My Years as the Pure Love Interest at the Noble Academy

It was the 49th year since the apocalypse descended.

The three major safe zones had been established. Although humanity had not yet eradicated the zombies or resolved the crisis at its root, they had gained enough capability to ensure basic safety for their travels. Social order had largely stabilized, though the overall economic level had regressed by several decades compared to pre-apocalyptic times. Most of the superpowered individuals had joined one of the three safe zones, and ordinary people had also chosen to align themselves with these zones. Humanity had once again grown accustomed to communal living. Aside from occasional zombie attacks, life was relatively peaceful.

Yet, on such an ordinary day, an event significant enough to be recorded in history occurred.

In the northern part of the city, within the jurisdiction of Zone C, a zombie corpse was discovered. However, during the process of transporting it for disposal, the corpse reverted to its human form.

Jiang ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‍Yiheng, the head of Zone C and the only S-rank healer-type superpowered individual in the apocalypse, conducted research and found that the corpse had transformed due to being contaminated with the blood of the person who had killed it. That person's blood possessed a purifying ability, which had caused the zombie to revert to its human form. This ability was recorded as the "Spirit of Purification."

The last time someone with blood containing the "Spirit of Purification" appeared was in the 10th year of the apocalypse. It was precisely because of that individual that countless ordinary lives were saved back then. However, due to the extreme actions of the head of the only safe zone at the time, who attempted to extract the "Spirit of Purification," that person chose to commit suicide by contaminating their blood, leaving behind no useful information.

Forty years later, that former head remained a figure of criticism for everyone. If not for his extreme actions, the "Spirit of Purification" might have been extracted earlier, and the apocalypse could have already ended.

At this moment, in the research lab of Zone C.

After reviewing the data, Jiang Yiheng turned to Murong Huan beside him with a serious expression and said, "This is a matter of great importance. You must personally go and inform the heads of Zone A and Zone B. We have new leads on the 'Spirit of Purification.' Ask them to send people to Zone C as soon as possible."

"Why?" Murong Huan's eyes showed confusion as she asked, "Can't we just investigate it ourselves in Zone C? Why do we need to inform them? If we find this person, it won't be a three-way division anymore. Especially Zone B—they're too warlike. Only if Zone C takes control of everything can we achieve true peace."

Jiang Yiheng set down the test tube in front of him, removed his white gloves, and walked over to the sink to wash his hands, even though they hadn't touched anything.

His voice was calm as he said, "War and plunder only bring tragedy. True peace can only come by ending the apocalypse."

Murong Huan's beautiful eyes flickered with a hint of confusion, but after a few seconds of hesitation, she nodded and said, "Understood."

She had been entrusted to Jiang Yiheng's care by her parents since she was a child. To her, he was like an older brother. Although there were things she couldn't fully understand about him, she would always follow his decisions. Because she knew Jiang Yiheng was a good person—someone who cared for everyone and wanted to save them all.

*

Zone B.

After waiting in the hall for half an hour, Murong Huan's face was dark with impatience. By the time the tea beside her had been refilled countless times, she could no longer hold back and snapped, "Stop pouring! What's going on here? Where is Shen Yujing?"

The person responsible for serving her tea trembled in fear, quickly setting down the teapot and replying respectfully, "Miss Murong, the leader took a small team to the western part of the city today. They're searching for high-level crystal cores in an area overrun by zombies."

Murong Huan asked again, "What about Quan Le?"

"Vice-leader Quan went with him."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Murong Huan: "..."

Are the people in Zone B out of their minds? Is it really necessary for both the leader and vice-leader to go for something like this? Not a single person in charge is left in such a large safe zone? If I didn't know better, I'd think they were going to a market fair instead of hunting for crystal cores!

Murong Huan had no patience left. She decided to head to Zone A to find Xu Che first.

Just as she stood up, she saw Shen Yujing and Quan Le walking toward her.

The two were chatting casually—

"That zombie today was so disgusting. Wasn't it supposed to be a high-level one? Ugh, it stank so bad."

"Quan Le, stop talking and don't wipe your dirty hands on my clothes!"

"I washed them."

"Get lost!"

As soon as Shen Yujing finished speaking, he noticed Murong Huan sitting in the hall.

He exchanged a glance with Quan Le, and both of their eyes showed surprise for a moment.

The next second, Shen Yujing put on a stern expression and said, "Murong Huan? What are you doing here? Zone B isn't welcoming to you."

Murong Huan didn't answer directly. Instead, she asked, "Do you know why you're called Zone B?"

Quan Le jumped in to answer, "Because we were the second safe zone established."

Murong Huan sneered, "No, it's because you're both idiots."

