Chapter 48 – Competition for the Class Positions

The sun poured into the classroom through the high arched windows of Shrek Academy's First Grade building. The room was filled with quiet murmurs and expectant gazes. Qiang Ming sat near the front, elbow resting on his desk, fingers lazily twirling a pen between them. His bright purple eyes held little attention for the drone of early conversation. He was more concerned with whether breakfast had been fulfilling enough to sustain a fight.

Elder Cai didn't show up today.

Instead, Chen Yi stood authoritatively at the podium, the ever-stern Wu Zhangkong beside her, arms crossed as he silently scanned the room. The atmosphere was subtly heavier than the day before—not oppressive, but definitely charged. Something was coming.

"Quiet," Chen Yi said sharply. The students obeyed almost immediately. "Today, we'll be forming the Class Committee for the First Grade."

Qiang Ming's brow lifted slightly. His interest had been lukewarm so far this morning, but now a spark of amusement tugged at the corner of his lips.

Chen Yi continued, "There will be seven positions. One Class President, two Vice-Presidents, and four Commissioners: one each for Blacksmithing, Machine Design, Manufacture, and Repair."

A collective murmur spread among the students.

"The responsibilities for these roles are heavy," she added. "But so are the rewards. The President will receive 1000 contribution points per month. The Vice-Presidents get 600, and the Commissioners 500. In addition, all Committee members gain bonus evaluation credit during the Inner School entrance examination."

She glanced at the roster in her hand, then looked up.

"For the Blacksmithing Commissioner, the appointment is already decided. Tang Wulin."

The room stirred.

Tang Wulin blinked once, surprised, but stood up calmly. Qiang Ming smirked faintly. He had expected as much. Wulin had talent and temperance, and his smithing ability had always been solid.

Then a loud scoff broke the tension.

A tall, imposing boy stood from the far left of the room. Yang Nian Xia. Nearly 1.90 meters tall, with thick shoulders and limbs like reinforced steel beams. His eyes were nearly invisible—thin, narrow slits under thick brows—but there was no mistaking the irritation on his face.

"Teacher Chen," he said gruffly. "On what basis is Tang Wulin appointed? Shouldn't this be a vote?"

Chen Yi didn't blink.

"Tang Wulin is a certified 4th-rank blacksmith. That's a rare achievement for someone his age. It's more than enough reason."

A wave of surprise rippled through the class. Even Yang Nian Xia's eyes widened, if only slightly.

"I…" he hesitated. "I'm a 3rd-rank. I didn't know…"

"Well, now you do. Sit down," she said curtly.

With a grunt, Yang Nian Xia dropped back into his seat, arms crossed, fuming.

Qiang Ming remained quiet during the exchange, eyes half-lidded. He wasn't here for a commission. No... only one position had piqued his interest.

President.

Chen Yi resumed. "The rest of the positions will be determined in a practical manner."

She raised her voice, gaze sweeping the room. "You'll fight for them."

A stunned silence filled the class, followed by scattered exclamations.

"Your task will be simple. A battle royale. Everyone is eligible. You have one minute to form temporary alliances, or go in alone. The top three students at the end will be awarded the roles of Class President and Vice-Presidents. No second chances. Prepare yourselves."

Her words were like a spark to dry kindling. Students immediately started whispering, shifting seats, and making gestures toward one another.

Qiang Ming didn't move. He rolled his shoulder once and exhaled slowly through his nose. This was good. A bit of action. He'd been feeling boxed in by walls and theory and schedules. Time to loosen up.

From the side, Tang Wulin turned toward his friends.

"We split up," he said quietly. "If we're all grouped together, we'll be targeted."

"Agreed," said Xie Xie, already rising.

"Be careful," Gu Yue added softly.

Qiang Ming only nodded. His friends already knew—he preferred working alone. Not out of pride, but because he didn't trust the skill of others to shield his back.

When the minute passed, Chen Yi clapped her hands once. "Follow me."

They were led out of the building, past the training fields, and into the Ascension Simulation Chamber. It loomed like a massive stone monolith, its green-glowing door hissing as it opened.

"Enter," Chen Yi instructed.

One by one, the students stepped inside the platform. Qiang Ming was the last to enter.

As he stood still within the activation circle, a familiar pull drew at his core—similar to the Thousand Beast Platform, but broader in scope.

The world shifted.

Light twisted, and suddenly—

He was standing in a vast forest, the canopy high above leaking golden morning light across a sea of foliage and ancient trees.

His feet settled into mossy earth. His eyes glinted with anticipation.

The simulated wind brushed his hair aside.

Qiang Ming's grin stretched, wide and sharp. The breath he inhaled was electric with opportunity.

Finally, he thought. Something I understand.

He tightened his fists.

"Let's see what the rest of you have learned."

Then, he bolted forward into the dense woods, purple eyes shining like twin amethysts in the morning sun.