Chapter 154 – The Second Journey to World of Warcraft
Of course, winning against Leandro this time didn't mean he was actually stronger. That would be a joke. In Apocalypse's setting, every Child of the Plane was a boss-tier existence with unique inheritances and special abilities. If it really came down to a fight, the protagonist halo would kick in and make you question your life choices—they could go berserk one after another. Honestly, if Harrison Rivers fought Leandro, Zhou Ning would bet on Leandro without hesitation.
Right now, his biggest issue was acquiring stronger feats and skills—these could absolutely be obtained through the traversal simulator or by triggering game quests. At this moment, he felt an unprecedented urgency to gain new abilities.
"Thank you for the guidance!" After losing, Leandro bowed to Zhou Ning and returned to his seat.
[Leandro's favorability toward you has increased by 400 points. Current status: Friendly.]
Zhou Ning wasn't sure if the guy was some kind of masochist. Despite just having thrashed him, his favorability didn't decrease—it actually surged back up to nearly the "intimate" level. Zhou Ning couldn't help but seriously consider sparring with him a few more times.
After defeating Leandro, Zhou Ning passively became the arena champion. What followed was a long silence—nearly two minutes passed before another meteorologist stepped up to challenge him.
This battle lasted just 13 seconds. After a single exchange, the opponent's arcane shield shattered with a thunderous crash.
While filming, Qingbai Wild Sake held Zhou Ning's coat and continuously cast Detection on each challenger NPC. Every one of Zhou Ning's opponents was an enemy far above his own level, yet none could withstand a single blow—except for Leandro. Even the strongest among them didn't last more than 30 seconds. His impression of Zhou Ning grew even more unfathomable.
Even if no hidden quests were triggered after this, he already had a clear idea for the first video's content. With proper editing, the existing footage was sure to go viral.
After defeating yet another mage, no one else dared take the stage. Zhou Ning was pleasantly surprised when a prompt appeared on his panel:
[You have earned the achievement: Competitor.]
Although there was no reward, Zhou Ning understood how the achievement system worked: most achievements required collecting a full set before offering any rewards or unlocking hidden quests.
Seeing that no one else was stepping up, the judge declared the arena event over. Zhou Ning, having outlasted everyone, passively received a one-credit reward.
When he had desperately needed credits, they were nowhere to be found. Now, after Professor Weasley's earlier promises, they just kept coming. In a way, it was a fortunate accident. Zhou Ning subtly shook his head and took his coat back from Qingbai Wild Sake, putting it on.
Just then, Vice Principal Edwin, dressed in formal attire and wearing a top hat, approached Zhou Ning with his cane and said:
"Sturwell, do you have anything going on in the next couple of days?"
"I do, but nothing major." Zhou Ning smiled, already guessing where this was going.
"Good." Edwin nodded and motioned for Qingbai Wild Sake to step back, gesturing for Zhou Ning to walk with him.
He led Zhou Ning to the edge of the camp and chuckled:
"I watched both your afternoon and recent battles. Since I became Vice Principal of Vick University, you're the most naturally gifted fighter I've seen... If you're willing to join the school's expedition team, I'm ready to recommend you directly for the Pritt Committee."
The Pritt Committee—the Labor Relations Coordination Committee of Bryston—was a cradle for Bryston's bureaucrats. In other words, he'd be entering public service straight away. Nice. But… I really don't want a boring 9-to-5 job... Zhou Ning sighed softly to himself.
Seeing no immediate response, Edwin smiled and added, "Actually, this expedition isn't particularly dangerous. We're only entering the outer edge of the Meteorological Tide. We just need to find out what's in there."
Zhou Ning quirked his lips. "Principal Herclis, with your strength and so many professors around, I'm sure student safety is guaranteed. Why do you specifically need me?"
Edwin chuckled and shook his head. "As a meteorologist, my main responsibility is to monitor and manipulate the weather phenomena inside the Meteorological Tide—I can't always ensure student safety. Your combat strength and intellect are exceptional, and you're also a student here. With you in the team, everyone will be much safer. Don't worry—if anything happens, I'll personally guarantee your safety."
You just said a moment ago that you can't ensure student safety... Zhou Ning couldn't help but mentally roll his eyes.
Right at that moment, the previously declined quest popped up again on Zhou Ning's panel:
[You have triggered a D-rank quest: "Join the Expedition." Accept?]
A D-rank quest meant the danger level shouldn't be too high. Given how far Edwin had gone to persuade him, Zhou Ning, already somewhat on the fence, could no longer refuse. He accepted the quest and nodded. "I'll join. When are we departing?"
Edwin smiled. "The day after tomorrow is the ideal time. A few professors should arrive tomorrow from Darkland, crossing the volatile weather zone. The exact departure time depends on the meteorological readings we take at noon the day after. But don't worry—regardless of the results, I stand by my promise. And of course, if you're not interested in the Pritt Committee, there are other options. We can talk anytime."
After a brief chat with Edwin, Zhou Ning returned to his tent and furrowed his brow slightly.
In the end, he had agreed to enter the Meteorological Tide with the team. Though he didn't understand Edwin's insistence on going in the day after tomorrow, it was still best to be prepared.
After a moment's thought, Zhou Ning decided to grind the game again and see if he could power up a bit more.
Opening the simulator panel, he saw that his last traversal had refunded 78 traversal coins. He had also received 3 coins over the past three days, bringing the total to 81. Zhou Ning then spent 190 Veckta coins to recharge another 19 traversal coins, choosing the Empire Tempest map once again—and initiated a new traversal!
[Preparing for traversal... Traversal Coins -100]
[Please choose your traversal mode...]
[1. Direct Traversal.]
[2. Traverse using Parallel World Template.]
Sticking to his usual process, Zhou Ning selected the second option to review the templates. With over 17,000 Veckta coins on hand, his finances were extremely comfortable.
After a shuffle, three cards unfurled in a clear light with a soft swish.
This time, all three templates were completely unfamiliar.
The first card showed himself holding a Fangtian Huaji halberd, wearing a towering battle crown, with a wild and rebellious look on his face.
The listed traits were: unpredictable, defiant, lustful, and arrogant.
Talents: Martial Arts Prodigy (Purple), Herculean Strength (Purple), Leadership (Blue), Peerless Valor (Gold).
Skills: Mastery of Cold Weapons, Expert Archery, Mastery of Hand-to-Hand Combat.
Cost: 120 traversal coins. Title: Rampaging Tiger – Zhou Ning.
The price wasn't bad. Just buy it. Without hesitation, Zhou Ning snapped it up.
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