Chapter 3: The Hero’s Demise

Hearing the commotion, Su Qianqian tugged at Zhang Xiaofan's sleeve and whispered, "Let it go."
How could he back down from something like this? Besides, with the entire class watching him now, Zhang Xiaofan felt even less inclined to retreat.
He replied coldly, "Song Feng, don't think you're so tough just because you have numbers on your side. Now that we all have special abilities, who can say how this will end?"
"Tch, isn't your ability just controlling fire? I knew about it already. Want to know why I chose the ice system? It was to counter you," Song Feng sneered arrogantly.
Zhang Xiaofan glanced at Huang Kaijian. The only time he'd used his ability was at the haunted hotel, an incident everyone there knew about. The only person who could have leaked this secret was Huang Kaijian.
After all, not only was he Song Feng's lackey, but he also bore a grudge against Zhang Xiaofan, making him the prime suspect. Zhang Xiaofan didn't care, though; the stronger he became, the fewer people would dare oppose him.
When Huang Kaijian noticed Zhang Xiaofan's gaze, his expression instantly changed, and he lowered his head in silence.
At that moment, several of Song Feng's cronies surrounded them. Su Qianqian's face paled, but to her surprise, Lin Rou suddenly rushed forward, fierce as a protective leopardess, shielding Zhang Xiaofan.
"I'd like to see who dares make a move," she declared.
Song Feng's face twisted with displeasure. "Lin Rou, this guy just said Su Qianqian is his girlfriend, and you're still helping him?"
"Get lost," Lin Rou snapped coldly.
"You..." Song Feng glared at Lin Rou, but under the cold sharpness of her gaze, he finally turned to Zhang Xiaofan and muttered, "Just you wait," before returning to his seat.
"Are you alright?" Lin Rou asked, glancing at Zhang Xiaofan.
"I actually didn't need your help," Zhang Xiaofan shook his head.
"Are you still mad at me?" Lin Rou said, hurt. "That time, I didn't mean not to stand by you. I hope you can understand."
"I know. I just think we're really not right for each other now."
"But—"
"Forget it, let's not talk about this. Get ready for the next game." Zhang Xiaofan ignored Lin Rou, ushered Su Qianqian back to her seat, and returned to his own.
On the surface, Zhang Xiaofan appeared calm, but inwardly he was in turmoil. Who exactly was Lin Rou, that even Song Feng didn't dare face her directly? This woman was not simple.
For now, it seemed only Miao Miao and a few others knew her true identity. Otherwise, Huang Kaijian would never have dared bully her that time.
His mind still swirling with guesses, Zhang Xiaofan noticed the classroom growing tense as everyone nervously picked up their phones—the red envelope event was about to begin.
Ding!
Bao Lei: The Red Envelope War begins!
Then Sun Yang sent five envelopes, each containing five hundred.
Zhang Xiaofan clicked on them one by one, and on the third try, he actually snatched 101 yuan, becoming the Luck King.

Ding!
Bao Lei: Five Luck Kings have emerged. This time, let's play something more intellectual—a real trend right now.
Hero Kill!
Zhang Xiaofan's eyes widened, glued to his screen. They were actually going to play Hero Kill.
He remembered being obsessed with this game in middle school, his Tencent QQ account having reached level forty-something, and he'd tried every mode. He never expected to play it here.
He frowned. His luck was truly something—every game they played, he was chosen. He was starting to suspect Bao Lei was targeting him on purpose.
Bao Lei: The Luck Kings are: Zhang Xiaofan, Song Feng, Huang Kaijian, Xu Da, and Ma Xiaotian.
"Damn, what is this? I don't even know how to play Hero Kill," Ma Xiaotian said, shivering.
"Me neither," lamented Xu Da.
The two of them had lost all the arrogance they'd shown earlier toward Zhang Xiaofan; after all, being forced to play a game they'd never played before was a recipe for elimination.
Bao Lei: Don't worry, this game will be completely open, just, and fair. From this moment on, anyone who breaks the rules is out, and those eliminated will be dealt with as dead.
Game rules: There are Hero Kill cards under the teacher's desk, shuffled and placed there.
In a moment, the five Luck Kings will each draw a hero card at random, each card showing the hero's skills.
1. The five of you will be divided into three factions: one Ruler and Loyalist, two Rebels, and one Traitor.
Each of you will choose your role; the Ruler reveals their identity, while the others keep theirs secret.
2. Character traits:
Ruler: Teams up with the Loyalist to eliminate the Rebels and Traitor.
Rebels: The two Rebels must kill the Ruler, Loyalist, and Traitor.
Loyalist: Protects the Ruler, eliminates the Traitor and Rebels.
Traitor: While the Ruler lives, first kills Rebels and Loyalist, and only then can kill the Ruler.
Note: If the Ruler kills the Loyalist, all their cards and equipment are discarded; anyone who kills a Rebel draws three cards.
3. Choosing Generals: The Ruler chooses first from five randomly generated options.
After the Ruler picks, that card is shown to all. The other players each get three generals to choose from, all different.
Once chosen, each player reveals their general. Each has a certain health value and special skills, with the Ruler gaining one extra point of health. Players may use their general’s skills as described.
4. Drawing cards: Starting with the Ruler, each player is dealt four cards, moving counterclockwise. Before playing, draw two cards, then play. Play proceeds from the Ruler, counterclockwise.

Zhang Xiaofan skimmed the rules—they were identical to those in the QQ version of Hero Kill, so he didn't need to overthink it. The real tension lay in what role he would draw in this round.
Generally, the most crucial factor in this game was whom the Traitor decided to help.
If the Traitor lost their mind and attacked the Ruler from the start, it would be three against two, and the Ruler would surely lose.
Another critical point was that the Loyalist couldn't reveal themselves too soon; otherwise, the Traitor would target the Loyalist first to keep the factions balanced.
The Traitor’s role was always the most awkward and vulnerable, but the one advantage was being able to keep their identity hidden.
Song Feng slapped the desk, strode up to the podium, and took out the Hero Kill cards, scanning the other four. "Come on up."
Ding!
Game order: Song Feng — Zhang Xiaofan — Huang Kaijian — Xu Da — Ma Xiaotian.
Bao Lei: Time to draw roles, starting with the Ruler.
Ding!
Bao Lei: Ruler confirmed—Song Feng!
Song Feng, please select your character. Check your phone.
Song Feng opened his phone, his pupils contracting sharply. He’d played Hero Kill a few times before and was very familiar with the rules.
He now had five characters to choose from: Liu Bang, Genghis Khan, Bian Que, Cao Cao, and Xi Shi.
Each had unique skills, but Liu Bang, Cao Cao, and Bian Que had the highest survival rates.
Genghis Khan could only shoot distant targets, and Xi Shi had support skills, unsuitable for the Ruler.
After a moment’s thought, Song Feng focused on Liu Bang, Cao Cao, and Bian Que.
Bian Que could turn any card into medicine, making him hard to kill, but his attack was too weak. In the end, Song Feng looked between Liu Bang and Cao Cao. Liu Bang’s cards could transform randomly, giving him an edge over Cao Cao.
After considering, he chose Liu Bang.
Ding!
Bao Lei: Song Feng has selected Liu Bang. Please place your phone on the desk.
Song Feng’s phone now displayed Liu Bang’s image, with five blood droplets below—one extra as the Ruler’s bonus, as anyone who’s played Hero Kill would know.