Chapter 377
The moment he stepped out of the conference room, Luo En felt an unprecedented sense of relief.
Although he was well-prepared and very confident in his research results.
Facing a review panel composed of such a Great Wizard and several Sun-Moon Luminaries, it would certainly be a lie to say he wasn't nervous at all.
Now that he had passed successfully, his entire body instantly relaxed.
"Mentor!"
A vibrant voice came from the other end of the corridor, interrupting his thoughts.
Luo En turned his head to look and discovered that the members of his elite team were walking quickly toward him.
The silver-haired youth Herman walked at the very front, his eyes filled with irrepressible excitement.
Lisi followed closely behind, her brown curly hair somewhat messy, clearly having rushed over in a hurry.
"We heard that your review results are out!" Lucia's voice carried obvious anticipation:
"Mr. Evan from the Academic Affairs Office said that even Great Wizard Vinard personally attended the review?"
The other three also crowded over, their eyes filled with curiosity and awe.
Looking at the expectant faces of this group of young people, Luo En's already good mood improved by a few degrees.
"The review passed successfully." He answered concisely, the corners of his mouth lifting involuntarily:
"The paper will be published in the journal *Deconstruction* and has also been listed as a key research achievement for this issue."
"Oh my god! *Deconstruction*!" Herman's voice almost turned into an exclamation:
"That is the most important among first-tier journals! Mentor, you are going to cause a sensation in the academic world!"
Lisi's eyes were filled with adoration:
"I knew Mentor would definitely succeed! Your research results are so outstanding, those review professors couldn't possibly turn a blind eye."
The other students also expressed their congratulations one after another.
The joy of the young people was so pure, as if Luo En's success were their own victory.
"Alright, let's not talk about this for now." Luo En waved his hand, changing the subject:
"You came over today, it shouldn't just be to congratulate me, right? How are your studies coming along?"
Hearing this question, the expressions of the students immediately became serious.
Herman took the lead in taking out an exquisite document bag:
"Mentor, this is my research report for this month. Following your suggestion, I deeply studied the limiting factors of multidimensional transformation theory in practical applications."
He carefully took out a thick stack of parchment from the bag, densely recorded with various formulas and experimental data:
"I discovered that when energy transformation involves more than three dimensions, traditional stabilization mechanisms experience systematic failures. But if the concept of a 'buffer layer' is introduced..."
Luo En took the report and quickly browsed through its contents.
Herman's theoretical derivation was indeed more rigorous than before, and he had already begun attempting to combine abstract theory with practical application.
This progress was indeed visible to the naked eye; he was worthy of being the elite he had selected from hundreds of apprentices.
"The line of thought is very good." He nodded in praise:
"The concept of a 'buffer layer' is very creative and can indeed effectively solve the energy overflow problem during dimensional jumping. However, have you considered the material cost required to actually construct such a buffer layer?"
Hearing the mentor's question, Herman's eyes immediately lit up:
"I have considered it! If 'Void Quartz' is used as the main material, combined with a small amount of 'Circulation Sand' for regulation, theoretically, the cost can be controlled within an acceptable range."
Lisi also couldn't wait to take out her own results:
"Mentor, this is my improved 'Mental Stabilizer' formula. According to your guidance last time, I adjusted the proportions of three types of herbs and added a new catalyst."
She displayed the test tube in her hand; the liquid inside presented a faint golden color and emitted a calming fragrance:
"The new version's medicinal effect duration is extended by 40%, and the side effects are very small. I have already conducted small-dose tests on myself, and the effect is very good."
Luo En carefully observed the liquid in the test tube, activating "Extraordinary Identification" to perceive the energy structure within.
Indeed, Lisi's improvement to the formula was quite clever; not only did it enhance the medicinal effect, but it also optimized stability.
"A very good improvement." He nodded with satisfaction:
"However, do not test on yourself in future experiments; safety first. You can apply for experimental animals or use a 'Vitality Detector' for virtual testing."
Lucia then displayed her progress in bloodline sensing:
"Mentor, following your suggestion, I attempted to analyze the bloodline characteristics of several abyss creatures. Although I cannot achieve complete parsing yet, I have already been able to identify basic bloodline types and purity levels."
She took out a recording crystal, which stored the research results she had achieved during this period:
"The most interesting thing is that I discovered that certain abyss creatures that are completely different on the surface may actually have a common bloodline source. This phenomenon suggests that there may be some kind of unified evolutionary mechanism in the abyss."
