First Class

"Earliest, teacher, power, core, purification... There were too many possible phrases these words could expand into. What I thought didn't really matter."

Though he had a guess, setting aside the differences in the words these characters could expand into, there were countless ways to combine them.

However, Wen Xishu guessed that seeing garbled text was likely due to Magic Resistance being too low.

In other words, Three Towers Academy's secret treasure really was connected to the strange.

To decipher the treasure, he only needed to raise his Magic Resistance.

Most likely, once his Magic Resistance was high enough, he would be able to read the notes clearly and find a way into the "Tower of Deception Academy."

Yes, with all the clues put together, Wen Xishu was almost certain that this was the door leading to Tower of Deception Academy.

The few words above described something related to Tower of Deception Academy.

Although Albert said there was no Tower of Deception Academy, Three Towers Academy itself ought to contain three towers.

Combined with what Albert had said—that the Strange Tower descended later—it was entirely possible that Tower of Deception Academy had appeared later as well.

"Shouldn't we try digging down?" Nissen said.

Yue Yun and Wen Xishu shook their heads together. Yue Yun said:

"If you do that, not only will you fail to find the treasure, you'll also lose credits for damaging academy property."

Nissen gave a foolish chuckle.

The three men's treasure hunt could only end there.

Wen Xishu said:

"We have the clues to the treasure. You could even say we've already found the 'treasure chest.' As for how to open it, that's something to deal with later. Let's call it a day."

Yue Yun agreed, and Nissen had no objections either.

The three of them soon made their way back to the surface bit by bit along the library's outer wall, like three thieves.

After that night's exploration, Yue Yun gained a new understanding of Nissen and "Wen Xun."

Nissen's physical talent was absurdly powerful, even greater than his own. Wen Xun was no weaker than him, either.

Most terrifying of all, Wen Xun possessed keen powers of observation and... some sort of special aptitude.

Yue Yun was not jealous. He only felt even more strongly that this was a place where geniuses gathered.

He had to work twelve times harder if he wanted to stay ahead of countless geniuses.

Two days later, early morning.

When the light from the dome had just begun to brighten, Nissen ran into the courtyard and started breakdancing, while Yue Yun headed early to the simulation hall to train against wooden dummies.

Today, the new students of Three Towers Academy's Tower of Slaughter Academy would attend their first class.

Yue Yun hoped to be in good condition, while Nissen hoped his singing and dancing would help him make more friends.

Wen Xishu had originally planned to sleep in, then head to the library after waking up to cram some basic knowledge about the Three Towers and the Bunker.

Then he would leisurely attend his first class.

But changes always came faster than plans.

Before he had slept enough, Jabbar, Albert's assistant, had already arrived at Wen Xishu's dormitory.

"Hello, Student Wen Xun. I'm Jabbar, from the School Affairs Office. I usually handle some miscellaneous matters for the Principal. Some of your records still need to be completed, so I need you to come with me."

Jabbar was very short, creating a striking height contrast with the tall Albert.

He looked to be around one and a half meters tall. Judging by his features, he seemed like a gentle and modest man.

He carried a cane, moved at an unhurried pace, and behaved with impeccable courtesy. There was not a single wrinkle in his suit.

Looking at this man who resembled an old butler, Wen Xishu's first thought was—Albert wanted to see him.

The unfinished records were just an excuse the Old Principal had casually come up with.

Wen Xishu did not refuse and followed Jabbar toward the academy district—the School Affairs Office.

Along the way, Wen Xishu did not draw much attention, because Jabbar often handled such matters.

The academy did indeed frequently contact students to complete certain paperwork or sign agreements.

Jabbar's figure often appeared around the academy, so it was nothing unusual.

Of course, although Jabbar appeared often, Albert rarely did.

If people knew that a freshman had been summoned by the Principal, they would certainly pay attention to that student.

Jabbar did indeed lead Wen Xishu into the Principal's Office.

Most of the time, no one was in this office.

That was because Albert, the Principal, was a mad old man who loved soaking himself in the Slaughter Tower to kill enemies.

But this time, Albert was already seated in the Level Five boss office chair he had brought back from the Slaughter Tower. Slumped back in a completely undignified pose, he greeted Wen Xishu without the slightest concern for his image:

"Hahahaha, little friend Wen Xun. You've been at Three Towers Academy for some time now. How has it been? Have you discovered anything?"

Wen Xishu did not waste words with Albert.

"Old Principal, get to the point. Why did you call me here today?"

Albert smiled.

"Jabbar, go take care of your own business. I have a few things to discuss with little Wen."

Jabbar nodded respectfully.

"Then I won't disturb you two. If you need anything else, please call for me at any time."

Jabbar withdrew.

Only two people remained in the spacious Principal's Office.

Wen Xishu said:

"Can you tell me what this is about now? If it isn't anything important, I want to go back and catch up on sleep so I can attend class this afternoon in my best condition."

"Mm, it's good that you care so much about your studies. But classroom instruction has limited benefits. Or rather, our classes are very effective for ordinary students, but for you... a different approach is needed." Albert revealed an amused smile.

Wen Xishu immediately had a bad feeling.

Seeing Wen Xishu frown, Albert laughed.

"Hahahahaha, don't be so nervous. Anyway, there's no way you'll be attending your first class today."

"This afternoon, I'll announce a new school rule."

Wen Xishu said irritably:

"What school rule? Why can't I attend class?"

Albert said:

"You should know that students at the Tower of Slaughter Academy and Tower of Desire Academy earn credits by climbing towers. Tower of Slaughter students earn credits by climbing the Slaughter Tower, while Tower of Desire students earn credits by climbing the Desire Tower."

Wen Xishu's bad feeling grew stronger.

Albert continued:

"But there has never been a credit incentive system for the Strange Tower. Three Towers Academy isn't some institution detached from the real world."

"Of course, we must keep up with the times and answer the Bunker's call. The era of the younger generation exploring the Strange Tower is about to begin."

"For that reason, Three Towers Academy must set an example as well. This rule will officially take effect this afternoon—"

"Students who explore the Strange Tower will receive double credits."

Wen Xishu had already anticipated where the conversation was going.

"You intend to have me explore the Strange Tower today?"

Albert applauded.

"How clever. You remind me of your older brother, Wen Chaohua. You really are brothers—equally intelligent."

Wen Xishu's expression did not move in the slightest.

"That place has an opening instant-kill, and it's difficult to figure out the rules at every stage. One moment of carelessness and you die..."

Albert shrugged.

"But you can survive, right? Anyway, this is your assignment for today. Mm, your first class. All right, I won't keep rambling. Don't even think about this afternoon's class. That isn't your track."

Albert gave Wen Xishu no chance to refuse, and Wen Xishu knew he had no choice.

Albert picked up an old-fashioned landline telephone.

"This is a Level Six item I brought back from the Slaughter Tower. I gave it a name: Mysterious CEO Call."

"If I call someone, they'll be forced to answer. But they can't call me back, nor can they see my number."

Wen Xishu had never expected this seemingly ordinary telephone to have such an effect.

"Before you log into the Strange Tower, there are still some procedures to handle. Two people want to see you."

A holographic projection appeared above the square black landline.

The images of Liu Jinsen and Sha Ruijing appeared in the projection.

"They have a few things to say to you."

Wen Xishu understood now. This tower climb appeared to be an assignment demanded by Albert, but in truth, the Bunker Security Bureau was applying pressure as well.

Albert's protection, despite him being such a legendary figure, had not made Wen Xishu completely safe.

There were probably some terrifying figures above the Bunker Security Bureau as well.

Wen Xishu picked up the phone.

"Officer Liu, this is Wen Xishu."