funding and many strange pieces of equipment and new tactics."
The principal listed them off like family treasures, his eyes constantly gauging Zhou Heng's reaction.
Listening, Zhou Heng lightly tapped his finger on the tabletop. He seemed to be considering them, yet he didn't seem entirely moved by any of them.
Seeing this, the principal lowered his voice and threw out another heavyweight option:
"Of course, there is another path. With your S-rank rating, you can completely skip the university preparatory stage and directly apply for the 'Demon Slaying Division' reserve assessment."
"Once you pass, you can immediately obtain the status of 'Demon Slayer' and enjoy the corresponding resource quotas. Actual combat improvement is the fastest, but... the danger is also the highest. You'll be dealing with death almost year-round."
Just then, the description of the [Memory Reading] ability on the data panel in Zhou Heng's mind flickered slightly, as if reminding him of its existence.
[Memory Reading (After Kill): Can capture dissipating soul fragments to read parts of their memory. Can be used for: obtaining martial techniques and divine power cultivation methods (especially monster instinct combat skills and secret arts of the myriad races); gathering intelligence (such as nest distributions and conspiratorial plans)...]
A thought flashed through Zhou Heng's mind like lightning.
What was the point of the Omniscient Eye aiming for "omniscience" if he only looked at data?
True "knowledge" and "skills" were often hidden in the memories of the prey!
The university system was certainly safe and stable, with resources provided step-by-step.
But the Demon Slaying Division directly faced monsters and even the myriad races... that meant countless mobile "skill books" and "intel packets"!
High risk, high reward! And it perfectly complemented his cheat!
His heart skipped a beat, and an imperceptible glint flashed in his eyes.
The principal, an old fox, captured this subtle change.
His heart sank, and he quickly added:
"Of course, my personal suggestion is to first enter a top university for a year or two of further study to build a solid foundation."
"Wait until you reach the Transcendent Realm before considering entering the Demon Slaying Division or the Garrison Army. This is more stable and safe. Your talent needs time to grow..."
Zhou Heng suddenly smiled and interrupted the principal: "Principal, I heard that joining the Demon Slaying Division reserve directly also allows one to retain their student status and enjoy some university resources, and that Demon Slaying Division merit points can be exchanged for resources in university storehouses, right?"
The principal was stunned, not expecting Zhou Heng to be so well-informed. He could only nod. "That is true, but..."
"No buts."
Zhou Heng stood up, his smile becoming somewhat sharp. "Thank you, Principal and teachers, for your kindness. I'll take these recommendation letters for now. As for which path to choose, I think I need to go on a 'field inspection' first."
"Field inspection?" The principal was a bit dazed.
"That's right," Zhou Heng said as if it were a matter of course. "For example, I'll go to the low-level danger zones outside the city to see what my future 'study materials' and 'experience packs' look like, and experience the atmosphere of a 'practical class.' How can I decide just by listening to descriptions?"
The faces of the leaders in the office instantly turned pale.
"Nonsense!"
The Dean was the first to jump up. "Is outside the city a joke? Even the lowest danger zone is not a place for a student who just awakened! If an accident happens..."
Zhou Heng smiled, a sharpness unique to youth in that smile. "Principal, Dean. I am enjoying the resources, attention, and... suspicion that come with being S-rank."
"So it's only fair that I also bear the risks and pressure of an S-rank."
"So don't worry about me. I know what I'm doing."
He picked up the stack of early admission recommendation letters and gave a casual wave.
"The tea was delicious, thank you, Principal. When I return from my 'inspection,' I'll report my findings to you."
With that, before anyone could react, he turned and slipped out of the office, leaving behind a room full of leaders staring at each other in a cold sweat.
The principal opened his mouth, but eventually slumped back into his chair with a helpless, bitter smile. "This kid... he's got too much nerve! Does he think S-rank is a death-exemption medal?"
Another leader murmured, "Why did I feel like his eyes were a bit scary when he said 'study materials' and 'experience packs' just now... like he was looking at prey?"
Zhou Heng didn't care what the leaders thought.
He walked out of the administration building, looking at the still-intense sunlight outside and feeling the Annihilation Wind and Thunder power surging within him.
And with the Omniscient Eye in his mind eager to "taste meat," he felt his future was "bloodily" bright.
University? Demon Slaying Division? Only children make choices.
I want it all!
But before that, I need to get some 'snacks' for my cheat to start things off.
[Note: Realm Divisions: Spirit Awakening - Spirit Nurturing - Transcendent - Overlord - Monarch - Saint - God General - God Venerable - Emperor. Each realm has nine stars.]