Ice Blossoms Fall, Apostles Emerge!
The school-wide broadcast minimized student casualties. Though not as dense as rain, the Apostles appeared in terrifying numbers—human-faced beasts atop buildings, clawing giants on the ground, and winged monsters soaring through the air!
BOOM!!
A deafening tremor shook the entire building. Bits of debris drifted down from the ceiling. Hiding indoors was only a temporary solution—Apostles could level structures with ease.
This couldn’t continue!
Flying beasts were already tearing into buildings. Students in other classrooms were dying in an instant. This was a hero academy, but most were still just trainees.
This scene... this sight...
It mirrored five years ago. Apostles swarming the skies. Monsters slaughtering humans.
Something knotted in Cheng Zhihui’s chest. Buried memories surged awake.
His sharp eyes burned with absolute conviction.
But he wasn’t alone.
Every student here hadn’t come to show off or coast through life. They’d come to master Meta Abilities. To grow stronger.
Maybe they lacked world-saving idealism—but they’d fight for their families. The Apostles threatened not just the academy, but the entire city!
"Teacher, we can’t just wait!"
The city’s only fighters were the students and Marx Dell’s heroes. Students wondered where Hero Headquarters was—but there was no time to think!
"Headmaster! Assign roles immediately! And where’s Hero Headquarters?" Hamlet shouted, rushing toward the cafeteria the moment he spotted Celestial Wolf.
Though a retired B-Rank Hero, most here had never fought Apostles five years ago. Survivors of that war were now S Rank Heroes—either retired or on special missions. They were the original pioneers. Newer Superhumans rarely faced Apostles; their enemies were usually rogue meta-criminals.
Apostles had recently appeared in the Pacific and North American zones. Before that? Six years ago—when Heavenly Emperor White Amaryllis stood alone against the Apostle horde. "Alone" wasn’t quite right—many had awakened Meta Abilities—but few reached the frontlines.
Because by the time they arrived... the battle was already over.
Only Apostle corpses remained in the ruins.
...
Students huddled in the cafeteria, awaiting the headmaster’s orders.
Even Night Zero and Marx Dell waited. Celestial Wolf, a former S Rank Hero, outranked Marx Dell in both seniority and power. Here, his word was law. More importantly—he’d lived through the catastrophe six years ago.
Students fidgeted anxiously. Cheng Zhihui’s heart pounded. Classmates were already dying outside. Even this "safe" cafeteria felt fragile as Apostles swarmed closer.
But... shouldn’t the headmaster be leading them now?
Yet Celestial Wolf stood motionless at the center.
A twisted grin spread across his face—as if savoring a feast.
*What’s happening? Why isn’t the headmaster acting? Where are the heroes?*
The truth struck Marx Dell instantly.
Seeing Celestial Wolf’s expression—and recalling how that teacher had sought *him* instead of the academy’s leader—everything clicked.
*This isn’t Celestial Wolf. It’s an Apostle!* And judging by its aura, far stronger than the others. A-Rank? Or higher?
No time to think!
Celestial Wolf moved—a blur of motion—and stood beside Marx Dell.
A massive blade plunged into Marx Dell’s abdomen.
A low, sinister laugh echoed.
"Now... only *he* remains."
The attack stunned everyone. Only a few reacted: Hamlet, Night Zero, and the teachers—mostly B or C Rank Heroes, but some had seen real combat.
They lunged forward instantly!
WHOOSH!
Vivian’s technique—or rather, her Meta Ability!
Despite her voluptuous figure (hard to believe someone with such curves moved this fast), a white longsword materialized in her hand. But her power wasn’t just swordsmanship: anything touching her blade petrified on contact. The campus called her "Medusa Queen."
Her sword sliced through "Celestial Wolf’s" body—but the Apostle vanished. Only Marx Dell collapsed, the blade dissolving from his gut as crimson blood gushed out. Even an S Rank Hero couldn’t dodge such a surprise strike—especially at that speed!
"I’m... fine, Dell!" Marx Dell gritted out, dropping to one knee. Vivian’s shoulders relaxed slightly.
By then, "Celestial Wolf" had retreated behind the students.
His hand reached toward the unarmed, dazed trainees—
WHOOSH!
Wind swept past the students. Crimson hair whipped through the air, carrying a faint floral scent—
Before anyone could react, Night Zero shot toward the window-side Apostle!
