One minute later...

Hundreds of blades winked out, the fire that blanketed the sky guttered away, and the world snapped back like a dream dissolving at dawn.

Huff—huff—.

I crouched a little, dragging in air like waves breaking against my ribs.

Ugh!

Yuyi Mengliu wasn’t faring much better; she stabbed her flaming blade into the ground, using it like a pillar to hold herself up.

So... who won?

Once my breath steadied, I forced the question toward Yuyi Mengliu like tossing a stone into a quiet pond.

I—I don’t know.

She shook her head, exhausted, her voice as thin as smoke.

I see, then—

I was about to say more when a voice cut through the night like a bell.

This bout ends in a draw. That’s enough for today.

Xinuo walked over, lifted her pale, lovely hand, and pointed our way; a gentle white glow wrapped around us like morning mist.

Huh...?

My strength’s back.

Under that soft light, our stamina surged, cleaner and brighter than before the fight, like a field after rain.

Thank you for your aid, Sir Xino. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even know how to get back.

Yuyi slid her flame blade into its sheath and bowed, respect flowing like clear water.

No need.

Xinuo glanced at her, voice cool as moonlight.

Alright.

Yuyi nodded, then looked at me. Lord Yumigawa Sumeragi, tonight’s duel was splendid. I hope we can cross blades again.

Mm. I’m looking forward to it.

The thrill still pulsed in my chest; our clash had honed my sword like whetstone on steel.

Then I’ll take my leave.

She saluted and turned toward the dorm building, her silhouette fading like a crane into dusk.

Didn’t expect Yuyi Mengliu to grow this strong after just a little time.

Eastern Moon Aixue and Faya came up beside us; Eastern Moon Aixue sighed as she watched Yuyi’s back, her words drifting like wind through pines. For the record, Hill had rushed over as soon as the glow faded and latched onto my right arm.

Yeah. She might take first in this year’s Academy Ranking Tournament.

Faya nodded, agreement ringing like a quiet chime.

Academy Ranking Tournament? What’s that?!

Hill hugged my arm and peered up, curiosity bright as fireflies.

Mm, it’s a tournament that sets everyone’s personal rank, held once a year.

Eastern Moon Aixue smiled and explained, her tone warm like spring sun.

Oh! Can I join too?!

Hill’s eyes lit up, excitement bubbling like a kettle.

You can. Any student of Egisia Academy can—uh.

Eastern Moon Aixue stopped, waved quickly. Hill, you shouldn’t enter.

Why?!

Hill tilted her head, her silver hair soft as river silk.

Because!

Eastern Moon Aixue sighed, then stroked Hill’s silky silver hair. Hill, you’re a Sacred Realm Holy Peak dragon. If you enter, who could be your match? You’d wipe everyone with one move.

Ohhh! Got it. Then I’ll pass. I have no interest in weaklings.

At her words, Hill’s interest fizzled like a spark in rain.

True. For Hill, that tournament’s just play, but...

Xinuo murmured to herself, then turned to me and pinched my cheeks with both hands, cool fingers like jade.

Servant, enter that Academy Ranking Tournament if you want to grow stronger.

Yeah, of course!

The shame still stung: months on the Eastern Moon Continent hadn’t matched a single day’s growth on the Central Continent.

So I accepted without a breath of hesitation.

Ah-la, looks like this year’s ranking tournament will be lively.

Faya laughed, her voice bright as bells, and tossed the line my way.

Mm. Right, when does it start?

This... let me think.

Faya closed her eyes and folded her arms, thoughts gathering like clouds.

Oh! Got it.

In under three heartbeats, she opened those emerald eyes, clear as a lake.

The tournament’s at the end of this term. The final exam is the Academy Ranking Tournament. About half a year from now—today’s only the first day.

Half a year? That long?

Not long.

Xinuo spoke while still pinching my cheeks, her tone calm as snow. Just half a year, perfect for tasting campus life.

She let go of my face, coolness lingering like dew.

Alright. It’s late. Let’s save the rest for later.

True enough.

Let’s head back to the dorms.

Mm-hmm!

We drifted toward the dorm district, footsteps soft as night rain.

...

Back at the dorm, we chatted a little with Eastern Moon Aixue and Faya, then split off to our rooms like lanterns going out one by one.

In the room.

Mm, shower first.

I stretched, took my pajamas, and slipped into the bathroom like a fish into water.

Half an hour later.

I stepped out, steam trailing like clouds; Xinuo and Hill seemed to have bathed too. I didn’t know where, but with Xinuo, she probably flicked up a bathroom in a pocket dimension.

I’d seen that trick enough times; wonder fades like incense smoke.

Uh...

Then I saw Xinuo, and I froze, breath held like a stunned bird.

I’d never seen her in this kind of outfit; she wore a pink-and-white nightdress so cute it felt like spring.

A ribbon bow sat at the collar; her sleeves flared like little bells, edged with lace; the skirt had neat vertical pleats; a white sash wrapped her slender waist.

In short, it was my first time seeing Xinuo in something this adorable, sweetness soft as peach blossom.

Her usual snow-white gown is beautiful—more breathtaking than cute. In that gown, Xinuo is a vision, less cute than awe-striking, like moonlight over fresh snow.

Servant, what are you staring at? You look lost.

Noticing my gaze, Xinuo turned, curiosity clear as a star.

Nothing. Just thinking you look really cute in that nightdress, Xinuo!

The truth slipped out like tea over lips.

That’s only natural. What’s strange about it?

She took the praise as her due, walked to the bed with lazy grace, and sat, a cat in winter sun.

For her, praise is air; she’s so beautiful it feels like every word of flattery was coined for her.

Indeed. Xinuo, want some black tea?

I smiled, went to the table, and lifted the teapot, steam curling like dragon breath.

Mm. A cup before bed sounds nice.

Boss, boss, I want one too! I want one!

Alright, I’ll brew it now.