Ch 32: Opening a Survival School Before the Zombie Outbreak

For the Nth time that day, Zhao Yunxiao said, “That works too??”

He stared in disbelief as Team 1111 used their own teammate as bait, luring a fourth zombie into falling from a great height.

There were only five minutes left before the exam ended. They probably would not have time to kill a fifth one.

But after nightfall, this level of efficiency already counted as remarkable. Most students were still trembling cautiously, guarding against zombies that might emerge from the darkness at any moment.

Simply surviving was already an achievement, let alone discovering a safe and effective killing method in such a short time.

It had to be said, even seasoned teachers who had seen plenty of things were still occasionally stunned by the students’ unconventional tactics.

“You teach them that move?” Zhao Yunxiao asked, turning to Bai Tang.

Bai Tang shook her head.

“Then was it you?” Zhao Yunxiao looked at Hao Zhenye next.

Hao Zhenye answered only with a look that clearly said, Do you really think so?

Zhao Yunxiao: “……”

Fair enough. Someone as straightforward as Brother Hao would never come up with something like that.

If anything, it felt more like the principal’s style.

But he did not dare ask her directly.

……

With three minutes remaining, Fu Qing stood up, preparing to return to the auditorium.

Someone called out behind her. “Principal.”

She turned at the sound. It was Liu Yingchun, Grandma Liu.

Perhaps knowing today was special, she had dressed carefully to cheer the students on.

She was wearing a new outfit, one Fu Qing had bought.

Online shopping was allowed on campus, but the teachers had no cash income. So whenever Fu Qing bought daily necessities for herself, she also purchased items for the others and transferred each of them some living expenses so they could buy what they wanted.

She might not have been able to hand out large amounts of points, but small sums of cash were not a burden for her.

The teachers had little material desire anyway. Their lives revolved around dormitory, classroom, and cafeteria. A few basic outfits were enough, and most meals were handled by the dining hall, keeping expenses low.

When they did shop online, it was usually for books or regional specialties from their hometowns.

The only exception was Grandma Liu, who did not know how to shop online and relied on younger staff to place orders for her.

“What is it?” Fu Qing asked.

Grandma Liu smiled. “Oh, I was just curious. That full-immersion simulation you used today, how many teaching points does it cost?”

There was no reason to hide it, so Fu Qing answered directly. “One hundred teaching points for three hours.”

“So expensive?” Grandma Liu was startled. Calculating silently, she realized her monthly salary was only two points. It would take fifty months to afford one.

One exam had cost more than two years of her wages.

She muttered as she did the math. Fu Qing understood and guessed she might think it wasteful.

Fu Qing had lost her elders early, and her parents were no longer around. It had been a long time since she had heard this kind of gentle nagging. She did not feel annoyed, only explained calmly, “These are necessary expenses. They need to adapt to a real zombie outbreak environment.”

“That’s true.” Grandma Liu gazed at the projection, where blue light points still struggled to flee or hid motionless in corners. She sighed softly. “I just feel sorry for the children.”

“If it were my granddaughter… I wouldn’t bear to let her go through this.”

Compared to the first exam, this one was already far less brutal. The students were mentally prepared and had a month of training behind them, but this was still only their second time facing a zombie horde.

Many were still infected or surrounded and killed during combat.

Fu Qing had not asked the system to lower the simulated pain level. Every attack and injury felt real. When the exam ended, physical wounds would vanish, but psychological scars would remain.

Like Qin Yufei, whose exam lasted only one hour, yet who would need far longer afterward to process the pain, guilt, and fear.

Outside their classmates, no one could truly share that experience with them, not even close friends or family from before.

Among the teachers present, only Liu Yingchun and Hao Zhenye were old enough to understand parental feelings. Hao Zhenye, however, seemed never to have married, so the only one who truly empathized with parents’ hearts was Grandma Liu.

Fu Qing fell silent at her words.

She knew that after this exam, some students might gain new psychological scars. The evaluation she had painstakingly raised might drop again, and the thousand-point reward might remain far out of reach.

But she could not allow them to lose their fear of death.

Only by facing it could they overcome it.

She was still thinking about how to respond when Grandma Liu spoke again first.

“But she was a good child.” Grandma Liu sounded faintly proud. “If she had the chance, she would work just as hard.”

From the context, “she” referred to Grandma Liu’s granddaughter.

According to what had happened in the previous life, that granddaughter was likely already gone.

Fu Qing did not know what to say, so she listened quietly as Grandma Liu continued.

“I know they’re all good kids. That’s why they’re trying so hard.”

“If their parents could see them now, they’d be just as proud as I am.”

When she said “as I am,” Grandma Liu paused slightly, stumbling over her words before finishing the sentence.

But Fu Qing felt certain that, if she had heard correctly, Grandma Liu had originally meant to say:

“as we are.”

Just like all the teachers in the room.

Fu Qing fell silent for a moment, her gaze drifting toward the projection.

The exam was nearing its end.

