Chapter Twelve: The Genius Roommate

Weston Academy was an ancient institution of magic and martial arts, its grounds graced with elegant scenery. Along both sides of the Heroes’ Path, the Garo trees were in full, dazzling bloom. Their flowering season was fleeting, but when they blossomed, these creatures sparkled with unmatched brilliance. With each caress of the breeze, their proud, beautiful petals drifted down to earth, covering the cobblestone avenue in countless vivid purple blooms. The breathtaking spectacle resembled a long red carpet stretching into the distance, its end lost from view.

That was the origin of the Heroes’ Path’s name: heroes always tread upon the red carpet toward the revered halls, and the academy’s blessings are woven into its symbolism for every student. The wish was beautiful, yet not all who walked this path were truly heroes.

Upon the Heroes’ Path, a boy of sixteen or seventeen moved slowly forward. He was not the kind of handsome youth who made maiden hearts flutter; in every respect, he seemed ordinary. Yet he drew the attention of nearly everyone around him.

Anyone passing by on the Heroes’ Path who saw the boy could not hide their contempt and disdain, discussing him openly.

“Look, that’s Luo Chen, the coward—he encountered a fierce magical beast during the first-year internship, abandoned the injured Elijia, and escaped alone.”

“Exactly! To forsake a companion in a crisis—he has no spirit of a hero, yet dares walk the Heroes’ Path!”

“Don’t forget, Elijia is Weston Academy’s campus belle. If it were me, I’d risk my life to save her.”

“Scum! He deserves to die. Living is just a waste of food for him!”

“...”

The boy under such condemnation was, of course, Luo Chen. The uproar over the internship incident had yet to fade, so upon his appearance, he instantly became the target of criticism from all sides.

In an academy that prized unity, collaboration, and mutual support, Luo Chen’s actions were deeply despised. His reputation had sunk to the point where both gods and men were outraged.

Though the Heroes’ Path was crowded, Luo Chen felt alone, so out of place among his peers.

The harsh words reached his ears, and naturally, Luo Chen was troubled.

Damn it, so many blind fools, so many loud barking dogs.

Well, even if bitten by a dog, I don’t need to bite back—otherwise, what difference would there be between us? Besides, I walk upright, my conscience clear; why should I fear slander and rumor?

Let them bark as they please. Their barking won’t cost me a single hair.

Luo Chen’s self-consolation worked wonders. He even straightened his chest and walked forward with dignity.

Just then, a hand landed on his shoulder.

“Hey, brother!”

Luo Chen turned to see a youth his own age, with sword-like brows and bright eyes, a handsome face bearing a hint of roguish amusement.

In Weston Academy, where everyone wished to distance themselves from Luo Chen, only this young man—Shi Feng—dared to throw an arm around his shoulders and call him brother.

Shi Feng was Luo Chen’s roommate: cheerful, loyal, and the only friend Luo Chen had left at Weston Academy.

With his signature sunny smile, Shi Feng said, “Brother, why the gloomy face? Look around—such beautiful scenery, such fine weather, so many lovely ladies. The world is wonderful. We should greet each day with optimism!”

“Optimism, my ass!” Luo Chen had finally found someone to vent his frustration on and cursed, “If you could still smile after being in my shoes, I’d tie my little brother in a knot and perform acrobatics for you!”

Shi Feng laughed, “No need to be so angry, brother. That was truly rotten luck. But honestly, how could you leave Elijia behind? That’s inhuman! If it had been Alice, that big dinosaur, you could abandon her as many times as you liked, no problem.”

Clearly, Shi Feng’s standards differed from ordinary people: in his eyes, saving a beauty was essential; failing to do so was a crime. As for the lesser beauties—let them fend for themselves.

Luo Chen’s face hardened. “I didn’t leave her. I attacked the beast, and it chased me. Kevin was there, too. Not only did he not help, he even slandered me, saying I ran away.”

“Kevin?” Shi Feng was slightly surprised. “Would he really do that?”

Even his roommate doubted Kevin could be so vile. Who else could Luo Chen expect to believe him? He sighed, “Forget it. Pretend I never said anything.”

Noticing Shi Feng’s clothes were dirty, as if he’d just returned from a journey, Luo Chen asked curiously, “Hey, did you go off adventuring with a girl yesterday? How’d you end up looking like this?”

Shi Feng grinned, “Ha, you know me best. Adventuring with girls is great—fun, exciting, and cheap!”

Just then, two female students approached. Shi Feng’s eyes lit up and he whistled, “Hey, lovely ladies, I sincerely invite you to join us after class today for a wonderful, romantic evening in Slo City. What do you say?”

Though Shi Feng was a notorious flirt, his reputation at Weston Academy was not actually bad.

There are always a few gifted souls whose talents make others envious, and Shi Feng was undoubtedly a genius. Though laid-back, he easily ranked among the academy’s top ten in strength.

Outstanding ability, handsome looks, and a silver tongue made Shi Feng quite popular among the girls. Even if he was fickle and never had a steady girlfriend, many were still willing to accept his invitations.

The two girls hesitated, glancing at Luo Chen for confirmation. “Your friend...”

Before Luo Chen could speak, Shi Feng interjected, “You should say he’s my brother.”

He corrected them and continued, “Of course, he’ll come with us!”

The girls immediately shook their heads. “Sorry, Shi Feng, we have plans tonight.”

They were happy to accept Shi Feng’s invitation, but with Luo Chen included, it was out of the question. Truth be told, few understood why Shi Feng and Luo Chen stuck together and even called each other brothers.

Shi Feng was a dazzling genius, the academy’s rising star; Luo Chen was a penniless special enrollee. Their status and prospects could not be more different.

“Oh, what a pity,” Shi Feng said, though his face showed no disappointment. Flirting was his hobby; whether it succeeded or not, he didn’t mind.

As the girls reluctantly departed, Luo Chen looked at Shi Feng and grumbled, “Brother, if you want to chase girls, don’t drag me along. Otherwise, I guarantee your chances will drop to one in ten thousand!”

[Regardless of any nonsense about three chapters on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and two on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday—today is Tuesday, and I’m releasing three chapters anyway! Explosive updates, just to make everyone happy—your joy is my joy! This is the second chapter; another will be posted at eight tonight. One last question: any recommendation votes left?]