Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 131 - 116: Make-up Classes

The standard body structure, skull, neck, torso, limbs—it’s like the mark of a deity crafting humans.

From head to toe, it conveyed one message. I am normal, normal to the point of being ordinary.

Mr. Giant Dragon had once imagined what kind of hideous monster would be created from that pile of abnormal materials. Yes, although he loved those giant beasts, the wonders of nature, he still held on to his human aesthetic.

The beauty reflected in the Plague Doctor’s creation indeed exceeded his expectations, to the point of disappointment.

"Hmm... Plague Doctor, could you share with me your modification process?"

"Of course, Teacher. His skull is a combination of Heterodont Abnormal Bone and an ape’s mandible that took me a long time to find. To ensure they fit together, I made very small modifications inside the skull."

"Why not use the Heterodont Abnormal Bone directly?"

"Why? Because the original skull couldn’t close its mouth. That would be too pitiful, wouldn’t it?"

Too pitiful? His own pupil’s compassion was making him a bit irritable at the moment.

"What about its arms? I remember that normal human arms are quite rare in this area."

"Yes, I spent quite a long time searching, and eventually decided to modify that deformed Kirin arm bone. Its overall shape still retains a trace of normal human bone. I removed its spurs, smoothed and decorated the surface, particularly its mutagenic phalanges. Those sharp, short bones took even Nia a long time to handle."

Nia raised her black tentacles, expressing her opinion.

"Bones, hard and tough, not tasty."

Mr. Giant Dragon felt a bit dizzy.

"How did it get its normal leg bones?"

"I made them. I selected a femur that closely matched the size of a normal human’s, and cut it down to one-tenth of its length. Don’t worry about its functionality, Mr. Scholar. I’m trained in medicine; I preserved both sides of the bone joints and the cartilage tissue above it. The bone marrow inside is also well preserved, and Nia secreted a bonding mucus. Rest assured, Mr. Scholar, this modified thigh bone can function normally."

Mr. Giant Dragon leaned on a protruding abnormal bone for support. Why would the Undead care if it’s good to use? As long as it can conduct magic power, give them a wooden stick, and they can run like the wind.

"What about the sternum? Don’t tell me that this perfectly normal-looking spine and ribs are also the result of your piece-by-piece modification."

Lyle chuckled.

"I didn’t modify this sternum at all because I traded for it from a fellow student next door, where such normal bones are piled up like mountains. I picked the best looking one from the lot, truly lucky."

Mr. Giant Dragon felt like he couldn’t breathe.

His perfect student plan had actually failed.

This proud disciple indeed gave him a huge surprise.

I talked to you for two hours about creature modification, gave you the best place. And here you are playing orthopedic master on me?

Mr. Giant Dragon looked at the pile of bizarre skeletons around him. Out of a mountain of gold, he found just a few stones piled up before him. In some way, the Plague Doctor was indeed a genius, perfectly avoiding all the right answers.

Watching him control that utterly ordinary set of human bones.

I give you a pile of good things, and you mold me a skeleton soldier that could appear with a mere flick of the wrist? My description is wrong, a perfectly polished skeleton soldier made with a ton of modification materials.

Mr. Giant Dragon took a sharp intake of breath, his dragon clawed gloves covering his face and he did not lower them again.

Plague Doctor, you really are capable.

Lyle looked at the Giant Dragon with anticipation, hoping his meticulously crafted creation would be recognized.

The Giant Dragon was in a quandary.

How should I delicately convey that my dear student’s creation is truly rubbish?

Out of respect for Spirit Summoning Studies, the Giant Dragon ultimately chose to tell the hard truth.

"Plague Doctor, the purpose of creation modification is to pursue strength, not aesthetics. If there were a beauty pageant for skeletal remains, you would be my top choice. However, child, your modified creation is just too normal, lacking any distinct characteristics. Plague Doctor, for your creation modification class, you have failed."

As the Giant Dragon expelled the last few words, he began a self-examination.

Actually, Plague Doctor’s foundational knowledge is quite solid, his technique indicates that he has the necessary skills. The problem lies in his thought patterns; they are not up to standard. If it were any other student, I might praise their technique and focus, enabling them to pass. However, the Plague Doctor is my most valued student, the one I had the greatest expectations for. The greater the expectations, the greater the disappointment. The sense of loss is already clouding my mind.

Was I too harsh in my words? Plague Doctor must be feeling terrible right now; am I a poor teacher?

Lyle exhaled deeply.

There was disappointment, but it wasn’t enough to crush him.

"Then, teacher, how can I pass?"

"Aren’t you discouraged? Plague Doctor, from your presentation just now, I could tell that you put a lot of thought into this skeleton warrior..."

"Sometimes, hard work alone doesn’t guarantee reward, teacher. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, why not spend the time improving oneself? The world is constantly advancing, and standing still will only turn one into the residue of history. I’m sorry for disappointing you, especially when Giant Dragon has taken such good care of me. I also want to, through effort, meet your expectations."

If the person involved isn’t disheartened, what is there for me to worry about? The Giant Dragon’s spirits lifted.

"Plague Doctor, you have all the qualities to become a scholar. I also look forward very much to the day you become known as ’Mr. Scholar’ in Spirit Summoning Studies."

"After class, you stay behind. I will arrange a remedial course for your creation modification."

"Yes, teacher."

The Giant Dragon reviewed all the students’ works and eventually recognized some for excellence, not mentioning the name of the usual top student, Plague Doctor, which he was accustomed to, before the class ended and the students left. This unusual behavior was also noticed by the other students. They saw the silent Plague Doctor not far away and understood each other without saying a word.

"Plague Doctor’s performance doesn’t seem to be ideal," Flexibility whispered to his brother, "It seems there is no perfect being in this world, even someone previously as outstanding as Mr. Plague Doctor has his flaws."

Manipulation paid no mind to his brother’s consolation, "The Plague Doctor is my target."

"My brother, is your competitive spirit too strong?"

"Is there something wrong with being competitive? Is it wrong to challenge the strong? I will face Mr. Plague Doctor head-on in the final exam. I need you to create a suitable field; will you help me?"

"Of course, for my dear brother, I would also like to witness the comprehensive strength of the new talent in the Spirit Summoning field."

"First, it’s my turn, second, Flexibility, you are the younger brother."

"All right, I’ll let you have your way, little brother." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

......

The Giant Dragon walked over to Lyle.

"Your remedial lesson is about to start. Are you ready, my student?"