Zong Yan’s college entrance exam lasted two days, with four exams in total, and Yog-Sothoth showed up for each of them.
On the first day, the Lord of the Gate was a proctor, standing next to Zong Yan’s desk the entire time.
The other proctor completely ignored him, even during the mathematics exam in the afternoon when the Lord of the Gate personally caught an examinee cheating with a miniature headset.
The candidate didn’t even have a chance to connect his headphones outside the examination room. He was still frantically searching for a signal when he was caught, and his face was bewildered.
After all, the proctor hadn’t used any equipment. He just yanked the student from his seat and pointed straight at his expensive concealed headset.
After the examinee was taken away by the patrol team, the entire classroom once again stopped noticing this silent proctor. They returned their attention to their exam sheets, carefully answering the questions.
The next day, Zong Yan didn’t see the Lord of the Gate with the proctors’ team. It was only after the exam began that he realized the gray-haired evil god was sitting in the chair beside him.
Zong Yan: “…”
Well, if you weren’t going to be a test proctor, why not become a test taker. It was a maneuver worthy of Yog-Sothoth.
And that was why, for both of his exams that day, Zong Yan had to put up with his boyfriend blatantly moving his desk over and sticking by his side.
There was plenty of space in the examination room, okay? But the guy actually put two desks side by side for the college entrance exam. Who would do something like that?!
Of course, the outcome was exactly the same as the day before. No one, including the classroom surveillance monitors, noticed anything amiss.
The Lord of the Gate propped his head on his hand. His long gray hair fell on the desk as he stared at Zong Yan without blinking. His golden eyes were filled with Zong Yan’s reflection.
For the entire two exams, Zong Yan didn’t even glance at him. Despite this burning gaze, Zong Yan calmed down and concentrated seriously on answering the questions.
Then the tumultuous college entrance exam finally ended.
The moment the exam was over and Zong Yan put down his pen, he gave Yog strict orders not to reveal any information about the results.
“Don’t you want to know how many points you got or whether you took first place?” The Lord of the Gate’s voice was incredibly low, like the bewitching whisper of a devil.
Zong Yan refused. “No, I don’t want to know.”
If all he wanted was to be the top student or get a perfect score, he would have done that already.
In fact, Zong Yan didn’t really expect to be the top scorer on the college entrance exam. To be honest, for him it was just a test of the hard work he’d done over the last three years, a culmination of his twelve year learning career.
So when the college entrance exam was over, he sent it to the back of his mind. He was going to eat, drink, sleep, and do whatever else he needed to do.
Zong Yan still had the title of school chief of Miskatonic University, and he’d missed a full semester of classes. Two months from now he would have to pack his bags and return to school.
At first Zong Yan was planning to go back to MU to study. But as it turned out, he received a notice from the university.
Dear Zong Yan, Greetings!
According to the application submitted by your academic advisor (Tawil At-U’mr), the Logistics Department of our university has completed a detailed investigation on you. Prof. Tawil’s application has now been approved by a unanimous vote. For the coming semester, you will undertake an advanced investigation practice class alongside your advisor.
Attachment: S-rated Top Secret Task 9 File (Ancient Egypt Black Pharaoh Investigation)
Logistics Department of Miskatonic University
Zong Yan: “…?”
Zong Yan: “When did you submit an application for me to do an assignment next semester?”
“I’m your advisor.”
A pair of cold hands circled around him from behind. The evil god trapped the human lightly in his arms. A low, gravelly laugh met Zong Yan’s ears, and he instinctively tilted his head away.
The evil god sank against his human, wrapping around him as if his spine wasn’t made of bones.
“Besides, completing an S-rated task is equivalent to a full academic year’s worth of credits. You’ll receive an additional scholarship, not to mention the reward for the S-level task itself. Isn’t that a good thing?”
After hearing these words, Zong Yan thought for a moment. “When does the mission start?”
S-level top secret missions were usually projects that involved direct interaction with evil gods or higher-level monsters. It might take several years for this kind of mission to be picked up by a team of senior investigators. Naturally, it would also attract the attention of the entire occult world.
All too frequently, the outcome for the small team that attempted such a mission would be tragic. If as many as ten people managed to come back alive, MU would hang firecrackers and fireworks at the door to celebrate.
