Both Wen Chou and Qu Yi sit in the cafeteria. Wen Chou is only on her second plate, while Qu Yi has fully eaten her own breakfast. Yan Liang had decided after finishing breakfast, she would scout around to find the best route to the library possible, while avoiding Yellow Scarves causing trouble. With Wen Chou focusing on her eating. Qu Yi thinks this is the perfect time to study her book. She pulls out her pocket copy of volume one of “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” If the book is somehow related to this world, that means perhaps she can figure out some things about this dimension.

  She continues from the page she left off, page seven. It’s naming off a lot of names of apparent Eunuchs who are gaining corruption. She continues, not noticing any connections thus far, until she comes to a line. “At this time in the country of Julu was a certain Zhang family.” She perks up. “Just like with the Liu and Cao family names. Apparently Zhang Jue might have something to do with the contents. She reads on, “three brothers bore the name of Zhang Jue, Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang.”

  “AH!” She speaks up, standing in shock. Not only is the family name in here, but it also specifically states the names of both Zhang Jue and her sister Zhang Bao!

  Wen Chou looks up at Qu Yi as she puts down her milk carton. “You really like that book, dontcha?”

  Wen Chou’s voice brings her back to reality. “O-Oh yeah, it’s a real thriller.” Qu Yi shyly nods.

  Wen Chou peeks over at the page. “Must be! You’re only on page eight and you’re already this entranced!” She smiles. “I’m glad you can like books about math so much.”

  Qu Yi blinks with a confused look at Wen Chou. “Um, suuure.” She has no idea how Wen Chou came to the idea that this is a math book, but she doesn’t feel ready to correct her. She sits back down, trying to collect herself. “If Zhang Jue is in this book, then perhaps everyone else is here as well?”

  As Qu Yi continues reading, she learns how Zhang Jue is apparently given a book that could allow them to control the weather. Zhang Jue in the book becomes known as a mystic in the “Way of Peace.” Qu Yi thinks back to when she first met her. She did indeed seem peaceful. She thinks hard and remembers that one of the yellow scarves who was aggressive towards her had said that their class offered “peace.” Well, they said that right before they threatened her, but that part is less important. To Qu Yi this is becoming clearer. “The people at this school, they must be based on the people in this book?” She thinks to herself as she continues reading. She reads about Zhang Jue’s charisma, as their supporters wear yellow scarves on their heads. Although that doesn’t fit in with reality in this dimension, every yellow scarf she’s seen has been around their neck like a regular scarf.

  A few minutes later, Yan Liang returns to the table with Wen Chou on her fifth plate. “What Dong Zhuo said turns out to be more accurate than I had hoped.” She sighs. “Students from the Yellow Scarves are causing trouble everywhere. Most entrances are blocked preventing anyone from getting to classes. I haven’t seen any physical fights, but there’s been plenty of yelling and arguing.” She sighs looking to the side. “Getting to the library may be tougher than we thought.”

  Qu Yi closes her book to pay attention to Yan Liang. She places her finger to her chin. “Hm, do we have any word from the rest of our class?”

  Yan Liang nods, “Yeah, we have a group text message.” She pulls out her phone, “We need to get Yuan Shao to add you to it.” She pulls it open one her phone and hands it to Qu Yi. Qu Yi begins reading over some of the messages.

  Yuan Shao: This is a disaster! Nonnoble students are stopping Shen Pei from bringing my food to the dorm! I must have my breakfast in bed while my hair curls! 9:05 AM

  Lu Kuang: Does this mean class is cancelled? 9:09 AM

  Lu Xiang: Class is cancelled? 9:09 AM

  Shen Pei: Nonsense, it just means it may be delayed until Yuan Shao is as glorious as she always is. 9:11 AM

  Zhang He: Hark not, my lovely friends of female nature! For we will get through these moments of hardship! Even if we cannot have food here, we can always go out together for breakfast! <3 It will be a time where our true hearts can be seen, where we are not confined to our roles as classmates, but can even become something more! For someone’s true beauty is manifested in the most unexpected places! ;) 9:14 AM

  Ju Shou: Zhang He, I’ve told you about clogging up the messages with this nonsense. Don’t make us ban you again. 9:18 AM

