Absolute Beast Dominion

Chapter 470: Backup

Leo came to that conclusion because the assistant professor’s displayed strength excluded High 4-star. But he could never be completely sure since that was only the professor’s personal strength. His beast might very well be ranked higher.

“Well, if that’s the case, I won’t say anything else. Good luck, and try to obtain as many fruitful encounters as possible.” With that, the assistant professor departed to continue the next instruction.

Another student raised a question.

“Sir, how will we distribute the fruitful encounters among 20 or 21 people? Not everybody can benefit if the group is that large. I would prefer a smaller group where order is maintained.”

“Oh? If that’s the case, you are free to do so. But remember, the secret realm is extremely dangerous, and with your pitiful strength ranging between Low 2-star to Peak 2-star, I am sure you might not even walk a few kilometres in before getting obliterated by a fire-breathing lizardman.” He paused briefly before continuing.

“The 20-man group is simply insurance, so the inhabitants inside the realm hesitate before striking you. Otherwise, they are more than capable of sweeping the floor with your asses even if 5 of you are together. And I’m talking about a single being inside that realm.”

The student who questioned him gulped hard before disappearing into the crowd. After hearing the professor’s explanation, many who had considered forming smaller groups immediately abandoned the idea.

“Sir, but still… how will we share the fruitful encounters with so many people?” another man asked.

“Is that for me to decide?” the assistant professor pointed at himself incredulously.

“Choose a leader who is fair, or simply do it through voting. You can even use force. Neither my colleagues nor I will interfere. The moment you step inside the realm, forget about asking us for suggestions; you won’t even see our shadows. The only time you’ll see us is when your talisman activates, and we throw you out of the secret realm.”

Suddenly, the entire area grew tense as the students looked at one another warily. Leo sighed softly.

It’s going to take a long time for them to decide anything.

Apparently, he wasn’t the only one with trust issues.

Now, even Naelith and Lyswenna started understanding why Leo preferred slaves over fellow humans as companions in battle. At that moment, a light sparked within them—a desire to make Leo trust them for who they were, not because of their status as slaves.

After that, the assistant professor took out a parchment-like slip.

“This is a Communication Jade Slip. It has 2 functions. First, it allows you to communicate with someone at a distance, even within the secret realm where phones will not function, whenever you channel mana into it. Though it has a range limitation, it’s more than enough to cover the whole secret realm. Second, upon channelling excessive mana, the jade slip will shatter, and at that moment, it will reveal its location to the target person of your choice.”

“You can use it as a backup call for reinforcement from other groups whenever you encounter a problem. And these problems can vary. Maybe you stumble upon a strong beast that would provide benefits to both you and the reinforcements after killing it. Or perhaps you get ambushed by students from other academies and wish to retaliate in full force to preserve both your pride and the academy’s reputation.” His voice gradually turned cold.

“Trust me, if your pride gets in the way and our academy’s name is tarnished because of it, I will personally come for you.”

“And in case you simply run away from a fight like a coward, I will personally ensure your expulsion from the academy.”

The assistant professor snorted before stepping back.

“Each jade slip costs 10,000 AC.”

The moment he finished speaking, a few students came forward to buy them.

Leo once again stepped ahead and purchased 3 of them for himself, Naelith, and Lyswenna.

As for the others, they were busy pooling funds from every member of their group to purchase several jade slips for the leader candidates.

Suddenly, a student spoke up.

“What? We can only choose 4 other jade slips to connect with?”

The assistant professor revealed an evil grin.

“That’s right. So choose wisely. Only 4 reinforcement groups out of the remaining 11.”

“It’s another matter entirely if your chosen reinforcement decides to ignore your call for help. At that point, simply get out of the secret realm and reconsider your life choices.”

Another loud wave of shouting and discussions erupted as everyone tried to secure the best possible reinforcements. Most naturally chose people they were already familiar with.

A few clever ones pooled more funds to buy more jade slips so they could have contacts with almost all groups.

Leo, meanwhile, was completely confident that nobody would want to add him, nor would he receive backup calls from anyone, since he was an individual and his new looks made him unrecognisable. So he simply connected the 3 jade slips together.

Now, even if they became separated inside the secret realm, they would still be able to communicate and reveal their positions to one another.

But at that moment, 2 people approached Leo.

Turning around, he saw Ronan and Aaron waving at him with friendly smiles.

“Please add us to the communication list of your jade slip. We promise to give you 1 fruitful encounter each time we call you for backup.”

Leo thought for a moment before adding them to his list, filling all 4 available slots.

“And… you will not come to me when I call you?”

“Haha, are you kidding?” Aaron laughed. “What help could we possibly provide in problems serious enough for you to call for backup?”

“But still, if you do call us, we’ll come. And you won’t even need to give us anything. The price is already covered by the fact that we get to call you anytime we find ourselves in trouble. That’s how much value your assistance holds,” Aaron added sincerely.

Somehow, Leo felt that Aaron was exceptionally good at buttering people.

Hmm, he will climb high in life…

Aaron’s personality was a perfect fit for surviving around people like the general from Leo’s previous life.