This discovery made Luo En's eyes light up.
Lucia's talent for bloodline sensing was indeed outstanding; being able to perceive this deep connection showed that her ability was developing rapidly.
The other students also displayed their respective progress one after another.
"Your progress is all very obvious." Luo En praised sincerely:
"Being able to achieve such results in such a short time shows that you are all taking your studies seriously."
Hearing the mentor's recognition, proud smiles appeared on the faces of several students. But soon, Herman's expression became somewhat complex:
"Mentor... I must admit that our recent research progress is largely due to the... special treatment you have brought us."
His voice carried gratitude, but also a trace of unease:
"Ever since everyone found out we are your students, whether it's the ranking rise speed of 'Key' potions or the approval for obtaining experimental materials, we have received unprecedented preferential treatment."
Lisi also nodded in agreement:
"Yes, Mentor. Originally, when I applied for raw materials for the 'Mental Stabilizer', queuing took at least two months. But when the administrator saw the recommender was you, it was approved the next day."
Lucia's tone carried more complex emotions:
"The supervisor of the bloodline research laboratory even took the initiative to open up some high-level equipment for me that originally only formal wizards could use.
He said... he said that a mentor who can guide such outstanding students as you naturally deserves special care for their disciples."
Listening to the students' accounts, Luo En felt a mix of emotions.
On one hand, he was happy that the students could obtain better learning conditions;
On the other hand, he also realized the complex meaning behind this "special treatment."
In the world of wizards, there is no kindness without a reason.
These preferential treatments were essentially investments in him, this "New Star Project Runner-up."
Those who provided convenience were all looking forward to some form of return in the future.
"These preferential treatments..." Herman's voice became heavier:
"Make us both grateful and uneasy.
On one hand, it indeed greatly accelerated our research progress; on the other hand, we know deeply that this treatment is built upon your reputation."
Lisi's eyes burned with flames:
"Mentor, we understand that this preferential treatment is not taken for granted. We must use actual results to prove that we are worthy of this special care."
Lucia clenched her fists: "Precisely because of this, we are all working twice as hard. We cannot let those who support us down, and even more so, we cannot lose face for you."
"That you can realize this point shows that your thinking has begun to mature." Luo En nodded with relief:
"In this world, all convenience has a price, and all preferential treatment has expectations."
He paused for a moment, his tone becoming more serious:
"But at the same time, you don't need to blame yourselves too much.
You are indeed working hard to learn, and you have indeed achieved outstanding progress. These preferential treatments are, to a certain extent, also a recognition of your potential."
Herman nodded thoughtfully:
"I understand, Mentor. We will continue to work hard, striving to match this treatment with actual strength, rather than relying solely on your reputation."
"Well said." Luo En praised:
"By the way, since your abilities have all improved significantly, I want to discuss something with you regarding teaching."
This topic change caught the students somewhat by surprise. Lisi asked curiously: "Teaching? Mentor, do you mean...?"
"The Academic Affairs Office notified me that I can set up pre-tutoring sessions for advanced courses."
Luo En explained:
"Considering that the levels of the enrolled students are uneven, I can arrange for teaching assistants to conduct basic knowledge tutoring and preparatory teaching."
His gaze swept over every student present:
"I want to have you all serve as teaching assistants, responsible for basic teaching in different fields.
This will not only help those students with weak foundations, but it will also further improve your own abilities."
This proposal made the students' eyes light up instantly.
Serving as a teaching assistant meant higher academic status and more practical opportunities.
"Mentor, do you really think we are already qualified to serve as teaching assistants?"
Herman's voice carried a mix of excitement and trepidation:
"Among those enrolled students, most are at the same level as me, or even higher-level apprentices who have been studying longer than I have..."
"Ability is not entirely determined by age." Luo En answered calmly:
"In certain professional fields, your theoretical level has already surpassed most of your peers."
"Tomorrow is the start of the new course term; you all go back tonight and prepare your lesson plans.
Remember, as teaching assistants, you represent not only yourselves, but also my teaching level."
The students nodded solemnly in agreement, their eyes burning with unprecedented drive.
After saying goodbye to the students and returning to his new residence, Luo En began to calculate his current resource situation.
End of Chapter
