The protection an S-rank combat talent received from the school was far beyond Noah's expectations. From this point onward, he didn't have to lift a single finger. The old principal personally stepped forward, taking full responsibility for cleaning up the mess.
What should have been a simple mentorship event for students from a prestigious school suddenly turned into a catastrophic scandal that shook the entire city of Jiangnan. The local television station, which had just arrived intending to interview Noah, quickly changed their focus, broadcasting the incident as breaking news.
Within hours, the shocking headline dominated every outlet: "Ethan Jiang of the Jiang Family exposed for colluding with demons and attempting to cripple an S-rank genius using the forbidden talent—Doom of Talent."
The news spread like wildfire. It wasn't just the Jiangnan branch of the Demon-Hunting Institute that was shaken. Even the provincial headquarters were alarmed.
The provincial institute immediately dispatched two Battle Kings to Jiangnan to oversee the matter personally. Meanwhile, the city's institute mobilized all available forces, locking down the entire city within minutes. The Jiang family was placed under full investigation—every member was rounded up and arrested.
In the Chinese Nation, colluding with demons was the gravest of crimes. With humanity's survival hanging by a thread, extraordinary times demanded extraordinary measures. A traitor caught red-handed was executed on the spot without hesitation, and the family behind them inevitably shared their fate.
And so, the Jiang Family, once the wealthiest and most influential clan in Jiangnan, was erased overnight.
…
By three in the afternoon, Noah found himself lying on a bed in the school infirmary. Medical specialists had been summoned from the city hospital to conduct a full examination. The results showed no injuries. But despite that, Noah was forced to remain in bed—this time not for treatment, but to endure a relentless wave of interviews.
Cameras flashed, journalists whispered, and television anchors circled like vultures around a story. On top of that, leaders from the provincial Demon-Hunting Institute, the city branch, and even government officials all lined up to offer their "warm regards."
After enduring this entire farce, Noah wanted nothing more than to scream.
He couldn't help grumbling internally: "Seriously? You've got this backward. I'm the one who killed Ethan Jiang, not the other way around! Why are you treating me like some tragic survivor? I don't even have a scratch on me!"
"I'm fine. Really, I'm fine. Just let me go back. I need to study!" Noah finally said aloud, his patience fraying.
One of the institute officials raised a hand to stop him, looking deeply moved. "Did you hear that? Not only is Noah incredibly talented, but he's also so dedicated to his studies. Truly, a role model for all!"
The others nodded in agreement, voices echoing their admiration.
"…"
Noah stared at them blankly, utterly speechless. Checking the clock, he realized school was nearly over anyway. He sighed and gave up resisting.
At that moment, the two Battle Kings from the provincial institute suddenly gestured for silence. One of them touched his ear, a faint red glow flickering across it. After a moment of listening, his expression hardened.
"The Jiang family has confessed," he announced gravely. "They've been part of the Anti-Alliance Organization for over twenty years. With their backing, they rapidly rose to become Jiangnan's wealthiest clan."
A wave of shock rippled through the room.
"Hiss… The Jiang family, of all people? No wonder they grew so fast. The Anti-Alliance Organization has already infiltrated us this deeply?"
"Damn it, how did we fail to notice this for so many years? We let them control Jiangnan's economy right under our noses. It's an unforgivable lapse!"
The Battle King's voice deepened. "That isn't the worst of it. What matters most is that the forbidden talent—Doom of Talent—has resurfaced. The next few years may once again see the outbreak of brutal talent wars."
The mention of a talent war sent a chill through the air. Everyone drew in a sharp breath.
Once the briefings ended, the leaders one by one left the infirmary. Only a towering, broad-shouldered Battle King remained behind. He smiled warmly at Noah.
"Noah, what you've done today is no small feat. By exposing the Jiang family's treachery, you've performed a great service for all of humanity. The provincial Demon-Hunting Institute has already decided to commend you. Your reward will be delivered soon."
Hearing that, Noah's eyes lit up. A reward? Outwardly, he put on a modest front, waving his hand. "Ahem. To contribute even a little to humanity is my honor. A reward isn't necessary, really. But… what kind of reward are we talking about?"
The Battle King blinked, then laughed heartily. "I don't know the specifics, but rest assured—if it's from the provincial headquarters, it won't disappoint."
That was good enough for Noah. His anticipation quietly rose.
The man continued, "There's more. To ensure your safety, I've been assigned by higher authorities to provide you with personal protection until after your college entrance exams." His smile broadened. "From today on, Noah, I'll be your bodyguard."
Personal protection?
Noah's expression twitched. Raising his eyes, he met the man's gaze. The Battle King was burly, with a square jaw, thick beard, and muscles that bulged even beneath his uniform. His grin was almost too enthusiastic.
Noah blurted out without hesitation: "Sorry. You're happy too early."
"…Huh?" The Battle King looked puzzled.
"I mean, I'd like to request a replacement."
The man's brows shot up. "Why? Are you saying I'm not good enough?"
The Battle King's voice was incredulous. I'm a Battle King, ranked third in the entire province. Even the director of your city's Demon-Hunting Institute doesn't get treatment like this! And this brat dares to complain?
Noah quickly explained. "No, it's not that you're unworthy. It's just… a personal preference."
"What kind of preference?"
"I like female bodyguards."
The room fell into stunned silence. The man stared at him for a long moment, then finally exhaled. "…Alright. I'll make the request. Any… specific requirements for your female bodyguard?"
Noah wanted to say "No requirements, as long as it's a woman." But when the words left his mouth, they transformed into: "She should be powerful. And… wavy hair. Big, wavy hair."
"Powerful and… big waves. Got it."
The Battle King nodded, his expression twisting strangely. He touched his ear again, clearly reporting this to higher-ups.
…
Over an hour later, school finally ended.
Noah, confirmed to be in perfect health, was finally allowed to leave.
"Damn it. That whole circus wasted so much of my time. Next time I make a move in the real world, I'd better be more discreet," Noah muttered under his breath, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he walked out of the infirmary.
Just then, a figure suddenly appeared before him. A sweet fragrance drifted into his nose, and before he could react, his foot slipped.
Bam!
His face plunged straight into the softness of the newcomer's chest. Waves surged around him, rich perfume flooding his senses.
Holy crap. What a weapon…
Noah's face turned crimson as he realized where he was buried. What the hell? I just got out, and now this?
"Well, well," a teasing, sultry voice said above him. "So eager the moment we meet?"
Noah froze. His heart sank as a very bad premonition rose. He scrambled upright, eyes darting up to see the newcomer clearly.
A stunning woman stood before him. She was tall, dressed provocatively, her curves accentuated by a tight outfit. Her blouse was unbuttoned scandalously low, revealing a deep valley that could swallow a man's soul. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and her lips curled into a knowing smile.
Noah blinked. "Uh… who are you?"
The woman giggled. "You must be Noah. I'm Lin Qian. Level 702 in the Land of Divine Punishment. A second-tier Battle General. And…" She winked playfully. "…your personal bodyguard."
Noah's jaw nearly dropped.
"You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, frowning. "I asked for someone strong, with wavy hair. Which part of that do you fit?"
Lin Qian smirked, fingers sliding down to unfasten another button. Her generous chest pressed forward even more. "What? These aren't big and wavy enough for you?"
"…"
Noah slapped his palm against his forehead.
"I meant wavy hair. Hair! Damn it, I'm a serious person!"