The final sprint before the college entrance exams had begun, and usually, at this stage, the homeroom teacher wouldn't waste class time unless the matter was truly important. Everyone in the classroom knew this rule well—if the teacher spoke up now, it had to be big.
The moment Mr. Wang walked onto the podium, the casual chatter instantly died down. His expression was unusually grim as he addressed the class.
"Just this morning," he began, his voice heavy, "there was a violent murder at Jiangnan Park. Three rogue fighters—each a Private First Class, Stage Four—went on a killing spree, targeting students who were out jogging. Many were killed on the spot."
The room erupted in disbelief.
"What? Murder?"
"That can't be right…!"
"But Jiangnan City has always been safe—how could something like this suddenly happen?"
Faces turned pale, panic spreading like wildfire.
From the back row, Noah's brows knit together.
Students? All the victims were students?
His hand, hidden beneath the desk, clenched into a tight fist. A cold gleam flashed in his eyes.
Damn it… To prey on students… these people deserved far worse than a quick death.
Mr. Wang's voice dropped lower, tinged with sorrow. "Yes, the victims were all from neighboring schools—Jiangnan No. 1 and No. 3 High. Many were top students with bright futures ahead… Such a loss."
From the front row, someone asked through gritted teeth, "Mr. Wang, what happened to the attackers? Were they caught?"
"Fortunately," Mr. Wang replied, "the Demon-Hunting Institute arrived in time and eliminated them on the spot before the situation got worse."
Relief swept through the class.
"Good. Serves them right!"
"They got what they deserved!"
But Mr. Wang's frown deepened. "Don't celebrate too soon. This is far from over."
The air tensed again as he continued, "The school just received a nationwide alert—similar attacks have happened in multiple cities today. In every case, the victims were high school students. This isn't some random killing spree."
"Mr. Wang, you mean…?" someone ventured.
"I mean this could be an organized, premeditated, large-scale terrorist operation targeting high schoolers. And we cannot rule out the possibility that the demon race is behind it."
The words hit like a thunderclap.
"The demon race?!"
Mr. Wang's tone turned sharp. "Exactly. If that's the case, then their goal is obvious—they want to flush out the Demon-Slayer, to kill him before he even has the chance to grow strong."
"That's insane! The Demon-Slayer is humanity's hope—we can't let them find him!"
"Of course." Mr. Wang forced a small smile. "Which is why the Education Department has issued an emergency order: starting today, every student must wear a special mask inside the Land of Divine Punishment. These masks are crafted by the Demon-Hunting Institute to conceal your identity."
From the middle rows, someone joked, "Guess I don't need one. I already had cosmetic surgery in the Land of Divine Punishment—my own mom wouldn't recognize me!"
Laughter rippled through the room, breaking the tension for a moment.
Mr. Wang scowled and tossed a piece of chalk at the offender. "Laugh it up. You think everyone's as shameless as you? Most people value authenticity. Don't believe me? Fine—hands up if you've altered your face in the Land of Divine Punishment."
Shhk! Shhk!
A forest of hands shot up—everyone except Noah raised theirs.
Silence fell.
Mr. Wang glared. "You're the most shameless class I've ever taught. Learn from Noah—now that's confidence."
From the back, another student grinned. "If I were half as handsome as Noah, I wouldn't need surgery either!"
The room burst into laughter again.
Noah sighed, feeling oddly out of place for the first time in his life… because he was too handsome. But his attention quickly shifted to his desk mate, Tang Xia.
He leaned over with a teasing smile. "Didn't think you'd be the type, Tang Xia. You, of all people, got cosmetic work done?"
Tang Xia's cheeks flushed. "W-what's wrong with that? It's not illegal!"
Noah tapped his chin thoughtfully. "True… though honestly, your face isn't that different. Surgery or not, you look about the same."
Her eyes widened. "Are you saying I'm ugly?!"
"No," he replied with a smirk. "I'm saying I like it."
Her blush deepened. "Y-you're impossible!"
Noah's grin widened. "So, how much work did you get done?"
Tang Xia peeked at him, then held up her pinky. "Just a tiny bit."
The class quieted as Mr. Wang's voice took on its earlier seriousness.
"You all need to understand—the masks aren't about vanity. They're about protecting the Demon-Slayer's identity. This is humanity's top priority. His survival determines the future of our race… and your own fates are tied to his."
"The masks will arrive this afternoon via teleportation array. The Demon-Hunting Institute paid a hefty price to craft them, so I'll say this once more: follow the rules."
He swept his gaze across the room. "As the principal said during the Awakening Ceremony—this is the worst of times, and the best of times. You're in the same generation as the Demon-Slayer. That alone puts you ahead of ninety-nine percent of the world. Even an SSS-rank talent can't guarantee that advantage. Opportunity comes only to those prepared—seize it, and you may one day stand beside him."
His words sent a thrill through the class. Many students already pictured themselves shoulder-to-shoulder with the Demon-Slayer, comrades-in-arms against the darkness.
"Oh, and I'm sure you've heard—last night the Demon-Slayer shattered the novice village boundary wall. First a dungeon sword insignia, now this… We truly live in a great age." Mr. Wang couldn't hide his admiration.
"Still," he warned, "don't slack off for the exams. Word is, universities across the nation are adjusting their admission standards upward. This year will be even more competitive."
Groans filled the room.
"One last thing," Mr. Wang added. "Tomorrow, top students from Imperial Capital University will visit to guide you. A rare chance—make the most of it. And remember, it's dangerous outside right now. Don't go out alone, especially at night. This world isn't as safe as you think."
With a final glance at Tang Xia, Mr. Wang left.
Gradually, the class settled. Students began reaching for their link crystals, diving into the Land of Divine Punishment to grind levels.
At the back, Noah's expression hardened.
He had thought the park killings were random. Now he knew they were aimed at him.
"They want me dead?" His fist clenched tighter. "Then let's see who kills who."
The deaths of the students weighed on him, as did the nationwide attacks. He couldn't change the past, but he could prepare for the future. The only answer was to grow stronger—fast.
Just wait. I'll be ready soon.
Resolve blazed in his eyes. His hand moved toward his crystal—then he noticed Tang Xia staring blankly at her desk, her face pale.
"What are you spacing out for? Get into the Land of Divine Punishment and start leveling," he nudged her arm.