Chapter 31: The Special Ones
A Tense Classroom Atmosphere
The moment the words left Fu Kui’s lips, the classroom fell silent. Students tensed up, their apprehension palpable—after all, she was talking about Disaster Beasts.
As students, their knowledge of Disaster Beasts was limited to basic facts and gruesome tales of catastrophes from textbooks. Today, however, the school seemed ready to fully unveil humanity’s greatest enemy.
“No need to be so nervous. I’m here to teach you about Disaster Beasts, not to make you face them.”
Fu Kui waved her hand with a smile, then turned to the students with a question:
“Is there anyone here who has seriously studied Disaster Beasts?”
The students exchanged glances, most falling into silence.
An Unexpected Volunteer
Suddenly, Liu Yixing flashed a mischievous grin, grabbed his desk mate Chen Ya’s hand, and raised it high.
“Hey! What are you doing?!”
Chen Ya panicked, swatting at Liu Yixing’s arm, but he ignored her, shouting loudly:
“Teacher, she knows a lot!”
“Let go! This is so embarrassing!”
Chen Ya’s face flushed as she whispered harshly to Liu Yixing.
“Then, let’s hear from this student…”
Fu Kui chuckled, gesturing for Chen Ya to answer her question.
Realizing she couldn’t escape, Chen Ya shot Liu Yixing a fierce glare before reluctantly standing.
“Teacher, my name is Chen Ya.”
“Very good. So, Chen Ya, what do you think Disaster Beasts are to humanity?”
Chen Ya fell into thought. The answer was in the textbooks: enemies and catastrophes.
“Disaster Beasts are, to humans, unavoidable yet uncontrollable natural disasters…” Chen Ya answered softly.
“Then… Chen Ya, how do you think these disasters come to be? And what is their purpose?” Fu Kui pressed further.
Looking intently at Fu Kui, Chen Ya considered for a moment before responding:
“I don’t know how they’re born, but… I believe they’ve always been searching for something… and that’s their purpose for existing.”
“Excellent. It seems Chen Ya really does know her stuff—not just a prank by that boy. I was going to make him clean the bathrooms for a week, but I’ll let it slide~”
“What?”
Liu Yixing let out a startled sound at Fu Kui’s words, while Chen Ya glanced at him, her expression tinged with regret.
“Should’ve pretended I didn’t know…” Chen Ya muttered as she sat down.
The Purpose of Disaster Beasts
Fu Kui maintained her warm smile, nodding at Chen Ya before clearing her throat and speaking seriously:
“As Chen Ya said, these catastrophe-like creatures have their own purpose and care for nothing else—not even humans.”
Pausing briefly, Fu Kui continued:
“If you can withstand the mental pollution caused by Disaster Beasts and evade attacks from other creatures, you might survive in their presence. But this… doesn’t apply to everyone…”
Suddenly, a glint of fervor flashed in Fu Kui’s eyes.
“There are always special individuals in this world. Their mere existence draws the attention of Disaster Beasts. It’s possible that these special people are the very purpose of their existence.”
Fu Kui’s voice grew distant, as if lost in memories.
“So… never let your guard down. Anyone could be that special one.”
Ding—
“Oh my, time flies! Class is over. My office is over there—feel free to come by if you have questions~”
Fu Kui pointed toward her office, then left the classroom with a smile.
A Stir of Curiosity
The moment she left, the classroom erupted in heated discussion. For most students, this was their first time learning such details about Disaster Beasts.
Yu Li, however, sat expressionless, her fingers tightening slightly. Fu Kui’s words had struck a chord, and she needed to confirm something urgently.
“Yu Li?” Ai Xinglan called out, noticing Yu Li stand.
“I have some questions for the teacher. I’ll be back soon.” Yu Li gave Ai Xinglan a light smile.
“Hmph, who cares about you.”
A Confrontation in the Office
In her office, Fu Kui hummed cheerfully, her thoughts drifting to the events of the Wolf Disaster battlefield.
Suddenly, a knock came at the door.
“The door’s unlocked, come on in~”
The door opened, revealing a black-haired girl with an impassive expression. Her silver eyes fixed intently on Fu Kui.
“Yu Li, is there something you need?”
It was indeed Yu Li, and at Fu Kui’s words, she frowned instinctively. She didn’t have time to wonder how Fu Kui knew her name and got straight to the point:
“Teacher, you know someone targeted by a Disaster Beast, don’t you?”
“…Yu Li, you’re quite sharp.”
Fu Kui looked troubled, surprised that Yu Li had pieced it together from just a few classroom remarks.
“Can you tell me who it is?”
Yu Li’s expression was earnest, her tone carrying a hint of pleading.
“Hmm… In principle, I shouldn’t tell you.”
Fu Kui pondered, looking conflicted.
“But… since it’s you, it should be fine. The person targeted by a Disaster Beast… is your sister, Yu Zifei.”
A Startling Revelation
Yu Li fell silent. She hadn’t expected the person she sought to be from the Yu family.
From fragments of her memories, Yu Zifei was the eldest daughter of the Yu family. No news of her death had ever surfaced, suggesting she had survived an encounter. If so, she was likely studying in the university division of this school.
Yu Li had barely met her sister, who might not even recognize her.
“Thank you, Teacher. I’ll take my leave.”
Pushing the thoughts aside, Yu Li bowed slightly to Fu Kui and turned to leave.
An Unexpected Encounter
“Ow!”
As Yu Li opened the door, she bumped into someone entering, who yelped and clutched their head.
“Chen… Ya Ya?”
It was Chen Ya, who had hesitated but decided to visit Fu Kui to discuss further.
“Ugh… Little Yu Li! You’re here to talk about Disaster Beasts with Teacher Fu Kui too? What a coincidence~”
Rubbing her head, Chen Ya grinned goofily upon seeing Yu Li.
“Yeah… I’m done. You go ahead, Ya Ya. I’ll leave now.”
“Okay, bye-bye, Little Yu Li~”
Smiling at Chen Ya, Yu Li left without looking back. A headache was brewing—she needed to visit the university division, but access between the high school and university divisions was restricted, with security guards always on duty.
A Test of New Power
“…Let’s see if this new power can help.”
Yu Li murmured, raising her hand. Black flames ignited on it, flickering ominously