As the car gradually vanished into the distance, Luo Yan averted her gaze and turned to Ming Yi and the other two.

“Alright, let’s hurry up and get going too.”

“Huh? Us?” Xiao Chengcheng pointed at himself, confusion flickering in his eyes. “Where to?”

“Enrollment, of course,” Luo Yan tilted her head with a playful smile. “To welcome you newcomers of the Third Generation, East Asia Academy has prepared a simple welcome ceremony.”

*An enrollment ceremony?* Ming Yi’s heart stirred slightly.

“Say, Miss Luo Yan,” Ming Yi spoke up after settling into the car, “besides us, are there other Third Generation arrivals?”

“Yes,” Luo Yan nodded.

“After the world reset, the Liberation Syndicate and other major factions immediately began searching for newly arrived Third Generation members.”

“Without protection, many would fall to Ravager attacks. These talents carry fresh knowledge and technology from beyond—losing even one is a tremendous loss.”

“On the other hand, the Third Generation is a new force. Whether knowledgeable residents or newly awakened Shatterborn, they’re invaluable resources everyone competes for.”

Ming Yi nodded in understanding.

Indeed, the Third Generation held boundless potential. Harnessed well, they could dramatically strengthen any faction. With luck, recruiting someone like Krishis might even elevate a group beyond the Liberation Syndicate.

No wonder they were such a coveted prize.

“Our Syndicate dispatched many search teams. Awakened Shatterborn like you are sent to branches for training. Civilians are settled directly into branch cities to help build and develop.”

“How many Third Generation arrived this time?”

“I’m not sure of the exact number,” Luo Yan tilted her head thoughtfully. “But returning teams say their count is far below previous generations—worldwide, maybe not even ten thousand.”

“Those who awakened Corruption Artifacts are even rarer. In our East Asia Branch, besides you, only about fifty others were found.”

*So over fifty will enroll with me? What’s the teaching format? Who are these people?*

Xiao Chengcheng beamed blissfully. “Ah! Life in another world *must* start at school! It’s the perfect stage for epic show-off moments!”

“A curvy, captivating teacher! A pure, quiet class flower beside you! A cool, tsundere senior with long black hair! A delicate, cute underclassman loli who’s adorably vulnerable…”

Black lines of irritation crept across Ming Yi’s face.

*Maybe I should kick him out to write wish-fulfillment novels for a living.*

Dandan pouted beside him, utterly disdainful.

Compared to Xiao Chengcheng’s fantasies, Ming Yi pondered real concerns.

This world couldn’t have predicted the Third Generation’s arrival—these schools were built for residents.

As Meryl mentioned, many resident descendants had awakened Corruption Artifacts too, likely trained since childhood. How would they view newcomers? With curiosity… or cold distance?

And the other fifty Third Generation arrivals—how would *they* see the residents?

If harmony held, fine. But Ming Yi dreaded the cliché Xiao Chengcheng fantasized: residents scorning newcomers, newcomers resenting residents, constant friction, frequent clashes…

*That’s the headache I can’t afford.*

Honestly, Ming Yi just wanted peaceful studies. Only by mastering his Corruption Artifact quickly could he grow strong enough to protect those beside him. Any incident now meant serious risk. He hated that lack of control.

“In the end… I’m just too weak,” he murmured, shaking his head.

If he had Xiao Chengcheng’s “protagonist cheat,” he wouldn’t need cautious planning—just crush everything.

He deliberately buried the nightmare-like memory of that day.

*Won’t dwell on it. Can’t.*

“Better to steadily strengthen myself than chase a phantom protagonist aura,” Ming Yi resolved silently. *No more university laziness. Study hard.*

Dandan sat beside him, swinging her legs absently, lost in thought.

—

—

“We’re here.”

Ming Yi and Xiao Chengcheng stepped out, staring at the magnificent gate ahead.

“Th-this place… the art style doesn’t match this world at all?!” Xiao Chengcheng stammered, eyes wide.

Ming Yi’s pulse quickened too. The academy spanned nearly his old university’s size—but unlike this world’s minimalist structures, it was grand, opulent, breathtaking.

European-style decor: a fountain beyond the gate, flower beds bursting with color, vast emerald lawns…

And straight ahead—a colossal castle-like building.

“Is this… our classroom building?” Ming Yi asked Luo Yan, disbelief clear.

Luo Yan smiled knowingly. “Lord Krishis, leader of the Liberation Syndicate, prioritized the academy. Half the resources meant for Xinbei City went into building East Asia Academy.”

“This is Xinbei City’s most luxurious structure. Every facility inside represents the world’s highest standard.”

“Tsk tsk… what extravagance!” Xiao Chengcheng grinned. “No wonder! How could this world’s ruins match *my* protagonist aura?”

Ming Yi felt quietly satisfied—regardless of Xiao Chengcheng’s reasoning.

“Enter the main hall. Someone will guide you to the ceremony.”

“I’ll escort Miss Dandan to her residence nearby. Visit her after you’re done.”

Ming Yi nodded, turning to Dandan. “Go settle your new home first. Xiao Chengcheng and I will find you right after.”

“And don’t wander off, okay?”

Dandan gave a obedient nod.

Exchanging a glance, Ming Yi and Xiao Chengcheng waved and walked toward the majestic building.

—

—

Despite bracing themselves, stepping inside left them utterly stunned.

Intricate carvings adorned the ceiling; vibrant murals covered the towering walls. The style felt familiar to Ming Yi, though he couldn’t name it.

In the bright, spacious foyer, an orange-haired girl in a milky-white gown paced with hands behind her back. Spotting them, she beamed and hurried over.

“Welcome! You must be Mr. Ming Yi and Mr. Xiao Chengcheng? I’m Sharina, a first-year at East Asia Academy. I’ll escort you to the auditorium.”

*What an energetic girl,* Ming Yi thought, glancing twice.

Xiao Chengcheng, however, lunged forward, grabbing her hand. “Hey, beauty! Where’re you from? Age? Address? Free later? I’ve got *so* many questions about this world…”

The girl flushed crimson, flustered.

“Enough!” Ming Yi smacked Xiao Chengcheng’s neck, scowling. “Don’t scare her. We’re heading to the auditorium, remember?”

Sharina peeked at the wincing Xiao Chengcheng, covered her mouth, and giggled softly before nodding.

“Then we’ll leave the way to you.”