The Spire Council didn’t have high requirements for S-level missions. The mission would be divided into several task stages, and it wasn’t necessary to complete every one of them. It was enough to complete up to a certain stage. Because S-rated tasks usually involved artifact-level items, if a team managed to complete one stage, the capabilities of the occult world would likely go up an entire level.
This was especially true of ancient magic patterns unearthed in ruins. The more dangerous the relics, the more there was to be gained, and the worse it was for the human explorers. However, the knowledge they acquired was a treasure for the occult world.
“After you finish shooting the movie.”
Speaking of which, now that the college entrance exam was over, Zong Yan had just one week off before he had to go to Hollywood to join the crew.
The epic film production had been announced to the world a long time ago, and the supporting actors had already shot their scenes. They were all waiting for Zong Yan, the main character, to arrive.
A lot of world-famous superstars had agreed to take on supporting roles for a little-known newcomer. Zong Yan became a big hit on the Internet after the video of the Night Watchman was released, and had to use some evil god techniques to modify reality so he wouldn’t be mobbed on the street by people asking for selfies.
Zong Yan: “No, after I shoot the movie I have to start college. How will I have time to go on a mission with you?”
Quite simply, he was the busiest chief in the history of MU. While other students were taking four classes a year, he was only able to attend during winter and summer vacation. Not to mention Zong Yan would soon enroll in Tsinghua University while carrying out MU missions at the same time. It was a lot to think about.
“There will be time.” Yog downplayed it.
Since the Lord of Time said so, Zong Yan knew this guy was planning to use unconventional means.
For example, tossing him this way and that, using his human form for one thing, then changing to his true body and starting all over again, and everything happened while time was suspended, so it absolutely didn’t take up any of the young man’s sleep or rest time.
“Are you really planning to do this mission?” Zong Yan gave him a look of disbelief. “An S-level mission requires at least five members for the investigation team, right?”
“You, me, Nyarlathotep, Shub-Niggurath, and Nyarlathotep. Just five people. Didn’t you say you wanted to relax and unwind and go to ancient Egypt to explore the ruins? It will be an enjoyable experience.”
Zong Yan: “…”
Nyarlathotep and Nyarlathotep. That said something right there.
Besides, Zong Yan knew that Nyarla had once used an alt account to live as a Pharaoh in ancient Egypt. He’d created a powerful empire known to history as the age of the Black Pharaoh.
For unknown reasons, very little remained of the Black Pharaoh’s reign. Over the years, historians around the world developed an unparalleled interest in that mysterious era.
More than a decade ago, a large-scale excavation project took place in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. One of the archeologists swore he’d found signs of a predynastic civilization in a tomb that was far beyond human understanding. Unfortunately, this archeologist was sent to a mental hospital a few months later, which added to the air of mystery that surrounded the Black Pharaoh’s pyramid.
“Okay.”
Zong Yan thought about it. It was true that he needed to complete an assignment with his mentor in MU.
Besides, the tenth Monarch and the seventh Monarch would be on the same mission, and everyone in the occult world knew the tenth Monarch could tear apart alien creatures with his bare hands and drive away Great Old Ones. It was only natural to apply for an S-rated mission.
A few days later, Zong Yan hurriedly joined the movie crew.
There was a warm atmosphere between everyone in the crew. Although there were people from all over the world, Zong Yan’s language ability was maxed out, so he didn’t have any worries. He soon established friendly relationships with many of the actors.
Of course, it was strictly forbidden for anyone to make trouble in the crew.
This movie was one of the year’s big Hollywood blockbusters. Not only was the set luxurious enough to make people gasp, the special effects team was top of the line.
The director actually had a tangential relationship to the occult world, and the actors had signed the most stringent confidentiality agreement. The main storyline was about a teenager saving the world, a bit similar to Spider-man. For that reason, Zong Yan didn’t bother holding back. He showed the actual process of his transformation on camera, changing from an ordinary person into the Night Watchman, which also saved the cost of post-production special effects.
Today, just after he finished a scene, there was the sound of a commotion from outside the green screen.
“What’s going on?”
Zong Yan unhooked himself from the wire and walked outside.
