Bai Ming still sat dazedly in his seat, his mind struggling to process what had just happened.
The others were also reeling from Teacher Moran’s stunning demonstration when he spoke up: “Consider that little scene your very first lesson from me.”
“This lesson teaches you: in this world, Shatterborn are not invincible. Nor does being a Shatterborn automatically make you stronger than ordinary people.”
“Awakening a Corruption Artifact simply unlocks another possibility. It doesn’t guarantee strength for Shatterborn, nor weakness for ordinary folk.”
“As long as you strive to grow stronger—Shatterborn or not—you can reach the pinnacle through your own effort.”
Hearing this, Ming Yi felt as if a brand-new door had swung open before him.
Truth be told, before arriving here, his greatest worry was his bizarre blood. Aside from shifting shape, it seemed utterly useless—no special powers, no combat use, barely better than a normal person’s.
If that were true… how could he ever fulfill his vow to his senpai and Dandan?
But Teacher Moran’s words awakened him. His blood wasn’t weak—it held its own unique potential. With diligent practice, it could become a formidable weapon!
The class visibly revised their opinion of Teacher Moran. Even Bai Ming, once he snapped out of it, settled quietly into his seat, his earlier arrogance subdued.
Teacher Moran nodded in satisfaction. “That’s more like it. We’re classmates—can’t we just talk things through calmly?”
“Now, let’s officially begin.”
“First question: what exactly *is* a Corruption Artifact?”
Wang Jie, who’d clearly pondered this, answered: “The materialization of a blood-triggered special ability.”
“Essentially correct. This is one of the world’s core rules—a weapon bestowed by the Creator to help humanity survive this harsh world. Chosen individuals channel their unique talents into a fixed artifact through blood, and wield it in battle.”
“So… what’s the takeaway?” Teacher Moran asked with a mysterious smile.
The class fell silent in thought. Then, the ever-aloof Chu Tong spoke: “Teacher… are you saying a Corruption Artifact’s true power ultimately depends on the Shatterborn’s own strength?” Her voice was crisp and melodious, like ice melting under sunlight.
“Brilliant!” Teacher Moran gave a thumbs-up. “Student Chu Tong isn’t just beautiful—she’s remarkably sharp.”
Chu Tong’s expression remained untouched by the praise, her face as impassive as an eternal glacier.
“Exactly. A Corruption Artifact is channeled *through* your blood. Blood potency reflects physical strength—which means…”
“Shatterborn must possess exceptional physical fitness!”
“The stronger your body, the greater and more versatile your Artifact’s abilities become.”
“This is why many of you struggle to control your Artifacts—your bodies aren’t strong enough. Your blood can’t sustain the strain.”
Ning Si suddenly turned ashen. “No way… you’re not saying we have PE class *here* too?”
“Not *have* PE,” Teacher Moran said with a warm smile. “PE *is* the curriculum. Every Shatterborn’s power is unique—written exams are pointless. Our focus has always been, and will always be, practical combat.”
To everyone’s surprise, Ning Si flashed a carefree grin.
“Guess I’d rather die again.”
*Whoa, calm down!* Ming Yi broke into a cold sweat. *That utterly despondent look—you’re not serious, right?*
“Beyond physical strength, deeply understanding your Artifact matters too. How you wield it shapes your true power.”
Teacher Moran raised a finger. “Example: someone’s Artifact controls wind—ten-meter radius, max Level 10 intensity.”
“But if they face a narrow corridor… and happen to know the ‘venturi effect’…”
“…they could generate Level 15–16 wind pressure inside it, with effects stretching far beyond ten meters.”
The students nodded thoughtfully.
“Next, we address your individual cases.” Teacher Moran picked up a stack of files from the lectern. “I’ve skimmed your records, but details are lacking. Ideally, I’ll tailor training to each Artifact.”
“So please—summon your Corruption Artifacts one by one.”
Xiao Chengcheng glanced around. Seeing no one move, he sighed inwardly. *Time for the student council president to lead again.*
He stepped forward, holding the staff he hadn’t yet dismissed. “Teacher, this is my Artifact—the ‘Hundredfold Forged Staff.’ I’m still figuring it out. But after days of practice, it no longer shatters into blood the moment it hits something hard.”
Teacher Moran nodded. “If I’m not mistaken, its power ties to the ‘hundredfold forging’ in its name. Since progress is showing, keep refining it this way.”
Xiao Chengcheng’s eyes lit up. “So… if I keep breaking it and training, will it grow infinitely harder and stronger?”
“Very likely.”
“Whoa! Infinite upgrade path! A true protagonist-tier artifact!” Xiao Chengcheng cheered, shooting Bai Ming a smug look that screamed: *See? My Artifact’s legendary. I’m the real main character—what’s a kid like you showing off for?*
Bai Ming felt the condescension. Huffing, he stood and bit his fingertip. A sleek, sci-fi-inspired shuttle materialized—his Artifact.
“This is my Corruption Artifact: the ‘Counterflow Shuttle.’ It seems the stronger the force it faces, the more power it unleashes.”
“Oh? A ‘stronger the foe, stronger the response’ type. Looks like you and Xiao Chengcheng both walk the path of challenging limits.”
*How’s that? Mine’s not weak either.* Bai Ming lifted his chin, glaring down his nose. Xiao Chengcheng shot back a fierce stare. Sparks practically crackled between them.
*How can he bicker so naturally with a kid? Isn’t he embarrassed?* Ming Yi silently prayed no one would link him to this guy.
