Chapter 16: chapter 16
After completing registration, to express her apology, Lyra specifically escorted Ben to the male dormitory.
As soon as they left, the registration area immediately erupted into discussion.
"I didn't expect that this ultimate simp would actually come to Chicago University?"
"Wait… how did he get in with his talent?"
"Is that even a question? He must have used connections and pulled strings!"
"Pulling strings to get into Chicago University? It seems Ben's family background is quite impressive!"
"I hate people who rely on connections the most…"
"I think it's a terrible decision for Chicago University to admit him. This guy is insanely popular online. Once people find out he got in, even a fool would know something shady is going on. At that point, the university's reputation might take a serious hit."
"That's right, but what's even more foolish is Ben himself. With his talent, what can he even do here? Does he think anyone will risk teaming up with him?"
"Heh, I bet he won't even survive his first Spirit Realm challenge!"
"What if he somehow survives?"
"If he survives, I'll livestream myself eating sh*t!!"
On the Way
Lyra was explaining the campus layout to Ben.
"Junior, the building on the right is the cafeteria, and the red one on the left is the teaching building. The others are all training halls."
Ben was puzzled. "So many training halls?"
Lyra nodded. "Actually, the teaching content at extraordinary universities is limited, mostly covering relevant information about the Spirit Realm. The real focus is on improving students' strength so they can survive."
"Even though Chicago University ranks at the bottom of the top ten, our training facilities are just as good as other elite schools!"
She pointed toward a domed building. "See that one? That's the gravity chamber, equipped with the most advanced gravity technology in the country. The maximum gravity can reach five times that of Earth! Training in there is extremely effective."
Ben was surprised.
He recalled how Vegeta and Goku trained in a gravity chamber in Dragon Ball.
But that was just anime!
The technical difficulty of a real gravity chamber should be insanely high. He never expected this world to actually have one!
It seemed technology in this world was far more advanced than he had imagined.
But something felt off…
They had aircraft, light energy technology, and gravity chambers, yet everyday civilian technology was still outdated.
Wait!
Ben suddenly realized something.
Aircraft, light energy technology, gravity chambers… aren't these the key components needed for a spaceship?
Could it be that the higher-ups feared Earth was indefensible and had been secretly researching and preparing spaceships—ready to escape with a Fire Seed Project at any time?
This thought sent a shiver down his spine.
Right now, humans weren't actually losing the war on the extraterrestrial battlefield.
So, what made the higher-ups so desperate? Why were they always preparing an escape plan?
Could it be…
Was his previous theory correct?
Is there truly something out there that devours stars?
Thinking about this, cold sweat formed on Ben's back.
What kind of terrifying existence could devour entire stars?
'I hope I'm overthinking this. Maybe the higher-ups are just preparing for the worst-case scenario…'
He reassured himself silently.
"Ben? Junior? Ben?"
Lyra's voice pulled him back to reality.
"Huh? Senior, what's wrong?"
She smiled. "The male dormitory is just ahead. I'm a girl, so I won't be going in."
Ben looked up and saw the dormitory building.
He quickly thanked her. "Thanks, Senior."
Lyra smiled and reminded him, "Classes officially start in three days. Don't be late!"
Extraordinary universities started early because the Spirit Realm opened every month. There was no time for summer vacations.
After saying this, Lyra turned and left.
Ben dragged his suitcase and entered the dormitory building.
The Dormitory
Chicago University was indeed one of the top ten universities. The basic facilities were top-notch. Even student dorms were single rooms.
When Ben got his key and opened his dorm, his eyes lit up.
The room was small but had everything: a bed, a computer desk, air conditioning, and even a private bathroom.
It was simple but comfortable.
Most extraordinary universities provided single rooms because students frequently entered the Spirit Realm, facing constant life-or-death situations.
To ensure proper rest, single rooms were the best option.
Two Days Later
Over the past two days, Ben had been going to the sunbathing experience hall daily. He even got a membership for it.
Besides that, he had also familiarized himself with all the school's facilities.
He had to admit—extraordinary universities were beyond his expectations.
There were many training areas he had never even heard of before.
The Last Day of Vacation
At 9 AM, Ben arrived at the sunbathing experience hall on time.
After finishing his sunbathing session, his attributes were as follows:
Race: Human
Constitution: 60
Spirit: 26
Strength: 60
Agility: 60
Talent: Kryptonian bloodline
Spirit Energy Points: 0
In just five days, his stats had skyrocketed!
The Great Superman Physique was truly incredible!!
Ben left the experience hall feeling great and returned to campus.
Since today was the final registration day, new students were still arriving, making the school livelier than ever.
Many students had chosen to spend extra time with their families before coming, so the campus was crowded.
A Familiar Figure
At the registration area, Ben spotted a very familiar figure.
She was incredibly beautiful. Even though she was just standing in a corner, she naturally attracted everyone's attention—like a firefly in the dark.
It was Leo.
At that moment, most of the boys were sneaking glances at Leo—even some of the girls.
Seeing her, everyone suddenly understood…
Some people are just born to be protagonists.
Wherever she stood, that became the center stage.
Just as Ben considered taking a detour, Leo spotted him.
"Ben!"
Leo shouted.
Standing next to Leo was a middle-aged man with a stern face—probably her father, Henry.
Hearing his daughter call out, Henry immediately turned to look at Ben.