The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 396 My Lord, We Meet Again

"...Next!"

Outside the seminar room of the "Virtual Realm Asset Restructuring Committee," a mentor who had just finished an interview strode out of the room with his head held high.

Although the seminar was still ongoing, he couldn't wait to share his joy with his long-awaited friends.

"By Saint Sith, I have passed! His Excellency the Chairman actually approved my research project on 'mimicking monsters in the virtual realm'!"

"Haha, congratulations, buddy! I told you, as long as you have real talent, His Highness Colin will definitely give us a chance!" His friend responded excitedly, genuinely happy that his theories had finally been appreciated.

The tutor was probably so excited that he forgot his own name and clenched his fists in excitement.

"Indeed! Unlike before, good resources were either consumed within the university faction or fell into the hands of the 'Thorne Society'!"

"Yeah...shh, keep it down!" His friend quickly stopped him, realizing he'd gotten a little too carried away...

Similar conversations could be heard everywhere in the corridor outside the committee's office.

Due to Luo Yan's fairness and foresight during the selection process, the "Reorganization Committee" has gained increasing prestige.

Many scholars who had previously been marginalized due to a lack of background, or who had even given up hope of fair resource allocation, came to apply with their long-dormant research results, hoping to gain the prince's favor.

They are all quite capable; although not geniuses, they are pillars of their respective fields.

In a sense, this can be considered a reshuffling within the Tower of Great Sages.

Driven by both interests and ideologies, a "scientific" school of thought, with Luo Yan at its core, gradually formed among the upper and middle-level scholars of the tower.

Its momentum is so great that it seems to be rivaling the long-established interest group "Sohn's Association"!

after all--

When people talk about the allocation of virtual resources, they always inevitably compare the current situation with the past ten years.

This comparison is a losing proposition for Alistair; after all, dividing one's own estate is never as satisfying as dividing someone else's.

Inside the office, Luo Yan had just finished a conversation with the newly appointed project manager.

After expressing his gratitude, the well-informed tutor hesitated for a long time before finally deciding to offer the kind and benevolent prince some "insider" advice.

"Your Excellency Chairman, we scholars have witnessed your impartiality and are extremely grateful. But... please be careful. By doing this, you are taking away from the interests of the 'Thorne Society'."

Luo Yan smiled inwardly upon hearing this, and calmly poured the other person another cup of tea.

"Oh? The Thorne Society?"

The instructor nodded and said nervously.

"Yes... to be precise, it's Professor Arist Thorne's faction."

Luo Yan said thoughtfully.

"I heard he is a respected scholar."

"That's natural, but you don't know..."

Seeing that he seemed unaware of the situation, the tutor lowered his voice and continued.

"Professor Arist Thorne is the Great Sage's prized student and the most renowned researcher of the Void Realm in the Academy over the past decade. He is even considered the most likely successor to the Great Sage's mantle. With the Great Sage's patronage, he and his disciples have spent over a decade building a vast network within the Great Sage's Tower, penetrating areas beyond the reach of the Sage Council and even maintaining connections with the nobles of the Kingdom of Rhodes. Of course, he is certainly not as powerful as you, but—"

Luo Yan coughed lightly, interrupting him.

"Thank you for reminding me. However, I think there's no need to worry too much. I have no grudge against Professor Thorne, and I trust his character; he certainly wouldn't care about such a trivial matter."

Seeing that Prince Colin was completely oblivious, the tutor opened his mouth, but ultimately swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

He sighed inwardly, thinking that this prince was ultimately too merciful and would likely stumble in the darker side of the academic community...

Luo Yan could tell from his expression that this guy was probably judging others by his own standards.

After the conversation ended, Luo Yan personally saw him to the door.

When the office door closed again, the honesty and gentleness on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a profound understanding.

He walked to the window, looking down at the misty streets and spires below the mage tower, a faint smile on his face.

All the clues came together at that moment.

He understood why the great sage would entrust such significant power to him, an "outsider," and why he would leave the academy at such a "perfect" time.

"...So that's how it is. That old fellow didn't trust me; he wanted me to be a catfish, to stir up this stagnant pool. To use an outsider prince to keep that overbearing spider, Arist Thorne, in check."

interesting……

However, it seems that the human relationships in this academic community are much colder than those in hell.

In fact, he had already sensed something during the "Winter Recruitment Exam Paper Swap Case"—the power struggle within the academic community was intensifying. However, there were many possibilities, and the probabilities were almost identical, so he couldn't be sure which one it was.

Luo Yan couldn't help but think of Goligao, the religious minister of Hell.

Although the old lich was also shrewd and calculating, when he was about to deal with his good-for-nothing "good student" Elder Zacro Dragon, he still repeatedly thought of their past relationship and deliberately let him win.

In contrast, Dolrich, a demigod born in the tower, was more "foreign-friendly" when faced with choices.

