CHAPTER 63: CHAPTER 63: THE MASTER OF EMPTY PROMISES, FANG ZHOU’S LITTLE SECRETARY

Very quickly, as the last Middle Rank Apprentice Little Inferior Demon leader fell under the Skeleton Flying Spear, only the Axed Heavy Armored Horned Demon remained in the once-crowded outpost hall.

It was anxious and tried desperately to break free from the skeletons’ encirclement.

But for some reason, these skeletons were so much stronger than their peers.

The Horned Demon often couldn’t even kill a single skeleton with one axe strike.

And as long as the skeletons weren’t completely destroyed, that Undead Mage hiding behind like a disgusting insect would use magic to heal them and send them back to the battlefield.

What frightened it even more were the skeletons’ fangs and claws, which shimmered with a black light, making their attacks formidable.

Under the continuous onslaught of the Skeleton Army, the Heavy Armor the Horned Demon was so proud of became severely damaged, with some exposed parts already bleeding profusely.

After more than ten minutes of fierce battle, the Horned Demon was exhausted, but it had only truly slain a dozen skeletons.

In stark contrast, all the other demons under its command were already lying in pools of blood, sleeping like babies.

The ensuing battle was naturally uneventful.

Surrounded by thirty or forty skeletons, the Horned Demon Boss, which Fang Zhou could not handle head-on a week ago and had to rely on traps, fell with endless resentment and reluctance.

"Mission complete, time taken 25 minutes 20 seconds, clearance rating: [Perfect], clearance reward: 12 contribution points."

"Congratulations, Junior Sergeant Fang Zhou, your team cleared the [Horn Demon Outpost] in Abyss Difficulty in 25 minutes 20 seconds, ranking 5th on the historical speed leaderboard. This month’s expected ranking reward: 20 contribution points."

"Triggered loot drop, obtained [Apprentice Longbow] x1, exchangeable for 10 contribution points."

Listening to the pleasant task prompts, Fang Zhou felt a bit delighted.

In just a week’s time, his combat power had grown enough to crush the Abyss Difficulty [Horn Demon Outpost] head-on, with clearance time halved, skyrocketing his historical speed ranking to 5th place.

He truly must thank the Undead Mage research project for providing him with a way to rapidly grow stronger.

Glancing at the large body of the Horn Demon Boss, Fang Zhou left the simulation battlefield without any reluctance.

The enemies he had defeated head-on, as time went on, would only grow further behind compared to him.

Next, he only needed to steadily enhance his strength, and he could continuously shorten the clearance time.

Reaching the top of the historical speed leaderboard by his own efforts was not out of the question.

...

Opening the simulation pod, Fang Zhou emerged from it, immediately greeted by Bai Xiaochan’s starry eyes filled with admiration.

Seeing Fang Zhou come out, Bai Xiaochan was so excited that she was almost jumping.

"Fang Zhou, I heard from Ye Fan that yesterday Instructor Lu Hu took you to the Undead Mage research project group.

In just one night, did your combat power really increase that much?"

The other first-year students who came to watch all perked up, filled with curiosity, waiting for Fang Zhou’s explanation.

Fang Zhou nodded towards Bai Xiaochan and said calmly, "I spent all the contribution points I had accumulated before to exchange for some gemstones, refining stones, and skill insights, so my equipment and skills improved a bit."

Though Fang Zhou spoke modestly, the other students were not fools.

They could naturally see from Fang Zhou’s impressive performance today just how extraordinary his so-called "a bit of improvement" was!

However, these students also understood that Fang Zhou had earned those abundant contribution points through his hard work and talent, which allowed him to master many skills.

This was a rare example among thousands, and no matter how much envy or jealousy they felt, ordinary students like them could do nothing about it.

Within a little more than a month, Fang Zhou, once dismissed as a useless vase of an Undead Mage, had grown into a powerhouse they could only look up to.

Fang Zhou, accompanied by Bai Xiaochan, bypassed the crowd and went to a quiet corner.

Seeing Fang Zhou like this, the experienced Bai Xiaochan obediently took out her small harp and skillfully played the [Lullaby] for Fang Zhou.

After the piece ended, Fang Zhou felt his soul more relaxed than before, and he raised an eyebrow at Bai Xiaochan.

"Xiaochan, did your [Lullaby] skill proficiency improve?"

Bai Xiaochan hugged her small harp, smiling proudly.

"Of course!

Playing it for you every day, the proficiency of [Lullaby] has reached the [Skilled] level.

Let me tell you secretly, I am learning a new skill called [Song of Triumph].

This skill can restore spiritual power to allied targets within a certain range; it’s useful both for everyday skill practice and on the battlefield."

Upon hearing this, Fang Zhou’s eyes lit up slightly.

It seemed his previous encouragement was effective; Bai Xiaochan, the once-lazy girl, had finally shown some ambition.

Looking at the proud and expectant-for-praise Bai Xiaochan, Fang Zhou readily gave her a thumbs up.

Following that with praises like "Zither Fairy" and "Star Songstress," he managed to make Bai Xiaochan giddy with flattery.

Of course, alongside compliments, he didn’t stop painting idyllic scenarios.

Fang Zhou spoke sincerely, "Xiaochan, besides learning skills, you shouldn’t slack off on your Meditation, either.

Quickly advance to Middle Rank Apprentice, and I can take you to sweep the [Horn Demon Outpost]."

Hearing this, Bai Xiaochan let out a heavy sigh and said dejectedly, "I’m not a prodigy like you with both talent and resources.

I’ve spent all my contribution points on buying the small harp and learning new skills, so I can’t speed up my Meditation even if I wanted to."

Fang Zhou pondered for a moment and said, "I remember there are assistant positions in the research project group. Besides providing contribution point rewards, through the project group’s channels, you can also enjoy some benefits like Concentration Meditation Room and Skill Training Room in advance.

Xiaochan, if you are interested, I can introduce you into it."

On hearing this, Bai Xiaochan’s eyes sparkled immediately.

"Really, Fang Zhou? You can really introduce me in?"

But soon, she realized something, her face filling with surprise as she asked, "I heard from Ye Fan that assistants in the project group are designated by the researchers themselves.

Does that mean you’re already a researcher in the Undead Mage project group, Fang Zhou?"

Fang Zhou nodded calmly.

"Yay!"

Bai Xiaochan jumped up excitedly and hugged Fang Zhou’s arm directly.

"Fang Zhou, you are truly my golden support!

Rich or poor, don’t forget one another!"

With a look of disdain, Fang Zhou pushed Bai Xiaochan away and said, "I’ll send you an application form on your personal terminal. Fill it out and give it back to me.

After class this evening, let’s go to the research room together. I’ll report to the instructors and finalize the specific tasks and remuneration for your assistant position."

Bai Xiaochan nodded obediently several times.

At that moment, a pleasant female voice suddenly came from behind Fang Zhou.

"Researcher Fang, I’d like to recommend myself. How about having me as your assistant too?"