She often wondered how Zone B managed to survive under the leadership of these two. If it weren't for their formidable combat abilities, the zone would have fallen to the zombies long ago.

Shen Yujing and Quan Le both possessed dual abilities. Shen Yujing had speed and fire, while Quan Le controlled wind and lightning.

"What did you say?" Quan Le rolled up his sleeves, "Don't think I won't hit you just because you're a woman!"

Shen Yujing frowned and patted Quan Le's shoulder, saying, "Calm down."

Shen Yujing knew Murong Huan didn't like them. If it weren't for something urgent, she wouldn't have come here personally.

So he asked, "Did Jiang Yiheng send you to find us?"

"Yes," Murong Huan nodded, her expression practically screaming "not completely stupid," and then took a letter out of her pocket and handed it to Shen Yujing. "Meet at Zone C, 5 PM the day after tomorrow."

Not wanting to talk too much with the people from Zone B, Murong Huan had prepared this letter in advance.

Quan Le looked at her in confusion, "Meet? Who's going to Zone C?"

But Murong Huan ignored him and walked away.

Watching her retreating figure, even in the apocalypse, Murong Huan still looked as refined and beautiful as someone from the normal world. Her pink hair never seemed to gather even a speck of dust...

Oh, right, Murong Huan had water-based abilities. He had almost forgotten that.

Quan Le shook his head, pushing these random thoughts out of his mind, and turned to Shen Yujing, "What's in the letter?"

Before Quan Le could finish speaking, he saw the letter turn to ash and vanish into thin air.

Shen Yujing's voice, however, was uncharacteristically serious as he said, "Pack up and arrange everything for Zone B. We must leave tomorrow."

*

Meanwhile, in Zone A.

Zone A's management was clearly more orderly than Zone B's. After hearing Murong Huan's purpose for visiting, someone respectfully escorted her inside.

Xu Che was already waiting in the meeting room. After listening to Murong Huan's explanation, he nodded and said, "Understood. We'll be there on time."

Everything seemed normal, except that as she was leaving, a zombie suddenly emerged from a nearby door.

Murong Huan was so startled that she immediately used her plant-based abilities to bind the zombie.

A cold, polite voice sounded behind her.

"Apologies, but please release it."

Murong Huan turned around in surprise to see a black-haired young man standing at the door, his deep eyes fixed on the zombie as he murmured something.

Murong Huan released her hold, and the zombie mechanically walked into another room.

The young man didn't look at her again but followed the zombie into the room.

The door closed, and Murong Huan finally let out a sigh of relief.

She recognized this young man—Hang Feng from Zone A, Xu Che's younger brother.

His psychic abilities, at their peak, could control nearly a hundred zombies simultaneously. He could also control superpowered individuals, though the effect was significantly weaker. Still, it was enough to make people wary.

He was a terrifying individual, and it was best to stay far away from him.

Murong Huan furrowed her brows and quickened her pace to leave Zone A.

*

Nighttime.

Deep within the forest, the corpses of zombies were piled into mountains. Shattered crystal cores littered the ground, their once-powerful glow now faded. The stench of rotting flesh filled every corner of the air, turning this place into a living hell.

A girl jumped down from a tree, dressed in a light white dress. Her black hair cascaded over her shoulders, making her look like an ethereal spirit who had mistakenly wandered into this human world.

Her soft pink lips parted slightly, and her innocent almond-shaped eyes gazed with a hint of pity at the scene before her. In the end, she only uttered three words—

"Disgusting."

Yes, the corpses of these zombies were truly disgusting.

She had actually been born in such a place.

The girl lowered her head to look at her limbs. Her fair skin bore no scars, as if she had never suffered any harm.

Even so, she still cut her arm, letting her blood drip onto each of the zombie corpses.

The grotesque bodies gradually returned to their human forms, and only then did the girl's brows finally relax.

She wasn't pitying these people—she just found their ugliness an eyesore.

Barefoot, she walked to the riverbank, seemingly oblivious or indifferent to the blood and mud staining her feet.

The once murky water suddenly turned clear, reflecting the girl's face on its surface. A faint smile played on her lips, but her eyes remained devoid of any emotion.

She reached up to touch her face, and a memory from long ago surfaced in her mind.

She had been asleep for too long, and had nearly forgotten all of this—even her own appearance and name.

What was her name again?

Never mind, she couldn't remember.

*

C District.

The leaders of the three factions had gathered here, engaged in a serious discussion about the "Purification Spirit."

Finally, Xu Che seized the key point, saying, "We can't confirm any of the factors mentioned above, but the prerequisite is that we must first find this person."

"Right." Jiang Yiheng nodded, then turned to Shen Yujing and said, "This matter will require your B District's assistance."

Shen Yujing, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed, raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh, so you need our help now? Well, let's hear it."

