Meteor Fall Master in the 'Starry Abyss'
Chapter 378 - 23. Talent Excavation_2

Chapter 378: 23. Talent Excavation_2

However, it did not happen.

Not only that, Balkmon came up with a win-win solution.

"Such a quality talent, we can’t waste him. As long as he receives education in our university and provides knowledge output, it will be a gain for us. Arranging him in the Interstellar School is fitting; we can observe his actions and he won’t feel neglected."

Atkez praised:

"This way, it saves face and makes him work for us. We also don’t need to worry about him learning classified information—it’s a compromise that benefits everyone."

"Even if he really is a Narrative-level spy, it wouldn’t matter. The Interstellar School is meant to showcase our Crystal Tower Civilization anyway."

At this point, Balkmon’s words surprised Atkez.

Previously, Balkmon emanated the aura of the Border Abyss, clearly suspecting some connection between ’Leoz’ and the Narrative-level civilizations; but now he suddenly calmed down, making such a rational decision.

Balkmon glanced at Atkez: "You are influenced by outside opinions, thinking I have conflicts with a Narrative-level civilization and are worried about crossing a minefield, right?"

Before Atkez could respond, Balkmon continued:

"It’s understandable. After all, I returned from the Starry Abyss. Even in the entire Layer Abyss... those who have submerged are no more than tens of billions."

Atkez was stunned: "Is it really that few?"

"The actual number is likely even fewer. Those who can stand up and fight after bearing the Curse add up to not even filling a planet. Most of them are gathered under the three major Narrative-level civilizations. At this level, the only thing that can unite them is the pursuit of the Pathway."

Balkmon explained:

"For those above the Kappa Rank, to transcend biological ascendance, they must submerge in the Starry Abyss to liberate their shackles—understanding this, and comparing it to the under one hundred billion current Kappa Ranks in the Layer Abyss, you’ll realize how mysterious the Starry Abyss is."

"For this reason, this ’Leoz’ is particularly significant. He possesses Divinity, compared to others, he can avoid some detours in exploring the Pathway. Observing his growth, his experience itself is a valuable resource."

"Regarding your attitude toward Leoz, you should focus on cooperation, while checking his origins and growth trajectory. And remember, only train, don’t nurture."

Atkez understood:

"You mean to provide educational resources but not growth resources?"

"It’s for everyone’s good. We won’t worry about him betraying and leaving, causing us too much loss. On Leoz’s side, he won’t feel overly valued by us and subjected to excessive demands and supervision, affecting his perception of us."

In truth, there was another point Balkmon did not mention.

If Leoz knew his importance, he might hike up the price or turn to other civilizations to threaten the Crystal Tower Civilization for more resources.

As a bureaucrat and soldier of an interstellar civilization, Balkmon had seen plenty of such extortion and dual-benefit seeking.

If Leoz dared to try such tactics, Balkmon wouldn’t mind letting him experience the taste of a gamma-ray burst.

Atkez’s response also satisfied Balkmon. The subsequent reports and opinions were up to standard, which made Balkmon nod repeatedly. After the discussion, he greatly appreciated the young subordinate before him:

"Your awareness is good, but you still lack some experience. Coincidentally, I have a task that needs handling. There’s no time like the present, how about you take charge, how do you feel about that?"

Atkez’s eyes lit up; this was a cue that the leader intended to cultivate him.

Still, even though he wanted to agree, some pleasantries had to be said.

"Ah, you overestimate me, Minister. I am of modest talents, I fear I cannot handle the heavy responsibility you’re giving me alone."

Parenthetically hinting, he hoped Balkmon would assign someone to assist him, ensuring his performance would be conveyed to the Minister.

As a technical bureaucrat, Atkez was confident in handling issues but worried his achievements might go unnoticed.

Moreover, what dangers could a teaching planet hold? This clearly indicated Minister Balkmon intended to nurture him well, whether as a lieutenant or a future candidate—considering the Minister’s character, he likely had several similar talents already.

To stand out, Atkez knew he needed to demonstrate more.

Balkmon understood Atkez’s thoughts and waved his hand:

"I’ll give you two assistants. The task isn’t hard but requires long-term attention."

"Please go ahead, I’ll do my utmost," Atkez assured.

"Here’s the thing. It’s a bit complicated, so I’ll cut to the chase."

Balkmon pondered for a moment, then confidently cast a shielding magic, and spoke:

"Do you know the Golden Dragon Monk, Yachi Dukin Monson?"

"Somewhat. It’s said he gained the bloodline of a High Dragon Race through a fortuitous encounter, leading him onto a unique Pathway, making him noble and pure-hearted; hence, he voluntarily joined us to aid in battles."

Atkez thought for a moment and added:

"It seems Yachi Dukin was formidable on the front lines. I’ve heard from others about the Eye of the Galaxy campaign, where he fought three Kappa Rank powerhouses alone without falling behind. One could say, with him, the Eye of the Galaxy wouldn’t have fallen. Having such ally is truly a blessing."

"Is there a problem? Is he unwilling to fight for us anymore?"

"No, it’s not that."

Balkmon turned around, smiling wryly:

"You are aware, high-ranking Dragonborn are rare. The higher-ups are considering how to keep him with us. At the very least, they’d like to keep his descendants."

"That shouldn’t be a problem, right?" Atkez hesitated, not sensing the issue.

Balkmon chuckled:

"This guy carries the Golden Dragon Lineage and is a natural artist with high aesthetic standards. Moreover, he’s a Martial Monk, who scorns worldly desires."

"—Only those with high artistic talents, noble temperament, and beauty can attract his attention."

Atkez suddenly understood:

"Uh, Minister, you mean... we’ve already found such a person?"

"You could say that."

"That’s great!" Atkez exclaimed in delight: "Where is she now? What do I need to do?"

"Buried underground."

Balkmon explained:

"She’s the descendant of a special individual. You need to dig her up, resurrect her, then retrain and instruct her—since the war will last at least sixty more years, there’s ample time to make her a loyal agent of our Crystal Civilization."

"Is she someone who fell into deep sleep in ancient times? In that case, she would have Divine Blood or an Ultra-life lineage. Our technology... shouldn’t be able to revive someone of that level, right?"

"Not necessarily; from my limited understanding, she’s merely a person from a few decades ago who went missing accidentally. The rest is up to you."

"Rest assured, my primary job is talent excavation and education."

Now, literally ’excavating’ talent.

Fortunately, grave-digging was a well-honed skill for a Magician. Few magicians hadn’t excavated a grave... he meant explored archaeological sites.

Upon realizing the task related to his expertise, Atkez felt significantly relieved:

"What’s her name? I need to collect some information about her, to see if I can find any related records."

Logically, a beautiful, elegant, and artistically talented woman, if she had been asleep for many years, would not be hard to find in historical texts.

"Vellia,"

Balkmon responded:

"Her full name is Verimia Aeliria Saint Valendino."