Chapter 4: Wanted News?

What does a B1 level mean?

B1 level corresponds to the passing threshold for the B rank. Each stage is divided into levels 1, 2, and 3. For example, in the A stage, A1 is level A, A2 is AA, and A3 is AAA. The same pattern continues for the following stages. Once a person reaches level 3 in a stage, they can advance to the next stage by enhancing their supernatural ability.

“Teacher, if I remember correctly, can supernatural ability levels be upgraded?” Di Qiu asked, attempting to start the conversation.

“Yes,” came Zhou Guo’s reply.

Di Qiu then grinned and asked, “Hehe, teacher, how exactly do you improve supernatural ability levels?”

They had been briefly introduced to the concept of supernatural ability levels in class and were told they could be upgraded. But since none of them were ability users at the time, the exact methods weren’t specified in the textbook, nor did the teacher explain further.

“That, you’ll find out in a few days,” Zhou Guo said mysteriously.

...

When they left, Di Qiu was still in the same van, but Zhou Guo was now driving. After confirming her awakening of supernatural powers, Zhou Guo took her back to the village to pack her things. They left the village under the cover of night and took the highway. Watching the unfamiliar scenery pass by, Di Qiu couldn’t help but ask curiously,

“Teacher, why are we in such a hurry to get to Mingjing City? Isn’t it summer vacation?”

Zhou Guo had briefly explained that anyone detected with supernatural powers—regardless of ability, level, or age—is taken to the Supernatural Academy in Mingjing City for a three-year intensive training program. Essentially, she had received the acceptance letter to the academy that many nationwide students dreamed of.

Zhou Guo didn’t elaborate much more but smiled enigmatically and said, “You’ll understand when the time comes.”

“You’re such a kid; thinking about vacation at a time like this? People who discover they have supernatural powers wish they could get to the academy the very same day,” he teased.

“...”

Looks like no summer vacation for her after all.

Di Qiu asked again, “Teacher, how many days will the drive take?”

“Drive? Are you trying to wear me out? Driving non-stop, it would take several days to reach Mingjing City. We’re heading straight to the airport now; we’ll probably arrive by midnight.”

“So does that mean classmate Sikong has the same setup as me?”

She still remembered clearly the smug look on his face when he left. It was time to show him what a true destined person was.

Zhou Guo glanced at the clock in the car—it was already eight in the evening—and chuckled, “He’s probably on a private plane to Mingjing City by now.”

“...”

Di Qiu clenched her fists; damn, she should have anticipated this.

“Ha ha, don’t be too discouraged. If you could break everything, your ability would be quite popular. Once your level improves, you won’t be any worse than Sikong Lu.”

Since they were the only two students in the village school, some rivalry was normal. Zhou Guo was used to their quiet competition.

“Teacher, you’re really good at comforting people. We don’t even know what abilities Sikong Lu has yet.”

It was said that only a handful of people nationwide reached the S3 level of supernatural ability—a truly rare and precious rank, worthy of imperial favor.

...

After two hours, they arrived at the airport. Di Qiu now felt like a little follower; wherever Zhou Guo went, she followed. They boarded a flight to Mingjing City and landed at one in the morning.

Having lived a routine of early to bed and early to rise, Di Qiu felt utterly exhausted.

After landing, Zhou Guo, like an NPC, immediately took her to register at the Supernatural Academy; it was already half past one in the morning.

As the car entered the academy grounds, even Di Qiu, who had seen many things online in her past life, couldn’t help but exclaim in awe.

Towering bronze guardian beasts flanked the gate, while inside, the symbols of the six bronze beasts stood proudly atop the buildings. The architecture blended classical and modern styles, majestic and splendid.

Compared to her life in a small village, this was her first truly updated understanding of the world.

At this hour, it wasn’t just them rushing to report; other supernatural ability users from all over the country had arrived as well.

Zhou Guo casually mentioned that every graduation season, dozens of newly awakened ability users nationwide came to the academy, showing how rare awakening supernatural powers really was.

Of course, some people awakened outside the school system suddenly one day. These individuals either voluntarily report and get pulled into the academy to access the latest ability information, or they choose not to report and live quietly as low-profile ability users.

For those who don’t report, if discovered later, the government doesn’t forcibly bring them into the academy but records their identity and ability on the cloud to prevent misuse in crimes.

The admissions office was brightly lit.

...

“While at the academy, tuition and board are free. In addition, there are generous monthly scholarships. But don’t worry—if you’re an orphan or in a special situation and don’t meet the scholarship criteria, the government will still provide a monthly allowance of 500 yuan directly to your account.”

Zhou Guo, having been both their homeroom and subject teacher for many years, walked ahead explaining the academy’s details to Di Qiu.

After this journey, his teaching career would come to an end.

Di Qiu quietly followed behind, her attention fixed on his last words. She smiled slightly and said, "...Teacher, you’ve thought of everything."

She also felt inexplicably touched. Zhou Guo had been their all-around teacher from elementary through middle school and, in a sense, a mentor and father figure.

“Anyway, once you awaken your abilities, even if you don’t do well at the academy, you’ll have a secure job when you graduate. Just do your best and don’t push yourself too hard,” Zhou Guo added thoughtfully.

Di Qiu nodded quietly. “Understood, teacher.”

“The academy has six divisions: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, Gouchen, and Flying Serpent. Most likely, you freshmen will be assessed in the coming days, and the division heads will select students best suited for their respective divisions.”

“What kind of assessments will there be?”

“When I took the test, I was locked in a sealed chamber. It’s been years, so I don’t know if the rules have changed.”

“You don’t seem like an ability user, teacher?”

Zhou Guo folded his arms and said leisurely, “If it weren’t for you two not working hard and staying stuck in the mountains, wasting my talents, you’d have seen me on the news years ago.”

“...Wanted news?”

“Heh, you troublemaker.”

They arrived at the admissions office. Following Zhou Guo’s lead, Di Qiu registered her information, received her school ID and a mobile phone, and was then assigned to the freshmen dormitory.

Before parting, Zhou Guo warned, “If you make a name for yourself, don’t forget your teacher. But if you stir up trouble, don’t even mention you know me.”

“...Teacher, don’t worry. If I embarrass anyone, it’ll only be the academy’s reputation,” Di Qiu replied seriously.

With that, teacher and student parted ways. Watching Di Qiu disappear from sight, Zhou Guo finally turned and left the Supernatural Academy.