Monster Course

The class returned together.

The homeroom teacher was already in the classroom early.

"This year, we won’t be holding an opening ceremony because there’s a lot to do… I’m sure you’re all familiar with the matter of the rifts and monsters," the teacher continued.

"Starting this semester, the academy has arranged specialized monster courses. These will teach you how to deal with monsters, identify their types, and even combat techniques."

"The world has changed drastically. The academy hopes everyone can gain an extra layer of self-defense."

After the teacher finished speaking, the students exchanged glances but didn’t say much. After all, they’d already received word during summer break that the academy would be adding monster courses for all departments.

"Monster… courses?" Ye Chuan propped his chin on his hand. Though he knew about this, he couldn’t help feeling a bit bored.

The monsters in the real world were too weak, and most large-scale rifts had already been cleared out by military rocket strikes from various countries.

But since rifts appeared unpredictably, learning about monsters seemed like a necessary precaution for ordinary people.

When a rift truly appeared before you, every bit of knowledge could mean an extra chance of survival.

The first class immediately began with an introduction to monsters and current rift intelligence.

Luo Xi diligently took notes in her notebook. Ye Chuan initially wanted to remind her—given Luo Xi’s strength and skill, dealing with those monsters would be effortless—but seeing how focused she was, he held back.

Ye Yue sat obediently in her seat like a good student, though her gaze occasionally drifted toward Ye Chuan.

Or rather, the corner of her eye never really left him.

"Alright, that covers the basics. Now, it’s time for everyone to personally experience what it’s like to face a monster." After explaining the fundamentals, the teacher’s announcement sent a ripple of shock through the class.

"This is an attack, this is a defense, this is a dodge.

Alright, here’s your opponent—the Valkyrie Malenia."

The class collectively blinked in confusion.

Wait, they were all ordinary people here, not super-warriors. How were they supposed to fight monsters after just one lecture?

"I know what you’re all worried about. This encounter is based on immersive holographic simulation—there’s no real danger," the teacher clarified.

"Those with health conditions, especially heart problems, report now. You can opt out."

"Holographic simulation?" The class calmed down a bit at that.

"Even if it were real, I wouldn’t be scared. Facing monsters? Easy-peasy."

"Jiahao, stop showing off."

"Hahaha."

Soon, the class lined up outside the classroom and was led to a special activity room.

The room was spacious, filled with dozens of projection pods. All they had to do was step inside.

"Alright, enter in order of your student numbers," the teacher instructed.

One by one, the students stepped into the pods.

"……" Ye Chuan watched from a distance as footage played on a nearby screen.

The monster was a demon wolf. Most students were wiped out within seconds of entering.

A few who knew about the demon wolf didn’t run but picked up weapons to fight—only to be swiftly defeated anyway.

"Holy crap, this feels so real?!"

"If I ran into this in real life, I’d be dead."

"Damn, that’s terrifying."

The students who emerged from the pods looked pale. Though there was no pain, the sight of the monster pouncing and tearing into them left a deep psychological impact.

It was like watching horror game streamers—seeing ghosts on screen wasn’t scary, but playing alone at midnight? Suddenly, facing the supernatural felt impossible.

"My turn." Ye Chuan glanced over.

"Go, Chuan!" Luo Xi cheered, raising a tiny fist.

"Go, big brother!" Ye Yue mimicked her.

Ye Yue seemed to have forgotten she wasn’t supposed to be in the same grade as Ye Chuan.

At that moment, the entire class’s attention was on Ye Chuan. After all, his heroic actions during the last rift incident had left an indelible impression.

That was also when everyone learned that super-warriors actually existed in the world.

"Ye Chuan should be able to handle this, right?"

"I think so…"

"Don’t get your hopes up. Holographic projections don’t let you use your real strength."

"True, it’s just like playing a game."

Ignoring the chatter, Ye Chuan lay down in the pod with mild interest.

The adventure world had holographic adventures too, but compared to this, they still fell short of the system’s capabilities.

…

[Select difficulty: [1] Default]

[Warning: Students unable to handle intense visuals should immediately notify the teacher to terminate the experience.]

Two pop-ups appeared.

Ye Chuan’s eyes flickered slightly, and the surroundings began to shift.

He found himself in a pure white space.

A two-meter-tall demon wolf materialized before him.

Ye Chuan scanned it, attempting to teleport—only to realize he couldn’t.

This was no different from a game. The character wasn’t the real Ye Chuan; he was merely controlling an avatar.

"Grrr—" The demon wolf locked onto him, its steel-like fur and vicious glare radiating terrifying realism.

"Pretty lifelike," Ye Chuan remarked, unfazed.

He picked up a sword from the available weapons.

After countless battles, facing such a low-level monster barely registered.

Unlike his classmates, who waited for the monster to strike, Ye Chuan stepped forward and charged straight at the wolf!

The demon wolf lunged like a battering ram.

Even in a virtual body, Ye Chuan’s perception wasn’t dulled. Under his focused gaze, the wolf’s movements slowed, every action telegraphed.

Ye Chuan deftly sidestepped, spun, and drove his sword into the wolf’s eye—then twisted sharply.

A howl of pain echoed as the blade pierced its brain.

The monster collapsed, twitched a few times, and fell still.

"Too slow," Ye Chuan said.

[Successfully defeated the demon wolf. Recording score—]

[Congratulations! Rank: 1]

Ye Chuan tapped the pop-up and exited the simulation.

Removing the helmet, he found his classmates and teacher staring in stunned silence.

After all, his movements had been ruthlessly efficient—

Turn. Thrust. No hesitation.