Matthew Atkinson
Oxford, United Kingdom
If the third layer of the supernatural realm is truly a fighting tournament, shouldn't those who teamed up with Natalie Russell, the strongest freshman, just sit back and accept their rewards?
Thinking of this, everyone looked at Matthew with envy!
'This kid was going to get carried to victory again.' Everyone thought.
Noticing the crowd's gazes, Matthew remained calm.
Of course, he knew what these people were thinking.
On the podium, Professor Holland hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, "Matthew, given your relationship with Natalie Russell... could you discuss with her whether you could bring a few students from Class B to the Supernatural Realm this time?"
Upon hearing this, many students' eyes immediately lit up.
Matthew's respect for Professor Holland also increased after these words.
This professor really cared about his students; he could even say something like that in such a crowded environment.
Many professors would not risk putting themselves in such a position, which would make them appear weak among their students.
Matthew thought for a moment and replied, "Professor, I can discuss it with Natalie, but I can't guarantee the outcome right now."
Professor Holland understood perfectly and immediately said, "Just mention it to her. If she objects, that's fine. Don't let it affect your relationship."
The other students didn't have any objections either.
Everyone agreed that the one who truly made the decisions between Matthew and Natalie was definitely Natalie.
Matthew didn't say anything more, and Professor Holland continued to give his lecture.
"Compared to the dangers of the supernatural realm's first two layers, the third layer is much safer, because the number of new students returning from the third layer each year exceeds 85%."
"Therefore, this is why experts believe that the third level of the supernatural realm is where the new students from all around the world compete in a fighting tournament."
"We are all human beings, and many people hesitate and restrain themselves from killing their opponent during a deadly fight."
"However, you must not let your guard down."
"More than 10 percent of the people in the third layer still couldn't return in the past."
"I hope you don't become one of them."
...
After class, as Matthew walked out, he prepared to meet with Natalie to discuss the matter.
Unexpectedly, just as he took out his phone, he saw a call from Natalie.
"Hello, Natalie?" Matthew answered immediately.
The girl was straightforward and asked, "Do you have time now? I have something I want to talk to you about."
Matthew guessed that it must have been Professor Grant who made the same request to Natalie, so he said, "Yes! Shall we meet in the coffee shop on the second floor of the library?"
"Okay! I'll be right there." Natalie readily agreed and hung up the phone.
A moment later, the two met in the coffee shop on the second floor of the library, found a booth by the window, and ordered a drink for each other.
The University of Oxford truly lived up to its reputation as a prestigious institution. The library was usually deserted, yet they've managed to set up a coffee shop on the second floor.
It was a completely unnecessary expense.
Of course, this had nothing to do with Matthew.
He looked at the pretty girl in front of him and asked with a smile, "Natalie, Professor Holland asked me to take a few Class B students to the third layer of the supernatural realm and to speak with you. I believe Professor Grant made a similar request of you. Is that correct?"
"Yes!"
Natalie shared her thoughts. "The third layer of the supernatural realm is an amnesiac supernatural realm layer, and the extra reward is only given to the team leader. I think it's fine to bring a few classmates in."
Matthew smiled and nodded, then said, "What a coincidence, I think the same way. Professor Holland has been very understanding towards me since university started. So, I wanted to discuss with you about including some students from Class B in the team, to fulfill his request."
Upon hearing this, Natalie immediately conceded, "Alright, then we'll bring the students from Class B."
Everyone assumed that she was the one leading the team alongside Matthew and that she was the one who carried Matthew to success.
In reality, only she knew that everything was the other way around.
She was the one who was carried to victory without any effort. Matthew was the real key person.
Therefore, she had to be self-aware.
"Are you planning to fill all the vacant spots on the team with Class B students?" Matthew asked with a smile. "How are you going to explain this to Professor Grant when you get back?"
Natalie calmly said, "I don't need to explain to her."
She really didn't need to.
The University of Oxford's rules clearly stated that teaching staff couldn't interfere with students' right to form teams.
Not to mention, Natalie now held a superior position among the students, and even Professor Grant didn't dare to raise his voice at her.
Everything involving Natalie had to be discussed carefully.
"I bet your professor, Ms. Grant, is still waiting for your good news! She'll definitely be disappointed if you go back empty-handed."
Matthew smiled and said, "How about this? The maximum number of people on a team in this layer is 10. I'll choose a four-person team from Class B, and you can choose a four-person team from Class A. And with the two of us, that'll make ten people total."
"Natalie, what do you think of my suggestion?"
Natalie immediately nodded. "Okay, I'll listen to you."
And that was the end of it.
After finishing their coffee, the two went their separate ways.
Matthew called Professor Holland directly.
"Professor, I've already discussed it with Natalie. A team of ten, minus Natalie and me, still needs eight people. She's willing to give up half of the spots for Class B."
Upon hearing this, Professor Holland, on the other end of the phone, immediately became happy. "Excellent, Matthew, you did a good job, and please thank student Russell for me."
Then, Professor Holland asked, "Matthew, which team in our class do you think should get these four spots?"
This was definitely a job that would offend people.
Although Matthew wasn't afraid, there was no need for him to be the bad guy!
So, without thinking, he threw the ball back to the professor.
"Professor, as you know, I haven't been training with the class, and I don't really know how everyone is doing. So, you should consider this issue. I don't have any selection criteria. Any four people are okay for me. It doesn't matter who comes."
"You little rascal... Alright. I'll pick out four suitable teammates for you."
Professor Holland then added, "By the way, speaking of training, you should join the training starting tomorrow."
"This... is that necessary?"
"It's necessary! The third layer of the supernatural realm involves a fighting tournament, and the fights in it differ from fighting monsters. Over the next month, I will teach you some combat techniques, and you must learn them too."
Matthew initially wanted to refuse, but after careful thought, he realized that lying in his apartment every day was quite dull, and his limbs were almost atrophying from inactivity.
Why shouldn't he follow Professor Holland and learn some combat techniques?
Since he didn't participate in training and only learns combat techniques, his strength wouldn't be exposed.
So he agreed.
"Good. Whether you come to morning training or not is up to you, but you have to come in the afternoon."
Professor Holland said, "I will guide the class in combat techniques between 2 pm and 4 pm every day. You cannot be absent during that time."
"Okay, I understand."
...
Hanging up the phone, Matthew then left the campus and returned to his apartment.
As he arrived at the apartment door, he heard the sounds of a combat game coming from the apartment across the hall.
Although this world had supernatural powers, the vast majority of humans were still just ordinary people.
Therefore, the gaming industry was a massive sector in this world as well. And some supernatural beings were making significant royalties from games that wanted to use their characters.
Furthermore, many games that adapted superhuman abilities from the Holy Land have become very popular, and the gaming industry has not only not declined but has become increasingly prosperous.
It was much better than the film and television industry.
To Matthew's surprise, the expert from the Round Table actually liked playing games.
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Next Chapters' Name:
Ch.81: Innate Skill: Super Strength Activated
Ch.82: A Rubber-Rubber Fruit User Appears