Chapter Three: Class Zero Takes the First Floor

Qi Jin tore open his sleeve, revealing a black sliver embedded in his arm. “Taking it means nothing. You have to hold it.” The sliver pierced his skin. His red fire turned black and spread beyond the tower's safety limits. The Stone Skin student caught fire. Qi Jin's pupils filled with blue lightning—the same pattern as the subway attacker. Lin could have retreated behind the captured crystal. Instead, he ran back into the black flames and spent precious Windspine time holding an airway open around the fallen student. Bai Qi rushed in and pressed both hands to the victim. His agony entered her. Trembling, she shouted, “Pull out the sliver!” No one could approach Qi Jin through the ignition web. Lin looked at a metal sign shaking in the heat.