Inside the stadium.

All injured competitors had been healed by the academy’s distributed Blood Essence. Students from the Third Generation Division and the Resident Division now stood neatly lined up on the field.

Miriam stepped onto the podium, Moran standing quietly behind her. She scanned the contestants below, cleared her throat, and read from her script:

“After fierce competition and a truly spectacular showdown, the highlight of this School Festival—the Maze Survival Battle—has concluded successfully!”

“The victors are the students of the Third Generation Division!”

Cheers erupted from the Third Generation Division.

“Ahem… Uh, the Third Generation Division students fought bravely and persevered. Their competitive spirit is deeply admirable—they perfectly embodied youthful vigor and relentless drive…”

“…And to the Resident Division: do not be disheartened by defeat. Reflect, improve, and strive again.”

Below, Xiao Chengcheng nudged Ming Yi and whispered, “Where did Lady Miriam even dig up these boring official lines?”

“Who knows? Probably copied from some manual.”

“What’s the point?” Xiao Chengcheng sighed. “She probably hates this tedious ceremony too. Why not skip it? Making everyone drowsy like this…”

“Maybe she *likes* it? Saw how other leaders do speeches and formalities in books and just copied.”

“Huh… you might be right.” Xiao Chengcheng nodded thoughtfully.

“…In short, this match offered valuable lessons. Keep pushing forward!”

Miriam paused—then snagged the attention of every nearly-dozing listener.

“And now… the reward ceremony for the victors.”

“To the Third Generation Division: your monthly Blood Essence allocation is doubled until semester’s end! Plus, each student receives an extra twenty Class C Blood Essence as bonus!”

A sharp collective gasp swept the stadium—then thunderous cheers.

“Wow! Long live Lady Miriam!”

“We’re rich! Seriously rich!”

Even Ming Yi, usually unshakable, was stunned.

Fifty-four students… over a thousand Class C Blood Essence just in bonuses! Not counting the doubled monthly supply!

The Liberation Syndicate truly was rolling in wealth.

“…Next, a special award for the most outstanding team.”

Miriam nodded to Moran.

Moran stepped forward, gripped the mic: “All Third Generation teams performed brilliantly. After faculty deliberation, the Best Team award goes to—”

“Xiao Chengcheng, Ming Yi, and Chu Tong!” He pointed to the trio at the front.

“Tch.” Bai Ming snorted, face dark.

“Hehe, guess I’m still one step ahead,” Xiao Chengcheng chuckled, practically skipping up with Ming Yi and Chu Tong.

Bai Ming stayed silent. He knew his team had been forced to reveal their trump card too early. Their impact truly couldn’t match Ming Yi’s trio, who’d intercepted the rival student council president deep in the maze. Watching Xiao Chengcheng’s smug grin, he just turned away—out of sight, out of mind.

On stage, Moran smiled mysteriously into the mic:

“This reward involves Syndicate-sensitive matters. For now, I’ll only say: it’s a method to *indirectly* enhance your strength.”

Chaos erupted.

“What reward needs this much secrecy?”

“Indirect strength boost? Never heard of it!”

The three exchanged baffled glances.

“Don’t worry,” Moran said lightly. “Follow me. You’ll see soon.”

—

—

Back in the stadium, the festival continued. But Ming Yi’s trio now rode in a military jeep heading away from campus.

“C’mon, Teacher, spill!” Xiao Chengcheng leaned toward Moran. “What *is* this reward?”

Eyes on the road, Moran replied calmly, “Do you know what distinguishes Blood Essence grades?”

“Color depth and energy content… Why ask?”

“And do you know high-grade Blood Essence undergoes special changes?”

“How would we?” Xiao Chengcheng grumbled. “Never seen it. Never taught.”

Moran chuckled. “From Class D to S, color deepens layer by layer. Class S is near-black crimson—a clear limit.”

“So… what about Class SS? The grade *above* S?”

“Class SS?” Chu Tong pondered. “Pure black?”

Moran shook his head, smiling.

“Extremes beget their opposite. Class SS broke the limit—underwent a qualitative shift. Its color? Pure white.”

“White Blood Essence?” Xiao Chengcheng and Chu Tong froze.

Ming Yi’s expression shifted violently.

*Xiao Chengcheng and Chu Tong hadn’t heard the term. But he knew it all too well.*

**White Bloodsource!**

Loki Squad’s Class S mission target. The reason Meryl’s team clashed fiercely with Sean, the South American mercenary.

He’d secretly followed them. Remembered that milky-white sphere vividly.

*What treasure was worth such a fight?*

Now he knew: a naturally formed Class SS Bloodsource.

Class SS Ravagers were nearly extinct. Hunting one? Near impossible. This White Bloodsource was a priceless miracle.

Unnoticing Ming Yi’s turmoil, Moran continued:

“Class SS White Bloodsource delivers a hundred times Class S energy—and holds undiscovered properties. Previously, we had zero samples. But months ago, our squad retrieved a natural one. Thanks to it, we’ve glimpsed its secrets.”

Chu Tong’s eyes widened. “So… the White Bloodsource *is* the ‘indirect strength boost’?”

“Correct.” Moran nodded. “It accelerates Corruption Artifact awakening and growth—especially potent for low-grade Shatterborn.”

“Whoa! So we’re heading to *level up* at the White Bloodsource site?!” Xiao Chengcheng yelped.

“Your phrasing’s odd… but yes.”

“YES! Win the academy tournament, claim the legendary treasure, power up instantly—this plot’s *so* classic! I *knew* I was the protagonist! Hahahaha!”

Moran shot him a sideways glance.

Chu Tong and Ming Yi instantly adopted identical expressions: *We do not know this person.*