Holy crap—Xiao Chengcheng’s chuunibyou prediction actually came true!

The Branch Director really is an unbearably cute loli!

This isn’t logical!

She had soft light-pink twin tails, fair skin, and a simple blue-gray dress accentuating her petite frame. Bright eyes framed by slender lashes, slender arms crossed over a slightly protruding chest. Zero aura of an SS-rank Breaker—more like the little sister next door, instantly shattering any loli-con’s defenses.

Everyone froze in shock. Only Xiao Chengcheng snapped back fastest, shooting Ming Yi a smug “hehe.”

“What’s with those looks?” The little loli’s brows furrowed slightly. “Think someone young can’t be Director?”

“N-no! Not at all,” the senior stammered, flustered. “We were just… surprised the Branch Director is such a lovely young lady. Got carried away, that’s all.”

Ming Yi shot him a startled glance. *Only Xiao Chengcheng would say something like that.*

Shockingly, the clumsy flattery pleased her. She let out a light huff. “Since it’s your first offense, I’ll let it slide.”

“Remember this,” she snapped, voice sharp. “Rule One in the East Asia Branch: Never look down on the Director!”

*Noted,* Ming Yi thought silently. *Tiny in size, huge temper. And holds grudges.*

“Remember my name: Miriam. I’m your superior now.”

“Joining the Liberation Syndicate is the wisest choice you’ll ever make.”

“No time for basic Q&A—you third-generations just arrived, clueless and curious about everything. Your teachers will handle it.”

“Teachers? Are we… going to school here?” the senior sister asked.

Miriam shot a displeased glance at her chest. “You’re third-generations who just awakened Corruption Artifacts you can’t even use. Where else would you go but school?”

The senior sister blinked, confused. *Did I offend her somehow?*

“Our Liberation Syndicate has four branches: East Asia, North Asia, European, and North America. Each governs its own city—fully functional societies housing Shatterborn families and residents.”

“Each city has an academy directly run by the Syndicate. Trains newly awakened Shatterborn. Offers orientation courses for you third-gen newcomers.”

“That’s all from me. Take remaining questions to your academy teachers.”

*Respective academies?* Ming Yi stiffened. “Aren’t we all studying at the East Asia Branch academy?”

Miriam’s face softened with a trace of helplessness. She pouted, voice dropping. “If I had a choice… would I send you apart?”

“Due to higher-up decisions, you’ll train at different branch academies. Three years. Until graduation.”

*So… we won’t see each other for three years?* Ming Yi’s brow tightened.

“Alice to European Branch. Lei Yunjun to North Asia. Yu Chen to North America. As for Xiao Chengcheng and Ming Yi—”

She paused.

“You two stay in East Asia Branch.”

Ming Yi could’ve sworn he heard Xiao Chengcheng whisper “nice” under his breath.

“But—” the senior started.

Miriam cut him off with a wave. “I can’t change this. But you’re not cut off—we have phones.”

While Ming Yi and the senior hesitated, Xiao Chengcheng stepped forward, slapping his chest. “Don’t worry, Director! Under your leadership, I’ll become a powerful Shatterborn!”

*This guy!* Ming Yi groaned inwardly. *Totally blinded by loli-con obsession. Doesn’t even get the situation.*

Just then, Dandan weakly raised a hand. “Um… what about me?”

“You?” Miriam’s lively eyes studied her for seconds before answering with an unreadable smile. “Since you haven’t awakened a Corruption Artifact, you’ll be registered as a family resident.”

“We’ll place you near the academy for easy visits. Monthly Blood Essence stipend ensures your survival.”

Dandan murmured a quiet “oh.”

Xiao Chengcheng patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry. Stick with us. Yeah, we bicker—but I’d never abandon a comrade.”

“Tch. If I’m sticking to anyone’s leg, it’s Senior Ming Yi’s—not yours!” Dandan rolled her eyes.

“Hey! Ungrateful!”

“Nyah nyah nyah!” She stuck out her tongue, dashed to Ming Yi, and tugged his sleeve. “Senior Ming Yi… you won’t leave me, right?”

Seeing her pitiful look, Ming Yi shook his head with a sigh. *He’d protect her anyway—like a little sister. He knew everyone felt the same.*

“Enough chatter,” Miriam said. “Rest here tonight. Tomorrow, escorts will take you to your branches.”

“Use this last evening to say proper goodbyes.” She turned to Luo Yan. “Show them to their rooms.”

“Certainly. This way, everyone—”

——

——

In the senior’s room.

Everyone huddled around the bed.

“What now? Just… accept splitting up?” Ming Yi watched the senior’s thoughtful face.

“Miriam’s stance leaves no room to protest,” the senior said, frowning. “But why separate us? I can’t shake this unease.”

Arms crossed, the senior sister tapped her arm lightly. “Maybe they fear our powers converging. Could our Corruption Artifacts hold unconscious potential they see as a threat?”

“Possible. Meaning they still don’t fully trust us.”

“Hey—aren’t we overthinking?” Xiao Chengcheng scratched his head. “What if other branch directors just… admired our talent?”

The senior sighed. “Sometimes I envy your carefree heart. Must be light living like that.”

“This is a strange new world! Zero caution? Think you’re a novel protagonist?” Dandan shot back instantly.

“How do you know I’m not? What if I am?”

“What Xiao Chengcheng said isn’t the point,” the senior sister cut in. “The real question is—”

“Are we really just going to obediently split up?”