(From MC's Perspective)
Lockwood Residence,
I stopped my cultivation five hours later. Then I checked the amount of lightning essence gathered in my dantian. Seeing that my reserve has increased further, I signed in relief. Next, I have to focus on lightning skills. For that, I have to use campus facilities.
For a moment, I hesitated a bit. I'm avoiding this for a reason. I planned to look for a suitable monster zone next. If I go to Hansen campus now, then I'll have to act according to their schedules.
I have already seen some of the online articles. It's really absurd that they think they can challenge me.
It would have been good. If the media houses analysed the strength of the participants who attempted the star tower trial with me, The statistics clearly would have shown them the difference. But still, the media houses decided to make such a splash.
I shake my head in disapproval of their methods. It will waste my time. So I think it's better for me to go to the monster zone instead of Hansen Campus. Then, dispelling the thoughts, I got up from the ground and walked out of this little training room.
I leisurely walked toward the garden and decided to take some rest. I sat on the small wooden bench and leaned back a little. Then I thought about the news. I decided to see what's trending right now.
I have a gut feeling that something is wrong. As this thought arose, I felt my chest tighten a little. Then I accessed the trending news via Sci-Fi Watch. Seeing the news of Iron Post City, my expression turned solemn.
"What is going on?" I mumbled under my breath.
Then I saw something unbelievable. The news about City Lord Aaron Powell is currently trending online.
Seeing that, I clicked on the headline to read further. The more I read the news, the more my heart boils in anger. I have told them before I'm not okay with my identity being revealed.
But this City Lord used my identity to gain public approval. "Scumb@g," I muttered.
I will tell Mr. Jonathan about it. I guess the city lord doesn't know about my ties with Mr. Jonathan. If he had known, he wouldn't have dared do this PR stunt. A small smile rose on my face as I thought about it.
After clearing my mind, I walked back to the house. When I walked past the hall, I came across Uncle James. He paused his movements right after seeing me. I saw conflicting emotions in his eyes. I walked up to him in concern and asked, "Uncle, is everything alright?"
I couldn't help but think there was something bothering him.
Mr. James let out a small sigh after hearing that. His conversation with Arthur occupied his thoughts right now. He looked at Zack and asked, "Did you watch the news?"
"News?" I said.
I realised he was talking about me. I raised my eyebrows in confusion. Why is he asking about me?
I asked back, "Uncle, what's wrong?"
Mr. James couldn't hide his worries anymore. He led Zack towards his study room for private conversations. He knows walls have ears.
Especially after Zack's return, he is more concerned about his safety.
Inside the study room, both of them sat in their seats. The next second, Mr. James begins to talk about his concern regarding the Tier-7 cities' geniuses.
At first, my reaction was normal, but as I continued to listen, my expression turned dark. I've heard people make conspiracy theories, but my uncle's theory is too much.
"I also spoke with Elder Thornton and Arthur. We also believe that the Iron Post City record holder may be from a Tier-7 city," he said solemnly.
When I heard that, I almost choked myself. For a moment, I began to regret hiding the information from Uncle James. At least he would have stopped worrying about me.
Should I tell him or not? I fell into contemplation. On one hand, I'm listening to his words. At the same time, I thought it was good this way. What if he worries more after I reveal the news? Whatever is happening right now is best for me.
My complexion turned normal after gaining some clarity. Because the media houses will come up with the same theory. In this way, I can avoid the spotlight while they are debating about Tier-7 cities' geniuses.
Finally, my heart returns to peace. When Uncle James finished his words, I assured him that I would take care of myself. Only after hearing those words did his complexion turn better.
"Good," "Good," he said twice.
Then Mr. James decided to bring up the topic of Hansen Campus. He knows if he doesn't ask right now, then those two will call him back again.
"Zack, Are you sure about returning back to Hansen campus a few days later? " Mr. James asked. He is sure that Elder Thornton must have plans regarding Tier-7 cities. But he previously refused to talk about it on call.
So he feels it is better for Zack to meet him sooner and solve the misunderstanding.
Hearing his questions, I don't know what to say. Clearly, I have told him, I'm not going anywhere for now. Soon I realised where this is coming from. Mr. Arthur might have contacted him.
"Uncle, I decided to visit the monster zone next," I replied.
Mr. James was surprised to hear that. He thought that after a month-long trip, Zack was mentally fatigued. But he wants to go to the monster zone. He feels Zack is taking too much on himself. He is sure to be under a lot of pressure to prove himself.
He was literally moved by Zack's words.
SIGH
So he decided to hear it first, "Which monster zones are you planning to visit?" He asked.
Hearing that, my lips swept into an arc before saying, "Black Forest."
"What?" Uncle James was slightly taken by my words. But I know my strength. I can handle those weird monsters dwelling in the back forest.
Mr. James commented, "Your courage is commendable. But black forest is now classified. "
"After that unexplainable mutation, that place is now visited by medical scientists. It's more appropriate to call it a research place than a monster zone," he added further.
Hearing that, I felt disappointment in my heart. I never thought that place would attract so many people. Maybe this explains why there are so many weird monsters out there.
"Sigh, Uncle, do you know any suitable monster zones for me?" I asked. I'm asking him to look for it so that some places that were previously restricted to my uncle can get a free pass for me.In that way, I don't have to spend a lot of credit points.
On the other hand, Mr. James wasn't surprised by Zack's request. He almost guessed when Zack raised the topic of the monster zone. But it's not easy to get access to and visit challenging monster zones. It will take some time.
Considering Zack's strength right now, he can easily clear small monster zones nearby. At least he needs to train in monster zones as difficult as the Black Forest. He hadn't made any decisions right now.
Looking at Zack, he said, "It will take some time, probably a few weeks. I feel you should pay a visit to Hansen campus in the meantime. "
I remained silent for a moment. I knew I couldn't avoid visiting Hansen Campus. From Uncle's words, I guess it must be the result of his conversation with Elder Thornton and Mr. Arthur.
Then, having no other choice, I nodded at him. Then we talked about a few other things before I left the study room.
A few minutes later,
I lay on my sofa, checking incoming messages. It's strange that there has been no news whatsoever from Mr. Jonathan so far.
Why is he taking so much time? Is that hideout really dangerous? What could be more dangerous than carnivore bugs? Numerous questions run through my mind.
Then I checked the news again. I want to see what the impact of the news in Red Stone City is. Soon, through my sci-fi watch, I accessed the local news site.
My eyes gleamed with surprise.
As expected, the news sites were picking this up. Seeing that, a wide smile blossomed on my face. I made the right decision by not telling him. I can't imagine the aftermath if the information leaked out.
This place would have been swarmed by reporters right now. Then I proceeded to check the comments.
"Is this news real or fake?"
"Wow, the city lord is alive."
"Ha...Ha...Ha... I thought he had escaped. "
"The city lord is shameless. Why is he deciding to come out right now?"
"He should be jailed."
"Die******"
Looking at the mixed responses, I don't know how to take it. Most of the comments are abuse directed at the city lord. I can understand their emotions. I had no sympathy for the city lord myself. I believe most of the comments were from residents of Iron Post City.
I can guess that previously they were waiting for him to show up. Now that he has arrived, people are releasing a barrage of attacks on him.