  Zhang He: Ju Shou, I know you are normally so stern. I love the fact you would give me a warning this time! I know that it is fate, and you are perhaps getting soft with me! We can discuss it over a cup of nice tea. I know just the place! Let’s take this to personal messages! <3 9:19 AM

  *Zhang He has been banned from the chat * 9:21 AM

  You: We managed to get breakfast line moving again, so that fixes that problem. But there’s apparently Yellow Scarves causing issues in plenty of places. 9:34 AM

  Yuan Shao: Yan Liang! You are a life saver! My breakfast in bed has been saved! You are a godsend to the noble Yuan family! 9:42 AM

  On the last message there’s an attached audio file. Qu Yi presses it curiously, A brief clip plays, “OHOHOHO!” Qu Yi raises an eyebrow, not entirely sure what she expected.

  “Well, it sure is crazy, but it’s not really too much help.” She hands the phone back to Yan Liang.

  Yan Liang smiles sympathetically. “I guess I should have told you it wasn’t anything relevant.”

  Wen Chou stands up and quickly heads to the back of the line. “One more plate and I’m done. Don’t leave without me!” she shouts to the two as she jogs toward the line.

  Qu Yi frowns. “Well, I guess until Wen Chou is ready, we have to wait. I’ll try to brainstorm while reading…” In reality she hopes that the contents of the book will give her a clue.

  Yan Liang smiles. “I’ll be thinking also! I’ll tell you if I get any ideas about how to get in.”

  Qu Yi smiles to Yan Liang as she goes back to her book. It seems the Zhang Jue that is portrayed in the book is not nearly as peaceful as the one in her current reality, as the “Way of Peace” wants to overthrow the government. As the story continues Qu Yi notices another name, “Liu Bei.” She didn’t expect that she is important enough to show up in the first chapter. Liu Bei is a man in the book, a common theme from what she has seen so far. Apparently, he met both Guan Yu and Zhang Fei and swore an oath of brotherhood at a peach garden. She remembers back to the visit to their class on her first day. The three girls under the same names said they were sisters. She continues, Liu Bei has apparently been given a small army and is sent out to subjugate some yellow scarves.

  Qu Yi’s brain begins working overtime. “This dimension appears to be based around the contents of this book. If this is true, that means what’s in this book may help us with our current situation!” She looks up to see Wen Chou finishing up her last plate next to her. “In that case, we should find Liu Bei and her sisters. It might just be the best bet to give our group a way into the school, but how am I supposed to convince Wen Chou and Yan Liang...” She puts her hand to her chin, placing the book away in the pocket of her skirt.

  Yan Liang takes notice of Qu Yi’s facial expressions and begins to pay attention. “You look like you have an idea.” She grins.

  Qu Yi’s train of thought breaks, “U-Um, kind of.” She looks down, trying to figure out how to tell them without sounding like she’s crazy or some sort of psychic that can see the future. “I-It’s just a hunch.”

  Wen Chou stacks her last plate in her pile. “Well, Newbie, your hunch last time actually had things go well.” She flexes her right bicep slightly, “Well, with a bit of improvising.”

  Yan Liang laughs, “Well, I think your hunch is a better idea than anything I thought of.”

  Wen Chou stacks Qu Yi’s plate on her own six as she begins to carry them. “Did you think of any?”

  Yan Liang’s head droops low in shame. “N-Not really…”

  Qu Yi smiles at her two friends. “I-It means a lot that you two trust me so much.” She blushes, avoiding eye contact.

  Yan Liang stands up. “So, what are we waiting for Qu Yi?”

  Qu Yi looks to Wen Chou, who is returning the seven plates. “Wen Chou.”

  “Oh, right.” Yan Liang twiddles her fingers, a bit too eager to go out.

  Wen Chou returns to the two. “All right. So, what’s your hunch, Newbie?”

  Qu Yi stands up, trying to gain her confidence. “W-Well, I just have a feeling that we should find Liu Bei.”

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  “Liu Bei?” Wen Chou raises an eyebrow. “I don’t know what she could do. She has one of the smallest classes in the school.”

