Back in the classroom, the students took their seats again. From the exchange between Bryce and Ethan, they had a hunch that Bennett's incident was somehow related to Bryce, who had then used the situation to manipulate them. This realization made them look at Bryce with a mix of anger and resentment, which Bryce seemed to disregard, his mind preoccupied with plotting Ethan's demise.
At the podium, Marshal gave Ethan a deep look, cleared his throat, and said to Teacher Xiao Shi, "I'll leave them to you, Teacher Xiao."
Xiao Shi, an unassuming man with an air of erudition, nodded with a smile. After Marshal left the classroom, the teacher coughed lightly and began with a warm smile, "Hello everyone, my name is Xiao Shi. I'll be teaching you general knowledge. The purpose of this course is to help you understand more about the 'Behemoth Calamity,' 'Behemoth Space,' and 'Visualization Techniques,' among other things."
He operated the computer on the podium, and a screen descended, followed by the closing of the classroom windows. As the room darkened, images appeared on the screen—photos of a frozen Behemoth corpse. "This is the first Behemoth carcass discovered half a century ago, known as 'Specimen Zero.' It caused quite a stir in the archaeological world when it was found in the polar regions. Using modern instruments, we've dated it to be even older than the dinosaurs. But that's not the only reason it's significant."
Xiao Shi switched through several photos, showing a massive cavity. "A national archaeological team continued to dig at the site where Specimen Zero was found, hoping to unearth more Behemoth remains. Instead, they opened the door to another 'world.' It was in that 'world' that we discovered many things, including 'Visualization Techniques.'"
"Due to time constraints, I'll discuss that 'world,' the 'Behemoth Calamity,' 'Behemoth Space,' and other topics in future lessons. For now, let's focus on 'Visualization Techniques.'"
With a click of the keyboard, new images appeared on the screen—stone tablets, stelae, and ancient, unassuming books. "These are some of the first discoveries from that 'world,' and they are the prototypes of the 'Visualization Techniques' you have been or will be learning. Visualization Techniques can stimulate human potential, change our constitution, and allow us to harness a form of energy known as 'Yuan Force,' measured in 'units' to gauge its strength. We can also use this energy to unleash special 'abilities,' but more on that later."
Xiao Shi turned off the projector and opened the windows. He looked at the students with a smile and continued, "Let's return to 'Visualization Techniques.' Most of you should be aware that learning Visualization Techniques requires a step-by-step approach. Those new to Visualization Techniques need to practice the foundational method, 'Elemental Construct.' It awakens the latent 'Yuan Force' within our bodies, allowing it to circulate through our limbs. When the practice is complete, the 'Yuan Force' will break through the 'Heavenly Spirit,' connecting us to the elemental forces of the world and ushering us into the next phase of cultivation, 'Awakening.'"
Looking meaningfully at Ethan, Xiao Shi added, "Upon completing the Elemental Construct and opening the vital 'Heavenly Spirit' point, one's 'Divine Concealment' will also awaken. 'Divine' refers to both the spirit and the soul, while 'Concealment' implies a treasure. 'Divine Concealment' is the treasure within one's soul. You can think of it as 'innate talent.' Everyone has innate talents, but without discovery and development, they may never awaken. Opening the 'Heavenly Spirit' point also unlocks the treasures hidden deep within your souls."
Pausing, Xiao Shi turned and wrote several words on the blackboard: Super Sensory, Super Physical, Mimicry, Nature, Mystery. Turning back, he smiled and said, "These are the systems we've developed after collecting, analyzing, and categorizing 'Divine Concealment.' Now, a student raised a hand, "Teacher, I have a question. Why do mech pilots need to learn 'Visualization Techniques'? Shouldn't we focus more on operating mechs?"
Xiao Shi nodded, "Good question. I was planning to discuss this at the end, but since you've asked, I'll tell you now. Mech pilots need to learn 'Visualization Techniques' because of the 'Resonance System' in mechs. This system allows for a neural connection between the mech and the pilot, enabling the mech to move according to the pilot's thoughts. The mech becomes like your body; as long as your brain sends the command, the 'Resonance System' will execute synchronized movements. Moreover, the 'Resonance System' has an even more important function—it can replicate and even amplify the pilot's own strength and skills. In other words, the stronger you are, the richer your skills, the more these attributes can be manifested and heightened through the mech."
