A month later, the "geniuses" class classroom.
While Xue Musheng, our homeroom teacher, banged on the desk calling our noisy group to order, I thought how lucky I'd been to wriggle out a month ago.
I even set it up so I won't fight now, since beating weaklings isn't "noble," as he's a whole tier below me. But closer to graduation, as entertainment at my dear and esteemed older cousin's coming-of-age ceremony—that's perfect. Just enough time for the "rival" to level up.
And after, the winner fights Yu An for the chance to cultivate in the Holy Spring. Of course, I emphasized that no matter who wins, the chance stays in the Mu family.
Mu Zhuoyun and Mu He weren't too pleased, of course. One's plan to hijack the spring was at risk, the other's "boy" losing opportunity. But with that crowd of witnesses, they graciously agreed and even praised the nobility—no quotes needed.
True, after that, family resources to me completely stopped. I couldn't help smiling, since the "kind" Yu Ans from parallel worlds shared generously, sometimes several times a day.
Unsuitable ice resources were exchanged on the magic market for what I needed now, and not in my world either. In Bo City, good luck finding resources for space, healing, spirit, or even light cultivation. There's literally one mid-tier light mage in the city, Zhang Kong, assigned here a week ago, who'll sit and degrade here post-Bo disaster after parting with his love.
And at beginner level, they don't actively develop light element here.
I just don't get why their Xi'an doesn't snatch them up? Lack of talent? They're happy with beginner level in their situation. Don't get it. Politics? Mayors won't release their mages? Short themselves?
While I pondered if it's stupidity or politics, Xue Musheng finally calmed the class after the month-long break.
"Today is the day to distribute the Stardust Magic Tool. Usage time allocation will be based on the annual evaluation ranking. First place gets 30 days of cultivation with it, second 25, third 20, fourth 15, fifth 10. From sixth to tenth, 5 days each; eleventh to fifteenth, 3 days each. Sixteenth to twentieth get 2 days each. Twenty-first to fiftieth get 1 day each. The last fifty get enhanced resources," the teacher read out the terms.
"The faculty will review rankings every semester. Focus on your cultivation; even the top five can drop to regular class and lose tool usage or extra resources. Climbing back without an edge will be very hard," Xue Musheng continued guiding young minds to the true path.
After class, I twirled the dark carved plaque with a blue magic stone in the center. This was the Stardust Magic Tool. The cheapest possible. It boosted cultivation by 20%.
Such cultivation tools have a soul bound, and by cycling external magic energy through it, the mage strengthens and absorbs it. Stuff a Pack Leader soul inside and better materials, and it's 40% boost.
Anyway, useless to me, so I'll trade it for a future favor from the protagonist.
Trading an item he'll break in the first second of cultivation for his future time, say in the Three-Step Tower… Yeah, sounds like a good deal… for me.
Tianlan High School, boys' dorms.
"So you're saying you'll give me your thirty days of cultivation with the stardust magic tool, and in return you ask for one favor to use only if we end up at the same university?" Mo Fan was very skeptical. Mo Fan didn't trust me. But thirty days with this tool, for the poor protagonist who hadn't activated his totem vessel yet, was huge help. Especially developing two elements, not one like everyone else.
"Yes, exactly," My annoying smile clearly hinted nothing was exact, all a big scam. But testing magic through the tool, he confirmed it worked.
"And you don't need it yourself because…?" The guy needed a solid reason why I'd ditch such value for a weird favor that might be void if we go different unis.
"I already told you, my uncle gave me one for permanent use. Why two? I just want to help a classmate and promising mage. Maybe we'll end up at the same uni, and I'll collect something heavier from you and come out ahead." I replied in an openly carefree, cheerful tone, keeping a slightly mischievous smile.
Mo Fan didn't believe me. Almost not at all, but under my logical arguments and being absolute zero in magic theory, not knowing what could top the tool before him, he finally agreed.
Sealing the deal with a handshake, I left his dorm room without dropping the mischievous smile. But I didn't go far, hiding behind the storage building near the dorm.
"Five, four, three, two, one…" I whispered the countdown to the inevitable.
"MU BAI!!!!" Mo Fan's yell was probably heard beyond the dorms.
"Hee-hee-hee-hee," my sly fox laugh quietly replied, having fleeced another sucker.