Tiffany was the last to disembark the bus, which had flat tires. She yawned lazily, seemingly unfazed by the recent commotion.

Zoe immediately approached her. "Tiffany," she said, "if you're not feeling well, why not sleep a bit longer? Don't worry; Ged and I will keep watch."

During lunch at the farmhouse, Zoe had noticed Tiffany seemed unwell. She was unusually sleepy and struggled to wake up. After some insistence, they borrowed a thermometer from their hosts, revealing a slight fever.

Just as they were about to leave, the bus suffered a flat tire. When the replacement vehicles arrived, everyone scrambled aboard, shoving each other as if competing, leaving no seats available. It was frustrating.

Tiffany shook her head. "I'm fine," she said. As she walked to the front of the bus, she noticed several triangular spikes. It wasn't an accident; someone had deliberately sabotaged the tires.

It was unclear whether Tiffany or Kenneth was the target. Looking through the bus's windshield, Tiffany spotted over a dozen shadowy figures moving silently in the grass near the stone bridge.

At that moment, an arrow shot through the air, aimed directly at her back. Tiffany stumbled backward just in time; the arrow embedded itself in the bus with a loud clang, demonstrating its terrifying penetrating power. The sudden attack startled everyone.

Before anyone could react, over a dozen figures sprang from the bushes, armed with weapons—daggers and bows and arrows. They quickly surrounded the group, terrifying the four students, whose faces were pale and trembling.

Melody was equally frightened, but Kenneth stood protectively in front of her. Similarly, Zoe and Ged positioned themselves before Tiffany, ready to shield her.

The scorching sun seemed distant, the mountain breeze overshadowed by a chilling sense of dread. The assailants stood expressionless, brandishing their cold, sharp daggers, their gaze fixed on the girls. One spoke: "Who is Tiffany Kelley?"

It was clear they were after her. Of the nine people present—Tiffany, Melody, Zoe, Arielle Solis, and three boys—only the four girls were in the assailants' sights. The boys exchanged fearful glances, but none dared to intervene.

Kenneth frowned. He'd initially thought he was the target, but he was surprised to find he wasn't. Nevertheless, he stepped forward. "Who are you? How dare you cause trouble here? Let me warn you, if you don't want to cross the Harper family, you'd better leave now."

He maintained a stern expression, exuding an aura of authority—the innate arrogance of the Harper family, a confidence born of privilege and power.

Zoe glanced at him in surprise. Despite his usual jerk-like behavior, he wasn't displaying cowardice. His courage was a stark contrast to the other boys, who cowered in fear.

Ged felt the same. At least Kenneth had the guts to stand up, but the assailants clearly had a plan and were prepared for anything.

Upon hearing Kenneth's threat, they sneered. "Oh really? Then why doesn't Mr. Harper call for help?"

All communication signals had been jammed—another act of the assailants. Kenneth's expression darkened.

The assailants advanced. "Not going to speak up, huh? Fine, there are only four girls here. It's better to kill the wrong ones than let any escape. Go!" They surged forward.

Their first target was Zoe. With a resigned sigh, she said, "So you've figured it out? Fine, I'm the one you're looking for." She admitted it to protect Tiffany.

Tiffany's expression changed as an assailant stepped forward, raising his dagger to plunge it into Zoe. Protecting Zoe, Tiffany swiftly yanked her back and delivered a powerful kick, sending the assailant flying and clattering the dagger.

Tiffany's expression was cold. Ignoring Zoe's anxious tugging, she stepped forward lazily. "I'm right here. How do you all want to meet your end?"

The assailants paused, sizing her up. Some exchanged remarks. "This girl's the most beautiful. She must be the one, right?"

"Yeah, I'd say there's a good chance it's her."

Hearing their identification method was based solely on looks, Tiffany twitched her mouth. Were these people too confident? she thought.

In a blink, they attacked. Two launched a coordinated assault. They were skilled, but instead of intimidation, Tiffany felt interest. She enjoyed facing stronger opponents.

Seeing Tiffany in danger, Ged picked up a large stone and rushed forward, but Tiffany stopped him. "Stand back! Everyone, leave!"

If the fight turned against her, she could release poison powder. Ged charging recklessly would only hinder her. But her opponents seized the distraction. One's dagger sliced her arm, causing a deep cut.

Ged was worried, pacing anxiously, berating himself for his uselessness and inadvertently causing Tiffany's injury. He felt like a failure.

Ged's eyes welled up. The two-on-one fight was disadvantageous for Tiffany without help.

Just then, Kenneth casually said, "Get the others out of here; I'll help." He jumped into the fray, seemingly forgetting the odds. (The promotional text for FindNovel.net has been removed.)

With Kenneth's arrival, Tiffany felt some relief, but seven or eight assailants remained. They aimed their bows and arrows at Zoe and the others.

"Better back off, or these people will die right in front of you!" This made them vulnerable.

Tiffany wouldn't let her friends get hurt. Kenneth, concerned for Melody, hesitated and ultimately decided to hold back. Both chose to surrender.

Some assailants were pleased. They approached Tiffany. "You are Tiffany Kelley, right?"

"Yes," she replied without hesitation.

"That's good." The leader appreciated her straightforwardness. "I'll make it quick. Don't worry; I'll let these people go after you die."

One would expect pleading or terror, but Tiffany laughed. Without panic, she replied, "Sure." Her bright eyes and radiant smile made her exquisitely beautiful. Her eyes seemed to hold a galaxy.

Clear and dazzling, any scenery paled in comparison.

The assailant sighed regretfully. "What a pity." He raised his dagger. (The promotional text for FindNovel.net has been removed.)