Who Told You to Play Infinity Like This - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

[You have become an ‘Apprentice Scholar’]

You have obtained the professional talent [Erudition].

You have obtained the skills [Reading] and [Writing].

It finally worked. Otherwise, she would have had to choose one of those strange professions.

Chu Zhao let out a small breath of relief and took a moment to glance at her profession panel.

[Scholar (Apprentice)]

[Faction: Ordo

Faith: Truth

Profession Rank: F (Apprentice)

Prestige: 0 (Details↓)

Title: None

Knowledge Level: 0

Professional Inclination: None

Professional Talent: [Erudition (0)]

Professional Skills: [Reading (1)], [Writing (1)]

Insights: Empty]

[Erudition]

[The knowledge you acquire will surely become your foundation.]

[Reading]

[You can read books quickly to gather information, and your knowledge will not be forgotten.]

[Writing]

[As the name implies, you can write text anywhere you wish, and your writing will be more easily remembered and understood by others.]

After skimming through the information, Chu Zhao looked up and met the woman’s gaze with a smile.

“Teacher, I’m here.”

Yun Shuang scanned Chu Zhao twice. “Why do you have the scent of ‘Truth’ on you?”

Chu Zhao felt a slight jolt of surprise in her heart, but she didn’t let it show on her face. “I enjoy learning, Teacher.”

Yun Shuang: “…”

For a moment, she was actually speechless.

Yun Shuang looked Chu Zhao up and down for a while, her fingers twirling her pen seemingly aimlessly. As if she hadn’t noticed the astonishment in Chu Zhao’s eyes, she said leisurely, “We are the chosen of Chaos. Our goal is to destroy this academy.”

Chu Zhao: “…?”

Yun Shuang twirled her pen with great interest. “This academy was built by a Saint under the command of ‘Edict.’ After the Saint died, he left behind the ‘Saint’s Heart’ to keep the academy running and to fight against Corruption.”

“Find the location of the ‘Saint’s Heart’ and tell me.”

“Since you are a Scholar,” she said with a half-smile, “it should be easy for you to pry into the secrets here. I look forward to your good news.”

[Optional Main Quest 3: Destroy the ‘Saint’s Heart’]

[Reward: Settlement Rank +3, Points +5000]

Seeing her smiling so brightly, Chu Zhao instinctively felt that something was wrong.

Based on Yun Shuang’s past social media updates, her personality shouldn’t be like what she was currently displaying.

Furthermore, she had a very good relationship with Zhao Qinghe, yet she hadn’t asked a single question about her. This indicated that she was fully aware of the players’ arrival.

In that case, did it mean that the current Yun Shuang had also been replaced?

Was she also a player, or someone else entirely?

Chu Zhao smiled and said, “I’ll keep an eye out for you, Teacher.”

Whether she would actually do it was another matter, but she would agree to it for now.

All Chu Zhao wanted to do now was go back to the dormitory and read. With a skill like [Reading], reading-which used to be a massive undertaking for her-would no longer be a problem.

She was a ‘Scholar’ now; there was nothing wrong with reading more books, right?

Thinking of this, Chu Zhao suddenly had an idea.

[Erudition] activated.

In the next second, a line of text surfaced in Chu Zhao’s mind.

[Nothing before your eyes has triggered your knowledge. You feel sorrow for your own ignorance; it turns out you are just a hopeless illiterate.]

Chu Zhao: “…”

Fine.

She was a hopeless illiterate.

“I have a few guesses as to where the Saint’s Heart might be,” Yun Shuang said, casually pulling out a map and circling a few spots with her finger. “The ‘Grand Auditorium,’ the ‘Library,’ and the ‘Administration Building.'”

“My status prevents me from going to these places, but you can.”

Chu Zhao looked composed. “I understand.”

She looked like a very reliable subordinate, not questioning Yun Shuang’s identity in the slightest.

Yun Shuang smiled. “It’s good that you understand.”

Just as she was about to see her guest out, she saw Chu Zhao press her hand down on the map, her tone respectful and gentle. “Teacher, could you give me the map? I don’t know my way around.”

Yun Shuang: “?”

You’re even fleecing me?

They stared at each other for a moment, but Chu Zhao’s gaze remained incredibly sincere.

Yun Shuang let go. “Then I’ll give it to you.”

She added half-jokingly, “I don’t think ‘Truth’ suits you. You should have faith in ‘Fraud.'”

Chu Zhao simply smiled. “Then I’ll be going now, Teacher.”

‘Fraud’? That didn’t sound like a proper god at all.

As Chu Zhao reached the door, she asked as if casually, “Teacher, do you need me to contact any other classmates for you?”

Yun Shuang acted as if nothing were out of the ordinary. “Naturally.”

Chu Zhao opened the door and left.

Chaos? That sounded like an entity diametrically opposed to ‘Edict.’

But ‘Edict’ was everywhere here. How did Chaos manage to sneak in?

As soon as she stepped out, Chu Zhao received a notification.

