Most of Mithra's living expenses at Shuǐxiù University were covered by the center.
This support would continue until she passed the societal integration assessment, and then would gradually decrease, ending completely six months later.
Of course, if Mithra wanted to, she could refuse the assessment and enjoy the lavish support, but her movement would be restricted to Wuhǔ City.
Like Matsuri.
Initially appearing like a seasoned returnee, Matsuri admitted she hadn't taken the assessment.
However, she wasn't the only returnee receiving this kind of support.
Matsuri had unique characteristics, and as long as she cooperated with the research, the rules for returnees didn't apply to her.
Mithra was similar. She had unique features: her flesh armory, the Flesh and Blood Forge, and her remarkable regeneration.
If she wanted, she could have received the same support.
But Mithra preferred taking the assessment first, then enjoying the lavish support afterward.
However, the resettlement center only covered basic living expenses, not additional items such as phones and computers, so she had to find a way to earn money for those.
So, about half a month after the exciting start of the semester, on a weekend, Mithra was dragged out by Nie Hong to buy the necessary electronics.
"Can't you just buy them and deliver them? Why waste time going there?" Mithra said, following Nie Hong.
Nie Hong had changed his clothes since their last encounter. He was wearing more subdued, ordinary clothing, and his earrings and other accessories were gone.
Without the accessories, Nie Hong looked less flashy and more studious.
"Aren't you bored staying on campus all the time? I heard you've filled your schedule! You don't even skip weekend classes! You're a workaholic!" Nie Hong said, turning to her.
"That's why I'm short on time."
"Alright, alright, let's get some fresh air. There's a long weekend trip to a place called Sun City in Dreamland. We might not see each other for a while."
"Oh."
"You could try to be a bit more expressive," Nie Hong said, exasperated by Mithra's impassivity.
"I can go to Dreamland whenever I want. I can find you if I need to. Although I probably won't, you should still train," Mithra said rapidly and without emotion.
Nie Hong could only sigh.
Swish.
Mithra suddenly activated Reinforce Body in her legs, noticed by Nie Hong.
Nie Hong's eyes widened. "You've achieved Unified Sense in your legs?!"
"Finished yesterday. Still stabilizing," Mithra said casually.
"Damn, you could only use your right hand when you got back from Gross Town!" Nie Hong exclaimed.
Mithra found him rather naive. "Yeah."
Seeing Mithra's calm expression, Nie Hong felt he had been making a big deal out of nothing. He deflated. "I've been working hard since I got back, but I've only managed to achieve Unified Sense in one leg."
The typical progression for Unified Sense was the limbs, then the torso, and finally the head, which included the eyes, mouth, nose, and ears.
Mithra, having studied the basics and combined that knowledge with Safin's notes, knew that achieving Unified Sense in the head was the most difficult part. The limbs and torso were relatively easy.
Therefore, she didn't feel anything.
But for Nie Hong, Mithra had surpassed him in a very short time, a discouraging fact.
"I had help. You should focus on yourself," Mithra said.
"My...professor isn't bad either..." Nie Hong hesitated, wanting to complain about his professor but lacking the courage.
Even the best professor can't fight for you. They can't "personally" guide your Unified Sense.
Mithra thought.
Just as they were about to leave campus, a tall man in a suit, his shirt sleeves rolled up, appeared.
He had short, dark hair with streaks of lighter color. His dark eyes held a faint purple hue. They were striking, almond-shaped eyes.
Perhaps a lingering habit from hunting Night Hunters, Mithra paid attention to people's eyes.
In fact, she noticed black dots in his eyes.
[Pure Water Eyes: Inherently possessing Unified Sense. The wielder is calm and observant, able to perceive the subtle movements of things. When combined with Water Miracles, it yields extraordinary results.]
[—This wielder seems quite special.]
"Hmm," the man said, observing Mithra with interest, making an unclear sound.
"Leo Duncan? Is there something you need?" Nie Hong, a little surprised, asked.
"Indeed, a formidable warrior. Hey, monkey, she's probably the source of those two distilled senses," the man said, his hand in his pocket, his strong chin raised from the start, exuding an air of authority.
His arrogant tone was easily discernible.
Mithra narrowed her eyes.
No way, would such a cliché encounter happen while she was just taking a walk?
"Don't call me monkey, crab," Nie Hong retorted angrily.
The corners of the man's eyes twitched slightly. Ignoring Nie Hong, he said to Mithra, "I'm Leo Duncan. I'm the buyer of the distilled senses that monkey here sold."
"Oh."
"Yeah, when I heard they were from a Wandering God, I immediately seized them. One was of average quality, the other was excellent. Our appraisal determined that both originated from a powerful entity. Although your companion is famous in the university, he's still a rough, unpolished gem. Even with good luck, it wouldn't have come to him."
Nie Hong's face darkened.
Mithra said bluntly, "I killed them both. I used some methods, and even that 'monkey' contributed. Any other questions, crab?"
Leo Duncan, similar in height to Mithra, smirked, exuding an air of superiority.
"Yeah, I want to test your skills. My private tutor, as well as my university professors, said I need to spar with different masters to improve. There isn't much to challenge me here, I'm getting bored."
Before Mithra could respond, Leo Duncan continued, "If you think it's a waste of time, I can pay. $10 per minute, how does that sound?"
His tone was supremely confident.
But Mithra found his words insulting.
She turned to Nie Hong.
Nie Hong hesitated, then pulled Mithra aside.
Leo Duncan remained unfazed, continuing to strike a pose, seemingly expecting a professional photographer to capture his image.
"What's this lunatic's story?" Mithra asked before Nie Hong could speak.