  Yan Liang nods. “Y-Yeah, but remember on Monday Mr. Lei told us to visit her as one of the ‘important classes?” She holds her fist to her chest. “Maybe he had a premonition!” Meanwhile, I’m sitting in a meeting trying not to fall asleep. I don’t know what they are going on about, I just gave them the names Yu Ji told me to.

  The group heads to the exit of the cafeteria. As Yan Liang had warned previously, the school grounds are chaotic. There are quite a few students donning yellow scarves and causing problems, vandalizing, tipping trash cans over, and a lot of yelling. It seems most of the other students have hidden in their dorms, because there aren’t many uniforms of varying colors outside anymore.

  “Let’s hurry and find Liu Bei.” Wen Chou looks to the two as they return a nod.

  The group heads off around the school grounds. As Yan Liang said, each of the entrances to the school building itself are blocked off by at least ten girls in yellow scarves. The groups are loitering around the entrances and giving the three dirty looks anytime they turn in their direction.

  After forty minutes with no results, the group decides to rest on one of the few benches not being hijacked by Yellow Scarves.

  “Ugh, who thought finding her would be so hard?” Wen Chou pants.

  “You would think finding a girl in a green uniform would be easier,” Yan Liang pouts.

  “Well, the grass and bushes are also green. Maybe she’s secretly camouflaged?”

  “But her hair is brown! You’d think it would stick out?”

  “Trees on campus are also brown,” Wen Chou points out.

  “So, you’re suggesting Liu Bei has been laying on the ground with her head towards a tree this entire time?” Yan Liang retorts, before rolling her eyes.

  Wen Chou stands up. “Maybe we need to change strategy.” She rubs her chin looking around. “The school campus is big and finding one short girl in green will be harder if we stay in one group.”

  Yan Liang nods slowly. “But what about Qu Yi?” She turns to Qu Yi, sitting in the middle of the bench, and hugs her protectively. “There’s no way I’d trust her by herself with all these yellow scarves acting like juveniles!”

  Qu Yi blushes, getting hugged and being implied she’s weak, although Yan Liang’s assessment isn’t exactly far off, which is why it bugs her even more.

  Wen Chou nods. “After what Zhou Cang did, I wouldn’t either.” She looks to Qu Yi. “All right, Newbie, you’re sticking with me.” She smiles as she points to herself with her thumb.

  Yan Liang looks to Qu Yi, then back to Wen Chou, “I suppose it would be helpful if we split up.” She lets Qu Yi go from her embrace. “We need to text and keep each other updated though. The moment one of us finds Liu Bei or another way in, text the other to get to them ASAP!”

  “Right!” Wen Chou nods before looking to Qu Yi. “Ready Newbie?”

  Qu Yi nods, approaching Wen Chou. As she approaches, Wen Chou bends down making Qu Yi jump backwards. “I don’t want you carrying me again though! For real this time!” She must think of another reason other than embarrassment, since that didn’t appear to stop her before. “What if someone comes from behind and hits you when you were too busy carrying me?” She nods convincing herself it’s a good enough argument.

  “Oh Yeah! You’re sharp, Newbie!” She grins to Qu Yi as she stands up straight. “All right, see you in a bit, Liang.”

  Yan Liang nods back as she stands up holding her phone. “I’ll let you guys know the moment I find anything!” She heads in the opposite direction toward the back of the school.

  Wen Chou nods to Qu Yi as the two jog around the front of the school.

  Cut to a few dozen seconds later and Qu Yi is panting again. “I-I don’t exactly have to practice running in archery,” she gets out. “S-Sorry, I’m not very fit.”

  Wen Chou gives Qu Yi a look of reassurance. “Don’t worry about it. We can walk. Besides, that way we can look more carefully for Liu Bei.”

  The two walk down the concrete path, being sure to stay out of the way of any Yellow Scarves.

  As the two head around the school, they notice a small entrance on the side. Unlike most entrances, it’s only a one door entrance with a small window on each side. Two groups of girls are talking in front of the door.

  “Hey.” Qu Yi perks up, noticing it. As she examines it closer, she notices three girls in green talking with three Yellow Scarves. “H-Hey! Isn’t that them!” She grabs Wen Chou’s shoulder, pointing.

