The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 393 Prince Colin, as Fair as the Sun
It's not just the apprentices who need the Demon King's care; there are also those eagerly awaiting scholars.

Although the allocation of resources for the restarted virtual realm is nominally a "two-way selection," given the imbalance in supply and demand, the restructuring committee clearly has far more options than the scholars who yearn to share in the virtual realm's benefits but lack the necessary connections.

Scholars eager to participate in this virtual realm redistribution feast had already formed long queues, and application letters filled the committee office mailboxes like snowflakes, even crowding into the magic science laboratory and Luo Yan's dormitory.

What Luo Yan needs to do is ensure that these resources are allocated to people who are worthy of his investment.

In the way that these "kings of the ballot" crave most: "fairness".

He doesn't need to use this favor to do anything, or get those mentors and professors to do things for him.

All he needs is for these people to repeatedly reminisce about the time "Prince Colin" spent at the Academy when they encounter unpleasant things in their lives and studies.

This is almost certain to happen.

After all, no matter how high they climb, Hector is their ceiling.

Judging from Professor Hector's attitude towards his apprentices, it's clear that this guy must have been harboring a lot of pent-up anger at work.

Even if only one-tenth of the idealistic scholars come to the continent of Gana to join him, their wisdom will be enough to support a brand new mage tower.

Dusk.

The atmosphere in the seminar room, specially used for the "Virtual Realm Asset Restructuring Committee" meetings, was solemn and dignified. The huge black oak table and rows of high-backed chairs symbolized the committee's supreme academic authority, weighing heavily on the hearts of all those waiting.

Dozens of mentors and professors, who are usually highly respected by their students, sat upright in the waiting area like apprentices awaiting their final assessment.

Their expressions varied; some nervously rubbed their staffs, some closed their eyes to try to remain calm, and others whispered to each other, exchanging uneasy glances.

"What is the great sage thinking, entrusting the future of the academy to an outsider..."

"Too young...that's not a good thing. I'd rather let Arist Thorne make the choice. He might not be fair, but he's at least influential enough."

"I don't know, but I feel... a committee shouldn't be involved with the 'future of the Academy.' Perhaps His Highness the Great Sage has his own plans?"

"Sometimes I really don't understand him."

"That's normal. Once you understand that, you'll be a sage."

"..."

The scholars present are the backbone of the Academy, with most of them at the Silver and Gold levels, and even a few rare Platinum-level magicians among them.

At this moment, however, the fate of all of them hangs by a thread, awaiting the choice of that young man named Colin...

A mentor named Rockwell held his life's worth of research notes tightly to his chest, his palms already soaked with sweat.

He had studied the theory of virtual realms for thirty years, but due to his poor interpersonal skills, he had never had the opportunity to lead a project independently. This was the only chance he would ever have, and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

In stark contrast to the tense and oppressive atmosphere of the room, there was a sense of composure on one side of the long table.

Luo Yan did not sit on the throne like a tyrant, but sat at the table in an approachable manner.

He was talking quietly to the teaching assistant beside him, occasionally flipping through the candidate files in front of him, his expression focused and calm.

The more relaxed he appeared, the more nervous the scholars waiting around him became.

This intangible contrast highlighted the absolute power he held far more effectively than any imposing ceremonial procession, even though he never deliberately flaunted this glory.

Finally, he closed the first file in his hand, raised his head, and his gentle gaze swept across the room.

The room fell silent instantly.

"Everyone," Luo Yan's voice was clear and steady, temporarily calming the anxiety in everyone's hearts, "thank you all for coming."

"Time is precious, let's get started."

Luo Yan gestured to the teaching assistant beside him, who immediately read out the first name aloud.

"The first one is Professor Camille."

A slightly overweight, arrogant middle-aged professor stood up from the waiting area.

He straightened his gold-embroidered master's robe, walked forward with steady steps, gave Luo Yan a casual nod, and began his presentation.

As a fellow Platinum-level expert, he didn't need to deliberately curry favor with this prince. Luo Yan also didn't care whether his attitude was humble or not, and simply listened patiently as he continued.

