Inside the office…
Terry Yan poured water for the two of them with uncommon warmth.
"Here you go, heroes of the day. Have something to drink."
It was clear his mood couldn't be better. The smile on his face refused to fade.
"Congratulations to both of you. Another stellar performance. The principal already got the news and is holding a meeting right now to discuss rewards. You two are being considered for special commendations, so keep it up and let's reach even greater heights!"
Seeing that Vincent Fox wasn't showing much emotion, Terry asked, "Are you worried about what that Godslayer Academy instructor said before leaving? About requesting a hypnotist investigation?"
Vincent replied calmly, "Worried? Not really. A clear conscience fears no ghost. But I am curious what exactly does this 'hypnotist investigation' mean, Professor?"
"Oh, hypnotists," Terry said, as if it were a casual topic. "They're individuals who've awakened supernatural abilities tied to the mind and psyche."
He leaned in slightly and lowered his voice, revealing a secret.
"Our nation actually controls several Forbidden Zones that the public doesn't know about. One of them is rumored to greatly increase the chances of awakening hypnosis-based talents. The government treats it as a training ground for developing psychic specialists."
Vincent's heart skipped a beat. "So you're saying… hypnotists are the real deal?"
"Exactly," Terry nodded. He gave Vincent a reassuring look. "But don't worry. Walter Wayne was just trying to scare you. Even if the state has access to hypnotists, applying for one isn't that easy."
"Even if he somehow pulled some strings, it would still be a breach of protocol. The academy will step in. We'll make sure nothing touches you."
Vincent kept a neutral expression, but inside, he felt a deep sigh of relief.
Terry added, "That said, if Wayne keeps trying to smear you, it could get annoying. Maybe no one will act publicly, but behind closed doors, the families backing those students might have other ideas. Still, as long as you stay on campus, no one will lay a finger on you."
"Understood. Thank you, sir," Vincent said gratefully.
Autumn Summer also bowed her head slightly. "Thanks for looking out for us, Professor."
"Looking out?" Terry laughed and waved it off. "This is nothing."
Then he paused and eyed them meaningfully.
"Vincent, Autumn… be honest with me. Were those students from Godslayer Academy really taken out by you two?"
Vincent's face was calm as ever. "Professor, I don't know what you mean. I never saw them in the Forbidden Zone. Ask Autumn if you don't believe me."
Autumn nodded quickly. "It's true."
Terry gave them both a long look then suddenly burst into laughter.
"Good! That's exactly the story you need to stick with! No matter who asks, just keep saying that. Leave the rest to me!"
Only then did Vincent and Autumn realize Terry wasn't trying to extract information he was warning them. Making sure their stories didn't slip.
Vincent frowned slightly. "Professor, are you saying someone else will come to question us?"
"Not exactly an investigation," Terry said. "More like… an inquiry."
He explained, "It's not about the students who died. It's because of your performance. Two gold evaluations in a row especially after what happened in Zone 2 has drawn the attention of higher-ups."
"Back when you aced Zone 2, there were already people interested in speaking with you. The school intervened and shut that down."
"But now, with this second gold rating, they'll definitely send someone."
"They'll want to know how you did it. What your strategy was. Your 'walkthrough,' so to speak."
"Of course, you can refuse to answer if you'd like."
Terry paused, then added gently, "Still, I hope you'll consider sharing it. Revealing your method could help a lot of people. And don't worry if you do choose to share, the state will compensate you fairly."
Vincent could see it clearly now.
Old Terry was a man with ideals. A patriot at heart.
Vincent had no issue sharing the strategy he used in Zone 3.
It wasn't a particularly complicated method. Anyone clever enough could figure it out those idiots like Elias Vale had already caught on.
But even if people knew the strategy, pulling it off required strength. You had to be powerful enough to control the infected.
That was the real bottleneck.
So, in truth, Vincent's method in Zone 3 wasn't universal. It wasn't a one-size-fits-all tactic.
But the Zone 2 strategy? That one he wouldn't share.
Call it selfish if you want.
Vincent didn't care.
He was selfish.
Knowing the plotline of that world was his one and only cheat. He wasn't about to hand that advantage to anyone else.
After some thought, Vincent said, "Professor, I'm not a fan of being questioned. Is there any way the school can block the interviews?"
Terry looked surprised. "You're worried they'll force you to give up the strategy?"
Vincent shook his head. "Not at all. I just don't like being interrogated. I'll tell you the walkthrough myself. If they need it, you can relay it to them."
Terry didn't know whether to laugh or sigh, but eventually nodded.
"Alright. If there's any reward from the top, I'll make sure you get it first."
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