"Injured…?"
Zeus' face flushed instantly. Fortunately, his skin was thick enough that the embarrassment barely showed. Without missing a beat, he continued speaking with absolute confidence, as though everything was going exactly as planned.
"You think I didn't notice?" he scoffed lightly. "I could tell the moment you released your strength. The reason I praised your legwork was precisely because of that injury."
He folded his hands behind his back and spoke solemnly. "From destruction comes rebirth. Though your leg is damaged, it has granted you a rare opportunity—one that most people could never hope to encounter. If you seize it properly, your leg techniques will surpass all others. One day, everyone else will only be able to stare at you in envy."
He was, of course, making it all up.
But nonsense was nonsense only if it failed. As long as she believed him, it worked. What mattered most right now was securing at least one disciple.
"An opportunity?" The girl's eyes sparkled. "Teacher, what kind of opportunity is it?"
Ever since her injury, she had lived with a sense of inferiority. She never imagined that such a misfortune could instead become a blessing.
"This opportunity will allow you to soar in a single leap," Zeus declared grandly. "Becoming the strongest among the freshmen would be effortless for you. Your talent is extraordinary—an unheard-of genius in the academy's history. However…"
He dragged the word out dramatically, sounding as though he were moments away from producing a legendary martial manual.
Her cheeks flushed red at his praise. "However… what, Teacher?"
He sighed deeply, the sigh of a master mourning the loss of rare jade. "The number of teachers capable of recognizing such an opportunity can be counted on one hand. Including me, there are only three in this academy. Unfortunately, the other two stopped accepting students three years ago."
"So… it would be difficult to ask them?" the girl asked, her excitement dimming. Then she suddenly thought of something. "Wait—Teacher, if they aren't accepting students… Does that mean you are?"
"Of course." Zeus nodded calmly. "However, you can see that I care little for fame or reputation. My time is limited as well. Unless I encounter truly exceptional jade, I will not accept a student lightly, even if fate brings us together."
Before he could finish speaking—
Paa!!
The girl suddenly dropped to her knees and bowed deeply. "Teacher, I know you are noble and detached from worldly matters, but please accept me! I swear I will cultivate diligently and never bring you shame!"
Joy exploded in Zeus' heart, though his face remained composed. "There is indeed destiny between us," he said slowly, "but… you can tell that I value peace."
"I promise I won't disturb Teacher unless it's absolutely necessary!" the girl said hurriedly, nodding with utmost sincerity.
"I have very few students," Zeus' continued. "The resources I receive can't compare to other instructors. You may even be criticized by others for choosing me."
"I've heard cultivation resources are important…" the girl hesitated.
After all, the academy distributed resources based on student count, performance, and many other factors. Without adequate support, advancement would be extremely difficult.
"Ahem." Zeus coughed lightly. "I was merely testing your resolve. Since your determination is sincere, I will reluctantly accept you."
Her hesitation vanished instantly.
"Your identity token," he said briskly.
"So… fast?" she asked, startled.
She had barely recovered from his sudden change in attitude when Zeus grabbed her hand without warning. A small dagger flashed, and a shallow cut appeared on her finger. A single drop of blood fell onto the jade token.
Bang!!
Light erupted from the token.
"Ah…" The girl stared in shock.
Hadn't he just said he needed time to consider? Detached from fame and fortune? Why was everything prepared in advance?
"From this moment onward, you are my student," Zeus said, finally exhaling in relief. He resumed his aloof demeanor. "What is your name?"
"Teacher, my name is Quinn Luna," she replied quietly, realizing there was no turning back now.
"Good." He waved his hand. "Take your token to collect your bedding and books. Find your lodging as well. We begin lessons tomorrow. Meet me here."
"Yes!" Quinn Luna bowed and hurried off.
"Hah… finally fooled one," Zeus muttered, grinning once she was gone.
With one student secured, expulsion was no longer imminent. The weight crushing his chest vanished, and his spirit felt lighter than it had since arriving in this world. The lingering obsession within the body slowly dissipated.
"Don't worry," he murmured inwardly. "I'll live properly in your place."
The original owner of this body had died filled with regret over his failure to recruit students. Now that regret was gone. At that instant, Zeus gained full control over the body.
Boom!
Just as he was preparing to lure in more students, a violent tremor shook his mind. The sound of ancient bells rang within his head.
"Congratulations! By getting a student, you have solidified your identity as a Teacher. Welcome to the Omniscient System ."
His vision spun as profound phrases echoed endlessly. Then, a massive palace appeared in his consciousness. Four glowing words hovered above its gates.
The Ultimate Omniscient System
He stepped inside. Towering shelves stretched endlessly in every direction, packed with countless books. The sight was overwhelming.
"Is this… my transmigrator's gift?" he muttered. "A library?"
Others received powerful systems, ancient mentors, or heaven-defying treasures. And him?
A library?
"Damn it. I was practically a librarian in my previous life. Don't tell me I'm stuck doing the same thing again!"
As despair crept in, he reached for a book—only for his hand to pass straight through the shelf.
"…You've got to be kidding me."
A library he couldn't read?
"What exactly do you want from me?" Zeus shouted silently, on the verge of tears.
And yet, no tears fell.