Some students who had obtained safety harnesses hung suspended in midair, swaying gently, covering their mouths in fear that even slightly heavier breathing might attract nearby zombies.

Some had accidentally discovered weapon packs and drawn blades against classmates who had turned into zombies. Watching someone they knew collapse by their own hand, their arms trembled violently, nearly unable to hold onto their weapons.

Others were discovered at the very last moment. After scrambling desperately to escape, they were still seized by the collar from behind. Translated on Hololo novels. Facing the gaping mouth lunging toward them, after a flash of pure terror, they began pushing against the zombie’s shoulders with all their strength, even trying to gouge its eyes with bare hands, clumsily attacking weak points exactly as their teachers had taught them.

They were not as fearless as they had seemed before the exam began. Faced with countless zombies hidden in the darkness, they were still frightened enough to nearly cry.

Watching classmates they saw every day fall before their eyes still filled them with loneliness and panic.

But unlike the entrance assessment, this time no one broke down, and no one screamed.

Fu Qing withdrew her gaze and gave a quiet acknowledgment.

“Mm.”

……

“Bzzzz—”

The familiar sound echoed once more across the campus.

Those still entangled with zombies, those running for their lives, those hiding in dark corners, those suspended in the night wind…

At that moment, no matter what they were doing, everyone simultaneously lifted their heads toward the loudspeakers scattered across the campus.

The voice was the same female voice, roughened by poor audio quality, calm and nearly emotionless, unsettling to anyone unfamiliar with it.

But this time, they all knew whose voice it was.

Their principal’s.

And in that moment, no one could give them a stronger sense of safety than she could.

“Congratulations to the remaining 1,412 survivors. You will each receive five survival points.”

“I hereby announce that the first monthly assessment has concluded.”

At the same time, Fu Qing received a system notification.

[Assessment complete. Click to view report.]

The previous simulation exam had also generated a report, presented as statistical charts.

Survival time, number of kills, overall physical performance during escape, peak sprint speed… every category had been analyzed in meticulous detail.

It even summarized which terrains caused the most deaths and ranked the most common causes of death.

No matter how capable Fu Qing was, she could not precisely grasp the abilities of over two thousand students on her own. At times like this, she relied on the system’s “advanced intelligence.”

She opened the report and discovered a new feature after the second assessment: comparison with the previous report.

Judging solely by survival numbers, 1,412 survivors compared to the previous 1,347 did not appear to be a dramatic improvement. But the charts revealed a clear difference.

Considering that this exam’s difficulty had increased significantly, having 1,412 survivors already spoke volumes. Especially when watching the projection, it was obvious that the number of standout students had grown. For Fu Qing, the activity shown by Song Rushuang and others counted as an unexpected delight.

Still, she carefully reviewed all the data.

The charts showed overall physical improvement among the students.

Endurance had risen sharply. Months of sedentary studying during senior year, followed by a summer spent gaming or on phones after college entrance exams, had drained their fitness, but a month of training had restored it.

Attack effectiveness against zombies increased. Agility improved. Strength improved. All of this allowed them to escape more effectively or fight back.

Average survival time had risen as well. Aside from those unlucky enough to spawn directly into zombie groups, sudden early deaths had become rare. However, once night fell and zombies gained the advantage, fatalities surged dramatically.

Another major cause of death occurred near backpacks containing weapons or harnesses.

The conspicuous “resource point” design had been entirely intentional.

The floating icons were deliberately made eye-catching to draw students closer.

Harnesses and weapons greatly increased survival chances, making them irresistibly attractive in a survival-based exam. As large numbers of students gathered at these resource points, zombies, instinctively drawn to living humans, were gradually pulled there as well.

In the end, places that symbolized hope became symbols of death.

One hour into the exam, most resources had already been taken. The remaining unchecked locations were extremely dangerous. Clear-headed students avoided them immediately, but others were lured in like insects flying into a carnivorous plant’s sweet trap, eventually becoming wandering zombies circling those backpacks themselves.

Students who thought more deeply analyzed the risks at the start and deliberately abandoned resource competition, avoiding conflict zones and extending their survival time.

Instead, they searched the campus for tools and crafted their own weapons, freeing themselves from the limitations imposed by scarce resources.

Everything Fu Qing designed was meant to simulate a real apocalypse.

Only, in a true apocalypse, backpacks would contain more than weapons. They might hold food, fuel, or medicine.

In this monthly assessment, Fu Qing had introduced two new variables absent from the entrance exam.

Nightfall.

A change in the environment.

And the competition for resources.

The students’ responses did not disappoint her. More weaknesses were exposed, yet she also saw more hope.

Even before reaching the final summary section of the report, Fu Qing already had a clear sense of the outcome.

【Completed: Main Quest “Ability Assessment · Phase One”】

【Requirement: Within 30 days of enrollment, at least 800 students must reach an overall evaluation of Grade B or above. (Completed)】

【Reward obtained: Emergency Shelter Capsule ×1】

The completion notification appeared. The shelter capsule was secured.

