Breezing in the cool night wind, feeling refreshed after a bath, Lin Luo and three girls returned to camp.

That night, classmates stayed up late discussing the new area Lin Luo’s team had discovered outside.

For some reason, You Xun seemed distracted, her gaze at Lin Luo carrying a strange look. Yet with her exceptional skills, she smoothly wrapped up the class meeting. Together, they planned foraging, hunting, and water collection.

In the following days, classmates gradually adapted to this otherworldly environment. Camp operations grew more organized.

Daily, two groups foraged for wild fruits and vegetables, while a small hunting party ventured out. Each group included at least one Awakened, all staying within Goblin territory for now.

Thus, the class’s basic survival needs were temporarily secured.

Besides Zhang Dajian, Huang Zijue, and Yi Kexin, three more classmates Awakened, boosting the camp’s combat strength.

This delinquent youth, Zhang Dajian, was a Berserker. His Awakening was expected—he and pre-Awakening Jiang Xiang had been evenly matched. One tall and fierce, the other stout and strong, both skilled troublemakers. Jiang Xiang’s Awakening might have spurred Zhang Dajian on. He practiced sword swings obsessively daily. His burning desire to grow stronger perhaps triggered his own Awakening. According to him, his deity was a furious war god clad head-to-toe in black armor.

Huang Zijue, a Swordsman. Young Master Huang was mixed Chinese-British. His family were compradors in modern Mystic City. His British father headed a bank branch there. They’d made a fortune domestically but recently moved all money overseas—a fact Huang Zijue took pride in. He practiced fencing and horseback riding. Though slick-haired and fair-faced, he wasn’t incompetent. He seemed a new-generation elite comprador heir. His British bloodline granted him Western ruthlessness. His Awakening might have been a miracle sparked by innate tendencies. Huang Zijue’s deity was a radiant Archangel of Light.

Yi Kexin, a female Archer. Like Ziwan, she excelled in sports, specializing in hurdles. Whether this aided her Awakening was unknown.

Then came the next three classmates.

During a foraging trip, Xia Ying faced a wolf pack attack. Though Zhang Dajian fought fiercely, wolves still targeted classmates. At that critical moment, the usually gentle, intellectual Xia Ying Awakened as a Warlock.

Vice-class monitor Brother Li—Li Wendong—finally Awakened too. His class was Golem Form. (Ahem, not "Galio"...) Li Wendong could channel Spirit Energy to harden his skin like stone briefly, then pummel enemies with heavy fists. With his strength, taking four non-Awakened to any canyon adventure would be no problem.

Zhang Da, the Executioner. A fitting class. Zhang Da and Li Wendong both Awakened during hunting encounters.

That day, the sky was overcast. A week had passed since classmates first arrived here.

Compared to their initial confusion, they now seemed slightly adapted. Though injuries occurred weekly, except for crippled Jiang Xiang, You Xun healed others instantly. Thankfully, no lives were lost.

The camp also faced monster attacks, but the Arrow Tower slew them all. Terrifying beings like the Leviathan hadn’t reappeared.

Yet as safety settled in, questions about this world grew.

"We know who we are and where we came from," shouted Li Wendong, thick-browed and big-eyed, standing on a crate in the central clearing. "But we don’t know where we’re going!"

"Vice-class monitor is right," You Xun addressed everyone. "We can’t hide here forever, living off game and berries. Basic survival is solved, but material needs will surface—clothing, medicine, weapon replenishment..."

"Also, none knows how long this Arrow Tower will protect us. Will nightmares like that monster return? We can’t stand still." You Xun gazed gloomily at the overcast sky.

Classmates nodded. Hiding in camp, barely surviving, wouldn’t last. The unknown future kept them uneasy.

"So, exploring beyond is our top priority now," You Xun said. "We’ll step past Goblin territory and venture deeper."

Li Wendong continued, "After class meeting deliberation—ahem—considering the danger, we’ll send five Awakened and five knowledgeable classmates. They are: Huang Zijue, Yi Kexin, Lin Luo, Han Lianfei, Yang Yifan, Fei Zhai..."

Yang Yifan had just Awakened as a Mage two days prior.

"What? Why aren’t I included?" Zhang Dajian protested.

"Classmate Zhang Dajian, camp defense is crucial. Daily foraging can’t stop," You Xun explained. Wild berries would run out; seasons would change.

"Tch, do we need so many?" Huang Zijue crossed his arms before the crowd. His golden hair gleamed under the gloom, a trace of disdain on his lips. "Yi Kexin, Feier, and I would suffice."

"Young Master Huang, this expedition enters Jackalman territory. Remember, Jackalmans once severely injured Barbarian Awakened Jiang Xiang! Sending most combat strength ensures safety," You Xun reminded him.

"Hmph." Huang Zijue’s face twitched. "Does more people mean safety? Some are just dead weight. What elite team? Full of otakus and cross-dressers..."

"Huang Zijue, swap with Zhang Dajian if unhappy!" You Xun snapped.

"Hey, who are you calling an otaku?" Fei Zhai’s glasses flashed with anger.

"Alright, alright, just joking, Class President. How dare I disagree? Even in Mystic City, my parents watched your old man’s moods."

You Xun stopped arguing, her gaze sweeping everyone. "Unite. This expedition carries our class’s future."

"Don’t worry," Lin Luo met her gaze and nodded firmly.

Lately, though often interacting with You Xun, Lin Luo felt her attitude had shifted. Her eyes seemed to avoid his. He didn’t know why.

It felt like this started since they returned from bathing together by the river.

"Exploration team, gather here. I’ll bestow divine blessings on each. Then, we depart," You Xun announced.