"Hahahahahaha!" Jiang Xiang, sporting a bowl cut with shaved sides, grinned widely with his sturdy face. "Earlier, when I said you'd be walking to your deaths by going out to explore—that was over the top. My apologies."

His eyes gleamed with malice as he glared at Lin Luo, that gaze as if he'd transformed into one of the forest's mythical beasts. "But Lin Luo, a wimp like you going out isn't just walking to your death—it's actively seeking it!"

"Tch, this sissy doesn't even have a weapon. Bet even the heavens abandoned him," scoffed a tall, dark-skinned man beside Jiang Xiang. His messy, dyed-blond hair swept back, his face hideous—perhaps born jealous of Lin Luo—with a blade of grass dangling from his lips; after all, there was no tobacco here. He was Chen Haotian, Jiang Xiang's substitute teammate on the school basketball team. Truth be told, that name sounded like a protagonist's. But whether the god of another world had given him a golden key remained unknown.

Han Lianfei, taller than Lin Luo, stepped forward accusingly. "You lot, all thinking you're hot stuff just 'cause you're big and strong? Mocking little Lin Luo—then why don't you dare go yourselves?"

"Hey, don't call me 'little Lin Luo' on your own," Lin Luo thought silently.

Just then, a tall, sturdy boy with a buzz cut, thick eyebrows, and big eyes emerged from the crowd. His face was masculine and upright—it was vice-class monitor Li Wendong. "Lin, Jiang Xiang's words were personally attacking and wrong, but not without reason. You... you're just too frail. Sending you out means the boys not only protect the girls but also you. Your spirit is admirable, but this isn't a wilderness survival game. Listen to Brother Li's advice—better not go." Li Wendong spoke with righteous indignation, his words morally upright. Lin Luo felt genuinely moved. Brother Li was still Brother Li—even after months of absence, he remained so chivalrous. Li Wendong turned away, his face flushing red. "Lin, stay behind. If anything happens, your Brother Li will protect you..."

What are you blushing for! Lin Luo was speechless inside. If I don't go, these people might really be walking to their deaths. He stepped forward. "Honestly, it doesn't matter if I go. But if I don't, who among you will replace me?"

The entire class fell silent. Even the basketball team members who always bullied Lin Luo were instantly silenced. Lin Luo helplessly spread his hands. "Class monitor, shall we set off?"

"Hey, you brat! Hide at the back of the group. Since when do you get to say 'set off'?" Zhang Dajian stood up and scolded him.

Lin Luo just wanted a peaceful departure. He didn't argue, voluntarily walking to the back. "Sigh, if I led the way, you'd have much less trouble."

"Lin Luo, I'm going with you," Ziwan stepped forward and grabbed his hand. "I'm worried about you alone. Forgotten how, when you were bullied as a kid, I beat up those brats for you?"

"Huh?" Lin Luo cringed with embarrassment. Whether he was the God Emperor or not, she shouldn't bring this up in front of classmates. "Well... alright then..." He feared that if he refused her, she'd keep exposing more embarrassing stories.

Thus, the seven classmates walked out of camp under everyone's watchful eyes on this slightly muggy afternoon. Not far away, they disappeared into the dense, fantastical forest.