The next morning, when Zayne arrived at the school gate, many students instantly backed away from him in fear. Clearly everyone had heard about his madness the day before.
Zayne was perfectly fine with this. Frightening Francis was meant to frighten everyone else too.
The fewer people approached him, the easier it was to keep his immortality hidden.
Zayne.
Just as he was calmly waiting for the school to lead them to the beginner dungeon, someone called from behind.
Francis? Zayne turned his head and saw Francis running toward him.
A cold glint flashed through Zayne's eyes. Had this spoiled brat not learned anything yesterday?
If Francis insisted on pestering him, Zayne did not mind arranging a small accident inside the dungeon later.
Zayne, you must not have eaten yet, right? I brought you breakfast. Francis offered a neatly packed lunchbox and a bottle of fresh milk like presenting treasure.
Trying to poison me because you cannot beat me? Zayne eyed him suspiciously. He truly did not understand this guy's intentions.
No, no, no, Zayne. I would never poison you. Francis hurried to prove his innocence. He opened the lunchbox, revealing a huge sandwich. He tore off a piece and stuffed it into his mouth, then opened the milk and poured some straight in.
See, Zayne? No poison. Francis wiped his mouth.
Zayne accepted the lunchbox. The sandwich smelled delicious. Under the top layer of bread was beef, looking perfectly normal.
But he still could not understand. Had Francis become some kind of masochist? After being nearly blasted to death, he came back enthusiastically?
Well, free breakfast was free breakfast. Zayne began eating in big bites.
As someone who had to sell organs just to afford the awakening fee, he was not about to reject free food.
Seeing Zayne accept the meal, Francis beamed with satisfaction.
His father once taught him that once you achieved the first breakthrough in a relationship, everything afterward progressed quickly.
It applied to women. It applied to men. It applied to everyone.
And it was true. Zayne was clearly simple minded. A few flattering gestures and soon he would have an SSS class bodyguard for free.
Zayne. I have been drifting through life for as long as I can remember. Your appearance was like a thunderbolt that woke me up.
Francis spoke emotionally. Zayne swallowed a mouthful of sandwich and corrected him.
Not like a thunderbolt. There really was a thunderbolt. Just say what you want.
Francis fell silent.
Well, I want to acknowledge you as my boss.
You want me as your boss? Zayne blinked. Was this guy truly a masochist? He tried to scare people away, yet somehow gained a follower?
Yes. Yesterday, after you beat me, I reflected deeply. If I want to become a better person, I must learn from a better example. Francis nodded seriously.
I see. Since you want to learn, then paying tuition is reasonable, right? Zayne rubbed his chin.
Of course. Boss, give me the account number. Francis instantly pulled a card reader from his pocket.
302**********. Transfer five million dollars first. Zayne recited smoothly.
Alright... wait, hold on, did you say five million?! Francis froze. Even Ward Group did not throw money away that casually.
No money? Then forget it. Zayne gave him a strange look.
Francis felt that gaze was familiar. After thinking for a moment, he realized it.
It was the same gaze he used when looking at poor people.
The heir of Ward Group, being looked at like a broke nobody. It was more humiliating than being scared into wetting himself.
You wait here. I will tell my dad to send the money.
Francis stormed off to make the call. Once he was out of sight, Zayne turned and boarded the bus heading to the beginner dungeon. If he stayed near Francis any longer, he feared his IQ would drop.
The bus engine roared to life and they drove toward the dungeon entrance. Several long lines of students from other schools were already waiting. This was the only beginner friendly dungeon in Old Shipyard Port, and with the trial exams approaching, it was packed.
Nia and Zayne, the two SSS class awakeners, stood at the front of their school's line. Nia's expression was cold, eyes forward, clearly not wanting to acknowledge Zayne. Zayne also welcomed the silence.
Far in the distance, Norton looked as delighted as a blooming chrysanthemum. He hung onto the other principals, refusing to let them slip away, while complaining proudly.
Ah, such trouble. I told them to keep a low profile and just awaken one SSS class. But these kids never listen. They went and awakened two. Can you believe that? So frustrating. Hahahahaha.
The faces of the other principals darkened like charred pots. They had seen people brag before, but never someone bragging so aggressively.
Why are you all silent? Are you born quiet? Norton asked cheerfully.
I am skilled in combat, not conversation. Farewell. The first principal strode off.
I left my gas on at home. Goodbye. The second left with a black face.
The third silently turned and walked away.
Old fool. You had better awaken two SSS students again next year. The last one barked before leaving.
Next year? I retire next year. Norton grinned. The last principal stumbled in anger.
As the principals bickered, the line gradually moved forward. Soon it was Old Shipyard Port High's turn to enter.
Nia glanced at Zayne coldly. You can still team with me if you want.
She had resolved not to care about him, yet her conscience made her ask once more.
No thanks. Zayne stepped past her and walked into the dungeon.
Arrogant fool. If you want to die early, no one can stop you. Nia shook her head. In her eyes, Zayne was beyond saving.