A hidden identity has been unlocked. You are now-an [Apostle of Chaos].

Objective 3 also changed from hidden to revealed-
[“Destroy the ‘Saint’s Heart,’ return this place to disorder, and offer a grand feast to Him.”]

Chu Zhao: …Great.

So Yun Shuang was the boss?

But if she really was the boss, why did she pick her out of all the players to talk to?

Was it because her randomized identity was special, or was it because… she just happened to be assigned Yun Shuang, and Yun Shuang just happened to be close with Zhao Qinghe?

One question after another popped up in her mind as Chu Zhao slowly walked downstairs.

Yu Ge was actually still waiting for her in the third-floor stairwell. When she saw her, Chu Zhao’s smile became a bit more genuine.

“Teacher is actually quite nice. She even gave me a map.”

The doubt in Yu Ge’s eyes deepened, but she only nodded.

Chu Zhao reached out and took her hand warmly. “Is it still raining outside?”

Yu Ge subtly pulled her wrist away, only speaking after she had freed her hand. “Yes.”

She asked with a neutral expression, “It’s raining so hard. Why did Teacher Yun insist on you coming over? Doesn’t she know you’ll get hurt?”

Chu Zhao: “?”

Would she?

“Probably because of some very important matters,” she said with a profound look. “For example… sigh, you wouldn’t understand even if I told you.”

Yu Ge: “What did Teacher Yun want with you?”

Chu Zhao: “You know, everyone has unspeakable scars deep in their hearts. This is Teacher’s private business; you shouldn’t ask too much.”

A hint of confusion flashed through Yu Ge’s eyes, but she seemed to understand something and, as expected, stopped asking.

Chu Zhao: “Lately, I’ve been feeling deeply aware of my own ignorance. I want to go to the library to borrow some books.”

Yu Ge: “Why do you suddenly want to go to the library?”

She seemed extremely surprised by this.

Chu Zhao continued her profound act. “Lately, Qiuqiu thinks I’ve become stupid. She’s looking down on me.”

Yu Ge: “…”

After thinking about it seriously, she actually nodded. “Lin Qiu is that kind of person.”

Chu Zhao: “…?”

Wait… what? Was Lin Qiu for real?

They walked all the way to the entrance of the teaching building. Yu Ge looked at the pouring rain outside and cautiously took two steps back.

“You go back,” Chu Zhao turned and smiled, looking gentle and cheerful. “See you tomorrow.”

She didn’t ask why Yu Ge was here or why she wasn’t going back to the dormitory.

As expected, Yu Ge didn’t think there was anything wrong with it either. She nodded and watched her walk into the rain.

Leaving the teaching building where the air conditioning was set particularly high, Chu Zhao entered a state of reflection once more.

She felt that Yun Shuang’s behavior was very inconsistent, but since she lacked information, she could only play along for now.

She would be able to meet the other players tomorrow. Only by comparing notes could they perhaps figure out their situation.

However, she still didn’t understand why this dungeon was called ‘Dormitory 612.’

You’re about to blow up the Academy Crystal, and you still call this ‘Dormitory 612’?

Furthermore, for a first game as a novice, wasn’t this difficulty level a bit too high?

Shouldn’t she be comforting some troubled ghosts or hiding from invisible monsters?

From the current information, Yun Shuang seemed to be in the same faction as the players.

But that was just Yun Shuang’s side of the story. Chu Zhao needed to keep observing to determine the truth.

Additionally, what she found very troublesome was that her roommates were inseparable from her. It would be difficult to do anything behind their backs.

Was this the real reason Lin Qiu kept such a close eye on her?

After pondering for a while, Chu Zhao rubbed her temples slightly and stopped thinking about it for the moment.

She went to check her profession.

She had already tried [Erudition]… the results were better left unmentioned.

She was a bit curious about the other two skills.

[Writing]

The space in front of her seemed to freeze. Chu Zhao had a feeling that she could write words here.

Right here.

The air could actually serve as her medium for writing!

She was utterly astonished.

After the shock passed, Chu Zhao naturally didn’t write anything there. Who knew what would happen once she finished?

She was in a hurry to get back to the dorm; the rain was getting heavier.

For some reason, the ‘small animals’ Chu Zhao had encountered on her way here had all vanished. As she walked, the dormitory building finally came into view.

Chu Zhao slowed her pace slightly and sent a message to her roommate. [Qingyin, I’m back~]

Li Qingyin replied instantly. [I’m here.]

Chu Zhao: “?”

Do you have to be so attentive?

Before, she had wondered why her roommates were so clingy. Looking at it now-tsk, they were like monitors come to life.

Before reaching the dormitory building, Chu Zhao checked herself over and then folded the map the teacher had given her neatly, tucking it into her pants pocket.

She didn’t have Li Qingyin’s hair on her person; she had left it on her desk.

Soon, she saw Li Qingyin leaning against the dormitory entrance with her arms crossed, looking perfectly at ease.

