Chapter 89
After a long silence, Qin Su asked the system, "Who can truly kill He Wenyuan?"
[He Muzhi.]777 State the answer.
Qin Su: "... Why?"
Since death is inevitable, why are you being so particular about it?
[The moment He Wenyuan was rescued by He Muzhi, he officially appeared in the comic book scene thanks to He Muzhi's 'life-saving grace.' That was the turning point in their destinies; from then on, his fate was inextricably linked with He Muzhi's.]
[He Muzhi changed his fate; he owed He Muzhi a life; he carried the burden of helping He Muzhi change the course of his life.]
Qin Su: "..."
Over the past three months of spending time with He Muzhi, Qin Su has gained a general understanding of He Muzhi's ideals.
Even now, He Muzhi firmly believes that he was born to Zerg, and that the meaning of his life is to continuously Purge the Zerg and use his power to allow the citizens of various planets to live and work in peace.
The system's words indicated that He Wenyuan's significance lay in constantly revealing the dark side of the world's operating rules, allowing He Muzhi to understand, through repeated shocks from He Wenyuan, that his goal should not be limited to the Zerg level, but should be focused on areas with more parasites and greater harm.
Federation?
Qin Su: "Is He Muzhi's destiny... to become the Federation President?"
[How did you know?] 777 was surprised; this wasn't mentioned in the released settings.
Qin Su: "... I guessed."
It's too easy to guess.
The Federation cannot be without a professional army, and given that the average lifespan in Interstellar People is three hundred years, it means that the Federation has an army with rich experience in various battles.
Based on his understanding of this world, Military Academies not specifically targeting the Zerg were operating normally and were numerous, while the number of troops specifically targeting the Zerg had consistently remained at only 20%.
The planets are in a state of relative peace, with each planet maintaining a balance with the others, and wars between humans are extremely rare.
For example, last year, the Federation deployed its regular troops nine times throughout the year, only a few of which were to reinforce impoverished planets within the Federation's jurisdiction; the rest were all to attack Space Pirates.
The number of weapons acquired in a single military campaign against Space Pirates was 5 to 7 times the total number of weapons used by the 118 classes of the Class of 26 freshmen in a single combat exercise.
It always manages to 'use it all up'.
If these weapons were used against the Zerg, they could annihilate the Zerg's ancestors for eighteen generations.
How could someone abandon an experienced professional army and instead open several Military Academies specifically targeting the Zerg, restricting the number of weapons for each combat exercise, and requesting a budget for each exercise? With about eight combat exercises per year, each school would need to submit 32 budget requests annually.
Finally, the graduating elites will be continuously sent to other fields, while ordinary students will be sent to specialized armies to deal with the Zerg, joining the 20% that are even more active than the 80% of the army.
He checked the data from the past five years and found that only 50% of the elites relied entirely on their own abilities, while the other 50% were people who were carefully cultivated by their respective families and whose life paths had been planned for them.
With a small number of applicants, a high mortality rate, and high activity levels, the Military Academy for the Zerg can recruit a batch of new students every year, who then go through almost the same process as their predecessors.
Such rapid and constant budget changes, numerous budget applications, and multiple layers of intermediaries inevitably leave some traces in their hands.
The Purge of the Zerg has long ceased to be a simple matter; it has become a complex and tacitly accepted line of corruption.
If the Zerg were to truly perish, how could those who would benefit from it possibly be happy?
After a moment's thought, Qin Su sighed softly.
No wonder the Zerg Purge for years, but they've only managed to maintain a balance.
These are all things that He Muzhi will have to worry about in the future.
Qin Su pulled himself out of his thoughts, his tone low and somber. "In short, only the protagonist's halo can kill the Villain Aura, am I right?"
That's right!
Qin Su: "..."
It would be too difficult for He Muzhi to kill someone now. In He Muzhi mind, he was just a ruthless Zerg cleaner and knew nothing about killing.
"One last question: What am I to this world?"
