The academy gave Class Zero a full day to rest and settle in. Classes officially began on the following day.
Of course, "class" was a bit of a stretch—after all, three out of six students were nursing broken bones. Physical training was out of the question for now, so they would begin with theoretical lessons.
The classroom for Class Zero was spacious. It didn't differ much in structure from standard classrooms, but with only six students, it felt unusually open.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi sat on one side, while Nan Fusheng, Tang Wulin, Gu Yue, and Xie Xie sat on the other. The lines between the two groups were drawn.
Zhang Yangzi had his legs propped up on a chair, his expression dark and brooding. Wang Jinxi remained silent as always, though his eyes occasionally wandered toward Tang Wulin.
Just then, Wu Zhangkong strode in with his usual frosty demeanor. He stood at the center of the room and swept his gaze across the six students.
"Starting today, your curriculum will change," he said coldly.
That one sentence immediately drew the students' full attention, even Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi, who held immense respect for Wu Zhangkong after witnessing his legendary duel against Guang Biao.
"Due to your current physical condition, practical training will be delayed. For now, we'll begin with theoretical studies. Today's topic: Mechas."
Mechas?
The six students exchanged confused glances.
The gloom on Zhang Yangzi's face even lightened slightly. He couldn't help but blurt out,
"Teacher Wu, isn't Mecha theory something they only teach in the senior division? We're just first-years. Isn't this way too early?"
Traditionally, the junior division of intermediate soul master academies focused solely on building fundamentals over six years. Mecha studies didn't start until the senior division, which served as a bridge to advanced academies based on students' specializations.
But they were still in year one. Starting Mecha studies now? Wasn't that rushing things?
Wu Zhangkong calmly explained,
"This course is only meant to give you a foundational understanding of Mechas. It's theoretical, not hands-on. The lessons will be light."
"Now, let me ask—does anyone here not plan to become a Mecha Master someday?"
Silence.
None of the six spoke. After all, Mecha Masters had become synonymous with modern strength and prestige.
Wu Zhangkong nodded.
"Since that's the case—pay attention."
His gaze flicked toward Zhang Yangzi, and the boy instantly felt a chill down his spine, silencing him completely.
"The evolution of modern Mechas dates back ten thousand years, rooted in the development of soul tools over millennia.
Like all early technology, soul tools were originally designed for warfare—civilian use came much later."
"At the time, soul engineers began experimenting with the idea of enhancing soul masters with full-body soul tools to amplify their strength.
Thus, Mecha research began."
"In ancient times, soul masters were the dominant profession, but their numbers were limited. Most could only reach low levels and never become true powerhouses.
Soul tools changed that."
"They allowed even low-ranked or support-type soul masters to possess combat abilities when used in tandem with stored soul power.
The advent of Mecha-style soul tools only accelerated this trend."
"Early Mechas were large, designed to hold more soul power batteries and weapon systems.
As technology progressed, even physically fit ordinary people could operate Mechas, making them the backbone of modern militaries."
"The development trend moved from small-scale to large-scale, then settled on mid-sized models, gradually evolving into the forms you're familiar with today."
"This journey included the perfection of soul circuits, leaps in tech innovation, and battlefield-driven refinements."
Nan Fusheng listened intently. This was the first time he'd systematically learned about Mechas. Given that his offensive capabilities were still lacking, Mecha training was an attractive path to consider.
It was just… expensive.
He didn't know the exact cost of building a Mecha yet, but judging by the tone, his measly one-million-plus federal credits definitely wouldn't cut it.
Resources were tight. Unlike those lucky protagonists in other stories who stumbled into sudden fortune, Nan Fusheng had no such cheat.
A tear of poverty nearly fell from his eye. One day, he vowed, I will parasitize a master forger or soul engineer… Someone with serious income potential.
Back on stage, Wu Zhangkong continued:
"A true powerhouse doesn't just make themselves bigger.
Mechas exist to amplify strength, not to make you an easy target."
"Thus, all Mechas above the Purple Rank are trending toward miniaturization.
Once small enough to be worn like armor, they are no longer called Mechas but—Battle Armor!"
The term Battle Armor snapped Nan Fusheng out of his daze. The others also perked up, drawn in by the novelty of the term.
Armor-like Mechas… That must be the pinnacle of power.
Wu Zhangkong pressed on:
"Everyone knows that aside from Mecha operators, the field also relies heavily on Mecha engineers—a key profession in human society."
"Mecha engineering is divided into three specializations: Design, Manufacture, and Repair."
"Starting today, we'll explore these fields. You'll eventually need to choose your secondary profession from among them."
"This step is crucial for your journey to becoming a true powerhouse."
Gu Yue raised a hand, confused.
"Teacher Wu, shouldn't we focus on cultivation and maybe Mecha piloting at most? Why take on a secondary profession?"
Wu Zhangkong responded firmly:
"To create powerful Battle Armor, it must be customized to suit yourself.
True masters of Battle Armor are deeply connected to their suits—either by designing them, building them, or repairing them personally."
"Without mastering a secondary profession, you'll never craft armor that truly belongs to you.
You'll also never step onto the divine path."
"The purpose of Class Zero is to lead you toward divinity.
It will be hard. It may take a lifetime. My job is to guide you early on so you don't waste time walking in circles."
"You don't have to decide now. You still have time—but by the third year, you'll need to choose.
With your talent, the sooner you start, the better your results."
"Of course, these three paths—design, manufacture, and repair—are simply my recommendations.
There are other Mecha-related careers you can consider."
"One of you has already made their choice."
Wu Zhangkong's gaze shifted to Tang Wulin.
Tang Wulin instantly realized he was being referred to.
Forging… My second profession is forging.
"Tang Wulin has chosen Forging early on.
He likely has a special gift for it. Forging is another option I highly recommend."
"All Mechas above Purple Rank—especially Battle Armor—rely heavily on forging.
Any secondary profession, once mastered at a Five-Star level or higher, will provide immense resources for cultivation."
Tang Wulin remained composed. He had no plans to change. As a Three-Star Blacksmith, he was already being groomed by the Blacksmiths' Association. The more he learned, the more he respected the craft.
His father had always told him:
Whatever you do, do it with focus. Never be half-hearted.
The other five students didn't respond. Choosing a second profession was no small matter.
They were still young—too young to know where their passions truly lay. Thankfully, they had more than two years to decide.