The crackle of lightning arrows filled the classroom.


    Jason Zhao’s latest victim, reduced to a charred husk, silenced the crowd.


    “How could you kill someone?!”


    “He was our classmate! Are you insane, Jason?!”


    “I want my mom…!”


    Another lightning bolt silenced the protests. Two corpses now smoldered on the floor.


    Liam Luo slipped behind the crowd, dragging the bodies aside.


    [Soul Devourer] activated.


    [Devoured Lv.0 player souls. Divine Soul Points +2]


    [Stolen Abilities: Swiftness (Silver), Brute Force (Silver)]


    Jason sneered at Liam’s servile act: “Learn from Liam! Even a Black Iron trash like him knows survival means obeying me!”


    The crowd glared at Liam with disdain. But he ignored them.


    Soul Devourer was overpowered—but fragile in its early stages. Lay low. Grow stronger.


    Whispers rippled through the room. Wendy Wang stepped forward, batting her lashes. “Jason, I have Gold-tier ?**[Healing Touch]**. Let me stay.”


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Jason nodded. Then Thomas Tian shouted: “My Bronze-tier ?**[Scouting]**’s better than Liam’s! Replace him!”


    Liam’s eyes narrowed. This backstabber dies first.


    Jason barked: “Liam, scavenge monster cores outside. Thomas—you’re my new scout.”


    Liam left without protest—relieved. Every second counted.


    <hr>


    Beijing, Zhao Family Estate


    Patriarch Zhao glared at holograms of his three descendants:


    <ul>


    <li>?Jake Zhao (hotheaded enforcer): “Forget the ancient texts! Let’s use monster cores to level up now!”</li>


    <li>?Justin Zhao (scholarly strategist): “Brother, rushing risks everything. The texts warned—”</li>


    <li>?Jessica Zhao (military officer): “High Command’s stalling. They’ve banned core absorption too.”</li>


    </ul>


    Patriarch Zhao silenced their bickering: “Find promising Zhao descendants! Prioritize Platinum-tier talents!”


    Jake groaned: “All branches in Yongcheng are tapped out!”


    The Patriarch’s voice turned icy: “Then recruit from lesser lines. Blood binds us all.”


    <hr>


    Yongcheng First High, Back Mountain


    Liam reached the mantis nest—a pulsating mass of head-sized eggs. His plan? Destroy them before they hatch.


    [Devoured Lv.0 mantis eggs. Divine Soul Points +20]


    [Divine Soul Points: 50/50 → Soul Soldiers Unlocked!]


    A notification flashed:


    [Global Announcement: Jason Zhao (Diamond-tier) First to Reach Lv.1! Reward: Black Iron Upgrade Chest!]


    Liam smirked. Let him bask in glory. His reign ends soon.