The commotion during practical class made Lin Kun a minor celebrity at the academy, but it also brought plenty of trouble. Aside from the endless stream of classmates coming to "soak up his luck" or pry into his "treasure-hunting secrets," the greatest pressure came from Tang San's increasingly frequent scrutinizing gaze.
Lin Kun knew full well that if this continued, he would sooner or later be watched to death by this suspicious protagonist. He urgently needed to grow stronger, at least enough to protect himself.
Upon returning to the Seventh Dormitory, he immediately locked himself in the corner of the room, though it was useless, and sank his consciousness into the system space. Looking at his 415 Breakdown Points and the ten warm Golden Spirit Coins in his pocket—system points and real currency were not interchangeable, but having money made him feel secure—he experienced the confidence of a Pay-to-win Player for the first time.
"System, open the shop and filter out things I can afford right now that can quickly improve my actual combat ability!" Lin Kun ordered.
The light screen flickered, and the item list refreshed:
Low-Grade Spirit Power Enhancement Potion: 50 points. (Can buy 8 more) Basic Movement Technique Mastery: 150 points. (An upgraded version of Movement Technique Fundamentals) Low-Grade Spirit Skill Scroll - Wind Blade: 300 points. (Long-range attack; better than nothing) One-time Soul Tool - Paralysis Trap: 200 points. (A tool for ambushes) Mental Power Enhancement Potion (Small): 250 points. (Improves the effects of Mental Thread and Insight Skill) Random Weapon Exchange Voucher (White Quality): 100 points. (The thrill of a draw—you might get a divine weapon, or you might get a fire poker)
Lin Kun was overwhelmed. His indecisiveness was acting up. He wanted everything, but his points were limited.
"System, can you give me some professional advice?" Lin Kun tried asking.
Ding! Based on analysis of the host's current situation (being closely watched, lacking means of self-protection, and skilled at scouting), the following most cost-effective plans are recommended: Plan A: Purchase Basic Movement Technique Mastery (150 points) + Mental Power Enhancement Potion (Small) (250 points), leaving 15 points. Comprehensively improves survival ability and scouting advantages. Plan B: Purchase One-time Soul Tool - Paralysis Trap (200 points) x2, leaving 15 points. Focuses on underhanded tactics and may turn the situation around at a critical moment. Plan C: The path of the gambler! Purchase Random Weapon Exchange Voucher x4 (400 points), leaving 15 points. Draw a powerful weapon, and you'll take off on the spot!
Lin Kun looked at Plan C, his mouth twitching. "Four draws in a row? System, are you trying to scam me into getting 'Thank You For Your Patronage' again? Do I look like a gambler to you?"
Based on the host's previous draw records, the probability of Thank You For Your Patronage is 75%, the probability of a white common weapon is 20%, the probability of a blue refined weapon is 4.9%, and the probability of a purple rare weapon is 0.1%.
Lin Kun said, "...Never mind."
He decisively chose Plan A. Steady growth was the proper way!
Exchange successful! 400 points consumed. 15 points remaining. Items have been distributed.
Two streams of warmth instantly surged into his body. One contained knowledge of more refined footwork, force application, and environmental utilization, directly imprinted into his bodily instincts. The other flowed into his mind, nourishing his Sea of Consciousness. He felt that the field of view of his Insight Skill had become a little clearer, and his control over Mental Thread had become more fluid as well.
"Feels great!" Lin Kun felt the lightness in his body and the clarity in his mind, his confidence rising several notches. "Although my Soul Power is still only Level 4, I can run faster, see farther, and control things more precisely. My ability to survive has increased dramatically!"
He tried using Basic Movement Technique Mastery within the cramped dormitory. His steps were ghostlike and soundless. As he spun and shifted, he effortlessly avoided every obstacle, even using the walls to push off and change direction over short distances.
"Amazing! Those 150 points were well spent!" Lin Kun was overjoyed.
Just then, the dormitory door was pushed open. Tang San and Xiao Wu had returned.
Lin Kun happened to perform a nimble slide to avoid a washbasin on the floor. His movements were light and graceful as he landed before his bed in one smooth motion, without the slightest trace of strain.
Tang San's gaze suddenly sharpened, fixed tightly on the spot where Lin Kun's feet had come to a halt. That movement technique... was definitely not something an ordinary work-study student could possess! Its foundation was even more solid than that of many Agility Type Spirit Masters he knew! He had not been like this when Tang San returned yesterday!
Xiao Wu blinked as well. "Huh? Lin Kun, you seem more agile now. You're not as clumsy as before."
Lin Kun's heart skipped a beat. This is bad. I got carried away! He quickly restrained himself, deliberately tangled his feet, staggered, and nearly fell. Scratching his head, he gave a foolish grin. "N-No, right? Maybe I got chased by Spirit Beasts during practical class and ran a little faster..."
Tang San said nothing, but the probing look in his deep eyes became even more intense. He walked over to his bed and sat down, asking casually, "Lin Kun, do you know something about movement techniques too?"
Lin Kun's scalp went numb. He forced a laugh. "What research? I just run around... just run around..." He hurriedly changed the subject, taking a small cloth pouch from his pocket—actually from the system space—and handing it to Xiao Wu. "Sister Xiao Wu, this is for you."
"What is it?" Xiao Wu curiously accepted it. When she opened it, she found several bright red fruits giving off a sweet, fresh fragrance. They were Carrot Fruits, her favorite—an exclusive fruit of Douluo Continent that grew underground like carrots but tasted sweet and juicy.
"Oh, I dug them up on the way back. They looked pretty fresh, so..." Lin Kun explained. He had found them while scouting with Mental Thread and had thought he should offer some "tribute" to ease his relationship with Xiao Wu, so she would stop watching him all the time.
Xiao Wu's eyes immediately lit up. She picked up a fruit and bit into it with a crunch. The sweet juice made her narrow her eyes in delight. "Wow! So sweet! At least you have a bit of conscience! But don't think this means you can buy me off!" Though she said that, she happily accepted the fruits, and her slight grievance against Lin Kun instantly vanished.
Tang San watched Xiao Wu's delighted expression, then glanced at the "honest-looking" Lin Kun. His brows furrowed slightly, but in the end, he said nothing more. He simply picked up a book and began reading, though his attention was clearly not on the book.
Lin Kun secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He had managed to fool them again. Living next door to the protagonist truly tested his acting skills and his heart at every moment!
Before you continue