Qin Su was very curious whether he could become a minor male character outside the Protagonist Group after working so hard and being strong in this world for so long.
The title of 'President' clearly indicates that the protagonist's halo primarily resides in He Muzhi of the Protagonist Group.
His identity in this world determines how much "Protagonist Group" traffic he can gain in the future based on his identity.
Even now, he's become a little bit famous, but he still loves to piggyback on others' fame.
[You're just a passerby.]
"This question doesn't require any thought; it's simply a matter of each host's settings," 777 blurted out.
"...??? You're heartless."
The case is solved; the passerby A didn't have any special aura.
Male character number N? He should prop his pillow up a bit tonight; he'll dream about all sorts of things.
[I didn't, I didn't, why are you saying that? I was just telling the truth.] 777's voice was clearly filled with confusion and tension, not understanding why Qin Su was suddenly angry with her.
"It's nothing... it's my own problem." His inner strength wasn't enough; 777's uneasy demeanor made him seem unreasonable.
[That's good, you scared me to death.]
"I'm sorry." Qin Su admitted his mistake and corrected it.
It's okay. As long as you don't criticize it, nothing else matters.
While inwardly sighing that 777 was still so easily fooled, Qin Su absorbed the important news that had happened during his absence from the Comic World like the vast ocean, all the while calculating his 'position' in front of the protagonist.
To do three things at once.
What can earn the respect of a future president?
A highly respected elder? Teacher? Senior?
Currently, he cannot be at the same level as He Muzhi, so... Qin Su's eyes darkened slightly. He chose to be He Muzhi's mentor on this path.
He Muzhi, caught in the middle of the situation, was unaware of the future. He knew that he could use his initiative to push He Muzhi down this path.
He Muzhi would not only respect him, believing that he was the one who led him to the pinnacle of his life, but he, as a 'mentor,' would also be able to understand He Muzhi's every move to the greatest extent possible and naturally place people who are useful to him.
Even if things fall apart in the future, he will still have leverage over He Muzhi's past actions, giving him the power to turn against He Muzhi.
It's no different that He Muzhi is a puppet controlled by him, yet possessing relative freedom.
Qin Su: "..."
Before anything even started, he had already set his sights on He Muzhi.
He's really full of bad intentions.
--
At 1:58:23 PM, Qin Su, who had been missing for five days, appeared in Class 6) more than a minute earlier than usual, without being on time.
Zhang Minglang calculated the time Qin Su would return from his leave and arrived at the classroom early to wait for Qin Su.
Aiseboer kept nagging him all day long, insisting that he announce the 'quota' as soon as possible.
The quota was specifically for Qin Su, and only after Class 6) made their statement could the other classes have a say.
Upon seeing Qin Su, Zhang Minglang jumped up from his chair.
Someone... has many students who are one step ahead of him.
(Class 6 were unaware of Qin Su's leave time. When they suddenly saw Qin Su appear at the classroom door, they quickly stood up one after another.
"Qin Su!"
"Class Monitor!"
Amidst the continuous noise, as some people calmed down and realized their bodies were out of control, they gathered around Qin Su. Other students with stronger self-control simply stood up from their seats and fixed their gazes on Qin Su.
Since they were already there, they were more curious than embarrassed.
"Class Monitor, why are you asking for leave?"
"Yeah, where have you been all this time? How are we going to get by without you?"
"We thought you didn't want us anymore. Thank goodness you're back."
"Cough cough!"
"Cough cough!"
Zhang Minglang coughed a few times. It wasn't exactly class time, and the students were tired of staring at him, so they ignored him and stared at Qin Su with a mix of chatter and longing.
Zhang Minglang: "..."
They blame others for being old and slow, unable to compare with young people at all.
"Teacher Zhang, is there anything I can help you with?"
The Class Advisor's voice was so deliberate that it was hard to ignore. Qin Su's gaze passed over the crowd and landed on the Class Advisor.
"Teacher, it's not time for class yet!"
