Chapter 324 - 300: Join Our [Twist] Department

Chapter 324: Chapter 300: Join Our [Twist] Department

Feeling like he’d get a similar answer if he kept pressing, Lloyd decided to just change the subject:

"The previous ’Advisor,’ Eske Mir, I believe he used this book to delve into the [Twist] System, right?"

"Yes, without a doubt. It was a foolish choice, and it failed to bring out the true value of the Book of Truth. That’s why his mastery of [Twist] stagnated for so many years...

Of course, you’ve felt the dangers of dabbling in [Twist], haven’t you? That’s why the traitor had to resort to some shortcuts, which in turn gave you the opportunity to reclaim the Book of Truth."

Hearing this, Lloyd quickly pieced together the sequence of events concerning the Advisor. As he gradually realized something, he made a bold hypothesis:

"So, his shortcut was to have his students hold the Book of Truth, read its knowledge, delve into the [Twist] System, and scout out a safe path for him? Or maybe just steal the ’fruits’ of his students’ labor?

Is that why that guy went on a rampage outside, preying on all sorts of human geniuses, turning into a deranged lunatic?"

The unseen professor replied:

"Yes. Although Eske Mir never dared to return to Mizkatoke, and I had no further contact with him, his shortcut was, for the most part, just as you described."

"I see..."

Lloyd finally understood the full picture. No wonder he’d managed to get the Book of Truth from the Underground City with relative ease. It was because the Advisor had pinned his hopes on others, forcing him to hand over the Book of Truth.

After that, the guy must have hated him to the bone, traveling a thousand miles just to hunt him down.

And at that time, he had also felt an intense killing intent toward him...

’Thinking back on it now, that intense yet baseless killing intent that came from within... it was probably a side effect of the Book of Truth, wasn’t it?’

After some thought, Lloyd shook his head and said:

"It seems like the shortcut he chose didn’t work, did it?"

"Of course it didn’t. If his proficiency in [Twist] had reached your current level, then even with you, Demani, Tirtus, and even with Hildina’s help, you probably wouldn’t have stood a chance against him."

"Mmm... that guy really was strong. He was overwhelming two Chief Judges and was even close to winning..."

"That’s to be expected. Although he chose to become a shameful traitor, he was indeed the first ’S+’ honor student Mizkatoke had produced since the Doomsday Era. That’s why his betrayal was so infuriating."

"If that’s the case, why did he betray you all in the first place?"

Lloyd asked hurriedly.

Professor Hazled fell silent for several seconds before answering:

"I don’t really know what he was truly thinking, but it was probably because he wanted to prove that he could master [Twist]..."

"But... he was already so strong. Even without [Twist], wasn’t he at the peak of the Eighth Tier? Why go to all that trouble...?"

"Heh heh, it seems you still don’t quite understand..."

Professor Hazled let out an odd chuckle, then spoke in a tone tinged with pride and self-satisfaction:

"In today’s world, strictly speaking, there are only two types of Extraordinary Systems—

the [Twist] System, and [The Others]."

Lloyd was slightly taken aback by this.

’I can’t believe this mysterious professor holds [Twist] in such high regard.’

"So our [Twist] System really is the strongest!"

"Haha, you’re right! Our [Twist] System is the strongest!"

Professor Hazled chimed in, and his next words revealed his true intentions:

"So, join our Twisted System! Don’t waste your time hanging around with that old scoundrel Lawrence. There’s no future with him!"

’As expected, this isn’t the tower for the [Manifestation] System...’

Lloyd said to himself.

He’d actually had his suspicions. Various details, both spoken and unspoken, had led him to guess that this wasn’t the Manifestation Tower at all, but the tower for the Twisted System—a system with requirements even more stringent than the Space System’s.

He had probably been influenced by Professor Hazled’s [Twist] power from the very beginning, his perception altered, which was why he’d reached the top of this place without even noticing.

However, Lloyd could sense that the influence wasn’t that strong; it seemed to be limited to his visual perception.

As for the strange sense of kinship he felt, that wasn’t created by [Twist]. It was a natural affinity born from finally finding a ’kindred spirit’.

’So... should I accept?’

Lloyd couldn’t help but think of the ’S+’ rating Professor Lawrence had given him.

’But Professor Hazled seems more generous. He gave me ten academic credits right off the bat...’

’But the Space System’s lab looked so high-tech and sci-fi, and everyone inside was a top talent.’

’This tower, on the other hand, is tucked away in a remote corner with cobwebs covering the entrance...’

’The Space System’s abilities are cool, practical, and prestigious. Its status is transcendent, and its members are respected.’

’As for the Twisted System... ugh... its combat power is undeniably formidable. If it went up against the Space System, the other side would probably have a hard time fighting back, right?’

’The future of the Space System seems to be about paving the way for humanity’s future.’

’The future of the Twisted System seems to be about becoming a lofty Saint?’

As Lloyd weighed the pros and cons, his mind grew a little muddled. For a moment, he had no idea which to choose.

But then he had another thought. This dilemma was a bit like worrying for nothing. It was like having only enough for a ten-pull in a gacha game but agonizing over which character banner to pull for. ℯℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

So he changed his tune and said:

"But... Professor Lawrence has already enrolled me in the Space System. The admission procedures are all complete, so..."

"Haha, no problem. I’ll go persuade him later. Mmm... let’s leave it at that for today. Once I’ve convinced that old scoundrel Lawrence, I’ll contact you through the student handbook."

Professor Hazled said, full of confidence.

Lloyd’s vision blurred. In an instant, he found himself back at the foot of the tower, standing before the cobweb-covered main door, no longer at the top.

The untouched cobwebs proved he had never gone inside. Everything that had just happened was some kind of ’illusion’.

But Professor Hazled hadn’t tried to pretty things up. The tower representing [Twist] was still in a remote location, still dilapidated on the outside, still surrounded by desolation, and still utterly devoid of life.

’There’s probably no one here at all...’

’Oh, whatever. I’ll just wait until the two professors have their showdown... no, wait, until they’ve settled their academic dispute.’

Lloyd pursed his lips and started wandering around again.

Meanwhile, in the sci-fi-style laboratory of the Space System, Professor Lawrence was looking at a large pile of data, analyzing and calculating something.

But he suddenly paused, a disdainful smirk playing on his lips.

"Heh heh, that old scoundrel of a dean wants me to come over for a meeting?"

"Hm? Professor, are you having another academic dispute with the Dean?"

a nearby researcher asked curiously.

"No, it’s still about that kid, Lloyd. The Dean is probably just upset and wants to have another go at me. Heh heh, no matter. I’ll be right back."

Professor Lawrence said confidently, then reached out and tore open a Teleportation Gate in mid-air before stepping through.