(From MC's Perspective)
I spoke with Grandma Park for a few more minutes before getting back to my room. My uncle seems to know that I'm tired, so he didn't raise any questions.
After stepping inside my room, I immediately collapsed into my bed. The insect forest taught me that a warrior should have a strong mind as well. Otherwise, with my varying mood swings, there was a possibility of making some bad judgments.
Fortunately, I controlled my impulses in time and decided to walk out of the city straight away. Coincidentally, my gaze fell on the beautiful painting hung on the wall. Unknowingly, I got myself immersed in the painting and fell asleep.
Noon time,
I woke up a few hours later. Seeing the bright sunlight through the window, I realized I had fallen asleep without knowing it. Then I immediately went to take a long shower before changing back to comfort clothes.
After getting ready, I sat on my sofa and fell into contemplation. If I walk down now, I'm sure my uncle will ask me about the insect forest.
And also the news about the 1 billion reward. I don't know if it's any good to tell him about it. But one thing turned out well. I achieved a breakthrough in lightning essence. My primary goal was to get a breakthrough at Iron Post City. Which was achieved successfully.
So I can tell Uncle about my cultivation level but not about the actual situation in the insect forest. Then I let out a small sigh, thinking about Mr. Jonathan.
At that time, Mr. Jonathan gave me a lightning essence pearl for my cultivation. But I guess he has some other things to give me. The recent developments have made everyone's plans change. So, I don't know whether he will come to see me or not after killing the bandit boss.
A curious glint flashes in my eyes as I ponder my cultivation. Right now, I don't need to worry about my cultivation that much. The pearl can assist me for a few weeks.
I just need to worry about my next practice destination. I will use this time to sit and talk with my uncle about monster zones?
The Black Forest Zone is nearest to the one here. And it is also the most difficult one. Since getting defeated at the hands of the ant queen, I'm itching to go back to that place again.
After making up my mind, I exited my room.
Mr. James hasn't gone anywhere since Zack's return. Because he wants to know about his situation. On top of that, the two people from Hansen campus pressured him to reveal information about Zack.
He also heard some information about the Hansen campus. Lately, local news has been reporting about the Hansen campus. The champion of the Star Tower was challenged by new and talented warriors of the Red Stone City and Hansen Campus.
Mr. James didn't take the news seriously at that time. But his most recent conversations with Arthur say otherwise. The momentum is really taking place because of news reporting. And residents were looking forward to it.
So Elder Thornton and Arthur don't have a choice but to reveal some statements soon. But in order to do that, they need Zack's permission. He also learnt about a small misunderstanding between Elder Thornton and Zack.
He hopes to clear it as well. Suddenly, he heard footsteps from behind. Seeing the appearance of Zack, a small smile blossomed on his face. He immediately urged Zack to take a seat.
On the other hand, seeing the enthusiastic expression of Uncle James, I sighed inside. I guessed right; he is waiting for me here.
Then I sat opposite him. It's been a while since I had a good talk in the living room. It's very comforting, I stretched my hands lightly.
But I returned back to normal after feeling the gaze of Uncle James.
"Can we talk now?" Uncle James asked.
Hearing that, I nodded and began to explain my adventures in the insect forest. First, I spoke about monster bugs that I had come across in the insect forest, including carnivore bugs and some plant monsters.
Mr. James' expression was normal at first. But when he learnt about carnivore bugs, his expression turned pale with fright. He immediately got up from his seat and asked, "Who saved you?"
Hearing that, I'm stunned all of a sudden. "Uncle, don't you think? "It's a bit of an overreaction," I commented.
Uncle James sat back in his seat after that. Seeing that, I said, "I hid myself perfectly so that insect bugs had no clue."
Mr. James doesn't know what to say. But the statements recorded from victims say that it's impossible to escape from insect bugs alive. Shaking his head, he continues to listen.
Seeing that Uncle James was alright, I changed my topic of discussion immediately to adventurer teams. I began to explain how the five strongest teams have controlled other teams to achieve their goals.
Time passes,
Half an hour later,
Finally, I ended my conversation with the latest breaking news.
Uncle James has listened patiently to my words so far. I wonder what his opinions are?
"Zack, do you know who got the 1 billion reward?" He asked me with some expectation.
My heart skips a beat upon hearing that. I thought he would ask me about the strongest teams. But he is interested in the person behind 1 billion reward.
No way, I won't tell him. If I reveal to him that I'm the one who won 1 billion credit points, He will definitely tell Mr. Arthur.
And I know Mr. Arthur, he won't keep secrets from Elder Thornton. Then he will definitely reveal all the information to Elder Thornton. And with Elder Thornton's character, he will do everything to raise the reputation of the Hansen campus.
And what other good opportunities does he have besides this information?
[The champion of the Star Tower has set yet another record.] Media houses will surely make headlines like this. No way, I won't let this happen.
"Zack?" Uncle James called out my name.
Hearing that, I retracted my thoughts and looked at him. "I don't know. But I guess this must be done by a strong adventurer team, "I said."
SIGH
Hearing that, Uncle James let out a small sigh. Looking at him, I knew he was impressed by this achievement. But I prefer to be low-key.
On the other hand, Mr. James didn't feel anything wrong with Zack's words. Not only him, everyone in his office assumed that it was done by an adventure team.
Then he thought about the low-key City Lord of Iron Post City, Aaron Powell. He had never seen such a low-key city lord. It's normal for City Lord's to have a press meeting once in a while. But Aaron Powell is an exception.
But this recent move made by him earned a lot of credit. Eradicating the bandits legally is not an easy job. But the 1 billion credit points, award won by the adventurers' team was the result of his timely action.
Mr. James hopes to see more and more adventurous teams earn such rewards. Then only the residents of Iron Post City can breathe a sigh of relief.
Seeing Uncle James's contemplation, I remained silent for a moment.
"So, what about your cultivation?" Uncle James asked.
Hearing that finally, I let out a small smile. "Mid level—Special Trainee," I said.
Uncle James let out a happy laugh, "Ha...Ha...Ha..."
"Good...Good.....Good"
"With this cultivation base, you can now survive in the Crimson Hall competition," he added further.
A quick glint flashes in my eyes as I hear the familiar name.
"Crimson Hall," I grumbled.
"Uncle, is there any news about the competition?" I asked.
Mr. James understands the meaning behind Zack's words. But so far, no information has leaked from the Crimson Hall. which is troubling everyone. And this desperation pushed some families into pit fires. In particular, the Roth family.
Shaking his head in denial, he answered, "Sigh, recently the crimson hall has been like a fortified wall. We don't know what's happening out there.
Hearing that, a hint of disappointment rose in my heart. I thought at least some information had leaked out at this point of time. But it looks like it's not.
My mood has turned a little bit solemn right now.
Mr. James observed Zack's reaction right now. Seeing that his mood was getting lower, Mr. James decided to change the topic. He remembered the Hansen Campus.
"Zack, when are you leaving for Hansen campus?" He asked.
Uncle James's question brought me back to reality. He's curious about my plans for Hansen Campus.
Sure, Mr. Arthur must be behind this. I didn't even attend his call.
I looked into his eyes and said, "Not now. I'll go there after a few days. Right now, I plan to stay at home for a while. "
Mr. James didn't know how to react. He assumed Zack was interested in going back to Hansen campus. It looks like the tiff between him and Elder Thornton is really serious.
He is going to talk about Hansen Campus. But seeing that Zack is not even interested, Mr. James decided to not bring up this topic right now. It's all over the local news site. Zack will eventually know about it.
But the problem is, he needs to convince the old fogey.