"Yes!"
The students' noisy protests continued, and Zhang Minglang had no choice but to give up, waving his hand and smiling, "No, no, my throat's itchy, you guys chat."
Never mind, he's not the only one eagerly awaiting Qin Su. There are still forty or fifty seconds left, he can wait.
For five whole days, comic book Viewers didn't see a single frame of Qin Su, and their excitement was just as great as that of the original comic book fans.
[Ahhh, my Baby 1 finally appeared, sob sob]
[(Running around excitedly. jpg)]
[(Take a big sip. jpg)]
[(Rolling around and clinging to the Boss 1's leg. jpg)]
Since the teacher had already said that, Qin Su turned his gaze away from Zhang Minglang and answered the question he had heard and summarized.
'Exam' was obviously out of the question, so Qin Su carefully chose a word that was similar in meaning to 'exam' but at least sounded more 'authoritative'.
"Assessment."
"I won't leave until the time is up."
These two short sentences contain the answers to all the questions the students just asked.
He's completely saturated with strong traits now, beyond saving.
A voice rang out from the crowd. "What kind of assessment takes five days? Is it very difficult?"
Even Qin Su needed five days to complete it, so they...
Hiss...
Anthony shuddered, not daring to think about it.
Fortunately, his family used to see him as someone who just loafed around and did nothing, but now they see him as Qin Su's devoted admirer.
Yes, he no longer even had the freedom to laze around and wait to die.
"Not difficult," Qin Su said calmly.
He was speaking frankly, describing the exam as a calm and straightforward test, but the students' expressions clearly indicated that it was a dangerous assessment 'full of bloodshed'.
He deliberately chose his words to mislead his classmates.
Everyone: "..."
Who believes Qin Su's claim that it's "not difficult"?
Anyway, after being "beaten" by Qin Su, they didn't believe it. It wasn't difficult for Qin Su, but it was absolutely impossible for them.
"Class Monitor, what does 'not leaving until the time is up' mean? When is 'time up'?"
This question has everyone on edge.
Qin Su's words just now proved that the facts were pretty much what they had guessed; Qin Su indeed wouldn't stay here forever and would leave their world sooner or later.
Thinking about it this way...
Everyone should cherish every moment spent with Qin Su.
(Class 6 towards Qin Su became even more intense.
Qin Su, though lacking conviction, gave a vague answer, "You'll find out when the time comes."
He himself doesn't know the exact answer yet.
This answer also serves to generate more discussion and make the Viewers have new expectations for his future.
[Damn it! Don't let Su Bao out of my sight! (Thinking) But this also proves that this comic will end sooner or later.]
[For the first time, I'm grateful that the average lifespan in Interstellar People is three hundred years. Does this mean this comic will continue to cover the protagonist's three hundred years? It's so long! But... I don't want to see the Boss 1 grow old, and I'm even more afraid that death will separate us forever.]
[... Wake up! The Comic World flashes by... Wait, when did I start following this comic? Elementary school? Holy crap, I'm in college now!! And the main characters really do grow every day; it's not impossible for it to go on until they die.]
[According to what you guys are saying, does that mean I'll live to be a hundred and the manga still won't be finished? I won't see the ending of Baby 1? No way!!]
[Grandson-Grandson: Great-Grandfather, the comic you were following has been burned for you! It's not finished yet, remember to keep up with the updates! (doge)]
[A true hellish joke.]
"[Will you?]" Qin Su asked the brain-based typing system during a break from talking with his classmates.
777: [Yes, the Protagonist Group will die, and a new main character will be born from this world, allowing life to continue.]
Qin Su: "..."
And what about him?
What should we do next?
Ring ring--
The school bell rang, interrupting Qin Su's wandering thoughts.
Zhang Minglang finally got his turn, and waved his hand. "Sit down quickly!"
(Class 6 didn't move, their eyes subconsciously looking at Qin Su.
