The return trip felt very different from the journey into the forest.
When the group first entered Sector Twelve that morning, most of the students had been filled with nervous excitement. Their conversations had been loud, their steps uncertain, their eyes constantly scanning the trees for the first glimpse of monsters. Now, the atmosphere had changed. Everyone walked more quietly.
It wasn't just fatigue. The wilderness had shown them its true face. A single Stoneback Bear had nearly turned their expedition into a tragedy. If Zhang Wei had not been there… if someone had reacted a little slower… the outcome would have been grim.
Wang Hao kicked a small stone along the dirt path as they walked, his usual energy dampened. "I always thought hunting monsters would feel... I don't know, heroic."
Lin Yi glanced at him. "And now?"
Wang Hao sighed. "Now it just feels like a job where the 'boss' actually tries to eat you."
Lin Yi chuckled softly. "That's a more accurate job description, honestly."
The tall steel walls of Jianghe City were already visible in the distance, a gray mountain stretching across the horizon. Those walls were the reason humanity still existed. A century of rebuilding had turned cities into fortresses; the outside belonged to monsters, while the inside belonged to people.
When the group reached the gate checkpoint, the guards—experienced hunters and retired soldiers—immediately straightened, their eyes sweeping over the students with practiced precision.
Zhang Wei stepped forward and exchanged a few quiet words with the gate officer. The officer nodded and waved them through. "Training group returning from Sector Twelve," he announced. "Clear them."
The heavy metal gate opened with a low mechanical rumble. As the group walked inside, the familiar hum of the city returned instantly—voices, traffic, and merchants shouting from stalls. For many, the noise was a profound comfort.
Wang Hao stretched his arms with exaggerated relief. "Ah, civilization! I missed the smell of exhaust and street food."
"You say that like we were gone for a month," Lin Yi teased.
"In my head, we were," Wang Hao replied seriously.
Behind them, several students were still whispering about the Stoneback Bear.
"Did you see the size of those claws?"
"I thought we were done for."
"And then Lin Yi just—"
The conversation cut short when Zhang Wei turned around. His voice was calm but firm. "Everyone should report their results to the academy. But remember: exaggerating the truth doesn't help anyone. It just makes you look like a rookie."
The message was clear—keep the rumors down. Monster hunting was serious business, and unwanted attention could create problems.
"Yes, Instructor Zhang," the students chimed.
Zhang Wei gave a final nod. "Good. Training ends here. Return to your dorms and rest."
As the group began to disperse, Wang Hao fell into step with Lin Yi as they headed toward their residential block. "You realize people are going to talk anyway, right? An E-rank Laborer taking down a Stoneback Bear isn't exactly something people just forget by dinner."
Lin Yi shrugged. "Let them talk. It doesn't change the stats."
Inside his mind, the system panel flickered quietly:
[Host: Lin Yi]
[Level: 10]
The growth speed was far beyond normal, but Lin Yi remained grounded. He was level ten, but the wilderness held monsters dozens of levels higher. Arrogance was a quick way to get buried.
As they approached the academy gate, Wang Hao suddenly slowed down. "Wait. Look ahead."
Near the entrance stood a small group of students surrounding a tall young man in a dark combat uniform. He stood perfectly straight, a long sword resting casually across his back. The others stood a respectful distance behind him, clearly treating him as their leader.
Wang Hao frowned. "That's Chen Feng."
Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. "Am I supposed to know him?"
Wang Hao looked at him like he had two heads. "Seriously? He's the top of our year. S-rank class: Stormblade Swordsman. He's already level fifteen."
Lin Yi nodded. S-ranks were rare—most cities only saw one or two a year. Level fifteen already? That was impressive for someone without a system.
Chen Feng noticed them. His gaze settled directly on Lin Yi, and the surrounding students went quiet. The atmosphere grew heavy with unspoken challenge.
Chen Feng stepped forward, his eyes sharp. "You're Lin Yi?"
"I am."
Chen Feng studied him, his eyes lingering on Lin Yi's relaxed posture. "I heard a rumor today. Hard to believe, but it's everywhere."
Wang Hao muttered under his breath, "Here we go."
"They say an E-rank Laborer soloed a Stoneback Bear," Chen Feng continued.
Lin Yi didn't blink. "People tend to add a bit of spice to stories they tell."
A thin smile curved Chen Feng's lips. "True. So, I'll ask you directly. Did you do it?"
The courtyard went silent. Wang Hao held his breath. Lin Yi met Chen Feng's gaze with a calm, faint smile.
"I did."
A ripple of quiet gasps went through the onlookers. Chen Feng stared at him for several long seconds, as if trying to see through the Laborer mask. Then, he laughed softly.
"Interesting," Chen Feng said, turning to walk away. But before he left, he tossed one last sentence over his shoulder. "Try not to die before the academy tournament. It would be a waste."
Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. "The tournament."
Wang Hao exhaled a long, shaky breath. "Great. You just caught the eye of the strongest guy in school. That's usually how the new star story ends early."
Lin Yi watched Chen Feng's departing figure and adjusted his gear. "The tournament, huh? That sounds like a lot of rewards."
Wang Hao groaned. "You're actually looking forward to it, aren't you?"