Once he grasped the Card Crafter Association's intentions, Russell quickly put on a friendly smile and waved his hands modestly.
"Oh, no, not at all. In a situation like that, I believe any well-educated citizen of Daming would've stepped up too."
Well... not necessarily.
The official silently noted that plenty of fresh card crafting recruits had frozen up in terror during the senior-year field simulations.
Still, even if he didn't buy Russell's humble line completely, he was pleased by how smoothly the young man played along.
"Alright, Student Russell, let's get you registered as a certified Card Crafter first. We can talk about the interview afterward."
Standing at the entrance of the branch office, Russell looked down at the newly issued card in his hand, the words Black Iron gleaming on its surface. He felt slightly dazed.
So this is what it feels like... to officially become a registered Card Crafter.
Black Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Emerald, Diamond, Master, Hall of Legends…
He had just taken the very first step on this long path.
Shaking off the haze, Russell recalled the words of the branch director, who had introduced himself earlier as Ma Liang.
"Student Russell, we're planning to do a feature interview at your school tomorrow."
"We'll coordinate directly with your school administration."
"The interview will be run by Shanghai Daily. What are your thoughts?"
What could he say, really? After being awarded a 100,000 yuan bonus for his "heroic deed," he wasn't about to complain.
Although, the money wouldn't hit his account until tomorrow—they still needed to do the photo ops and whatnot.
On the way home, Russell's phone wouldn't stop buzzing.
He glanced down: it was his homeroom teacher, Wang Ming.
"Hello? Lao Wang, what's up?"
"RUSSELL!!"
The roar on the other end nearly ruptured his eardrum.
He instinctively held the phone a little farther away. "...I'm here."
Wang Ming calmed down and said more gently, "The school just informed me about your heroic act. I called to check if you were hurt."
Warmth welled up in Russell's chest.
"No injuries, Lao Wang. Just a couple of ghouls—nothing I couldn't handle."
Wang Ming sighed in relief. "Good. That's good. Get some rest tonight. And tomorrow, tidy yourself up a bit before school, alright? That's all."
The line went dead with a click.
Russell couldn't help but chuckle.
All that fuss for a few words?
Ding—Welfare Card Activated.
The next morning, Russell got up early and caught the bus.
It was the first day of school for all high school students in Shanghai.
"Morning, Russell."
A slick-haired teenager plopped into the seat beside him, schoolbag slung lazily over one shoulder.
"Morning, Mo Fang," Russell replied with a nod.
Mo Fang was a classmate of the body's original owner. His family ran a small business—decent kid, if a bit full of himself.
Russell rested his head against the bus window, lost in thought, when Mo Fang suddenly spoke up.
"So, Russell... how's your card crafting coming along?"
Russell glanced at him and had to stifle a laugh.
The boy's eyes couldn't have screamed "I want to brag" any louder. Classic teenage energy—dying to show off at the first hint of success.
Sure enough, Mo Fang continued proudly, "I got lucky—I crafted a Green-tier Black Iron card."
He was clearly pleased with himself. For a senior high schooler, crafting a Black Iron–grade green card was impressive. With more effort, maybe even a blue-tier card wasn't out of reach. He might just earn the title of Card Crafter one day.
In his mind, Russell—an orphan—had probably spent the entire summer without even touching a card mold.
He was just about to bask in some praise when Russell answered casually:
"Congrats, that's great."
Russell wasn't trying to show him up. He had no interest in petty displays of superiority—especially not toward someone like Mo Fang, who was still just a kid, barely beginning to understand the real world.
Mo Fang scratched his head, frowning slightly.
Something about Russell today felt... different. But he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Ding—Now arriving at Shanghai No. 1 High School. All passengers, please disembark in an orderly fashion.
"Come on, Russell, we're here," Mo Fang said, slinging his backpack over his shoulder as he stood up.
The two stepped off the bus, and right away, Russell spotted their homeroom teacher, Wang Ming, waiting anxiously at the school gates.
"Good morning, Mr. Wang," Mo Fang greeted politely.
Wang Ming gave him a curt nod, then immediately grabbed Russell by the arm. "Hurry! Everyone's waiting for you!"
As Russell was half-dragged away at a trot, Mo Fang stared after them, frowning in thought.
And then, a bold idea hit him.
Rushing into the classroom, Mo Fang flung open the door and announced dramatically, "Russell might be dropping out to start working!"
The entire class turned toward him, startled.
Emboldened by their attention, Mo Fang launched into his theory.
He brought up how Russell was an orphan, and maybe his family had finally run out of money to keep him in school.
How he'd seemed downcast and gloomy on the bus that morning.
And how Mr. Wang had been waiting for him at the gate—so early in the day.
Gradually, his classmates began nodding, murmuring in agreement. Mo Fang's speculation seemed… plausible.
As heated discussions broke out about organizing a class donation for Russell, on the other side of campus, Wang Ming was still jogging with Russell in tow. Together, they stopped in front of the principal's office.
Taking a moment to catch his breath, Wang Ming opened the door and announced:
"Principal Xie, Russell is here."
"Good, good! President Ma and Reporter Li have been waiting."
Russell stepped inside and greeted them with quiet formality. "Good morning, Principal Xie, President Ma."
Ma Liang, the president of the Ning'an District Card Crafter Association, laughed warmly. "Kid, I told you—just call me Uncle Ma."
Then he gestured toward a sharply dressed woman with a confident, urban flair. "This is Reporter Li from the Shanghai Daily."
Reporter Li stepped forward to shake Russell's hand.
"Hello, Student Russell. Today's just a quick interview—no need to be nervous."
"Russell, can you tell us what made you step forward in such a dangerous situation?"
Russell replied smoothly, his tone measured and unwavering:
"Because the residents of Xingfu Homeland needed someone to protect them. And I believe any student from Shanghai No. 1 High, or any certified Card Crafter from the Association, would've done the same."
A textbook answer—polished, composed, watertight.
Principal Xie couldn't help but smile in approval.
Reporter Li continued, "President Ma mentioned that on your very first try, you crafted a Purple-tier card. Is that true?"
Russell groaned inwardly. This reporter really asks everything, doesn't she? Doesn't she know that a Card Crafter's deck is practically their greatest secret?
Still, his expression didn't waver. Calmly, he answered,
"I just got lucky. The story I wrote for the card happened to resonate. It's all thanks to the school and the Association's consistent guidance."
At this, Principal Xie's satisfaction reached new heights.
Gifted in crafting and emotionally intelligent too. Perfect candidate to represent No. 1 High this year.
When Reporter Li had finished jotting everything down, she clapped her notebook shut.
"Let's get a photo of you three together—Student Russell, Principal Xie, President Ma."
She walked over and retrieved a silk banner, handing it to Russell.
"Here, hold this up for the photo."
Russell took the banner and unfolded it. Across the red fabric, gold characters read:
"Bravery Embodied in a No. 1 High Student — A Heroic Youth Who Stepped Up!"
The corner of Russell's mouth twitched. Just one look, and he could tell the school had pulled strings to get this made.
He raised the banner and mustered a forced smile for the photo.
"Excellent," Reporter Li said, checking her camera. "Thank you for your cooperation, Student Russell."
"Then... can I go now?" Russell asked hesitantly, sensing his part was done.
"Just a moment, Student Russell." Principal Xie stopped him just as he turned to leave.
"The Association has given you a reward—and so will No. 1 High."
(End of Chapter)