In the dean's office, once the heavy solid wood door was closed, the noise from the outside world was completely cut off.
Wade sat upright on the sofa. Shetty sat opposite him, pushing a cup of steaming black tea toward him while she was on the phone.
"Congratulations, Wade," Shetty said as she hung up the phone and crossed her legs. "In such a short time since enrollment, you've jumped from fiftieth on the rankings to tenth, becoming the top freshman. Such a promotion speed is rare in the history of Godolkin."
Wade took a sip from the white porcelain teacup and said in an excited tone, "Thank you, Ms. Shetty. I was just lucky."
"It's only been a few days since we last met." Shetty raised an eyebrow slightly. "Your development of your ability is already that high? Your talent is quite good; it's not something that can be explained by luck alone."
"Tell me, putting aside the formalities, what is it that you truly want by coming to Godolkin? Is it for money, fame, family, or to become the next high-profile superstar, like 'Starlight'?"
'Superstar? More like a super clown!' A look of longing appeared on Wade's face. "Joining The Seven is the dream of all super-powered individuals... Besides, Professor Brink said in class that foundations are very important."
"Right now, I need to systematically learn the qualities a superhero should have in school and continue to train and improve my abilities, rather than rushing into the spotlight."
"Very good. Those who chase their dreams are most admirable, but they also need resources and a platform." Shetty stood up and walked to the window, overlooking the campus. "Positions in The Seven are limited, and the competition is fierce... Not everyone can squeeze in."
She turned around, her gaze locking onto Wade. "With me, you can get the top training resources, financial support, and media exposure, and even... have the chance to participate in some'special' research and development projects that can broaden the boundaries of your abilities."
Wade felt a chill in his heart. He knew that her so-called special research projects were the "Woods" laboratory hidden under the school, specifically used for human experimentation related to superpowers.
'Is she trying to recruit me? Or has she taken an interest in my ability and wants to trick me into the lab to be a guinea pig?'
Wade put down his teacup, looked at her eagerly, and tested the waters cautiously. "Ms. Shetty, do you mean..."
Shetty walked over to his side and sat down. "Currently, Luke, Andre, and the others ranked sixth to ninth are all excellent, but they will graduate eventually."
"The Seven needs fresh blood, and even more so, diversity... A powerful Asian superhero would perfectly fill an identity label void."
'Isn't this just drawing a pie? I owned a company in my past life; like hell I'd believe you!' Wade lowered his eyes, an excited flush appearing on his face, and his breathing quickened a bit. "Ma'am, do you... do you really think I can?"
"You are very good; it's this potential that I value." Shetty walked back behind her desk and chuckled softly. "Of course, the prerequisite is that you can prove your value. First, don't be in a hurry to raise your ranking; your current position is already very eye-catching."
"Second, there are always some restless troublemakers in the school who might cause some issues. I need you to assist in maintaining 'order' on campus."
"Your gas manipulation ability can make people suffocate quickly. In terms of non-lethal suppression, it is very efficient."
Wade finished the tea in his cup in one gulp and straightened his back. "I will work hard... and not let you down!"
"Very good." A smile appeared on Shetty's face as she pointed. "I'll contact you if anything comes up... Remember, I have high hopes for you."
Wade's face was covered in smiles, and after thanking her repeatedly, he exited the office.
As the door closed, his shoulders relaxed slightly, and the flattered expression on his face instantly vanished. 'If I didn't know about Vought's dirty dealings, I might actually join them... but being a dog is nowhere near as free as being a man.'
Inside the office, a side bookshelf slid open silently, and Kate walked out while yawning.
"How was it?" Shetty asked in a deep voice.
Kate frowned as she sat on the sofa, pouring herself a drink. "On the periphery of his mind, there's a layer of mental protection... I tried to probe it, and it felt exceptionally tough and sensitive. A forced breakthrough would definitely be noticed by him."
She picked up her glass and leaned back on the sofa. "This Wade Thompson is definitely not as simple as he appears... Is it necessary to recruit him? Isn't Luke performing well?"
"Luke is a junior; he has to leave sooner or later. His mental will is not stable enough. The school must always have backup talent."
Shetty looked out the floor-to-ceiling window at the dark figure racing through the sky.
"No matter how sharp a sword is, there will eventually come a day when it must be sheathed. You keep an eye on Luke, and probe Wade again when you have the chance."
...Student Dormitory Building, Room 216.
Wade pushed open the door and found Jade moving in the room with a weird slow-motion.
"Hey... Wade... I just... got back from heaven!" Jade shouted excitedly, but his speech was extremely slow.
He carefully inhaled a line of blue light powder from a piece of cardboard. His whole body shuddered, and his figure instantly turned into an afterimage, circling the room twice and bringing about the sound of whistling wind.
"Are you using blue crystal? How does it feel?" Wade stood against the wall, coldly watching Jade's already blurred afterimage as [Blood Perception] was quietly activated.
His pupils constricted twice as he clearly "saw" the deep blue components in Jade's blood fluctuating and boiling violently, revealing an out-of-control restlessness.
"It's fantastic, the world is in my grasp! I can run all day... faster than A-Train!" Jade was panting heavily but never stopped. "What about the pill I gave you? Aren't you going to try it?"
Seeing his state of excitement and his increasing speed, Wade felt something was wrong and quickly waved his hand in refusal. "Maybe next time, I still have things to do."
He had gained a preliminary understanding of this "blue crystal." It could temporarily enhance superpowers and was addictive; it was likely an experimental product leaked from Vought Corporation... Using too much of this stuff could truly turn one into an irredeemable puppet. No matter what, he wouldn't touch it even a bit.
Just then, a vibration came from his pants pocket.
Wade took out his phone and saw a notification for a bank deposit of 250,000.
'The bookie transferred the money so quickly? I thought I'd have to wait a few more days.'
Almost simultaneously, another private message popped up; it was from Jordan Li.
"About the bet, want to come to my dorm to talk? Is now convenient?"
Wade licked his lips, his eyes shining as he replied, "Be right there!"
He sped all the way, floating from the second floor to the fourth, and pushed open the unlocked door of Room 416.
Jordan Li's single dorm was much more spacious than Wade's, with a clear personal style that included both sports equipment and various feminine decorations and cosmetics.
"Lee, not here?" Wade looked around the room but didn't see anyone.
"Wait a moment! I'll be out as soon as I put some clothes on." The voice came from the shower.
Wade sat on the sofa waiting expectantly, thinking about how to convince her.
A few minutes later, Jordan Li, with wet hair and in her female form, walked out of the shower wearing a loose top. "Speak up, big winner, what do you want me to do?"
Wade rubbed the tip of his nose and said with a sheepish grin, "I'll say it... but don't get angry."
Jordan Li didn't answer immediately. Instead, she walked to the door and locked it.
Click—
She turned around, arms crossed, sizing Wade up with narrowed eyes. "You even specified 24 hours... I'm warning you, I won't agree to anything too excessive!"
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