  “Yeah! That’s her! Seems like they are trying to get in!” She pulls out her phone as the two run down the hill to get closer to the scene. “I’m texting Yan Liang right now. I think this is the west entrance.”

  As the two get in earshot, Qu Yi can overhear their conversation. She notices the three yellow scarves. One has dark red hair in a long ponytail. Qu Yi recognizes her immediately. “That’s the one who was getting upset I was on the bench on Monday,” she lets out.

  It’s true. A tall girl wearing a yellow scarf and a makeshift yellow skirt stands there with her arms folded, Cheng Yuanzhi. She wears yellow tights and a brown sleeveless shirt. Behind her is one of the other girls Qu Yi had also encountered on that first day, both at the bench and in front of Liu Bei’s class peeking in. She doesn’t know her name, but her curly auburn hair framing her terrified face is something she couldn’t forget. Next to Cheng Yuanzhi is a girl she hadn’t seen before. She has slim eyes that look as if they are always closed, long deep blue hair down her shoulders, a loose yellow scarf around her neck, a brown turtleneck, and another misshapen homemade yellow skirt.

  On the opposite side of the Yellow Scarves, stand the three girls in Liu Bei’s matching green uniform. Liu Bei is a short girl with two dark green bows in her light brown hair. Next to her is an even shorter girl with teal, messy, short hair that barely touches her neck, Zhang Fei. Last is a tall girl with gorgeous black hair in an extremely long high ponytail, a large green bow keeping it in place, Guan Yu.

  “We told you already! Beat it!” Cheng Yuanzhi shouts at the three in green.

  Liu Bei looks happy, absolutely unphased by the threatening aura. “But we need to get in to start class. We just got our classroom; I don’t want to make anyone wait.”

  “Hah?” Cheng Yuanzhi lets out, “Are you deaf or something?” She turns to the girl with blue hair. “What do you think I said to them, Deng Mao?”

  The girl with blue hair, apparently named Deng Mao, turns her head in the direction of Liu Bei. “She said, BEAT IT! The school is closed until our demands are met!”

  Guan Yu tries to hold Liu Bei by the shoulders. “Older sister, I implore you, let’s leave for now. We can find a staff member to take care of this.”

  Zhang Fei is getting visibly annoyed. “We just want to go in, Sister Yu! We have a right to go into our own classroom!”

  Guan Yu turns her head to the shortest of the three, “Yes, but it isn’t worth it right now. Let’s find another way in.”

  “Hah?” Cheng Yuanzhi approaches Guan Yu, who quickly turns back around to face her. The two are roughly the same height. “School is closed. I didn’t say THIS entrance! ALL entrances are closed until OUR DEMANDS ARE MET!”

  The auburn-haired Yellow Scarf is backing up, obviously not liking conflict or yelling from her comrades.

  “But we have to get to class to set things up, then we can leave!” Liu Bei says optimistically. “So if I can just…” She crawls under Cheng Yuanzhi’s legs, getting her closer to the door.

  “HEY!” Deng Mao shouts, picking up Liu Bei by her collar. “We said SCHOOL IS CLOSED!” Her fist begins pulling back.

  As if time froze Qu Yi instantly pulls out her book. She has to read. Liu Bei doesn’t die, right? They spent pages introducing them. They are the good guys! Right?! She scans her book quickly. She sees a passage that stands out. As Wen Chou is about to run ahead and get involved, Qu Yi grabs her shoulder to stop her.

  Wen Chou turns around, frustration plastered on her face. “Newbie?! If I don’t do something Liu Bei will get hurt! I need to help them!”

  Qu Yi shakes her head and points back to the scene. Wen Chou turns and looks for herself.

  “LET GO OF SISTER BEI!” Zhang Fei shouts at the top of her lungs. Zhang Fei is small, but she moves fast. She runs at Deng Mao and begins climbing up her uniform.

  “Hey! Little brat!” Deng Mao lets go of Liu Bei’s collar as she aims her fist at Zhang Fei, who is climbing her like a rock wall. Before she can readjust her aim, Zhang Fei grabs her goal. The scarf around Deng Mao’s neck, although it looked loose it is actually very well tied. So much so that when Zhang Fei pulls it, Deng Mao’s head and neck pulls downward with it. “O-Ow! Hey!” Yaunzhi get this brat off of me!” Zhang Fei begins throwing swift punches at Deng Mao’s head. She gives multiple quick jabs with her left hand as her right hand pulls on the scarf as if her life depends on it.

