The Seventh Base

Chapter 179: Chapter 74 Conspiracy_2
 

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However, these problems were not too serious.

Even so, the arrival of the investigation team cast a shadow over Noah Academy.

This was not just a formality, but a digging into Noah Academy from top to bottom.

The upper echelon of the academy was also in a state of unease.

On this day, Noah Academy seemed normal as usual.

The students walked around in groups, chatting casually in threes and fours.

It was then that the ground trembled, followed by a piercing scream that shattered the calm of the academy.

“What happened?” the students asked, shaken.

“Someone has committed suicide.”

The students were alarmed and ran towards a location, and there they saw an area cordoned off with a body lying on the ground.

It was one of the academy’s leaders.

But the specific reason for the suicide was not clear.

The presence of the Security Bureau in Noah Academy completely disrupted the usual tranquility.

It looked like a major crisis was about to unfold.

Xu Mo, living in the academy, naturally sensed the current atmosphere within Noah Academy.

Anxiety pervaded the air.

Noah Academy might be facing a significant issue.

He knew well that with a population of over ten thousand students and teachers, it was impossible for Noah Academy to be completely clean; various problems were bound to exist.

Many issues could be investigated discreetly and dealt with seriously to cleanse the system, but there was no need to expose everything openly.

Doing so now was no longer just about investigating problems.

It very likely had the higher-ups of the academy in its sights.

When there is trouble, someone must bear the responsibility.

Days passed by, and the investigation continued.

An old warehouse.

Two Mechas were fighting.

Xu Mo fell, and the battle stopped.

“Teacher, when will I be able to reach your level?” Xu Mo asked as he descended from his Mecha.

“Wait till your Source Power Level reaches A-grade before you contemplate that,” the Elder replied as he also stepped down, “A Mecha is an extension of a person; a strong person makes for a strong Mecha.”

“Understood, cultivating oneself is very important,” Xu Mo replied, echoing the words often said by the Elder.

“Glad you understand,” the Elder responded.

It was at this moment that Lin Qingze walked in.

“Dean Lin,” Xu Mo called out.

Lin Qingze nodded at Xu Mo, but his frown was deep, clearly troubled, lacking his usual warmth.

Xu Mo realized something must have happened.

“Let’s go together,” the Elder said before walking towards the exit. Xu Mo quietly followed without asking any questions.

In the courtyard, the Elder took a seat in a chair.

Lin Qingze glanced at Xu Mo and then the Elder spoke, “It’s alright, he is bound to come across these matters eventually.”

“The investigation team has kept the academy in the dark these past days, revealing nothing, but there are many issues,” Lin Qingze began, “Xulin, serious corruption.”

“Damn it,” the Old Dean said with rare anger, cursing under his breath.

He’d taught that student, who was in a high position within the academy.

That was also the person who had recently jumped to his death.

“Additionally, I’ve heard news targeting Xu Mo,” Lin Qingze continued, looking towards Xu Mo with a deeply displeased expression.

“How so?” the Old Dean asked.

“Someone reported that Xu Mo, despite his extraordinary talent which could make him an exception, violated the academy’s rules by his recommended admission. Not only him, but his few friends, formerly Desert Hunters, bypassed basic studies and were exceptionally admitted into the academy, all of which breached the academy’s regulations,” Lin Qingze said. “Furthermore, there have been reports accusing the academy of allocating substantial funds to gift Xu Mo a high-level Mecha and equipment. They claim that you did this out of personal reasons, treating academy property as your own to give to your student.”

The Elder’s gaze was fixed on Lin Qingze, his facial muscles twitching, indicating his anger.

This was an allegation questioning his integrity.

The situation indeed violated the academy’s regulations since Xu Mo had not contributed to the academy.

However, for a student with extraordinary talent, it was entirely justifiable for the academy to provide exceptional rewards and protect his growth.

The intentions of the Elder were without question.

Yet, it fell prey to gossip and was used as a pretext to attack him.

Compared side-by-side with his former student’s corruption case, the problem seemed quite severe.

Along with the myriad other issues uncovered at Noah Academy.

This was clearly aimed at him.

“I will go back,” Xu Mo interjected upon hearing this, realizing that the Mecha gifted by his teacher had become a weapon against him.

“What nonsense,” the Elder shot a glare at him and said, “Is this matter just about giving away a Mecha?”

Xu Mo fell silent, obviously aware that it was just a pretext.

At this moment, they heard footsteps approaching from outside.

Soon after, they saw a line of people with an air of authority walking in; they were upright in their walk, exuding a commanding presence. Upon reaching the courtyard, they stopped, bowed deeply to the Elder, and said, “We have come to visit the Old Dean, and we apologize for not informing you in advance.”

“Have you completed your investigation?” the Elder asked flatly.

“The investigation is complete,” said the man who appeared to be in his forties, tall and imposing with a crew cut that added to his brisk efficiency.

He took a stack of documents, approached the Elder, and offered them, saying, “Please review this, Old Dean.”

“No need, since it concerns Noah Academy, I must recuse myself,” the Elder replied.

The middle-aged man, upon hearing the Elder’s words, took back the documents and asked, “Old Dean, do you wish for the findings to be made public?”

“Certainly,” the Elder said, “If the academy has erred, there is nothing to hide.”

“We will follow your guidance,” the middle-aged man nodded as if he held deep respect for the Elder.

“Regarding the issue of gifting the Mecha, most of the funds were compensation from Nanming Academy, and I personally covered the insufficient amount. It can be considered a personal gift from me and has nothing to do with the academy. The previous decision will be rescinded,” the Elder continued.

“Very well,” the middle-aged man had no objections and said, “Then we will do as you suggest. With your permission, Old Dean, I shall take my leave.”

With those words, the group turned and left the area.

After they were gone, both the Elder and Lin Qingze sat frowning deeply.

“It seems they want me to step down,” the Elder said.

This time, the focus was clearly on him.

Lin Qingze’s face showed anger and disappointment as he spoke, “As the executive Dean of Noah Academy, I should bear the responsibility for the academy’s missteps. If anyone should retire, it should be me. You can’t step down, Old Dean.”

If the Old Dean stepped down, it was uncertain who would take over Noah Academy.

Yet one could surmise that the aim was to gain control over the academy and ultimately place the Extraordinary Academy in their grasp.

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