"Regarding the deterioration of the 100th Void Realm..." His voice was loud and clear, filled with undeniable confidence, "I must point out that the situation back then was extremely complex. We unfortunately encountered a rare fluctuation in void energy, which led to a severe rejection of the plane's laws. Ultimately, the root cause of the failure lay in the Council's severely insufficient investment of resources back then..."

What exactly is void energy fluctuation?

The scholars in the audience looked at each other, clearly not expecting this guy to spout such nonsense right from the start.

Professor Camille, however, did not care and continued to speak, using complex academic jargon and his own seniority to intimidate others.

Although he didn't wear his arrogance on his face, his words still revealed his disdain for Colin, the "young CEO".

At the end of his statement, he cleared his throat and casually mentioned something.

"Even my mentor at the time, Professor Arist Thorne, deeply regretted the accident that happened back then... I implore Your Highness to give me another chance, and I will certainly not let you down!"

He believed that invoking his teacher's name would be enough to earn him the respect due to the imperial prince who had once benefited from Professor Alistair's kindness.

He had heard that the reason why Prince Colin was able to obtain the 440th and 178th Void Realms was with Professor Arist's tacit approval.

You can't get anything done just by relying on Hector's connections.

Luo Yan listened patiently to his entire statement, his face expressionless. He didn't immediately offer any evaluation, but instead flipped through the research file that Vilitch had just handed him.

After a moment, he raised his head and looked calmly at Camille.

“Professor Camilla, I noticed… in your report you mentioned that the channel decayed because of ‘unexpected disturbances in the energy tides,’ which I think must be what you mean by ‘void energy fluctuations’?”

Professor Camille's expression brightened, thinking this was Colin offering a way out, so he readily nodded and said...

"Exactly!"

That was almost ten years ago. If the higher-ups at Xuebang hadn't remembered that this virtual realm still existed, he would have almost forgotten about it.

Luo Yan smiled, his voice suddenly becoming sharp.

"So my question is, since you have already detected high-risk energy disturbances, why did you still order the extraction of the 'Tidal Crystal' behind the Void Realm? Can you explain that?"

Professor Camille's confidence froze instantly, and a fine layer of cold sweat broke out on his forehead as he was completely unprepared for the question.

"Well...that's of course...to minimize losses!" he tried to explain calmly, while cursing inwardly.

Isn't this kind of meeting just a formality?
Why are you taking it so seriously!

A playful smile curved Luo Yan's lips as he recounted the thoughts that had been in his mind nine years ago.

"Before the council officially orders the revocation of your research rights over the Void Realm, you're trying to squeeze out the remaining value from it... I'm sorry, I'm not satisfied with your explanation."

His voice wasn't loud, but it echoed clearly in the deathly silent seminar room.

“You don’t even realize where you went wrong with your decision back then, and that’s exactly what I want to hear. I’m sorry I can’t give you this opportunity, even though it could have been yours.”

Ignoring the astonishment on Professor Camille's face, Luo Yan looked at the apprentice and said in a calm voice.

"Next person."

If it's not your type, just reject it.

Amidst the complex gazes of the crowd, Camille was speechless, her face turning from white to red. Finally, she turned away in anger and left in a disheveled state.

The entire seminar room was completely silent.

Everyone, including the teaching assistant sitting next to Colin, was stunned by Prince Colin's strictness and straightforwardness.

They hadn't expected him to show Professor Alistair absolutely no respect. Such a ruthless approach was extremely rare in the academic community.

The atmosphere at the waiting table became even more tense than the cold winds of the North.

Professor Rockwell clutched the notebook in his arms even tighter, his palms sweating so much they almost soaked through the old paper.

Fortunately, it wasn't his turn yet.

The teaching assistant sitting next to Colin cleared his throat and said nervously.

"Next up, Mentor Rucoro."

As the teaching assistant called out the names, a shrewd and capable-looking instructor quickly stepped forward.

Unlike the previous one's arrogance, his face was full of humble and warm smiles, and he immediately bowed deeply to Prince Colin, adopting an extremely humble posture.

This may be because his skill level is only silver and his coaching experience is still limited.

