City A (14th Zone):

Instructors Jacob, Betsy Lowe, and Daniel Stone stood in front of Jeremy Night, eyeing him from head to toe.

Jeremy observed them as well. He noticed their ranks had increased significantly, surpassing most other first-year students.

At that moment, Jacob's heart raced. He sensed Jeremy Night's strength was at Tier-2, surpassing the first rank. He was stunned by such rapid progress.

He didn't know what to say. Betsy and Daniel Stone were equally shocked, seeing Jeremy after such a long time.

"Instructor Jacob?"

"Betsy!"

"Daniel!"

"How are you all doing?" Jeremy asked.

The three gathered their thoughts.

"We've been doing fine. What about you? We heard you faced a beast invasion," Jacob said.

Jeremy was surprised by their knowledge. He noticed Betsy and Daniel exchanging knowing looks, aware of his recent whereabouts.

Sighing, Jeremy said, "It was a dangerous experience. Corrupted beasts invaded the city. We were fighting them inside the streets."

Jacob was at a loss for words. He knew surviving a beast invasion was no easy feat.

Betsy and Daniel were also shaken by the thought of a beast invasion. They couldn't imagine themselves battling corrupted beasts within a city.

Trying to move past the heavy topic, they calmed themselves and changed the subject.

"So, what's your plan?"

"You've returned after a long time. Are you visiting the university?" Betsy asked.

Instructor Jacob and Daniel turned to Jeremy with hopeful expressions, eager for him to visit the campus.

Not only would they be delighted, but other students and instructors would be thrilled as well.

Jacob particularly wanted Jeremy to meet Dean Carolyn and Elder Derek.

Jeremy saw the anticipation in their eyes. He knew they wanted him to reconnect with everyone.

However, something else was on his mind. He decided to share it with them.

He glanced around, spotting a private area a few meters away where no one could overhear.

"I have something important to discuss. Follow me," he said, walking toward the empty spot.

They were now well outside the airport, standing a few hundred meters from the crowd moving in and out.

Jeremy looked at them and began recounting his encounter with a Tier-5 Worm Beast and its group.

The presence of Tier-5 Corrupted Beasts near City A was far more alarming than near City C.

A few minutes later, the trio's expressions shifted. They hadn't expected City C to face such a crisis.

No wonder Jeremy seemed tense.

Instructor Jacob said, "If the Tier-5 Worm Beast was injured and fled, it's likely to return."

"They're intelligent. They don't forget attacks. The City Governors need to address this quickly," he added.

Jeremy nodded. "That's why I'm here. I plan to track their whereabouts."

"I've also decided to buy equipment that can harm the worm beasts," he continued.

Betsy gasped in surprise. Daniel was equally shocked.

Instructor Jacob's face grew serious.

"Are you insane?"

"A Tier-5 Corrupted Beast could easily destroy you!" Jacob exclaimed in frustration.

He couldn't understand why Jeremy was taking such a risk.

Then it dawned on him, Jeremy's father was one of the City Governors. That explained his determination.

Betsy and Daniel came to the same realization.

Jeremy said, "I'm only trying to find their whereabouts, not fight them. The Tier-5 Worm Beast is dangerous."

Hearing this, Jacob raised his eyebrows in surprise. He hadn't expected Jeremy to show such restraint. It proved he wasn't being reckless.

"I'll ask for help from my grandfather," Betsy said.

"I can ask my family for help too," Daniel added.

Jeremy shook his head. "There's no need for that. It's just one Tier-5 beast. Mobilizing a large group could invite criticism."

"Jeremy's right. There's no need to involve so many people, especially without evidence of more than one Tier-5 Corrupted Beast," Jacob said.

"But one person could help you, Dean Carolyn. She could dispatch a Tier-6 Beast Tamer to assist."

"She has a lot of connections and could request support from the City Governors here," he added.

Jeremy frowned. "I don't think that's necessary. My father and the other two City Governors already have plans in mind."

"I'm just helping by tracking the whereabouts of the Tier-5 Worm Beast," he added.

Seeing Jeremy's reluctance, Jacob was unsure what to do. He worried Jeremy was taking on unnecessary risks.

Betsy and Daniel didn't know what to say. As Tier-1 Beast Tamers, they couldn't assist Jeremy in a fight.

Jacob quickly thought of something and decided to support Jeremy for now. He asked, "So, what's your next step?"

"I need something that can injure worm beasts. They must be allergic to something," Jeremy replied.

Instructor Jacob nodded. "They're sensitive to certain liquids that irritate their bodies. But where will you find them in large quantities?"

"Stores here only carry small amounts, enough for low-tier beasts," he added.

Jeremy was taken aback. He hadn't considered this. The Tier-5 Worm Beast was over 20 feet tall, and the liquids available locally might not suffice.

Jacob noticed Jeremy deep in thought. Betsy and Daniel remained silent, uncertain of Jeremy's next move.

They could tell tracking a Tier-5 Worm Beast was dangerous.

Jacob said, "I have another idea. The Beast Taming Association has developed a special liquid to lure worm beasts."

"I'm not sure if it works on high-tier worms, though," he added.

Jeremy raised his eyebrows in surprise. He hadn't known such a liquid existed for luring beasts.

Jeremy said, "I need that liquid. As long as I can confirm their whereabouts, it's enough."

"Then come with me. I'll take you to the Beast Taming Association," Jacob said.

"We want to go too," Betsy said.

Daniel nodded, expressing his desire to join as well.

Instructor Jacob agreed. The four of them left the airport, heading straight for the Beast Taming Association.

Meanwhile, Elder Derek called Jacob as usual, but Jacob didn't answer. Surprised, Derek assumed Jacob must be teaching a class.

Meanwhile, Jacob was traveling with the others. He was deliberately ignoring the calls, worried that Elder Derek might notice his absence.