C12 Dark Companion Card

"You're setting out on a long journey tomorrow, and I don't have much to offer you, but please accept these two Dark Companion cards."

Zhou Kangming pulled out the cards from the final pages of the Grimoire of Dark Companion and handed one to each of them.

"Mr. Zhou, what are these Dark Companion cards?" Feng Yixiu asked, holding one of the cards with a look of confusion.

"These cards are crucial for your future as Fighters, both for leveling up and for combat. They can significantly enhance your Battle Companion's fighting ability. They're quite rare; you might not get one even from ten magic beasts. However, this one is just a low-level gray iron Dark Companion card. Try not to use such a low-level card when you level up," Zhou Kangming advised earnestly.

"I may not grasp all the details, but I understand it's important. Mr. Zhou, I'll take good care of it," Feng Yixiu said, scratching his head but speaking with resolve.

He had grasped that the Dark Companion card was essential for their progression and combat as Fighters, and that these cards were sourced from magic beasts beyond the city walls, suggesting that cards from stronger beasts would be more formidable.

"Don't worry if it's not clear to you now. Once you're officially enrolled at the Battle Companion Academy, a teacher will explain everything. Don't stress over it too much," Zhou Kangming reassured them, wanting to ease any concerns they might have.

They examined their Dark Companion cards; Feng Yixiu's depicted a black vine with the words "Demon Vine — Toughness" inscribed on it.

Shen Ruyu's card, on the other hand, featured a green mantis with "Cyan Mantis — Blade" written across it.

"It's getting late, and you need to rise early tomorrow. Head back and get some rest. I'll make sure to wake you up in time."

Noticing it was nearly 10:30, Zhou Kangming encouraged the youngsters to return to their dorms for the night.

Feng Yixiu and Shen Ruyu went their separate ways, respecting the segregation of male and female dormitories. After escorting Shen Ruyu to the entrance of the girls' dormitory, Feng Yixiu made his way back to his own.

He gently pushed open the door to his dormitory and noticed his roommate was already fast asleep.

He had intended to pack his clothes, but to his surprise, a suitcase was already placed beside his bed.

Clearly, the dean had taken the time to pack for him while he was waiting. His heart swelled with warmth at the gesture.

After freshening up, he settled into his bed. Being on the lower bunk meant he didn't wake his sleeping roommate.

Lying there, he used the faint glow from his phone to pen a goodbye note to his roommate, which he then left on the nearby table.

Next, he retrieved a faded photograph from beneath his pillow, again using the dim light from his phone. A sincere smile spread across his face.

It was a family portrait from his childhood, with him nestled in the embrace of his parents, radiating happiness.

But after graduating from the sixth grade, his parents had vanished without a trace. Despite his efforts, they remained unfound.

Once part of a joyful family of three, he was now a solitary orphan. The profound loss nearly led him down a troubled path.

If not for Zhou Kangming's unwavering support and the familial warmth he provided, he might well have ended up in a juvenile detention center.

"Dad, Mom, it's been three years. Where did you go? Don't you want me anymore?"

"Dad, Mom, you must have had your reasons, right? There must be a good explanation!"

"If only I become strong enough, you'll surely notice me..."

As the boy was lost in his yearning, his consciousness began to fade, and he gently drifted off to sleep.