In the kitchen, the savory aroma of crab porridge filled the air.
Ni Shuang glanced at Yun Yun's flowing skirt and smiled. "Sister, you're becoming more and more feminine."
Yun Yun returned the smile softly, her voice gentle. "Come and help. The porridge is ready."
"On my way!" Ni Shuang chirped happily, joining her at the stove.
The table was soon set, and four people gathered around, enjoying a leisurely breakfast.
"This shrimp is amazing, so big and juicy," Ni Shuang exclaimed with delight.
Natto, savoring a spoonful of porridge, added, "This crab porridge is out of this world!"
Yuto Saito, watching the others relish the meal, looked lovingly at Yun Yun. "Our Xiao Yun's cooking is unbeatable. I'm so lucky."
Yun Yun's face lit up with a smile that could melt hearts. "As long as everyone likes it."
"I love it!" Ni Shuang said between bites, her face beaming with satisfaction.
Natto suddenly changed the mood, glancing at his phone. "You know, I was reading the news earlier. Everyone else is stuck at home, too scared to come outside. Meanwhile, we're feasting here."
Ni Shuang, who had been in her own world, raised an eyebrow. "Wait—what? Why is everyone hiding at home?"
Natto gave her a playful grin. "Xiaoshuang, didn't you hear the air raid sirens last night?"
"No, I didn't," Ni Shuang replied, a bit puzzled. "I had my headphones on, listening to music. What happened?"
"You'll see if you check the news," Natto teased, taking another bite of porridge.
Curiosity got the best of her. "Just tell me! What happened?"
Natto paused dramatically before speaking. "The cracks in the ground are getting bigger. Monsters have started coming out."
Yuto Saito remained calm, as if expecting this news. The monsters had arrived earlier than anticipated, but he wasn't concerned. With the floating islands in place, safety wasn't an immediate worry.
Ni Shuang's eyes widened. "Monsters? Like... really? Are they dangerous?"
Natto leaned in, his tone hushed. "The government reported a fourth-tier human-faced demon spider. People have spotted mutated wild boars, mosquitoes, and even an ancient species—the Overlord Salamander."
"The Overlord Salamander?" Ni Shuang's voice raised an octave. "That's supposed to be extinct! How is it back?"
Natto shrugged casually. "It just crawled out of the earth. People are still figuring out why."
Ni Shuang blinked, her shock turning into disbelief. "I take a nap, and suddenly the world changes?"
Yuto Saito smiled calmly. "Let's eat first. Natto, next time, avoid monster talk at the table, okay?"
Natto grinned sheepishly. "Sorry! I'll remember that next time."
Meanwhile, in Boys' Dormitory 305, Xian Moumou woke up feeling refreshed. After brushing his teeth, washing his face, and even his hair, he felt like a new man.
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in!" he called, stretching lazily.
Tony and Randy entered, their expressions serious.
"Brother Xian," Tony began, "we need to gather our own forces as soon as possible."
Xian raised an eyebrow. "What's going on now?"
Lan Zui, standing beside him, was incredulous. "Brother, the air raid siren was so loud last night! How did you not hear it?"
Xian shrugged. "I was out cold."
From across the room, Liang Fu chuckled. "I woke up at least five times because of it."
Tony handed Xian a tablet. "You need to see this."
Xian took the device, his eyes scanning the screen. It was a surveillance video from early that morning. A butcher had encountered a giant fly—one the size of a basketball. The butcher had swung his cleaver at it, but even after losing a wing, the enormous insect managed to fly away.
Xian stared in disbelief. "A fly that big? That's at least a first-tier mutation."
Tony nodded gravely. "Many animals are growing larger, but no one knows why. We have to act now. If we want to survive, we need to form our own group."
Cai Cheng sighed wistfully. "If only Brother Su would help us, we wouldn't need to worry."
Xian gave him a sharp look. "Apprentice, don't say that. Brother Su owes us nothing, and he's not obligated to help us every time."
Liang Fu agreed. "We can't always rely on him. Sooner or later, we'll become a burden. It's better to build our own strength."
Xian nodded, taking charge. "Alright, Tony, Lan Rui, start gathering people you trust. Prioritize those with awakened abilities."
Lan Rui gave a quick nod. "On it, brother."
Tony hesitated before asking, "Brother Xian, what should we call this new force?"
Xian thought for a moment, then smiled confidently. "Let's call it Xianmen."