Initially, Zeus wanted to say a few more words—anything at all—to persuade the youth to reconsider.
But Atherwood didn't even give him the chance.
The moment he stepped forward, the student had already assumed his stance, fists clenched, breathing steady, his body moving with practiced familiarity. The punching routine began immediately, sharp and decisive, as though he feared that even a second of hesitation would invite ridicule.
Watching this unfold, Zeus felt an inexplicable sense of desolation rise in his chest.
So… this is it.
To be honest, he didn't even recognize the punching routine Atherwood was using. Forget finding flaws—he didn't even know where to begin.
Guide him? With what? My imagination?
And even if he wants to guess, he had never been good at lottery from his previous life. Cold sweat began to form on his forehead.
If he failed to point out any flaws, public embarrassment would be the least of his worries. Luna—the student he had gone through so much trouble to recruit—would be taken away from him. Worse still, this humiliation would become the final nail in the coffin. Expulsion from the academy would no longer be a possibility, but a certainty.
His thoughts spiraled.
Flaw… what flaw could there possibly be…
Boom!
Suddenly, a violent tremor shook his consciousness.
A deafening rumble echoed within his mind, like thunder splitting the heavens apart. The Omniscient System that was silent until now—quaked as though awakened from a deep slumber.
Above the towering bookshelves, four massive words materialized, glowing with an ancient and imposing aura.
The Omniscient System Activated!
The words carried indescribable authority, like mountains pressing down on his soul. It was as though the laws of the world themselves were being declared.
The moment the words stabilized, a book abruptly formed on one of the shelves.
It fell.
Straight into his hands.
Zeus roze.
"What… is this?"
His heartbeat nearly stopped as he lowered his head. On the cover of the book were only two simple words, written plainly, yet shockingly clear.
Atherwood
Hands trembling, Zeus flipped it open.
The first page was densely packed with text.
Atherwood
Origin: Wood Family, Asheville City
Status: Student of Starforge Academy
Cultivation: Fighter 1-dan, Juxi Realm
Cultivation Technique: Lotus Acupoint Breakthrough Might
Battle Techniques:
– Soaring Flower Fists (Rookie)
– Dragon Inch Fist (Expert)
His pupils shrank.
Then his gaze fell further.
Flaws: 12 aspects
No.1: Excessive force applied during feints, causing unnecessary energy loss…
No.2: Breathing rhythm misaligned with punch transitions…
…
No.12: Though his left arm is stronger, the punching routine is structured for right-handed practitioners, preventing full exertion of strength…
"This… this…"
Zeus felt as though his mind had been struck by lightning.
Was this real?
The instant he thought about Atherwood flaws, the Ominicient system had compiled a complete book—detailing every weakness, every imperfection, without omission.
If even half of this was true, then the so-called gift package he had received as a transcender was nothing short of Universe defying.
No one in this world was perfect.
No martial art, no cultivation technique, no move was flawless. Even techniques refined for thousands of years carried hidden imperfections.
And yet—
This system had laid them all bare.
Peng!
A loud impact snapped Zeus back to reality.
Atherwood routine had already ended. His final punch slammed into the stone pillar, causing it to tremble violently. Glowing numbers surfaced on its surface.
62!
"Teacher Zeus," Lycoris said with a pleasant smile, "Atherwood has finished his demonstration. Perhaps you could offer him some guidance now?"
The implication in his tone was unmistakable.
A teacher who scored zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination—what right did he have to guide anyone?
"I…"
Zeus opened his mouth, only to realize his thoughts were still reeling from the shock of the System's awakening. A moment ago, he hadn't even known what punch Atherwood was using. How was he supposed to guide him?
"Teacher Zeus, please correct my flaws!"
Atherwood stepped forward and bowed deeply, his posture respectful yet firm.
At the side, Luna blinked in curiosity, her eyes filled with anticipation. She wanted to see how this "expert" teacher—whom she had just met—would handle such a situation.
Every gaze in the area locked onto Zeus.
If he didn't speak now, there would be no recovery.
Just as he was about to blurt out something—anything—to save face, the contents of the book flashed through his mind.
The twelve flaws.
Clear. Precise. Merciless.
Whether it's true or not… I have no other choice.
Straightening his back, Zeus spoke.
"There are many flaws in your punching routine," he said calmly. "A total of twelve."
Silence.
Then—
"Hahaha!"
"Did he just say twelve flaws?"
"This is the funniest thing I've heard all day!"
"That's Soaring Flower Fist! One of the most basic techniques in the entire kingdom!"
"After thousands of years of refinement, he claims there are twelve flaws? Is he dreaming?"
The crowd erupted in laughter.
Soaring Flower Fist was among the most widespread techniques in Swellville Kingdom. Every martial practitioner learned it. Though it lacked destructive power, it was praised for its stability and balance.
Some even called it the Flawless Fist.
And yet this man—who had scored zero in his qualification exam—was claiming it had twelve flaws?
Even if the academy principal were present, he likely wouldn't dare make such a claim.
"Oh?" Lycoris raised an eyebrow, barely concealing his delight. "Teacher Zeus truly is extraordinary. To be able to find twelve flaws in the Soaring Flower Fist… please, enlighten us."
The words sounded polite.
The intent was not.
He was cornering Zeus completely.
Despite the laughter echoing around him, Zeus expression remained calm. Outwardly, he appeared composed.
Inwardly, cold sweat ran down his spine.
Soaring Flower Fist… of all techniques…
His heart pounded violently.
How the hell am I getting out of this?