Wood Style And Sharingan

"Oh my god... Are the tailed beasts actually on the list?!"

Smith could hardly believe his eyes as he stared at the updated lottery wheel spinning in front of him.

There, clearly labeled in shining golden letters, were names like Eight-Tails, Nine-Tails, and even the Outer Path Demon Statue.

It was beyond absurd.

"Are they serious right now?" he muttered to himself.

Getting one of those summoning beasts would mean an immediate leap in power. A single tailed beast could level cities. Even the basic form of the Nine-Tailed Fox would place someone well into the fifth level of psychic power. If he managed to draw it, Smith might as well start walking sideways—nobody would dare to stop him.

"Come on, tailed beast, tailed beast…" he whispered, clasping his hands together like he was praying to the system gods.

The digital wheel began spinning rapidly with a "da-da-da" rhythm. The flickering lights blurred together as the rewards cycled through.

Then, with a faint click, the wheel stopped.

A burst of golden light exploded from the center, and large shimmering letters slowly appeared in front of him:

Mangekyō Sharingan (Basic Version)!

Smith's heart leapt. "Let's gooooo!"

While it wasn't a tailed beast, he was more than satisfied. In fact, every option on the list had been overpowered. Just getting anything from that tier was a massive win.

[Mangekyō Sharingan (Basic): No special pupil powers included. Greatly enhances insight, copying ability, and illusion strength. However, spiritual energy consumption is doubled.]

Even without the signature eye techniques like Amaterasu or Tsukuyomi, the basic Mangekyō was still an enormous step up from the standard Sharingan. The boost in visual prowess, perception, and genjutsu was massive.

"If I had this during the sewer mission," Smith thought, "maybe I could've broken through the illusion protections in Mingyue's mind..."

Just the thought sent a chill through him.

He leaned back and let the excitement settle. For now, he was satisfied.

---

Meanwhile, Yun Ming had one final task to complete before returning to Huaihai College. He needed to drop Lan Feng back at Xiahai College.

Once there, Yun Ming met with Dean Chen, the bald and sharp-eyed administrator of the city's defenses.

Yun Ming explained the results of the investigation in a calm and concise tone, emphasizing that the beast tide had, in fact, been deliberately incited by members of the Burning Fire Clan. However, he left out one crucial detail.

He did not mention that the real targets were Smith and Yan Yue.

Lan Feng knew the truth but followed Yun Ming's lead, keeping silent for now. The two agreed it was more effective to paint the Burning Fire Clan as a shared threat, not just a specific enemy of Huaihai College.

"The Burning Fire Clan…" Dean Chen repeated grimly. "They sound like a group of fanatics. If they're capable of manipulating a beast tide, we cannot afford to take them lightly."

Yun Ming nodded. "Exactly. Unfortunately, their leader remains in the shadows. We couldn't extract any information on his whereabouts."

"We understand. Thank you for your cooperation. Once we repair the defensive wall, we'll monitor the Burning Fire Clan closely. Any group that can cooperate with monsters is not to be underestimated."

"That's all the information we could gather. We'll return now and report back," Yun Ming said politely. "Thank you for your support."

"No problem. Lan Feng, please see them off."

"Yes, sir!" Lan Feng replied with a salute.

---

Outside the city, Lan Feng accompanied Smith, Yan Yue, and the others to the main gate. He smiled as he waved goodbye.

"Take care, everyone. If you ever get a chance, you're welcome in Xiahai City anytime."

"Thank you, Teacher Lan Feng!" Yan Yue waved back cheerfully.

With farewells said, the group boarded the wooden transport cart and began the journey back to Huaihai City.

This time, the four members of the Executive Department joined Smith and Yan Yue in the same cart. What was once a spacious ride for two now felt cramped with seven people inside.

Three sat on each of the long wooden benches, facing each other. Smith and Yan Yue were squeezed onto the left side, shoulders brushing.

The wooden cart rumbled forward, powered by a demon core. No one spoke.

A heavy silence loomed in the air, made more oppressive by the masked presence of the Executive Department members. Their cold, unreadable demeanor and the lingering scent of blood created an invisible pressure.

Smith sat rigidly, trying not to breathe too loudly. The quiet tension was overwhelming.

Then, to his relief, Hong Feng—who was sitting next to him—suddenly stood up.

She walked toward the front of the cart and said to Yun Ming, "Boss, you drive way too slow. I'm taking over."

"This is sixty miles an hour, young lady. That's the limit for a first-level demon core," Yun Ming replied with a helpless smile.

"Then switch to a second-level core!"

"Are you giving me one?"

"Sure, just hand me the wheel!"

Without hesitation, Hong Feng tossed a second-level demon core into the energy slot and grabbed the steering wheel.

The moment the new core was activated, the cart accelerated like a jet, doubling its speed to 120 miles per hour.

"This is how you drive!" Hong Feng laughed joyfully, the wind rushing past her hair.

"Yes, yes, Miss Hong Feng. Your driving is truly unmatched," Yun Ming joked from beside her.

Back in the rear cabin, Smith and Yan Yue breathed a little easier now that one of the intimidating masked figures had moved away.

---

The journey from Xiahai to Huaihai took about a day and a night, even at full speed. It had been a grueling day of missions, combat, and interrogation. Everyone in the rear of the cart eventually dozed off, lulled by the motion.

Smith leaned against the wooden wall, half-asleep.

Suddenly, he felt a weight press down gently on his shoulder.

Startled, he opened his eyes—and found Yan Yue's head resting on him, fast asleep.

His breath caught.

So close. Her peaceful face was right there, inches away.

He hesitated, then smiled softly.

A faint, flowery scent floated from her hair. It was gentle and calming, like spring breeze through a garden.

Unable to resist, Smith slowly reached up and pinched her cheek.

So soft.

So smooth.

He couldn't help but pinch it again, this time a little more mischievously.

"Mm…"

Yan Yue stirred slightly, mumbling in her sleep, and nuzzled closer like a kitten. Smith nearly panicked and yanked his hand away just in time.

Thankfully, she didn't wake up.

Chuckling silently to himself, Smith leaned back and closed his eyes, slowly drifting into sleep with a peaceful expression.

---

By the time dawn arrived, the cart had already neared the gates of Huaihai College—several hours earlier than expected.

"Comrades, we're here!" Hong Feng announced gleefully, her voice carrying through the crisp morning air.

The others slowly woke up.

Yan Yue blinked her eyes open and realized something strange.

She was lying on Smith's lap.

Her cheeks turned bright red in an instant.

She quickly sat up, flustered, and avoided eye contact.

Smith yawned and stretched his arms. "Morning."

"M-Morning…" she mumbled back, still avoiding his gaze.

They exited the cart together with the others. Yun Ming clapped his hands to gather everyone's attention.

"This mission was a success. Well done. Get some rest. I'll notify you when the next task arrives."

"Finally, I get to sleep in a bed again," Smith groaned, stretching and hearing his back crack with a satisfying pop. "My whole body is sore."

The Executive Department members dispersed quietly, leaving Smith and Yan Yue alone at the school gates.

Their homes lay in different directions, so they would part ways here.

"See you tomorrow," Yan Yue said with a smile, raising her hand.

Smith smiled back. "Yeah, see you."

The two waved goodbye and walked off in opposite directions, the morning sun casting long shadows behind them.

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