Cai Cheng's grin widened. Recruiting under the name of Yuto Saito really worked wonders.
He hadn't technically lied—Yuto Saito once mentioned to Xian that it would be wise to form a faction. And Yuto had shown his care by coming to their aid when the boys' dorm was in danger before. That was all the justification Cai Cheng needed.
The square-faced man introduced himself: "I'm Wang Pin. My talent is boxing—one-star combat power. My ultimate move is the 'Shooting Star Burst Punch!'"
Hearing that Wang Pin was a one-star combatant, Cai Cheng's respect grew instantly. "Brother Pin! You're an awakened one. Join us, and you'll definitely be valued. Come on, I'll take you to the third floor."
Wang Pin hesitated, then asked, "What do I get for joining Xianmen?"
"Right now, we can guarantee you won't have to worry about food or clothing," Cai Cheng replied. "The rest depends on what you contribute to the sect."
Wang Pin sighed in relief. "Good enough. I just need something to eat."
Hunger gnawed at him. Yesterday, he hadn't eaten, and when one of his dormmates turned into a zombie, Wang Pin had been too weak to fight.
"Follow me, Brother Pin," Cai Cheng urged. "I'll introduce you to the master."
Once they reached the third floor, Cai Cheng announced proudly, "Master, I've recruited a strong ally! Wang Pin, a boxer with one-star combat power."
Xian Moumou welcomed Wang Pin with a broad smile. "Good to have you."
Wang Pin's eyes lit up as he spotted piles of bread in the dorm. "Xian Moumou, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Xian Moumou gestured toward the food. "From now on, we're family. Help yourself."
Without hesitation, Wang Pin grabbed two loaves and devoured them, the gnawing hunger finally easing.
As he ate, Liang Fu, one of Xian's other followers, asked anxiously, "The principal promised supplies would arrive today. Why haven't we seen them yet? Think something's gone wrong?"
Cai Cheng nodded grimly. "There've been a lot of monsters showing up. Maybe the supply convoy got ambushed."
Between bites of bread, Wang Pin inquired, "Is Brother Su with you?"
Xian Moumou smiled diplomatically. "Brother Su has his own matters to attend to. He's not with us right now."
Many came seeking Yuto Saito's name, and Xian knew it. For now, keeping them calm was crucial.
Meanwhile, outside the school gates, trouble was brewing. Three steel-toothed giant rats—each a first-order mutant—were gnawing at the metal gates. Their razor-sharp teeth effortlessly tore through the iron.
On the floating island, Natto pointed toward the ground. "Look, three giant rats!"
Yuto Saito's expression remained calm as he analyzed the situation with his abilities. "They're only first-order mutants. Nothing our team can't handle."
Mina stepped forward, her eyes shining with determination. "Yuto Saito, Juzi, and Ruoruo joined the floating island, but we haven't proven ourselves yet. Let us handle these rats."
Yuto smiled, nodding in approval. "Very well. You all need combat experience. Xiaoyun, lead them, but let Mina, Juzi, and Ruoruo do the fighting."
Yunyun nodded. She understood Yuto's intention—to train them.
"Go," Yuto ordered.
Yunyun led the group down the elevator while Ni Shuang and Natto stayed behind with Yuto on the floating island.
Ni Shuang smirked. "Three first-order monsters? If I were in their place, I'd take them down in seconds."
Natto agreed. "Sister Yun's lightning powers are pretty amazing."
Yuto remained serious. "Mina and the others need to face this challenge on their own."
As the rats broke into the school grounds, they headed straight for the girls' dormitory.
In the corridor, Sister Zhou and her roommates, Luo Xin, Shu Nana, and Liu Yiling, were enjoying the view when they spotted the massive rodents.
Luo Xin screamed, "Ah! Look at the size of those things!"
Sister Zhou spun around, cursing under her breath. "What the hell? Since when did rats get this big?"
Shu Nana paled. "We need to run! They're breaking through the gate!"
The steel-toothed rats tore through the dormitory's iron doors with ease, and chaos erupted as the dorm was overrun.
From room 202, Nako peered out the window, eyes widening at the sight of the giant rats. "No way. I can't take them on—I need to get out of here."
Meanwhile, in the boys' dormitory, Tiger Tuan'er and Rice Noodle were just waking up. Hearing the commotion, they rushed to the corridor.
Rice Noodle's face paled. "Run! Those rats will eat us!"
Tiger Tuan'er, visibly shaken, muttered, "But where can we hide? These monsters chew through metal like it's nothing!"
Just then, four figures approached the girls' dormitory.
Yunyun, with a cold, commanding presence, looked at Mina and said, "This is Yuto Saito's test. Don't underestimate these first-order monsters. You have to finish this."
"Got it!" Mina replied, sprinting ahead.
Juzi and Ruoruo followed closely behind.
Mina approached one of the giant steel-toothed rats and activated her charm ability. Instantly, the rat fell under her control, turning to attack its companions.
With her three-star combat power, Mina's charm ability was potent.
The controlled rat bit the neck of another, killing it swiftly.
Ding! Killed a first-order steel-toothed giant rat. Gained 100 experience points.
Congratulations! Gained a white spar.
Mina smiled, feeling the surge of power. "That was easier than I thought."
Ruoruo was close by, replenishing Mina's mental energy with a boost of healing magic.
Fully recharged, Mina controlled the rat once again, commanding it to attack the last of its companions.
The two giant rats clashed, leaving both gravely wounded. Seizing the opportunity, Ruoruo leaped forward, delivering the final blows.
Ding! Killed a first-order steel-toothed giant rat. Gained 100 experience points.
Ding! Killed a first-order steel-toothed giant rat. Gained 100 experience points.
Congratulations! Gained a white spar.
Obtained 1 Golden Sore Medicine.
Mina gave Ruoruo a thumbs up. "Nice work, Ruobao!"
Ruoruo grinned. "That was almost too easy."
Suddenly, Orange's ears twitched. "Wait… I hear something. There's a snake coming our way."
Yunyun turned and saw the approaching threat—a red-winged python slithering towards them.
Yunyun nodded in approval. "Well done, Orange. Your senses are sharp."
Orange beamed. Her heightened hearing made her perfect for scouting.