Hansen Campus,
Beep!
Elder Thornton squinted eyes as he saw the new notification popped- up in the projection screen. He was looking at his mail as part of his daily routine. But, all of a sudden this new notification came up, he clicked the notification to read further.
Next second, he got up from the seat in surprise. Because he saw the name of Zack in notification. Earlier, he changed the settings to remind him whenever a person with Zack's ID, scans the monitor system.
Now, from the monitor system he received notification that someone with Zack's ID had entered the combat training room. Elder Thornton guessed, that person most presumably Zack.
Then without thinking further, he contacted Arthur. He instructed him to come to his cabin as soon as possible. Since, Zack is here. He needs to think about the next course of plan.
He knew reporters waiting outside of the building. He wondered, how did Zack bypass them to enter the building? His eyes gleamed with surprise.
Then he muttered,"How to clear the misunderstanding between us?" Last time, he accused Zack of hoarding their resources. But from that kid's point of view, he had demanded the rare resources which he was in need of.
He glanced at the projection screen. The name of Zack is blinking in green color. Which shows Zack began to practise using one of the facilities inside the combat training room.
So it will take some time for him to leave. Which gives plenty of time to Elder Thornton to think of a viable plan.
A few minutes later, his cabin door was opened by Arthur. He walked inside with a worrisome expression on his face. Taking a glance at him, Elder Thornton understands his mood.
"Cough" "Cough"
He coughed twice to clear the awkward atmosphere. Earlier, he was the one who pressured Arthur to visit Zack's house. But unexpectedly the trip was canceled due to some other issue.
Arthur sat opposite to him and asked, "Elder, what happened?" After saying that he waited for Elder to explain, he has been pressured by Elder lately.
Ever since Zack left for the insect forest. Elder Thornton wanted him to learn about his every move. So having no other choice, he asked his good friend James about Zack.
So with his help he was able to withstand the pressure so far. But now he heard Zack has returned. He doesn't have to continue it anymore.
Looking at Arthur, Elder Thornton said, "That kid Zack is now training inside the combat chamber." He said it in a calm tone.
But for Arthur it took some seconds to realize. "What?" He exclaimed in surprise. He had expected they needed to come up with something to convince Zack. But it looks like they were overthinking so far.
SIGH
Elder Thornton let out a deep sigh. Casting a glance at the screen again, he commented, "Looks like the kid has been practicing hard."
A quick glint flashes in Arthur's eyes.
If it was earlier, he would have celebrated Zack's success. But now with geniuses from Tier-7 city popping up, he worries that Zack's current strength is not enough to handle them.
Getting no response from Arthur, Elder Thornton raised his eyebrows and asked, "What? Are you not happy?"
Arthur was stunned. He immediately refuted by saying, "Elder, I'm happy with his progression. But looking at Tier-7 Cities' warriors. I don't know how to react."
Elder Thornton didn't doubt his words. Even he has some concerns about it. But it can't be helped. From the very beginning, Tier-7 cities have maintained their dominance over Tier-8. In recent decades, he hardly saw any Tier-8 City getting promoted to Tier-7.
"If Zack was born in Tier-7 City, he would have reached Peak Trainee level by now," Elder Thornton said in a solemn tone.
Arthur nodded hearing his words. Even if they don't know about Zack's element, at least they can see Zack's cultivation talent. Zack's talent is no worse than the geniuses of Tier-7 City.
Suddenly, a doubt rose in his heart.
Arthur asked, "Elder, What are you expecting from Zack?" He was obviously talking about the crimson hall's competition. He can't recall how many times they have discussed it.
But seeing there is no leak of information from crimson hall, he couldn't help but worry. If Zack can pass this hurdle successfully, then he will be recruited by those giant academies. And then his future will be limitless.
For this, Elder Thornton has a mirthless grin on his face. He commented, "Arthur, you are forgetting something. Zack had 'D" rank quota."
He further added, "Despite his future performance, it was clear that he will join a certain academy."
Hearing that a look of understanding appeared on Arthur's face. Zack doesn't have to bet his life on the line. As long as he plays safe and remains undefeated for several rounds, then his name will be known by everyone.
In that way, their hansen institute will gain further reputation. Then the sponsors, resources and new wave students were just around the corner. These are all good things.
Then why is he not happy about it?
Arthur looked at Elder Thornton with a puzzling gaze.
Elder Thornton saw through his thoughts. He replied, "I'm worried because Crimson hall had already forged enmity with Zack. Obviously they will act against him if there is a chance."
Then he continued to say,"We still don't know about the competition. But knowing how cunning they are? I feel the crimson hall will do something to benefit themselves. Which also gives them an opportunity to target their enemies."
Elder Thornton also wanted to say, if something happens to Zack then his teacher will make the hansen institute disappear along with him.
Realizing that he gulped his saliva. He is most terrified about Zack's teacher not crimson hall. But there is also some hope in his heart that Zack's teacher won't let anything dangerous befall on Zack.
So, in short, the current Hansen Institute is riding on a tiger. Anything can happen to it in the future.
Arthur sighed inside. He understands that they won't be able to help if Zack gets targeted at the competition.
The atmosphere turned quiet for a moment.
Elder Thornton decided to drop this matter and want to discuss the current things.
"So, what do you think? This kid won't be pleased unless we give something that benefits him," Elder Thornton said.
"Breakthrough Pills," Arthur replied.
Elder Thornton shakes his head in disapproval. "I guess, he got a breakthrough recently, the pills won't help be helpful for now," he said.
Arthur nodded in understanding. It might take a few months for Zack to get next breakthrough.
Then suddenly a good idea comes to his mind. This idea is viable for the current situation and it will help Zack to improve his strength further.
"Elder, what about getting a monster zone pass for him?" Arthur asked.
Hearing that Elder Thornton fell into contemplation. This idea seems not bad at all. But considering Zack's strength right now. The nearby monster zones won't be challenging that much.
If Zack can survive insect forest successfully, which shows he can escape from peak trainee warriors.
But there is a huge problem. If Zack's whereabouts were known by hostile forces. In particular, Crimson hall. He doubts they will pass the chance to kill Zack.
He can imagine the scenario where the monster zone is filled by bounty hunters in search of Zack.
So he canceled the monster zone idea right now. Last time, he was lucky to save Zack from assassination. But he can't be sure about the future.
Before the start of the competition. It would be best if no one knows about his whereabouts. Suddenly, an idea came to his mind about sending Zack to an unexpected place.
A place which can't be predicted by the other forces including the crimson hall.
Then a quick glint flashes in his eyes.
Recently his old friend requested some help from him. It's about exploring an abandoned site. He remembered his old friend mumbling about that place. That site belongs to a very old era.
More than the site he was interested in that actual location. The side was located in the middle of the forest. And that forest was creepy, almost similar to the insect forests.
That place is also plagued by deadly monsters. Along with improving his strength, Zack can also widen his horizon.
If not for Zack's successful survival from insect forest, he wouldn't have thought about this plan.
After weighing the pros and cons, he decided that the place would be suitable for Zack's next training. When it comes to exploration sites, he can help his friend whenever he has time.
He is sure that crimson hall won't be able to find anything.
Finally, a wide smile blossomed on his face as he thought of this good plan.
Arthur was startled, he knew the Elder had thought of a good plan and he couldn't wait to listen.
"Elder?" Arthur said.
Elder Thornton almost forgot about Arthur's existence. He said, "I thought of something good. You can leave now and bring me Zack later. I know he will come to you after the practice."
Hearing that Arthur nodded at him before he left his cabin.