Chapter 71: Familiar Faces in the World of Scarlet Ammo

Kaname Tohyama? For Zhang Fan, who had only watched the anime, this twist in the plot added significant pressure. Wasn't the original story about a male protagonist with a brother? How did it turn into a sister? Moreover, this sister, akin to the original plot, became the sole casualty in a recent shipwreck incident, making for a rather chaotic storyline.

Now living alone in a modest abode, barely scraping by on the meager funds left by his late foster parents, Zhang Fan faced a challenging life. Yet, there was hope; upon admission to Butei High, he could start taking on commissions to earn money. Money wasn't a significant concern for Zhang Fan; having enough was sufficient.

Examining his physical state, he noticed no significant changes, yet he was only sixteen years old in this world. Was this game meant to rejuvenate its players? After transforming into an eighteen-year-old in the Resident Evil world, he was now back to being a freshman in high school, an undoubtedly tragicomic scenario.

In terms of physical appearance, Zhang Fan wasn't the muscular type. While his body had become aesthetically pleasing and muscularly well-proportioned through enhancement, these attributes were inconspicuous under his clothing. Who would guess that his seemingly slender frame harbored strength capable of confronting a Hunter head-on?

Glancing at the time, it was already 7:30 in the morning. Today was the official entrance test at Butei High, assessing the new students' abilities. It was best to head there early and familiarize himself with the campus.

Tokyo Butei High, located on a rectangular artificial island measuring two kilometers north to south and 500 meters east to west, just south of a rainbow suspension bridge, was part of an educational complex known as Academy Island, dedicated to nurturing 'Butei'—specialized crime-fighting professionals.

Butei, unlike police, were professionals who operated for monetary gain. Holding licenses that granted them the right to bear arms and make arrests, they undertook a wide range of tasks, from brutal to minute, as long as the payment was right. Of course, not all Butei were solely motivated by money.

In addition to regular academics, Tokyo Butei High offered various specialized courses related to Butei activities. These specialties would be detailed later.

Arriving at Academy Island, Zhang Fan noticed it was like a different world. While the Butei students wore seemingly ordinary uniforms, they all concealed various weapons. The bulges around their waists suggested the presence of potentially lethal firearms.

As he walked, Zhang Fan, dressed in casual clothes, drew many puzzled glances. What was going on? Why was everyone looking at him as if he were some deity? He checked his attire for any improprieties but found none.

Shrugging off the unwarranted attention, he was about to move on when a girl's scream caught his ear. Was someone bullying a weak girl? Unlikely, as Butei High students, regardless of gender, were known for their formidable nature. Curious, he turned toward the source of the scream, his expression immediately turning icy.

The scene before him was clear: a few senior male students, having found a new female student appealing, had approached

her, and upon her refusal, they resorted to force. One of the boys had grabbed the girl's wrist, eliciting her scream.

The surrounding students, presumably freshmen like Zhang Fan, observed passively. Butei High's unwritten rule – lower grade students must not confront their seniors unless their strength was overwhelmingly superior – was being upheld. Save for seeking intervention from teachers or upperclassmen, they could do nothing but watch.

Zhang Fan, however, was not one to abide by such nonsensical rules, especially when the girl in distress was someone he knew.

Shirayuki Hotogi, his childhood friend and a shrine maiden at the Hoshigaoka Shrine, was renowned for her formidable abilities. Despite her gentle demeanor, she would unleash her true power when provoked beyond her limits. The senior students were unwittingly treading dangerously close to that line.

Zhang Fan couldn't pass up such a heroic opportunity to intervene. His fondness for Shirayuki, both from his memories and his appreciation of her character in the anime, only amplified his resolve. Daring to harass Shirayuki in his presence was a mistake these boys would soon regret.

"Stop right there!" His intervention, though cliché, was effective, catching everyone off guard, including Shirayuki.

"Zhang Fan?" Shirayuki's surprise was evident as she recognized the figure shielding her. The familiarity and comfort she felt in his presence were undeniable. This was the person she had long admired, who had transcended the limits imposed by the Hoshigaoka Shrine. Finally, her hero, her Zhang Fan, had arrived.

"It's been a while, Shirayuki," Zhang Fan said, his thoughts free from excessive sentimentality. However, seeing the delicate beauty he now protected, with her long, soft black hair tied with a white ribbon, he couldn't help but feel an urge to caress her familiar, lovely face. His decision was made – Shirayuki must become a member of his team.

"Indeed, it has been too long, Lord Zhang Fan," Shirayuki replied, her respectful bow indicative of the traditional Japanese upbringing that characterized her as a modern-day Yamato Nadeshiko. Despite their close childhood bond, she held Zhang Fan in high regard, akin to a wife's reverence for her husband. This respect was also influenced by the close ties between the Tohyama family and the Hoshigaoka Shrine, which honored Zhang Fan as the scion of the Tohyama household, despite his status as an adopted son.

"I've told you many times, Shirayuki, there's no need for formalities. We're childhood friends, after all. Just call me by my name," Zhang Fan insisted, slightly uncomfortable with the formality of being addressed as 'Lord.'