The Principal’s Office, Capability Combat Academy.
"Principal."
"Speak." At this moment, the Principal appeared far more composed, unwilling to be as casual as he usually was around Lixin.
"Intelligence reports confirm Lapthesis won the Labrador Peninsula campaign," the staff member reported. "But only sixteen percent of their Combatants survived—a pyrrhic victory."
"Is that so?" The Principal showed no surprise. "Preyas doubled their forces mid-battle, yet they still won. Kunard must have joined personally."
"Yes. When Preyas assaulted the final defense line, Lapthesis’s Supreme Commander Kunard Flanade entered the fray. He single-handedly crushed the enemy’s main forces."
"Hmm. Dismissed. Report to the World Government immediately."
"Understood."
The reporting teacher left. Alone in his chair, the Principal muttered, "Kunard... Commanders’ games aren’t just brute force threats... You’re still so naive. When you try intimidating us with your strength, we have a monster here no one can control..."
He saw it clearly: his strength-obsessed "old friend" hadn’t just repelled invaders—he’d sent a deterrence message.
Sadly, it wouldn’t work. No one truly controlled Lixin, but she stood with them. As long as that held, Capability Combat Academy would never bow to force.
Of course, Lixin couldn’t be their sole trump card. Their Ability Users needed urgent strengthening. Last clash with Lapthesis proved it—even matched levels and abilities, their side fell short. Relying only on Lixin without real growth meant Capability Combat Academy’s end was inevitable.
"Time to change training methods?" He pondered adopting Lapthesis’s brutal regimen...
...............................................................
Meanwhile, in China.
In a hotel room, Cleyna sat on the bed, phone pressed to her ear.
"OK, got it. We’re downtown now—just pick us up inside the city when you arrive. Mhm, bye."
"What did they say?" Qin Fan asked from the floor, perched on a thin bedroll.
Why only two beds again?!
"Elwin will report the command center situation to the Principal immediately for government action. We’re safe—they’ll fetch us from downtown by day after tomorrow latest."
"Them?"
"Elwin’s bringing Alena. The school fitted her with mechanical limbs: left hand fully replaced, right hand and both legs enhanced with implants. Her coordination’s as good as before." Cleyna beamed.
"Really? Any risks?"
"Hmph! You distrust my sister that much?" Cleyna bristled at Qin Fan’s doubt.
"It’s not—" Qin Fan started, but Lixin cut in from the other bed, TV glowing, chips crunching in her hand. "Relax. Cross bridges when you reach them. It’s installed—what’s to fear?"
You’re the most carefree one here!
Qin Fan bit back comments... or rather, didn’t dare speak. Ever since Lixin got those high heels, they’d become her favorite weapon against him.
"Honestly, Qin Fan, why were you so brutal? Without the school’s help, Alena would’ve lived forever shadowed by losing her left hand." Cleyna scolded, forgetting she’d been beaten by Alena herself.
"I’d be dead, damn it!"
Truth was, Qin Fan wasn’t sure he’d done it. He recalled Alena’s left hand intact before he blacked out... Ugh, his head throbbed.
The real culprit lounged freely, dead-fish eyes glued to the TV, chips scattering.
Today’s troubles?
Forget them. Live for now, enjoy the moment—no harm in staying positive.
By 11 PM, exhaustion hit them one by one.
"Time to sleep," Lixin mumbled, already flopping face-down...
"Hey!"
"Ow!"
Cleyna smacked her forehead.
"Sleeping like that? After all that walking, no shower? Don’t ruin your new clothes!"
So clothes matter more than hygiene?!
"You go first. I’ll follow," Lixin waved vaguely, sinking deeper.
Cleyna activated her ability, yanking Lixin into the bathroom and slamming the door.
"I’m not rushed. Shower first."
Hmph. By the time I’m out, she’ll be snoring like a log—no shower happening.
"Ugh..." A muffled whimper echoed—probably a bruised butt.
"Hurry up! We’re waiting!" Cleyna called, returning to the bed and TV. Then she paused. "Hey, Qin Fan. Known Lixin since childhood?"
"Yeah... Ha..." Qin Fan yawned, half-asleep.
"Ever bathed together?"
"Pfft!" Qin Fan choked. What twisted curiosity had awakened?! Why ask that?! Was she insane?!
"No! We were good kids!"
"Hmm..." Cleyna tapped her chin, lost in thought.
"Idea!" She suddenly lit up, grinning mischievously at Qin Fan. "Bored anyway—let’s find some fun?"
Her excitement sparked his curiosity. "How?"
"Hehehe..." Cleyna’s evil chuckle drifted toward the bathroom door...
But as they schemed to prank Lixin, one thing slipped their minds from the start...
The frontline command center here was nearly crippled. What if Preyas attacked now?