However, considering his youth, it is not impossible for him to break through to the Gold level before the age of forty and enter the Virtual Realm research sequence as a collaborator.

certainly--

It would be even more perfect if I could obtain my own virtual realm!
He could use this as a springboard to recruit mentors who possess extraordinary abilities and academic skills superior to his but lack opportunities for virtual reality research to become his "collaborators," thus compensating for his academic shortcomings.

Facing the teaching assistant who approached him, Rucolo politely presented a beautifully bound plan and launched into a highly persuasive speech.

"Your Highness, Chief Executive Officer Colin! After reading your masterpiece published in the Sage's Gazette and having the privilege of attending several of your public lectures, I have been deeply inspired!"

His voice, with its dramatic intonation, was full of praise for Colin and a "profound understanding" of the "scientific" school of thought; however, his initial arrogance followed by obsequiousness left the teaching assistants utterly astonished.

It turns out that even mentors sometimes have to fawn over others.

They thought only apprentices and teaching assistants needed to do this...

"...Your revolutionary theory on virtual interference has pointed out a completely new direction for scholars like us who are trapped in the old paradigm! I studied it overnight and skillfully applied the calculus tools you taught me to the modeling of virtual exploration, and fortunately achieved groundbreaking results! All of this is thanks to your kindness and wisdom!"

"Please allow me to thank you again for your work! Your arrival is the best gift Saint Sis could give to us scholars who persevere in the bitter cold!"

He applied for Virtual Realm No. 466, which has great potential, in an attempt to catch the wave of this reform and seize the initiative.

As Luo Yan listened, he casually flipped through the other party's file, but couldn't help finding it amusing.

This guy probably doesn't even know that Virtual Realm 466 is a "primitive forest" with a complex ecosystem, yet he's still talking about the "optimal solution for the rune matrix".

Did this guy pick up the wrong script?
Luo Yan listened to the entire presentation from the mentor with a smile, and that gentle expression further boosted Lu Keluo's confidence.

It seems he's pleased the prince.

“Mentor, thank you for your excellent presentation.” Luo Yan closed the file and asked with a smile, “Before we begin discussing your plan, I’m curious… how exactly did you apply 'calculus' to exploring the virtual realm?”

To be honest.

He himself hadn't figured out how to make this pie round, although that wasn't actually that important.

Rukoro's smile froze instantly.

This question struck at his weak point.

Clearly, he was merely applying Prince Colin's scientific theories mechanically, without truly understanding their core principles, or even grasping the basics. But then again…

Why is this prince taking this so seriously?!

Rukoro stammered for a long time, beads of sweat sliding down his forehead. He took out a tissue and wiped it off again and again, then started thinking about where to throw it away.

Upon seeing this, teaching assistant Verich, with his sharp eyes, stepped forward and took the tissue from him.

However, this overly adept "sight" embarrassed Rukoro, who was looking for an opportunity to stall for time.

“Well, that…that was a great attempt! We…by differentiating the source force function, we found its…critical point of change…and thus…”

"Oh?" Luo Yan looked at him in surprise and said in a kind tone, "May I have the honor of knowing what this source force function is? To be honest... my student and I have only recently figured out the 'optimal path equation,' and this is currently our only mathematical achievement in the field of source force using function tools... By the way, it has not yet been published."

The scholars in the waiting area all showed surprised expressions, exchanging glances and whispering among themselves.

"Optimal path equation? What's that?"

"No, I don't know..."

"Incredible! He's already applied the knowledge of mortals to magical theory?!"

"But...aren't his lab full of apprentices?"

"Perhaps it was him who did it, and he just brought those apprentices along on the way. I remember this prince seems to really like adding names everywhere; his previous papers were like that..."

If Professor Hector was stingy to the point of being miserly, then His Highness the Prince was extremely generous.

However, it doesn't really matter to outsiders who did the research.

More than the outcome of this poor performance, these scholars are now curious about what exactly the optimal path equation is and what its function is.

While His Highness Colin's "science" has not yet played a significant role in the study of the virtual realm, some professors have already put the tools he provided to use in lower-level magical research.

"Alright, that's enough, Mr. Rucoro."

