Cloud Gate City No. 2 High School—affectionately called "Er Gao"—was a local institution where students progressed directly from junior to senior high. Academics were lax, and laziness ran rampant among the student body.

Bai Lingyue shifted her gaze from the sea of students sprinting through the gates to a specific window on the first floor of Building 2. Even without optical aids, her eyes easily picked out the four figures seated by the window from 200 meters away.

Perched on a rooftop near Er Gao, three figures bent light around themselves with magic, rendering their three-dimensional forms invisible to outsiders.

A soft glow pulsed from the Wearable Device adhered to Bai Lingyue’s left arm. Valhalla Academy’s custom WD measured just 20x20x3mm—less than half the size of commercial models. Bonded via bio-adhesion tech, it clung like jewelry, never hindering movement.

"Target confirmed within visual range. His personal information system has been successfully infiltrated and is undergoing analysis."

"Hmm."

Bai Lingyue’s reply to Alice was curt.

Alice was Atlantis’s first quantum computer—a fusion of magic and science. With world-leading computational power, she effortlessly managed the daily schedules and inquiries of millions of Atlantis residents.

"So that’s the Silver-Haired Witch’s twin brother? He does look just like her," purred Catherine Claswell beside Bai Lingyue. Her mature Western features—golden hair, statuesque figure, and bust straining against her clothes—made her seem older than her peers.

The "Silver-Haired Witch" referred to Bai Lingyue herself. Her silver locks weren’t natural; they’d changed after absorbing Magic Power—a common phenomenon among Mages.

"Is he really a Mage? Doesn’t feel like one," remarked the third observer, Xi Shan. The only male in the group, he shared Bai Lingyue’s Chinese heritage. His dark skin and muscular build contrasted with his ever-present smile.

Arms crossed, Xi Shan studied Yan Lingxuan in the distance. Newly awakened Mages usually fell into two types: reclusive loners or arrogant show-offs. Yet Yan Lingxuan chatted easily with classmates, radiating zero arrogance—just an ordinary high schooler.

"Alice calculated him as the most probable candidate. That’s why we’re here," Bai Lingyue stated flatly.

"Sending three Valhalla senior Mages just to guide one newbie? Overkill. Unless it’s because he’s your twin brother, Lingyue?" Catherine shrugged. "Though... I won’t complain. A little field trip beats rotting in Valhalla’s dorms."

"Agreed," Xi Shan nodded.

Catherine’s eyes lit up as she watched the four students arguing fiercely inside the classroom. "Alice, show me what’s on the target’s smart notebook. Hehe, let’s see what embarrassing treasures a boy keeps saved..." She shot Bai Lingyue a teasing glance. The latter remained unmoved.

"Acknowledged."

In an instant, Yan Lingxuan’s notebook data replicated onto Catherine’s WD. Such was the power of Atlantis’s—and the world’s—strongest quantum computer.

As Catherine waited, her gaze drifted back to the window. Yan Lingxuan suddenly turned his head—directly toward their rooftop.

"Did he just look this way?"

"Visually, he shouldn’t detect us," Bai Lingyue said.

But Catherine swore their eyes had met.

"If he’s a Mage, he might sense our Magic Power fluctuations," Xi Shan offered.

"Data transfer complete."

Alice’s report cut through the tension.

"Hehe, let’s see..."

Catherine’s mischievous grin widened as she opened the files. Photo after photo flooded her screen—all featuring Valhalla Academy’s magical girl idols.

Bai Lingyue’s usual stoicism cracked. Her eyes widened in shock. Many photos were *her* personal shots.

"Alice, can you eavesdrop on their conversation via the target’s WD?"

"Affirmative."

...

"Black stockings come in *many* types! Garter belts, thigh-highs, mid-calf socks, fishnets, bodystockings, lace-trimmed mesh... For Valhalla’s uniform aesthetic, over-knee stockings are *obviously* ideal!" Yan Lingxuan’s voice boomed, ignoring the disgusted glares from nearby girls. "Especially seductive black garter stockings! That fleeting glimpse of bare thigh between skirt and stocking—the *absolute territory*! And the shadowed triangle beneath the straps! Do you even *understand*!?"

"You’re the one who doesn’t get it!" Wang Dongping shot back. "Stockings ruin the natural beauty of legs! Why cover up smooth skin and perfect curves? Bare legs are *always* superior!"

"I think blue-and-white striped panties are best."

"Jiang Lehao, we’re talking *legs*! Butt out!"

"Yeah, non-leg-connoisseurs stay out of this!"

Yan Lingxuan and Wang Dongping snapped in rare unison.

Su Fangwen stood nearby, utterly ignored by the four squabbling otaku. They were too busy debating aesthetics to notice her.

Yan Lingxuan, Wang Dongping, Jiang Lehao, and Ma Zhixiu—the bespectacled quartet dubbed the "Otaku Squad"—were infamous at school. Since freshman year, their antics had repelled most girls:

- Showing up in full-body nude-colored suits (detained by the dean of discipline).

- Drawing nude anime girls on uniforms (earned major demerits).

- Winking incessantly at female classmates (reported for harassment).

- Wearing underwear *over* their clothes while sprinting through hallways (forced into afternoon-long "re-education").

- Sketching bikini-clad, black-stockinged anime idols on the blackboard during cleanup duty (erased immediately).

Compared to those stunts, debating whether MGI idols looked better in stockings or bare legs was child’s play.

Watching their carefree bickering, Su Fangwen felt a pang of envy. To speak freely with friends, sharing passions without judgment... how wonderful. Especially with Yan Lingxuan—he’d been her middle school classmate, though they’d rarely interacted beyond that one incident in seventh grade.

Honestly? Yan Lingxuan wasn’t unattractive. Su Fangwen had overheard girls call him handsome—until his behavior ruined the impression.

Just as she opened her mouth to call his name, Yan Lingxuan grinned at his friends.

"Truth is, guys—I’m a Mage. Valhalla Academy’s gates will swing open for me any day. So yeah, you *should* be jealous."

With a flick of his wrist, his notebook floated into the air...