High School of Demon Hunting

Early last month.

It was during the Qingming Festival.

At that time, Zheng Su 123 had just transformed into a Great Elf and was sent to the Greenhill Mansion by Zheng Qing. In dorm room 403, when they talked about this, Xiao Xiao suggested writing a thesis based on the observation records of the sprites’ transformation. It could serve as a precious record and also put a perfect ending to the tumultuous fate of these little creatures.

Zheng Qing had no objections.

The premise being, he wouldn’t have to write this paper.

To be perfectly honest, with his class schedule and assistant duties this semester, he really didn’t have much time and energy to invest in another major paper.

Accordingly, Xiao Xiao’s idea of listing Zheng Qing as the second author was also tactfully declined by him.

After all, they were all still kids who hadn’t left the ivory tower.

Caring about reputation.

Back to the main topic.

Because they were just chatting that day, Zheng Qing turned around and forgot all about it. In the following weeks, there was the Spring Hunting season at school, midterm exams, being kidnapped by Thomas, and so on. One troublesome thing after another left the young assistant overwhelmed, causing him to completely forget about Xiao Xiao’s casual remark from that day.

So, when he saw the thick stack of parchment paper that Xiao Xiao had written today, he was quite shocked.

"—It’s just sorting and summarizing some information, not that difficult."

The diviner from the Atonement Hunting Team modestly adjusted his glasses, paused for a few seconds, and then rather reservedly added, "But a few days ago, I asked Sima to look it over, and she felt that the content of this paper was quite pioneering, so she showed it to her family elders. Her family said we could try submitting it to ’Alchemy’ magazine..."

Before he finished speaking, a series of gasps filled the dorm room. Not only did the groggy Fat Wizard tumble out of bed, but even Fatty Cat Tuan Tuan rarely stretched its neck out, curiously inspecting Xiao Xiao.

No other reason, purely because the news was too shocking.

You see, the "Alchemy" magazine is published by the International Alchemist Association and features the latest research and discoveries in the field of alchemy. It has published many significant papers in the alchemical field. Last year’s impact factor was 31.95, and it’s on par with First University’s "Magic" (impact factor 58.597) and the Alliance’s "Nature" (42.027) as the three leading journals in the Magical World.

Of course, the expression ’three leading journals’ is generally only used by the International Alchemist Association—just like how First University would only call "Magic" the most authoritative journal in the Wizard World, and the Alliance would generally call "Magic" and "Nature" the two leading authoritative journals in the Alliance—but in any case, "Alchemy" being the most authoritative journal in the alchemy field is indisputable, there is none other.

In Zheng Qing’s impression, most of the wizards who could publish papers in such a prestigious journal like "Alchemy" are already accomplished, nearly all at the Great Wizard level, and the very few who are of a lower tier are those outstanding geniuses.

Like Dr. Terry Duzem.

Back then, because of an important paper on divine substances, coauthored with Professor Montelio, which was published in "Alchemy," Dr. Duzem was leading a key laboratory at First University even before graduation. Even though he faced a significant downfall later, once he got back on his feet, he immediately became an important figure at the fringe college of First University.

And most wizards in the world aren’t geniuses like Dr. Duzem.

Just like Hilda.

Hilda, an assistant from the Alfonso family, is considered among the ’promising young talents’ by everyone. According to Zheng Qing’s knowledge, two years ago, Hilda had written a paper on the breeding of mutated fireflies, which was published in the "Magical Creatures" journal, hosted by the Ruber-Leck Institute of Magical Creatures. Since the field of magical creatures is relatively obscure, the journal’s impact factor is only 4.1. Even so, with this paper, Assistant Hilda has been doing quite well in the assistant group these past two years, with a promotion to lecturer in sight.

"’Alchemy’ huh—"

Dylan, who had just climbed up to his bed, let his head hang over the coffin edge, his eyes unfocused, with a hint of wistfulness in his voice, "If I could have my name in ’Alchemy,’ my family wouldn’t complain about me not getting married in a hundred years... and certainly wouldn’t hastily find me a zombie bride."

Clearly, he was reminded of his current poor situation.

"It’s only a possibility; don’t get too excited!" Xin Fat Man’s voice carried a hint of envy, "Besides, Teacher Sima is only a lecturer. How would she know the evaluation standards of ’Alchemy’..."

"That’s why connections are important."

For once, Dylan was serious, earnestly reminding, "Even though Sima from Doctor’s family is just a small-time lecturer, the Sima Family is not small at all... Do you know First University has a ’Sima’s Institute of Magical History’? The ’History of Magic’ journal, with an impact factor of 3.05, is hosted by this institute. Now, do you still think Sima family’s elders can’t see the ’weight’ of certain articles in history?"

Zheng Qing sniffed.

Suddenly wanted to take out the Time Turner, go back a month, and give his past self who declined Doctor Xiao’s invitation a beating.

Reputation?

In the face of such great honor, what does reputation count for! If he had such a major paper under his belt, even if he failed two elective courses, he’d still be able to apply for graduation— even at First University, a student graduating normally only needs to submit a paper to a journal with an impact factor of 0.5 or above to be considered qualified.

31.95—

Enough for over sixty people to graduate!

As he regretted, he heard Xiao Xiao’s inquiry beside him.

"—Are you guys planning to add your names now? Before this paper is finished."

Perhaps worried about everyone feeling awkward, Xiao Xiao very considerately added, "Don’t feel any psychological pressure; though I’m the one writing the observation diary, the sprites belong to Brother Qing, and everyone helped out during their transformation. Adding a name is very reasonable... Of course, by adding your name, you’ll need to contribute to the paper. For instance, helping to find resources at the library, organizing data, and collecting related papers..."

Dorm room 403 fell into silence for a moment.

The Fat Cat silently smirked, holding its paws, tilting its head, looking at the rain showering outside the window, feeling a sense of emotion in its heart—still young, hesitating over such matters!

Zheng Qing could feel the other two seemed to be waiting for his response.

He knew that, as the owner of the sprites, his choice would certainly influence them. If he, as the owner of the sprites, rejected the doctor’s invitation, the others would naturally be in a tough spot to ’jump in line.’

After a moment of silence.

He finally shook his head—

"Let’s just forget it."