“Qingyin,” Chu Zhao put on a very pleasantly surprised expression. “Have you been waiting for me here this whole time?”

Li Qingyin: “I walk downstairs fast.”

Chu Zhao: “?”
“Oh.”

She thought of Li Qingyin’s ability to sweep the floor in a single second and believed her.

With Li Qingyin accompanying her, the road back to the dormitory was smooth and unobstructed.

Soon, she returned to her warm, bright dorm room, entering under the watchful eyes of Lin Qiu and Zhu Qing’an.

“Qiuqiu, An’an, did you miss me?”

Zhu Qing’an immediately looked away.

Lin Qiu stared coldly at Chu Zhao, a flash of disdain in her eyes before she turned her head back.

Chu Zhao decided to forgive their rudeness. She sat directly at her desk, picked up a book, and started reading.

[Reading]!

[You have read “Hymn to the Deity.” Knowledge +1.]

Chu Zhao glanced at her profession panel and found that the experience bar next to her Knowledge level had moved by about a tenth.

She picked up another book, completely ignoring the fact that her roommates’ gazes had fallen on her once more.

After finishing all of Zhao Qinghe’s books, her Knowledge level became: 1 (17/30).

Her Scholar level hadn’t changed; only her Knowledge level had moved, and then… nothing happened.

Chu Zhao: “…”

Not a single change?

She activated [Erudition] again.

[You notice that this is an ancient dormitory.

Based on your recollection, this dormitory is located within Edict Academy.

This is an academy that has vanished into history.

It was once known as the cradle of ‘Edict.’ Unfortunately, in a premeditated destruction, it fell into the Abyssal Depths and became lost. Occasionally, travelers witness its shadow, but none have ever seen its true form.]

Huh?

Was the purpose of Erudition to integrate the knowledge she rapidly ‘learned’ and present it to her as a result?

She instinctively used [Erudition] again.

[Your roommates.

Based on your shallow knowledge, they appear to be Deceased lost to their obsessions-or rather, Aberrants.

Their strength is not something a fragile Apprentice Scholar like you can contend with, unless you are ashamed of your own ignorance and are prepared to commit suicide.]

Chu Zhao: “…”

Again!

[You perceive that your roommate ‘Li Qingyin’ possesses a massive and twisted power, and you are terrified by it.

However, after the shock, you feel curious. Theoretically, an Aberrant like her should not possess reason or emotion. You are sincerely curious about this and wish to perform a deep Reading on her.]

Chu Zhao: “?”

Huh?

Could [Reading] be used on roommates too?

Chu Zhao fell into thought. “Qingyin, Qingyin, can you do me a favor?”

Li Qingyin seemed oblivious to her thoughts. Hearing her name, she turned her head. “Hmm?”

Chu Zhao: “Don’t move.”

Li Qingyin: “?”

Because she wasn’t sure if Li Qingyin could sense [Reading], Chu Zhao left herself an out.

After speaking, she used [Reading] on Li Qingyin.

[Li Qingyin
Identity: Roommate (Temporary)
Category: Aberrant/Unknown
Rank: ???
Abilities: ???
Evaluation: S

It is hard to imagine an Aberrant possessing such terrifying power. Her despair is likely enough to overturn the world.

To you, she is as unfathomable as the Abyssal Depths. Do not make an enemy of her unless you wish to die very peacefully.

(You sense a familiar power within her, originating from the Benefactor you believe in. But how can an Aberrant Forsaken by God be worthy of touching the crown of ‘Truth’? You are immensely curious about this, but in your ignorance and shallowness, you cannot yet comprehend this power.

You think that once your profession level increases by one rank, you might be able to attempt to Read her again.)]

Chu Zhao: “???”

That’s a lot of information…

Scholar is quite useful.

She hadn’t expected Li Qingyin’s evaluation to be so high. There really was something strange about her.

Increase profession level by one rank?

Chu Zhao was thoughtful.

She tapped on her profession rank to check and found that she needed Knowledge Level 3 to advance.

Right now, she was ‘ignorant and shallow.’

Li Qingyin blinked, then shot a glance at Chu Zhao.

She clearly sensed something.

Chu Zhao snapped out of it and gave Li Qingyin a slight smile.

She guessed her roommates had long since discovered she wasn’t ‘Zhao Qinghe.’ Since they hadn’t exposed her before, they probably wouldn’t now-after all, she had called out Li Qingyin’s name and used [Reading] right in front of her.

Li Qingyin spoke indifferently, “Don’t go looking around with those ‘eyes’ of yours. Others might not have as good a temper as I do.”

Chu Zhao: “Mm-hmm, I know Qingyin is the best.”

Li Qingyin: “…”

Chu Zhao immediately pushed further. “Can I see your books? I have an extreme craving to learn right now.”

Li Qingyin: “…”

Chu Zhao: “Otherwise, Qiuqiu is going to look down on me.”

Lin Qiu finally looked over openly and said coldly, “Your grades are better than mine.”

Chu Zhao: *Heh, I don’t believe you.*