The Journey to the Academy

Ming Ke immediately sought out the S-rank warriors, engaging them in conversation and trying to capture their attention.

Meanwhile, Xie Lin remained silent. Gu Min nudged her, grinning. “Why so quiet? Scared?” he teased.

Xie Lin shook her head. “Just thinking.”

Gu Min chuckled. “Thinking about how Xian Li carried you like a princess? You’ve already won half the battle.”

Xie Lin embarrassed. “It wasn’t like that.”

“Right, right,” Gu Min smirked. “Totally normal to faint into a handsome warrior’s arms. Happens all the time.”

Ming Ke shot them a glare before flipping her hair and focusing on the S-ranks once more.

Their journey was long, and the mode of transport? A grand magical plane, far beyond anything Xie Lin had ever seen before. It soared smoothly above the clouds, but something about the altitude made her dizzy. Or perhaps it was the way Xian Li kept glancing at her, as if sensing something was off.

Xie Lin finally spoke, her voice calm but laced with suspicion. “Why did you come to our academy? No one has ever come before.”

Xian Li met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “Because something is different this time.”

Gu Min leaned back, smirking. “And by ‘different,’ he means you.”

Xie Lin frowned but said nothing. Deep down, she already knew something was changing—something she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

Xian Li didn’t look convinced. His sharp gaze lingered a moment longer before he turned away.

Gu Min stretched lazily. “Well, this is going to be fun. A rival drama between two beautiful girls, jealous classmates, and a silent, brooding S-rank. I should’ve brought popcorn.”

Ming Ke scoffed. “You’re enjoying this too much.”

“How can I not?” Gu Min grinned. “If I were Xian Li, I’d have at least five girls clinging to me by now. Missed opportunity, my friend.”

Xian Li ignored him, while Xie Lin sighed.

As the magical plane soared above the clouds, Xie Lin finally turned to Xian Li. “Why did you guys come to our academy? No one’s come to recruit here in decades.”

Xian Li glanced at her, then shrugged. “Something’s different this time.”

Gu Min leaned forward with a smirk. “And by ‘different,’ he means—”

Before he could finish, Xian Li shot him a look.

Gu Min groaned dramatically. “Oh, come on. It’s not even that big of a deal.”

Xie Lin raised an eyebrow. “Then just say it.”

Gu Min grinned. “Well, there’s this prophecy—9u8”

Before he could say another word, Xian Li casually reached over and clamped a hand over Gu Min’s mouth. “Don’t listen to him,” Xian Li said dryly. “The S-rank mage, Siu Men, just sensed some interesting power around here. That’s all.”

Gu Min freed himself, rubbing his jaw. “Ugh, dramatic much? You make it sound so serious. Basically, some crazy-strong magic popped up in the area, and everyone got curious. No big deal.”

Xie Lin blinked. “That’s… still kind of a big deal.”

Gu Min laughed. “Maybe! But hey, look on the bright side—you get to ride in this fancy plane with us now. Perks, right?”

Xie Lin sighed, shaking her head as Gu Min shot her a playful wink.

Xian Li simply watched her for a moment longer before looking away.

Soon, they arrived in the city of Bastar. Their plane landed at the airport, where the city buzzed with life despite the late hour. Magic pulsed all around them, filling the air with an energy different from their own city.

Ming Ke, having visited before, remained unfazed, but Xie Lin was mesmerized. Her eyes sparkled as she took in the breathtaking view. “How beautiful!” she murmured, her awe evident.

Ming Ke glanced at her and smirked. “Why so shocked? Oh, right—it’s your first time here. I’ve been here plenty of times.”

Xie Lin flushed with embarrassment.

Gu Min chuckled. “Well, since it’s your first time, why don’t we have some fun first?” He then glanced at Xian Li.

Xian Li let out a quiet sigh but gave a small nod.

The group stepped out of the airport, greeted by the vibrant cityscape of Bastar. Towering buildings shimmered under the glow of floating lanterns, their light casting a warm, golden hue across the bustling streets. The air thrummed with energy—magic woven into the very fabric of the city, humming beneath their feet, whispering in the wind.

Xie Lin could hardly tear her gaze away. “It’s even more incredible up close…” she murmured.

Gu Min grinned. “Told you. Bastar’s got its own charm. It’s not just the magic—it’s the way the city never really sleeps.”

Ming Ke stretched lazily. “Alright, are we heading straight to the guild, or do we get to enjoy the city first?”

Xian Li, spoke up. “The guild can wait until morning. It’s late, and we should rest.”

Gu Min scoffed. “Rest? Come on, we just got here! Let’s explore a little. At least let Xie Lin experience Bastar properly.”

Xie Lin hesitated, glancing between them. “I… wouldn’t mind looking around a bit.”

Xian Li sighed, rubbing his temple. “Fine. But only for a short while.”

