Tech City was the most technologically advanced neutral zone, brimming with talent. It had another name: Academy City—a nickname inspired by a certain Railgun-wielding heroine’s metropolis from a millennium ago. Spanning vast territories, it housed countless middle schools, high schools, and universities, where competition was fierce.
After a three-hour flight, Tran and his companions finally entered Tech City’s airspace. Through the airplane window, Tran witnessed the most dazzling spectacle of his life. Below, the city blazed with lights in a dazzling spectrum, transforming the night into a glittering dreamscape. In the distance loomed a colossal disc—the city’s iconic entertainment landmark: the world’s largest Ferris wheel.
“This place is insane! Way better than back home!” Tran exclaimed.
“We’re still near the outskirts. The city center is even more breathtaking…” Ada sipped her coffee leisurely. “Technology’s evolved over a thousand years here—it’s number one globally. And neutral zones aren’t easy to enter. Everyone here has at least a C-rank Superpower; otherwise, survival’s tough. Their admission standards are brutal too. You’re lucky, little Tran.”
“I didn’t even want to come. Life in B-City was cozy…” Tran sighed, slumping back into his seat after soaking in the view.
“Why do I always feel like punching you when you talk?” Ada chuckled, cracking her knuckles.
“Look, everyone here has crazy strong Superpowers. The pressure’s insane! Back home, we could graduate and find jobs without breaking a sweat…”
Ada paused. “Do you know the average salary here?”
“Huh?” Tran perked up. “Ten thousand RMB?”
Ada shook her head but held up two fingers.
“Holy crap—twenty thousand RMB?!” Tran gasped. Fresh graduates elsewhere earned barely five thousand. One month here equaled four months’ pay elsewhere?
“Nope. Twenty thousand… dollars.” Ada grinned at his stunned face.
“Hell yeah! I’m in! For my future happiness, I’ll endure anything now…”
...
The final minutes of the flight flew by in banter. Before they knew it, the plane landed.
“Tran, Mr. Long Yi informed me your luggage is stored at the ‘Mordor Grand Hotel’,” said Ford, approaching in a sharp suit, suitcase in hand. “It’s Tech City’s finest five-star hotel. You’ll stay there tonight.”
“Seriously? Five-star? I’ve never stayed in one!” Tran’s eyes sparkled.
“Don’t gawk like a country bumpkin. Try to look composed,” Ada teased. “The hotel’s packed with amenities—hot springs, entertainment complexes, everything! Especially the hot springs… pure bliss.”
“That amazing? I’m definitely trying it! Are you staying too, Senior Ada?”
“Oh? Little Tran wants to room with me?” Ada gazed at him earnestly, making his face flush crimson.
“Hahaha! What’s on your mind, kid? We need to report our findings from the Leit Family to the academy. Though the Superpower Association eliminated them, loose ends remain.” Ada grabbed her luggage. “You’re on your own tonight. They’ve been notified—just give your name at the hotel.”
“Got it. I’ll enroll ASAP. Bye, Senior!” Tran hailed a taxi and sped toward the hotel.
Watching his cab disappear, Ada sighed. The Association had already noted Tran’s actions at the Leit estate. They hadn’t moved yet… but later—
“Let’s go, Ada. The dean will be furious if we’re late.” Ford flagged another cab. “Cross that bridge when we come to it. Ignorance is Tran’s best protection for now.”
“Mm…”
...
“Whoa! What a massive hotel!” Tran gaped at the hundred-story golden tower gleaming like a giant ingot.
“Mr. Tran?” A staff member approached.
“Yeah? How’d you know?”
“We were instructed to personally escort you upon arrival. This way, please.” He gestured politely. Tran followed, unaware Ford had described him as “an exceptionally beautiful person—male—treat him well.”
Inside, opulence reigned. Palaces of ancient emperors paled in comparison.
“Mr. Tran, your stored belongings are here. Shall we retrieve them?”
“Absolutely!” Tran recalled Fili’s gift—the collapsible staff he’d lacked during recent battles. Time to gear up.
Soon, he reclaimed all his luggage. After so much chaos, peace finally settled over him.
“By the way, the princess of the White Emperor Kingdom is also staying here today. Please avoid disturbing her,” the staff member cautioned. Tran merely nodded—he craved rest before tomorrow’s enrollment.
He hurried to his room. After unpacking, exhaustion hit. He pushed open the bathroom door… and froze.
This wasn’t a bathroom—it was art. A masterpiece crafted by legendary artisans. He almost felt guilty using it.
“Good grief, I’m fantasizing about living in a bathroom… Shame on me.” He shut the door quickly.
Then he remembered Ada’s words: hot springs, entertainment complexes… *Not experiencing them would waste the room rate!*
Tran threw on a bathrobe, grabbed a towel, and let his hair down. *Of course—hair tied up in baths? Unthinkable!*
Stepping into the hallway, he shivered under sudden, intense stares.
Unaware his robe had slipped open—chest bare, face angelic—he muttered, “Why do all these creeps keep staring?!”
“Miss!” A burly man blocked his path. “I’m chairman of Skytech Group. Be our model. Care to discuss in my suite?”
“Huh?” Tran recoiled at the man’s lecherous grin. “No thanks!” He bolted toward the hot springs.
“Wait… that was a man’s voice?” The chairman stood frozen in the corridor.
...
After endless catcalls, Tran reached the changing room—drained, frazzled, but triumphant.
“Even Tang Sanzang’s eighty-one tribulations couldn’t compare… but it’s worth it!” He marched toward the men’s section.
“Hey! Stop!” A crisp voice called out. “That’s the men’s changing room!”
