Sophia Xu stormed after Liam Luo, fuming. “You’re impossible!”


    The mantis nest’s narrow tunnel opened into a cavernous chamber. Martin Ma ignited his flaming bow, illuminating walls lined with pulsating eggs—each the size of a human head.


    “If these hatch…” Sophia paled.


    Liam shrugged. “Clean them up if you want.”


    For hours, they smashed the defenseless eggs. Liam’s notifications buzzed:


    [Divine Soul Points +20 → Total: 50/50]


    [Soul Soldiers Unlocked!]


    A spectral Blade Mantis materialized—Lv.2, indestructible as long as Liam’s Divine Soul Points remained. Bonus: the eggs counted toward his ?**[Blade Arms]** quest.


    [Blade Arms Advanced to Platinum-tier!]


    Before Liam could plan his next move, a global alert flashed:


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


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


    <hr>


    Beijing, Zhao Estate


    Jake Zhao grinned at the announcement. “Jason Zhao… not a main family member. Perfect recruit.”


    He summoned Hugo, his scar-faced enforcer. “Bring this Jason from Yongcheng First High. Alive. Take ten Monster Cores… and weapons.”


    <hr>


    Classroom 3-B


    “Fuck this daily absorption limit!” Jason roared, hurling a chair.


    Wendy Wang massaged his shoulders, sycophantic. “The cap helps you, Jason. With Diamond-tier power, you’ll dominate even at equal levels.”


    Jason tossed her three Monster Cores. “Good point. These are yours.”


    Ethan Ying, seething with envy, blurted: “Open your upgrade chest! Let us see!”


    A lightning bolt sent Ethan crashing into desks. “Know your place, dog.”


    Wendy healed him with ?**[Rejuvenation]**. Ethan crawled back, groveling.


    Jason displayed the Black Iron Chest. Crimson light erupted as it opened, revealing a blood-red ?**[Tier-2 Monster Core]**.


    Thomas Tian, his ?**[Scouting]** active, shouted: “Double XP value! Jason’s unstoppable!”


    Jason’s smirk faded. No special stats. Useless today… unless…


    He pictured Sophia Xu. A Tier-2 core might win that ice queen over.


    Ethan’s voice interrupted his fantasy: “Jason! Liam’s back!”