Xiao Shi chuckled, "You can simply think of the mech as a 'weapon' that exudes greater power in the hands of the strong. Additionally, lower and middle-tier Behemoths can be killed with guns and missiles, but for higher tiers, only 'Yuan Force' can penetrate their defenses and deliver a fatal blow. That's why pilots need to cultivate 'Visualization Techniques.'"
Hearing this, Ethan had an epiphany. He finally understood why Victor's mech could unleash such astonishing speed on the journey back and why the soldiers said it was the result of Victor manifesting his 'Divine Concealment' abilities through the 'Resonance System.'
After answering the student's question, Xiao Shi continued to explain the differences between the five types of 'Divine Concealment.' As the bell rang for the end of class, he had just finished explaining the last type. He smiled and said, "That's all for today's class. You'll begin practicing 'Visualization Techniques' this afternoon. Marshal will announce your assigned tutors shortly. So, students, see you next class."
A student called out, "Stand up, salute."
"Thank you, teacher!"
After a ten-minute break, Marshal returned to announce everyone's assigned tutors. To Ethan's surprise, his tutor was Marshal himself, and he was the only student—a one-on-one class!
Taking advantage of the moment, Marshal also announced the outcome of last night's incident with Bennett. It was ultimately treated as an 'accident.' The academy ordered Ethan to dismantle all 'traps' in his dormitory to prevent such tragedies from happening again and increased security in the dormitory area to ensure student safety. Lastly, Ethan was penalized by having 20 credits deducted.
After class, Ethan was stopped by Marshal just outside the classroom. "Come with me," Marshal said and walked away, with Ethan following behind.
They arrived at a tranquil pond, where Marshal asked directly, "Did Victor tell you about the existence of the 'death duel'? Did you deliberately provoke Bryce to challenge you to a 'death duel'?"
Ethan didn't deny it, nodding in confirmation. The night before, he had thought that if he challenged Bryce to a death duel, Bryce might not take the bait. So he exploited Bryce's character flaw, mentioning his taboo in public to anger him into initiating the duel. Ideally, Ethan had hoped Bryce would attack him, giving him an excuse to kill him in self-defense.
Marshal shook his head, "One after another, none of you make things easy." He then asked, "Did Victor tell you that even if you win a death duel, you'll lose credits?"
"Yes," Ethan replied honestly.
"And you still want to fight?"
"Fight," Ethan responded succinctly.
Marshal smiled, "Alright, then I know how to teach you. Go have lunch, and don't be late this afternoon."
After saying that and coughing a couple of times, Marshal left. Ethan was somewhat surprised; he had expected Marshal to scold him or try to stop him. Instead, the teacher wanted to understand his intentions to decide how to instruct him.
"Interesting," Ethan murmured softly. He then followed the signs to the school cafeteria, where he encountered even more students. It seemed the news of his upcoming death duel with Bryce had spread. As he appeared, many eyes turned his way, each look carrying different meanings. Ethan ignored them and headed straight for the food service window.
At a table Ethan passed, someone scoffed, "Hey Hao, look at this first-year newbie, acting like he owns the place."
Hao, a robust young man with a tough demeanor and short hair, looked up from his meal, "Whether he's arrogant or not, what's it to me?"
His tablemate chuckled, "But your family is being suppressed by our Commander Victor. I remember you always saying you'd show Victor once you graduate."
"Changed your mind?"
Hao slammed his bowl on the table, "No change. But I have principles."
"I don't bully new students."
"If he really does off that Luo kid, then I'll play with him."
A female student across the table said, "If he really kills Bryce, I suggest you give up that idea."
"Be careful, or you might end up playing yourself out of existence."
Hao grunted and continued eating without further comment.
In the afternoon, Ethan arrived at the designated training hall, where Marshal was already waiting. The teacher seemed unwell, coughing a few times before saying, "Since you've already 'awakened,' you don't need to learn the 'Elemental Construct' anymore."
"You can start with the primary Visualization Techniques."
"There are many methods for primary Visualization Techniques, and the one I'm going to teach you is called 'Observing the Mountains and Seas.'"
With that, Ethan's journey into the deeper realms of Visualization Techniques began.