  Qu Yi glances back at her book. The passage she read mentions Cheng Yuanzhi sending Deng Mao to begin the battle. With one thrust from Zhang Fei, “Deng Mao rolled off his horse.”

  Cheng Yuanzhi turns her head around. “HAH?! Little brat I’m going to-” Turning away from Guan Yu was a mistake. In a smooth motion Guan Yu bends down to pick up Cheng Yuanzhi. Less than a second later, Cheng Yuanzhi is thrown to the ground. She lands on her back on the nearby grass and begins to moan in pain.

  Qu Yi glances back down at her book, “Cheng Yuanzhi himself whipped up his steed and rode forth with sword raised ready to slay Zhang Fei. But Guan Yu rode at Cheng Yuanzhi.”

  A smile grows on her face. “So some things in here do come true, well, in a less gruesome way.” With this she closes the book and places it back in her pocket.

  Deng Mao’s on the ground soon after, pleading for Zhang Fei to stop as she lets out some apologies. Zhang Fei is too focused to let up, Guan Yu picks up Zhang Fei to stop her. “I think she learned her lesson, youngest sister.”

  Cheng Yuanzhi looks up to the girl with auburn hair, staring terrified at their actions. She lets out pained moans. “Liao, Hua. Stop, them. For the, Yellow Scarves.”

  The girl with the auburn hair looks at her two fellow Yellow Scarves, then looks down. “You guys really are bullies…” she mutters. She pulls her yellow scarf off from around her neck and drops it to the ground. “L-Liu Bei.” She looks to Liu Bei, who turns around, still happy and optimistic as if a fight didn’t break out. “I-I think I’d like to join your class like we talked about on Monday…” Her confidence fades as she averts her eyes, twiddling her fingers. “I-If you’d accept someone like me, of course.”

  Qu Yi sighs, looking at her. She could relate all too well with confidence fading so suddenly.

  Liu Bei jumps up, clapping. “Yeah! Of course, Liao Hua! We have to get a uniform in your size, but let’s go talk about it in the classroom! It will feel more official!”

  Guan Yu takes notice of both Wen Chou and Qu Yi watching from nearby. “Oh, you two.” She smiles at them. “Sorry you had to see that. I just can’t stand the thought of my sisters hurt.”

  “Sorry?!” Wen Chou asks in disbelief as she walks up, “You straight up picked her up and threw her! That was awesome!” Wen Chou laughs.

  Guan Yu sighs. “I don’t exactly like fighting, but, I suppose if I have to do it, I may as well do it well.”

  Qu Yi approaches the girls, “T-Thank you for clearing the way, Guan Yu.” She bows to her in appreciation. “We’re trying to figure out where Zhang Jue is. Have you seen her?”

  Guan Yu thinks for a moment as she strokes her ponytail on her shoulder, “Hmm, not that I can recall, I’ll keep an eye out. I’m sure she wouldn’t be a fan of how her class is acting right now.”

  “Hey! Over here!” The group turns to see another group of Yellow Scarves coming around the corner. “There are some trying to get in over here!”

  “Crap!” Wen Chou jumps up. “Let’s get in before they get to us!”

  Guan Yu nods. “Agreed, sisters! Let’s get to the classroom while we have the chance.”

  Zhang Fei and Liu Bei raise their fists in unison. “Yeah!” The group of girls in green and yellow both head in.

  Qu Yi turns around, noticing a quick lock on the door before the pursuing Yellow Scarves can get in. “Wait, why didn’t they lock the doors inside instead of guarding the outside?”

  Wen Chou shrugs, already midway up the stairs. “No one ever said they were the smartest class!” Qu Yi smiles at this and hurries along up the stairs.

  Wen Chou sighs at the top of the stairs, looking out the windows and sees the door crowded by Yellow Scarves “Looks like Yan Liang is going to have to find her own way in. Let’s get to the library and make those fliers.”

  “R-Right!” Qu Yi nods as the two run down the empty hallway, unsure of what else could come their way.