Earthling in Uncharted Dimensions

Chapter 237: Ruin Expedition (1)

Erikko's office.

Without knocking, Drake opened the door casually and went in as he firmly dragged Lee behind him. It was only after nearing Erikko Tesla's table that Drake let go of Lee Shen's wrist.

*sigh*

An almost inaudible sigh escaped Professor Drake's mouth and he quickly wiped away his sweat. He ran his eyes through the faces around him and gave nods to his fellow academians.

The sudden appearance of Lee had made him the target of several pairs of eyes. There was no feeling of hostility, but a sense of thorough scanning. Lee Shen then locked gazes with Dolly, Ganga, Valor and Erikko while skimming his sight through the room. The tension in the room was evident in their faces.

"For the past 13 years, our academy had not obtained anything in a single Ruin expedition. And because of that, we have been a laughing stock in from of the entire city.

Although there are many other reasons for the oppression, the fact that we are incapable of leading an expedition tarnishes the reputation of the academy. So..."

Erikko stood up from his seat. His mouth spoke with a solemn expression.

"I would like to ask you all, do we have a chance of successful expedition this time?"

The facts have fallen to places and the reason for the commotion was disclosed to Lee Shen. But D and Hudson had already known the reason as they saw the unearthed Ruin entrance at the middle of the grassland.

But, the residents of the System Space held their silence.

Lee saw the expressions of those near and around him, and comprehended the weight of the question. The answer shall decide the further rise or fall of the academy. Sensing the hesitation and half-baked courage waxing and waning over their faces, Lee opened his mouth.

"What do we obtain from the Ruin?"

Erikko stared at him for a second before answering-

"Anything powerful. It ranges from trinkets to mysterious objects. But it is-"

"I accept this task."

Lee has a much, much important task which is his ultimate goal, and it is essentially connected to the entire flora and fauna of the entire planet. He reflected that his time in the academy is only dragging him down. So to boost the morale and reputation of the Alaqvier academy, he needs to actively participate in such events.

Lee added-

"If it is related to the academy's reputation, then I cannot spare time to weigh the profit and loss."

After further enquiring about the Ruin expedition rules, Lee turned around and went out of the room.

"...."

"...."

"...."

A veil of silence and confusion overshadowed the fellow professors of the academy. They were not surprised by the rookie tutor's spirit but were concerned about the safety of the academy's students.

Drake excused himself and ran after Lee.

"Are you sure about your decision?"

Drake asked as he caught up with Lee. The query made him look over his shoulders but did not reply anything.

Walking to the boy's dorm, Lee stood in front of the building. The Sound affinity was activated and Mana was released from his mouth as he spoke-

"Field Experience departments, come out."

His voice was low and soft but those who were intended to hear heard them clearly. The Sound affinity enabled him not to shout out loud and to speak into his disciples' ears clearly.

Eight students came running towards them. Drake recognised their faces and years from their attire. But what he could not recollect was their never-seen-before physique.

The robe which was tailored for students at the beginning of each year had an additional function of limited expansion. This was to ensure that the robes would be comfortable to wear even if they go through physical training to enhance their bodies.

But, Drake never hoped to see a day where the robes are stretched to the maximum. And it was because of this reason that he could see their refined structure. What surprised him the most was the presence of one particular fellow among the eight. He who was previously known as the fattiest among the students did not look obese anymore.

Instead, he was stout and he was not short anymore!

'What kind of training these fellows go through?'

Drake glanced at Lee through the corner of his eyes before shuttling back to the students.

The eight students respectfully bowed at Lee.

"Students, we have a task to do. Walk to the front yard of the academic building, armed."

With these words, the students nodded in unison and scattered back into the dormitory. Within 40 seconds, they appeared back at the dormitory's front door.

"Professor Drake, would you mind accompanying them to the front yard?"

Drake was taken aback by the sudden request and his mind went blank. His train of thoughts was shattered to fragments and he stuttered-

"Ye-, Yes."

Drake turned around and quickly paced to the yard. The boys followed him, and Lee stepped towards the girl's dorm.

----

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2 PM.

5,976,600 Essence harvested.

=====

It has been almost 7 minutes since Drake and Lee parted ways.

Leaning onto a tree's trunk, Drake ran his sight over the assembled eight students. Unlike the usual demeanour of a student, they were calm and collected with an urge to remain motionless. While they appeared motionless with their eyes closed, Drake could sense Mana rippling through their being.

Since Drake could not figure out what had actually happened to these students with his near-to-nothing knowledge about Lee's teaching schedule and methods, he retracted his mind from going astray and into other businesses.

A few professors in the academy maintained their secrecy in teaching methods and routines. This applied to the Weapon Mastery, Physical Augmentation and Magic Research departments.

"Sorry for being late."

Lee Shen exited the building and walked to them as he spoke. Drake did not say anything but responded with a gesture, 'it's okay'.

But as soon as his eyes fell on the five girls behind him, his mind uttered-

'Something is not okay for sure.'