Fu Qing was not surprised by the result. She let out a relieved breath. Before she could close the panel, another line of text slowly appeared.

【Hidden Requirement Triggered: At least 50 students reach an overall evaluation of Grade A or above. (Completed)】

【Reward obtained: 300 Teaching Points】

Fu Qing’s first reaction: as expected, main quests really do give the best rewards.

Her second reaction: could previous main quests also have had hidden objectives that simply never triggered because she failed to meet them?

Unfortunately, there was no longer any way to know.

The hidden condition triggering meant this monthly exam’s results had exceeded the system’s expectations.

Intrigued, Fu Qing tapped open the summary.

Before entering the page, the system displayed the grading standards for overall evaluation:

SSS: A true all-round combatant. Capable of solo survival or leading teams in battle. The peak of humanity. Almost nothing can kill you.

SS: Exceptionally outstanding in certain areas with no obvious weaknesses. Capable of surviving alone for extremely long periods.

S: Possesses a developed intellect and clear decision-making ability. Able to combine knowledge with judgment. Qualified to lead a group.

A: Possesses basic survival knowledge and skills, excellent physical fitness, and the ability to handle risks and unexpected situations.

B: Physical condition slightly above average. As long as you run faster than others, someone else will be eaten instead.

C: An insignificant ordinary person with no ability to handle danger.

In the previous assessment, 87% of students had been rated C. Considering that most people in the world were untrained civilians, that proportion was not exaggerated.

But this time, 1,211 students had advanced to Grade B, accounting for 51% of the total. There were even 54 students at Grade A, making up 2.3%. Less than half remained at Grade C, and even within that grade there were noticeable differences.

Perhaps after one more assessment, everyone could advance.

The result was genuinely encouraging. No wonder the system had rewarded her so generously.

The electronic voice carried unmistakable excitement:

【You truly did not disappoint me. In just one month, the students’ physical condition has undergone a dramatic transformation. Such outstanding teaching results, worthy of the host I selected!】

Even though it had chosen her only because she survived until the end…

Fu Qing’s mouth twitched slightly, but she did not comment.

She accepted the rewards, closed the panel, and walked toward the auditorium. The moment she pushed open the doors, noise washed over her.

Unlike the entrance assessment, anxiety was no longer written across the students’ faces, nor was there fear of the unknown. After finding roommates and friends, they sat together in small groups, animatedly discussing the exam that had just ended.

It felt almost like students comparing answers after a school exam.

Anyone who had lived through that time would feel a surge of nostalgia.

One student covered half his face and asked his roommate, “Before I turned into a zombie, did you slap me? My head’s still buzzing.”

The roommate avoided eye contact. “No way. You must remember wrong.”

“It was just one bag of chips! Revenge is prohibited!”

Elsewhere, students chattered excitedly about new tricks they had discovered.

“I realized strong smells can mask your scent! Zombies’ sensitive noses stop working.”

“So that’s why I found you rolling around in the compost pit?”

“……”

“Ugh…” His nearby classmates covered their noses and hurried away.

Another student beat his chest dramatically, nearly in tears. “I passed the experimental field earlier. Which idiot ran through my plot and trampled my seedlings? I finally grew them! They were still babies!”

“Don’t be too sad. Everything resets after the exam.”

“But what if the trauma ruins their childhood and they never grow again? My cousin said lab bacteria can get like that! I don’t want to fail the class, wuwuwu…”

The hall buzzed with noise, completely different from the heavy atmosphere after the entrance assessment.

The moment Fu Qing stepped onto the stage, silence fell.

There was nothing special she intended to say. After a moment’s thought, she simply said, “I’ve sent out your results. Check them yourselves.”

Students: “???”

“Why does that sentence sound so familiar?”

“My DNA just reacted.”

“Oh no… it feels like the principal’s about to say ‘you’re the worst class I’ve ever taught.’”

As that final remark echoed, every student’s wristband chimed simultaneously. Their latest report cards had arrived.

The auditorium grew temporarily silent as everyone checked their scores, making the earlier whisper sound far louder than intended.

What does it feel like to get caught whispering?

The hall became utterly quiet. No one dared breathe too loudly. The boy who had spoken wished he could disappear on the spot.

Then, unexpectedly, the principal looked directly in his direction.

“No,” Fu Qing said, flipping open the notebook in her hand. “You performed well.”

She gave it a small shake.

“At least so far, you are the best class I’ve ever taught.”

The principal never indulged in sentimental speeches. For her to say something this gentle was already rare.

The students exchanged glances. Someone let out a small laugh. Others quietly smiled, hands cupping their cheeks, unable to hide their happiness.

Even after Fu Qing stepped down from the stage, a subtle warmth lingered in the auditorium.

Only after a long while did someone suddenly come to a realization.

“Wait… if I remember correctly… aren’t we her only class ever?”

“…??”

₊˚.🎧📓✩