Noticing the survival expert's grim expression, Xiao Sa leaned in.
"Why?"
"While I don't fully understand the Forbidden Zone," the expert replied, "these bones aren't ancient. Many look freshly gnawed."
"That tells us one thing—
Some kind of predator was hunting here… and just left."
Xiao Sa's pupils contracted.
"So you're saying… there's likely a terrifying creature in that direction.
And if they want to survive longer in the Forbidden Zone,
they should be heading the opposite way?"
"Exactly," the expert nodded.
Just then, Xiao Si chuckled coldly.
His eyes were filled with disdain.
He preferred real-world beauties—and had zero patience for cosplayers.
Naturally, he disliked the two girls.
"Looks like we'll be replacing our National Fate reps soon.
Two naive girls…
In a place this dangerous, they'll be gnawed into skeletons in no time.
What a shame.
But hey, look on the bright side—
Whoever we get next can't possibly be worse."
Every word was dipped in poison, masked by a fake smile.
Passive-aggressive.
Smug.
Disgusting.
Ke Yimin nodded in agreement, as if she'd found a kindred spirit.
"I don't know," Shen Teng interjected. "I think we should stay optimistic."
"Optimistic? What, the monster's full and won't eat our reps?" Xiao Si scoffed.
"Let's not be naive like Uncle Shen. We should brace for disaster.
Choosing two clueless girls as our national reps?
We should've seen this coming."
His tone was calm.
His words? Brutal.
Everyone felt like they'd swallowed jelly—stuck in their throats, impossible to spit out.
Xiao Sa wanted to say something to salvage the mood…
But couldn't find the words.
His face darkened as he tried to steer the conversation elsewhere.
And then—
A cold voice rang out from the expert panel:
"Are you stupid?"
The entire venue froze.
You could hear a pin drop.
People didn't believe what they'd just heard.
Three seconds passed.
Then jaws dropped.
All eyes turned to the center of the expert panel—
To the smug little Mini Herta.
Shock rippled across the room.
"Σ(っ°Д°;)っ"
"┌(.Д.)┐"
"ヾ(ﾟдﾟ)ﾉ ??!"
—"Wait… what the hell?!"
—"Did I hear that right? Was that a bleep?!"
—"No way! Was that what I think it was?!"
—"YES! Mini Professor just went nuclear!"
—"I don't care if it was censored—I'm taking it as canon. That guy deserved it."
—"Who else feels seen? These three Mini Hertas are our voice!"
Xiao Sa was stunned.
So were the other two Mini Hertas.
No one expected this.
That one Mini Herta—an actual expert—had just gone full savage.
And this time?
She didn't hold back.
Shen Teng was speechless, but secretly thrilled: Damn, that felt good.
Zhang Ruonan barely held back a laugh, mentally giving Mini Herta a thumbs-up.
And Xiao Si?
His smile froze.
Then slowly twisted into a stiff, stunned expression.