"Hmm? These two are quite remarkable, showing such courage..."
"Tsk tsk..."
Wu Tong "observed" within his perception range as Saeko Busujima and Shizuka Marikawa ran toward their group, feeling a hint of surprise.
The bravery to charge forward despite not knowing whether safety lay ahead—a courage that embraced the possibility of death—was truly commendable.
As a reward for their valor, Wu Tong decided to take them under his wing.
After all, these two were part of the main cast, blessed with strong fortunes. Given the right opportunity, they might soar to great heights.
Wu Tong believed that, given their potential, if they were to awaken Martial Spirits, they might even manifest top-tier ones.
Thus, his ranks would gain two more pillars of strength.
Yes, this was a reward for the brave—absolutely not because he coveted their bodies.
As for the issue of the Spirit Master system being too weak, that wasn't a problem.
Wu Tong had long since deduced methods to improve it through the Intelligent Core, and not just one.
In other words, he now held the power to overturn the entire Spirit Master system.
However, due to time constraints, he hadn't yet implemented these changes.
Of course, if all else failed, Wu Tong also controlled other supernatural systems. There would surely be one suited to them.
Speaking of the Spirit Master system, when the new term began, those kids would probably be shocked out of their wits.
Ha ha...
Just imagining the scene filled Wu Tong with anticipation. It would be a rare sight indeed.
...
As Wu Tong lost himself in thought, the fleeing duo had already approached his group.
Following Wu Tong's will, the Nether Soul restrained the wraiths from attacking the two, allowing them to enter its domain unharmed.
The others naturally noticed but didn't intervene, as Wu Tong remained silent.
Once inside the black mist-encircled area, the two realized that not a single zombie could breach its boundaries.
Every zombie that charged in had its soul ripped out before their eyes.
The corpses collapsed lifelessly, while the souls became part of the domain, turning to attack other zombies with frenzied claws.
It was like a supernatural version of a zombie apocalypse.
Seeing this, Saeko Busujima steadied herself. There was no turning back now—she could only press forward.
At least without the threat of zombies, she no longer had to stay constantly vigilant.
"Saeko-chan, this place is so scary (﹏)..."
Shizuka Marikawa trembled like a quail, hiding behind Saeko as she stared at the black mist-shrouded wraiths drifting around them.
"Shizuka-sensei, don't be afraid. Look closely—these spirits aren't attacking us."
Watching Shizuka's tearful expression, Saeko sometimes wondered who was the teacher and who was the student here.
Had their roles reversed?
"Oh, you're right~!"
Hearing Saeko's words, Shizuka cautiously peeked out from behind her.
Confirming that the wraiths were indeed ignoring them, she relaxed and patted her chest—her two "big threats"—letting out a sigh of relief.
The motion sent ripples through her ample bosom.
The "big threats," jostled by their owner's patting, bounced vigorously, drawing everyone's gaze.
"Dammit, don't stop me! I'm going to teach her a lesson!"
Among the onlookers who had initially hoped to see the duo humiliated, reactions varied.
Especially the Herrscher of Sentience—her defenses shattered by Shizuka's unintentional display, she struggled furiously against Wu Tong's grip, trying to break free.
She wanted to give these two a piece of her mind.
Yes, both of them.
Whether it was Saeko or Shizuka, both possessed "formidable assets."
To the Herrscher of Sentience, these two were clearly here to mess with her psyche.
Why did they have to be so big? (■皿■;)
Didn't they know how much that hurt others?
"Enough, Little Shi. Stop causing trouble. These two are people I've taken a liking to."
Wu Tong pressed a hand on the Herrscher of Sentience's shoulder, preventing her from lunging forward while making his stance clear.
The moment he spoke, however, the others shot him strange looks.
Wu Tong was stunned. He could clearly read the meaning in their eyes:
You're just after their bodies. How shameless.
No, I'm not! That's not it at all!
He was only recruiting talent—how had it turned into him coveting their bodies in their eyes?
At this thought, Wu Tong couldn't help but glance at the two again.
Well...
Maybe, perhaps, possibly... There was a little bit of that?
Fine, he was after their bodies. He admitted it! Honesty deserved praise!
Just like that, the group watched as Wu Tong's expression shifted like a mood ring—from disbelief, to contemplation, and finally to unabashed acceptance.
Seriously? What started as a joke had somehow become reality?.
A few of them exchanged glances, seeing nothing but resignation and bitterness in each other's eyes.
Who would've thought? Before they could even make their moves, these "thieving cats" would swoop in.
...
"Who are you...?"
Danger!
A torrential wave of danger warnings surged through her the moment this group appeared.
Saeko Busujima immediately tensed at the sight of Wu Tong and his companions.
Though she didn't know who they were, the overwhelming sense of peril they radiated made her hair stand on end.
She was certain—every single one of them could kill her effortlessly.
Especially the leading man and the flat-chested gray-haired girl. The oppressive aura they emitted was downright terrifying.
(The others had suppressed their auras, so Saeko couldn't gauge their strength—only that they were formidable.
As for the Herrscher of Sentience, she was too busy being provoked by these two and plotting a petty revenge.
Wu Tong, meanwhile, was deliberately flaunting his power to impress the newcomers.
Thus, Saeko felt the strongest pressure from these two.)
"Me? I'm your savior. This black mist domain belongs to me."
Wu Tong smiled as he explained.
Saeko blinked, then swept her gaze around before settling on the Nether Soul perched on Wu Tong's shoulder.
Noticing the black mist swirling around it, she finally accepted his claim.
But... savior?
Did that mean they were truly saved?
That would be wonderful.
...
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(End of Chapter)