Chapter 36
Chapter 36
:
In fact, even that single S-Tier starbeast had been released specifically to test Crown Squad.
82
56 vouchers
Its members’ comprehensive abilities already rivaled those of upperclassmen, far surpassing the average first-
year.
But now, how could two more have appeared?
Herbert Mathis turned to Antony anxiously. “Director, should I notify the instructors nearby to head over immediately?”
Two S-Tier starbeasts appearing together-even Crown Squad wouldn’t be able to handle that. At best, they might manage a hasty retreat.
But as for Layla’s team…
Antony remained much calmer than the other instructors because he knew Prince Atlas was on Layla’s team.
Still, he said, “Alert the instructors and staff in that area, but don’t intervene yet. Only step in if the students truly can’t cope.”
Herbert was puzzled. In a situation like this, they needed to wait and see? How could the students possibly handle it?
He quickly contacted the nearby instructors, urging them to hurry. Any delay, and students could get injured
-or worse.
Back on the field, facing the aggressive, towering S-Tier starbeasts, even Layla felt a moment of awe-this was her first direct encounter with such high-level creatures.
She forced herself to stay calm, already mentally scanning for this starbeast species’ weaknesses. As for Wallace and Annie, their legs had gone weak, faces pale. They’d only seen S-Tier starbeasts in textbooks.
Wallace’s snack packet slipped from his fingers. Annie’s cat ears were pinned flat against her head in fear, and she instinctively shuffled closer to hide behind Layla.
Alex, however, wasn’t scared. A glint of excitement flashed in his eyes as he turned to November. “Commander, if we go all out, can we take down one?”
“These two are a mated pair. Kill one, and the other will hunt you to the ends of the earth.”
“But our strength isn’t enough for two.” Alex was aggressive but not foolish. Even factoring in November and Layla’s combat abilities, he estimated they might have a chance against one.
Even in his rut, combat was second nature to November. He ordered everyone into their mech suits and activated combat mode, while privately sending a message to Layla.
November: [Star, you take the other three and distract the smaller one. Buy me three minutes, okay?]
11:58 Wed, Jan 7
Chapter 36
Layla: [I’ve already found this one’s weak point. Give us ten minutes, we’ll bring it down.j
November: [My Star is amazing!
CAZY
of vouchers
Reading his message, Layla couldn’t help a small, wry smile. Atlas during his rut really is something else. If only he could stay like this all the time. But then again, she’d probably be the one worn out.
November issued the command over the team channel: [Layla, take the other three and engage the smaller one. Remember, don’t get yourselves hurt.]
Layla: [Understood.]
Annie and the other two exchanged uneasy glances. ‘Was our commander being too reckless, planning to take on the larger S-Tier starbeast alone?’ They thought.
But after fighting alongside him, their view of Commander November had shifted from “Layla’s pretty-boy husband” to “legit powerhouse.” Even the proud and stubborn Alex had no more doubts or objections.
Atlas immediately charged forward in his mech.
Layla, with the other two, quickly encircled the starbeast. It was as tall as a small hill, each stomp made the ground tremble.
Alex and Annie attacked with agile movements, while Wallace’s strength was formidable. Layla’s shots were precise, often striking when the starbeast was distracted by the others.
Soon, the starbeast was covered in wounds. The other one was in worse shape, already subdued by November, who even had the spare capacity to glance over, ready to assist his teammates if needed.
This was the scene Herbert and the rescue team arrived to.
With Layla’s final shot, the massive starbeast was destroyed. The mountain-like creature collapsed with a thunderous crash, sending a cloud of dust into Herbert’s face.
“Oh!” Herbert spat out sand, then stared in shock. “You took down both these S-Tier starbeasts yourselves?”
November replied lazily, “Yep. Instructor, please add the points.”
With the points from two upper-tier starbeasts added, Layla’s team’s total score soared directly to second place!
The leading teams were completely stunned. ‘Had they launched on a rocket?’ They wondered.
Looking at the rankings, Layla calculated they were now less than twenty points behind first-place Crown Squad. A few more mid-tier starbeast kills would close the gap.
November sauntered over, who adored sticking close to Layla. One moment, he was a ruthless predator who’d single-handedly taken down an upper-tier starbeast, the next, he was all soft edges and puppy-dog eyes, practically purring for attention.
“Star, which method do you prefer to overtake them?”
11:58 Wed, Jan 7
Chapter 36
“We have more than one choice?”
82
2755 vouchers
65
November’s lip curled up smugly, his fluffy fox ears giving a little twitch. “One way is to overtake them now, no doubt, and let them chase us.
“The other is to stockpile points and only surpass them right before time runs out.”
Layla paused. That second method was indeed a bit sneaky.
Seeing his cerulean blue eyes fixed intently on her, filled with her reflection, she suddenly felt that the Ninth Prince in his rut seemed to revert to a pure, youthful state, free from the palace’s complexity.
If he hadn’t met her, he probably wouldn’t have had the chance to show this side of himself. No wonder his usual self was cold, stubborn, and difficult to approach.
“Star, which one do you prefer?”
Even with the mask, those bright eyes were captivating.
Before Layla could answer, the other three troopers spoke in unison: “The second one!”
Annie added excitedly, “They think they’re safe in first place the whole time, only to get slapped in the face at the last second. I can already picture my cousin’s shocked expression!”
Wallace chuckled. “Their jaws will definitely drop wider than mine when I’m eating!”
Alex gave a noble, cool nod. “Agreed.”
Though November was the team commander, he listened to Layla, so everyone followed Layla’s lead.
Finally, a small smile touched Layla’s lips. “Alright. Let’s go with the second plan.”
From then on, the team began capturing starbeasts, leaving Layla and Annie to guard the subdued creatures.
The instructors watching the monitors were dumbfounded.
“Are they trying to farm starbeasts? This is an exam arena. They can’t take them with them!”
Antony, who had already guessed the kids’ plan, said with a mix of amusement and exasperation, “They want to overtake Crown Squad at the very last moment.”
A Command Division instructor immediately frowned. “So Crown Squad would lose? Is that even allowed?”
Herbert retorted, “Why shouldn’t Crown Squad lose? They haven’t broken any rules. What’s not allowed about it?”
The instructor pursed his lips. “This kind of opportunistic behavior breaks fairness. It’s an underhanded win!”
11:58 Wed, Jan 7
Editorial Board Our editorial team works behind the scenes to refine each chapter, maintain consistency, and deliver the best reading experience.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Sorry I'm Mated To The Commander