The words "It's time to leave" from Qin Su were firmly imprinted in their hearts, triggering a sense of crisis.
'If Qin Su is going to leave, they hope that through their own efforts, they can become one of those taken away by Qin Su.'
Seeing that his classmates hadn't moved, Qin Su had a sudden inspiration. Without saying anything, he quickly walked to the nearest seat, the first row, amidst the classmates' anxious and secretive anticipation.
He Muzhi needs to be guided onto his own life path. From now on, he does need to appropriately show 'acquiescence' to their inner thoughts and meet some of their expectations of him.
Before sitting down, Qin Su looked at He Muzhi, who was sitting in the back row of the classroom, and met He Muzhi's gaze, which had been fixed on him since he entered the classroom.
With a deliberately mysterious look, Qin Su lingered on He Muzhi for two seconds before naturally turning around and sitting down.
He Muzhi looked at him with unease in his eyes. Did he think that He Muzhi might misunderstand and think that he was related to He Wenyuan's sins?
Qin Su: "..."
He Muzhi is truly diligent in self-reflection; if it were him...
What could he have done wrong? What makes you think he's wrong? Whoever raises the question must provide evidence!
After thinking it over, Qin Su felt refreshed.
He Muzhi's throat moved, and he clenched his hands on the table.
What did Qin Su mean by that scrutinizing gaze?
'Even though it has been clarified that he had nothing to do with it, and He Wenyuan is already dead, he still needs to personally explain to Qin Su to feel at ease. Even if Qin Su despises him for saving the demon, it is what he deserves; that is his stance.'
[Mu Bao is really good, I hope the Boss 1 doesn't misunderstand him]
It's so hard to be a good person.
[I've liked A-Mu all this time, and sometimes I really feel sorry for him. I hope he's not so sincere, and that he can be a little darker, a little more wicked.]
Are you hoping Mu Bao will rot? No way!
Zhang Minglang: "..."
Is he the Class Advisor, or is Qin Su the Class Advisor?
The group above keeps saying that Qin Su is here to win people's hearts. The truth is, Qin Su doesn't spend a single Star Coins. He relies entirely on his personal charm. The students in Class 6) already have their hearts with Qin Su. There is no need to win him over at all.
He believed that this group of people were acting entirely voluntarily.
As soon as Qin Su made a move, the students exchanged excited glances, their eyes filled with joy.
Everything was understood without words; the students of Class 6 quickly found seats and sat down.
'Opportunities are indeed earned; the Class Monitor responded to them!'
Zhang Minglang wasn't angry; the memory of his first real battle kept replaying in his mind.
Many people think that students haven't experienced the real world and are easily fooled, believing whatever others say.
In reality, they are simple-minded, but not foolish.
The scales in their hearts had already been tipped between "themselves who would scheme and execute missions during actual combat" and "Qin Su, who would always steadfastly choose them and guide them step by step to become stronger."
As long as Qin Su is determined to compete, the answer to whether they will follow Qin Su or go with the school's arrangements is already clear.
Moreover...
Zhang Minglang's gaze lingered on Qin Su, seemingly lost in thought.
Qin Su did not refuse, thus tacitly accepting everyone's 'following'.
So the question is, what exactly does Qin Su want to do?
After much thought, unable to guess the answer, and with the students already seated, Zhang Minglang pulled himself together from his jumbled thoughts and announced loudly, "Classmates, before we begin today's lesson, I have something important to announce."
In short, Zhang Minglang successfully drew the attention of the students in Class 6).
Zhang Minglang had been holding back for many days, but he didn't keep them in suspense and announced it directly.
"Due to certain unforeseen circumstances, starting from the next practical exercise, the amount of Star Coins each student can exchange for based on the number of bugs killed during the practical exercise will be limited to this number."
On the large screen behind Zhang Minglang, amidst a lengthy explanation of the quota restrictions, a large, enlarged number filled with a different color stood out prominently.
Six million six hundred and sixty thousand Star Coins.
