Published: February 20, 2025
The trace of creatures, slaying monsters to obtain equipment.
“The humanoid phantom beast is named ‘Chu’.”
“The current initial strength is unknown, but it is estimated to be above the level of nine stars.”
“When comparing its strength to that of the dean of the Phantom Academy, Fiorina, she felt a strong sense of danger deep within her when she first stood in front of this phantom beast, leading her to a sudden impulse to flee.”
“This is a warning instinct from her innate awakening as a valkyrie battle body, indicating that the current creature possesses strength far beyond hers and is exceedingly dangerous.”
“At the moment this ‘phantom beast’ descended, those with king-level potential and emperor-level potential among the phantom beasts all bowed in reverence, affirming its identity as the phantom beast king.”
“The positive life aura emanating from the phantom beast is vigorous, resembling that of humans by ninety-nine percent; the fluctuations should originate from the contractor, Emitia, confirming the contract's validity.”
“Additionally, when entering the core area of the academy, the calamity pearl of the Phantom Academy did not react, ruling out the possibility of an invasion by otherworldly creatures…”
In a wide and simple office, a woman with graying hair carefully examined the documents in her hands, especially the conclusions noted at the back.
Across from her sat Fiorina, who had changed into a purple dress, leisurely savoring a glass of red wine.
After a long while, the dean, Camanlington, put down the documents with some astonishment: “I didn’t expect that this year, your Phantom Department would actually provide such a big surprise.”
Fiorina rolled her eyes: “Of course, it’s a surprise now, but it startled me back then.”
As she spoke, Fiorina couldn't help but cross her legs, feeling pleased: “However, if this power can be cultivated, we should be able to break through the depths of the labyrinth to the Demon God's Underground Palace.”
“Haha... By then, our Phantom Academy will once again shake the continent, reviving the glory of our department.”
Looking at the red-haired beauty who couldn't contain her laughter and was happily planning for the future, Camanlington shook his head and reminded: “It's not that simple, Fiorina.”
“In these past two years, a large number of brave warriors have entered the labyrinth. Although they have cleared out the upper layers, exploring down to the fifty-fifth level, the casualties are several times higher than in previous years.”
“They have only cleared up to the fifty-fifth level.” Fiorina was somewhat surprised.
Camanlington nodded solemnly: “Indeed, they have only explored down to the fifty-fifth level. The reason is that too many monsters breed below the labyrinth, making them nearly insatiable.”
“Whenever the main force of an exploration team returns to the surface, the areas they have cleared are quickly reoccupied by monsters, necessitating re-exploration.”
“Therefore, I plan to primarily gather the valkyries of the academy and assemble a team of brave warriors to delve deep into the lowest levels of the labyrinth in one go.”
“Let’s see what the demon gods lurking in the depths look like, what attributes their powers possess, so that we can tailor the valkyrie armaments accordingly.”
“Just right, the valkyrie students from your Phantom Department this year have astonishing potential; they can also join the exploration team.”
“This will not only help train these students’ minds and accumulate combat experience against monsters in the underground labyrinth, but also assist those phantom beasts in growing rapidly.”
“Sounds good.” Fiorina nodded.
“By the way, what is that phantom beast king doing now?”
“Reading.”
“Reading?” Camanlington was taken aback.
……
In the spiraled library, on the second floor, Chen Chu sat quietly in a corner, surrounded by a small mountain of hundreds of books covering various topics.