Although he understood, Luo Yan didn't care about it.

Being used isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially considering his purpose in coming to Xuebang; it could even be an opportunity.

Dolrich wanted to use him to prune the branches in the yard, to make him and Alistair fight to the death, and even to remove himself from the yard...

But this wise man probably hasn't realized that the ashes that wither in the flowerpot may bring not only nutrients, but also corrosion.

All greatness is forged through sacrifice, and this sacrifice does not necessarily have to be death.

A playful smile appeared on Luo Yan's lips.

Perhaps he should start thinking about planning a glorious exit for himself...

……

In the afternoon, a meeting on a low-value virtual realm recycling plan was being held in the seminar room of the "Virtual Realm Asset Restructuring Committee".

The virtual resources approved for restarting are still being released continuously, but the committee's work involves much more than just signing documents.

His Highness Colin also thoughtfully provided "after-sales service".

After all, whether these resources can be studied correctly is also related to the evaluation of the committee's future work.

Because it affected too many people's interests, scholars led by Professor Camille have been reporting to the council and questioning the committee's work.

He believes that Colin selected researchers for the virtual world entirely based on personal preference, without seriously reviewing the researchers' academic backgrounds.

Frankly, this sounds more like an accusation against Professor Alistair's work over the past decade, and Luo Yan has heard similar veiled complaints from Professor Hector more than once.

Clearly, even with Professor Hector's qualifications, there are some things he wouldn't dare to say outright.

However, since the Great Sage is not currently in the Academy, the Council can only give a perfunctory response even if they hear Professor Camille's voice.

Luo Yan believed that this was definitely not at Professor Alistair's behest, after all, that guy was a smart man.

Even if such a person were to do something bad, it would definitely be a big news story, not some kind of "flirtatious criticism from a young girl."

Luo Yan was playing his cards patiently while waiting for Professor Alistair to make his move.

Just as one topic had concluded and the scholars at the seminar were preparing to take a short break, the meeting room door was suddenly pushed open.

Miller burst in, disregarding all etiquette, even forgetting to bow to his superior, his face filled with unbelievable ecstasy.

"Mentor! Virtual Realm No. 440! Its passage... shows signs of recovery! The energy fluctuations are steadily increasing!"

The entire seminar room fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on Miller and Luo Yan, their faces filled with surprise.

The 440th illusory realm had previously gone into hibernation twice, a fact known to all scholars in the academic community. Almost everyone thought this hibernation would last longer, given the significant changes that had occurred in the world behind the illusory realm, but no one expected it to return so quickly.

Luo Yan was the same; a barely perceptible hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He had thought that Void Realm No. 178 would make progress first, but unexpectedly, Void Realm No. 440, which had been silent for a long time, suddenly revived.

Looking at the whispering discussion room, he smiled and nodded to the scholars present, signaling them to calm down.

"It seems we have made new progress... Gentlemen, please continue the discussion. Today's topic remains the same. Let's not delay everyone's work because of my personal research."

"It doesn't matter whether I'm here or not."

After saying that, Luo Yan ordered Vilich beside him, "This is your responsibility. Proceed as usual." Vilich immediately stood up straight and nodded excitedly.

"Understood! Mentor! Leave it to me!"

Luo Yan smiled and nodded, then immediately stood up and quickly left the seminar room with the impatient teaching assistant Miller.

Since His Highness Colin's seminar had always been in a relaxed atmosphere, more like an equal academic discussion than a serious work report, the scholars present were not dissatisfied with the sudden interruption; on the contrary, they all expressed their understanding.

As they watched Prince Colin's figure disappear through the doorway of the seminar room, the scholars at the long table began to chatter excitedly.

"There's new information about the 440th virtual realm?!"

"As expected of Prince Colin! He resolved the reconnection issue so quickly..."

"I can't wait! I wonder what interesting things Corinta will discover behind the 440th virtual realm next time!"

Everyone is looking forward to it.

……

Collin Tower, Virtual Lab 440.

All the teaching assistants had arrived, and they nervously and excitedly surrounded the long-silent virtual lens, waiting for their leader to arrive.

When Luo Yan appeared at the door, everyone immediately fell silent and respectfully bowed to the prince.

"tutor."

Luo Yan nodded, said nothing more, and walked straight to the center of the magic circle, giving a concise command.

"Activate the magic circle, open the passage, and then limit the energy output efficiency to a low level... Let's see what's going on on the other side after waiting for so long."

In previous research, the "Pope" of the 440th Void Realm overthrew the old order under the divine oracle that "the time has come," and dominated the collapsed new world in the name of the Holy Light Society. After everything settled down, he and his disciples retreated into the shadows of history and established the Shadow Society, which aims to study the Void, as a check on the ancient god Corin.