“It’s Mr. Shub-Niggurath! Oh my God! Mr. Niggurath actually came to the set!”
Zong Yan: “…”
As soon as he reached the door, he saw the blond evil god standing in the sunlight with a charming smile on his face. An RV was parked behind him, and his assistants were distributing iced drinks to the crew.
“Mr. Niggurath hired several Michelin chefs this time. They say he came to the set on purpose.”
The lighting technician didn’t know the famous international superstar was here specifically to visit the little group pet of their crew. He continued to explain, “The second male lead was originally supposed to be Mr. Niggurath. I don’t know what happened, but they say his name was withdrawn by someone at the top. It’s a pity.”
Shub was wearing sunglasses. The moment Zong Yan came out, he immediately looked in his direction and showed an exaggerated expression of surprise. “Chris!”
Zong Yan again: “…”
His English name was Chris. Such a nice name, but when Shub said it, he somehow felt a pang of irritation.
“Who are you? Have we met?”
Zong Yan remembered all the times he’d scrambled to preserve his life from this evil god. These days, Zong Yan was too lazy to pay any attention to him. He turned his head and walked away.
The onlookers were stunned.
Who was Shub-Niggurath?
An international superstar. No matter whether it was on the news or in daily life, he was one of the rich and arrogant who only looked at other people down his nose. When had he ever been so enthusiastic about anyone?
But that was only the beginning. In the afternoon, a second uninvited guest came to visit the set.
“Sir, are you one of Mr. Chris’s friends?” the person in charge asked timidly.
The Lord of the Gate narrowed his eyes. “I’m his family.”
—
The author has something to say:
Zong Yan: This is too hard for me
TL Notes:
first place – 状元 – zhuàngyuán – This term goes way back to the imperial era where it was used to recognize the top scorer of the palace examinations. Today it’s also used for the top scorer in the college entrance exam
rich and arrogant- 二五八万 – A slang term from mahjong. Refer to Ch. 34 for a note
Transliterated names, titles, and places—new in this chapter:
Valley of the Kings – 帝王谷有
[ Project Page | Ko-Fi ✿ | Other translations by Confectioner ]
Zong Yan’s college entrance exam lasted two days, with four exams in total, and Yog-Sothoth showed up for each of them.
On the first day, the Lord of the Gate was a proctor, standing next to Zong Yan’s desk the entire time.
The other proctor completely ignored him, even during the mathematics exam in the afternoon when the Lord of the Gate personally caught an examinee cheating with a miniature headset.
The candidate didn’t even have a chance to connect his headphones outside the examination room. He was still frantically searching for a signal when he was caught, and his face was bewildered.
After all, the proctor hadn’t used any equipment. He just yanked the student from his seat and pointed straight at his expensive concealed headset.
After the examinee was taken away by the patrol team, the entire classroom once again stopped noticing this silent proctor. They returned their attention to their exam sheets, carefully answering the questions.
The next day, Zong Yan didn’t see the Lord of the Gate with the proctors’ team. It was only after the exam began that he realized the gray-haired evil god was sitting in the chair beside him.
Zong Yan: “…”
Well, if you weren’t going to be a test proctor, why not become a test taker. It was a maneuver worthy of Yog-Sothoth.
And that was why, for both of his exams that day, Zong Yan had to put up with his boyfriend blatantly moving his desk over and sticking by his side.
There was plenty of space in the examination room, okay? But the guy actually put two desks side by side for the college entrance exam. Who would do something like that?!
Of course, the outcome was exactly the same as the day before. No one, including the classroom surveillance monitors, noticed anything amiss.
The Lord of the Gate propped his head on his hand. His long gray hair fell on the desk as he stared at Zong Yan without blinking. His golden eyes were filled with Zong Yan’s reflection.
For the entire two exams, Zong Yan didn’t even glance at him. Despite this burning gaze, Zong Yan calmed down and concentrated seriously on answering the questions.
Then the tumultuous college entrance exam finally ended.
The moment the exam was over and Zong Yan put down his pen, he gave Yog strict orders not to reveal any information about the results.
“Don’t you want to know how many points you got or whether you took first place?” The Lord of the Gate’s voice was incredibly low, like the bewitching whisper of a devil.