Luo Yan gently interrupted the stammering Professor Rukoro, but his words were devoid of warmth: "Your plan is excellent, but it lacks the most indispensable soul. What I need is a pioneer, not a parrot."

He wasn't afraid of offending anyone at all.

After all, he was a prince of the empire. Even if the authority of the nobility was useless on the snowfield, he still had the "privilege" of ignoring all interpersonal relationships and carrying out his own will to the end.

Or rather, this is his public persona.

Rukoro's face instantly turned a deep liver color.

Without a word, he put away his proposal and, in the oppressive silence of the room, hurriedly left, his face flushed.

After a brief silence, whispers broke out again in a corner of the waiting area. The mentors who had come here hoping to try their luck were starting to have second thoughts.

"By Saint Sith, even Instructor Rukoro was rejected..."

"It seems that mere flattery isn't enough; this prince is serious!"

Listening to the surrounding discussions, Professor Rockwell's already tense mood sank even further into despair.

Looking at the simple research notes in his arms, he felt a deep sense of despair and was completely at a loss.

After all, he was far inferior to Mr. Camille, who had once studied under Professor Alistair, in terms of ability and seniority, and in terms of emotional intelligence and scheming ability, he was not even a hair's breadth behind Mr. Rukoro, who became a mentor at the age of thirty-five.

He was just an honest man with no background, so how could he possibly win the favor of that prince?

Unfortunately, he didn't know that his respected Prince Colin liked honest people the most.

These are all high-quality assets.

"Next up, Mentor Rockwell."

Upon hearing his name, a lean professor nearing fifty trembled violently. Clutching his thick research notes, he took a deep breath and walked stiffly and hurriedly to the long table.

He was so nervous that he didn't dare to look up, and he stammered, "Chief, Chief. I... I applied for research access to Virtual Realm No. 247."

A soft chuckle drifted from the waiting area. Though the sound was faint, it was jarringly loud to Rockwell, whose entire body was tense.

“I know, Mr. Rockwell, let’s get straight to the point.” Luo Yan casually reassured him, then opened his plan.

This proposal isn't particularly well-made, but it's formatted correctly and contains detailed information.

Rockwell nodded hastily, offering no further praise, but simply reiterating his research philosophy and views on the proposed subject matter.

After stating his thoughts, he placed the thick, yellowed, and curled notebook he was holding on the table.

“This…this is all the research I’ve done over the past twelve years on the mental fluctuations of dormant individuals…My experience matches the situation in Virtual Realm No. 247 very well. Please give me a chance, I promise I won’t…let you down.”

Upon hearing this unusual research topic, the scholars sitting in the waiting area began to whisper among themselves. Some engaged in rational discussion, while others let out lighthearted laughter.

"The mental fluctuations of a dormant individual... what is that? Does it require twelve years of research?"

"This sounds like a topic from the spiritual school of thought. How did he end up in the source law school?"

"Studying the dreams of vegetative patients? What's the point of wasting time researching this stuff? Just let the guy who can't wake up stay asleep."

Luo Yan's gaze fell on the file in his hand.

Virtual Realm 247, a cold world composed of countless metal cubes.

He speculated that it was likely a highly advanced civilization similar to the "brain in a vat," and the reason the passage was on the verge of collapse was probably because the previous researchers foolishly stole several "batteries" that served as the energy core, causing a large-scale power outage in the entire life support system.

Of course, this is just his guess; there might be other, more extreme scenarios.

Rockwell was clearly limited by the constraints of his time and could not see that far ahead, but he still put forward a brilliant idea in his plan.

“…I think those metal cubes might resemble…vampire coffins,” he tried to explain his theory. “The mental energy fluctuations we detected did not come from the ‘coffin’ itself, but from the creatures sleeping inside. The reason the last study failed was probably because the previous professor took away the magic crystal that kept the ‘coffin’ running, causing a large number of the creatures inside to die due to the magic circle malfunction.”

He raised his head, and for the first time, a glimmer of light appeared in his eyes—a light that only an explorer would have.

"Therefore, I propose that we stop trying to interact with those 'coffins' and leave them alone if we don't understand their purpose. Instead, we can try to enter the dreams of those sleeping creatures directly to understand what they are going through!"

