Since confirming the specifics of the suspected Kunlun Mountain dragon would take time, Gustave asked Finger to help locate Chu Zihang.
"Based on my experience, Foreign Aid Big Brother, Junior Brother is either studying in the library or handling Lionheart Society business in the Hall. My money's on the Hall," Finger explained as they walked across campus.
"He did mention that to me, but I forgot, what is Lionheart Society? " Gustave asked.
"Ah, Foreign Aid Big Brother, allow me to explain! The Lionheart Society is Cassel College's oldest organization, representing our most glorious traditions. Even Principal Anjou himself was once a member."
Finger launched into what seemed like a well-rehearsed explanation, clearly assuming Gustave was unfamiliar with campus politics.
"I understand what the organization is," Gustave clarified with mild amusement. "I'm asking How did Zihang became its president. Isn't he just a freshman?"
"Oh, that's what you meant! Junior Brother tested as an S-rank hybrid during entrance exams. The previous Lionheart president approached him immediately afterward, promising that if he joined, he'd immediately receive the presidency."
"Junior Brother accepted, and the former president kept his word, transferring leadership right away."
"Interesting." Gustave nodded, processing this information. It seemed Chu Zihang's power level had attracted significant attention at the academy.
Under Finger's guidance, they approached Norton Hall—a striking building designed in ancient Roman architectural style. Imposing stone columns flanked the entrance, supporting an oval dome that strongly resembled Rome's Pantheon.
"Senior Finger?"
A girl with long black hair emerged from the building, clearly surprised to encounter him. Her expression carried a note of confusion that suggested this wasn't a typical occurrence.
Gustave understood her reaction. Technically, Finger belonged to the Student Union camp, having served as head of their News Department. Even after stepping down officially, the entire department still recognized him as their true leader—his talent for uncovering gossip was legendary.
Given the recent Freedom Day results, where the Lionheart Society had secured Norton Hall usage rights for another year under former president Stroev, and with S-rank freshman Chu Zihang now leading the organization, tensions between the two student factions had reached new heights.
"Junior Susie, is your president available? I need to speak with him about something," Finger asked with his characteristic friendly demeanor.
This was Susie—the girl who'd been quietly supporting Chu Zihang from behind the scenes. Gustave observed her with interest, noting the subtle way she carried herself.
"Yes, the president is inside handling paperwork," she replied carefully.
"Perfect timing! I have some business to discuss with him," Finger flashed his trademark grin, looking slightly ridiculous in his enthusiasm.
"I see." Susie nodded, though her expression remained cautious. While Finger maintained Student Union connections, she'd heard rumors about his friendship with Chu Zihang. The source of such campus gossip was always questionable, but past experience suggested it usually originated from a certain paparazzi king.
After their brief exchange, Finger led Gustave through Norton Hall with surprising familiarity. It was curious how the former Student Union News Minister navigated the Lionheart Society's stronghold with such ease.
Soon they reached a door marked "President's Office." Finger knocked confidently.
"Come in," came Chu Zihang's voice from within.
Finger opened the door and grinned at the serious young man behind the desk. "Junior Brother, I've brought Foreign Aid Big Brother to see you."
Chu Zihang looked up, his gaze immediately shifting past Finger to focus on Gustave. "Did you meet with the principal?"
"Oui, just finished," Gustave replied, settling onto the office's side sofa without ceremony.
"How did it go?"
"There's a suspected dragon in the Kunlun Mountains, but they need further confirmation. Based on Anjou's preliminary information, though, this won't be particularly profitable." Gustave noticed several apples arranged on the coffee table and helped himself to one, polishing it casually on his shirt before taking a bite.
"Third-generation?" Chu Zihang asked, interpreting Gustave's comment about limited profit.
"No, second-generation."
"You think a second-generationdoesn't pay well enough?" Chu Zihang sounded slightly exasperated. Second-generation dragons carried a starting price of five hundred million dollars—hardly pocket change.
"I'd prefer targeting Dragon Kings and earning eight to ten billion in one operation," Gustave explained between bites of his apple. "If I keep encountering second-generation dragons, I'd need to kill over a dozen to match one Dragon King's payout. Where's the efficiency in that?"
"Fair point," Chu Zihang conceded.
Finger listened to this exchange with mounting disbelief. These two discussed dragon slaying like planning a grocery shopping trip. Dragon Kings eliminated casually? Second-generation specimens treated as minor inconveniences? Even finding one such creature was considered a remarkable discovery, yet Gustave spoke of killing dozens.
Then he remembered Gustave's godlike performance against Ladon—the way he'd physically manhandled a complete second-generation specimen before summoning that massive lightning avatar. For someone who could control thunder itself and shake ancient dragons with bare hands, perhaps entities below Dragon King level really were insignificant.
"So you're returning?" Chu Zihang asked.
"Exactly. No point lingering here. Besides, Anjou promised to call once they confirm the intelligence." Gustave stood up, pocketing two additional apples for the journey back. "I only came to inform you of the situation."
"Foreign Aid Big Brother! Foreign Aid Big Brother!" Finger suddenly called out, his expression pleading as he made exaggerated gestures.
"Ah, yes, I almost forgot," Gustave said with a snap of his fingers, turning back to Chu Zihang. "Your Senior Finger here wants to learn some new techniques, so I agreed on your behalf. From now on, he's your responsibility. Train him exactly as Po trained you—how much he absorbs depends entirely on his own capabilities."
"Wait, I didn't authorize—" Chu Zihang began.
But before he could finish protesting, Gustave had vanished from the office, leaving only the faint scent of ozone where he'd been standing.
"Junior Brother, you must teach me!" Finger's eyes sparkled with desperate hope. "Foreign Aid Big Brother said your strength now rivals the principal's! I'm incredibly eager to begin training under your guidance!"
Chu Zihang felt a familiar headache building as he studied Finger's expectant expression. Gustave had already committed him to this arrangement, leaving little room for refusal. Moreover, his mother had taken quite a liking to Finger during their previous interactions. He still remembered her parting words at the Beijing airport, and how she'd exchanged contact information with Finger, asking him to serve as her tour guide should she ever visit America or Germany.
"Very well, Brother Finger," Chu Zihang sighed resignedly. "Can you endure genuine hardship?"
When addressing this crucial question, Finger's eyes held only unwavering determination. "Don't worry, Junior Brother. I'm prepared for whatever training you can devise."