Apocalypse: I Can See the HP Bar, Killing Monsters Drops Loot

But after such a long period of testing, the Lan Yulian had proven that dark attribute attacks not only failed to grant any bonus against these plants but seemed to somewhat weaken them. It might be related to these mutated plants always staying within the dark fog; although they were of the wood attribute, they had developed a certain resistance to the dark attribute.

Ice attribute attacks on these mutated plants were also not very effective—the damage had not been reduced, but it hadn't increased either.

Only fire attribute attacks boosted damage!

Lan Yulian had three bracelets in her possession: the [Dark Night Bracelet], the [Frost Bracelet], and the [Flame Bracelet].

However, tests had shown that only one bracelet could be worn on a wrist; if she wore more than one, the extra bracelets would not be effective.

Therefore, Lan Yulian could only wear two bracelets, one ice attribute and one fire attribute. She returned the Dark Night Bracelet to Wang Tao.

The dark attribute attack of the Dark Night Bracelet wasn't useful for Wang Tao because he had previously tested and found that this type of dark attribute attack couldn't carry a curse effect. To use a curse, he still needed to expend awakening energy.

But an increase of 20 in dark attribute attack power should be pretty good...

"Fine."

Wang Tao put on the Dark Night Bracelet on his wrist; he could naturally wear only two bracelets as well. He wore the Dark Night Bracelet on one wrist, leaving the other wrist empty for the moment until he needed to put on the Flowing Bracelet.

After putting it on, Wang Tao didn't feel much different; after all, when hunting ordinary monsters, having a bracelet and dark attributes meant instant kills.

They were already almost back to the Stone Forest, where the nearby areas had been cleared, and naturally, they couldn't find any Lords to experiment on; they would have to test later.

When they arrived back at the Stone Forest, it was already evening. Of course, in this space, it was always dark, without day or night, so they could only check the time through their informational wristwatches.

"The Principal is back!"

As Wang Tao's signature crystal energy car approached, it instantly attracted a lot of the students' attention.

They didn't dare to come over and disturb him, but their gazes towards Wang Tao were fervent; after all, the three awakeners Wang Tao just "created" were about to wake up.

Wang Tao smiled and nodded at the crowd before returning to his tent.

Today, these students and teachers hadn't gone out much, given that three students were about to awaken; they didn't allow for any accidents to happen.

"Everything's alright?"

Wang Tao saw the three people lying quietly in the tent, their HP bars free of accidents, but he still asked subconsciously.

"Principal Wang, rest assured, there are no issues!"

Pan Jian hurriedly responded.

"Mm."

Wang Tao nodded.

At this time, Pan Jian took the initiative to ask:

"Principal Wang, after they wake up, are we going to explore the second layer?"

Hearing this, Wang Tao looked at him with some speechless amusement.

"Director Pan, aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself?"

"Cough cough, well, I was thinking, with our power suddenly boosted… maybe we can broaden the students' horizons?"

Pan Jian scratched his head, not denying it. They didn't have many awakeners in total, and now they suddenly had three more—that surely meant a significant increase in power!

He knew there were fifth-order mutant plant Lords on the second layer, but hadn't Wang Tao said that he had already explored the area near the entrance, which was safe?

As long as they didn't engage in battle with the mutant plants, and since the plants couldn't leave their own areas, wouldn't it be safe to explore the second layer a bit?

Mainly, Pan Jian was thinking that it was rare to see fifth-order creatures; since most mutant plants couldn't move, maybe they could take the students to get some experience. Including himself, he was also curious to see.

Wang Tao shook his head directly at Pan Jian's idea.

"Forget about the second layer for now, because there's a kind of mysterious strength suppression on the second layer. If you go, your combat abilities would be halved at the very least."

"Ah? That's terrifying!"

Pan Jian was startled.

If it was already dangerous and their strength was suppressed, then how could they manage? Some mutant plants could move within a certain range, and if they encountered one, that could be troublesome.

"Moreover, I've already fully explored the second underground layer. It's very small inside, currently devoid of mutant plants—there may be some in the future, but definitely none now, so even if you went, there wouldn't be anything to see."

Wang Tao explained.

He had killed all the mutant plants, cutting down the grass without uprooting it. Wang Tao thought that, since these were rooted plants, could it be possible for them to regrow? Thus, he planned to conduct an experiment; if they could truly regrow, then that would be excellent...

"Ah? You've already fully explored it?"

Pan Jian was even more bewildered.

Weren't all the creatures on the second layer at fifth order? Did this mean that all the fifth-order creatures inside had been killed by Wang Tao?

Hisss—How terrifying!

Pan Jian didn't doubt Wang Tao's words, there was no reason for Wang Tao to lie to him.

He wasn't sure exactly how many Level 5 Lords there were in the second layer, he estimated not many, and their strength probably wasn't too formidable, especially since he still thought Wang Tao was Level 4... But even so, Wang Tao's combat power was frightening enough.

However, he also picked up on another issue.

"You just mentioned the second layer isn't large?"

Wang Tao nodded and said,

"Yes, compared to this first layer, the second layer is much smaller. But it seems there is a place that can be crossed over. For safety's sake, I didn't try it. I speculate there are other second layers, and other places might have passages into different second layers. Keep an eye out for this, if you see any passages leading downward, do not go down rashly, inform me immediately..."

"Yes!"

Pan Jian replied immediately.

But Wang Tao suddenly changed the subject,

"However, in about four or five days, I'll take you to this second layer."

"Uh?"

Pan Jian was somewhat surprised, hadn't Wang Tao just said there was nothing left in the second layer? What was the point of going down there?

"Because I've planted two trees in the second layer. When the time comes, I'll let the students see it too, consider it an expansion of their horizons."

Wang Tao said with a smile.

"Planting trees!"

Pan Jian was a bit dumbfounded, what could grow without sunlight?

But seeing that Wang Tao didn't elaborate, he didn't ask further, knowing he would find out in a few days.

...

After Wang Tao and his group returned and had a meal, they rested for a bit. Then people gradually started to arrive outside the tent. As the crowd grew, each person looked towards the tent with excitement and anticipation. They all remembered the time.

"They should be waking up now!"

Pan Jian was also very excited, as these were the first Awakeners of the Awakeners School!

"It's time for them to wake up."

Wang Tao said with a smile.

As he finished speaking, someone opened their eyes, followed almost simultaneously by the second and third person.

These three were still a bit dazed or somewhat in disbelief.

"Congratulations on your successful Awakening."

Wang Tao initiated.

"I've awakened?!"

"Ah! I've awakened!"

"..."

Only then did the three react, following their excitement, they promptly saluted Wang Tao with great respect.

"Thank you, Principal!"

Even though they had awakened, and perhaps had the qualifications to be on par with the principal in terms of level, they would not forget who had given them the opportunity to awaken, so their gaze towards Wang Tao was like they were looking at their own reborn parents.

"Alright, go out and meet everyone."

Wang Tao said, smiling cheerfully.

The three had awakened System abilities. While System abilities were relatively common among awakenings, common didn't mean they were worthless. On the contrary, most ordinary people are suited to System awakenings, after all, it means an all-around physical enhancement! Forget combat ability for a moment; at least the capability to preserve one's life is good. In an apocalyptic environment, the ability to preserve life is more important than combat.

"Yes!"

The three walked out excitedly.

Wang Tao was about to head out when his informational wristwatch suddenly lit up.

"Hm? Cheng Yiyi? How can she contact me? Has she arrived?"

Seeing the caller ID, Wang Tao was a little surprised.

He immediately picked up.

"Wang Tao, we've discovered the second layer! Do you want to come over?"