Among all the departments, the Medical Academy was generally regarded as the safest and most harmless.
Students there had practically begun clinical rotations the moment they enrolled. Every day, they treated patients, learned to repair medical equipment, or lugged around prosthetic limbs—often startling people along the way.
But what people often overlooked was that med students were the most adept at using poison.
And worse—there was almost no way to guard against it.
They also wielded scalpels with expert precision. Striking a vital point with surgical accuracy? Hardly a challenge.
Chi Zhan glanced at the bag slung over Cen Chi’s shoulder. Most students’ bags were stuffed to the brim, as if they were trying to cram their entire lives into them. But Cen Chi’s pack looked relatively light.
Chi Zhan hesitated. He knew Cen Chi was a top-tier student in the Medical Division, and his strength was nothing to scoff at. Though he usually carried himself with quiet elegance, who knew when he might unleash some unexpected move?
Chi Zhan had considered striking up an alliance with him, but then reminded himself—this wasn’t a game of camaraderie.
Like someone had said before, the key to winning here wasn’t unity, but shamelessness. Even if you managed to form a temporary alliance, how long would it really last?
If possible, it was best not to run into him at all.
And if they did cross paths…
He’d have to fight with everything he had.
Suddenly, Cen Chi stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them as his eyes swept over Chi Zhan with careful scrutiny.
“Did you remove the disinfection patch?”
Chi Zhan blinked. “Yeah.”
The patch that had been stuck to the back of his neck—pink and conspicuous—was now gone, the skin beneath smooth and pale once more. It seemed the recovery chamber had done its job well.
“Here, take these.” Cen Chi seemed to produce a few more disinfection patches out of thin air, handing them over like a magician. “In case of emergencies.”
“No need. Thanks,” Chi Zhan declined immediately. There was no way he could accept another favor from Cen Chi—not to mention, he was a Beta. These kinds of patches were usually reserved for Omegas.
But Cen Chi didn’t give him a chance to refuse. He lifted a hand and tucked the patches directly into the front pocket of Chi Zhan’s combat uniform. His tone was gentle, almost indulgent.
“Better safe than sorry. If you get injured out there, sterilization’s essential.”
The movement was intimate. There was a subtle, unspoken tension in the way his fingers brushed the fabric—almost flirtatious.
Chi Zhan was instantly reminded of what had happened that morning. He couldn’t help wondering: was Cen Chi doing this on purpose?
But his demeanor was far too natural, as if it were no more than a thoughtful gesture between roommates—as if this level of concern were completely ordinary.
Even Chi Zhan found himself second-guessing.
Tao Ran had mentioned before that Cen Chi might be pursuing him, but this didn’t feel like any normal kind of courtship. Besides, the two of them had only spoken a few extra words yesterday. Maybe he was just overthinking things?
Chi Zhan had no experience with being pursued. He could only rely on gut instinct.
Just then, a sudden commotion snapped him out of his thoughts.
He turned—and froze in surprise.
The Crown Prince had arrived beside one of the starships.
Unlike yesterday, the Crown Prince was dressed in the same black combat uniform as the rest of them. The uniform alone was enough to make anyone look sharp and commanding—but on him, it was overwhelming.
He looked like a living blade—gleaming, cold, and impossible to look at directly. His presence pierced through the crowd, stabbing straight into everyone’s hearts.
“We’re honored to have the Crown Prince join us for this exercise,” the instructor announced, his voice booming across the port. “He’ll serve as a hidden adversary in the simulation. He carries a special tag—anyone who manages to capture it will not only pass the exam instantly, but also earn a direct appointment as the Prince’s secretary.”
The words hit like a tidal wave, causing an instant uproar.
“The Central Matching System will randomly select participants for each group,” the instructor continued, tone shifting to something more solemn. “This time, selection isn’t based on data—but on actual strength. To encounter the Crown Prince is a blessing. But if you can’t beat him, he’ll take your tag. If you know you can’t win, it’s wiser to stay out of his way.”
The Crown Prince’s deep voice cut through the noise like thunder:
“Cadets, you are the future of the Empire. Today’s exercise is no child’s play. The battlefield will be hundreds of times more brutal than this. But I believe—none of you will back down.”
“Yes!” one student shouted, emboldened. “We won’t back down!”
“Never back down!”
“Fight to the very end!”
Like wildfire, the chant spread, voices rising one after another. From just a few rousing words, the Crown Prince had lit a fire in their hearts. Blood boiled, and the air crackled with resolve.
“Now announcing team assignments. Group A: Du Li…”
One by one, the students stepped forward. The instructor inspected their bags, removing any items not permitted in the exercise.
“No food or water allowed? Not even flashlights? Are we supposed to rub sticks together like cavemen?”
“Forget that! They’re not even letting us bring weapons—not even hidden ones or potions. Are we supposed to fight barehanded?!”
“They’re letting the Mecha students keep their gear?! That’s so unfair! Is it too late for me to go buy a mecha?”
Tao Ran looked like he was about to cry. He’d packed a whole bag of snacks.
“Group G: Fang Ming, Yu Xuan, Chi Zhan…”
Chi Zhan stepped forward and opened his pack for inspection. Just then, he felt a gaze fall on him.
The Crown Prince was looking at him.
A strange, inexplicable tension gripped Chi Zhan’s chest. But the Prince only glanced at him briefly before turning away, as if he didn’t recognize him at all.
Chi Zhan hoisted his bag and boarded the starship.
Zhou Yanxing spoke casually, “I’ll take this one.”
“Your Highness, we’ve prepared a dedicated vessel for you—”
“No need. It might be fun to experience student life for once,” Zhou Yanxing said with a small smile. “Besides, who knows where we’ll land—that’s part of the thrill.”
The Crown Prince had always been unpredictable.
Since each ship held only ten students, they were using compact starcrafts. Each row seated three. By the time Chi Zhan boarded, the first three rows were already full. He took the window seat in the last row, intending to study the route.
He felt someone sit beside him.
Chi Zhan turned his head, curious—then froze.
For a moment, he was completely stunned.
After a long pause, he managed to speak.
“…Your Highness.”
