Chapter 38: Meet Me in the Grove

By now, Vincent Fox was certain of it.

Forbidden Zone #3…

was the world of Mr. Vampire!

He wasn't jumping to conclusions.

Back in his previous life on Earth, Mr. Vampire was a cult classic a defining zombie movie of its time.

Its jiangshi had haunted his childhood dreams.

The imagery was burned into his memory Renjia Town, Old Master Ren… those names were unforgettable.

Up at the podium, Professor Charles Joe's voice continued.

"There are two available missions in Forbidden Zone #3: one simple, one difficult."

"The simple mission is to protect Renjia Town for a full month. As long as civilian casualties stay below thirty percent, the task will be considered complete."

"The difficult mission is to kill the jiangshi."

"The more you kill, the higher your rating."

"But I recommend everyone choose the simpler mission. The jiangshi in Zone 3 are extremely powerful not something you can easily handle at your current level, much less defeat."

"The safer mission doesn't offer great rewards, but it's far less risky."

Someone in the class caught a flaw in that statement and quickly raised their hand.

"Professor, if the jiangshi are so strong, why is this zone placed third? Shouldn't we be sent there later, when we're stronger?"

Professor Joe smiled. "Good question!"

"Of course, the government considered that. But here's the truth what comes after Zone 3 is even more dangerous!"

"If you can't survive Zone 3, then the later zones will offer even less hope."

"The order of the Forbidden Zones is carefully planned and thoroughly tested. Trust me, nothing is arbitrary."

"And while we're on this topic, I need to say this…"

"Many brave heroes sacrificed their lives to study these zones. It's thanks to their efforts that we now have this knowledge, allowing you to face these worlds with better preparation. So I hope all of you will train hard, grow strong, and one day serve our nation well!"

The student who had asked the question blushed and sat down in shame.

"Now let's continue."

"After entering the zone, you'll appear somewhere inside Renjia Town. To help you blend in, the school has prepared outfits from that historical era."

"If you're in serious danger, you can seek help at a place called the Yi Zhuang. Ask for a Taoist priest named Uncle Nate. Everyone, turn to page three of your textbook. That's his portrait."

"Uncle Nate is a skilled martial artist and an experienced exorcist. He has a strong sense of justice if he hears about a jiangshi attack, he'll step in without hesitation."

"Yi Zhuang, by the way, is the local term for a mortuary or corpse-handling center. If you get lost, just ask a villager."

…

By the time class ended, Vincent already had a rough plan in mind.

If he could pull it off, he'd earn an elite mission rating.

The problem was, this world had been thoroughly explored by now.

After all, Mr. Vampire's storyline was fairly simple and contained entirely within a single town. It made for easy analysis.

Vincent figured he wasn't the only one thinking along these lines.

Even so,

he was committed to his plan.

And if others had the same idea?

Then it'd come down to who moved faster.

But to carry out his strategy, Vincent needed a partner.

He swept his gaze across the classroom.

And quickly settled on his ideal assistant.

…

Ding-ling-ling!

The bell rang.

Professor Joe didn't waste time. With a quick nod, he turned and left the classroom.

As soon as he was gone, chatter erupted. Students began huddling with their friends, excitedly discussing Forbidden Zone #3.

"Autumn, have you decided which mission you're taking?"

Several girls surrounded Autumn Summer, their tones full of flattery.

"Why don't you take us with you?"

Autumn blinked, glancing at her dorm mates.

She shook her head. "I haven't decided yet."

One girl suggested, "Maybe just take the easier mission like us?"

Autumn was tempted.

Based on what Professor Joe said, jiangshi were terrifying inhumanly strong, immune to blades and bullets.

Her archery might be useless against them.

The simpler mission seemed much more practical.

And if things got out of hand, she could always ask Uncle Nate for help in protecting the town.

Still, Autumn wasn't one to act on impulse.

"I'll think it over first," she said quietly.

…

Of course, Autumn wasn't the only one others were trying to team up with.

Vincent Fox was even more popular.

Tons of students were lining up to ride his coattails in Zone 3, hoping he'd carry them to safety.

He turned them all down without hesitation.

He wasn't worried about making enemies or being ostracized.

This was a world where strength reigned supreme, not some feel-good social club like back on Earth.

As long as you were strong, you didn't need anyone's approval.

Amid the glare of disappointed and resentful classmates, Vincent casually packed up his textbook and left the room.

He didn't return to the dorm.

Instead, he pulled out his phone, found Autumn Summer's number, and sent her a short message:

"I need to talk. Meet me in the grove."

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All revised chapters are now complete! Thank you so much for your patience and continued support, I truly appreciate it, and I'm sorry for the earlier inconsistencies. Let's keep moving forward!

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