Chapter 65: From Smiles To Screams

Back at the college...

One after another, all seven periods came to an end. Every teacher who entered the classroom was surprised to see the new Leon Bale.

One of them even intentionally asked a difficult question, clearly hoping to embarrass him.

To everyone’s surprise, Leon answered it perfectly. Even Leon himself was caught off guard. He felt as if he could remember every detail he had ever seen or heard.

After classes ended, Leon and Henry headed toward the home together.

"Leon, man, that was awesome!" Henry exclaimed. "You should’ve seen Miss Lowe’s face when you answered that question. It turned completely black."

"I just got lucky."

"Lucky?" Henry looked at him like he had gone insane. "What kind of luck transforms a guy from your old self into... this?"

He pointed dramatically at Leon. "I can’t wait to find out what else you’re hiding. And while we’re at it, why don’t you rub some of that luck onto me too?"

Leon rolled his eyes. "Stop talking nonsense and let’s go. Don’t you need to prepare for the finals?"

"Yeah, I do." Henry nodded. "But before that, a celebration is mandatory. We need to celebrate your awakening." He threw an arm around Leon’s shoulder.

"Come on. Let’s go to KFC. You’re paying for both of us."

"No." Leon immediately refused. "I don’t have a single coin on me right now."

"Then I’ll lend you the money." Henry waved his hand generously. "When you become rich from raiding dungeons, you can pay me back double."

"Some other day." Leon dismissed the idea and started walking toward his home.

Unfortunately for him, Henry grabbed his arm. "No way, Leon." He began dragging Leon away. "I am not letting you off the hook without a feast today."

"Okay, okay." Leon surrendered. "I’m coming. Relax."

The two headed toward a nearby restaurant.

Since it was the closest one to the college, many students often came there after classes.

When they entered, Leon immediately noticed several familiar faces from school. Even some of their classmates were present.

The two soon found a table beside the window and sat down. While settling in their seats, Henry suddenly noticed something and chuckled.

"Bro."

"What?"

"You probably didn’t notice, but Cecilia kept stealing glances at you throughout the entire day."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "So?"

Henry grinned. "She’s here too. And she just looked at you again."

"Don’t be dramatic." Leon shook his head. "You remember how she rejected my confession, right?"

"That was in the past." Henry leaned forward.

"Besides, even a mirror wouldn’t believe your current self and your old self are the same person."

Leon laughed. "You’re exaggerating." He glanced toward the table, where a group of girls were seated before looking back at Henry. "She’s already dating Nick. You remember that, don’t you?"

"Still..."

"Just order the food and stop gossiping." Leon cut him off.

Henry raised both hands in surrender. "Alright, alright." He quickly called over a waiter and started ordering.

A lot.

A ridiculous amount.

Leon stared at him. The longer the order became, the darker his expression grew. "I have to pay double for all of that later?"

"Of course." Henry nodded seriously. Then he grinned. "You don’t think I’m trying to scam you, do you?"

"Absolutely."

Henry immediately looked offended. "Me? Scam my best friend?" He placed a hand over his chest. "I would never do such a thing."

Leon snorted. "Sure."

Before long, the food arrived.

Chicken fries. French fries. Sauteed mushrooms. And several other dishes. The table was soon packed with food. Henry’s eyes lit up. He immediately grabbed a large piece of fried chicken and raised it toward his mouth.

But, suddenly...

BOOM!

The entire restaurant shook violently.

Dust and small pieces of debris rained from the ceiling. The windows rattled. Several customers screamed.

The piece of chicken slipped from Henry’s hand and fell back onto the plate. Leon instinctively turned toward the window. His pupils contracted.

A gate had appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the road. Monsters were pouring out of it.

They possessed humanoid bodies, but their hands ended in razor-sharp claws instead of fingers. Their heads resembled those of wolves, complete with bloodshot eyes and rows of jagged fangs.

"It’s a D-Class Gate, Leon!" Henry stammered, his face turning pale. "We need to run. Right now!"

He shot up from his chair and grabbed Leon’s arm, pulling him toward the restaurant’s back door.

Several other customers had the same idea and rushed in the same direction.

But before anyone could reach the exit...

Bang!

The back door exploded inward. One half of it was sent flying across the room. Smoke and splinters filled the air.

Then a figure emerged from the dust.

A wolf-headed monster. The same creatures that were slaughtering people outside.

The beast lunged forward and grabbed a woman who was about to flee.

She screamed as she was lifted into the air. The monster pulled her closer.

And then...

MUNCH!

Its jaws snapped shut. A chunk of her head vanished between its teeth. Blood splattered across the floor.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Someone shrieked in terror.

The restaurant erupted into chaos. Some screamed in fear. Others froze where they stood. Many simply ran. Everyone immediately changed direction and rushed toward the front entrance.

Meanwhile, another wolf-headed beast entered through the destroyed back door.

A small boy remained seated near one of the tables. For some reason, his parents were nowhere to be seen.

The beast’s eyes locked onto him.

Step.

Step.

Step.

It slowly approached the child.

Thick saliva dripped from its fangs onto the floor.

The boy sat frozen in fear.

The beast raised its claw.

Just as it was about to tear into him...

A hand suddenly grabbed its wrist. Firm. Unmovable.

The monster blinked. Before it could react, its arm twisted violently to the side.

Crack!

The sound of breaking bones echoed through the restaurant.

Then...

Bam!

A loud explosion rang out. The wolf-headed monster was sent flying out through the destroyed doorway like a cannonball.

Its body crashed into the street outside.

Silence briefly swept through the restaurant.

Everyone stared at the young man standing in front of the child.

It was Leon.

His gaze slowly shifted toward the first wolf-headed beast.