This could only be explained one way—was this guy insane? If he wanted in, why not just walk through the front door? Why sneak in cross-dressing? Adolf wiped the fine sweat from his brow with a handkerchief.
What a waste of time, barging into my academy for trouble? Damn it, he even took the entrance exam in drag—what was he after?
This guy’s seriously unhinged. Or did he just have a cross-dressing fetish? Adolf stared helplessly at the screen, where Sky Qi moved too fast to track.
Every one of Sky Qi’s sword strikes precisely nicked the shields—never overcommitting, never wasting force.
Many gave up counterattacking and activated defenses outright.
“Stone Armor!”
“Ice Shield!”
“Flame Body!”
Defensive spells flared nonstop, but Sky Qi didn’t care. His figure multiplied into dizzying afterimages—so fast it blurred vision. Forget catching him; just watching made heads spin.
Sky Qi accelerated his springing movements. In a crowd, he had to avoid brushing against the girls—any contact drained his mana.
Though the Unicorn Mage Mask greatly reduced the drain, it still hampered him. He needed to end this fast.
All anyone heard was the roar of wind. What kind of unholy sword formation was this? Some were bewildered. *If he’s this absurdly strong, why join an academy? Just start a mercenary band!*
Sky Qi’s speed kept climbing. Earlier, his figure was merely a blur. Now, no one could even guess where he was…
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Shield-shattering cracks echoed through the sword formation. Their defenses meant nothing. At his speed, a single strike could pierce any barrier.
His blade would lightly graze a student’s side—and their shield would shatter without resistance. No one could grasp how terrifying this was.
*Sword Array: Chaos Kill—Army Breaker.*
Sky Qi merged his remaining swords into one. He coiled his body for a final spring, leaping high into the air. Sword tip down, he plummeted toward the arena’s heart.
BOOM! The sword slammed into the center. A monstrous shockwave ripped through the arena, its impact against the walls ringing in every ear.
The next second, a traction force yanked everyone out of the battlefield.
Through the smoke in the silent arena, a lone figure slowly rose.
He walked toward the center, smirking at the crystal ball. Sky Qi stood alone, unbowed.
*Damn it!* Adolf jolted. *Could you go easier? I needed the top ten recruits! Your “Chaos Kill” shattered every shield—who am I supposed to pick now?*
*What the hell are you here for? Cross-dressing just to wreck my exam?* Adolf was equal parts furious and amused. *Never mess with a cross-dressing master.*
No, he really needed to ask this kid his intentions. Letting him continue like this would be disastrous. An S Rank Continent Strongest bullying academy kids? What a twisted hobby.
Was this just an attention-seeking stunt?
Sky Qi scanned the empty arena and froze. *Huh? Where’d everyone go?*
*Did my ultimate just wipe out the whole field?* He facepalmed. *Guess I really need to hold back next time.*
…
“Headmaster Adolf requests your presence for tea.” The girl’s face was blank.
Adolf had ordered Sky Qi brought in the moment he exited the arena.
*Right. I’ll stay friendly. Calmly ask what nonsense he’s here for.* Adolf steeled himself.
Sky Qi was led to the headmaster’s office. A sign hung on the door:
**HEADMASTER’S OFFICE (NO BOYS OR DOGS ALLOWED)**
Sky Qi patted his chest in relief. *Good thing I’m in drag.* Wait—what kind of logic was that? And why hang *this* sign on the headmaster’s door?
*Discriminating against men? Isn’t the old man male himself?* Sky Qi frowned. *Hanging this is just shooting himself in the foot.*
Rumor said he’d gone mad after his granddaughter vanished. So this sign was his doing? *Such a granddaughter-obsessed creep. Tacky.* Sky Qi clicked his tongue.
He knocked firmly. “Headmaster Adolf?”
“Enter.” A weary voice drifted out.
Sky Qi opened the door, stepped in, and closed it behind him. *Air conditioning too. Nice.*
He opened his mouth to speak.
Adolf waved a hand. “No need. No hiding it—I know who you are.”
Sky Qi paused, then chuckled. “Haha… caught me already?”
“Do I look stupid? You unleashed your signature move right in front of me.” Adolf’s laugh was strained.
“Well, I suppose I was careless.” Sky Qi swept his silky black hair over his shoulder.
“Spare me. You waltz into my academy in a dress.” Adolf rolled his eyes. “So—should I call you Xu Yueyin or Sky Qi?”
“Either’s fine.” Sky Qi pulled up a chair and sat without invitation.
“Are you bored out of your mind? The Continent Strongest should be saving the world, not bullying kids in my academy.” Adolf’s gaze turned sharp.
“No, no—I’m not the strongest anymore. And I’m here to ask a favor.”
“No. Absolutely not. I’d rather die.” Adolf barked a laugh.
“Wait—don’t refuse so fast.” Sky Qi leaned forward. “I want you to help break my seal.”
He recounted the past two days’ events, then removed his scarf to reveal the black collar.
“The… Six Paths Seal?” Adolf’s brow furrowed. “This is tricky. From what you said, that kid already broke four seals for you.”
“The last two require high-tier magic arrays. I need your expertise.”
“Why not just ask? Why crash my entrance exam?” Adolf’s eyes narrowed. “Are you insane? Craving attention?”
“No, no—it’s not about attention.” Sky Qi sighed. “Truth is… I’m broke. I came to freeload meals at your academy.”
“The Continent Strongest, reduced to this? Pathetic.” Adolf snorted. “Though… your presence has its perks.”
“I’ll help you. But in exchange, you’ll pose as a Cassius Academy student for next month’s Inter-Academy Tournament.”
“We’ve lacked fresh talent for too long. This tournament—we won’t just win.” Adolf’s eyes gleamed. “We’ll crush them.”
