Chapter 510: Testing
Chapter 510: Testing
Clang!
Deep in the mist, a door suddenly swung open. Wang Xiaokai, who’d been screaming for help, froze mid-cry. Through the darkness, he distinctly heard footsteps creeping closer.
Thud. Thud. Thud…
Each step echoed louder through the fog, the approaching terror making his skin crawl.
A Fate?
Or something worse? Whatever it was, this ordinary person stood no chance. Unlike the veterans, he lacked even a basic Fate item – meeting this thing meant certain death! Cold sweat dripped down his face as he pressed himself into the corner, barely daring to breathe.
The footsteps halted ten meters away. Peering through the haze, Wang Xiaokai glimpsed a hulking three-meter silhouette.
The monster paused three heartbeats before lumbering toward his hiding spot. Up close, Wang Xiaokai saw its single bulging eye, corpse-green skin, and the glowing symbol on its forehead.
Disaster.
The Disaster Fate’s mark hit him like acrid smoke – the choking stench of burning buildings. As the monster’s clawed hand reached down, the wall behind Wang Xiaokai warped into a wooden door.
“Students shouldn’t wander here.”
The familiar voice made Wang Xiaokai’s eyes well up.
“Brother Long!!”
An arm yanked him through the doorway. The portal vanished behind them, leaving blank wall where the Disaster Fate’s fist smashed uselessly.
Inside the room…
Sports equipment cluttered a sparse office. Behind the desk sat Zuo Meng, disguised as Long San, feet propped up as he stifled a yawn.
“What do you want?”
Though aware of everything at school, Zuo Meng maintained his act as the mediocre Physical Education Teacher. His true form could slaughter these Fate monsters easily, but what then? Even the mighty Ancient Deities of the star realm remained imprisoned here.
“Teacher Long… The school sent this exam paper.”
Wang Xiaokai almost said “Brother” again, but the memory of Long San’s slap still stung his cheek.
“That’s it? Got it.”
Zuo Meng glanced at the document before tossing it aside.
“Go study.”
Wang Xiaokai was just one of twenty-odd students Zuo Meng had marked in Class Two of the third year – pawns for probing the school’s secrets. Yet the institution had neatly gathered all his pieces for this “exam” at No. 44, Tranquil Road. A clear message:
_I see your game._
The school’s countermove – herding his marked students toward certain death – forced Zuo Meng’s hand. Its delayed reaction suggested limited awareness, but enough consciousness to stage this confrontation.
Time to meet this “consciousness” face-to-face. If it held the third reality he sought…
“Now?!”
Wang Xiaokai lingered at the door, feet dragging.
The hallway ordeal was still vivid in his mind. Having barely survived, he now had to return. Who knew if luck would favor him again? Staying with Long San seemed wiser than venturing out alone. A teacher’s guidance surely beat solo survival!
“Um… Teacher Long, I’ve got some questions…”
Leaving wasn’t an option. He needed an excuse.
Students ask teachers questions – perfectly normal, right?
Zuo Meng glanced oddly at him, then pointed at nearby sports gear and his nameplate.
“Meaning?”
“I’m the Physical Education Teacher.”
Zuo Meng scratched his ear casually.
“My questions are about sports!”
Wang Xiaokai had been a project manager. Pride meant nothing to such a man. He’d sacrificed dignity for money countless times – why hesitate now for survival? When he finished speaking, he scurried to pour Zuo Meng water and kneaded his legs obsequiously.
“Fine, stay.”
Zuo Meng shook his head in amusement. The charade was obvious, but pointless to address.
Night deepened. By 11 PM, only Zuo Meng and his leg-massager remained. Others clustered outside No. 44 Tranquil Road’s ominous gates earlier – everyone knew delaying entry meant extra survival minutes.
“Nearly midnight.”
Luo Shan checked his watch grimly. The abandoned mansion stood silent, devoid of life.
“Wang Xiaokai vanished after entering the Office Building.”
“Long San’s hiding secrets! If he helped, we wouldn’t be stuck!” Someone spat, resentment spilling onto Zuo Meng too.
Survival instincts trumped reason.
“Enough whining. We’re no rookies.”
Zhao Chen rose. Long San had been optional backup anyway. The man who’d crushed a faceless mentor couldn’t be coerced. Zhao harbored darker suspicions:
‘The real Long San might be dead.’
Others shared this thought – Luo Shan, new transfer Li Shuai, Fu Qing.
“Test papers are warming up. We move now.”
Li Shuai gripped his police baton, leading the charge.
School assessments devour cowards.
Veterans knew this truth, paid in blood.