Chapter 56: Chapter 56: A Suspicious Cain and an Enemy Attack
During the process, something very unusual happened. Cain, for some unknown reason, seemed particularly concerned about security today, sending out nearly all his personnel. The scope of the patrols was extensive, with superhumans covering almost every area: the artificial river, the small plaza, and even the residential zones.
"Hey, old man Cain, you seem a bit off today," Zhong Jing remarked, sitting in his chair with a puzzled expression. "I get that security is important, but isn't this a bit over the top? Are you expecting something?"
The eight academies had all sent their leaders, but Cain was the only one holding the title of principal. The others were vice-principals. The reason for this was twofold: Cain had established the rules for the assessment, and he was known to be a bit of an eccentric. Despite his immense power, he wasn't very involved in administrative matters, leaving most of the work to his vice-principals.
"Heh, better safe than sorry," Cain replied with a knowing smile. "Besides, today's situation is special. A few days ago, thanks to Liam, we managed to kill that group of God's followers and prevent a god-descending ritual. If that ritual had succeeded while we were away, the consequences would have been unimaginable."
Zhong Jing nodded, acknowledging the logic. But he still felt it was a bit excessive. "But we're here now. Would they really dare to challenge us?"
"That's not certain..." Cain responded ominously.
As they spoke, several students began to enter the hall. The leaders immediately straightened up, ready to meet the approaching students.
The rules for choosing an academy were straightforward: students could freely choose which academy they wanted to join—a recognition of their talents. The academy leaders had also brought assistants to promote their institutions' facilities and benefits to attract students. For particularly talented students, the academies would offer additional perks to secure their commitment.
This year, Liam was clearly the most sought-after candidate. Just as expected, Liam walked into the hall.
As soon as the familiar, nonchalant figure appeared, Zhong Jing and the other leaders immediately sat up straight. After learning about Liam's actions the previous day, Zhong Jing regretted not staying to watch until the end. Yet, despite the loss of his bet to Sophia, he was more determined than ever to recruit Liam.
Liam, ignoring the other students and the assistants promoting their academies, walked straight to the leaders. Just as Zhong Jing was about to speak, Liam addressed Cain directly.
"Hello, Principal Cain. I want to join the Eastern Academy."
"Excellent. You're very welcome here," Cain responded, standing up as if he had expected this all along.
Zhong Jing: ???
Am I even needed here?
Seeing the handshake imminent, Zhong Jing quickly stood up and interrupted. "Wait a minute!"
Liam, startled by the shout, looked curiously at the middle-aged man before him, who seemed a bit eccentric.
"Kid, you might not know how this works," Zhong Jing began. "You did exceptionally well. Usually, each academy will offer you various benefits, and then you can choose. For example, our Western Academy—come to us, and you can name your conditions!"
Zhong Jing spoke quickly, as if afraid Liam would slip away.
"Oh, I see. Thank you, but I've already promised Sophia that I'd join the Eastern Academy," Liam replied, somewhat dismissively.
That's it? Just like that?!
Zhong Jing nearly bit his tongue in disbelief. "You're choosing just because of a woman?! Well, I guess she's not just any woman..."
Thinking fast, Zhong Jing stood up and walked over to Liam, placing an arm around his shoulders like an old friend. "You might not realize it, but our Western Academy has plenty of resources."
He leaned in closer and whispered, "And by the way, that old man Cain is pretty stingy. If you join the Eastern Academy without negotiating, he's bound to shortchange you."
Liam hadn't expected this approach. Just as he was about to reply, Cain also stood up and pulled Zhong Jing aside.
"Don't badmouth people behind their backs."
"I'll offer you plenty of benefits too. I'll give you 300 hours in the simulated training environment and 100 pure energy crystals. What do you think?" Cain offered.
Liam, who hadn't paid much attention to Cain's earlier explanation, asked, "What are those?"
Cain: "..."
"They're resources that help superhumans improve their abilities," Cain explained.
"That's it?! You think that's enough?" Zhong Jing jumped in again. "I'll double his offer, and you can ask for anything else you need."
Liam turned to Cain, clearly expecting a better offer.
Cain sighed, knowing he had no choice. "...Fine, I'll double it too. And if you ever need anything, you can come to me for help."
"Will you give me money?" Liam asked bluntly.
"What?" Cain looked puzzled.
"Money? Is there any monetary reward? And what about the reward for stopping the god-descending ritual? Where's that?"
Liam's directness left Cain momentarily speechless. After a brief pause, he said, "The reward for stopping the ritual will come from the Human Federation. As for money... how much do you want?"
"Three hundred thousand," Liam stated.
"Deal!" Cain agreed.
With that, the older man and the younger man shook hands.
Zhong Jing still had more to say but was left speechless. He shook his head, realizing he had lost this battle. It was clear Liam had already made up his mind to join the Eastern Academy.
As Liam shook Cain's rough hand, he activated his ability again. Although he had copied it before, he felt something was off about Cain's ability and wanted to try again, even if it meant wasting a day's opportunity.
Ding! Replication successful!
The sound echoed in his mind, just as a bloodied figure stumbled into the hall, screaming, "Principal Cain! We need to evacuate! We're under attack!"
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone