Even though the use of various medications and auxiliary equipment was allowed, it was exceedingly rare for high school students to break the 10-second barrier in a 100-meter sprint. The class monitor’s record-setting performance shattered the school’s benchmark.
After the 100-meter sprint, there was still the 900-meter portion of the long-distance run. The class monitor didn’t maintain her exaggerated sprinting posture and quickly reverted to a standard running form. Clearly, even with the support of her investigator combat gear, her body couldn’t sustain such a state for long due to the immense strain.
When the race ended, the class monitor had set records in both the 100-meter and 1000-meter categories. Her performance thrilled the teaching staff. If she could replicate these results during the Graduation Exams, it might bring higher-level recognition to No. 4 High School and boost its reputation.
On the grass field, the class monitor was gasping for air, her labored breathing even more intense than during her previous practical experiences or her fight with the Spider Woman in the Resettlement Neighborhood.
It was as if every ounce of energy had been drained from her body.
“The monitor doesn’t look right… I’ve never seen her this exhausted,” Gao Yuxuan observed sharply, quickly handing Luo Di a bottle of mineral water.
Luo Di, without hesitation, took the water and approached the class monitor.
When he handed her the water, she remained in a reclined position, propping herself up on her hands, too weak to even lift an arm. She couldn’t even speak, her lips merely parting slightly to make a faint sound, clearly signaling that she needed him to help her drink.
Given her record-breaking performance, many eyes were on her—students from both her class and others.
However, Luo Di was indifferent to their gazes. He could tell that the monitor wasn’t faking her exhaustion; she seemed genuinely drained and possibly at risk.
He promptly unscrewed the bottle cap, tilting it carefully so the water slid along her tongue and into her throat. With each swallow, the movement in her neck grew steadier, and she gradually began to recover.
But her expression soon twisted in discomfort as she clutched her right calf. She was cramping. With her eyes, she pleaded for Luo Di’s help.
Without hesitation, Luo Di grabbed the sole of her shoe and applied firm, deliberate pressure to the bottom of her foot. To him, this was the most effective method for dealing with a cramp.
The symptoms subsided gradually, and the monitor finally caught her breath.
“Phew… I wanted to push the limits of my body’s synergy with this outfit, and I nearly pushed myself to the grave,” she remarked wryly.
“So, this is the investigator’s simplified combat gear?”
Luo Di finally had a chance to examine the outfit up close.
At first glance, it resembled a typical form-fitting sports suit. But upon closer inspection, he could see intricate strand-like lines across the fabric, resembling muscle fibers.
“Exactly. This thing can’t be bought with money. My body barely qualifies to wear it—just putting it on is challenging. I spent the past ten days at home undergoing pressure training to prepare for today’s exam.
Without that, I probably wouldn’t have made it past the 100-meter mark.”
“What functions does it have?”
“Muscle assistance and neural support, working in tandem with your body.
The stronger your body, the more the outfit enhances its capabilities. And in turn, the gear supports your body, helping you reach your so-called ‘limits.’
I won’t use it for the upcoming Strength Test; I’ll save it for the final combat assessment.
Honestly, the Investigation Bureau is pretty stingy—they should’ve issued you one too.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Luo Di remained unfazed. The enhancements to his Zombie Blade were already enough to satisfy him.
From nearby, Gao Yuxuan called out, “Are you two done talking yet? Come over and drink some vitamin supplements, then head to the Strength Test area early.”
“Relax, Gao~ Let me rest a bit longer.”
“If you’re so tired, Luo Di could just carry you over. Drinking the supplement will speed up your recovery. That outfit of yours is harsh on the body.”
Before the monitor could respond, Luo Di crouched down beside her.
In his opinion, Gao’s suggestion was valid, and the monitor indeed needed assistance.
Effortlessly, he carried her on his back and walked toward the gymnasium, under the watchful eyes of teachers and students across the field.
Strength Test
Inside the gymnasium, rows of punching machines with moving targets made the test format clear.
The task required students to deliver ten punches within twenty seconds, hitting randomly shifting targets. Scores were calculated based on the power and accuracy of each punch (kicks could also be used as substitutes).
This test evaluated not just strength but also explosive power, precision, and endurance.
There were no weight or gender categories for this test. After all, in the post-graduation world, students would likely face Impersonators, who didn’t differentiate based on physical build or gender.
This was also why slim figures were nearly nonexistent at the school. The gaunt appearance of Mr. Guo, the invigilator from earlier, was a rare anomaly.
Though the monitor’s frame seemed slender, her toned, perfectly defined legs reflected countless hours of rigorous training.
Still reclining on a chair, she requested to go last in the Strength Test to give herself more recovery time.
Turning her head, she teased, “Luo Di, you seem to be in great form today. Your running performance was impressive. Think you can take first in strength this time?”
“Unlikely,” Luo Di replied calmly.
“Because of
him
?”
Following her gaze, Luo Di spotted a towering student nearly 2.1 meters tall, with muscles far beyond what was typical for a high schooler. His massive frame occupied three seats, and he was rapidly swallowing various pills.
[Class 10, Senior Year – Cheng Hao]
Ranked first in the grade for overall physical fitness, his position had been unchallenged since the semester began.
Sensing their attention, Cheng Hao turned to look at them, his expression mature enough to resemble a man in his thirties. He nodded briefly at Luo Di before returning to his supplements.
The Strength Test eventually reached Class 5, and Luo Di stepped up.
The intense focus of the moment brought out his habitual tongue-click. With the sharp
click
, he instinctively launched his first punch.
Something had changed.
Perhaps it was the combat experience over winter break, the slight transformation from his zombification, or something else entirely.
Luo Di felt that, while his raw strength hadn’t increased significantly, his body’s coordination had improved dramatically. He could feel every muscle working in perfect harmony—something he had struggled to achieve before.
As he continued to punch, his focus shifted from his arm to his spine, noticing subtle changes in his body.
“Is this the effect of practical experience?” he wondered.
In just fifteen seconds, Luo Di delivered nine precise and powerful punches, each hitting the target perfectly.
With five seconds remaining, he stepped back slightly.
Using the elastic tension of his waist and abdomen, he arched his body backward, setting up for the final punch. This wasn’t a jab but a wide, sweeping Russian-style hook.
His clenched fist felt like gripping an invisible blade, and in his mind, the punching machine transformed into a shadowy Impersonator, its form merging with the Spider Woman from that stormy night.
Consumed by focus—or perhaps by a haunting memory—Luo Di suddenly recalled the Hell Sigil in his mind.
Boom!
A thunderous noise echoed through the gymnasium as his punch bent the metal frame supporting the moving target. The punching machine’s safety mechanisms triggered, halting its operation entirely.
Luo Di exhaled deeply, regaining his composure.
As Luo Di quietly returned to his resting spot, the sharp gazes from all around the gymnasium followed him. Sitting down, he inadvertently startled both the class monitor and Gao Yuxuan.
The veins in his crimson eyes, reminiscent of the Investigation Bureau’s dossier images, radiated a palpable aura of killing intent.
“Crimson Veins Through the Eyes… Luo Di, are you okay?” the monitor asked with genuine concern.
Her voice pulled Luo Di back to his senses, and the web of blood vessels quickly receded from his eyes.
“I’m fine,” he replied curtly.
The monitor patted his shoulder lightly, her fingers gently kneading the tense muscles there. “That last punch was insane! No drugs, no gear—you might actually have a shot at first place in the grade this time.”
“Maybe,” Luo Di said, his tone nonchalant.
The Strength Test continued.
Gao Yuxuan, who had evidently trained in martial arts, utilized his middle knuckle to deliver precise strikes. Thanks to the intense competition within Class 5, particularly his daily push-up sessions with Luo Di, he achieved a personal best this time.
As for the class monitor, while she didn’t activate her gear’s features, her performance was still outstanding.
Out of ten hits, only three were punches. The remaining seven were flawless kicks, executed with effortless precision. Those legs, capable of setting sprinting records, unleashed a series of powerful and technically complex kicks that made up for any gap in upper body strength.
In terms of pure showmanship, the monitor’s performance was unmatched. Not only did she draw the admiration of many male students, but groups of female students were also huddled together, chattering excitedly about her performance.
When she returned, Gao Yuxuan gave her a thumbs-up. “If your body could sustain prolonged use of that investigator outfit, you’d probably be able to aim for first place too.”
“I’m satisfied just making it through the 100-meter sprint,” she said, reclining in the chair. “I only hope my body holds out for the final Combat Test.”
The tests for other classes continued, and a sudden
boom
echoed through the gym.
One of the punching machines was struck so forcefully that it nearly broke free from its base. The metal frame was bent even more severely than when Luo Di’s punch had landed.
The culprit was none other than Cheng Hao, the grade’s top-ranked athlete.
“This guy’s talent is just monstrous,” the monitor said in a low voice. “His bone structure, muscle mass, and drug tolerance are maxed out. Even by First High School’s standards, he’d be considered a beast.”
“Are there stronger ones in First High School?” Luo Di asked, his curiosity piqued—a rare occurrence.
“There are,” she nodded. “Stronger than you’d imagine. Resources are distributed differently there. Some of those people even tweak their innate talents. Still… you’re by far the most interesting one, Luo Di.”
At this, Gao Yuxuan, sensing a shift in atmosphere, subtly slid away to put some distance between himself and the conversation.
With the Strength Test concluded, it was time for the most dynamic portion of the evaluation: the Combat Test.
This test granted students the most freedom, often referred to as a "practical examination."
While it couldn’t involve anomaly-related scenarios like those in Simulated Practice, the combatants would face off against… their PE teachers.
At any school, PE teachers were regarded as invaluable assets.
Most were alumni who had excelled in the field, worked for years in "dirty jobs" at various organizations, and in rare cases, completed internships at the Investigation Bureau. Due to insufficient ability or injuries, they eventually left the field and transitioned into teaching roles.
These teachers were highly valued, receiving the highest subsidies and elevated status. Aside from their role as educators, they formed the core combat force of the Campus Security Department, tasked with immediate response to emergencies on school grounds.
The Combat Test would pit groups of five students against one teacher, with scores based on the actual combat performance.
The monitor was placed in a group with four other students from the same class, while Luo Di and Gao Yuxuan were grouped together.
Their opponent? Their class teacher and PE instructor: Ruan Zhijun.
Ruan Zhijun was a middle-aged man who almost always wore military camouflage. His buzz-cut hair and bronze-toned skin gave him an imposing appearance. Not a native, Ruan Zhijun had been sent over as part of an immigration program from Huaxia Nation, earning his Level 1 teaching certification two years ago. He held a prestigious reputation throughout No. 4 High School.
One notable feature of the Combat Test was its lax equipment rules.
While the use of drugs and combat gear was unrestricted, the test also permitted melee weapons. Unlike drugs or external gear, using weapons didn’t result in score deductions. Both the school and society at large encouraged students to master weaponry as an effective tool for countering Impersonators.
Of course, the PE teachers would also use weapons.
Ruan Zhijun stepped into the combat zone, wielding a blunt training blade, his military boots thudding against the floor with each step. The faint smile on his face conveyed the message:
Don’t expect to go easy on me.
Luo Di stretched briefly and looked toward Gao Yuxuan. “Are you ready?”
Gao adjusted his gloves and replied with a nervous grin, “As ready as I’ll ever be. Just don’t get too wild, okay?”
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