“That’s impossible,” Lina said resolutely. “From what I know, the Archon has very high standards, and he doesn’t like the Marine Race.”
“But I saw it with my own eyes...”
“Regardless of who she mates with, that’s her business; it’s not important. But I cannot tolerate a traitor.” At this, Lina turned her cold, scrutinizing gaze back toward Liuxiang. “Why are you telling me all this?”
Liuxiang recounted the recent events to Lina. Lina sneered. “This is why I’ve never understood why you Marine types insist on monogamy. All this drama, and for what? Just because you’re obsessed with staying with the same person for a lifetime? Utterly tedious. Though you, Liuxiang—you truly are my hater of many years. Your way of thinking is starting to suit my tastes.”
“I... I didn’t...” Liuxiang’s face flushed crimson.
“Fine, I won’t hold the past against you. I should actually thank you for bringing me this news. If Fan Li isn’t on my side, then she is an enemy that must be eliminated. The top spot in our year must be mine. Anyone with a divided heart must die,” Lina said, gritting her teeth.
“When do we go after her?” The Fierce Princess asked, rubbing her hands together.
“We can’t go after her first. Xing Hai is always by her side now, and he’s quite popular among the Predator Race. We’ll deal with the people around her first, then reel Xing Hai back in.”
“It will be difficult,” Liuxiang shook her head. “Xing Hai likes Fan Li far too much. He likes her so much he didn’t even mind being cuckolded by her.”
“Oh, Xiangxiang, why are you using that ‘Bait’ mindset to judge the Predators again?” The Genius Goddess of Love propped up her chin, her long lashes fluttering as she blinked. “Sharks are naturally polygamous; there’s no such thing as being ‘cuckolded.’ It’s been a long time since I’ve stolen someone else’s boyfriend. Leave Xing Hai to me.”
On the night of the Holy Sabbath, the darkness was deep and the lights flickered fitfully. Feisi swam alone through the narrow alleyway leading to the school dorms after her shift, her heart heavy with ups and downs.
Clutching the newly earned coins in her hand, she thought of going back to cook something delicious for Lansi, and a weary smile touched her lips. But before the smile could linger, she froze in place as if she had seen something terrifying.
This alleyway was always deserted at night, the lighting dim or sometimes non-existent. Though she was frightened, it was the only path back to school; she had no other choice.
Suddenly, a gurgling sound echoed. A dark green bottle rolled out from nowhere, coming to a stop beneath Feisi’s tail. Due to the movement of the water, the glass bottle reflected several distorted silhouettes standing not far ahead, waiting for her.
“Yo! Isn’t this our department’s Salmonid bestie? What are you doing here so late?” A sinister voice suddenly rang out from behind Feisi.
Her heart leaped in terror. Weren’t these people blocking her from the front? How was there someone behind her too?!
Just as she was caught in a dilemma, a flash of light streaked past. A piercing, bone-chilling pain suddenly erupted from her forehead. She was pinned to the ground, and blood began to pour from the wound, instantly staining the seawater crimson before being drawn into her gills.
“Ah, this scent...” The Predator student’s voice was horrifying, sounding exactly like a vampire catching the scent of blood.
Feisi pressed her palms against the ground, feeling broken glass shards among the rough pebbles. She must have been injured by a bottle thrown by them just now.
A burst of mocking laughter erupted. Feisi was terrified, hoping only that they would leave quickly after they finished laughing. But in the next second, she was grabbed by the collar and forcibly hoisted from the ground, while her backpack was snatched away with a sharp tug.
Under the dim light, she saw that the person was wearing the same school uniform as her. Looking down, the only difference was the golden pearl ornament on his tail fin. Feisi vaguely remembered him being part of Kemo’s gang.
“Let me see what’s in the genius girl’s bestie’s bag. Oh my, so hardworking—nothing but books... Tsk, tsk.” The leading Predator said as he rummaged through her bag. “You like hanging out with Fan Li, don’t you? Right? Right?”
With every “Right?”, Feisi was struck across the face.
The lead boy shook the books out like they were trash, muttering foul insults. He swam up to Feisi and reached out, gripping her chin tightly, the force so great it felt as if he might crush her bones.
“I’m telling you, if you keep staying so close to Fan Li, you’ll be receiving our ‘care’ quite often from now on!” With that, the boy let go.
Feisi’s chin throbbed with pain, but it wasn’t over. In the dim light, one of Lina’s lackeys suddenly stepped forward and delivered a sharp slap to Feisi’s face, grabbing and mussing her hair in the process.
The other wealthy delinquents standing around them burst into laughter.
