I gain permanent defense when attacked; even gods and demons can't hurt me.

Room 402, Xingfu Residential Complex.

Su Ya and Zhao Wuji followed Lin Yuan into the two-bedroom apartment, which was less than 60 square meters.

The furnishings inside were very simple, even somewhat shabby.

Peeling walls, yellowed floors, and that sofa that looked like it was about to collapse.

Aside from being very clean, this place is a completely different world from the identity of a "national champion".

As Su Ya watched Lin Yuan busily pouring water, a complex mix of emotions welled up within her.

Who would have thought.

The boy who single-handedly defeated a golden boss in a dungeon and was revered as the "God of the Abyss" by all the examinees in the province.

They actually live in a place like this?

"What a pitiful yet admirable little guy."

Su Ya thought to herself.

Zhao Wuji looked around, his eyes showing a hint of seriousness.

Great talents often emerge from humble backgrounds.

To grow into such a prodigy in such an environment, one's temperament is far beyond that of a flower in a greenhouse.

"Mentors, please have some tea."

Lin Yuan walked over carrying two cups of hot tea, his face bearing that signature harmless smile:

"We only have this kind of regular green tea at home, please don't mind it."

"I've been waiting for you at home for a long time."

Lin Yuan plopped down on the small stool opposite him and sighed.

"During this period, the entire city was under martial law, and not even a fly could get out."

"I can't even go to dungeons to level up. At home, all I do is brag to Xia Chen and play games."

"If I don't move around a bit, I feel like my body is going to rust."

Hearing Lin Yuan's complaints, Su Ya and Zhao Wuji exchanged a glance and smiled helplessly.

"There's no way around it, this situation is just too unusual."

Su Ya put down her teacup, her expression gradually becoming serious:

"The Abyss Order's infiltration is deeper than we imagined. In order to protect you surviving geniuses, a city lockdown is necessary."

"However, we didn't come here today to discuss these heavy topics."

Su Ya leaned forward slightly, looking directly into Lin Yuan's eyes: "We're here to give you the top scholar's reward."

"But before that, we need to understand some things."

Lin Yuan nodded, his playful smile fading. "Teacher, please ask."

Su Ya organized her thoughts and slowly said, "Lin Yuan, as a top student at Yunhai No. 1 High School, you should be very clear about what a unique hidden profession means."

"This means it's unique; unless the previous owner dies, there won't be a second one in the world."

At this point, Su Ya paused, a hint of regret in her voice:

"But unfortunately..."

"In the history of our Chinese nation, most of the powerful hidden professions are mages and warriors, which are inclined towards extreme attacks."

"And there are too few samples of hidden defensive professions."

Zhao Wuji, standing to the side, chimed in, adding:

"That's right."

"Moreover, hidden professions have a major drawback: the difference between their potential and skill level is extremely large."

"Some hidden classes are as fierce as tigers in the early stages, but become as weak as dogs in the late stages."

"Some are like trash in the early stages, but take off after the second job advancement."

"Some hidden classes, apart from having slightly higher attribute growth, have completely terrible skill mechanics, even worse than ordinary rare classes."

"This is why hidden professions are hard to break. Unless they show some potential, it's difficult for the country to decide whether to spend a lot of resources to cultivate them in the early stages."

"After all, resources don't just come out of thin air. Compared to the Abyss Clan, our human race is still relatively weak. It can be said that we are beset by internal and external troubles."

"Instead of cultivating such an unstable hidden profession, cultivating legendary professions might be a more stable choice for the country."

Zhao Wuji looked at Lin Yuan with burning eyes: "We don't want to ruin you."

"Therefore, based on past lessons, we must now ask you this very seriously."

"Could you tell us what's so special about your profession?"

"Or rather, what is its core skill?"

If it's just about high defense, then it's still within the realm of understanding.

But Lin Yuan's performance in the dungeon was clearly more than just "high defense".

Su Ya took a deep breath and finally asked the question that had troubled all the mentors for days and nights:

"And also, if I may be so bold as to ask a question..."

"How were you able to use your skills continuously within the secret realm?"

"A large-area AOE like Shockwave takes at least three minutes to cool down under normal conditions."

"But you're firing off like a machine gun?"

Su Ya stared into Lin Yuan's eyes, as if trying to see through his soul: "Others don't know you and assume you have a powerful background and use some kind of consumable treasure."

"But we've checked your background. Your parents died early, and you come from a poor family."

"You absolutely cannot possess a priceless treasure like the 'Hourglass of Time' that reduces cooldowns."

Therefore, there is only one truth.

Su Ya said, enunciating each word clearly, "Did you awaken some kind of talent ahead of schedule?"

The room fell silent instantly.

You could hear a pin drop.

talent!

This is something every professional dreams of.

Normally, one can only awaken their talent by reaching level 40 and completing an extremely difficult second job advancement quest.

Those who can awaken their talents before the second job advancement are either legendary-level professionals or one in a million peerless geniuses!

Despite the intense, searchlight-like gazes of his two mentors, Lin Yuan remained calm.

He silently activated the skill in his mind.

[Omniscient and omnipotent, activate!]

In an instant, Su Ya and Zhao Wuji's information panels flashed before his eyes.

[Status: Eager to recruit talent, upright, and without malicious intent]

Lin Yuan felt much more at ease after confirming that they were allies.

In fact, he had already guessed that there would be such a "three-way trial" before they arrived.

After all, he acted too exaggeratedly in the dungeon.

Anyone who isn't blind can see the problem.

"It's impossible to hide it forever."

Lin Yuan thought to himself.

"Moreover, we've already been targeted by the Abyss Order. If we keep hiding, we're more likely to fail because we're not taken seriously."

"Appropriately revealing our hand can not only secure more resources but also obtain key protection from the state."

"It's time to lay our cards on the table."

I've figured that out.

Lin Yuan's expression instantly turned serious.

He put down his teacup, sat up straight, and exuded a composure beyond his years.

To be honest with my two mentors...

"You guessed right."

"I have indeed awakened my talent."

Hearing this affirmative answer.

Su Ya and Zhao Wuji's pupils contracted sharply, and their breathing became more rapid.

It's one thing to guess, but it's quite another to hear someone admit it with their own ears!

They really woke up ahead of schedule!

Lin Yuan continued, "You probably don't know this, but although my profession appears to be a shield-wielding greatsword knight..."