As expected, the moment the system notification sounded, all the Alphas around turned their gaze toward Li Po, their expressions filled with doubt, mockery, and sarcasm. Most of them just seemed eager for some entertainment.

“An E-Class? Could it be…”

“Just look at the rank, who else could be E-Class besides that Omega?”

“Whoa, he’s even wearing a white shirt. So pure and tempting… But how did he get tangled up with that Alpha? A B-Class against an E-Class—won’t he just get beaten to a pulp?”

“You just got internet access in your village? This is a long story, but anyway, quit your wild thoughts and mind your own business.”

“But that Omega looks so… well-behaved…”

“Fine, then why don’t you go fight for him?”

“…”

Li Po ignored the intense gazes around him. He didn’t rush to press the screen, only raised his eyes and said flatly, “A B-Class against an E-Class? Aren’t you afraid people will laugh at you?”

This time, however, Hong Mao had gotten smarter. He didn’t fall for the provocation. “What, is there a rule against it? Or are you going to pull strings again to get me penalized?”

The scab on his arm was still itching slightly, and Hong Mao frowned deeply as he glared at the Omega, silently cursing in his heart—what a waste of that face!

Li Po completely ignored Hong Mao’s snide tone. He wasn’t stupid, so he definitely wasn’t going to accept the challenge. Not to mention that the opponent was an Alpha, there was a huge gap in physical strength. The difference between E-Class and B-Class in mental power alone was vast. Although Li Po didn’t believe his own mental power was truly only E-Class, it was undeniably unstable. There were too many uncertainties. Sure, he could take a gamble, but there was no need.

If he lost, it would be expected, and he’d probably end up with some nasty injuries. If he won, what would he gain? Nothing, except more suspicion and attention. He didn’t want to be the center of everyone’s scrutiny.

With that in mind, Li Po lowered his gaze, his fingertip hovering just half an inch away from the “Reject” button on the screen.

Seeing this, Hong Mao started to panic. He ran his hand through his bangs in frustration and hastily said, “Weren’t you brave before? You even dared to enter the holographic combat simulation. So now, with just a little training, you’re chickening out?”

Li Po’s finger paused briefly at those words.

Hidden in the shadows where Hong Mao couldn’t see, a slight smirk tugged at the corner of Li Po’s lips, a mocking, derisive smile.

Did he really think provoking him would work? How naive.

Hong Mao noticed Li Po’s brief hesitation and grew even more confident. He pressed on, “You’re a big deal now, aren’t you? So many people are watching you. If you refuse, now that would be embarrassing. How about this? If you fight me, I’ll promise not to bother you anymore. Deal?”

After he said this, Li Po lifted his gaze and shot Hong Mao a faint, mocking glance. At the same time, his finger inched toward the “Reject” button.

Suddenly, Li Po’s pupils shrank, and his hand stopped moving.

Hong Mao had just brushed back his hair, unintentionally revealing a white pustule on his forehead.

A pustule itself wasn’t unusual, but what caught Li Po’s eye was the fact that something inside it seemed to be moving.

Was he seeing things due to lack of sleep?

Li Po’s brow furrowed slightly as a very faint possibility flashed through his mind.

Could it be… parasitism?

The moment that thought crossed his mind, his fingers clenched involuntarily.

After that incident, someone had specifically warned him not to spread the word, and among the Alphas, the story had completely changed—nothing like what Li Po had believed. If he hadn’t been at the scene of the pollutant parasitism incident himself, he might’ve been convinced by the rumors.

So, could Hong Mao have been parasitized?

Although the chances of parasitism were extremely slim, Li Po wasn’t one to take unnecessary risks. None of the Alphas here had any idea that pollutants could parasitize humans. If he mentioned it now, no one would believe him. Instead, he’d probably just face ridicule.

The thought of the Alphas’ usual smug attitudes, as if they were the smartest in the room, made Li Po feel disgusted.

So, should he report this to White Tower?

But what if he was wrong? And what if the doctors at White Tower didn’t know either?

Li Po’s eyes lowered, and for once, he hesitated.

As he weighed his options, the nearby Alphas started getting impatient.

“What’s taking so long? If you’re gonna fight, get on with it. If not, stop wasting time!”

“He’s probably scared, doesn’t want to offend an Alpha, but also doesn’t want to fight. So, he’s stalling, hoping we’ll drive him off to save him.”

“Damn, why didn’t I think of that? This Omega’s pretty slick.”

“It’s not about being slick, it’s about being scared. If you were scared, you’d do the same.”

After hearing all the murmurs, Hong Mao suddenly understood why the Omega hadn’t responded yet!

He looked at Li Po, just about to say something when Li Po spoke up instead, “What’s wrong with your forehead?”

Hong Mao’s face stiffened instantly.

He awkwardly brushed his bangs to cover the bump on his forehead and snapped, “It’s just a mosquito bite! No need to make such a big deal out of it. Or are you trying to embarrass me on purpose?”

Li Po blinked innocently.

“Have you been on any missions recently?” he asked again.

Hong Mao squinted suspiciously. “Why? Trying to buy time?”

Li Po smiled and shook his head. “If you answer me, I’ll agree. How about that?”

“You’ll agree to fight me if I answer your question?” Hong Mao repeated to make sure he wasn’t being tricked.

Li Po nodded obediently.

Yeah, right. If Hong Mao hadn’t been on a mission recently, Li Po would have rejected him without hesitation and walked away. No way was he wasting his time.

“I have.”

Li Po blinked, “?”

“Are you deaf?” Hong Mao said irritably. “I said I went on a mission. Just got back a few days ago. You hear me?”

After that, Hong Mao seemed to feel something was missing, so he brushed his bangs aside again. “You want to laugh at me, right? This is from when I got bitten on a mission. If I hadn’t gone on that mission, I wouldn’t have run into that damn mosquito. What rotten luck.”

“…”

Li Po’s expression turned serious.

After a moment’s pause, he decisively pressed the “Accept” button.

“As you wish, I agree.”

–

At the center of the training platform.

This was the first time Li Po had stood here, looking down at the crowd below with no expression on his face.

He walked to the edge of the platform, raised his hand, and sure enough, touched a hard barrier.

It was a solid light screen that blocked out most interference from below, ensuring fair training conditions. The system had set this up on purpose. Li Po had noticed it the first time he watched Lan Deng’s training, which is why he had agreed to Hong Mao’s challenge.

If the pollutant were to spread among the crowd, the consequences would be unimaginable. Better to lock it in here with himself, sparing the others.

As for the reason… Li Po mused to himself, perhaps a sense of self-sacrifice?

Pfft, not likely.

Pollutant parasitism was extremely dangerous. Although Li Po did have the thought of protecting others, that wasn’t the primary reason he was risking himself.

He needed an opportunity to be recognized.

As a “fragile” E-Class Omega, if Li Po wanted to take on missions and leave the S District, it was impossible to follow the usual path. Especially since he’d gotten in through connections and was treated like a precious asset by the human base. They wouldn’t let him undertake such dangerous missions.

To leave, he would have to take an unconventional route.

Pollutant parasitism was the first opportunity he’d seized. Though risky, and with significant danger, for Li Po, it wasn’t a big deal.

After all, he loved the thrill.

[Are you ready?]

Li Po calmly lowered his finger and lightly tapped the button on the left—

[Yes]