Before setting off, Chen Muye and the others specifically reminded Lin QiYe to pay attention and use his abilities.
Since the infected humans could not be identified by their outward appearance, the only way to discern them was through other methods. As the only one among them with the mental power to perceive the Forbidden Zone, Lin QiYe was crucial.
Just as Lin QiYe expected, his Seraph's Eye allowed him to detect the infected.
At this moment, in his mental perception domain, Liu Xiaoyan appeared like a bloodthirsty monster disguised in human skin, skillfully manipulating the shell of her body as she casually whispered to her deskmate.
In this classroom, aside from Liu Xiaoyan, there was another infected.
This girl, whose name was Han Ruoruo, wasn't particularly memorable to Lin QiYe. She was one of those quiet girls who didn't stand out in class. Right now, she was quietly writing something, then turned and passed a small note to the boy sitting behind her.
The boy behind her was someone Lin QiYe recognized — Liu Yuan, the same person who had pushed him away during the encounter with the Ghost Face Man. Lin QiYe wouldn't forget him.
How many are there? Chen Muye's voice came through the earpiece again.
There are two in my class, and when I arrived, I swept through all the classrooms on this floor. There are about six in total on this level.
Do they still have a chance?
No. Lin QiYe responded firmly, Their internal organs have disappeared, replaced by masses of bizarre flesh. Even if those things are killed, they will never survive. They… died the moment they were consumed.
Even just on this floor, there were already six casualties. If you considered the entire school, how many more people had died?
When so many deaths occurred in a single school, the school would be doomed.
The societal impact behind this would be far more terrifying.
After a long silence, Chen Muye's voice finally came through again. I understand… keep observing, but don't alarm them.
Got it.
Lin QiYe took out a pen and paper, focusing on listening to the teacher's lecture as though he were an ordinary student.
A few minutes later, Li Yifei, panting heavily, ran to the door and knocked.
Report!
Li Yifei? You're late. The teacher gave him a disapproving look.
I've been on sick leave. Here's the note! Li Yifei waved a sick note from his book.
The teacher pushed his glasses. Alright, go sit down. If you fail the next test, I'm calling your parents.
Li Yifei hurriedly sat back down next to Lin QiYe, quickly opened his book, and whispered to him:
What's the situation?
I've learned a little, but not everything. Lin QiYe glanced at the window. I need a chance, an opportunity to sense the entire school.
Li Yifei was stunned. You mean…
After this class, there's the flag-raising ceremony. By then, I'll be able to roughly figure out the situation.
Lin QiYe narrowed his eyes slightly.
Office Building
403, 403... found it.
Hong Ying and Si Xiaonan stopped at the door of the Dean's office and exchanged glances. They quickly took their positions.
Si Xiaonan, with the black box on her back, stood at the door while Hong Ying hid behind a corner, ready to rush in at any moment.
Si Xiaonan cleared her throat and knocked.
Knock knock knock!
After three knocks, the two held their breath, waiting for a few seconds, but there was no sound inside.
Hong Ying furrowed her brows and gave Si Xiaonan a look.
Si Xiaonan knocked a few more times, but still no response.
Hong Ying gestured for Si Xiaonan to step back, then walked to the door. She took a thin wire from her pocket and gently twisted it in the lock.
Click — The door slowly opened.
Inside the office was empty.
Hong Ying cautiously entered, quickly searched the room, and confirmed there was no one there before letting out a sigh.
There's no one here. They must have just left, the cup is still warm, Si Xiaonan said as she touched the cup on the desk.
They must have gone to a meeting. If they were going to the bathroom, they wouldn't have locked the door, Hong Ying nodded slightly. Anyway, let's search this place. There may be some clues.
Si Xiaonan nodded. I'll keep watch.
She closed the door behind her and hid by the window, taking out a small mirror from her pocket. Through its reflection, she carefully observed the surroundings.
Hong Ying quickly began searching the office: the desk, drawers, file cabinets, and even the flowerpot. She checked everything she could, but aside from some useless documents, she found nothing of value.
Suddenly, she stopped and sniffed the air.
Xiaonan, do you smell something? Hong Ying furrowed her brows.
Huh? I don't think so, Si Xiaonan sniffed and replied, confused.
Hong Ying's frown deepened as she crouched down, following the faint, sour smell. Her gaze fell upon a tile under the desk.
The tile seemed unusually clean, and there appeared to be signs that it had been tampered with.
She took out a small knife and pried the tile at its edge. As it lifted, a foul, rancid smell surged out.
Hong Ying gritted her teeth and, despite the odor, carefully used the knife to lift the soft, yellow-brown membrane from beneath the tile.
When she unfurled the membrane, her pupils constricted.
Skin… This is human skin! Hong Ying's voice trembled as she looked at Si Xiaonan. Do these infected creatures shed skin?!
Si Xiaonan frowned. Like a snake?
Possibly. Report this information to Wu Xiangnan. Maybe we can find out more about this mythical creature, Hong Ying quickly stuffed the skin back under the tile and replaced it.
Just as she covered her tracks, a sudden melody played from outside the window, causing her to jump.
Hearing the familiar tune, Hong Ying went to the window and looked down at the increasing number of students moving through the hallway. She muttered to herself:
The flag-raising ceremony? Do all schools in Daxia use the same music for the ceremony?
At that moment, Lin QiYe and Li Yifei were in the hallway, slowly moving toward the staircase along with the bustling students.
Li Yifei cautiously looked around and leaned close to Lin QiYe's ear.
QiYe, since you joined them, does that mean you also have that special ability?
Yeah.
Damn, I'm so jealous… What's your ability?
I can sense things around me using mental power, something like this. Lin QiYe gave a vague answer.
So, can you tell the difference between a monster and a human?
Yes.
So, tell me honestly, how many are in our class?
Two. Liu Xiaoyan and Han Ruoruo.
Hearing those names, Li Yifei seemed to relax. Phew, thank goodness. Wu Shujie isn't one of them. I've had a crush on her for years. If she turned into a monster, I'd probably never date anyone again.
Lin QiYe: ...
So, how about now? How many are there near me? Li Yifei asked, worried.
The fifth person ahead of you, the girl. She's also one of them.
Her? Li Yifei thought for a moment. She's from the class next door. I think her name's… Tian Li. She's also become a monster… but it's not too surprising.
Lin QiYe frowned. Why?
Li Yifei raised an eyebrow. Haven't you noticed? Oh, right, you just transferred, so you wouldn't know.
Noticed what?
Liu Xiaoyan, Han Ruoruo, and Tian Li... They're all from the same dormitory!