"Good morning!" Fang exclaimed after opening the door. Inside was Yan, Quan, and Lihua dining together for breakfast.
"Good morning, Fang," they stated together.
"Now that we are all here together. Can I ask about our junior's performance for the last three days of training?" Fang asked while pouring herself a cup of coffee.
"Hm, I was surprised that Mei could last the whole day practicing. Her mana level is extreme and can be placed in Mythic rank, but her blasts are unstable. She needs to work on her patience and aim," Yan stated firmly while sipping his hot cocoa.
"I see. Mei can be patient if she removes the pressure she carried within her," Fang commented with a smile. She knew that Mei joined because of her brother and wanted to do better to be an official Combatant. "How about Shun?"
"Shun..." Quan trailed off. He was staring at his eggs while remembering his duel and training with him. "Shun had a weak endurance, but he's determined to learn and be strong."
"Eh, good. There's no place for weaklings here at Tsuki branch," Lihua exclaimed while biting into the bacon. She had sensed that Shun was the weakest among the three in terms of strength, skills, and mana.
"How about Ying? I heard there was a bet between you and him," Quan asked with a smug look.
That question ruined Lihua's morning. She gripped the utensils harder while gritting her teeth.
"That little monster. He managed to defeat me multiple times!" Lihua grumbled. She felt her pride had been stepped on due to the numerous losses against Yami.
"How many wins did Ying acquire?" Fang asked in amusement. They knew that Lihua always wanted to win and hated any losses she got.
"Tsk! Ying won two rounds on the first day, then three and four rounds yesterday. He kept on winning more and more!" Lihua stood up with rage. "Speaking of him, where is he? We need to duel again!"
"Settle down, Lihua," Fang tried to calm Lihua, but she was still raging. "They have classes today. They're in school."
"Oh, I see. Hmph!" Lihua went back to her chair and bit her toast aggressively.
"You'll get old faster if you always get angry," Quan stated nonchalantly. He took a peek at Lihua, looking at him with wide eyes.
"Why didn't you tell me this before!?" Lihua yelled and massaged her face upward for a facial lift.
Everyone laughed awkwardly and went back to eat their breakfast.
"They are amazing," Xuxu stated while munching his food. "I watched them fight before I took a nap."
"Those three..." Yan stared at his food while he was deep into his thoughts. "They are not ordinary rookies that Liqin brought to our branch."
***
"Ah, I'm beaten up," Shun grumbled and stretched his body. They were currently on the school's rooftop.
"The school is finally fixed," Yami stated and looked at the new building from below.
"I bought juices," Mei appeared at the door with canned juices in hand. She walked toward the two men and handed them their share.
"Thanks, Mei."
"How's your training, Mei?" Yami asked. He wanted to know her progress during the first training.
"Ah, I think I did well on the third day," Mei muttered. Her fingers glided through the can. "But I'm worried my skills are insufficient to get points during the tournament."
"Mei, don't say that," Shun exclaimed in a hurry, which made Mei surprised at his words.
"I mean, I know you will improve. We still have more than a week to train," Shun stated while looking away with a pink blush on his cheeks. "We can help each other."
Yami's looked at the two of them. He felt like he was the third wheel in their relationship. Although, Yami thought that Shun was the one that needed to improve more than Mei.
"How about you, Shun?" Yami asked while taking a sip of his melon juice.
Shun flinched and looked down. He hesitated to answer since he had a hard time during his training, but he didn't want them to worry.
"I'm fine. Training has been... um, smooth," Shun laughed awkwardly while scratching at the back of his head.
Yami tilted his head and looked at Shun's eyes. He sighed and shook his head. "Tell us if you are having a hard time. We are a team, after all."
Yami knew that Shun was tough to train since his mana was below average. Although his skills improved after stepping onto a new rank. He was still not competent enough.
"Sure, but I'm really fine," Shun insisted.
"Stop lying," Yami whispered. He could easily detect Shun's lies by his body language.
"You are our leader. Don't let yourself be burdened by the responsibilities alone. You have us," Mei stated cheerfully when she overheard Yami's whisper toward Shun.
"Yup," Yami nodded. "Besides, you can use your brain for plans and tactics instead of worrying about your skills. Mei and I are here to support you."
Yami patted Shun's shoulder for support while Mei gave him a huge smile.
"Thanks, you two," Shun stated brightly, but inside, he still couldn't help to get anxious.
"Also," Yami pulled Shun's shoulder down at the level of his head. "I could help you plan a confession." He whispered playfully.
'Wha-what are you talking about!?" Shun stepped back while blushing terribly.
Yami chuckled and gestured, zipping his mouth. Indicating that he would keep it a secret.
"What's going on?" Mei muttered. She was confused at their conversation and the sudden reaction from Shun.
"No-nothing!" Shun exclaimed instantly and glared at Yami.
Yami chuckled and turned his back. "I need to go somewhere. See you at the Tsuki branch."
"Ying, we still have a class!" Shun called out, but Yami ignored him.
Yami looked at his screen at the side of his vision.
[THE DUEL: HAS BEEN COMPLETED. YOUR REWARD CAN BE FOUND IN THE INVENTORY.]
"Finally, I could read your letter's again, sister."