Feisi still had some strength left to struggle, but the moment the thought crossed her mind, her hair was violently yanked back. She was forced to lift her head.
Her face was now covered in blood, her left cheek swollen and red from the pain. Upon closer inspection, there were even tears shimmering in the corners of her eyes.
“Did you hear us?! If you keep grouping up with Fan Li in school, we’ll kill you!”
The boy tore Feisi’s books into fragments, throwing them into her face along with the current. She tried to flee in disgrace, but another person swam behind her, using a powerful tail to strike her heavily in the abdomen. She pitched forward, her knees slamming into the pebbled path, and the resulting blood stained the water once more.
Another figure stepped out from somewhere, grabbed Feisi’s hair, and slammed her head against the brick wall. Feisi felt a wave of dizziness, sensing even more blood gushing out.
The lead boy crouched down and lightly patted Feisi’s cheek. “Do you realize you’ve chosen the wrong friend now? Do you know what you should really be doing?”
“I... what did I even do...” Feisi’s weak voice trembled. But they gave her no chance to explain, beginning to rain punches and tail-strikes upon her.
Feisi tried to escape several times but failed. Her head felt heavy, and her vision went dark. She felt as if the oxygen in her lungs had been sucked away, leaving her unable to speak another word. She drifted into semi-consciousness, remembering only the flickering dim lights at the end of the alley, like the faint life signals in the sunless depths of the sea.
***
The next morning, Fan Li encountered Liuxiang at the school gates. She swam over and said, “Liuxiang, about what happened before... I feel like I handled things very poorly.”
“What?” Liuxiang turned back, startled.
“I’ve been so focused on my studies lately that I didn’t consider your feelings. You went through a breakup, and I should have spent more time helping you move on instead of just criticizing you. Sigh, I really am a terrible friend.”
Liuxiang never imagined that Fan Li would come to apologize to her. In this moment, her remaining conscience struggled against her hatred. She wanted to scream at Fan Li, to ask why she always sided with Feisi. They were the original friends; if Fan Li hadn’t always been so biased toward Feisi, they wouldn’t have reached this point. She also wanted to smile slightly and say, “It’s fine, I don’t mind,” and then continue helping Lina destroy them...
But she no longer had a choice.
Because Lansi swam over and gave Liuxiang a shove. “You shameless woman, get lost!”
“You pushed me?!” Liuxiang snapped.
“A lackey like you has the nerve to go whispering to Lina, getting Feisi beaten so badly she can’t even come to school. You should know that no one in our circle welcomes you anymore! Get lost! Don’t force me to lay a hand on a woman!”
“What happened?” Fan Li looked at the shocked and angry Liuxiang, then at the furious Lansi. “Feisi was beaten?”
“I don’t know what Liuxiang told Lina about you, but Lina’s gone crazy. She called a bunch of people to beat Feisi yesterday, just like they did to Dangdang.” Lansi rolled up his sleeves, making a move as if to strike Liuxiang. “Liuxiang, I know you’re the one who caused this. Are you going to get lost or not?!”
“Heh, it’s just the price that village girl pays for her big mouth.” With that, Liuxiang fled in a flash.
Lansi was so angry he wanted to chase her down and punch her, but he clenched his fists and held back.
Fan Li stayed and talked with Lansi for a while, but all he knew was what Feisi had told him. They could only agree to visit Feisi at the dorms after school.
Since class started at eight, Fan Li had to bid him a hurried farewell.
Once in the classroom, she felt the atmosphere around her was strange. Among the students who usually liked to talk to her, only those from other schools remained active; the students from her own school had gone silent and were unwilling to sit with her.
After class, Fan Li learned from Dangdang that the news of the “Academic Goddess offending Kemo’s gang and the Black Coral Goddess Gang” had already spread like wildfire. It was only then that Fan Li belatedly realized Dangdang had been continuously bullied by Lina; the bruises on her face hadn’t even healed. Yet, Dangdang was the same as ever, not showing a hint of fear. She slammed the table and glared in the cafeteria, cursing Kemo and Lina for being shameless. Fan Li was so startled she quickly applied a Soundproofing Spell.
Reviewing the recent events, Fan Li felt weary. She had put too much focus on the advancement exams lately and hadn't the energy to mediate the long-simmering conflict between Feisi and Liuxiang, leading to Liuxiang’s total explosion and her complete break from their original friend group.
Beyond her frustration at Liuxiang’s lack of integrity, Fan Li felt a deep sense of hurt. Dangdang and Liuxiang were the friends she had met on her very first day. Dangdang was in the Music Department and wouldn't be going to St. Yegana. Thus, after they advanced, Liuxiang would likely have been her longest-standing companion. To have things fall apart like this—on top of the external threat from Lina—felt like a piece of her heart was being carved out.
