Chapter 360: Seeing the Princess Again

The moment he walked 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 board jointly composed of such a Great Wizard and several Dark Sun/Moon-level figures, it would be a lie to say he wasn't nervous at all.

Now that he had passed successfully, his whole body relaxed instantly.

"Mentor!"

A vibrant voice came from the other end of the corridor, interrupting his thoughts.

Luo En turned his head and saw the members of his elite team walking quickly toward him.

The silver-haired youth Herman walked in front, his eyes filled with irrepressible excitement.

Lis followed closely behind, her brown curly hair somewhat messy, clearly having rushed over.

"We heard your review results are out!" Lucia’s voice carried clear anticipation:

"Mr. Evan from the Academic Affairs Office said that even Great Wizard Vinad personally attended the review?"

The other two also crowded over, their eyes filled with curiosity and awe.

Looking at the expectant faces of these young people, Luo En’s already good mood improved even further.

"The review passed successfully," he answered concisely, the corners of his mouth rising involuntarily:

"The paper will be published in the journal *Deconstruction* and has been listed as a key research achievement for this issue."

"Oh my god! *Deconstruction*!" Herman’s voice almost turned into a gasp:

"That is the most important among the first-tier journals! Mentor, you are going to cause a sensation in the academic world!"

Lis’s eyes were filled with adoration:

"I knew Mentor would succeed! Your research results are so outstanding, those review professors couldn't possibly ignore them."

The other students also expressed their congratulations.

The joy of the young was so pure, as if Luo En’s success was their own victory.

"Alright, let's not talk about this for now," Luo En waved his hand, changing the subject:

"You came here today, surely not just to congratulate me? How is your homework coming along?"

Hearing this question, the expressions of the students immediately became serious.

Herman took out an exquisite document bag first:

"Mentor, this is my research report for this month. Following your suggestion, I deeply studied the limiting factors of multi-dimensional 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 stability mechanisms experience systematic failure. 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 to attempt 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 train 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 costs required to actually construct such a buffer layer?"

Hearing his mentor’s question, Herman’s eyes lit up immediately:

"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."

Lis also couldn't wait to take out her own results:

"Mentor, this is my improved formula for the 'Mental Stabilizer.' Following your guidance last time, I adjusted the proportions of three of the herbs and added a new catalyst."

She showed the test tube in her hand; the liquid inside presented a faint golden color and exuded a calming fragrance:

"The duration of the new version’s efficacy 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 "Transcendental Identification" to perceive the energy structure within it.

Indeed, Lis’s improvement to the formula was quite clever, not only enhancing the efficacy but also optimizing stability.

"A very good improvement," he nodded with satisfaction:

"But don't test on yourself next time; safety first. You can apply for experimental animals or use a 'Vitality Detector' for virtual testing."

Lucia showed her progress in bloodline sensing:

"Mentor, following your suggestion, I attempted to analyze the bloodline characteristics of several Abyss creatures. Although I cannot yet achieve a complete analysis, I have 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 some Abyss creatures that are completely different on the surface may actually have a common bloodline source. This phenomenon hints 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 such deep connections showed that her ability was developing rapidly.

The other students also showed their respective progress.

"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 their mentor’s approval, proud smiles appeared on the faces of the 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 knew we were your students, whether it’s the ranking rise speed of the 'Key' potion or the approval for obtaining experimental materials, we have received unprecedented preferential treatment."

Lis also nodded in agreement:

"Yes, Mentor. Originally, when I applied for the raw materials for the 'Mental Stabilizer,' waiting in line would take at least two months. But when the administrator saw that 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 could guide such an outstanding student as you, their disciples naturally deserve special care."

Listening to the students’ accounts, Luo En felt a mix of emotions.

On one hand, he was happy that his 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 such thing as kindness without reason.

These preferential treatments were essentially investments in him, the "New Star Project Runner-up."

Those who provided convenience were all expecting 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 on your reputation."

Lis’s eyes burned with fire:

"Mentor, we understand that this preferential treatment is not taken for granted. We must use actual results to prove that we deserve 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 shows that your thinking has begun to mature," Luo En nodded with relief:

"In this world, all conveniences have a price, and all preferential treatments have expectations."

He paused, 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 some extent, also a recognition of your potential."

Herman nodded thoughtfully:

"I understand, Mentor. We will continue to work hard and strive to match this treatment with actual strength, rather than just relying on your reputation."

"Well said," Luo En praised:

"By the way, since your abilities have all significantly improved, I want to discuss teaching with you."

This topic change caught the students by surprise. Lis asked curiously: "Teaching? Mentor, you mean...?"

"The Academic Affairs Office notified me that I can set up a prerequisite tutoring session for advanced courses."

Luo En explained:

"Considering that the level of the students who signed up is uneven, I can arrange for teaching assistants to provide remedial lessons and preparatory teaching for basic knowledge."

His gaze swept over every student present:

"I want you to serve as teaching assistants, responsible for basic teaching in different fields.

This will not only help those students with weak foundations but 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 qualified to serve as teaching assistants?"

Herman’s voice carried a mix of excitement and trepidation:

"Among the students who signed up, most are high-level apprentices at the same level as me, or even those who have studied 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; you should 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, 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 status.