After school, fewer people gathered around Huor. Even without the usual crowd, a few stragglers still trailed him. Among them were media folks. Though no cameras were visible, the bulky bags slung over their shoulders definitely hid hidden cameras.
“I never expected them to move so fast.”
Zhu XiuRong and Pang Dun walked beside Huor now, like personal bodyguards.
“Why are you sticking so close to me?” Huor asked.
“You two class monitors smell really nice. Especially you, Monitor—” He trailed off, feeling a little shy.
Zhu XiuRong blushed too; being complimented by a boy naturally flustered her.
“You little punk, flirting right in front of me!” Pang Dun slapped Huor hard on the back.
“I didn’t mean— I just—” Huor stammered, shyness deepening as he saw Zhu XiuRong’s flushed face.
“Alright, let’s get serious,” Zhu XiuRong coughed twice. “Huor, I have a question. It might be bold, but we really need to know.”
“What is it?” Huor paused. “Ask away, Monitors. I’ll tell you everything I know.” His tone held no conditions—just openness.
“Huor… what’s your Contracted Deity?”
“A mist. Golden mist.” He answered without hesitation, completely straightforward.
“Huh!? Golden mist!?” Pang Dun and Zhu XiuRong exchanged disbelieving looks. If it weren’t Huor speaking so earnestly, they’d think it a lie. But he wasn’t lying.
“Is that weird?” Huor frowned. “I only discovered this ability last month. That’s why I transferred this month.”
“!!!!!!” The news hit like a thunderbolt.
“What!? Just last month!?”
“Yeah. I was washing dishes at home. They shattered for no reason—even with normal force. My parents took me to hospitals, then to some institute… like GCD Divine Mechanism Academy, I guess. They confirmed I was an ability user. Called me ‘First Rank First Stage’ back then. This month’s check-up upgraded me to ‘Second Stage First Rank’. I was confused—why stages? Only this afternoon did I realize it’s about power levels.”
“Y-Y-Y-YOU!” Pang Dun yelped like he’d seen a ghost. “You damn Monster!!!!” He rarely cursed—it felt rude and against his nature—but this overwhelmed him.
“Huh?” Huor tilted his head. “What’s the big deal? Jumping one rank seems normal. Why did Zhao Meng look down on me this afternoon?”
“Too little my ass! Too weak my ass! Looking down on you my ass! If Zhao Meng knew you jumped a rank in a month, he’d kneel and call you Dad!!!!” Pang Dun’s mind reeled—like he’d just unearthed treasure.
“But you said everyone worked hard to reach this stage! You don’t even know the struggle!”
“I read a book once: ‘Say what fits the moment.’ I thought everyone would love hearing that. Get excited. Isn’t there a saying? ‘Kind words win hearts; strong legs win races.’”
“You damn live-wire!” Pang Dun laughed.
Huor shrugged. “Monitors, I’ve answered your question. Anything else?” He’d shared everything he knew—which was exactly what they wanted. Yet it revealed nothing essential; even Huor seemed unaware of the deeper truths.
“No more—” Pang Dun shook his head. “XiuRong, look at this…” A terrifying thought struck him: Huor might win. It was insane. If true, GCD Divine Mechanism Academy would transform. The Four Kings would truly reorganize, just like that student predicted this afternoon.
“Pang Dun—” Huor turned. “Why are you staring at me like that? It’s creepy.”
“Huh?” Pang Dun blinked, confused.
“You’re making me nervous, Deputy Monitor. I’m not into guys.”
“HAHAHAHAHA!” Zhu XiuRong burst out laughing. “Turns out you’re a live-wire too, not just Huor.”
A smile she hadn’t worn in ages.
A laugh she hadn’t felt in years.
Now, it returned—all because of this new transfer student, Jiang Huoer.
But they still hadn’t uncovered what they truly sought. They’d need to consult the Four Kings later. And now they knew about Huor’s growth. Should they share this with the Four Kings? They weren’t sure. It depended on how the Four Kings reacted after tomorrow’s match between Huor and Shu Xingfeng. If their attitude stayed decent, they’d share everything. If not… well, they’d cross that bridge when they came to it.
