A discussion

Backlund certainly had more than just the Black Emperor Card; at least Kronos knew of another one, the Red Priest Card.

Although Kronos has already taken that house, now is definitely not a good time to get this card. The three-in-one Red Angel Hotpot is not to be trifled with; it's best not to even think about it until you reach the Demigod.

The only remaining Blasphemy Card whose fate is clearly known are: Wheel of Fortune Card, The Fool Card, and The Tyrant Card.

The Wheel of Fortune Card is in Huang Beibei's hand, the Fool Card is in the hand of the Evernight Goddess, and the Tyrant Card is in the hand of Adam. They're all big shots, there's no way around it.

As for the Moon Card, Mother Card, Demoness Card, Abyss Card, and even the Hanged Man Card, even if they were presented to him, Kronos wouldn't dare touch them. They were all biological weapons, and who knows how highly contaminated they might be.

As for the remaining Blasphemy Card, they have vanished without a trace, leaving no Information whatsoever, so they are nowhere to be found.

But Kronos believed that two Blasphemy Card would be enough to finish digesting the Sequence 6 Potion.

Even if it's not enough in the end, there are always other methods.

Over the next few days, Kronos made more than a dozen Skill Scroll, all for the "Whipping" skill, which made him more and more proficient in this skill.

Kronos always believed in the principle that practice makes perfect, so he would only consider moving on to the next thing after he had mastered it.

In any case, gradually improving your proficiency will also help you digest the Potion, so there's no need to rush.

Kronos didn't devote all his time to making Scroll; he also had time to chat with his mother and play horseback riding with his Younger Sister.

Marquis Argel had not returned the Justiciar Card because he knew that once it was returned, his son would be returning to the city, so he wanted to delay.

Kronos probably understood his father's purpose, so he didn't take the initiative to ask Marquis Argel for it.

Kronos had been living in the Manor for nearly three weeks, and he had become thoroughly proficient with the "Whipping" Scroll, and was even close to mastering the new Scroll "Imprisonment".

One morning, when Kronos woke up, the Justiciar Card was on Kronos bedside table, along with a letter.

After putting away the Justiciar Card, Kronos curiously opened the letter.

"Son, by the time you read this letter, I will have already set off with your mother and Younger Sister. We're going back to Midseashire for a while. I deliberately didn't tell you. You've been doing well lately, but they're starting to get a little annoyed with you, so we decided to leave today."

"You already have a lot of things to handle, so I won't add to your burden. If you need anything, just send me Telegraph. Consider coming back before the New Year so our family can have a proper New Year together."

Kronos laughed; he never expected that his Parents, who were usually very particular about Rules, would do something like this.

He knew this wasn't meant to be a joke; Marquis Argel was about to advance to Sequence 5, and the family records confirmed that he would have to return to the Midseashire to advance.

Kronos had never seen the Astronomer's Potion Formula or Advancement Ritual, but he judged that they were probably related to Ritual.

This is normal; established forces with a long history will prepare for their Pathway advancement Ritual.

For example, the Church of Storms monopolized Obninsk, which is the Ritual for advancing to Sequence 5. Similarly, the Church of Evernight basically monopolized the Mermaid advancement to Marionettist.

The Argel Family may not have the power to directly monopolize the Ritual, but they can certainly create an environment conducive to the advancement Ritual.

So when Kronos meets Marquis Argel again, his father will probably be a Sequence 5 Astronomer.

Kronos didn't show much emotion. He simply washed up as usual, had breakfast, and then instructed his Servants to pack his things before leaving the Manor.

Since the old Butler had already delivered the materials for making the Scroll to the Villa in the West Borough, Kronos didn't have much to bring on this trip.

The next morning, Kronos got up early, dressed up nicely, and prepared to visit Professor Portland at Backlund University.

In fact, Professor Portland now spends most of his time on the Higher Education Committee, working on planning with the founding team of Backlund Technical University.

However, I still set aside some time for Backlund University every day. After all, I am a full professor in the engineering department, and even with help from others, there are still quite a few things to handle.

So every morning from 9:00 to 11:30 is the time Portland reserves for Backlund University. Kronos wants to use this time to have a good talk with him, since the Higher Education Committee isn't something you can just walk into.

