In a secluded area of the collection zone, Ren Zhong trailed behind Bryce. The two arrived at a deserted spot where Bryce commended with a smile, "You did well. Even the elusive Phoenix Tail Fern was procured by you. Truly worthy of being my brother. Once we return, I'll have a word with the corporation. Early next month, let's have your brother start working there."
Ren Zhong hurriedly thanked him, then with a snort, added, "That Ethan got lucky. Who would have thought that after Wu Renfan switched his backpack, Ethan would still survive. He must have a strong fate."
Bryce responded indifferently, "No matter. Although he survived, he's injured. It will definitely affect him during the death duel. My chances of winning are greater now."
Ren Zhong chuckled, "Even if Ethan knows now, he can't do anything to us. But I wonder if the academy will report this to the old man?"
Bryce's expression darkened, "Report? Does he have any evidence? Don't forget, Wu Renfan is dead. And my father doesn't want me to lose this duel. My death is insignificant, but it would be a loss of face for him. Besides, it's a death duel. It's do or die, by any means necessary. Who would naively think that the duel must wait until the day of the fight? The moment Ethan agreed to the duel, it had already begun!"
Seizing the moment, Ren Zhong raised his thumb, "Brother Luo is wise."
As the two walked away, a shadow appeared where they had just been conversing.
Evening fell, and Bryce and Ren Zhong made their way back. Ren Zhong carried a bulging rucksack filled with various herbs. "There probably won't be any collection tasks tomorrow," Bryce commented as they walked. "You've had a hard time carrying things these past two days."
The weight of the rucksack had been pressing on Ren Zhong's shoulders, but at Bryce's words, he quickly replied, "It's nothing. Just a little effort."
Just then, a glass bottle flew over their heads. Whoosh! A stone shot from nowhere, striking the bottle and shattering it. A cloud of green powder spilled out, carried by the wind, scattering towards the two men.
Bryce reacted swiftly, rolling to the side as the bottle broke, distancing himself and only getting a slight dusting of the green substance. Ren Zhong, preoccupied with flattery, was slower to react and got a full dose on his head, face, and body, even getting a mouthful.
"Ptui, ptui, ptui!" He spat out the mouthful of grass powder, looking around and shouting, "Who's there? Show yourself!"
But there was no one in sight.
Bryce leaped like a panther towards the origin of the bottle, but found nothing but a pile of rocks. Frowning, he felt something was off.
Returning to Ren Zhong, he asked, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah," Ren Zhong replied, brushing off the grass powder and sniffing it. "Strange, this smell seems familiar."
At that, Bryce's complexion changed dramatically. "What's wrong, Brother Luo?" Ren Zhong stepped forward, concerned.
"Stay put!" Bryce yelled, even raising his rifle. Ren Zhong jumped, "Brother Luo, what are you doing?"
Bryce quickly dusted off the remaining grass powder from his body. "This could be the powder of the Phoenix Tail Fern."
He looked at Ren Zhong and said, "Stay here, don't move. I'm going back to camp for help."
As they spoke, Bryce felt as if the foliage around them was blurring. Was it fogging up?
Hearing that it was the Phoenix Tail Fern, Ren Zhong panicked, "No way, where did the Phoenix Tail Fern come from?" Then he shouted, "Ethan?"
He quickly added, "Brother Luo, let me go back with you. We're not far from camp, and if we run, we should make it before dark."
Bryce didn't share that sentiment. They were not close to camp, and he doubted they could make it back before nightfall. If he allowed Ren Zhong to follow, wouldn't that put them both in danger? After all, Ren Zhong was now covered in Phoenix Tail Fern powder, like a beacon in the night, potentially attracting the dominant Behemoth's attention.
Without warning, Bryce lowered his rifle and shot Ren Zhong in the leg.
Bang!
With the muffled gunshot, a spray of blood erupted from Ren Zhong's left thigh. His expression was one of disbelief, not expecting Bryce to shoot. Then he screamed and fell to the ground.
"Why!" Ren Zhong looked up, his eyes bloodshot. "This morning you still called me a brother. Is this how you treat your brother?"
Bryce coldly replied, "Because I consider you a brother, I shot your leg. Otherwise, this bullet would have been in your head. Wait for me."
With that, he turned and ran, not giving Ren Zhong another glance.
Ren Zhong roared, "Bryce, you bastard! You won't die well! I curse you to be killed by Ethan!"
Gasping for air, Ren Zhong suddenly noticed the fog creeping in from the corner of his eye. Unbeknownst to him, the surroundings had become a white expanse. He felt a chill and turned around to see the setting sun casting an orange hue through the dense fog.
In that hazy red light, within the fog, a huge, cat-like figure crouched silently. Suddenly, three tails behind the figure flicked.
"Ah..."
Ren Zhong's scream was cut short as a shadow surged through the fog, and a tongue studded with countless barbs licked across his body, leaving half of him stripped to the bone.
Back at camp, Bryce stumbled in, exhausted but relieved to have made it back before dark. People pointed and whispered as he passed, but Bryce ignored them and burst into Ethan's tent.
Inside, Ethan and Cedricl were in the midst of a conversation. Bryce lunged at Ethan, but Cedricl immediately blocked him, "What are you doing?"
Bryce's eyes were ablaze with fury as he pointed at Ethan and bellowed, "It was you! You threw the bottle, you spread the powder!"
His outburst drew Marshal and the other students. Bryce pushed Cedricl aside, grabbed Marshal's hand, and pleaded, "Teacher, arrest him. Lock him up! He ambushed us. He spread Phoenix Tail Fern powder on me and Ren Zhong. He wants to kill me!"
Ethan's lips curled into a slight smile. "You say I want to kill you. Do you have evidence?"