"As for wanting to place in the Star Zone Tournament, don’t even think about it. Those who rank in the Star Zone Tournament are all monsters.

  They’re invited to undergo internal training and compete with the 'monsters' from the other two star zones for next year’s resource allocation rights from the three Star Zone Education Departments. Those monsters are the kind of prodigies who can waltz into any university they want."

  Lex paused here before adding, "But I’m getting off track. Just remember this—if you truly have the talent, these competitions don’t just offer rich rewards. They’ll also give you a massive advantage in university admissions.

  Many of the rarest resources are only accessible at top-tier universities. You’ll never get them otherwise. This is critical for your future—it’s practically a shortcut to igniting your divine spark. Take it seriously. Stabilize your growth and build your strength before the assessment." Seeing William’s now solemn expression, Lex nodded in satisfaction.

  "Lex, I understand. I’ll definitely take the assessment in three months." Though William had studied hard in his second year, he knew little about what came after senior year.

  Lex’s explanation finally gave him a clear picture of the path ahead.

  "Then I’ll leave it at that. Go claim your Advanced Positioning Teleportation Card. The Academic Office distributes them uniformly, and it’s a hassle to apply for a replacement if you miss the window." Relieved by William’s commitment, Lex relaxed.

  He’d genuinely worried these overconfident kids might arrogantly skip the most critical assessment of their senior year.

  "Thanks for the reminder. I’ll head over now." Without hesitation, William stood and walked toward the Divine Access Chamber next door.

  Watching William exit, Lex smirked inwardly. My persuasion skills are sharper than ever. Little punk—you folded after just a few words.

  No idea what his actual strength is, but if he cleared ten invasions, three months of steady growth should secure our class a spot in the City League.

  Meanwhile, inside the Divine Access Chamber, William stewed. I need to overhaul my plans. With my divine domain capped at 300,000 square kilometers, 40 million Zerglings are the limit. That’s nowhere near enough for the swarm’s growth rate.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  At the current rate of Split Ovaries production, in 30 years (divine realm time), I’ll have 35 Split Ovaries. Daily Zerg output will hit 70,000 units—over 25 million a year. The thought made his head throb.

  Must optimize the Zergling genome—reduce individual resource consumption while boosting invasion frequency to expand my domain. Two birds, one stone. Resigned to drafting a brutal overtime schedule, William felt exhaustion creep in.

  9:40 AM

  Back on the podium, Lex addressed the reassembled class with a grin. "Congratulations—you’re officially seniors. But this is just the beginning. In three months, we’ll hold an assessment…"

  William sat beside Richard, wearing a peculiar expression as Lex delivered a fiery speech nearly identical to their private conversation—just more theatrically charged.

  Noticing Richard’s poorly concealed excitement, William muttered under his breath, Lex’s playbook runs deep. That silver tongue’s no joke.

  "Richard, quit daydreaming. With your Snakefolk followers, aim for the City League. The Global Tournament’s a pipe dream. Anyway—where was your divine domain’s coordinate after the protection period ended?" William interrupted Richard’s reverie.

  "My coordinates were…" Still dazed, Richard rattled off a string of numbers before snapping back. "Can’t a guy dream? Bonus points exist! No dreams, no difference from a dead fish! Wait—why’d you ask, genius?"

  "Just checking how far apart we all are post-safety zone." William brushed him off as Lex wrapped up his speech.

  "Class dismissed! I’ve sent the assembly coordinates. Gather in the divine realm tomorrow at 9 AM sharp. Unless notified, we won’t hold physical classes anymore. Check your wristbands for dorm assignments." With that, Lex strode out.

  "Let’s go." William motioned to his friends. Consulting his navi-band, he estimated a 30-minute walk to the dormitory zone and struck up small talk to pass the time.

  "Got any ideas for developing my domain? My Snakefolk have zero specialties—can’t build industries, can’t even construct decent housing. They’re hopeless." Richard groaned mid-conversation.

  William glanced sideways. "Ask Lex tomorrow. He’ll strategize. Or just sell your followers. Snakes breed fast."

  "You can sell followers? Mine do multiply quickly… Hmm. Samuel, what’s your plan?" Richard pivoted.

  "Standard human template, weak (supernatural aptitude). I’ll focus on industrial tech first, switch to divine-energy systems post-ignition." Samuel shrugged.

  "Ambitious! But that path’s resource-heavy and rough on faith stats. My family couldn’t afford it." Richard turned to William. "What about you, ace? Followers? Industry?"

  "Common-grade Mutated Beasts. Leaning into… livestock farming." William replied casually. In his divine realm, "livestock farming" was just a euphemism for nurturing an endless swarm.