Day Two, and the Magic-Martial Tournament began.

Since the official start time was 9:30 AM, Qiu Li’er lazed in bed until nine. She hastily stuffed some food into her mouth and rushed out the door in a frantic hurry.

"Attention, all freshmen! Come here to collect your match numbers. Once the tournament starts, enter the portal in order."

A full thousand students had lined up on Day One. But after today, three-quarters would be eliminated. Just thinking that made Qiu Li’er feel a little better.

But…

She glanced at the small crystal in her hand. The number inside glowed brightly.

Why was hers 666? Seriously—drawing such a "lucky" number was giving her pressure, you know?

"Could the three of us end up facing each other on Day One?" Nan Shi asked worriedly.

"Surely not," Yuenina replied. "Our luck isn’t that bad."

"If we do… please go easy on me," Qiu Li’er added.

Both Nan Shi and Yuenina held staffs yet wore only school uniforms—clearly unbothered by the match. Unlike others who armored every limb.

"There you are."

A melodious voice rang out. Teacher Xi approached with elegant steps.

"Good morning, Teacher Xi," the three said respectfully.

"Good morning. Wishing you all success in the tournament," Teacher Xi smiled, then fixed a meaningful look on Qiu Li’er. "Especially you, Student Qiu Li’er."

"Me?" Qiu Li’er pointed at herself. "What about me?"

"Nothing. Just hope you don’t lose your very first match," Xi Kefeng said earnestly. "If you fail the preliminaries… it would put me in a difficult position."

Qiu Li’er took two steps back.

*Did that sound like a threat? Did Teacher Xi assign me a monster opponent…? Blackmail?*

*No, no—Teacher Xi would never do that.*

"Understood! I’ll complete the mission!" Qiu Li’er declared loudly.

"Good. I await your good news," Teacher Xi said before leaving.

Nan Shi poked Qiu Li’er’s cheek, scowling. "Little Fox, did you flirt with Teacher Xi again? Why was she staring at you like that?"

"I’m innocent!" Qiu Li’er protested. "I’ve been with you guys every single day!"

"Enough," Yuenina said, patting their shoulders. "Match starts soon. Focus up."

"Right."

They followed the crowd into the portal. Each would be teleported to an open arena to face a random opponent. Fight hard, knock them down—the academy’s magic ensured no real harm.

Qiu Li’er closed her eyes. When she opened them: desert.

Endless golden dunes stretched to the horizon. A single silver figure stood out starkly.

"How does the academy have *every* terrain?"

Opposite her stood a figure clad head-to-toe in silver armor. A greatsword was planted deep in the sand. Back to the wind, dust swirling around them like an honor guard.

Behind fluttered a banner: "A Fair Fight, Honor in Defeat."

Compared to that, Qiu Li’er looked underdressed—school skirt, black thigh-highs, hat, backpack. Only the longsword at her waist hinted she was here to fight.

*Yikes. That aura… way stronger than yesterday’s stone statue.*

She tightened her grip. *This isn’t someone I can beat.*

"Student."

A muffled voice echoed. "Where’s your armor? Why haven’t you equipped it?"

Qiu Li’er blinked. "I *have*."

*Helmet blocking your view? Can’t even see my sword?*

"I mean *armor*!"

*Clank-clank.* The knight rapped their chest. "Fighting in a uniform? You’ve got gear in that bag—put it on! I’ll wait."

"But my bag’s empty," Qiu Li’er said helplessly. *Just a big tail inside… Can’t wrap that around me.*

"How can a warrior step onto the battlefield without armor?!" The knight’s sharp gaze swept over her. "No defense at all—are you mocking this knight?!"

"N-no! I genuinely never planned to wear any!" Qiu Li’er waved her hands, inwardly groaning. *I’ve never fought seriously before! Everyone wears uniforms daily—why suddenly full battle gear today? Neither Nan Shi nor Yuenina mentioned armor…*

"Never mind." The knight raised a finger. "As an honorable knight, I won’t exploit imbalance. You have no armor; I am fully armed. This isn’t fair."

"Mm-hmm! Absolutely!" Qiu Li’er nodded vigorously.

"Therefore—for fairness—I will remove *all* my armor." The knight raised a hand high. "I fight you with sword alone!"

*Huh?*

Qiu Li’er blinked. *Such a person exists? Removing armor for fairness?*

She’d worried her blade couldn’t pierce that silver shell. Now…

*This is basically a free win.*

"Thank you, senpai…" Qiu Li’er clasped her hands, eyes shining. "You’re truly a wonderful person!"

"Wonderful person?" The knight scratched their helmet. "Thank you. But I won’t hold back."

Then—a hand gripped the helmet’s edge and lifted it.

Sapphire-blue eyes. Silky golden hair in a single ponytail. Slender dragon horns on her forehead, glistening in the sun.

The Dragonblood knight’s gaze was sharp. "Something on my face?"

"N-no…" Qiu Li’er stammered.

*Whoa. I pictured a stubborn brute under there—not a gorgeous girl!*

And this girl felt different. Solid. Reliable. Her determined eyes radiated strength—way more trustworthy than Nan Shi, whose only dependable feature was her chest.

Piece by piece, the heavy armor fell away. Beneath: a thin white shirt barely concealing graceful curves.

*Exactly. Beautiful girls shine in simplicity. Who needs rock-hard iron plates?*

"Miss," the knight girl said, raising the greatsword solemnly. "I await a battle of honor. I am ready."

Qiu Li’er took a slow breath. Right hand settled on her left-side hilt. Right foot stepped forward lightly.

Scorching sun. Howling wind. Dancing sand.

The knight narrowed her eyes and strode forward—

"Wait!"

Qiu Li’er dropped her hands, knees buckling to the sand.

The knight paused, surprised. "A trick? I won’t be fooled! Unless… you’re surrendering?"

"W-well… no…" Qiu Li’er rubbed her big eyes, voice wobbly. Tears glistened.

"I… got sand in my eyes…"