After class, Fan Li went to report the situation to the Dean again, but the Dean said that if the violence occurred off-campus, she could only call the police.
Calling the police was something she truly didn't dare to do again.
She sat alone at the stairwell, contemplating Liuxiang’s betrayal for nearly an hour.
The root of Liuxiang’s actions was naturally her conflict with Feisi. At first glance, it seemed like a clash of values between sisters, but thinking deeper, it wasn't just that. Liuxiang had been bullied by the Black Coral Goddess Gang back at the affiliated middle school, yet instead of trying to avoid Lina, she was obsessed with studying her and went around telling everyone about Lina’s “glorious deeds.” During this time, her conversations with Fan Li had also unintentionally revealed her envy of the Orca Race.
Liuxiang was actually a Predator-minded thinker born in a Marine body. She wanted to become Lina.
In human society, where genetic differences aren't so vast, Liuxiang could have worked her way into Lina’s circle and become part of the "Queen" group. But in this world, she couldn't turn into a Predator, so her ambitious nature had been suppressed and twisted. She, Fan Li, and Feisi were forced into the same social stratum simply because they were all Marine Race. But Liuxiang’s life goals and way of thinking were almost the exact opposite of Feisi’s, which was why such a violent war had erupted.
Liuxiang’s betrayal was bound to happen sooner or later. It was better to know now that they weren't on the same path than to have it fall apart after many years.
But what about the consequences of Liuxiang’s meddling? Feisi and Dangdang had already been victimized, yet she had no way to stop such things from happening.
The three bottles of "Heart of the Styx" held by the Black Crocodile Union manager flickered in her mind again.
*If I become a Predator, would I be able to protect them...*
Fan Li shook her head, telling herself not to think nonsense. She wouldn't take that step unless it was a last resort.
***
After the elective course "Arcana and Economics" ended in the afternoon, students began preparing to head to their respective Arcane History seminar rooms. Kemo and his group intercepted Xing Hai near his classroom and pulled him into a corner of the corridor where they had agreed to meet Lina.
Kemo crossed his arms, his thick brows furrowed. “Xing Hai, you’re a bit too obsessed with Fan Li.”
“I don’t quite understand,” Xing Hai said with a smile.
“You’re so smart, how can you not understand?” Lina snapped, her eyes wide with anger. “Xing Hai, you know that our little group doesn't even have ordinary Predators; everyone has a title and status. Brother Kemo didn't mind that you’re a hybrid and invited you to join us for two reasons: one, because his father values your father’s military service and thinks you have potential; and two, because he himself likes you and thinks you’re a talent! And what are you doing? You’re being led around by the nose by a lower-tier Marine... You’re really disappointing Brother Kemo...”
Her overbearing manner made even Kemo frown. Kemo waved his hand and said, “Don’t. We don’t talk like that between brothers. Xing Hai, if you were just playing around with that Marine girl, like I predicted at the start, I wouldn't say a word. But the situation clearly isn't like that now. I heard you said in the gym that you wanted to marry her?”
“I do like Fan Li.”
“But Fan Li doesn't like you!” Lina raised her voice. “Do you know who Fan Li is being ambiguous with? You’re being used! Are you stupid?!”
Kemo nodded in agreement. “I’ll just say one thing: stay away from that girl. You can’t really follow in your father’s footsteps and give up your future and genetic optimization for a woman, can you? This Fan Li, aside from her grades, has nothing to offer. Seriously, take my advice and find someone else.”
“Thank you, Brother Kemo and Sister Lina.”
Seeing his softened attitude, hope sparked in Kemo’s eyes. “Xing Hai, think about why your father gave you this name. You have to live up to it, right? Look at the Archon—look at his background and what he’s become. He can even marry into the Sea God Race. Although an Ethereal Body can reproduce with any race, we all know that the power of the Lord of Aether and the Deep Blue aren't from the same source. An Ethereal Body is basically a Predator who knows fel magic. Don’t you think the Archon is the goal we should be striving for?”
“Brother Kemo definitely has the ability to pick up a girl from the Sea God lineage; I wouldn't dare dream that big.”
“Don’t give me that flattery. Let’s talk about you. You should start interacting with more Predator girls. I’ve already had Lina arrange several top-tier Orca girls for you. I’ll introduce you at the next party?”
“I’ll pass on the Orcas. After all, that involves the Multi-fetus War. I don’t have Brother Kemo’s boldness.”
The so-called Multi-fetus War referred to how an Orca carries about ten fetuses at once, and the fetuses will kill and consume their siblings in the womb, until only the strongest one is born.