He lowered his head earnestly, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.

"Your Excellency, I do not seek any honor, I only hope to have the opportunity to personally verify the theory I have lived my life for... even if it is only this once!"

A murmur rippled through the seminar room.

Professor Camille, who had returned to the meeting room at some unknown time, curled his lip in disdain, crossed his arms, and sneered.

"A vampire's coffin? Are you kidding me...? Where would a vampire come from in the Void Realm? Are there demon gods and their lackeys there too?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it still reached Rockwell's ears clearly, making him blush and bury his head in embarrassment.

The seminar room was completely silent.

Luo Yan did not answer immediately, but instead gestured to the teaching assistant to fetch his notes.

After taking the notebook, he flipped through the messy yet insightful pages, looking at the dense text and imaginative deductions, his surprised eyes revealing an undisguised appreciation.

This guy is a real talent.

However, he is not a talent in the magical sense, nor a talent who studies mental power, but a talent in the field of "psychiatry"!

In this dark age when medicine is still stuck in empiricism, he is the only magician Luo Yan has ever met who has broken free from the framework of the soul to study the brain.

It seems that the overly abstract supernatural power has indeed distracted the geniuses of the continent of Os, preventing these brilliant individuals from using their intelligence where it should be.

Luo Yan closed his notebook, raised his head, and delivered his verdict in a gentle yet clear voice.

“Mr. Rockwell, your perseverance over the past twelve years is admirable. I appreciate your research and theory, and on behalf of the committee, I approve your application.”

After saying that, he shifted his gaze from the stunned mentor Rockwell to the equally stunned teaching assistant, Velich.

“Velich, make a note of this: approve an additional batch of start-up resources for the Rockwell Mentorship Program. I hope to see this note become a reality; it will greatly benefit our world.”

“Okay, okay, mentor.” Velich quickly snapped out of his daze and hurriedly wrote this down.

Rockwell jerked his head up, his bloodshot eyes filled with disbelief. He opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word.

Finally, the nearly fifty-year-old scholar, suppressing his excitement, bowed deeply to the man before him who was much younger than him.

"Thanks……"

“You’re welcome, Mr. Rockwell,” Luo Yan smiled and said gently, “You didn’t get this opportunity because of my charity, but because your knowledge impressed me.”

Those resounding words silenced the entire seminar room.

Upon hearing these warm and comforting words, Rockwell could no longer contain his emotions, and tears streamed down his face.

Saint Sis above—

He actually saw the light of fairness in this snowy plain where the strong were respected!

Rukoro stared in astonishment, his eyes wide with disbelief, his mouth agape, unable to utter a single word.

Rockwell?!
This fifty-year-old relic?
Why!

As is well known, if a magician in a school is still a mentor at the age of fifty, he will basically have to stay in that position until retirement.

However, this prince from the empire did not play by the rules at all and completely ignored this unspoken rule.

He looked around frantically, hoping someone would come out and remind the prince.

However, everyone present was intelligent and was hoping someone else would step forward; they wouldn't stand up and speak at this time.

Except for one person—

"What utter nonsense!" Professor Camille, who had returned to the seminar room earlier, cursed and stormed out of the room.

This was the second time he had stormed off in anger.

He wanted to see who met Colin's criteria, but he never expected that the person chosen after him would be a clown!
Camille sneered inwardly.

Just wait and see!
Once this chaotic committee has squandered all the legacy left to future generations, the Council of Sages will eventually realize how foolish it was to choose this idiot as its chief executive!

Professor Arist Thorne will naturally step in to clean up the mess!

Unlike Camille, who left in anger, and the Rukoro who suppressed their discontent.

While they were muttering complaints and even cursing, the truly talented but unconnected scholars waiting at the table had a glimmer of hope in their eyes.

The true crown is never tarnished by the incompetent rage of clowns; what the bugs feel is the collapse of the sky is precisely the dawn of a new era for ordinary people.

They finally realized that this young CEO was not simply strict or deliberately making things difficult for them, these "ordinary scholars."

He is truly God's chosen one, bathed in holy light!
He is fairly selecting scholars who are truly suitable for each precious virtual resource!
(End of this chapter)