Gu Min smirked, throwing an arm around Xie Lin’s shoulders. “That’s the spirit! Stick with me, newbie. I’ll show you all the best spots.”

Ming Ke rolled her eyes. “More like all the best trouble.”

With that, the group set off into the heart of the city, disappearing into the sea of glowing lanterns and flickering magic, where adventure—and perhaps danger—awaited.

As they wandered through the city, the streets pulsed with life. Shops overflowed with glowing trinkets, enchanted textiles shimmered in store windows, and street performers wielded magic like an art form—conjuring illusions, bending fire into mesmerizing shapes, and making objects float in the air. The scent of spiced food drifted through the alleys, mingling with the crisp night breeze.

Xie Lin’s eyes sparkled with wonder as she took everything in. “This place feels alive.”

Gu Min chuckled. “That’s Bastar for you. Magic isn’t just something people use here—it’s woven into their daily lives.”

Ming Ke nudged Xie Lin playfully. “Still amazed?”

Xie Lin nodded, unable to hide her excitement. “It’s like something out of a dream.”

Gu Min stretched his arms behind his head. “Well then, newbie, how about we make your first night here memorable? I know a great place.”

Xian Li shot him a knowing look. “If it involves getting into trouble, I’m saying no.”

Gu Min grinned. “Relax, it’s nothing crazy. Just a local tavern—good food, music, and maybe a few fun challenges if we’re lucky.”

Ming Ke smirked. “You mean the ‘Trials of Bastar’?”

Xie Lin looked between them, curiosity piqued. “What’s that?”

Gu Min’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “A little game some of the taverns here run. It’s part magic, part skill. Win, and you get a special prize. Lose… well, let’s just say it’s all in good fun.”

Xian Li sighed. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

But Xie Lin, emboldened by the thrill of the city, found herself smiling. “I think I want to try.”

Gu Min laughed. “That’s the spirit! Let’s go.”

With that, they set off through the vibrant streets, disappearing into the heart of the city, where excitement—and perhaps a few surprises—awaited.

The group wove through the bustling streets, dodging vendors and performers, until they reached a large, two-story building glowing with lantern light. A wooden sign above the entrance read The Emberfang Tavern, its letters shimmering faintly with embedded magic. The air inside was thick with the scent of roasted meats, spiced ale, and the faint tang of something arcane.

Laughter and music filled the space. Patrons sat around sturdy wooden tables, some engaged in animated conversation, others watching a group of musicians playing enchanted instruments that strummed and hummed on their own.

Gu Min spread his arms. “Welcome to the best tavern in Bastar!”

Xie Lin’s eyes darted around, taking in the lively crowd, the flickering torches that changed color every few moments, and the floating trays delivering drinks to customers. “It’s incredible…”

Ming Ke smirked. “Just wait. The real fun hasn’t even started yet.”

As if on cue, a booming voice rang out from the center of the room.

“Ladies and gentlemen, travelers and adventurers alike—another round of the Trials of Bastar begins now! Step forward if you dare to test your wit, magic, and skill for a chance at glory and treasure!”

A section of the tavern transformed before their eyes. The wooden floor rippled, shifting like liquid, then solidified into an elevated stage. A glowing inscription hovered in the air: CHALLENGERS WANTED.

Xie Lin gasped. “The floor just… moved.”

Gu Min grinned. “Told you, this place is special.”

Xian Li exhaled, already resigned to what was coming next. “I suppose we’re doing this?”

Gu Min clapped a hand on Xie Lin’s shoulder. “You wanted to try, right?”

Xie Lin hesitated but then nodded, her heart pounding with anticipation. “I do.”

Ming Ke stretched. “Alright, count me in.”

The announcer, a broad-shouldered man with a thick beard and glowing blue tattoos, grinned as he spotted them. “Ah, we have fresh challengers! Step forward, and may the Trials test your mettle!”

The crowd cheered as the group made their way to the stage, where three pedestals stood, each holding a floating, glowing orb.

Gu Min leaned toward Xie Lin. “Alright, here’s how it works. We each pick a trial orb. Could be a puzzle, a combat challenge, or something completely unexpected. Luck of the draw.”

Xie Lin took a deep breath. “And if we win?”

Ming Ke smirked. “We get a prize. Could be gold, a rare artifact, or just bragging rights. Either way, it’s worth it.”

Gu Min gestured to the glowing orbs. “Ladies first.”

Xie Lin stepped forward, heart hammering. She reached out, fingers brushing against the cool, pulsing surface of the leftmost orb.

It flared with light.

The announcer grinned. “The Trial of the Arcane Veil! A test of magic and perception. Let’s see if our challenger can see through the illusions!”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Gu Min nudged her playfully. “Good luck, newbie. Try not to embarrass yourself.”

Xie Lin swallowed hard but then steeled herself. She was ready.

Let the trial begin.

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