Morning sunlight streamed through the modest windows of the Soto City inn, casting golden rays across the worn wooden floorboards. The aroma of steamed buns, fried eggs, and warm porridge wafted from the common dining area, mingling with the lazy chatter of early risers. Around a circular table tucked in a quiet corner sat the members of Team Two from Shrek Academy, sharing breakfast in the soft afterglow of last night's battles.
"You were amazing out there, Meng Yiran!" Oscar said with a grin, stuffing half a bun into his mouth before swallowing. "Cool and collected. You didn't even flinch when that axe came at you."
"It's true," Xiao Wu agreed, a sparkle in her eyes. "You were elegant but fierce. You've got style!"
Meng Yiran flushed, glancing down at her bowl. "I-I still made mistakes… I almost lost footing on that last strike. But... thank you. I really enjoyed it. I want to try a two-versus-two next. It looks fun."
"We'll team up," Xiao Wu said without hesitation, flashing a bright smile. "Girl power!"
Oscar groaned dramatically. "Let us guys live."
A soft scoff escaped from Zhu Zhuqing, who sat to the side with her arms crossed. She hadn't touched her porridge. Her gaze occasionally flickered toward the window, where early morning mist still clung to the cobbled streets. Though silent, her thoughts swirled like wind through bamboo.
'So much has changed.'
Zhu Zhuqing's inner monologue flowed steadily. 'A year ago, I wouldn't have dreamed of fighting alongside anyone. I relied only on myself. But now.' Her eyes drifted to Xiao Wu, then Li Wei, and finally paused briefly on Meng Yiran. 'I'm still not fast enough.'
Across the table, Dai Mubai had been watching her with a hesitant look. After a short breath, he spoke, voice casual. "Zhuqing, I was thinking—"
"Don't," she cut him off coldly.
The table fell into silence. Even Ma Hongjun paused his chewing. Zhu Zhuqing stood without another word and left the dining area, her black clothes trailing like a whisper behind her.
Dai Mubai's fists clenched under the table.
To break the tension, Ning Rongrong leaned her elbow on the table and smirked at Li Wei. "So, partner, are you ready to carry me in the next match? Or should I start bribing the judges?"
Li Wei chuckled lightly. "Just stay behind me and let your buffs fly."
Ning Rongrong tilted her head thoughtfully, then glanced from Meng Yiran to Xiao Wu. Both girls had paused, their expressions unreadable. Her smile widened ever so slightly. 'So... they are paying attention.'
______________________
That evening, Soto Arena pulsed with energy. The crowd tonight was larger, the audience louder, and the air more charged. Li Wei led Team Two to the upper observation stands, away from the clamorous pit but with a clear view of the main platform.
"No fighting tonight," he said. "Just watching. You guys need to know what we're aiming for."
The group nodded. Tonight's fights were from the top-tier Gold badge holders—spirit masters at level 40 and above. As the first match began, all idle chatter faded into tense silence.
Two figures clashed on the field, a hammer-wielding spirit master and a long-limbed speed-type combatant. The force of each blow sent shockwaves through the stadium. Dust rose. Blood spattered. Neither held back.
Tang San narrowed his eyes. "The hammer user sacrificed agility for overwhelming impact. But the speed-type is adapting—circling, aiming at the ribs."
"He's faster, but the hammer's reach is deceptive," Xiao Wu murmured. "If he gets caught once, it's over."
Nearby, Oscar and Ma Hongjun leaned into a heated discussion.
"What if we combine flight sausage with phoenix flame?" Oscar asked.
"Do you want me to roast myself midair?" Ma Hongjun retorted.
Li Wei stayed silent, arms crossed as his eyes followed every motion. 'The hammer user's dominant hand leaves an opening when he spins. The speed-type should feint left, go under—.' His mind whirled with analysis. He memorized patterns, footwork, counters.
Zhu Zhuqing stood apart, leaning on the rail. Her eyes didn't move from the speed-type combatant. The way he struck, dodged, and rebounded without hesitation resonated deeply with her.
'So that's the difference. That fluidity of movement. That ruthless intent. I still hesitate.'
_________________
After the final match, as the stadium began to empty and chatter filled the corridors, a man stepped forward from behind a pillar. Tall, muscular, and cloaked in a navy robe lined with gold, his eyes sharp like a hawk's.
"You're from Shrek Academy," the man said, voice calm but commanding. "And you—"
He pointed directly at Li Wei.
"—I've seen you fight. Against Ashzure. I also have heard you fights against two spirit beasts at once in the forest. Impressive."
The group tensed. Li Wei stepped forward. "Who are you?"
"An old friend of Flender," the man said with a grin. "Call me Master Tian. I oversee invitational duels between academies. Nothing formal. No death. Just skill versus skill."
He turned to address the group. "In three days, we're holding a private mock tournament between rising academies. One-day event. No ranking, no fame, but real combat. You in?"
Li Wei glanced back. Tang San gave a slight nod. Xiao Wu smiled with excitement. Oscar and Ma Hongjun exchanged eager glances. Zhu Zhuqing said nothing but did not object. Ning Rongrong smirked.
"We'll be there," Li Wei said simply.
____________________
Returning to Shrek Academy felt different this time. They were no longer rookies. Their names had begun to circle the Soto Arena whispering corridors.
Flender was the first to greet them, eyes narrowed.
"You accepted a what?" he barked after hearing Li Wei report.
"A sparring event," Li Wei repeated. "Against other academy teams."
Zhao Wuji folded his arms. "Hmph. What gives you the confidence to say yes without asking us?"
"Because we can win," Li Wei said.
Flender laughed suddenly. "Good answer. But you've got guts, boy. Fine. You've got three days. You better train like hell."
Zhao Wuji cracked his knuckles. "I'll oversee the power types. Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun—you're with me. We're working on power control, timing, and suppression."
Flender looked toward the others. "Tang San, help with technique drills. Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu—you're to run agility and precision exercises with Li Wei. And Ning Rongrong? Support training. Coordinate buffs faster."
Everyone nodded. The courtyard buzzed with energy. As the others scattered to their stations, Li Wei remained behind, standing quietly under the towering oak at the center of the academy.
The wind rustled the leaves above him.
In his hand, the Diendriver glinted under the sunlight.
'So they want to see what I can really do?'
He looked up at the sky, eyes resolute.
"Then I'll show them."