Chapter 96

Translator: AkazaTL Proofreader/Editor: JWyck *** Chapter 96 That afternoon, Su Bei found the embassy’s location, left Alyssa’s house, and headed there. Near the embassy, he didn’t go in directly but observed the surroundings. His sharp eyes soon spotted two people keeping watch. Seeing them, Su Bei’s heart sank. If they were sent by the Scorpion-Braid Woman’s group, it showed their swift action and influence in Apogod. Definitely not good news. Confirming the watchers, Su Bei entered the embassy to avoid attention. Surprisingly, the usually relaxed embassy was bustling today. The hall was filled with busy staff, and it took a while for someone to assist him. “So you want to return to your country quickly?” The staff frowned, looking troubled. Su Bei was surprised. He knew embassies could provide emergency funds and repatriation for citizens abroad. Why the difficulty? “Is there a problem?” The staff was indeed troubled: “I’m very sorry, but returning might take some time. Apogod’s had an issue recently... it’s a bit complicated, so related matters are delayed.” He then offered solutions: “But we can help reissue your ID, passport, or contact your family in China...” Hearing “family in China,” Su Bei’s eyes lit up: “Oh, speaking of that, can you contact the ‘Endless Ability Academy’?” If they reached the Academy, their safety would be assured. The embassy was official; he wasn’t worried about them failing to contact the Academy. The staff paused: “‘Endless Ability Academy’? You’re an Ability user?” Su Bei nodded, flipping his wrist to reveal a Gear. The staff’s eyes brightened: “I see, you’re in luck!” “How so?” Su Bei asked, already guessing. Sure enough, the staff answered: “That issue involves your Ability users. Several Chinese Ability Academies have sent people. It’s late today, but come back tomorrow at 2 p.m., and I’ll have them meet you. Okay?” Su Bei had no objections. They finalized the plan, and he left. Stepping out, he casually scanned around—the two watchers were still there. He didn’t care, leaving openly. Unexpectedly, after a few steps, he sensed one of the watchers following him. Why follow him? Did they recognize him? Su Bei’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, instinctively wanting to speed up and lose the tracker. But he quickly calmed down, realizing he couldn’t rush. For one, the kidnappers definitely didn’t know his blonde appearance. His Transformation Mask (Fake) was crafted by Manga Consciousness itself—impossible to see through, so they couldn’t recognize him. Two possibilities: either they were following him for another reason, unrelated to the Scorpion-Braid Woman, or they were testing him, as only one followed, showing they didn’t take him seriously. With this, Su Bei maintained his pace, relaxing. He acted unhurried, even stopping to browse a gold shop. As a gold-rich country, Apogod’s gold prices were low, and Su Bei was tempted. He wasn’t short on money, but who disliked more? Too bad he had none now, only able to look enviously. Only he could maintain his composure—Zhao Xiaoyu, Jiang Tianming, or Wu Mingbai would’ve quietly broken down. Leaving the gold shop, the tracker was gone. Su Bei sighed in relief, returning to Alyssa’s house. Zhao Xiaoyu still hadn’t woken. Si Zhaohua, in the know, was fine, but Alyssa, clueless, was visibly anxious: “You’re back. Is this girl really hypoglycemic? It’s been so long—why hasn’t she woken?” “I don’t know?” Su Bei slipped into character, looking confused. “She has hypoglycemia and suddenly felt weak, then fainted soon after. So we thought it was that.” Si Zhaohua glanced at him admiringly, marveling at Su Bei’s mental fortitude—lying so effortlessly. No wonder he fooled them for so long. It wasn’t that they were dumb—Su Bei was just too cunning. “Maybe take her to a hospital,” Alyssa’s brother suggested, worried. “If you can’t pay, we can cover the medical costs for now.” Apogod’s excellent social security, due to its wealth, meant locals paid little for healthcare with insurance. Otherwise, even a kind brother wouldn’t offer. Su Bei didn’t mind. If a doctor found something wrong with Zhao Xiaoyu, he’d thank them. “Of course, thank you!” he answered without hesitation, then added, “But I’m going to the embassy tomorrow afternoon. Should we go to the hospital after I return or before?” Alyssa answered immediately: “Before.” She was starting to distrust them—Zhao Xiaoyu’s condition didn’t look like hypoglycemia, making them seem more like kidnappers. What if Su Bei took Zhao Xiaoyu away after the embassy? Without evidence, Apogod’s government couldn’t easily interfere with foreigners. So Alyssa thought a hospital visit to check for drug traces would be wise. Back in their room, Si Zhaohua worried: “Zhao Xiaoyu still hasn’t woken—she’ll be fine, right? How was the embassy?” “Can’t get us home immediately, but Apogod’s had Ability-related incidents tied to our country. Academy