Chapter 53: Real Men Are Riders

The young people's enthusiasm was undoubtedly adorable in the eyes of the old guys. Their genuine love for rune mechanics was actually the initial motivation for most people entering this field, rather than lofty future ideals.

Li Sitan observed the reactions of his three junior brothers and sisters. Honestly speaking, bringing these youngsters to repeat their path from years ago reminded him of his own passionate self back then. This was one of the few indulgences many of the old guys cherished, and Li Sitan was no exception.

Wang Feng had always given him the impression of being outstanding and steady, upright and incorruptible. Sometimes he seemed too perfect, almost unreal. But at this moment, when Wang Feng's eyes lit up with enthusiasm upon seeing the modified motorcycle, Li Sitan couldn't help but smile.

After all, he was still just a kid, capable of losing his composure sometimes. However, this was how a young person should behave—full of vigor and energy. Always acting like an old scholar, solely focused on research, would be too rigid.

Several old guys beside Li Sitan were also smiling as they observed these young people. Most of their attention was on Wang Feng, who had been praised by Li Sitan as a once-in-a-century genius. Naturally, he drew everyone's focus.

"This is the genius you mentioned? Doesn't look like much, still obsessed with external things," Luo Yan commented indifferently.

Luo Yan was the chief engineer of the Foundry and the pride of Rose Foundry. Even among the engineers of the League of Blades, he was well-known. He was an old acquaintance and rival of Li Sitan.

From competing in academic achievements during their student days to leading their respective institutes now, and collaborating on the current rune mechanics project, both were undoubtedly top-notch in their fields. They respected each other but wouldn't admit defeat easily. Bickering and poking fun at each other was a source of joy for them.

"Little Luo, appearances can be deceiving," said an old man with grizzled beard, smiling. "This kid clearly has a keen interest in motorcycles but manages to stay calm and composed. He's far more stable than I was when I first entered the modified workshop. He's a promising seedling."

Bai Linfeng, the vice-principal of Rose Holy Sanctuary, was one of the few rune mechanics experts there.

He was a legendary figure, the right-hand man of the old principal and a supporter of Karida.

Rune learning requires excellent memory, which declines with age. Therefore, most rune mechanics experts start young and later transition to mechanics.

But Bai Linfeng, who was once the chief engineer of Rose Holy Sanctuary's Foundry, began studying runes in his forties and still achieved great success, demonstrating exceptional talent.

Compared to Li Sitan's achievements in runes and Luo Yan's expertise in engineering, Bai Linfeng might be slightly less accomplished individually, but his dual expertise was unparalleled. He was also one of the main leaders of the current modification project.

Hearing others praise Wang Feng, Li Sitan felt as if he himself was being praised. Smiling, he said, "Brother, don't be fooled by his composed exterior. Our little brother isn't a quiet type; his mind is full of brilliant ideas."

"The kid over there is pretty good too."

Clearly, Wang Feng wasn't the only one being observed. Someone pointed at a few Foundry apprentices nearby. One of them was tall and had lively eyes. It was their first time in the modified workshop, yet several junior brothers and sisters had already gathered around him, listening intently as he detailed various tools and parts with excitement.

"He has leadership skills, is familiar with modified tools, and isn't intimidated. His practical skills should be decent," the old man with a white beard stroked his long beard. "With a bit of training, he could become a good assistant. What's his name?"

"Patu," Luo Yan finally smiled. Patu was his last disciple, with exceptional talent in engineering and a family background that allowed him early exposure to rune mechanics. He was Luo Yan's most valued and promising disciple. With a hint of pride, he looked at Li Sitan, "Old Li, compared to your genius brother, my disciple has already achieved quite a lot, publishing articles multiple times in the Sacred Light Supplement."

"They're all excellent," Li Sitan said with a smile. "Rose Holy Sanctuary is filled with talented individuals, which is what we hope to see."

Luo Yan blew his beard in frustration.

Li Sitan always managed to end conversations abruptly, which was what annoyed Luo Yan the most. From childhood, whenever Luo Yan prepared to argue, Li Sitan would casually say, "You win," making it seem like he didn't care about the argument, leaving Luo Yan feeling frustrated.

The teachers decided to take everyone on a tour.

About eight or nine students from the Rune Academy and the Foundry were selected elites, deeply favored by these old guys. They needed both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. In the future, they would start as assistants here. The tour was to familiarize them with the environment and workflow of the modified workshop.

Young people love excitement. Following the teachers, they listened to introductions while chatting among themselves, quickly becoming friends. Today's group of students were all well-known figures in the academy.

Yin Fu and Mo Tong, members of the Eight, were famous not just for their looks but also for their talent.

Patu, the chief engineer Luo Yan's last disciple, was also the vice-president of the Sacred Light Autonomous Council, a star in the third year.

The girl next to him had curly golden hair cascading down her shoulders, her plaid shirt tied at the waist, revealing a slim waist, and tight jeans accentuating her curves. She was Su Yue, known as the Mechanical Vixen, with a body as precisely designed as her work. Her presence in the predominantly male Foundry was a major sensation.

Her fame rivaled Rachel of the Fantasia family. Standing next to the sweet-tempered Yin Fu, she exuded a different charm, making the scene visually appealing.

Patu was very attentive to her, taking every opportunity to introduce her to various things, making her laugh with his witty remarks.

In addition, Old Wang was also considered a celebrity, albeit with a bad reputation. He had fought at a masquerade ball, bullied fellow students openly under Principal Karida's indulgence, and committed countless misdeeds, earning him the title of the shame of Rose Holy Sanctuary, a notorious troublemaker.

No one would provoke him, but no one would talk to him either, as no one wanted to be seen as an outcast. Amidst the excited chatter, Old Wang stood alone, responding occasionally to Yin Fu, enjoying the peace.

Compared to socializing with these kids, Old Wang was more interested in the motorcycles. Currently, a first-generation Flame modified motorcycle was displayed before them.

The Flame series were classic two-wheeled vehicles, resembling oversized motorcycles with wide tires and heavy bodies, weighing about a ton. Equipped with the first-generation α-level modified drive, they performed excellently in kinetic power, exuding strength.

However, compared to the mainstream third-generation Flames of the League of Blades, the first generation appeared bulky and performed poorly in extreme conditions. They were now prized by collectors for their rugged metallic charm, providing a strong visual impact.