Kemo nudged him with his elbow. “Hahaha, you kid! So little confidence? Come on, Brother Kemo will take you out for drinks and girls tonight to teach you how to get some confidence!”
“Oh, please, you immediately thought of the Multi-fetus War.” Lina laughed along. “Can we not jump straight to the end? Let’s first think about how to win the favor of an Orca girl. One step at a time. As long as they’re willing to store your sperm, the revolution is halfway won.”
“He’s just seen too few women, so he’s enchanted by a little Bait with decent grades. Honestly, women are only interesting when they’re a challenge. What’s the point of the Marine Race? They’re tasteless to eat and no loss to discard.”
“Don’t say that. Isn't Professor Bu Ke having a bit of a thing with Teacher Yin lately?”
“The Holy Spirit Sea God Race are all sissies. They either like boring Sea God girls or boring Marine girls. No matter how much of a playboy Bu Ke Ye Jia is rumored to be, he still likes a Snow White who’s easy to control, like Yin Bell.”
A lackey whispered, “Bu Ke Ye Jia isn't like that. He’s good at getting girls of any race; he’s just changed his flavor this time.”
Just then, Fan Li spotted Xing Hai from the stairwell. Her eyes lit up, and she swam over to call him, but as she got closer, she saw Lina looking back at her. Lina’s gaze was icy, a mocking smile on her lips. Kemo seemed to be in high spirits, laughing as he told a dirty joke to the boys beside him while patting Xing Hai’s shoulder.
Lina shrugged, pretending Fan Li wasn't there. “I only hope Professor Bu Ke doesn't end up like his grand-uncle, being pestered into marriage by a Bait woman.”
“Did you hear that, Xing Hai? We all think Bu Ke Ni was an idiot.” Kemo nudged Xing Hai with his arm.
“Yeah, I think you’re right,” Xing Hai said flatly. “Being pestered into marriage by a Marine girl you don’t like is pretty stupid.”
“You kid, you finally figured it out!” Kemo slapped him hard, nearly knocking him over. “You have no idea—when I heard you wanted to marry Fan Li, I was so shocked I ate twenty pounds of tuna just to calm down. It’s good that you’ve seen the light. Lina, go ahead and arrange those Orca girls for him tonight.”
Hearing this, Fan Li’s heart sank halfway.
She roughly understood Lina’s strategy. Because Lina knew Feisi was on her side, she used violence and threats. But since Xing Hai was half-Predator, he could still be brought into the fold, so they used enticement.
She told herself that Xing Hai wasn't wrong. If she were in his position, she might also be very afraid of offending Kemo and Lina...
But being afraid was one thing; she wouldn't listen to Lina.
She hadn't expected Xing Hai to be so easily persuaded. She had thought Xing Hai would be the last person to leave her. It turned out their bond was much more fragile than she had imagined.
Seeing Xing Hai turn around, she quickly hid behind the wall and swam rapidly toward her classroom.
She didn't blame Xing Hai. She couldn't hold others to her own standards. She hadn't agreed to be with him anyway; his choice to give up was his freedom. Besides, Kemo was planning to introduce Orca girls to him. To Xing Hai, her wretched egg-laying species naturally couldn't compare to a purebred Orca.
She wondered what Lina would do next after winning over Xing Hai. Probably use violence against her?
Now wasn't the time for sentimentality; she had to figure out how to counter Lina’s attacks...
***
At 6:15 PM, in the Arcane History seminar, Ye Jia asked everyone to begin preparing for their second team assignment. Compared to Arcane Studies, which was decided by a final exam, the team collaboration score in Arcane History was the most difficult part. This was because only 30% of the total grade for the course was individual, while the group score accounted for 70%. The group score was determined by a combination of a group presentation, a group paper, and daily classroom performance. Each group usually consisted of three to five students, formed freely by students who wanted to work together.
Arcane History had always been a subject Fan Li excelled in. In the last team paper, her and Xing Hai’s scores accounted for 87% of their five-person group’s total. So, this time, she wanted to organize the same group of students.
“Alright, everyone can start finding your teammates now.” Ye Jia propped his hands on the lectern and gave everyone a slight smile. “Once you’ve chosen your teammates, go sit with them.”
Clearly, the students were all afraid of being left out and had prepared long ago. Less than thirty seconds after Ye Jia’s announcement, the fifteen people had quickly split into five groups, with the numbers being: 3, 4, 3, 4, and 1.
The one extra person was Fan Li. She saw that the Fierce Princess and Liuxiang were in a group of four, so she avoided that group first and went to ask Xing Hai’s group. Xing Hai’s group leader said, “Sorry, we only plan on having a three-person group.”