Upon arriving at the engineering department's office building, Kronos made a point of inquiring to confirm that Portland was indeed in his office before heading upstairs to Kronos 'Portland office.

In the Portland office

"Tell me, what brings you here this time?" Portland glanced at Kronos, then continued looking down at the files before speaking.

"There is something I'd like to discuss with you and hear your opinion." Kronos, true to form, spoke frankly to Portland.

"Don't blame me for not telling you beforehand. If you're not bringing me a gift, it's best not to say anything more," Portland joked.

"How could I forget your gift? But as you know, I separated from the Fleet, and your gifts were all on Fleet, so there aren't any now."

Portland became interested when Kronos brought up the topic.

"I was just about to ask that. You didn't explain it clearly in your letter. Why did it suddenly break up? Is it related to the war?"

During their previous communications, Kronos hadn't fully described his experiences, but now that Portland had brought it up again, Kronos had no choice but to recount only what he could.

"You know what, you guessed right. I was just wandering around the Southern Continent when the war broke out. I ran for my life and barely managed to escape the Army of the Paz Valley."

"I was just about to hitch a ride and escape when I ran head-on into the Redfire Fleet of the Republic of Intis. They unleashed a barrage of cannon fire! If it weren't for the many protective measures my father gave me, I would have been blasted into mincemeat."

Portland was speechless as he listened to Kronos's account. He had just said it casually, but he never expected it to be so exciting.

"Really? Are you writing a novel?" Portland asked skeptically.

Kronos shrugged. "What's the point? What good would it do? It's all true. I really went through all that; it's not easy to even come back alive."

"Alright, since it's all in the past, I won't ask any more questions. Tell me, what brings you here this time?" Portland, being quite old, spoke with composure.

"How's the restructuring of Backlund Technical University going? When will it be completed?" Kronos asked directly.

Portland was a little surprised; he hadn't expected Kronos to be interested in this matter.

"Reorganization is a major undertaking. At the very least, we need to send all the current students out of the school before we can officially begin. We just sent off one cohort this year, and there are three more to come. At our current pace, we are confident that we can complete the reorganization before then."

Upon hearing this, Kronos understood. The reorganization of Backlund Technical University had started so early, but it hadn't begun enrolling students until three years later because the students who originally belonged to Backlund Technical College hadn't all graduated yet.

"I'd like to ask if you could help me get an Associate Professor position at Backlund Technical College. I feel I'm capable enough, but I lack experience, which is why I'm asking for your help."

Portland was a little puzzled. He had invited Kronos to stay at the school several times before and believed that he was capable of taking over his position.

A full professor in the engineering department at Backlund University —that's one of the world's greatest Scientists, with a very high social standing. Remember, it was Duke Negan who personally came to invite Portland to join the Ironclad Project.

However, Kronos's answer at the time was that he could not spend his whole life in school; his personality and status dictated that he could not choose such a life.

"Tell me your reasons for making this choice." Portland didn't refuse, but he didn't immediately agree either.

Kronos hesitated for a moment, then said, "I'm now Sequence 6, and my title is Scroll Professor, so I'd like a corresponding identity to better help me in this role. But I will definitely be a competent professor."

Portland was naturally aware of the existence of the Acting Method. The Church of Steam and Machinery had visited several times, and had already handed over the Acting Method and the subsequent Potion Formula, but Portland was unwilling to accept it.

Portland then understood why someone who was unwilling would change like this.

"Your promotion speed is quite fast, so does it have to be a professor? Can't you be a lecturer? Backlund Technical College is not as good, but it is indeed more difficult to Associate Professor at Backlund University."

Although Portland was already the vice-chancellor of Backlund Technical University, he still felt that the university was holding Kronos back a bit.

Kronos could see Portland's thoughts. "Let's stick with Backlund Technical College. After all, I can't stay here forever; it'll probably only be a year or two. There are too many restrictions at Backlund University. Even if I manage to become Associate Professor, I'll still feel guilty if I can't fulfill my responsibilities."

Portland was silent for a moment, then sighed, "So how long will it take you?"