people are here. I can meet them tomorrow,” Su Bei replied, keeping his guesses private. He figured, as per usual manga patterns, this incident might be tied to them, likely the auction chaos and Black Flash. Maybe they’d meet other classmates in this foreign land! Hearing they’d meet Academy people, Si Zhaohua relaxed. It was a reliable solution—any Academy teacher could verify their identities, making return easy. But Su Bei mentioned another issue: “I did see watchers at the embassy, and one followed me for a bit after I left.” “Did you lose them?” Si Zhaohua wasn’t too tense—Su Bei returned safely, so the issue was resolved. Su Bei shook his head, then nodded: “I didn’t lose them, but they stopped following after a while.” He looked puzzled: “Do you think they were sent by the kidnappers?” “You think they weren’t?” Si Zhaohua caught his meaning. “True—you didn’t show your face to them. Why follow you? But if not that, what?” “Maybe the embassy’s incident,” Su Bei sighed, hands behind his head, leaning against the headboard. “Hope it doesn’t delay our return.” He had a big role in this arc and didn’t want more complications. Any follow-up could be seen in the manga back home. The next morning, they took the unconscious Zhao Xiaoyu to the hospital. As expected, the hospital found nothing. Helpless, they brought her back. At least the diagnosis confirmed her coma wasn’t Su Bei or Si Zhaohua’s doing, easing Alyssa’s worries. That afternoon, Su Bei returned to the embassy as planned. “Teacher!” Seeing Meng Huai on a bench, Su Bei was delighted, confirming his guesses. Seeing him, Meng Huai relaxed slightly: “Good job, kid, escaping like that. Where’re Si Zhaohua and Zhao Xiaoyu? With you?” Su Bei nodded: “We’re staying at a native’s house, but Zhao Xiaoyu’s unconscious from an incident. The Academy needs to check what’s wrong.” Meng Huai’s brows furrowed: “Take me to them first. Tell me what happened on the way.” On the way, Su Bei concisely recounted their experiences, including the Loyalty Crystal. Meng Huai already knew about the politicians: “They’ve contacted home. We guessed you escaped but couldn’t reach you. Finding the embassy was smart.” On Zhao Xiaoyu’s matter, he said: “When we get there, I’ll call Teacher Ye to check. If she can’t find the issue... we’ll have Old Lei send Zhao Xiaoyu back to school.” At the last sentence, Su Bei raised his hand: “She can’t go back alone—I’ll go with her!” Meng Huai saw through him, smacking his head with a laugh: “So eager to skip out? Don’t think you can run from trouble!” They reached Alyssa’s house, greeted by the hosts. In front of outsiders, Meng Huai was serious, though his seriousness carried a roguish air. “Hello, I’m these kids’ teacher. Thank you for caring for our students these past days. I’ll cover all expenses now.” Undeniably, Meng Huai was a handsome man, with a mature charm Su Bei and Si Zhaohua lacked. To many, a mature man was far more attractive than a young one. Alyssa, clearly in this camp, blushed, thinking: Is this an idol training academy? Why are both the teacher and students so good-looking? She shyly replied: “It’s fine, they’ve been well-behaved. The expenses...” Before she finished, her brother cut in, ignoring her glare: “We’ll list the expenses—not much. Pay, and you can leave.” A fair request, Meng Huai agreed. Hearing the commotion, Si Zhaohua came out, visibly thrilled to see Meng Huai: “Teacher?! You’re here!” Compared to Su Bei, Si Zhaohua was a model student. After greeting, he added: “Are you here for something? Once Zhao Xiaoyu’s settled, if I can help, please let me know.” Hearing this, Meng Huai glanced at Su Bei with a half-smile, then told Si Zhaohua: “There are things you’ll need to help with.” He emphasized “you”, and Su Bei sighed, accepting his fate. “Alright, take me to see Zhao Xiaoyu.” On serious matters, everyone sobered. The two led Meng Huai to Zhao Xiaoyu’s room. She slept peacefully, her initially pale face now normal. Without knowing the context, one might think she was just asleep. Meng Huai gently patted her face, then lifted her eyelids to check her pupils, judging by experience: “I can’t handle this. Back home, find Little Leaf... cough, Teacher Ye.” He went to pay the medical bills for the past two days. Alyssa insisted on waiving lodging and food costs. After settling, Meng Huai returned, bent slightly, and easily hoisted the unconscious Zhao Xiaoyu over his shoulder: “Let’s go.” Seeing this, Si Zhaohua hesitated, then couldn’t hold back: “Teacher, should I carry her? That position doesn’t look comfortable.” “Comfort for an unconscious person?” Meng Huai scoffed but switched to a princess carry. Su Bei cheekily clutched his heart, mimicking a swooning maiden: “Oh~ Young Master Si, such a gentleman.” Even with Si Zhaohua’s composure, he was furious: “I’m still mad about before, and you’re provoking me again?” “Oh? What’s that about?” Meng Huai turned, intrigued. Su