"Master!" Annie and Anna cried out in unison, hearts swelling with grief and fury.

Yet no matter how unwilling, without Andre’s undead legion to hold them back, the two girls could barely withstand the pent-up wrath of Wang Jie and Bai Ming.

In barely two or three minutes, both collapsed, knocked unconscious.

"Phew—" Wang Jie wiped sweat from his brow. Just recalling the fight sent a chill through him.

"No wonder he’s vice president of the Resident Academy’s student council… truly a stubborn opponent."

Though victorious, not a trace of joy touched Bai Ming’s face—only solemn gravity. He was still troubled by being forced to reveal his trump card so early.

*Would Ming Yi and Xiao Chengcheng have handled this more easily?* Bai Ming wondered silently.

***

"Uncle, I truly admire your teaching now," Miriam said earnestly, gazing at Moran. "These three are steadily mastering deeper abilities of their Corruption Artifacts. I’d say they’ve likely reached—or surpassed—Class D."

"It’s only been three months. Clearly, the standard curriculum is too basic for you."

Moran smiled, plainly pleased with his students.

"Honestly, I did little. These kids were talented and driven from the start."

"Perhaps one day, they’ll become figures others look up to."

Miriam nodded quietly, saying nothing.

***

Inside the labyrinth, battle had reached a fever pitch.

Nearly every surviving team was locked in combat; fierce clashes flared across the maze.

Ming Yi’s trio swept through every Resident Branch squad they met with crushing force—their strength stunned onlookers.

After Xiao Chengcheng slammed another unlucky opponent unconscious against the wall, the three finally reached the labyrinth’s heart: the base of the elevated platform where Miriam and the teachers stood watch.

"Phew… made it," Xiao Chengcheng panted, breath ragged from the sprint. "Looks like no one beat us here."

Ming Yi shook his head gravely. "No. We’re still a step too late—"

Xiao Chengcheng and Chu Tong followed his gaze. Leaning silently against the platform stood a towering, muscular Black man, watching them with quiet interest.

Xiao Chengcheng recognized him instantly: Mike, president of the Resident Branch student council, who’d joined the school festival planning talks.

Surprise flickered across Mike’s face. "No wonder you’re Third Generation Branch council members. Your speed truly exceeded my expectations."

"Likewise, President Mike. You arrived first—such modesty feels a little hollow," Ming Yi replied.

Mike shrugged noncommittally.

"You *are* fast. Pity my two teammates already left to hunt the remaining squads."

A confident grin spread across his face. "Looks like our Resident Branch will claim victory in this school festival after all."

"Huh? Your teammates left—so you’re staying alone?" Xiao Chengcheng stared like he’d lost his mind. "You seriously think you can hold off every incoming team solo?"

"Why not?" Mike actually nodded.

Xiao Chengcheng’s temper flared. He jabbed a finger. "The hell?! You’re mocking us?! Treating us like Dynasty Warriors minions to mow down? I’ll—!"

"Xiao Chengcheng!" Ming Yi’s sharp rebuke cut him off.

Unbothered, Mike spoke calmly, as if stating fact:

"This isn’t arrogance. I trust my strength. Nor disrespect—just executing our planned strategy."

He slammed a fist against his chest. "They trusted me. So I stand here. Win or lose."

His unwavering resolve commanded quiet respect.

Ming Yi lowered his eyes, then spoke to Xiao Chengcheng and Chu Tong:

"If he delays us here, even winning means we lose overall."

"Your only move: chase his teammates. Stop them before our squads fall."

Xiao Chengcheng blinked. "You mean… you’ll solo this giant?"

Ming Yi nodded.

Chu Tong frowned, about to protest—but Ming Yi’s next words stilled her:

"Do you trust me?"

Seeing his sincere smile, Chu Tong fell silent.

Xiao Chengcheng said nothing. He clapped Ming Yi’s shoulder firmly, then turned and ran.

After a heartbeat’s hesitation, Chu Tong stomped her foot. "Be careful," she called, then hurried after him.

Only Ming Yi and Mike remained.

Admiration glinted in Mike’s eyes. "A wise choice. True courage and duty for a council member. An honor to face you."

"Too kind." *Fierce-looking, but… decent.*

Yet Ming Yi’s guard stayed razor-sharp. The Resident Branch council president *was* their strongest fighter—no simple foe.

*Full focus. Total effort.*

"Then, Vice President Ming Yi," Mike declared, "let’s have a fair, man-to-man duel!"

His aura surged visibly. Muscles swelled, coiled with explosive power.

He bit his thumb. Blood swirled midair, coalescing into a massive axe nearly two meters long.

"My Corruption Artifact—the Bloodthirsty Axe." Mike’s grin sent a chill down the spine.

The weapon transformed him into a gladiator of ancient Rome, radiating raw, bloodthirsty intensity.

Ming Yi exhaled slowly. Eyes stilled. Every pore stood alert.

*Here it comes.*

***

Three hundred kilometers from East Asia Academy, across a barren field of ruins.

A helicopter settled softly. The cabin door slid open. A red-haired woman in a black bodysuit stepped out, white briefcase in hand. A dozen heavily armed mercenaries followed.

Kashir, waiting nearby, extended a welcoming hand. "Welcome, Miss Li Huoer. Wishing us a fruitful cooperation."

Li Huoer ignored his hand. "How are the Free Army’s preparations?"

"Including us: four Class S, twenty Class A. Strike fast, secure victory—before that little girl Miriam reacts."

Li Huoer nodded, satisfied. With this lineup and a tight plan, overwhelming a lab guarded by one Class S squad was feasible.

"The full plan awaits your review, Miss Li Huoer." Kashir handed her a dossier.

Skimming it, a cold smirk touched Li Huoer’s lips.

*Heh. Liberation Syndicate…*

*This time, you’ll get a serious taste of your own medicine.*