Walking down the long, brightly lit corridor, Ming Yi and Xiao Chengcheng reached a large white door.

“We’re here. Please, step inside,” Sharina said, pushing the door open and gesturing them in.

The hall was vast—easily holding a thousand people. Pristine white walls bore symbols Ming Yi couldn’t decipher, while a massive crystal chandelier cast a soft, pale blue glow from above.

Near the front stage, dozens of figures stood scattered in small groups: children around eight or nine, preteens of eleven or twelve, youths roughly Ming Yi’s age—but surprisingly, most were quite young.

*These must be the Third Generation. My classmates.* Ming Yi hesitated inwardly, wondering if he should force a greeting.

At the sound of the door, many turned toward the entrance.

Under so many watchful eyes, Ming Yi felt a flicker of unease. Their gazes carried something… off.

Xiao Chengcheng, however, strode boldly to the stage’s edge, ignoring the hostile glances and making no move to acknowledge anyone.

Ming Yi halted behind him, quietly scanning the room—then abandoned the idea of mingling.

Something was wrong.

Complete strangers, yet every look held a faint trace of hostility. Ming Yi felt like prey under a predator’s stare.

Before he could dwell further, a familiar figure emerged slowly from behind the stage.

“Ahem. Everyone—”

Ming Yi turned—and his eyes widened.

*Deputy Branch Chief Miriam?*

Miriam cleared her throat theatrically, her light pink twin tails swaying playfully behind her head.

“Welcome, new members of the Third Generation, to Xinbei City’s East Asia Academy, under the East Asia Branch of the Liberation Syndicate. I am Miriam, Deputy Chief of the East Asia Branch and Dean of East Asia Academy.”

“You’ll begin a three-year academic journey here. Briefly: East Asia Academy is among the world’s largest, best-equipped, and highest-quality institutions. Since founding—it’s been how many years now?”

She pulled a crumpled sheet from her pocket, smoothed it, and read: “—seventeen years. We’ve cultivated outstanding Shatterborn of excellent character and ability…”

Ming Yi’s face twitched. *Just like those boring opening ceremonies back home.*

After a sleep-inducing monologue, Miriam finally reached the core.

“All of you show potential to reach Class C Shatterborn or higher. Thus, we’ve designed a dedicated Shatterborn curriculum for the Third Generation across three academic years.”

“Fail yearly requirements? You’ll be held back. Fail to graduate within five years? You lose eligibility—and are permanently barred from joining the Liberation Syndicate.”

“End of first semester: master your Corruption Artifact, grasp Shatterborn fundamentals, and take at least one Class D qualification assessment.”

“End of second semester: all must achieve Class D status and attempt a Class C assessment.”

“Graduation requirement: reach at least Class C.”

“Of course,” Miriam added, tone shifting, “this won’t be hard for some. But don’t slack off! In this world, strength is everything. The strong command power—even rewrite rules. If you don’t want to die… grow stronger.”

A collective jolt rippled through the crowd.

Ming Yi remained expressionless. He’d clearly seen the slight upward curve of Miriam’s lips.

*Pleased with herself for sounding cool, huh?*

“Fifty-four of you—six classes of nine. Aside from today’s public foundational class, instructors will guide your Corruption Artifact training.”

Miriam suddenly clapped her hands. “Ah! Almost forgot—we need a student council…”

She frowned thoughtfully, then shook her head.

“…Too much trouble. Xiao Chengcheng, you’re council president. Ming Yi, vice president.”

“Huh?!”

The simultaneous exclamation drew every gaze. Ming Yi felt like a rabbit trapped in spotlight.

“Milady Miriam,” a tall, muscular youth scowled at them, “why these two? What’s special about them?”

“Simple. Xiao Chengcheng showed the highest potential in entrance evaluation—likely Class S or beyond.”

“As for Ming Yi? I was lazy. He’s close with Xiao Chengcheng. Tag along.”

Seeing discontent ripple through the room, Miriam raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Don’t like it? Challenge any council member at semester’s end. Win—and take their place.”

The tall youth nodded, then shot them a fierce glare.

*Damn it. I just wanted to keep my head down… How did this happen?* Ming Yi thought bitterly.

Beside him, Xiao Chengcheng’s eyes gleamed.

“Yes! This is the setup! Draw all the hate, then crush every fool who steps up!” He nodded proudly. “Classic protagonist storyline!”

*Like hell it is! We’re public enemies, and you’re gloating?!*

Ming Yi suddenly recalled Dandan’s words—Xiao Chengcheng’s isekai life probably started with getting beaten to a pulp.

“Oh, and a secretary… Eh, whatever. Pick someone you like,” Miriam shrugged. “Gather here again at 2 PM for your foundational class. Questions? Ask your teacher.”

“Xiao Chengcheng, Ming Yi—follow Sharina to the council office.”

She turned, waving a slender hand. “Meeting adjourned.”

—

—

Leaving the auditorium under murderous glares from the other Third Generation members, they found Sharina waiting quietly at the door.

“Congratulations on joining the student council,” she smiled.

Mentioning it only deepened Ming Yi’s gloom. Xiao Chengcheng, however, swaggered while boasting, “Naturally! Only a true protagonist deserves such a prestigious role!”

Sharina covered her mouth, smiling silently.

“Wait—you’re a first-year too, right? Be our secretary!” Xiao Chengcheng suggested.

“I appreciate it,” Sharina shook her head gently, “but I can’t. I’m a resident. Your studies and ours are separate—like different departments.”

“Oh,” Xiao Chengcheng drooped.

Ming Yi couldn’t be bothered to point out the obvious.

His mind churned.

Why the instant hostility from the Third Generation? Unknown. But Miriam’s council appointment? Clear enough.

Xiao Chengcheng’s Class S potential would skyrocket with provocation. But Ming Yi? Even Miss Akiko detected no Shatterborn aura in him. He still didn’t know his Corruption Artifact.

They’d avoid Xiao Chengcheng. But him—the “bonus” vice president? Trouble awaited.

“*Sigh*. Truly, the stars are not in my favor,” Ming Yi muttered, glancing absently out the corridor window.

Then he slowly came to a halt.