Yrvano_Hanampatra

2030. The world is on the brink of collapse.

Societies are crumbling, consumed by a virus that turns humans into monstrous creatures. In this chaotic era, a young high school student from Shenzhou, Qin Tiang, leads a lonely existence, burdened by invisible scars. Once a victim of bullying, he now hides within his own pain, avoiding all human contact.

His life takes a drastic turn when an infected classmate spreads the Naraka Virus, plunging his school into chaos. As he comes face to face with death, a mysterious girl named Meilin intervenes to save him. She reveals a shocking truth: he is no ordinary teenager but the direct descendant of a divine being, destined to rule the universe.

But will he become a savior… or the end of everything?

Ember of the Jade Heir

Shenzhou High School, March 20, 2030 – 11:30 AM

Tiang and Meilin had distanced themselves from the chaos. The hallway, almost deserted, was bathed in a gray light filtering through the windows.

Tiang massaged his ribs. A dull pain pulsed beneath his bruised skin. Breathing already hurt, but his mind tortured him even more.

Why had Tao run away when he saw her?

He swallowed and lifted his eyes to Meilin. Her face, impassive, showed no emotion.

— Hey, Meilin… What did you do to him?

She didn't respond immediately. Her gaze slid to her clenched hands. A shadow passed over her eyes, and she gently placed her hand on Tiang's shoulder.

— What does it change? she whispered. They were going to kill you!

Tiang looked at her for a moment, then smiled despite the pain.

— You're really such an anime cliché, Meilin… The strong, cold girl, beautiful and badass, who always ends up with the hero.

She widened her eyes before laughing softly and shaking her head.

But Tiang was no longer listening. Memories consumed him.

Flashback – seven years earlier

A little girl stood tall, arms crossed, lips pressed together. In front of her, an older boy pointed an accusing finger at her.

— You're just a savage, a slut, that's why no one wants you!

Meilin didn't flinch. She could have cried. She could have begged. But she chose another option.

She took a step forward and kicked him in the stomach. The boy collapsed with a groan. Silence fell immediately.

— Say it again, let's see? she said in a cold voice.

The others fled in panic. But Meilin felt no satisfaction. She already knew what would come next: a summons, reprimands, again and again.

Yet, that day, someone was waiting for her outside the principal's office. Tiang. He said nothing, just handed her a steamed bun wrapped in a handkerchief.

— You were right. He was really annoying.

That was the first time she had genuinely laughed.

Back to the present

— Tiang… Meilin began in a more serious tone. Are you thinking about what the teacher said?

— You mean his rant about the end of the world? He chuckled. Yeah, sure, zombies on the playground soon.

But his laughter suddenly choked in his throat.

His gaze had frozen on the scene unfolding outside.

There, in the center of the yard, a student was kneeling over another… literally devouring their face.

Blood splattered on the concrete as the victim still struggled, screaming in pain.

A heavy silence fell over the crowd… then everything exploded.

Students began fleeing in all directions, pushing past those paralyzed by fear.

Tiang felt his body freeze. This couldn't be happening, he thought.

A young girl collapsed to her knees, paralyzed. Her pants were soaked with urine as she stared at the infected one coming toward her, its mouth dripping with flesh.

— No… I don't want to… she murmured weakly.

The hungry one lunged at her, sinking its teeth into her shoulder.

Her scream pierced the air like a knife.

Then the dismembered corpse of the student moved.

She, however, said nothing. Her gaze was cold.

Tiang didn't try to understand. He grabbed her hand with a swift motion.

Chapter 4