The Deadly Trap of Remnant Dream

Tang San opened his eyes and saw Shrek Academy.

The academy gates hung crooked, and rubble littered the training ground. More than half the dormitory had collapsed. Black smoke rose from the cafeteria, and an acrid smell of burning lingered in the air.

Xiao Wu lay before him.

A short black spear was lodged in her chest, blood running down her clothes. Dai Mubai, Oscar, and the others lay sprawled around her. Even Flender slumped against a wall, one lens of his glasses shattered.

"Brother..."

Xiao Wu reached toward him, her voice barely audible.

Tang San rushed over. The moment his fingers touched hers, an aged hand settled on his shoulder from behind.

"Do you see?"

Shi Nian's voice sounded beside his ear.

"Canghui Academy lost to you once in the arena, and you hounded us ever since. They die today. Tomorrow, it'll be your turn."

Tang San did not turn. He gathered Xiao Wu into his arms. Her body was cold, her face frighteningly pale, but her eyes remained fixed on him.

Shi Nian chuckled.

"Does it hurt?"

"If you'd surrendered sooner, they could have lived a few more days."

Tang San bowed his head, his shoulders trembling slightly.

Shi Nian circled in front of him. Seven Spirit Rings floated among the ruins. The last, a black ring, shone brightest as gray-white mist surged in from every direction and poured into Tang San's nose and mouth.

Tang San tried to release his Spiritual Power, but the instant his consciousness left his body, the gray mist forced it back. Remnant Dream cut off his senses from the outside world. He could not hear the wind in the alley or sense the wisp of Mist left on the hem of his clothes.

The scene around him changed.

Xiao Wu vanished from