For more chapters
patreon.com/Liamlivingstone
Only three people remained in the office. They were Ben, Old Adore, and the principal.
"Ben, I've reviewed your file," the principal began. "You fused with a Kryptonian bloodline?"
"Yes," Ben nodded.
The principal, already aware of how Ben had obtained the Kryptonian bloodline card, smiled. "Kryptonian bloodline cards are very rare, and the talent rules in Chicago University state that the rarer the talent, the more powerful it is. Therefore, I believe that the Kryptonian bloodline card must have extraordinary properties and should not be viewed as a useless talent, as the world perceives it."
"Don't be discouraged," the principal continued, "maybe you're the one who will unlock the secrets of the Kryptonian bloodline!"
Ben was silent. He didn't expect the principal to comfort him in this way, and was unsure how to respond.
Seeing Ben's lack of words, the principal smiled again and said, "I just asked Melody Song what the secret was behind getting an SSS-level mission rating in the Spirit Realm. She said it was all thanks to you."
"Because of me?" Ben was stunned.
He thought Melody had betrayed him, but he quickly dismissed that thought. He knew Melody wouldn't do something so reckless.
"Yes," the principal confirmed. "She said your brain is exceptional, with sharp insight. In the face of danger, you can remain calm and quickly make beneficial decisions. Thanks to your guidance, you were able to create miracles in the Spirit Realm!"
Ben smiled, feeling flattered by Melody's praise, though he couldn't help but think that she was learning to flatter him a bit too well.
"Did Melody really say that?" Ben asked, trying to be humble. "Actually, my brain isn't that amazing."
With his current strength, he could just bulldoze his way through the Spirit Realm. Why would he need to rely on his brain?
"No need to be modest," the principal smiled. "I trust Melody's judgment."
The principal's expression then turned serious. "Ben, are you aware of the bounty on the foreign dark web?"
Ben nodded. "I know."
The principal's face grew somber. "Some people don't want us to succeed. They're afraid that an unprecedented powerhouse will emerge from America and affect them. They want to use despicable means to stifle talent!"
The principal paused and looked directly at Ben. "I have an important task I want to entrust to you."
Ben blinked in surprise. "Please, go ahead."
"I'm concerned for Melody's safety," the principal said gravely. "While Chicago University will provide the best protection within the school, I fear that those people might send their agents to play dirty tricks in the Spirit Realm."
"Since Melody trusts your judgment so much, her safety in the Spirit Realm can only be entrusted to you. I hope you can guide her away from danger while you're in the Spirit Realm."
In fact, many powerful figures had contacted the principal of Chicago University, urging him to do everything in his power to protect Melody without affecting her performance in the Spirit Realm.
Her appearance had given many of the elites hope. If she could continue progressing, she might one day break humanity's limits, become a god on Earth, and save the world!
While this possibility was slim, they felt they had to try.
Of course, the principal didn't tell Ben these details. It was all classified.
"Don't worry, Principal," Ben assured him. "In the Spirit Realm, I will do everything in my power to protect Melody."
He didn't need the principal to ask him. He would protect Melody in the Spirit Realm regardless. After all, she was his designated future wife.
"Good!" The principal was very pleased with Ben's response. He then took a box from the drawer and handed it to him. "This is my personal support for you."
Ben, intrigued, asked, "Principal, what is this?"
The principal smiled. "Armament Haki."
Upon hearing the name, both Ben and Old Adore looked shocked, unable to hide their surprise. This was Armament Haki!
Among the extraordinary items from the Spirit Realm, Armament Haki was a top-tier rarity. It was more valuable than many other extraordinary opportunities from the Holy Land!
More than forty years ago, an Armament Haki was sold at an extraordinary auction for an astronomical price of 500 million! However, that was four decades ago. Now, it would be almost impossible to buy even for 5 billion.
Armament Haki was rare, and once someone obtained it, they would likely keep it for themselves rather than sell it.
Furthermore, Armament Haki was the nemesis of all Devil Fruit users! For example, users of Natural-type Devil Fruits, once they reached a certain stage where they could "elementalize," became immortal beings, immune to all conventional physical attacks.
Only Armament Haki could counter such powers!
This illustrated how valuable Armament Haki was. There were only a few items in the Spirit Realm rarer than it, such as Conqueror's Haki and other special abilities.
"Principal, this is too precious…" Ben muttered.
Even he was tempted by the value of Armament Haki. His "Fist Wind Impact" technique required the power of Armament Haki to upgrade to the "Fist Bone Impact." Armament Haki was exactly what he needed.
Thus, while he acknowledged its value, he didn't immediately reject the offer.
The principal, seeing Ben's interest, smiled knowingly. He waved his hand dismissively. "It's not valuable to me. I'm giving it to you so you can use it wisely to protect Melody and help you make the best use of the Spirit Energy Points in the Spirit Realm."
Ben nodded solemnly. "As long as I'm alive, no one can threaten Melody in the Spirit Realm."
He said this with great confidence. He knew that those powerhouses couldn't return to the low-level Spirit Realm, and as one of the strongest among the contemporary transcendents, his power was overwhelming.
The principal, satisfied, opened the box in front of Ben.
Inside was a parchment scroll that appeared very old. Ben picked it up, and immediately, information began to display in his left eye.
Discovered Extraordinary Item…
Skill: Armament Haki!
Armament Haki: One of the three types of Haki. When used, it hardens the skin, temporarily enhances the body, and increases both defense and attack power. It is especially effective against Devil Fruit users and incorporeal spiritual enemies. Each level of Armament Haki brings different amplification effects.
Note: Using Armament Haki consumes stamina.
Hint: Do not use Armament Haki on strange parts…
Ben looked over the information and felt an overwhelming sense of anticipation. He had just received a precious and powerful skill—one that could change the course of his journey in the Spirit Realm.
For more chapters
patreon.com/Liamlivingstone