Chapter 21: He Suspected Chu Zihang Was a Second-Generation Hybrid

A massive oak conference table stood amid towering bookshelves, surrounded by a circle of aged faces, their complexions pale as if freshly unearthed from an ancient tomb.

These individuals filled every inch of the first-floor office space. Sunlight poured through the skylight, illuminating the face of Principal Angeré at the head of the table.

Each of these venerable figures was a landmark in the history of science, a group of geniuses branded as madmen.

Now, the madmen were old—old madmen.

“Gentlemen, I apologize for interrupting your research, but there is an unavoidable matter. The report has been sent to each of you; I trust you have all reviewed it.”

“From a physics standpoint, humanity is currently incapable of this,” the Director of Physics said, his voice low and hoarse, like a ghostly whisper.

He manipulated a touchscreen on the table, projecting a black-and-white photograph into midair. It showed the ruins of a train station—twisted aluminum beams and rails bearing a grotesque yet fascinating beauty.

“This structure wasn’t particularly sturdy and had long since fallen into disrepair. We initially thought it was a typical earthquake, but the timing was uncanny—right at the moment our agent arrived.”

“Moreover, the city isn’t situated on a seismic fault and should not have experienced an earthquake at that time. Most critically, the city has frequently suffered elemental turbulence in recent years, so we conducted a detailed analysis of the ruins.”

At this, the physics professor shook his head. “We discovered that the collapse was caused by internal stress. Simply put, someone applied precise force to the building’s weakest points, causing it to fall.”

“But that’s beyond human capability,” another elderly man murmured. “Or rather, such power could only come from the Dragon King.”

“One of the Four Sovereigns… the King of Earth and Mountains!”

A deathly silence fell over the room. This ancient title, passed down from primordial times, subdued everyone as if a vast black shadow loomed over them, heavy as a mountain.

The meeting ended abruptly. The professors needed to continue their research; nothing was conclusive yet.

After seeing all the professors out, Angeré remained still. In the quiet room, only he and Schneider, who was hidden in shadow, remained.

“Relax. Things may not be as dire as they seem,” Angeré said softly. “Perhaps it’s merely a descendant—a noble second-generation.”

“But the question remains: why target our students? Or is this all just a staged farce?”

“Is that why you assigned Chu Zihang as an S-rank?” Schneider asked. “You suspect he is…”

“I don’t believe in such coincidences. That level of elemental turbulence inevitably means a new dragon has awakened. Our investigators were silenced, and he just happened to save them. His lineage is unfathomably deep…” Angeré paused, leaving the thought unfinished, but Schneider understood.

“What should we do then?” Schneider whispered. “And the girl, Ivina—her heritage is just as mysterious. We can’t trace her background at all, as if she appeared from nowhere.”

“Let’s observe a little longer,” Angeré said. “If they dare come to Kassel, then we dare to accept them.”

“But we must prepare early. Rather than wait helplessly, we should sharpen our swords. I’ve already issued the highest-level dragon threat alert worldwide.”

“A new war is about to begin.”

…

This secret meeting was known only to the upper echelons of Kassel. Neither students nor ordinary teachers were aware of the undercurrents; they were still reeling from the shock of two new S-rank individuals suddenly appearing.

The Night Watch forums were flooded with discussions. Countless people, even alumni long graduated, were stirred. It would not be an exaggeration to say the entire hybrid community was shaken.

Yet one of the protagonists of this upheaval felt no excitement. He was preoccupied with another matter.

An S-rank bloodline had easily joined the Lionheart Society, and the entire organization welcomed him warmly, but that did not mean they would allow a freshman to become president immediately.

“You mean you want to take a step further? That’s fine. With your bloodline, becoming an officer is easy. I happen to need a capable assistant. There’s a vice president vacancy,” the president said, looking at the boy before him with tactful words, almost implying, “I designate you as my successor.”

He was a junior, about to begin his internship soon, and wouldn’t be president for much longer. Indeed, he was scouting for a new leader.

He was certainly willing to let an S-rank bloodline student lead after his departure—but only then.

Tang Xi considered this and found it acceptable. After all, what she sought was the Violent Blood Technique, which required access to the core materials of the Lionheart Society. If the vice president could access those, there was no absolute need to be president.

With this in mind, she had Chu Zihang agree.

The president’s face immediately brightened with a satisfied smile, and the strange tension dissipated. Just as everyone was pleased, a proud voice rang out.

“Does the vice president position come with conditions? May I compete for it?”

They turned to see a blond man wearing a faint smile, walking in steadily.

“Allow me to introduce Caesar Gattuso, also a freshman this year. May he run?”

The president looked troubled, glancing between the two, unsure how to respond. Chu Zihang frowned slightly.

Sensing their hesitation, Caesar looked at Chu Zihang, his smile deepening. “How about this: fight me. If you win, I won’t compete.”

“I’m eager to see the gap between me and an S-rank. Would you kindly enlighten me?”

Though it was a challenge, his demeanor was polite, but the arrogance in his eyes was unmistakable, even provocative.

He was clearly dissatisfied with the bloodline ranking. Running for vice president was just an excuse; his true aim was to fight Chu Zihang and prove his strength might rival an S-rank.

Though slightly annoyed, Chu Zihang nodded. “Fine.”

He drew his Muramasa, movement crisp and decisive. “Where do you want to fight? How?”

“Just a friendly match, right here. No one can use magic words inside the academy anyway.” Caesar’s eyes blazed with excitement as he drew his hunting knife. “You like knives? Perfect—I do too.”

Having trained with guns for three years, Chu Zihang considered it. A blade was much the same—after all, a weapon was a weapon. He nodded. “Feels quite natural.”

His modest demeanor instantly struck Caesar as unfathomable. He thought, this must be a master swordsman; he must be cautious.