"Damn—they're just leaving?"
Xie Xie stared at the fading silver rift, disbelief etched on his face.
"Alright, Xie Xie," Fang Yang turned back, voice calm.
"Eliminate the sleeping students. Let's end this game."
"No problem, Captain!" Xie Xie grinned, spinning to Tang Wulin and Zhang Yangzi.
"Hey—you two—Sky Lord and Plant Emperor—can't just stand around watching! Let's move!"
"Understood," Tang Wulin nodded.
This forest was the Blue Silver Emperor's domain.
He closed his eyes—spiritual sense surging through vines, pinpointing every sleeper.
Zhang Yangzi unfurled Night Demon Eagle wings, hovering low—hawk-eyes scanning the underbrush.
Xie Xie vanished in spatial ripples—Space-Time Dagger flashing—beginning his purge.
Three moved as one—efficient, ruthless.
Sleeping students dissolved into light—eliminated without waking.
---
Outside the Simulation Pods
Wu Siduo stumbled out, face pale, eyes hollow.
Her Nether White Tiger—shattered in an instant—had shattered her confidence too.
"Wu Siduo? You're out too?"
Luo Guixing, Yang Nianxia, Zheng Yiran, and Xu Yucheng approached, shock mirrored on their faces.
They'd been obliterated simultaneously—crushed by Class Zero's might.
"Mm," Wu Siduo inhaled shakily, voice trembling: "Fang Yang… he's too strong."
Bitterness and awe warred in her tone.
"Agreed," Luo Guixing said grimly, smile long gone.
His Spatial Lock—which shattered like glass—haunted his memories.
"His power… transcends our understanding."
Yang Nianxia clenched his numb fists; Zheng Yiran touched her neck—where Xie Xie's blade had struck; Xu Yucheng stood silent—gray eyes burning with resolve.
Defeat was absolute. Class Zero had redefined "prodigy."
---
Simulation Forest
Only seven remained:
Fang Yang, Gu Yue, Xu Xiaoyan, Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, Zhang Yangzi, Wang Jinxi.
"Trial concluded."
A cold voice echoed from the sky.
Reality warped—light engulfed them—consciousness snapped back to the pod hall.
As Fang Yang stepped out, silence fell.
All eyes locked onto him—envy, awe, resentment swirling.
"Class Monitor selection is over," Shen Yi announced.
"The Monitor and two Deputies will be chosen from the final seven. Are there any objections?"
"None!" the class chorused, heads bowed in respect.
Class Zero had earned their submission.
"Then—" Shen Yi declared, "Monitor: Fang Yang!"
She turned to the seven: "Deputies—you decide among yourselves."
"Captain—Big Sis Gu Yue and Xie Xie," Tang Wulin spoke first, voice sincere.
"We all agree."
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi nodded firmly.
"Alright," Gu Yue consented, unfazed.
Xie Xie shrugged—no objections.
Fang Yang addressed Shen Yi: "Deputies: Gu Yue and Xie Xie."
"Confirmed," Shen Yi announced:
"First Deputy: Gu Yue! Second Deputy: Xie Xie!"
Zheng Yiran glared at Xie Xie—the boy who'd ogled her during the class intros… then slit her throat in the simulation!
Wu Zhangkong's icy voice cut in:
"Monitor: Fang Yang. Deputies: Gu Yue, Xie Xie."
"Note—positions are re-elected each semester. The rule is simple: strength reigns above all."
"Class dismissed," Shen Yi smiled, ending the session.
Students drifted out, whispers trailing:
"Fang Yang's power… unreal…"
"Class Zero—monsters…"
"Let's go," Fang Yang said calmly.
But as they turned—two figures blocked their path:
Wu Siduo and Zheng Yiran.
"You need something?" Fang Yang asked evenly.
"I'm here for Xie Xie," Zheng Yiran snapped, jade eyes blazing.
She remembered his blade at her throat—cold, precise.
"Uh… yes?" Xie Xie forced a smile, guilt flashing.
Fang Yang didn't hesitate: "Take him."
"Fang Yang, you—!" Xie Xie gaped, betrayal in his eyes.
Fang Yang just winked—meaningful.
Xie Xie instantly understood, slumping dramatically: "…Fine…"
Zheng Yiran dragged him off.
Fang Yang turned to Wu Siduo—radiant, icy, resolute.
"And you?"
Wu Siduo met his gaze, voice fierce:
"Fang Yang—you're strong. I'll train harder. Next time—I'll defeat you!"
"I'll await that day," Fang Yang nodded, earnest.
Wu Siduo hesitated, then lowered her voice:
"Can I… add your soul-guided comm contact?"
"I—" Fang Yang started—
Pinch! Pinch!
Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan's fingers dug into his waist in tandem—smiles serene, hands merciless.
Wu Siduo misread his pause: "If it's inconvenient—never mind."
"Of course!" Fang Yang gritted through the pain, face unflinching.
They exchanged contacts.
Wu Siduo departed with a nod—mission accomplished.
Fang Yang exhaled silently, rubbing his sore waist.
Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan huffed in unison, turning away—but arms still looped through his.
Tang Wulin, Zhang Yangzi, and Wang Jinxi bit back laughter, shoulders shaking.
Fang Yang shot them a look, shaking his head: "Let's go."
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