Bei had recounted their kidnapping but clearly omitted some details, like any conflicts. But Si Zhaohua wouldn’t spill. Su Bei’s dishonesty was one thing, but he hadn’t recognized him either. Airing this would hurt both and entertain others—he wouldn’t do it. Su Bei’s smile was meaningful. He knew Si Zhaohua wouldn’t share something so embarrassing. Meng Huai wanted a show? Dream on! Seeing the two at odds yet united against him, Meng Huai pouted: “Little brats, not cute at all.” Recalling his teaching career, S-Class rarely had “cute” students—obedient, well-behaved ones who didn’t cause trouble. He’d left S-Class for F-Class to meet normal kids, but then... Thinking this, Meng Huai glared at them, striding ahead with Zhao Xiaoyu. Su Bei and Si Zhaohua jogged to keep up, feeling the physical gap. Si Zhaohua was curious: “Teacher, what’s your Ability?” Knowing Meng Huai so long, Si Zhaohua had never seen him use it. Even F-Class’ Su Bei hadn’t. He recalled Mo Xiaotian asking, and Meng Huai telling them to guess. As expected, Meng Huai didn’t answer: “Guess right, and I’ll tell you.” Si Zhaohua, unlike Mo Xiaotian, wouldn’t guess blindly, bargaining: “At least give a direction, or how can I guess?” “Fine,” Meng Huai nodded casually. “I’m roughly half a summoner.” Summoner? Su Bei and Si Zhaohua were shocked. Given Meng Huai’s build, they’d assumed he was a physical enhancer. A summoner—summoning tigers, leopards, bears? But “half a”? Could you summon half a summon? Seeing their confusion, Meng Huai wasn’t surprised, teasing: “Speaking of, Si Zhaohua, my Abilities kinda like yours?” Si Zhaohua’s mouth twitched. “Like mine”? Surely Meng Huai didn’t summon angels? The thought made his mouth twitch more. Unlike Si Zhaohua’s wild imagination, Su Bei genuinely gleaned something. When he first learned of Si Zhaohua’s Ability, he’d researched it. Si Zhaohua’s [Angel] was a unique Ability, classified as a professional Ability. If Meng Huai said their Abilities were similar, could his be a professional Ability too? A summoner, but not fully, professional... He couldn’t guess, but if the direction was right, he could research back home. Taking a cab to an international hotel, Meng Huai led them to a suite. Ye Lin, who was reading on the bed, was stunned to see them and quickly sat up with surprise in her eyes, before asking concernedly: “What’s wrong with Zhao Xiaoyu ? Let me check.” Her Ability, [Life Spring], was a healing Ability, but it also let her Mental Energy detect physical and mental injuries. Scanning Zhao Xiaoyu, Ye Lin looked odd: “Are you sure she’s unconscious, not asleep? There’s nothing wrong—her body’s even more active than her last checkup.” She asked seriously: “What happened after you were taken? Why’s she unconscious?” Su Bei recounted their experience again. Hearing Zhao Xiaoyu shattered the Loyalty Crystal and black mist entered her, Ye Lin frowned: “That crystal’s likely made from Apogod’s Mental Crystals. The black mist is probably the key to its function.” They hadn’t considered this. Since it was a collaboration, Apogod had something Black Flash wanted—likely Mental Crystals. The Loyalty Crystal’s shell was crystal, probably a Mental Crystal derivative. But Mental Crystals only held Mental Energy, likely for storage, not effects. Ye Lin was right—the black mist was the key. Per the Scorpion-Braid Woman, the Loyalty Crystal locked a range; those in it for a day couldn’t leave without eating its pill, ensuring absolute loyalty. From Su Bei’s data room findings, the crystal’s pill created radiation. Staying in it for six months had the same effect as eating the pill. If those politicians ate the pill and returned home, their colleagues would be doomed in six months. Ability users were hard to radiate, so they targeted ordinary politicians, not Academy students. If the Loyalty Crystal had this effect, what was the black mist’s role? Seeing them deep in thought, Ye Lin continued: “To others, the black mist is likely harmful, but to the crystal... or its vessel, it’s probably harmless?” They exchanged looks, then widened their eyes—makes sense! At the base, they’d discussed this. Those who exploded touching the crystal couldn’t handle its energy. Those who could touch it were, in a sense, suitable vessels. With the crystal destroyed, the mist, not wanting to dissipate, found a nearby suitable vessel—Zhao Xiaoyu. Since the mist didn’t harm the crystal, it might not harm her. Crucially, Zhao Xiaoyu’s body wasn’t damaged, supporting their theory. Su Bei was certain of this, explaining why her pointer was so far left. It was a major boon for her—a blessing in disguise. “Send her to the Academy for protection,” Meng Huai decided, warning sternly, “Don’t tell anyone. Say she’s unconscious from an Ability attack. If anyone leaks the truth, don’t blame me for expelling you—I have that much authority.” Note : Write a Review on Novel Updates for a Bonus Chapter.