Chapter 69: Sparkblight

The next few days brought a stream of surprises Adam should have expected but somehow missed.

Offers from all over the Federation came to the academy for him. Companies, corporations and agencies wanted Adam for a paid internship. And the best part, he was free to make his demands.

Some even went as far as to send representatives to the academy, all for a chance to personally meet the wonder boy.

His discoveries in the field of mathematics and science were groundbreaking. He was called the genius of the century. The potential of someone like him was highly desirable. Given the right circumstances, he could solve complex problems that were baffling the brilliant minds of the Federation.

For all purposes, he was the hottest cake to have ever been baked.

Unfortunately for most of these companies and corporations, Adam was not interested. And unknown to him, his master was the only one holding most of these people back, as some of these requests came from powerful families the academy could not simply refuse.

Eyes followed Adam wherever he passed.

The once approachable boy was now put on a pedestal. Perhaps it would take a bit of time for his colleagues to get used to his new level of fame.

Forced by his changing circumstances, he created a new set of skills.

[Skills]

<Deceptive Aspect: Change outward appearance at will. Applicable to objects.>

<Digital Veil: Become invisible to all forms of digital surveillance.>

With these two skills, he evaded all those who wanted to meet him unofficially.

Adam’s compulsory class for the day was on geography and evolved landscapes. The wonder boy did not make notes during class. He simply watched and listened as the instructor taught.

Two hours later, he headed to the Microbiology Department.

He had received a message from one of the lead researchers he had gotten close to a day ago. The woman wanted him to be a part of her current project, as well as to run a proposal by him.

"Hey, Adam."

"What’s up, Adam?"

"Hey."

Adam received waves here and there as he entered the Microbiology Department.

The microbiology lab was a clean, sterile environment equipped with microscopes, incubators, and biosafety cabinets. Rows of workstations filled the room, each designed for the safe cultivation and analysis of microorganisms.

Adam quickly washed his hands, grabbed a lab coat for himself and entered one of the many labs.

Approaching the gathered technicians and students, Adam exchanged a few more pleasantries and focused on the woman ahead.

The lead researcher, Miss Victoria Xin, was a woman with long, silky black hair tied in a professional ponytail. She was a woman who looked to be in her early thirties with Asian features and a slim build.

Everyone was focused on the data displayed on the screen, with Miss Xin standing in front. From what he had glimpsed, the group were analyzing the biochemical results of a bacterial strain called Bacillus evolven with the common name Sparkblight.

"What are we looking at?" Adam leaned over and asked one of the technicians to his left.

"A new strain of bacteria found to infect awakeners," the technician replied.

Adam nodded, focusing on the screen. It was not uncommon to find new bacterial strains capable of affecting evolved humans. Most had been rendered useless a long time ago, but there were the occasional new ones.

"Hmm. The results aren’t anything unusual, but it is our job to make sure it doesn’t become problematic later on." Miss Xin turned around to face the group, crossing her arms over her chest. "Get to work."

As the other students and technicians dispersed, Miss Xin noticed Adam and smiled. "You’re finally here."

"Hello, Miss Xin." Adam greeted her as he approached. "Looks like you’ve got your hands full."

"Oh, it’s nothing unusual." The woman waved it off as she walked toward her office. "I’ve done this a couple of times already. It’s just routine at this point."

"If you say so." Adam accepted her words calmly, falling into step with her. "So, what is this proposal you wanted to run by me? Does it have anything to do with that?"

He gestured to the display behind him.

"Ah, yes." Miss Xin confirmed with a half-smile. "I’ll be putting a small team of technicians and students together for a field study, and I want you to join us. You can consider it as one of the many missions you’ll be taking in the coming weeks."

"Wouldn’t this be dangerous for a student like me?" Adam threw the question at her, looking at the woman with a knowing look in his eyes.

Miss Xin chuckled, "You’re funny, Adam. But no. As I mentioned earlier, it’s more like a routine. Also, given what you’ve already accomplished, I’ll say you’re the most qualified person to take along. Hell, you’re even smarter than I am. With your help, we can quickly put this behind us."

"Fair enough." Adam accepted the proposal.

He followed the woman to her office, the spacious room filled with cabinets carrying all sorts of books. Miss Xin sat behind her table while Adam took the guest seat.

"Is there anything else I should know?" he asked.

The woman thought for a moment and then replied, "You should visit the mission hall for the preferred mission attire. Food and other necessities will be provided, so there’s no problem on that front. As for the mission details, I’ll personally take care of that so you’re not penalised for missing your compulsory classes."

"How long will this trip take then?"

"Anywhere between five and seven days." Miss Xin replied as she did the calculations in her head.

"So a week, essentially."

"Yeah." The woman nodded. "But expect the unexpected. We could be delayed for one reason or the other."

"What about security?"

This part was important to him. With so many people after him, he didn’t want the trip to become dangerous on his account.

Miss Xin looked at Adam for a moment and smiled, "You have nothing to worry about, Adam. When I said a team, security was included. The captain will be a fourth realm expert."

"That’s good." Adam sighed as he leaned back in his chair. "What about departure?"

"We leave tomorrow at nine. Be here before then."

Adam accepted the arrangements with a nod. All he needed to do now was inform his master and pay a visit to the mission hall.

"Oh, that reminds me." Miss Xin suddenly sat up and grabbed a tablet lying to the side. "I’m sending you what we have on the bacteria. Make sure you go over it before we leave tomorrow."

"No problem, Miss Xin."