The next morning, Zhenhua Academy woke under a pale, overcast sky. The usual hum of student chatter was present, but Yu Er noticed an undercurrent—a quiet tension that seemed to ripple just beneath the surface.
He found Feng Shi waiting near the school gate, glasses perched perfectly on his nose, arms crossed casually. When Feng Shi saw Yu Er, his expression brightened—warm and inviting, the picture of the perfect student.
"Morning, Yu Er," Feng Shi said smoothly. "Glad you made it."
They walked together toward the main hall, Feng Shi explaining school customs and teachers with practiced ease. His voice was soft, almost too calm, as if every word was measured and controlled.
Yet, every now and then, when their eyes met, Yu Er caught a flicker—a shadow beneath those carefully polished glasses. A sudden sharpness in Feng Shi's gaze. The cold edge that vanished the moment he smiled again.
Later that afternoon, Yu Er spotted Feng Shi in the library, alone. This time, the glasses were gone. His dark eyes looked piercing and unreadable, the handsome face sharper, almost intimidating.
A different Feng Shi. The one few saw.
Yu Er's curiosity grew. What game was Feng Shi playing?
As Yu Er settled into his seat in 3-B, whispers floated through the room—cryptic and quick. Names mentioned quietly: "Black Ring," "games," "risks." No one spoke openly, but the fear was there.
Then, during lunch, a folded card slid silently across the table where Yu Er sat alone. The words inside were simple but chilling:
"Welcome to the real game."
Yu Er folded the card carefully. The stakes were rising.
Outside, dark clouds gathered as the sun dipped low. The school seemed to hold its breath, waiting.
And Yu Er was ready to play.