SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL

On the way to the dormitory, Ben and Leo walked side by side.

"Ben, do you regret giving me the precious Flame-Flame Fruit?"

Hearing Leo's question, Ben replied without hesitation, "What's there to regret?"

Indeed, there was no regret.

Trading a Flame-Flame Fruit that even a dog wouldn't eat for a Great Superman Physique was a huge profit! Only an idiot would regret it.

Fortunately, these were just his thoughts, and he didn't say them out loud. Otherwise, it would have been impolite to Leo.

Upon hearing this, Leo took a deep look at Ben.

"Then why did you choose to fuse with the Kryptonian bloodline? Is it really as they say, just to...?"

Leo didn't finish the sentence, but Ben understood.

It was nothing more than the speculation that had spread online—people calling him a super simp who didn't want his goddess to feel burdened and had sacrificed himself for love.

This question was tricky to answer.

Ben hesitated for a moment before saying, "I've always felt that the Kryptonian bloodline is incredibly rare. It must have its own unique advantages. So, I wanted to explore it and see if I could uncover its secrets."

Leo definitely didn't believe that answer.

The Kryptonian bloodline owner in North America had spent a lifetime researching it. Even with the help of the government, they couldn't unlock its secrets. Where did Ben get his confidence?

Moreover, how powerful was the Flame-Flame Fruit! It was a Natural Logia Devil Fruit. Once someone mastered it to the point of elementalization, they would be practically unkillable—as long as they didn't fall into the sea.

Giving up such a top-tier extraordinary ability to research a bloodline widely regarded as trash? Who would believe that?

"Since you don't want to say it, I won't ask." Leo then changed the topic. "Ben, have you thought about what kind of situation you'll face when you enter Chicago University with the Kryptonian bloodline?"

Ben smiled. "Isn't it just not being able to form a team? It's not a big deal."

The more indifferent he was, the more Leo believed that Ben had a death wish!

"Ben, don't be like this!"

Leo couldn't help but try to persuade him. "Extraordinary opportunities aren't only found in Holy Lands. There's a chance to obtain them in the Spirit Realm. You should give it a try."

The two were not on the same wavelength at all…

However, this didn't affect Ben's curiosity about Leo's words.

"There are also extraordinary opportunities in the Spirit Realm?"

"Yes! Although they're rare, every year, someone manages to obtain one there."

After a pause, Leo added, "So, don't be discouraged—please work hard!"

"Oh… okay!" Ben replied casually.

Seeing Ben's absent-minded expression, Leo thought he lacked confidence and decided to reveal something he had originally planned to keep secret for now.

"You don't have to worry about teaming up in the Spirit Realm—you already have a teammate!"

Ben was slightly surprised and finally looked at Leo seriously.

Without even thinking, he knew exactly what Leo meant.

The so-called teammate was obviously Leo himself.

Otherwise, who would willingly team up with someone with a "trash talent"?

"You want to team up with me?"

"Yes!" Leo nodded and calmly said, "The Flame-Flame Fruit was originally yours. Since you gave it to me, I have an obligation to protect you."

Hearing this, Ben frowned.

He appreciated Leo's kindness…

But he had no interest in playing team games!

It was more fun to clear the Spirit Realm alone!

As far as he knew, the early stages of the Spirit Realm weren't too difficult. Even ordinary people had a chance of survival. With his strength in a month, clearing the first layer would be no problem!

He didn't need teammates at all.

Besides, he had to keep his Great Superman physique a secret for now, and having a teammate would only make that harder.

"You're simply messing around!" Ben scolded. "Do you even know what kind of talent I have? Team up with me? Aren't you afraid of being dragged down? I refuse!!"

Leo was stunned!

Ben's tone just now reminded him of Henry, his father!

No!

Even more domineering than his father.

No one had ever spoken to him like this before.

For a moment, Leo stood there dumbfounded, unsure of what to say…

Honestly, Leo's dazed look was kind of cute, with a natural innocence to it.

"Leo, I know you're kind-hearted, but you don't need to do this. My choices are my own. Let go of your unnecessary sympathy and respect other people's fates."

Ben looked at Leo seriously. "Don't forget your former oath—you want to kill that monster king. From now on, you can't afford to take a wrong step, understand?"

"I..."

Leo was completely taken aback.

He had come to persuade Ben.

How did he end up being persuaded instead?

And even lectured?

But Leo was smart and quickly thought of a counterargument.

Unfortunately…

Ben didn't give him a chance to speak!

"The dormitory is here. I can't go in, so you go find your room yourself! Get settled first—we'll talk next time."

After leaving those words behind, Ben turned and walked toward the boys' dormitory.

Leaving Leo completely speechless…

Watching Ben's retreating figure, Leo took a deep breath before dragging his suitcase into the girls' dormitory.

Despite being lectured, he wasn't angry.

Because in his opinion, Ben's behavior was completely for his sake…

The Next Morning

Ben got up early but didn't head to the Sunbathing Experience Hall.

Because today marked the official start of classes.

It was his first class, and he didn't want to be late, as that would leave a bad impression on the teacher.

When he arrived at the teaching building, he found students gathered around a box, drawing lots.

Ben quickly understood what was happening.

Class division.

And the division was done by drawing lots.

There were three classes in the freshman year—Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Chicago University admitted exactly 300 students each year.

It wasn't feasible to cram all 300 students into one class. Not only would it be difficult for teachers to manage, but the classrooms wouldn't be able to accommodate them.

"Do transcendent universities really only enroll 300 people? Isn't that too few?"

It was indeed a small number!

Ordinary universities admitted thousands of students each year. Compared to them, transcendent universities barely made a fraction of that.

This was mainly because the number of people who obtained extraordinary opportunities was relatively low.

After filtering out those with weak talents, even fewer students were truly worth cultivating.

As a result, the number of teachers and students at transcendent universities was relatively small.

Ben joined the line for the lottery.

When it was his turn, he drew "B"!

Not very lucky.

Because he already knew that at Chicago University, Class A was the elite