"I heard that your B District has a bronze mirror called 'Devouring Sea,' which can lock onto a target using any object," Jiang Yiheng said, pulling a test tube from his pocket. "This contains blood infused with the Purification Spirit."

"Ah..."

Shen Yujing narrowed his eyes, as if deep in thought.

Finally, he said, "I'll bring it to you tomorrow."

Hang Feng, who had been quiet and almost entirely silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "The Devouring Sea is on you right now."

The others: "..."

Shen Yujing: "?"

He glared at Xu Che and said, "Can you tell your brother not to randomly read people's minds? Is having a psychic ability so impressive? It's so rude!"

Hang Feng, meanwhile, calmly took a sip of water and said, "I didn't know. I was just bluffing."

Psychic abilities were mainly used for control, and while they could also read thoughts, it was far too draining.

Except in special circumstances, Hang Feng rarely used it.

Shen Yujing: "..."

Damn, all's fair in war!

But now that things had come to this, he had no choice but to take out the "Devouring Sea" from the ring on his hand—his personal storage space.

This kind of storage space couldn't compare to the infinite capacity of spatial abilities, but it was enough to hold basic items and was highly sought after in the trading market. Almost everyone had one.

A bronze mirror shaped like a gorilla was placed on the table. The gorilla's belly was a glass mirror, and it held a banana in its hand.

Murong Huan barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes and asked, "...Are you serious?"

Shen Yujing sneered, "Never seen something valuable before?"

"He wouldn't joke about something like this," Jiang Yiheng cut off whatever retort Murong Huan was about to make. He stood up and dripped the blood onto the glass surface of the mirror.

In the next moment, the mirror's surface blurred, and then a projection appeared in the air—

A deserted supermarket. A barefoot girl stood on the ground, her gaze wandering aimlessly before she sat down on the steps at the entrance, seemingly dejected.

The blood couldn't sustain the image for long, and the scene ended there.

Xu Che was the first to recognize the location. "The surrounding area has old-style safety walls. It's the site of the former safety zone managed by Si. She's on the outskirts."

The group stood up and began filing out. Although they were technically half-rivals, they shared a rare moment of unity now.

Three cars set off one after another, leaving the C District base and heading straight for the old safety zone.

Meanwhile, the girl remained seated on the steps, her gaze hollow as she stared into the distance, as if waiting for something.

Since she hadn't moved, the group found her easily.

The three cars came to a stop almost simultaneously, and the doors opened.

"She's over there!"

Murong Huan was about to rush forward toward the girl on the steps, but Quan Le grabbed her arm and warned, "Calm down. Tone down your eagerness. Don't scare her."

Murong Huan realized she was being too impulsive and quickly composed herself, but she still retorted, "You should watch yourself too."

The steps weren't long, and the distance between them wasn't far.

When the girl in the white dress saw the group, she stood up from the steps and asked with a faint smile, "Are you here for me? Because of... my blood?"

The girl was being so direct that there was no need for them to beat around the bush.

Jiang Yiheng stepped forward and said, "We need your help. We can assure you that we won't harm you. All experiments and research will prioritize your safety."

Jiang Yiheng had prepared a lot more to say, but things went much more smoothly than expected. The girl simply nodded and agreed.

"Alright," she said.

As the girl stepped down, Jiang Yiheng opened the car door and gestured for her to get in.

"Wait," Hang Feng suddenly stepped forward and said, "She should ride in our car. My ability can protect her better."

The latter part was, of course, a lie. What Hang Feng meant was that as a psychic, he could read the girl's thoughts and gather more useful information.

Murong Huan, however, raised a hand to block Hang Feng and the girl, saying, "That won't be necessary for now. We can discuss the details later."

"Stop pretending. The real issue is who gets to take her in their car and gather more intel, right?" Quan Le rolled his eyes and said, "We're supposed to be temporary allies here. Can we stop being so suspicious of each other?"

Murong Huan didn't lower her hand, her stance clear.

Hang Feng, too, kept his gaze fixed on the girl with the Purification Spirit.

At that moment, someone squeezed through from the back.

Shen Yujing pulled out a pair of slippers from his storage space and placed them on the ground. "Stop arguing. A car can fit five people. If you're worried, just send someone from your own team to ride along. And you," he turned to the girl, "put these on first."

When Shen Yujing had seen the girl in the mirror back at the C District safety zone, his attention had been drawn to her feet.

Her feet were as beautiful and fair as the rest of her, but they were marred by traces of mud and a few dried bloodstains from cuts caused by gravel. Even though the wounds seemed to have healed, they still looked painful.

The girl's gaze lingered on Shen Yujing for a few seconds before she pointed at him and said, "I'll ride in his car."