Then she went to ask another group of four, and the leader said, “We have too many people; go ask those three.”
She asked the other group of three, and the leader simply shook his head and turned away without a word.
Now, only the Fierce Princess and Liuxiang’s group remained. Steeling herself and holding onto a final sliver of hope, she swam over and called out, “Liuxiang.” Liuxiang lowered her head, pretending not to see her, her gaze drifting.
The Fierce Princess crossed her arms, looking at Fan Li with a triumphant expression. “Liuxiang isn't the leader; I am. May I ask what you want?”
“Is your group still taking people?”
The Fierce Princess stretched, flicking her black tail fin before saying slowly, “Of course not.”
It was the expected result, but Fan Li had done her best. She swam up to Ye Jia and said softly, “Professor Bu Ke, I can’t find a group.”
“What is going on with you all? Aren't there groups that aren't full? Why won't you take Fan Li?” Ye Jia scanned the room. “Her grades are so good; you don’t want a teammate who’s basically a free score?”
The class was silent. Aside from the Fierce Princess, who looked radiant, everyone else’s eyes were shifty. Xing Hai whispered a few words to his group leader, but the leader closed his eyes and shook his head. Xing Hai frowned, ignored him, and raised his hand. “Our group only has three people. Come to our group.”
To everyone’s surprise, the leader said flatly, “We don’t want extra people. Three is enough.”
Forget about being a good student; usually, when someone was without a group, any group that wasn't full would actively offer to take them in, so Ye Jia also found it strange. But the academy had a rule that no group could be forced to accept a student. He said helplessly to Fan Li, “You’ll have to figure this out yourself and get them to compromise. A group must have at least two people; an individual cannot receive a group score. If you don’t find a group, you’ll essentially fail this course.”
Being isolated by the entire class without having done anything made Fan Li feel stifled, but she wasn't too surprised. After all, the person she had offended was Lina.
“If I fail, I fail. Thank you for the help, Professor Bu Ke.” She sighed, returned to her seat to pack her things, and prepared to leave.
Though Ye Jia was young, he had been pampered and was used to getting his way. Seeing Fan Li’s thin figure huddled in the corner of the classroom while the rest of the students remained so uncooperative, his temper flared. “I, for one, dislike students playing clique games. You all had better reconsider, unless you want me to be excessively strict with you...”
At that moment, Xing Hai looked back at his leader. “Leader, are you sure you won't take Fan Li?”
“Positive.”
“Then I’m leaving the group.”
Xing Hai didn't give her another look, standing up without hesitation and sitting down beside Fan Li. “Professor Bu Ke, Fan Li and I are a group.”
“Xing Hai!” The Fierce Princess stood up, leaning on the table, her eyes nearly spitting fire in her fury.
“That makes it two groups of two. It’s not that two people can’t do it, but the workload will be very heavy. This assignment isn't like the last one; there’s a presentation and a major paper,” Ye Jia said, looking at Xing Hai’s previous group. “Are you sure you don’t want a group of four?”
The two people in the other group looked at each other, and the leader said urgently, “Xing Hai, come back! Didn't we agree on a group of three?”
Fan Li also whispered, “Don’t. Don’t be in a group with me. I don’t want to drag you down.”
In the corner, the Fierce Princess glared at them fiercely. The communicator in her hand flashed with a purple light; on the other end was Lina’s long silence.
“Anyone in a group with me is a drag; it doesn't matter.” Xing Hai propped up his chin, his eyes not even moving, returning to his usual look of indifference toward everything. “Being with you is the only way I can have it a bit easier.”
Fan Li was stunned. “But the workload...”
“It doesn't matter.”
“But...” Fan Li used a Soundproofing Spell, her expression grave. “Feisi was also beaten by Lina’s people today. I don’t know what they’re planning. Why don’t you wait until I’ve talked to Lina before...”
“No need to ask. Lina is possessed now; she won't listen to anything you say.”
“But...”
“Stop with the ‘buts.’” Xing Hai deactivated the Soundproofing Spell. “If you really don’t want to drag me down, then pull yourself together and show them what you’re made of. I told you, I won't let anyone bully you. I will protect you.”
“But before class, didn't you say being pestered into marriage by a Marine girl was stupid...”
“Lili, you’re focusing on the noun ‘Marine girl.’ Pay attention to the modifier. I said ‘one you don’t like.’” Xing Hai gazed at her without a hint of hesitation. “You don’t fall into that category.”
***4.3 Mini-Theater***
Ye Jia: “Why are you flirting in my class? Don’t you know your teacher is a single dog?”
Xi Tian: “? Have you ever lacked for women?”
***
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