Rogliff's Conspiracy

Du Chen paused, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Third year? What's so special about it? Are there choices to be made?"

Professor Jamis, ever the interjector, chimed in, "Francis, you often skip classes, don't you?" After Du Chen nodded, unapologetically righteous, Jamis continued, "Then you certainly haven't bothered looking at the academy's curriculum! Well, as your teacher, dear Professor Jamis will tell you that when you enter your third year, you'll face a crucial choice!"

Jamis raised two fingers. "Third-year students have already completed their basic Battle-Warrior training. The next stage of learning involves honing your unique battle technique while expanding your experience and knowledge. So, at this point, you have two paths. The first is to remain within the academy, continuing your studies with the guidance of your teachers. The second is to embark on a journey across the Three Continents, honing your battle qi through real-world combat!"

"So, Francis, which path do you intend to choose?" Bovin asked, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

Du Chen tossed a few pieces of dried salted fish into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully as he replied, "Are there any requirements if I choose to study abroad?" The prospect of venturing out genuinely appealed to him – after all, it would be much easier to uncover resources for his 'good deeds' that way!

"Requirements? Well, there aren't many specific restrictions. Typically, students who choose to study abroad voluntarily form teams. The academy assigns several tasks, and your academic credits are assessed based on how well you complete them. Simultaneously, you're expected to hone your battle qi throughout the process!"

After hearing the explanation, Du Chen mused for a moment, then stated, "If nothing unexpected crops up, I believe I'll choose to study abroad."

"Hehe!" The two eccentric old men exchanged a conspiratorial glance. "Then let's discuss it: if you're going to study abroad, we'll go with you!"

"You two want to come with me too? Old Charlatan, you're fine, wandering about all day isn't exactly out of character for you. But Professor Jamis, you're an academy teacher! Can you even leave?" Du Chen asked, a look of utter astonishment on his face as he stared at Jamis.

"No problem at all! After all, when third-year students go abroad to study, the academy assigns a supervising instructor to accompany them. I'll just apply for that qualification!" Jamis sidled up to Du Chen, slinging an arm around his shoulders, and whispered conspiratorially, "And there will be many benefits if you let me be your instructor. For instance, I can give you full marks regardless of whether you actually complete your tasks!"

The Old Charlatan interjected, "Furthermore, academy rules forbid bringing servants or children on these study tours. But the Old Gambler... hehe, do you understand?"

Du Chen shook his head with a sigh. "Alright, it's settled then!"

"Good! Settled!" Jamis slammed his hand on the table. "You just focus on preparing for your advancement. Don't worry about a thing; Big Brother Jamis will handle all the arrangements for your study tour!"

After their plans were set, Jamis and Bovin, the two old codgers, remained in the tavern to continue drinking, while Du Chen returned to his dormitory.

Little Beibei was sitting on the sofa in the ground-floor living room, giggling as she watched a Shieb perform various comical antics before her. "Daddy's home!"

"Hehe, Beibei, be a good girl. Daddy needs to ask you a few things, alright?" Du Chen scooped up the little one. "Is your brother Alex a very formidable Aberrant Beast?"

"Brother? Not formidable at all! Hehe!" The little girl giggled. "Beibei is much more formidable!"

"Mmm, Beibei is formidable, but Daddy needs a High-level Aberrant Beast to help right now. Do you think Brother can do it!?"

The method for using Soul Artifacts provided by the Old Charlatan was complex in its specifics, yet remarkably simple in principle: a High-level Battle God's power stems from three components—themselves, their Divine Pet, and their sacred artifact! Among these, the Battle Soul of the individual is the key to manipulating the other two, and crucially, the Battle Soul is interconnected with both the Divine Pet and the artifact spirit.

Currently, Du Chen lacks a Battle Soul. If he wishes to use a Soul Artifact, he could find a Divine Pet capable of mediating with the artifact spirit. To put it more plainly, he needs a trustworthy Aberrant Beast to act as his Battle Soul!

This particular method was practically impossible for others—it was incredibly difficult for ordinary individuals to find a trustworthy Aberrant Beast. However, Du Chen happened to have an adopted son named Alex!

Initially, Du Chen had intended to ask Alex directly. Yet, recalling how the boy constantly boasted of being a master while perpetually doing laundry and cooking, Du Chen decided it would be more reliable to ask his daughter instead.

Little Beibei listened to Du Chen's request, remaining silent for a long moment, likely consulting with Alex who resided within her. Then, she giggled, "Brother says, no problem!"

"Excellent, daughter!" Watching the little one in his arms transform into his son, Du Chen said with a warm smile, "Sweetheart, how about you act as Daddy's Battle Soul for a few days?"

Alex nodded solemnly. "Fine. But, Old Man, I warn you: do not call me 'sweetheart.' Masters dislike such disgusting nicknames!" He looked down at his clothes, stained and muddied by Little Beibei, and frowned deeply. "Damn it, I need to wash these clothes! I need to cook! Heavens, how long has it been since this table was wiped...?"

