The instant the strange sound echoed, Cheryl reacted. “Everyone, be on guard!” Cheryl took the lead, positioning himself defensively at the front of the group and issuing the warning.

When everyone heard that something was amiss, their eyes displayed not panic, but an eager glint of anticipation. What better proof of the adage that the young and inexperienced fear nothing than these students who had just dealt with a few Level One and Two Lesser Magical Beasts.

“Monica, what do you think it is this time? A Mud Rat or a Fire Rabbit!” Edra whispered, her eyes darting around to scan the surroundings.

Monica slapped her forehead, wearing an expression of utter defeat. Honestly, why do I even associate with this person?

What a waste of my time! Just as everyone tensed, ready for battle, and while they were wildly guessing what kind of Magical Beast it might be, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin emerged, leading a horse.

That distinct clip-clop sound was indeed the sound of hooves striking the earth. Instantly, disbelief washed over everyone’s faces.

Edra, expressionless, tugged at Monica: “Monica, is that a Magical Beast too?” Damn it! Monica exclaimed with a tone bordering on explosive anger: “Big sister, those are people, alright?” Edra managed a foolish smile: “Oh, right!

I thought so too!” Monica: “…???” Jeradin scrutinized Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, finding the sight increasingly amusing. He hadn't expected to see people even bolder than themselves—venturing into the Magical Beast Forest for experience at such a young age.

Impressive, truly impressive! “Hey, which school are you two from?” Jeradin inquired.

It was worth noting that the "Gulu City" was not solely home to the "Dubray Academy of Magic and Martial Arts." Besides it, there were thirty or so other Magic and Martial Arts Academies, large and small. These academies generally only taught introductory and intermediate knowledge of magic and martial arts; to study advanced or higher tiers, one had to enroll in renowned overseas institutions, such as the "Hikikomori Academy of Magic and Martial Arts" or the "Di Li Gan Academy of Magic and Martial Arts." Another point worth mentioning was that the "Dubray Academy of Magic and Martial Arts" ranked only in the middle tier within "Gulu City"; there were over a dozen academies with significantly stronger faculty.

Of course, the academy rankings were not determined by the sheer strength of the faculty; rather, the rankings were established through the annual "Academy Ranking Tournament." The "Academy Ranking Tournament" was held yearly, rotating among the over thirty academies. Participants were strictly required to be current students of their respective academies, and any instance of hiring "external aid" was vehemently forbidden, resulting in a three-year ban from the competition for the offending academy if discovered.

Zhong Shenxiu glanced at Jeradin. One look was enough to confirm this man was a simple-minded individual; conversing with someone like this would either drive you to apoplexy or wear you out completely!

“Who’s in charge here?” Zhong Shenxiu asked coolly. “Speak to me if there’s an issue,” Cheryl stated calmly, stepping forward.

“I advise you all to take a detour. There’s a pack of Magical Beasts waiting for you up ahead.” Having said this, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin continued walking forward.

“Yay, Magical Beasts! Monica, did you hear that?

What are we waiting for, let’s go!” Edra excitedly grabbed Monica’s small hand and shook it vigorously. Monica almost instinctively flung her hand away and immediately put some distance between them.

As Zhong Shenxiu passed by, he shot a brief glance at the rather dim-witted girl! He said nothing.

Cheryl watched Zhong Shenxiu and Robin recede into the distance, saying nothing, and simply led his group onward. It wasn't that he didn't trust Zhong Shenxiu’s warning; it was simply that he didn't take Zhong Shenxiu seriously at all.

For one, Cheryl had been here more than once and knew there were no truly formidable Magical Beasts around; even a Level Five beast, he was confident he could dispatch quickly. Moreover, if even a child like Zhong Shenxiu was unfazed, then his group should be even less of a concern.

Did that mean they were inferior to two children? Furthermore, Cheryl possessed an ingrained arrogance; he was not the type to alter his plans based on a single stranger's words.

These idiots actually ignored the advice! Zhong Shenxiu, via his Swift Hawk, had already learned that Cheryl had completely disregarded his warning.

Currently, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin were resting and having a small bite to eat on a large rock. Strictly speaking, Zhong Shenxiu had deliberately stopped to see if that group would heed his counsel.

Just then, shouts grew progressively clearer from the distance: “Run! They’re catching up!” The voices moved closer, the sound becoming sharper and faster.

In a short while, three figures burst out from ahead. These three were the group’s three mages: Monica, Edra, and a young boy.

“Run! There are so many Dire Wolves…” Edra screamed madly, completely abandoning any concern for decorum as she bolted past Zhong Shenxiu and Robin.

“Don’t stay here, run! They won’t last long; the wolves will be here in a moment,” Monica kindly paused to warn Zhong Shenxiu and Robin.

Zhong Shenxiu looked up at Monica and asked flatly, “Would you like a bite?” “Eat? We need to run, or it’ll be too late!” Monica frantically paced around.

“Monica, what are you doing? Run!” Edra shrieked a warning.

“Just go…” Monica stomped her foot, speechless with frustration. “I just sat down,” Zhong Shenxiu replied with an expression that suggested he was in no hurry whatsoever.

At that moment, Cheryl retreated in disarray with four junior club members. Seeing that Monica and the others were still there, he said with a hint of annoyance, “Why are you still here?

Didn’t I tell you to run as far and as fast as you could?” “But those two absolutely refused to leave!” Monica pointed at Zhong Shenxiu and Robin. “If they won’t leave, then we will!” Cheryl snapped, dragging Monica forward.

He was currently focused only on his own small team and wouldn't bother with Zhong Shenxiu’s pair anymore—especially since they chose to stay, which had nothing to do with him. Before long, the earth-shaking thundering sound grew alarmingly close, yet Zhong Shenxiu and Robin showed no intention of rising.

In stark contrast to the pair, the horse tethered nearby began to whinny anxiously, straining against its tether. The Level Four Wind Elemental Magical Beast—the Wind Chaser Wolf—was finally revealed to be a pack of them.

Wind Chaser Wolves are pack hunters. While a single one might only possess Level Four strength, their sheer numbers were overwhelming; lice in large numbers can kill an elephant.

One Wolf would be easy to deal with, but being surrounded by a pack was perilous—even a Level Seven Magical Beast could be torn apart by these fiends. This was precisely why Cheryl had fled in panic.