"Then it's our turn."

Aester turned her head, ready to head over. But two issues remained. She glanced at Charlotte and Alice.

"What?"

Alice clearly felt Aester's gaze—the kind reserved for problem children. That warm smile made her skin crawl.

"I can fly. I'll take Alice. Lin Zhong, you carry Charlotte."

"Got it."

Lin Zhong understood instantly. Alice, a mage, had terrible stamina—she'd tire after just a few steps. Charlotte wasn't as weak, but keeping up with Lin Zhong's speed would be tough. Su Han, the top Apostle ranked No. 3, could easily match Lin Zhong. Sebastian, from the Martial Arts Division, had strong physique. With Aester's blessing, he'd likely outpace them all.

"Heave!"

Lin Zhong swept Charlotte up in a princess carry. Her slender frame felt soft, carrying a faint, sweet scent.

*Is he even a man?* Lin Zhong wondered. But Charlotte's face flushed crimson.

"L-L-Lin Zhong... this..."

"Darling, I think we should set Charlotte down first."

A dangerous glint crept into Su Han's eyes. Her bright smile turned Charlotte's face deathly pale again.

"Mm, I'll carry you later. Let's clear the dungeon first."

"Promise?"

Su Han's menacing aura faded. Her radiant smile softened into a shy blush.

*They're involved!*

Everyone thought it seeing Su Han's expression. They didn't grasp the meaning of Lin Zhong's carry, but it was definitely significant.

"Let's go."

Aester lifted Alice's arms. Her golden wings fluttered gently, soaring into the sky. Golden feathers trailed behind, dazzlingly beautiful.

Sebastian followed at blinding speed. Rubble beneath his feet acted like stepping stones, boosting his pace.

Su Han trailed behind. Her lithe body, enhanced by Aester's blessing, caught up effortlessly.

"Our turn too."

Lin Zhong pulled Snowfall Thousand Chills from the ground. Ice crystals formed on his back, coalescing into frost wings.

A light flap lifted him into the air. A trace of frost marked the ground below.

Another flap shot him forward like an arrow released from a bow.

"Whoa!!!!"

...

"Not bad."

Aester watched the others catch up. She hid behind a ruined building, peeking at the four arrivals.

"Are you trying to kill me?"

Alice panted beside her. Aester's flight speed far exceeded Lin Zhong's group. Poor Alice had no choice but to endure the ride.

"Oh dear, of course not~"

"Alright, what's the situation?"

Lin Zhong landed smoothly, setting Charlotte down. The map-marked location shouldn't be this close.

"The boss came to us."

Aester smiled slightly, pressing against the wall. She nodded toward the other side. Lin Zhong and the others leaned out to peek.

"See that one-eyed fat man? He's the boss. His attacks are physical. Weak point: body. Head's tougher to hit."

Aester observed stealthily. She was a support—a versatile one. Blessings, status buffs, map scouting, enemy intel—all within her grasp.

The man stood center-stage. His massive size and absurd height made him seem inhuman. One eye, beneath his bald head, was scarred shut.

But that was secondary. This spot looked like a gathering point. Over a hundred criminals clustered around him.

"Too many. Alice, prepare a Forbidden Spell."

Aester ordered sternly. Killing them one by one risked being overwhelmed by sheer numbers. A messy fight.

Better to let Alice wipe them out with one spell.

"Understood."

Alice nodded reluctantly. Teamwork mattered now. She wouldn't let Lin Zhong down or embarrass herself.

She swallowed her princess-like pride.

"Hold it!"

Lin Zhong stopped Alice mid-incantation.

"Save your spells for later, Alice. Sebastian, can you stall the boss?"

Lin Zhong turned to Sebastian.

"Stall? I might kill him too soon."

Sebastian smirked, flicking his sword's guard. A pale blue blade gleamed brightly.

"If you can kill him, chop his body up. He's disgustingly fat."

Lin Zhong pointed at the bulging flesh spilling from the man's clothes. No one could be more revolting.

"As you wish."

Sebastian gripped his sword, eagerness flashing across his face. Only Lin Zhong's unspoken command held him back.

"Alice, provide fire support from range. No Forbidden Spell! No Forbidden Spell! No Forbidden Spell! Don't waste your mana. Hide and harass the boss with minor spells."

"Aester, buff us and protect Alice. Charlotte, draw aggro. We'll wipe them out in one go."

Lin Zhong eyed the clustered minions. A Forbidden Spell would feel great, but it wasn't his plan.

The spell's noise would attract more criminals. Alice's mana couldn't handle a second spell after that.

Her exhaustion period would leave her vulnerable. More enemies flooding in would chaos the battlefield.

This was Fool's Court's first fight. Lin Zhong wanted a perfect victory, not chaos. He also needed to train Alice and Charlotte.

Newbies only improved through real combat. School simulators were useless.

"Understood."

"Then let's move."