Volume One: The Awakening of the Dragon Soul Chapter 22: Crisis in the Rainy Night (Part One)

Watching as the black smoke within the ion shield was devoured by the azure flames, Teacher Apocalypse and Teacher Dragon Forge finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“So, what exactly is that black smoke?” Mo Xing walked over and asked.

“It’s the product of forbidden drugs,” Teacher Apocalypse replied, his expression grave.

“Forbidden drugs?” Mo Xing asked, puzzled.

“One of the seven forbidden drugs developed by the Dark Sect, who worship the Black Dragon God Kalentis,” Teacher Dragon Forge added. “Specifically, the pale green drug GUMI, which causes instant berserk rage.”

“Huh? What was that name again?” Mo Xing asked, confused. Teacher Dragon Forge had spoken so quickly he hadn’t caught the specialized term.

“You’ll study it in your theoretical classes soon enough,” Teacher Dragon Forge said. “You two should leave the arena now and let the professionals handle this.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than the campus broadcast sounded.

“This is the campus competition broadcast. All matches for today’s freshman assessment have concluded. Thank you to the audience and our special guests. Please exit the venue in an orderly fashion—the staff needs to clear the arena.”

A commotion stirred among the spectators.

“What was that black smoke?”

“What happened on the stage just now?”

“Someone used a forbidden drug!”

“What? Was it that berserker?”

“Hey, you two, don’t block the way—we need to leave!”

“The school paper will report on it.”

“Hurry up! Aren’t you heading back?”

...

Mo Xing watched as a crowd of instructors and staff gathered around the stage, all discussing the black smoke.

For a freshman to possess a forbidden drug from the Dark Sect was truly baffling. Normally, villains like that would hide themselves deeply, never exposing their hand so easily. This student was likely just a pawn—the real mastermind must still be lurking somewhere on campus.

No wonder the soul entity within him, Karsin, had warned him to pay close attention to those around him. The Dragon God’s intuition was indeed remarkable.

“Idol! Idol!”

Mo Xing snapped out of his thoughts to find Li Vanilla waving at him.

“Um, what is it?” Mo Xing asked.

“That... what was that black smoke all about?” Li Vanilla asked.

“I’m not really sure either. Let’s leave it to the teachers—they’ll explain it eventually,” Mo Xing replied.

“Oh... alright.” Li Vanilla pouted. “By the way, my brother said he’d come pick me up, but I’ve waited half the day and still haven’t seen him.”

“Mo Xing—”

Just as Mo Xing was about to ask who her brother was, he was interrupted by a familiar voice. Turning around, he saw Senior Cai Hong running toward him.

“Senior Cai Hong?”

“I was supposed to meet Cotton Hua today to watch your freshman combat assessment together, but I sat through your entire match and he never showed up.”

“Maybe he couldn’t find his seat?” Mo Xing suggested.

“No way! I chose two seats that are impossible to forget—one is the sixth seat in the sixth row of Stand Six, and the other is right next to me, number six-six-six,” Senior Cai Hong insisted. “After I saw you off to the arena, I bought a pile of snacks and rushed to save the spots.”

“Maybe he got busy, or maybe it’s just a lazy weekend and he overslept in his dorm,” Mo Xing said, though even he felt sleeping through the afternoon was a bit much.

“Then he really deserves a scolding,” Senior Cai Hong shook his head, then noticed Li Vanilla watching them.

“Who’s the girl next to you?”

“Um, she’s my—” Mo Xing began.

“I’m his number one fan!” Li Vanilla chimed in quickly. “I adore him!”

“Oh, I see.” Senior Cai Hong nodded thoughtfully, then leaned over to whisper, “Kid, you’re pretty popular with the girls!”

“No, no! Absolutely not!” Mo Xing blushed furiously, hurriedly explaining himself.

“He just rescued me twice, signed my sleeve, and he’s so kind!” Li Vanilla held out her sleeve, showing the signature, her face glowing with happiness.

“Quite the love triangle—you're chasing after Little Shi Yan, and another girl is chasing after you,” Senior Cai Hong chuckled.

“Senior, don’t tease!” Mo Xing paused, suddenly struck by realization. “Right! I need to visit Shi Yan at the hospital!”

As soon as he spoke, Mo Xing dashed toward the exit.

“Hey, wait for me!” Senior Cai Hong turned to Li Vanilla, saying, “Sorry, he’s got a lot going on—we’ll be off now!”

With that, Senior Cai Hong hurried after him.

“My idol is just like a hero—he helped me with my assessment and now he’s off to save someone else,” Li Vanilla smiled blissfully.

“Li Vanilla, you should head back to your dorm—the staff needs to handle the scene,” came a voice from behind.

“S... Su Teacher?” Li Vanilla turned to find Teacher Su standing behind her, his gentle smile radiating a warmth even in the evening.

“But... my brother still hasn’t come for me,” Li Vanilla said.

“He’s tied up tonight and can’t make it. You should head back to your dorm with this umbrella,” Teacher Su handed her an oil-paper umbrella.

“Is he on some mission?” Li Vanilla took the patterned umbrella.

She and her brother had grown up on Twin Moon Cliff. When she was seven, a war claimed their family, and from that day, her brother vowed to become strong. Teacher Su, a fellow from their hometown, had recommended them to study at the Royal Sky Academy, and personally taught them. Due to her age, she was only now able to enroll. This week’s practical classes had all been taught by Teacher Su, and her brother usually escorted her back to the dorm after class.

Her brother, now one of Teacher Su’s students, had reached the Azure Depth tier, so he often had first pick for missions. Driven and ambitious, he frequently took on tasks to earn credits and scholarships.

“Yes, he has a mission tonight.” Teacher Su smiled. “You’re growing up; some journeys must be made on your own.”

“Alright, Teacher Su, I’ll head off then!” Li Vanilla opened the oil-paper umbrella, skipping away with a bounce in her step.

Teacher Su watched her vanish into the night, shaking his head. In truth, what he meant was:

“Your brother may never have the chance to walk you back to the dorm again.”