After sipping tea and resting briefly in the student council office, afternoon arrived in no time.
Though Ming Yi was deeply puzzled—why keep tea here when their bodies couldn’t even feel thirst?—Sharina just shook her head with a smile. “You’ll understand after today’s common sense class.”
That only sharpened Ming Yi’s curiosity.
Checking the time, he called Xiao Chengcheng, and the two headed toward the auditorium.
Pushing the doors open, Ming Yi saw many already waiting. Their entrance once again drew every eye in the room.
Cold stares swept over them again and again—like hidden snakes lurking in every shadow, ready to strike.
Ming Yi instantly felt a headache coming on.
"Tch. Let them be jealous," Xiao Chengcheng muttered, catching the glares and curling his lip in disdain.
Under the weight of so many eyes, each minute dragged like an hour for Ming Yi. Thankfully, the teacher arrived soon after.
He was a stern-looking, bald little old man dressed like a European gentleman, occasionally stroking his goatee.
"Ahem. Welcome, students of the Third Generation. I am Teacher Evan, temporarily assigned to teach you this world’s fundamentals."
"Today, I’ll cover its unique phenomena and how it differs from your original world. Questions afterward—just raise your hand."
"Now then, let’s begin with the basics..."
——
By the lesson’s end, Ming Yi had a clear picture of this world:
First, the environment resembles the outside world. Decayed objects become usable after human modification.
Second, humans feel no hunger or thirst but can still eat and feel full. The Liberation Syndicate encourages maintaining normal life and developing food industries—though not all factions agree.
Third, Ravagers rank D to S by size. Class SS Ravagers, however, are humanoid, intelligent, and possess unique abilities.
Fourth, the Shattered Realm’s population is sparse, clustered in faction strongholds. Most lands remain silent ruins.
Fifth, Chinese is the universal language—a consensus forged by the First Generation after endless conflicts.
Sixth, currency is Blood Essence. Measured by weight like ancient silver ingots; conversion between ranks follows a hundred-to-one ratio.
Seventh, Blood Essence dispels accumulating fatigue. One Class D piece monthly suffices per person. Students receive 15; residents, 10. Free trade is permitted.
——
Amid constant questions and answers, evening quietly fell.
Voice hoarse, Teacher Evan scanned the room. "If no further questions—class dismissed."
"Dorms are in the building right of the academy. Names are posted. Move in tonight."
"Oh, the academy cafeteria serves meals daily. Feel free to visit."
"Hey, Xiao Yi, wanna check it out?" Xiao Chengcheng asked.
Ming Yi nodded. "Since the Liberation Syndicate encourages eating… let’s go. We haven’t tasted food since arriving. Almost forgot what fullness feels like."
"Mm. See if anything’s good—and if we can takeout. Bring some for Dandan."
Ming Yi arched a brow, teasing. "Huh? Weren’t you two bickering nonstop? Guess you do care."
Xiao Chengcheng flushed. "Who cares about that brat? I just don’t want her tattling to the boss! I can’t handle her wrath!"
Ming Yi smiled knowingly, silent.
"Hey! What’s *that* look for?" Xiao Chengcheng snapped.
"Nothing. Let’s eat."
——
The cafeteria gleamed with lavish decor—more gala hall than school.
Crowds in similar uniforms moved about; likely fellow resident students.
Simple, tasty meals: rice, dishes, soup. After eating their fill, Ming Yi and Xiao Chengcheng packed cold dishes and steamed buns, then left without lingering.
Dusk settled over Xinbei City. Lights twinkled softly across the streets, casting a tranquil glow. The two strolled slowly, savoring the cool summer breeze.
Soon, they reached a low-rise residential zone near campus. Ming Yi asked around, followed directions, and found a tucked-away two-story house.
Just before the door, Xiao Chengcheng halted.
"What’s wrong?"
Fidgeting awkwardly, he mumbled, "Xiao Yi… I’m not going in. If she sees *me* bringing food? She’ll never let me live it down."
Ming Yi chuckled. "Afraid of monsters chasing you? But chicken at a girl’s doorstep? Xiao Chengcheng, shame on you."
Surprisingly, Xiao Chengcheng didn’t argue. He scratched his head sheepishly. "Hehe… yeah, I’m chicken. *Seriously* chicken. You’re the brave one—go ahead."
Ming Yi didn’t press further. He walked to the door and knocked lightly.
"Who… who is it?" a timid voice called.
"It’s me. Ming Yi."
"Ah! Senior Ming Yi!" Delight replaced hesitation. The door cracked open—a pair of eyes peeked through—then swung wide.
Dandan stood there in a loose pink robe, damp hair dotted with droplets, freshly bathed and adorably flustered.
"Came to check on you. Brought some food," Ming Yi said warmly.
"Really?!" Her face lit up. "Senior Ming Yi is the *best*! I haven’t eaten a single meal since arriving!"
Inside, the space was spacious—proof of this world’s abundant land. Basic furniture filled the room; no TV, but the study shelf held many books.
Ming Yi set the dishes on the table. Dandan sat happily, eating as he recounted the day’s lesson.
Unnoticed by him, her movements slowed. Her chopsticks stilled. Her gaze drifted.
"Um… Senior Ming Yi… where’s Xiao Chengcheng?"
"Him? Had something come up. Went back to the dorm." Ming Yi brushed it off lightly.
"Liar. He must think I’m too dumb… and doesn’t want to see me."
"Nonsense. A sweet girl like our Dandan—who’d ever—"
"Senior," she interrupted softly, voice trembling. "Am I… really that stupid?"
Ming Yi’s words died on his lips.
Beside him, the girl began to sob quietly.
