Now, about to disconnect from the Alliance Academy virtual platform, Charles Lynn felt he needed to do something to repay Professor Armstrong for his guidance over the past four years.

The scene of cracking the "Ninety-Nine Layer Core Code" last night resurfaced in his mind. Charles Lynn's thoughts leapt, clearer than ever before. Many doubts he once had about core code research suddenly became clear at this moment...

With his hands hovering slightly in the air, Charles Lynn's fingers flew as he entered the solution for the Thirty-Six Layer Core Code Overlap.

Half an hour later, a paper titled "Thirty-Six Layer Core Code Overlap Solution (Part I)" was completed. As the notification sound rang out, Charles Lynn disconnected from the Alliance Academy virtual platform.

Taking off his sensory goggles, Charles Lynn rubbed his somewhat tired head, feeling a sense of shock in his heart. That stone sphere not only cured his [Core Resonance Disorder], but also enhanced his intelligence.

He had originally only wanted to provide Professor David Armstrong with some ideas for solving the "Thirty-Six Layer Core Code Overlap," but unexpectedly, his thoughts surged like a tide, and he finished such a paper in just half an hour—it was simply unimaginable.

Boom, boom, boom...

The train sped along the core-powered maglev track, racing southward toward the southern part of Nanluo Province.

...

Daxing'ao County · Imperial Training Camp.

Daxing'ao County, as the center of the Empire, was filled with an ancient and noble architectural style.

The Imperial Training Camp was no exception. As the gathering place for each generation of genius graduates of the Xing'ao Empire, it was the place countless students dreamed of after graduation.

Being able to enter the Imperial Training Camp was an honor, and also marked the beginning of reaching the pinnacle of life.

Inside a lavishly decorated office in the Imperial Training Camp, two scholarly-looking men sat facing each other, the black tea on the table emitting a pleasant, sweet aroma.

As the chief administrator of the Imperial Training Camp and vice president of the Imperial Academy, Merlin looked at David Armstrong sitting across from him, habitually stroking his curled long beard, guessing what his friend had encountered on the Alliance Academy virtual platform—his mouth was open wide enough to fit a ball inside.

Finally, David Armstrong took off his sensory goggles, pressed a button, and connected to the office printer to print out a document.

"Merlin, take a look at this—what is it!" David Armstrong handed over the document.

"‘Thirty-Six Layer Core Code Overlap Solution (Part I)’..."

Merlin's hand holding the teacup trembled, almost spilling it. He quickly read through the document, carefully set down the teacup and the paper, and laughed with satisfaction: "As expected of 'Ling', the legend among this year's genius graduates. He hasn't even entered our Imperial Training Camp yet, and he's already solved such a difficult problem. I suggest we wait until 'Ling' joins the camp before publishing this paper. This paper alone can earn the highest score in the camp."

David Armstrong also laughed, "As 'Ling's' mentor in core code studies at the camp, I can be the second author and publish it in the Empire's top journal."

Merlin nodded, "Then I'll be the third author."

The two exchanged glances and smiled knowingly, each with their own little calculations.

Checking the time, Merlin stood up, "Let's go, the representatives of the three major departments should have arrived. As the head of the camp, I have to go greet them."

"The camp hasn't even started yet, and the three departments are already fighting over people?" David Armstrong snorted and stood up as well.

"This year is special—there are too many genius graduates. Last month, several ministers from the three departments almost got into a fight in front of His Majesty..."

Merlin shook his head, his tone troubled, but his smile was radiant.

The Empire had been at peace for decades, and in the past ten years, geniuses had sprung up like bamboo shoots after the rain. This year seemed to reach a new peak.

This year's graduates were a gathering of prodigies. In previous years, it was rare for even one student per province to be called a "monster" among the geniuses.

This year, some academies had more than two.

Above these "monster" students, there was still "Ling," who dominated all the scores.

A golden age was coming...

Thinking of the imperial parliament's decision last month to allow the Imperial Training Camp to expand enrollment for the first time, Merlin had a strong premonition.

"Perhaps ten years from now, among this batch of trainees, there will be our future superiors, even high ministers of the Empire..."

Merlin and David Armstrong conversed in low voices as they walked toward the central building of the training camp.

Reception Hall.

The staff here bustled back and forth, busy yet solemn.

At the conference table in one corner of the hall, three figures sat side by side: a middle-aged man in a red and black military uniform, the stars on his epaulets shining.

An imperial knight clad in platinum soft armor, with blond hair and blue eyes, exuding heroic nobility.

Seated below the two was a stunningly beautiful woman in a security uniform, her graceful curves accentuated, tea-colored eyes like mirrors, radiating a cold, distant pressure.

Staff passing by glanced at the three, quickly lowered their heads, and hurried away, not daring to approach.

"Who would have thought the deputy commander of the Imperial Knights would personally come to the Imperial Training Camp? Doesn't your knight order usually refrain from active recruitment? Aren't you always waiting for those kids dreaming of becoming imperial knights to come to you? Why make an exception this time?"