This wasn't the first time Cheng Zhihui had seen such a scene. During the Apostle Invasion years ago, she was a survivor from some place. Those ice flowers dancing across the sky transformed into terrifying monsters, devouring her fellow humans one by one. Such memories weren't rare among those present.

Every time they watched this footage, every time they relived that past, an inexplicable sadness would fill the classroom.

The sorrow in their eyes was proof of future strength. With such a gaze, they would surely be determined to grow stronger. But... what was I saying back then?

The first Blackening struck the Asia-Pacific region, in a country far from here. Back then, nations still existed.

That day, Empty City witnessed ice flowers falling from the sky. In that instant, only one thought filled his mind: to be with his family. Returning home, the ice flower hovering over the roof had already transformed into a sphinx-like monster. It tore at his father's body. The mangled flesh was a blur. Innards spilled from its sharp fangs, making Empty City feel intensely nauseous.

His sister could do nothing. She tried to save their father, suspended mid-air, but could only watch helplessly as he was torn to shreds. Faced with that terrifying monster, Empty City grew furious. Having awakened his Meta Ability early, he now put it to use.

Kill! At least slaughter this monster before him! Tear it to pieces!

But what Empty City didn't expect was that the Apostles, seemingly fierce outside, crumbled under his fists.

From then on, he and his sister resolved to save this world, to destroy these ugly monsters!

In the end, they succeeded. But... for Empty City, it was a complete failure.

"Teacher, the footage has ended."

Cheng Zhihui's indifferent yet puzzled voice interrupted Empty City's thoughts, snapping him back to reality.

"Is that so? Good. First, let's continue from where we left off last lesson: how to handle Apostles. This ties into their classification. Hero Headquarters has a ranking system for heroes' power, and we've similarly categorized the Apostles. Naturally, these are only the ones we've seen. Who knows what the next one will look like?"

These words had an unexpected effect, instantly lightening the heavy atmosphere. Empty City looked at the students below and nodded slightly, satisfied.

"First, the Apostles appearing during ice flower descent. Everyone knows Apostles materialize after the fall. But in reality, those coming through ice flowers are at best cannon fodder! Remember this: their existence is just to die. Even you unawakened students can defeat them by gathering a few people. Of course, I mean those without Meta Abilities. Estia or Maxfield could probably solo them one-on-one easily."

Estia, suddenly called out, was taken aback. She never expected the teacher to praise her like this. Her eyes, fixed intently on him, sparkled strangely before she nodded shyly, face flushed. Meanwhile, Maxfield proudly turned his head away, bewildered by the compliment. But no matter how you looked at it, this was classic tsundere behavior.

After watching them with ease, Empty City continued. "These pterodactyl-like Apostles, these giant-like ones—don't be fooled by their size. They're incredibly weak. The lowest grade: B-Rank."

"If the weakest are B-Rank, then there are only three grades for Apostles?"

"Exactly! B-Rank Apostles are weak but numerous. Hero Headquarters usually sends B, C, and D rank personnel to eliminate them. Your teacher here contributed quite a bit back then."

"Why brag about fighting the weakest level?" murmurs drifted up, not truly sarcastic.

"Well, I'm just a B-Rank. But I believe in you all. Times progress. Five years ago, before the Apostles came, this damn holographic tech didn't even exist! So believe this: the new generation surpasses the old. You might face opponents far less simple."

"First, A-Rank Apostles! They don't descend with ice flowers. Their forms shift constantly—flying beasts in the sky, crawling giants on land. Or even humans beside you."

These words exploded like a bomb among the students.

"Of course, human forms are rare. No need to worry. Beyond power gaps, the key difference from B-Rank is intelligence. A-Rank Apostles think. Stay cautious. But if you encounter one now, run first." Though it felt unfair, A-Rank Apostles were indeed beyond students' level.

"What about S-Rank?!"

"Exactly! S-Rank Apostles should be handled by S-Rank Heroes, right?"

"Were there any S-Rank Apostles five years ago?"

"Easy, easy. I'll answer one by one." Empty City waved his hands to calm them. "Only one known S-Rank Apostle existed. It was eliminated five years ago... Hmm, what sets them apart? One word: power. Not intelligence..."

Cheng Zhihui felt a pang in her heart. Empty City sensed something odd but paused for a split second before continuing. "Not appearance. Their strength is overwhelming. But... five years ago, only one such Apostle existed. How many S-Ranks are there now? Could stronger ones emerge? No one knows." This was true. Six years ago, only one formidable Apostle existed—the one who nearly broke Empty City, the source of all his guilt.

"So, teacher, if such monsters might multiply... can they really be defeated?"

"Are you kidding me?" Before Empty City could speak, another student retorted. "Five years ago, the strongest hero ended that S-Rank Apostle!"

"Huh? Who?!"

"You don't even know that?" The student wore a scornful smile but explained anyway. "Emperor Heaven—White Chrysanthemum! The hero who emerged six years ago, the one who saved the world single-handedly!" He boasted as if it were his own triumph—clearly, worship defined his feelings.

But who the hell would have thought this legendary world-saving hero was the ordinary-looking teacher right before them?!