Zong Yan refused. “No, I don’t want to know.”
If all he wanted was to be the top student or get a perfect score, he would have done that already.
In fact, Zong Yan didn’t really expect to be the top scorer on the college entrance exam. To be honest, for him it was just a test of the hard work he’d done over the last three years, a culmination of his twelve year learning career.
So when the college entrance exam was over, he sent it to the back of his mind. He was going to eat, drink, sleep, and do whatever else he needed to do.
Zong Yan still had the title of school chief of Miskatonic University, and he’d missed a full semester of classes. Two months from now he would have to pack his bags and return to school.
At first Zong Yan was planning to go back to MU to study. But as it turned out, he received a notice from the university.
Dear Zong Yan, Greetings!
According to the application submitted by your academic advisor (Tawil At-U’mr), the Logistics Department of our university has completed a detailed investigation on you. Prof. Tawil’s application has now been approved by a unanimous vote. For the coming semester, you will undertake an advanced investigation practice class alongside your advisor.
Attachment: S-rated Top Secret Task 9 File (Ancient Egypt Black Pharaoh Investigation)
Logistics Department of Miskatonic University
Zong Yan: “…?”
Zong Yan: “When did you submit an application for me to do an assignment next semester?”
“I’m your advisor.”
A pair of cold hands circled around him from behind. The evil god trapped the human lightly in his arms. A low, gravelly laugh met Zong Yan’s ears, and he instinctively tilted his head away.
The evil god sank against his human, wrapping around him as if his spine wasn’t made of bones.
“Besides, completing an S-rated task is equivalent to a full academic year’s worth of credits. You’ll receive an additional scholarship, not to mention the reward for the S-level task itself. Isn’t that a good thing?”
After hearing these words, Zong Yan thought for a moment. “When does the mission start?”
S-level top secret missions were usually projects that involved direct interaction with evil gods or higher-level monsters. It might take several years for this kind of mission to be picked up by a team of senior investigators. Naturally, it would also attract the attention of the entire occult world.
All too frequently, the outcome for the small team that attempted such a mission would be tragic. If as many as ten people managed to come back alive, MU would hang firecrackers and fireworks at the door to celebrate.
The Spire Council didn’t have high requirements for S-level missions. The mission would be divided into several task stages, and it wasn’t necessary to complete every one of them. It was enough to complete up to a certain stage. Because S-rated tasks usually involved artifact-level items, if a team managed to complete one stage, the capabilities of the occult world would likely go up an entire level.
This was especially true of ancient magic patterns unearthed in ruins. The more dangerous the relics, the more there was to be gained, and the worse it was for the human explorers. However, the knowledge they acquired was a treasure for the occult world.
“After you finish shooting the movie.”
Speaking of which, now that the college entrance exam was over, Zong Yan had just one week off before he had to go to Hollywood to join the crew.
The epic film production had been announced to the world a long time ago, and the supporting actors had already shot their scenes. They were all waiting for Zong Yan, the main character, to arrive.
A lot of world-famous superstars had agreed to take on supporting roles for a little-known newcomer. Zong Yan became a big hit on the Internet after the video of the Night Watchman was released, and had to use some evil god techniques to modify reality so he wouldn’t be mobbed on the street by people asking for selfies.
Zong Yan: “No, after I shoot the movie I have to start college. How will I have time to go on a mission with you?”
Quite simply, he was the busiest chief in the history of MU. While other students were taking four classes a year, he was only able to attend during winter and summer vacation. Not to mention Zong Yan would soon enroll in Tsinghua University while carrying out MU missions at the same time. It was a lot to think about.
“There will be time.” Yog downplayed it.
Since the Lord of Time said so, Zong Yan knew this guy was planning to use unconventional means.
For example, tossing him this way and that, using his human form for one thing, then changing to his true body and starting all over again, and everything happened while time was suspended, so it absolutely didn’t take up any of the young man’s sleep or rest time.
“Are you really planning to do this mission?” Zong Yan gave him a look of disbelief. “An S-level mission requires at least five members for the investigation team, right?”
“You, me, Nyarlathotep, Shub-Niggurath, and Nyarlathotep. Just five people. Didn’t you say you wanted to relax and unwind and go to ancient Egypt to explore the ruins? It will be an enjoyable experience.”
