Following Sunny Su and Ye Qian into the venue, the light dimmed further inside.

I trailed behind Sunny Su, weaving through the back rows of each class section, turning left and right until we finally reached our spot.

"Li Ze, this is our class area. Let's take those empty seats at the back first," Sunny Su whispered softly to me.

"Got it. Ye Qian, are you heading back to your earlier seat?" I asked the guy beside me.

Ye Qian pointed to the rear seats. "I was sitting here originally... Wait, where's Zhao Yi? He was right here just moments ago..."

Just then, the teacher up front glanced our way. I waved back, and he turned away.

We'd barely sat down when a booming voice crackled from the speakers.

"Students, quiet down! The opening ceremony starts now. Return to your class sections immediately. Unseated students, sit quickly..."

Next came the usual leadership speeches. I tuned them out completely, but Sunny Su listened intently. Glancing left, I noticed Ye Qian had already dozed off...

*Sigh... Is it really this hard to find someone to chat with?*

"Next, please welcome Zhao Yi, sophomore representative, for the freshman welcome speech and opening remarks."

That snapped me awake. I looked up as Zhao Yi, glasses glinting, slowly stepped onto the stage beside the host.

"Fellow freshmen, welcome to Fenghua Senior High School. Here, we offer..."

*Ugh, more empty words.* I checked my watch and closed my eyes for a quick rest...

"Students, Fenghua Academy values not just grades but your free growth! As principal, I declare the freshman ceremony open... I know most of you are probably asleep, but wake your neighbors—because today, we're honored to have Mr. Zhe Li bless our school!"

The silent hall erupted into deafening cheers. Sunny Su shook my arm excitedly.

"Li Ze! Li Ze! Wake up—it's Zhe Li, Zhe Li!"

She shook hard, but I didn't stir. Because right now... I was at the back of the venue.

I took a deep breath, slipped on my signature silver mask, and activated my Superpower to turn my hair silver.

*Teleport!*

"Hello everyone, I'm Zhe Li, a magician from China."

I materialized on stage. The crowd's roar surged even louder.

*Whoa... I'm this popular in China? Seriously startled me, but—*

"Show time!"

After the act, I returned to my seat in the audience. Exhaustion hit me like a wave, a strange ache spreading through my limbs.

*Yep... this Superpower wrecks my body. Better use it sparingly.*

I was halfway through a stretch when Sunny Su grabbed my arm, buzzing with excitement. "Li Ze! Li Ze! You won't believe it—Zhe Li just appeared here, right now!"

"Yeah, yeah, I know..."

"*Sigh*... Why that attitude?"

A chill suddenly prickled my skin from afar.

On the venue's fourth floor, a girl stared down at the stage.

"Zhe Li... you really are here."

*Figures... Looks like I've stirred up trouble again.*