F-class thief? Sorry, I can steal anything.

Chapter 280 A Storm Begins! Olive Branches from Various Forces!

The contents of the Heroic-level treasure chest certainly did not disappoint.

It was a ring.

A ring that is entirely black, with an antique design, and engraved with countless fine runes.

[Ring of Shadow Overlord (SS-Rank)]

[Requirement: Assassin class, level > 40]

[Attribute 1: Agility +100, Spirit +50]

【Attribute 2: Shadow skill effects +30%】

[Attribute 3: While in stealth, psionic energy consumption -50%]

[Additional Skill: Shadow Realm (Active)]

[Consuming a large amount of psionic energy and mental power, a "Shadow Realm" with a radius of 100 meters is created. Within the realm, the perception of all enemy units is greatly reduced, and their movement speed is reduced by 50%. As the master of the realm, you can teleport to any location within it.]

SS-rank!

It's actually SS-grade equipment!

Wang Fugui and Lin Xiaoyu's eyes widened when they saw the attributes of the ring.

This attribute is ridiculously strong!

Especially the accompanying domain skill [Shadow Realm], once activated, Chen Yifan is invincible within the domain!

"Holy crap! Fanzi, your luck is just unbelievable!" Wang Fugui exclaimed, his mouth practically watering with envy. "An SS-grade ring! If you sold this, it'd fetch billions!"

"This thing is priceless and unavailable."

Chen Yifan put the ring on his hand, feeling the cold yet powerful force surging into his body.

With this ring, his strength will experience another qualitative leap.

"Alright, the stuff's all distributed. Get some rest," Chen Yifan said. "Starting tomorrow, you two will also go to single-player mode, beginning with the first floor, and hone your skills. Don't always rely on me."

"Okay!" Wang Fugui and Lin Xiaoyu both nodded emphatically.

They knew that the gap between themselves and Chen Yifan was too great.

They didn't want to always be the one being protected in the background.

They also longed to one day truly fight alongside him.

……

In the following days, Chen Yifan's name spread far and wide throughout Kyoto Martial Arts University.

He was like a bombshell, turning the once peaceful campus upside down.

Whether in class or walking on the street, he could feel all kinds of gazes coming from all directions.

His communicator was almost overwhelmed with calls.

Countless messages came from unknown numbers.

He was invited to join the club.

"Hello Chen Yifan, I am the Vice Pavilion Master of 'Sword Pavilion.' We sincerely invite you to join us. Excellent benefits await, and you can directly become a core member!"

Some have challenged him.

"Chen Yifan! I am Zhang Meng, the number one berserker of the second year! Do you dare to come to the arena and fight me? If you win, this A-grade battle axe of mine is yours!"

There are also those who want to become his disciples.

"Mortal God! Mortal God! Accept me! I am willing to serve you like a slave, I only ask that you guide me!"

Some female classmates even sent various bold and suggestive photos and messages.

Chen Yifan chose to ignore all of this information.

He was like an insulator, shutting out all the noise from the outside world.

Every day, besides going to the activity room of the "Scavengers" club to look through some ancient books and materials, he stayed in his dormitory to cultivate his mental strength.

His life was peaceful and regular.

But the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease.

That afternoon, he had just returned to his dormitory from the activity room.

Xia Nan then came looking for her.

"Chen Yifan, congratulations." Xia Nan pushed up her glasses, a mysterious smile on her face. "Now, you're a big celebrity at school."

"Just say what you want to say, don't beat around the bush," Chen Yifan glanced at him.

"Okay." Xia Nan shrugged. "I came to remind you. Your current situation isn't very good."

"Oh?"

"You've really made a big splash this time," Xia Nan said. "Not only did you offend 'Divine Punishment,' but you also rejected the student council. Now, many established clubs and factions in the school see you as a thorn in their side."

"They won't dare to openly harm you, but they'll definitely try to trip you up behind the scenes."

"For example, they might assign you some very difficult tests during your classes. Or, they might steal your monsters or steal your kills while you're doing quests."

"In short, they have a million ways to make it impossible for you to move an inch in school."

Chen Yifan listened without showing any expression.

He had anticipated all of this.

"So? What are you trying to say?"

"What I'm trying to say is that you need an ally," Xia Nan said earnestly, looking at him seriously. "An ally strong enough to help you fend off these open and covert attacks."

"For example, you?" Chen Yifan chuckled.

"No." Xia Nan shook her head. "Although I can help you solve some problems, it's not convenient for my identity to be exposed to the public too much."

"I recommend someone to you."

"Who?"

"My cousin," Xia Nan said, "who is also the president of the 'Scavengers' club."

"Him?" Chen Yifan thought of that mysterious club president he had never even met.

"Don't underestimate my cousin," Xia Nan said. "Although he seems like a good-for-nothing who spends all his time collecting scraps, his connections and influence at school are beyond your imagination."

"Many professors, and even some deans of colleges, owe him favors."

"As long as he's willing to step in and protect you, no one in the school will dare to touch you again."

Chen Yifan pondered for a moment.

He knew that Xia Nan was telling the truth.

He really needs a "protective umbrella" right now.

Although he himself is not afraid of trouble.

But if there are fewer troubles, he can save more time to do what he wants to do.

"What are his conditions?"

Chen Yifan asked.

He never believed that there was such a thing as a free lunch.

"He wants to see you," Xia Nan said. "He said he's very interested in you."

"When? Where?"

"Tonight, eight o'clock. On the top floor of the club, in his private laboratory."

"Okay, I'll go." Chen Yifan nodded.

He wanted to see just what kind of person this "scavenger" president, whom Xia Nan so highly praised, really was.

After receiving the reply, Xia Nan left.

He had just left when Chen Yifan's communicator rang again.

This time it was an unfamiliar number.

Chen Yifan frowned and answered the call.

On the other end of the communicator came a processed, hoarse voice, the gender of which was indistinguishable.

"Chen Yifan?"

"it's me."

"Our boss wants to meet you."

"Who is your boss?"

"You don't need to know," the voice said coldly. "All you need to know is that our boss can give you everything you want: money, power, women, even... immortality."

eternal life?

Chen Yifan's eyes narrowed instantly.

Could it be...

Is this the Eternal Life Society?

Those people love to use these vague, seductive words.

"How do I know you're not lying to me?" Chen Yifan asked calmly.

"Heh heh," the voice chuckled. "You'll find out soon enough."

"Tonight, nine o'clock. The abandoned factory west of the school. I'll come alone."

"If you don't come, you'll face the consequences."

After saying that, the other party hung up the call.

Chen Yifan stared at the now-black screen, his eyes turning cold.

interesting.

really interesting.

Tonight is really lively.

One of them is the mysterious president of the "Scavengers".

One is a mysterious organization suspected to be the "Eternal Life Society".

They all extended invitations to him at the same time.

It seems that his "hot commodity" has already attracted the attention of various forces.

"Alright."

A dangerous smile curled at the corners of Chen Yifan's lips.

"Perfect timing, I also want to see just how deep the water really is at Kyoto Martial Arts University."