This number reflects the Fourth Military Academy's high hopes that the quota issue will be successfully implemented in front of Qin Su.
In reality, aside from Qin Su, who is unpredictable and possesses extraordinary strength, it's impossible for any student to reach this number.
Of course, this number is a drop in the ocean compared to the Star Coins that Qin Su could exchange for in his two actual battles, especially this one.
[What the hell is this "tight budget" nonsense? Why didn't you say you were short of funds when you were "eating your fill"? Now that the amount you applied for was huge and your fees were secretly reduced, you're quitting because you can't make any money?]
[Well done, Federation. Let's see how shamelessly someone tries to make money this time.]
Why shouldn't I be allowed to take the money I earned through my own abilities and within the rules?
[Iron Fact: Don't be so possessive and hateful towards other people's money]
[That's really despicable; they take back their moves just because they can't handle the game.]
[So many Star Coins earned in a single battle, Qin Su is practically robbing people!]
[6. Can't you see the effort he put in? Are you blind to the insects killed by the self-funded shells? This is clearly what Qin Su deserves.]
Anyone can see that this rule was proposed for Qin Su.
Qin Su could naturally see it too.
Qin Su only glanced at the series of seemingly plausible reasons given for the quota limit, gleaning some information before quickly fixing his gaze on the 6.66 million figure on the projection screen.
Qin Su: "???"
What's the difference between this and putting him in the ban list? Looking at that number, Qin Su vaguely heard the sound of his heart shattering in two.
What robbery? That's a really harsh way to put it. It's a matter between students and the school, not between a bank and kidnappers. How can you call it robbery?
While mentally calculating the extent of his psychological trauma, Qin Su tried to control his facial expressions.
Unexpectedly, his favorite number, '666,' turned out to be the one that dealt him the most devastating blow today.
Despite the many resentful thoughts that crossed his mind, Qin Su remained expressionless. From the moment the quota number appeared and Zhang Minglang stared intently at him without blinking, his expression did not waver in the slightest.
Now that things have come to this, he has no choice but to accept the cold, cruel reality that 'because he was too greedy, the angel investor ran away and stopped taking advantage of him.'
If he were to refuse the quota by himself without anyone else objecting, it would give the impression that he is 'short of money,' and it would damage his noble image of 'not doing it for money but to clean up the Zerg and protect the safety of citizens.'
[After careful observation and comparison, from the announcement of the quota until now, every scene featuring Qin Su has shown absolutely no difference in his facial expression, indicating that Qin Su doesn't care about the quota at all.]
[Money is no object; Qin Su clearly doesn't care.]
Where are those who say we, Baby 1, are killing insects for money? Come out and take a few steps. We, Baby 1, are clearly doing it for a greater cause. Don't tarnish our noble Baby 1 with dirty money.
Qin Su: "..."
He actually cares a lot about money and doesn't mind being tainted by it at all.
Qin Su feigned an indifferent and detached demeanor, while inwardly frantically trying to reassure himself.
'It's okay, it's okay, it's just a little bit sad.'
"How can school rules be changed so easily? Changing rules every day is unacceptable!"
The students behind couldn't see Qin Su's expression, so they could only strain their ears to listen.
Since Qin Su didn't speak, they remained silent, following his lead without question.
Anyway...
What was a number that Qin Su wouldn't even blink at was an astronomical sum for them.
Fleets, ample supplies of weapons and firepower, overwhelming Pheromones capable of crushing insects, formidable strength, unparalleled intellect... these factors are all indispensable.
They tried their best to Purge the insects during the seven-day combat period, but to no avail.
Zhang Minglang's heart, which had been pounding in his chest, slowly settled back into place, and a smile spread across his face, wrinkles appearing on his cheeks. "The announcement is over. Class will now begin."
The notification regarding the limited capacity has disappeared; the course content will now be displayed.
After class ended, He Muzhi stood up and called out to Qin Su, "Class Monitor, could you wait a moment?"