Boom! Crash!
The entire auditorium shuddered from impact as a grotesque creature rammed its body through the ceiling.
Creeeeee!
Brandon's expression twisted into a scowl at the familiar, haunting cry.
The students had barely digested the sudden Quest event when a monstrous creature, unlike anything they had ever seen, forced its way into what they once perceived as safe.
Naturally, panic erupted. The crow-like monster didn't relent, slowly twisting its way fully into the auditorium, eager to feast.
Terrified screams rang out as students scattered, swarming toward the nearest exits, desperate to escape before the monster got in completely.
Brandon cursed, yelling as he struggled in the chaos of the retreating crowd of terror-stricken peers.
He couldn't take action in this chaos. It was too risky, and his skill was too hazardous — one small mistake, and the entire building would be set ablaze.
Bang!
Caaaawwww!!
The monster landed in the auditorium, causing another tremor. Its hollow sockets blazed crimson with glee.
Its head swung, and its bony beak pierced mercilessly through a student scrambling nearby.
Squelch!
Blood splattered as the student died instantly, fueling the chaos further. Terrified screams grew louder, and everyone picked up the pace.
Brandon's jaw clenched. He was just about to say "screw it" and unleash a scalding torrent, throwing caution to the wind, when suddenly someone else acted.
Their movement was swift and blurry. In the next second, the monstrous crow's body went limp — its head missing, it's vile blood spraying from its neck like a geyser.
Seth and the others from the meeting room had just rushed outside when they witnessed the incredible sight.
A figure stood shirtless, long black hair flowing, dark shimmering tanned skin bloodied, holding the oversized head in his arms.
The panicked students went silent. Their desperate screams died down as chaos stilled.
Everyone stared at the figure, familiarity flashing in their gazes.
Jack Bane. A junior of Class 11D. A well-known figure.
Known for his gift of physical might and absurdly robust physique and undeniable talent in martial arts.
Previously graded so low as Class D because of his mediocre intelligence. In the modern world of guns and nuclear warheads, raw strength and martial arts had little to no value to their nation.
But now, in the apocalypse, with vile monsters unleashed on Earth, Jack's strength was a boon everyone wished they had.
The corpse of the monster began to shrivel, slowly dissolving to ash along with the head in Jack's hands.
Above the pile of ash, swirling white orbs hovered.
Everyone remembered the last system prompt: in Corruption zones, drop rates were 100%.
Gazes burned curiously. Most had forgotten their fear, but none dared reach for the drops.
Jack had torn that thing's head off. Students caressed their necks, shivers running down their spines, doubting he'd hesitate to rip theirs off as well.
Jack picked up his drops and wasted no time putting them in his inventory.
Then he turned his gaze to those who had just exited the meeting room.
The Vice Principal stepped forward, glancing at the bloodied corpse of a student in the distance. Disappointment was visible on his face.
"Is this how you respond to danger?" he questioned, voice harsh, eyes cold.
The students averted their gazes, heads hanging in shame.
The Vice Principal shook his head. "You know our ways. We bred you to thrive in chaos, not crumble. You should all be ashamed." His scolding was sharp, his words unrelenting.
"Continue this way, and your chances of survival will be next to none. The death you fear so much will come — and it will be painful."
Hearing these words, the students shuddered. The principal was right. Some of them had awakened gene skills. If they had acted instead of running, their peer might not have died.
If Jack hadn't stepped up, how many more would have died before they could open the door?
The Vice Principal's voice rang out once more. "You all acted in disgrace. But you still have one more chance to prove yourselves.
With all the information we've gathered, we now have a bigger picture. We know our next moves. And if you cooperate, you just might leave here alive."
The students' gazes brightened, heads raising at his words.
The elderly man nodded in approval. Now wasn't the time to sulk or lick wounds. Now was the time for rapid growth.
"And after considering all this, I've decided we are going to do all we can to clear this quest!" The Vice Principal clasped his hands behind his back as he announced, causing Seth to frown.
Seth pondered for a bit before understanding Cromwell's perspective.
Though escaping this Corruption zone seemed like a path to survival, it was actually a 50/50 gamble.
No one knew what was outside the zone. What if it was another zone?
Wandering into another Corruption zone after spending all their strength and resources to escape the first… if that happened, they'd die for sure no question about it.
"Get ready. I'm going to divide you all into ten-man groups. Each group will be designated an area to clear of corrupt creatures.
The goal is to make you grow stronger. Some might die, but some will survive. That is an inevitable fact.
I know you're scared and confused, but the sooner you understand this, the better. These beasts, vile and abominable as they may be, should be nothing but loot in your eyes!" He pointed at Jack's isolated figure.
"You saw it yourselves. That could be you. Gene skill crystals, powerful tools, items and even attribute stats — they're all up for grabs. The more you get, the higher your chances of survival!"
Students' eyes shone. Motivation surged. Morale soared.
"So tell me — what will you do if you encounter another ugly walking loot?!" the Vice Principal yelled, his gaze burning bright.
The students chanted loudly in reply. "We kill!!!"
The elderly man nodded, his gaze softening. These students weren't so hopeless after all.
"Good. Now let's begin!"