Watching his son storm into the side hall, emerge with a broom and a rag, and then diligently set about his chores, Du Chen shook his head helplessly.

A few days later, Du Chen found himself in possession of an additional sacred artifact sword, named Vanishing Snow.

Having acquired Zigurd's sacred artifact, and with its aid, Du Chen's battle qi soared by leaps and bounds. He finally managed to successfully advance to a Three-Star Yellow-Robed Fiend Warrior just before the mid-year grand examination, also known as the Assembly of Battle Gods. According to the academy's rule of classifying grades by strength rather than age, he successfully entered his third year.

To advance from an ordinary person to a Three-Star Fighter within half a year, earning the halo of a genius, made Du Chen feel quite pleased with himself. Yet, he was merely a genius, not an unparalleled talent unprecedented in history. For in the academy's annals, one individual had surpassed him, achieving Du Chen's current accomplishments in just four months!

Charlemagne – that was the individual's name, renowned as the Foremost Battle God beneath the Starry Sky in the Post-Battle God Fall Era!

Fortunately, this individual was rumored to have "kicked the bucket" decades ago, making Du Chen the current top-ranking prodigy of the academy!

However, only Du Chen knew that his status as the current top prodigy was being challenged. The academy housed another, Arthur, whose physique was monstrous, almost inhuman! Arthur had now reached the level Aliza was at half a year ago, capable of defeating a Two-Star Fighter with sheer strength and speed alone! And judging by his rapid progress, the day he could contend with a Three-Star Fighter was not far off.

That night, Du Chen lay sprawled in his bed, the lamplight illuminating his notes, engaged in an activity familiar to nearly every student before an exam: last-minute cramming.

"'Never work hard normally, only three minutes before the exam' – damn it, this saying rings true for students in any world!" Du Chen flipped through the thick "Outline of Battle God Precepts" at a pace of several pages per second, ceaselessly muttering curses. If not for his exceptional memory, he would undoubtedly be facing the prospect of failing.

"Your Eminence, Helen requests an audience!" Suddenly, a low voice called from outside the window.

"Why has this damned, troublesome girl come again?" Du Chen frowned slightly, got up to tidy himself, then tossed his book under the bed. "Hmph, come in!"

Helen pushed open the window, climbed through, then immediately bowed low. "Greetings, Your Eminence!"

Du Chen reclined against his bed's headboard, casting a displeased glance at her. "I detest being disturbed in the middle of the night!"

"Helen would never presume to disturb Your Eminence, it's just... there's something extremely important I must explain to you!"

"Hmph!" Du Chen snorted coldly. "What is it? Speak!"

Helen lowered her head and said, "Your Eminence, to have aided Helen at Antwerp Port for the sake of hundreds of thousands of common folk, you must truly be a great and noble Battle God..."

"Silence! I dislike hearing nonsense, intensely dislike it!" Du Chen picked up the water cup from his bedside table, took a sip, then slammed it down heavily.

Thud!

"Yes! Helen dares not speak nonsense anymore!" Helen, trembling with fear, hastily stated, "Helen implores Your Eminence to take action and slay Rogliff!"

Du Chen slowly raised the cup in his hand, pouring the water within onto the floor with a "splish-splash." The thin stream flowed directly before Helen's eyes. "Water spilled cannot be uncollected, Helen! Think clearly before you speak, otherwise, it will bring horrifying consequences upon you, your father, and that little snake, Sulan. I already told you last time, I have no interest in this matter. If you disturb me again because of it... Hmph!"

"No, Your Eminence, I'm not asking you to avenge my father and me!" Helen cried out in alarm, the thin stream of water before her eyes like a death-dealing needle, urging her to quicken her pace. "Your Eminence, you surely wouldn't wish to see the Battle God Isle ravaged and its people suffer, would you?! Helen dares not ask you to avenge her hatred, but for the sake of the people of Battle God Isle, please, execute Rogliff!"

Could Rogliff be hatching yet another conspiracy?

The date for the Assembly of Battle Gods was fast approaching, and esteemed Left Elder would soon arrive on Battle God Isle! Was Rogliff planning something there?

Du Chen set down the water cup. "Continue. You've piqued my interest. But you had best not be lying to me, or else..."

"Helen wouldn't dare deceive Your Eminence! The situation is this," Helen began. "Last night, Rogliff and his retainers appeared in the sea territory of Battle God Isle aboard a warship. Although Sulan's friends didn't get a chance to kill him, they did obtain crucial intelligence!"

She looked up at Du Chen, her voice rising. "Rogliff's true purpose in convening the Assembly of Battle Gods is to assassinate all the High-level Battle Gods attending!"

Du Chen suddenly sat upright on the bed. He paced a few steps before Helen, then said with an ominous tone, "You are not lying to me, are you!?"

"Helen dares not!"

Du Chen smiled, a single thought forming in his mind: this assembly would surely involve at least several hundred participants... What a truly immense 'good deed' that would be!