This Pope of the 440th Virtual Realm is different from Jon of the 178th Virtual Realm. Their identities, backgrounds, and ultimate fates are vastly different, including their attitudes toward the Virtual Realm.

As a pope who has seen everything, it is of course impossible for him to truly offer his heartfelt piety, and all of this was something Luo Yan had anticipated.

He was just a little curious.

How do these Solipsians, who have already established themselves in the future, intend to face the "covenant about the future" written in the New Testament?

As soon as His Highness Colin gave the order, the teaching assistants immediately sprang into action.

The runes on the magic circle lit up one by one, accompanied by a low hum. Ripples spread across the surface of the illusory lens, and then a soft light shone from it.

The space transformed into a soft gel, enveloping the entire first floor of the mage tower.

As the passageway opened, the hazy lens was illuminated once more!
However, when the azure light faded, what greeted everyone's eyes was a scene that left them utterly astonished.

It wasn't the industrial world filled with factories and steam they remembered, but rather a pastoral landscape so tranquil it was almost eerie.

Their "viewpoint" returned to the huge stone monument, but the magnificent church and square that originally surrounded it had disappeared.

All that could be seen was an endless, sparse wheat field...

As before, these Solipusi people are not suited for farming; it's as if they were forcibly thrown into this world.

Miller was stunned and remained motionless for a long time before finally exclaiming in surprise.

"What...what is going on?"

Time went back?!

but--

how come? !

The researchers standing around were the same; a murmur rippled through the room, their faces filled with disbelief.

As everyone knows, time in the virtual realm can only be accelerated or slowed down, but cannot be reversed!

"Incredible..."

"What the hell happened?"

"Have the Solipusi people regressed to the era of slash-and-burn agriculture?"

"Impossible! And... even if that were true, how could the scenery here be exactly the same as in our records?!"

Time, of course, cannot be reversed.

Luo Yan was also surprised by the scene before him, but unlike the others, he did not fall into astonishment and confusion, but instead fell into deep thought.

Moreover, his gaze was not focused on the vast farmland, but rather on the Solipus people working in the fields.

Their movements were earnest, but not in the kind of earnestness one would show for making a living; it was more like an adult deliberately imitating a child's game.

This is not farming, but meticulously performing a ritual.

not only that--

This pastoral scene is too "perfect," like a meticulously painted vintage work of art, so perfect that even the sparseness of the wheat seedlings is just right, without the slightest hint of natural disorder.

Taking all these details into account, he quickly realized something was wrong, and some observant researchers also noticed it.

“Your Highness…” Miller swallowed hard, about to speak.

Just then, a Solipsian farmer working in the field behind the virtual world suddenly stopped hoeing.

He slowly raised his head, and his "eyes," which were buried deep beneath countless tentacles and seemed unfocused, seemed to pierce through the endless void in an instant and "looked" directly at the laboratory where they were.

Then, the meticulous expression on his face was quickly replaced by heartfelt joy.

The researchers standing in the hall of the mage tower all keenly sensed his emotions through the ripples of their mental energy.

The Solipsian man, like a joyful child, dropped his farm tools and ran towards the village.

Then, a large number of people gathered from the edge of the village.

"They can see us!" Miller exclaimed, the words he was about to say stuck in his throat by this incredible situation.

Luo Yan also nodded slightly with a slight frown.

"It's a bit... unusual."

Previously, the magicians of Xuebang played the role of observers, unilaterally observing the changes in civilization within the virtual realm from behind the scenes.

Now, the other side seems to have become an "observer" in some sense.

This astonishing change means that in the two months he was away, the Solipsians' understanding and control of the Void Realm had reached a whole new level!

At least, their understanding of the virtual realm is no less than that of the magicians in the Academy!
It's even possible that they are above them...

All the researchers realized this incredible situation and excitedly whispered among themselves, sharing their thoughts.

no doubt--

Their mage tower has produced another achievement worthy of being featured on the cover of the Wise Man's Journal!

As they gaze into the void, the void also gazes into them!

Before long, a Solipusi man dressed in a simple white robe slowly approached the stone tablet, surrounded by a crowd.

His antennae had turned gray, and the marks of aging were like mottled lines imprinted on every inch of his exposed skin.

Instead of kneeling like the others, he looked up at the invisible "viewpoint" with a kind and devout smile on his face.

Luo Yan could clearly sense that the smile contained not only the awe of a believer seeing a deity, but also the joy of reuniting with a long-lost friend.

Clearly, they have experienced a lot since this separation and are eager to share their travel experiences with the voice that once inspired them.

This is probably the first time in the history of Xuebang that the beings behind the virtual realm have taken the initiative to extend an invitation to communicate with the "master" behind the virtual realm.

His voice resonated clearly in the minds of everyone in the laboratory through spiritual connection.

That was a declaration of goodwill.

“My Lord, we meet again.”

(End of this chapter)