Skills with no cooldown? I become the Undead Scourge! - Chapter 9

Not a single person in the room was unfamiliar with Lu Ran.

As the student with the highest spiritual power in Blackflame Academy’s history, all the instructors had placed great expectations on him. Principal Jiang Zhenbei had even long since arranged connections with the Celestial Alliance.

Qin Lie, the High Steward of the Blackflame City branch of the Celestial Alliance, had also been keeping a close eye on Lu Ran.

At yesterday’s Awakening Ceremony, countless people were watching Lu Ran.

Yet in the end, he awakened as a Necromancer.

In an instant, nearly all that attention vanished.

But after their initial disappointment, their focus shifted to Qin Wuyao and the other rare-class holders.

No one could have predicted that in just one day—no, less than a day—Lu Ran would already be Level 8!

This leveling speed was absurd.

In previous years, the highest anyone had reached on the first day of the rookie rankings was Level 5, and even that was considered extreme.

Only those from powerful families, who prioritized leveling speed above all else, could push further. By monopolizing hunting grounds in the wild, driving away other newcomers, securing vast areas of monsters, and using expensive party contracts to reduce experience penalties—along with flawless teamwork to maximize kill efficiency—they could barely manage Level 6 on the first day by having four high-level players carry one rookie.

As for Level 7 on the first day? That had only happened a handful of times in history.

Level 8? Unheard of.

No one knew how Lu Ran had done it.

It was common knowledge that the higher the level, the more experience was required. The amount needed to go from Level 7 to 8 exceeded the total experience from all previous levels combined. Compared to reaching Level 5, the difference was nearly fivefold.

In the face of Lu Ran’s achievement, the so-called “four-carry-one” leveling strategy of the noble families now seemed like a joke.

Beside Lu Ran, Liang Shaoyu was dumbstruck, staring blankly at the rankings.

Wang Yujiao was equally stunned.

Then she turned to Lu Ran, her eyes flickering with calculation.

She had no idea how he’d managed it, but all she could think was: Had she stayed with him yesterday, her name would now be among the top three on the leaderboard.

With that thought, she leaned forward, bypassing Liang Shaoyu, and said to Lu Ran:

“Lu Ran, congratulations! I never expected you to level up so fast. How did you—”

Before she could finish, Lu Ran cut her off.

He glanced at her and said coldly, “No need for fake pleasantries. You were right—we’re not from the same world.”

Wang Yujiao’s mouth opened, then closed. The last flicker of hope in her heart died.

She had planned to party up with him today. Even if she didn’t know his methods, as long as she was in his group, she’d benefit from the shared experience.

But Lu Ran’s icy gaze held nothing but disgust.

The most awkward person in this moment, however, was Liang Shaoyu.

Frozen stiff, sandwiched between the two, he could clearly sense Wang Yujiao’s sudden attempt to cozy up to Lu Ran—only to be brushed off.

The girl he’d worked so hard to steal now seemed like discarded trash in Lu Ran’s eyes.

And then there were his earlier taunts.

He’d mocked Lu Ran relentlessly for being Level 4, bragging about his own Rank 22 placement.

Now, standing before Level 8 Lu Ran, Liang Shaoyu’s earlier behavior made him look like nothing but a clown.

To make matters worse, Lu Ran turned to him with amusement.

“Young Master Liang, why so quiet? Your ranking isn’t bad—at least you made the list. Plenty of others didn’t. Congrats! Though the gap is a bit… wide. Keep trying.”

The patronizing tone made Liang Shaoyu’s face turn livid.

But he couldn’t muster a single retort.

The facts were undeniable: Level 8 versus Level 4 wasn’t just a difference of double—it was tens of times the gap.

On stage, the faculty finally snapped out of their shock.

Jiang Zhenbei chuckled. “It seems this year’s batch of students is full of hidden talents. Impressive, truly impressive.”

Meanwhile, Qin Lie’s sharp gaze swept across the crowd, searching for Lu Ran.

Because he suddenly remembered Qin Wuyao’s odd behavior yesterday.

During dinner, she’d repeatedly brought up Necromancers.

And this morning, she’d flatly refused the idea that she could take first place.

She knew something.

Being a seasoned veteran, Qin Lie pieced it together almost instantly.

But how Lu Ran had managed it, he still couldn’t fathom.

Following protocol, Jiang Zhenbei went over some basic post-awakening guidelines for dungeon runs and wild monster hunting.

Finally, he announced: “That’s all for today. If any students have further questions, consult your respective instructors. Dismissed.”

As the crowd dispersed, Lu Ran turned to leave—only for Wang Yujiao to block his path.

“Lu Ran… I’m sorry about yesterday,” she said, putting on a pitiful act.

“What do you want?” he interrupted.

“Are you going to level up? Let’s party together,” she pressed eagerly.

Lu Ran smirked.

“What, did Young Master Liang ditch you? I’m just a lowly Necromancer—why would you want to team up with me? Besides, didn’t you say it yourself? We’re not from the same world.”

Her face twisted. “You’re still angry, aren’t you? Last night with Liang Shaoyu… I was drunk! It wasn’t my choice. If you want, I can give myself to you too—right now! Let’s go to your place!”

At this moment, Lu Ran actually felt relieved.

Wang Yujiao’s desperate act had shattered whatever lingering attachment he might’ve had.

She was rotten to the core.

Just as Qin Wuyao had said—breaking up after graduation was the best outcome.

“That doesn’t work on me,” he replied flatly.

“I know you still like me! I’ll give you another chance! Let’s get back together and level up as a team, okay?” Her voice was practically pleading.

But before Lu Ran could respond—

Qin Wuyao suddenly dashed over, looping her arm through his.

“What’s taking so long? Let’s go! We’ve got dungeons to grind!” she chirped, deliberately ignoring Wang Yujiao before feigning surprise. “Oh? Isn’t this Wang Yujiao? Did your precious Liang Shaoyu abandon you?”

Wang Yujiao’s expression froze.

She knew exactly who Qin Wuyao was—even Liang Shaoyu wouldn’t dare cross her, let alone someone like Wang Yujiao.

“S-Shaoyu just went to the restroom! He’ll be back soon. I… I should go.”

With that, she scurried away, humiliated.

Lu Ran glanced at Qin Wuyao, amused and grateful.

He wasn’t fooled—she’d clearly stepped in to save him from Wang Yujiao’s harassment.