Chapter 141: Speech

Clementine’s direct hit made Yu Sheng’an’s eyes flash with appreciation.

“She will agree.”

Yu Sheng’an’s tone was calm but full of confidence.

Since he displayed the Source Essence as a lure, the effect was unexpectedly astounding.

Through the Divine Spark of Contracts, he could clearly see the user numbers in the Karman United Republic surging!

Even in the Beyer Empire and Edirth Empire, the user numbers were obviously rising.

A closer look would reveal these users appeared in clusters.

Clearly, someone was spreading or controlling them.

In fact, after these users logged into [Conquest], they almost all joined a mercenary group, charging into orc tribes to kill for Merit Points.

The surge of these users brought Yu Sheng’an a continuous stream of Source Essence.

And he only paid a small portion of that Source Essence.

Indeed, business models determine competitiveness!

A little benefit made many nobles willingly work for him. Is there a better model?

In a situation where spies filled foreign lands, was Internet dissemination still a problem?

Yu Sheng’an would bet it wouldn’t be long before this matter would become semi-public in other countries.

Because the nobles who tasted benefits were bound to organize more people to join.

Once participation numbers increased, secrets couldn’t be kept.

By then, Yu Sheng’an wanted to see how those Gods would respond.

Crush with an iron fist?

Or compensate with Source Essence?

If it’s the former, Yu Sheng’an could justifiably start a war under the pretext of “protecting believers” and strike from within and without.

If it’s the latter, Yu Sheng’an certainly didn’t believe the old gods forcing believers to pray could generate more Source Essence than his business model.

Once it’s unsustainable, those old gods would eventually collapse.

Under such circumstances, in exchange for “never preaching,” acquiring openings for Internet Bank branches and spreading Internet Divine Magic would be very easy!

Yu Sheng’an looked forward to this day.

Clementine looked at Yu Sheng’an’s calm demeanor, her heart stirred, and she placed her hand on her chest in salute, “Clementine is willing to dedicate everything to the Internet God!”

Yu Sheng’an nodded, “Then I’ll leave the preparations for this matter to you! Especially in recruiting, hire many from the Karman United Republic as bank tellers to ease local dissent. As for other details, draft a plan list for me.”

He couldn’t be bothered to write the plan himself.

Now he had strong forces. Why not use his subordinates?

Once Clementine’s plan list was out, he’d just review it for any oversights.

“Yes!”

Clementine responded solemnly, full of excitement.

They talked about other matters before Yu Sheng’an waved to see her off.

When leaving, Clementine couldn’t help but ask, “Lord Ajef, I heard you’ll be speaking at the Felix Magic Academy opening ceremony. Is that true?”

Yu Sheng’an nodded, “Yes.”

Clementine was even more delighted, “Great! Hearing your lessons again is truly an honor!”

Yu Sheng’an chuckled, “Then don’t cover your eyes.”

“Huh?”

Clementine was stunned.

…

Who else was eagerly awaiting Yu Sheng’an’s speech other than Clementine?

Indeed, nearly everyone at Felix Magic Academy, from magic instructors to apprentices, anticipated this speech!

Especially for newcomer Xi Ze, he was so excited he couldn’t sleep the night before the opening ceremony!

He even had no mind to log into [Conquest Sub-Dimension], lying in Felix dormitory, his mind wandering.

Unlike previous magic apprentices who had private dorms.

This year’s expansion left the magic academy with insufficient dorm space.

The Headmaster waved, halving the benefits for magic apprentices.

Private dorms became four-person rooms!

Of course, those with money could live off-campus.

Obviously, Xi Ze had no money and chose to live on campus.

When dawn broke, his excitement could no longer be contained as he used the advanced puppet lent by Magister Parker to envelop himself like quicksand.

Supported by the exoskeleton-like magical puppet, he got up from his couch and tidied up.

“Hmm, up so early?”

A roommate from the next bed groggily opened his eyes and asked.

Before Xi Ze could answer, another roommate sat up.

“Is today the opening ceremony?”

“Yes, still groggy?”

“Oh no! What time is it? Quick, grab seats!”

The roommate exclaimed, hurrying up.

With his exclamation, the whole dorm burst with activity.

As they left, the entire dorm area was bustling.

Countless magic apprentices rushed to Felix Magic Academy’s Glorious Square.

After all, Lord Ajef was the only living legendary magician from the Kewell Empire inducted into the Hall of Fame.

But compared to his proof that “Lightning Magic could be converted to Light Magic,”

His legendary resume was why countless magic apprentices idolized him!

He was the only one who followed the Internet God during the five evil gods’ attack on the Empire, summoned an endless demon army to besiege Sparta, and returned victorious as a practical magician.

That battle alone was enough to deify!

Not to mention his legendary achievements in Wood Spirit element magic!

Even his Dragon Factory showcased immense productivity!

No wonder he became the Internet God’s spokesperson. Only such a powerful magician was qualified to follow the great Internet God!

When Xi Ze arrived at Felix Glorious Square, raised earth formed tiered viewing platforms.

—These were temporary stands made overnight by Earth magicians.

The front rows were cordoned off for Empire nobility.

Magic apprentices who came early occupied the steps closest to the front.

Xi Ze was early enough to find a spot in the middle.

Latecomers had to squeeze in the back.

Though dawn had barely broken, the scene was chaotic.

Shouts, calls, disputes, debates filled the air.

The early spring breeze was warm and gentle.

Basking in the breeze, Xi Ze felt like he was dreaming, everything felt unreal.

He, who was destined to rot in the countryside, possibly die after his parents did as a paralyzed patient.

Was now sitting in the best magic academy in the Empire, a noble magic apprentice. Could anything be more magical?

No!

Xi Ze wondered when Lord Ajef noticed him? Was it during the Battle of Sparta? Why did he take special care of him?

Regardless of reason, he deeply appreciated Lord Ajef.

Wanting to say thank you in person.

Time slowly passed while waiting.

The morning sun rose.

Empire nobility took their seats one by one.

Archmage Dundar, the Headmaster, took the stage to announce the opening ceremony.

Xi Ze’s heart hung high until Lord Ajef stepped onto the podium amidst Dundar’s announcement, greeted by thunderous cheers, whereupon his heart slowly calmed.

Yet his excitement and thrill only grew.