Zhao Zicheng and the others watched everything unfold in bewilderment almost the entire time.
They struggled to adjust to the tense pace.
They did not even know what they should be doing.
"What are you standing around for!"
"From now on, you'll be the only ones left in Ink Academy."
"Can you hold this gate?"
Xu Yuanqing approached, his face unusually cold.
They silently exchanged glances without speaking.
"Anyone at Fourth Awakening or above will be held up by others. Even if someone does make it to the academy gates, they'll be at Third Awakening at most."
"You can't hold them off?"
"Then you can all drop out, instead of disgracing Ink Academy."
With that, he turned and left without another word.
"We can."
Zhao Zicheng suddenly spoke, his voice somewhat hoarse, a Demon Core still clenched in his hand.
"Good."
"Even if every last one of you dies fighting, Ink Academy's gates must not fall."
"There are noncombat students in the academy too. They... are very important."
"More important than our lives."
Turning back to glance into the depths of Ink Academy, Xu Yuanqing took a step forward and floated into the air. He rummaged through his pajama pocket, found a Medal, and carefully pinned it to his chest.
The Ink Academy Medal.
"Whether I get promoted, earn a bonus, and start another business all comes down to today..."
Murmuring to himself, Xu Yuanqing reached the top of Jiangcheng's city wall in just a few steps and stood with his hands behind his back.
From this highest point, he looked down over the entire city.
"Effective immediately, the city is under lockdown!"
"All residents, return to your homes, close your doors, and lock them."
"In ten minutes, anyone on the streets will be killed without mercy!"
His voice rang