Wang Huannian was deep in thought when Zhang Xinyu suddenly let out a loud shout. His body emitted a surge of white steam, and in a flash, he shot across the room like an arrow loosed from a bow. In mere moments, he had darted around the classroom several times.
What was even more astonishing was how agile he was—he wove effortlessly through the obstacles in the classroom as if they weren't even there.
Watching this display, Zhu Jiu nodded subtly, impressed and slightly surprised.
"The Scout Evolutionary Serum is this potent? If Xinyu gets accustomed to his abilities, he might surpass Fatty in combat power. He could even match Wang Huannian," Zhu Jiu thought to himself.
Although Fatty's abilities weren't focused on combat, his fighting skills were still formidable. For Zhang Xinyu to go from a defenseless student to someone potentially stronger than Fatty with just one dose of the serum spoke volumes about its power.
The rest of the group couldn't discern Zhang Xinyu's exact strength, but they could clearly see his transformation. The same boy who had been effortlessly shoved aside by the gym teacher earlier was now capable of such incredible feats.
This revelation sent waves of emotion through the onlookers. Some gazed at Zhu Jiu with admiration and hope, while others harbored fear or even concealed malice.
Zhu Jiu noticed these reactions but didn't take them seriously.
"A bunch of kids. Even if they evolve, they're no threat to me. If I have to be on guard against them, I might as well bury myself now."
He swept his gaze over the room and announced, "Here's the deal. If you're willing to follow me, stay put. I'll assign you tasks soon."
His sharp eyes scanned every face, forcing the students to lower their heads, avoiding his gaze like chastised children.
Zhu Jiu continued, "If you're not willing, you're free to leave. I'll let this slide today, but next time? You won't be leaving."
"And if anyone thinks about stealing my food…" His voice turned cold as he drew his blade, letting it glint menacingly in the dim classroom light. "You're welcome to stay. Survive one strike from me, and the food is yours."
Plunging his blade back into the ground, Zhu Jiu declared, "You have three seconds to decide. Anyone still here after that, I'll take as agreeing to follow me."
He began to count.
"Three."
"Two."
"One."
As the countdown progressed, many students hurried out, clearly unwilling to risk staying. Some hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances, before also making their exit.
Most of those who left were swayed by their lingering trust in Principal Lu and Director Lu. Despite being used as pawns by them, these students clung to familiarity in this chaotic world.
When the countdown ended, Zhu Jiu surveyed the room and nodded. "Forty-two of you stayed. Whether you stayed out of genuine loyalty or just for food, I don't care, as long as you don't try anything foolish."
He began distributing food among the remaining students.
"Eat your fill first. Then, follow my instructions."
"Stick with me, and I guarantee food and safety. Perform well, and there'll be special rewards. Becoming an Evolver isn't out of reach."
Nobody doubted his words. After all, they had just witnessed Zhang Xinyu's transformation—a leap from an ordinary human to an Evolver, akin to ascending the heavens in a single bound.
The remaining students were visibly envious, their eyes gleaming with desire.
While the group devoured their food ravenously, Ruan Qingyan approached Zhu Jiu. "Food is still a scarce resource, and it's likely to become even more precious in the future. Gathering so many people all at once—is this your way of forming a faction?" she asked curiously.
In her eyes, even if Zhu Jiu wanted to establish a faction, there was no rush, and students didn't seem like the ideal recruits.
Students lacked resilience and discipline, and their combat potential wasn't particularly high.
"Food isn't an issue," Zhu Jiu said, shaking his head. "As long as we're strong enough, the entire South City can be our pantry."
"As for forming a faction, that's not my main goal."
"I just have a feeling this apocalypse isn't over. Bigger challenges are coming. I want to be prepared. Gathering people now will give us a better chance to adapt when things escalate."
Zhu Jiu was certain of his prediction. In just a few hours, the second wave of the catastrophe would begin. But since his knowledge came from the system, he couldn't reveal it outright.
"Bigger challenges?" Ruan Qingyan murmured, skeptical. "How could things possibly get worse than this?"
Zhu Jiu saw her doubt but didn't bother explaining. Time would prove him right.
While Zhu Jiu's group feasted, high above, Lu Linshui stood on the rooftop, gazing down with an unreadable expression.
"This Zhu Jiu… so young, yet so ruthless."
Lu Linshui spoke softly, a hint of disbelief in his tone.
"First, he uses brute force to make an example, crippling the gym teacher in one blow."
"Then, he dangles food and serums as bait, luring away over twenty of my people."
"Such sharp methods. Not only did he thwart my plan, but he even turned it against me. Impressive. Truly impressive, Zhu Jiu."
A faint smile played on his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"A serum that can turn ordinary people into Evolvers…" His glasses glinted in the light, concealing the cold gleam in his eyes. "What a valuable secret. I wonder how many enemies will come looking for him once this gets out?"
Lu Linshui's lips curled further. Losing a few students meant nothing to him. What stung was Zhu Jiu's victory—his dominance.
To Lu Linshui, Zhu Jiu wasn't just an adversary; he was an opportunity—a rival worth testing his wits against.
"Brother, what's the plan now?" Lu Qiuer asked as she approached, her expression clouded with concern. "We're completely out of food."
"No food? Then we find some," Lu Linshui said calmly. "I've been too cautious. In times like these, playing it safe only puts us further behind. It's time to take risks if we want to stay ahead."
"We're leaving this building. Let them have it."
He pointed toward the distance, his gaze sharp. "An hour from now, we'll head to the cafeteria and seize it."
"I want to see what Zhu Jiu's group eats once we control the food supply."
With that, Lu Linshui turned and walked back into the meeting room, leaving Lu Qiuer alone on the rooftop.
A cold wind swept past, chilling her to the bone. She shivered—whether from the breeze or the ruthless glint she'd glimpsed in her brother's eyes.
Lu Linshui had changed.