Zong Yan: “…”
Nyarlathotep and Nyarlathotep. That said something right there.
Besides, Zong Yan knew that Nyarla had once used an alt account to live as a Pharaoh in ancient Egypt. He’d created a powerful empire known to history as the age of the Black Pharaoh.
For unknown reasons, very little remained of the Black Pharaoh’s reign. Over the years, historians around the world developed an unparalleled interest in that mysterious era.
More than a decade ago, a large-scale excavation project took place in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. One of the archeologists swore he’d found signs of a predynastic civilization in a tomb that was far beyond human understanding. Unfortunately, this archeologist was sent to a mental hospital a few months later, which added to the air of mystery that surrounded the Black Pharaoh’s pyramid.
“Okay.”
Zong Yan thought about it. It was true that he needed to complete an assignment with his mentor in MU.
Besides, the tenth Monarch and the seventh Monarch would be on the same mission, and everyone in the occult world knew the tenth Monarch could tear apart alien creatures with his bare hands and drive away Great Old Ones. It was only natural to apply for an S-rated mission.
A few days later, Zong Yan hurriedly joined the movie crew.
There was a warm atmosphere between everyone in the crew. Although there were people from all over the world, Zong Yan’s language ability was maxed out, so he didn’t have any worries. He soon established friendly relationships with many of the actors.
Of course, it was strictly forbidden for anyone to make trouble in the crew.
This movie was one of the year’s big Hollywood blockbusters. Not only was the set luxurious enough to make people gasp, the special effects team was top of the line.
The director actually had a tangential relationship to the occult world, and the actors had signed the most stringent confidentiality agreement. The main storyline was about a teenager saving the world, a bit similar to Spider-man. For that reason, Zong Yan didn’t bother holding back. He showed the actual process of his transformation on camera, changing from an ordinary person into the Night Watchman, which also saved the cost of post-production special effects.
Today, just after he finished a scene, there was the sound of a commotion from outside the green screen.
“What’s going on?”
Zong Yan unhooked himself from the wire and walked outside.
“It’s Mr. Shub-Niggurath! Oh my God! Mr. Niggurath actually came to the set!”
Zong Yan: “…”
As soon as he reached the door, he saw the blond evil god standing in the sunlight with a charming smile on his face. An RV was parked behind him, and his assistants were distributing iced drinks to the crew.
“Mr. Niggurath hired several Michelin chefs this time. They say he came to the set on purpose.”
The lighting technician didn’t know the famous international superstar was here specifically to visit the little group pet of their crew. He continued to explain, “The second male lead was originally supposed to be Mr. Niggurath. I don’t know what happened, but they say his name was withdrawn by someone at the top. It’s a pity.”
Shub was wearing sunglasses. The moment Zong Yan came out, he immediately looked in his direction and showed an exaggerated expression of surprise. “Chris!”
Zong Yan again: “…”
His English name was Chris. Such a nice name, but when Shub said it, he somehow felt a pang of irritation.
“Who are you? Have we met?”
Zong Yan remembered all the times he’d scrambled to preserve his life from this evil god. These days, Zong Yan was too lazy to pay any attention to him. He turned his head and walked away.
The onlookers were stunned.
Who was Shub-Niggurath?
An international superstar. No matter whether it was on the news or in daily life, he was one of the rich and arrogant who only looked at other people down his nose. When had he ever been so enthusiastic about anyone?
But that was only the beginning. In the afternoon, a second uninvited guest came to visit the set.
“Sir, are you one of Mr. Chris’s friends?” the person in charge asked timidly.
The Lord of the Gate narrowed his eyes. “I’m his family.”
—
The author has something to say:
Zong Yan: This is too hard for me
TL Notes:
first place – 状元 – zhuàngyuán – This term goes way back to the imperial era where it was used to recognize the top scorer of the palace examinations. Today it’s also used for the top scorer in the college entrance exam
rich and arrogant- 二五八万 – A slang term from mahjong. Refer to Ch. 34 for a note
Transliterated names, titles, and places—new in this chapter:
Valley of the Kings – 帝王谷有
[ Project Page | Ko-Fi ✿ | Other translations by Confectioner ]
