Chapter 12: The Era of Ascendance

“Bo Qian, have you spotted the target?”

“No, not at all. So now we’re supposed to search for dragon bloodlines on the subway? I really don’t know who came up with this plan. Dragons take the subway too?”

The subway was nearly empty at night. The boy and girl, both carrying black backpacks, huddled together and spoke in low tones.

The bag bore the faded emblem of the World Tree, the symbol of Kassel Academy. The two were special agents sent by Schneider: Gao Mi and Wan Boqian.

“I heard the Enforcement Department is still clueless about what’s going on in this city. They only suspect it’s related to dragons, but there are no mountains or rivers here. The scope is just too broad to pinpoint the target.”

Gao Mi paused, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “They’re guessing the target might be hiding in the crowds. After all, dragons can take many forms, and the subway is packed with people. Plus, your sensitivity to bloodlines and domains is sharp.”

“But scanning every subway station daily is mind-numbingly dull. How much longer do we have to keep this up?” Wan Boqian sighed.

“No idea. We’ll see what Professor Schneider thinks. This might drag on a while. But I do feel something’s off about the city — the rain is relentless, almost like a tropical rainforest.”

Hearing this, Wan Boqian nodded, still looking uneasy. “Definitely elemental turbulence. I heard the subway was shut down a few days ago, but it’s better now.”

“Forget it. This isn’t our concern. We’re scouts sent by the Academy. Our job is to investigate quietly. If we find anything, Academy personnel will take over. If not, we report back,” Gao Mi said.

The two fell silent. Soon, the subway announced the next station.

“Let’s go,” the girl said. “Switch lines and keep searching.”

They got off and were about to board the train on the opposite platform when Wan Boqian suddenly froze, her gaze fixed in one direction.

Having worked together for years, Gao Mi immediately sensed something and looked over as well.

The transfer corridor was nearly empty at night. At the end of the line of sight stood a lone boy on the platform, looking young and drenched from the rain, somewhat disheveled.

Wan Boqian glanced once and quickly averted her eyes. Gao Mi did the same, as if casually glancing away. They knew some people were extremely sensitive to being watched—a lesson drilled in the Academy’s reconnaissance classes.

Yet this very reaction confirmed Wan Boqian’s intuition: the boy bore dragon blood.

They exchanged no words, but once the boy boarded the train, they switched cars and got on as well.

Keeping their distance, neither spoke, communicating only through their phones.

“How is it?” Gao Mi asked.

“He’s likely a hybrid, and the bloodline is strong,” Wan Boqian replied.

“Should we inform Professor Schneider?”

“No need. Let’s observe first. We’re here to find dragon-related trouble, not just any hybrid. If his bloodline is good, the Academy can recruit him.”

“Alright, then let’s follow and see.”

...

Chu Zihang was unaware he was being watched. Holding his phone, he hesitated.

In the end, he added Xia Mi, since Tang Xi was curious about what he wanted to say.

Xia Mi, however, kept it vague, just suggesting they meet for a meal. After so many days, she still loved eating.

Tang Xi didn’t want to go but reconsidered. This matter with Chu Zihang had to be settled sooner or later. If she didn’t show up, it might look suspicious, especially with Yemo Gade’s intellect—it could see through her bluff.

They’d already had a fight; he probably wouldn’t attack outright again. More likely, he’d try other ways to probe her. If it was just words, Tang Xi wasn’t afraid—she trusted her wit, and Chu Zihang’s poker face made her feel even more confident.

So, she decided to go.

Xia Mi must have guessed she’d agree, for she simply sent the address—a rather remote, atmospheric Western restaurant. Given the weather, it was likely empty.

Riding the subway, the two soon arrived. Behind them, Gao Mi and Wan Boqian kept a careful but not too close distance following.

They were pondering how to approach and probe when suddenly the boy vanished.

Both professionally trained, Gao Mi and Wan Boqian instantly assumed defensive stances and scanned around. Sure enough, the boy reappeared behind them.

“Who are you?” Chu Zihang asked softly. “Why are you following me?”

“Sharp senses, huh? You’re into verbal skills, right? Maybe in reconnaissance too,” Gao Mi sighed, smiling. “We’re the same kind of people. Not sure if you’ve heard of Kassel Academy...”

“Never heard of it. Not interested,” Chu Zihang cut him off coldly. “Don’t follow me.”

Gao Mi and Wan Boqian exchanged a glance, both feeling uneasy. As they hesitated about whether to retreat, Wan Boqian whispered, “Wait.”

Gao Mi blinked. “What?”

“Getting closer, I realize his bloodline is off. For his age, this kind of bloodline... it’s strange. Not like an ordinary hybrid.”

Gao Mi’s mind raced, and an idea quickly formed. “Since we’re here, let’s test him.”

Wan Boqian nodded. Without giving Chu Zihang a chance to react, they swiftly closed in and launched into standard combat.

Chu Zihang frowned and raised a hand to block, but their strength far exceeded his expectations. He was pushed back several steps immediately.

Probably because he had just fought at the Runda Building, his stamina was seriously depleted.

Moreover, Gao Mi and Wan Boqian were both hybrids trained in specialized fighting techniques and worked seamlessly as a team—one plus one was greater than two. He was almost instantly overwhelmed.

Under these circumstances, he could either use his verbal magic or Kunqunir, but his current state couldn’t handle either. He might end up back in the hospital.

Yet Chu Zihang remained silent, gritting his teeth and enduring. He seemed the type who never admitted pain or sought help, stubborn to the very end.

On the second floor of the nearby Western restaurant, by the window, a beautiful girl rested her chin in her hand, watching the scene like a spectator.

She showed no intention of intervening. When Chu Zihang was swept to the ground by a horizontal strike, a subtle expression flickered across her face.

She muttered to herself, “Using numbers to overwhelm the weak isn’t gentlemanly, especially when...”

“The main account’s been compromised, but they can hire substitutes, right? If a master comes, you’d be doomed.”

Almost as soon as she finished speaking, Chu Zihang, who looked too weak to get up, suddenly stood. The boy’s usual impassive expression vanished, replaced by a subtle look of impatience.

At the same moment, a terrifying pressure surged like a tide, forcing Gao Mi and Wan Boqian to take several steps back. Their expressions instantly turned wary and uncertain.

Nearby, Xia Mi narrowed her eyes, knowing this meant... a certain substitute had just logged in.