Chapter 19: Join the Lionheart Society
Bai Ci stared into the mirror, eyes wide, brows furrowed, teeth bared, trying hard to look fierce.
She turned to Zero, mumbling through her clenched teeth.
“Do I look intimidating now?”
“More like a yapping Teddy.”
Zero munched on an apple, expressionless.
“Pretty ridiculous.”
Bai Ci deflated, flopping onto the bed.
Lionheart Society was often called the den of lions—not because actual lions roamed there, but because its members carried a lion-like pride.
While other students in their year took “kiddie” war practice classes, Lionheart’s elites were already on real missions, hunting rogue hybrids and revived dragons in the dark.
Even the Student Union couldn’t match Lionheart’s early involvement in dragon wars.
That was their pride’s foundation.
But even Lionheart had no true “S-rank.”
Not even their star, Chu Zihang, who was only privately called “Super A-rank.”
Bai Ci’s arrival drew all eyes, like a dragon crashing into a lion’s den.
No matter how bold the lions, they couldn’t ignore her.
Susie had told her to show an S-rank’s aura—be fierce or coldly aloof, dismissive of others.
But even grinding her teeth, Bai Ci couldn’t muster any menace.
She just looked a bit comical.
That’s why she’d asked Zero for advice.
After all, Zero had shown her kindness…
Zero gazed at her indifferently, tossed the apple core into the trash, and slowly wiped her hands with a wet wipe.
“You don’t need to care so much.”
Zero meticulously cleaned between her fingers, her voice flat.
“Just be yourself.”
“Mm…”
“Treat me to dinner tonight—as payment for the advice.”
Zero climbed into her bunk for a nap.
In the end, Bai Ci went as her usual self.
If Chu Zihang was a sharp blade from China, Bai Ci was soft cotton—gentle, unthreatening.
She walked with her head down, avoiding others’ gazes.
Finally, she reached the Lionheart Society president’s office.
Taking a deep breath, she turned the knob and stepped in.
Few people were inside: Chu Zihang, Susie, and one other guy.
The Lionheart trio looked up as the door opened.
Seeing Bai Ci, Susie waved her over.
“This is Lancelot, Lionheart’s vice president, from France, third year.”
Susie gestured to a refined boy with glasses.
“No need to introduce me or Chu Zihang—you met us yesterday.”
“Bai Ci, one of the college’s only two S-ranks.
Lancelot, you’ve probably read her file a few times, so I’ll skip the intro.”
“You were heroic stopping the Dragon King.”
Lancelot extended his hand.
“Honestly, your file made you seem shy.
But facing a Dragon King?
The file clearly missed some things.”
“Uh… thanks…”
Bai Ci politely shook his hand, then quickly pulled back.
The rest was simple—signing papers, receiving a Lionheart badge, officially joining the society.
“No classes for a few days, and no worries about failing.”
Susie smiled.
“The principal gave us special privileges.
Congrats, junior, you’re part of the Bronze Plan.
We’ll team up with the Student Union for a dragon-slaying mission on the Yangtze, codenamed Bronze.
So, train with us.”
“Huh?”
Bai Ci froze.
*
“Senior, didn’t you swear Bai Ci would join the Student Union?”
Lu Mingfei looked at Nono with a hint of resentment, sipping the chicken soup she’d brought as an apology.
“How was I supposed to know Susie would beat me to it?”
Nono sighed.
“I sent Bai Ci a text, but she still joined Lionheart…
Don’t give up, junior.
Even if you’re not in the same club, you’ve still got a shot.”
Lu Mingfei huffed, drinking his soup.
He’d just been roped into the Student Union by Nono, full of hope for the future.
One moment, it was all bright and blooming; the next, it was wilted flowers and broken branches clogging his chest.
His mood, half-lifted, crashed hard, leaving an indescribable ache.
“Don’t worry, junior.
Even if you’re not in the same club, we’ll make sure you win her over.”
Nono patted his shoulder.
“You’ll thank me later!
Even if you don’t believe in yourself, believe in your senior!”
Lu Mingfei pursed his lips, silent, finishing the soup.
During the dragon invasion, he’d seriously considered dropping out…
Honestly, dragon-slaying—was that something he could handle?
He felt like a stray dog trying to take down an elephant.
Not only useless, but a burden, likely to get himself killed.
Going back to China for a dragon-slaying mission, though—he was kind of excited.
He’d heard Bai Ci would be on it.
Maybe if she was in danger, he could step up like a man, shield her from a fatal blow, bloodied but turning to say, “Don’t worry, babe, I’ve got you.”
Sure, it was a cheesy trope, but Bai Ci would probably cry her eyes out…
Pretty thrilling to think about.
He’d never seen her cry.
Even when she was burned that badly that day… she didn’t cry.