"Since you, Ye Chenfeng, have already broken through to become a high-level mage, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to bully the weak," Dean Xiao began, pausing for effect.
Bullying the weak?
A peculiar glint flickered in Ye Chenfeng's eyes. Isn't that the best part? he thought.
Anticipating Dean Xiao's real intentions, Ye Chenfeng remained silent as the dean continued, shifting his tone.
"But considering you're the most exceptional student among the freshmen, if we don't send you to the Imperial Capital Academy as part of the exchange, wouldn't they think we're looking down on them?" Dean Xiao leaned forward with a sly smile.
"To show our respect, I've decided to appoint you as the captain of the exchange group. Of course," Dean Xiao added with emphasis, "your duty won't involve actual battles."
"What? No battles? Then what am I supposed to do?" Ye Chenfeng asked, his curiosity piqued.
Dean Xiao chuckled. "Your mission is to serve as the spiritual leader of Pearl Academy, inspiring unity and boosting morale."
As Dean Xiao spoke, he suddenly remembered that Ye Chenfeng had never bothered hiding his magic fluctuations. Why even bother explaining? This might actually work better.
If we win: "Our captain didn't even step in, and we still won! How humiliating for them."
If it's a draw: "Even without our captain, you couldn't beat us? How pitiful."
The possibility of losing didn't even cross Dean Xiao's mind. Lose? he thought. With the resources and talents at our disposal, we'll crush them like a flying dragon trampling ants.
"Think of it as a government-funded vacation," Dean Xiao concluded, exchanging amused glances with Zhou Zhenghua, both barely concealing their excitement.
Ye Chenfeng stared at the two of them. A mascot? Really?
So much for becoming stronger, Ye Chenfeng mused, feeling utterly deflated. The whole point of gaining power was to crush weaker opponents mercilessly!
But as he mulled over the situation, a glimmer of excitement reignited in him. With his advanced-level ice and fire magic, even a commander-level monster wouldn't faze him. And if he encountered a horde of warrior-level demons? They'd be perfect for honing his skills.
Lost in his thoughts of overwhelming power, Ye Chenfeng barely noticed Mo Fan glaring at him with a mix of resentment and disbelief.
"Hey, hey, Dean Xiao," Mo Fan interrupted, his face full of mock indignation. "Did you forget about me? You've banned Old Ye from competing and turned it into a paid vacation, but what about me? I still have to fight those Imperial Capital Academy students!"
Dean Xiao glanced at Mo Fan, who looked every bit the aggrieved party. Fortunately, the dean knew how to handle him. "Mo Fan, don't refuse this opportunity. As an exchange student, you'll bring glory to the school. And as a reward, I'll give you a magical tool capable of resisting mental attacks while controlling the stars."
Mo Fan's expression shifted in an instant. "Dean, who else can bring honor to the school but me? Leave it to me!" he declared confidently.
Meanwhile, Ye Chenfeng frowned. Is my reward seriously just a "free trip"? This "spiritual leader" nonsense is a total scam!
At the Imperial Capital Academy
Mu Ningxue stared at her phone, reading a message from Ye Chenfeng.
"Dear little sister, I'll be arriving at the capital as an exchange student soon. Remember to pick me up~"
Mu Ningxue hesitated before replying with a single word: "…Okay."
Little sister? Old brother?! she thought, shaking her head. He's getting more outrageous by the day.
"Captain, the exchange students from Magic City are arriving soon," a team member blurted, rushing over to her.
Mu Ningxue didn't respond immediately, her gaze distant. "I know," she said coolly before walking away, leaving the team member scratching his head in confusion.
As Ye Chenfeng entered the bustling courtyard of the Imperial Capital Academy, his gaze locked onto Mu Ningxue. Her long, snow-white hair shimmered in the sunlight, making her look like an ethereal ice elf untouched by the mortal world.
Ye Chenfeng couldn't help but marvel. So white hair really is an aesthetic advantage. Without it, she'd probably just be ordinary.
"Hey, white-haired girl," Ye Chenfeng called out casually.
Mu Ningxue's frosty aura shattered in an instant, replaced by a cold glare. This man…
"You…" she began, her tone icy.
But Ye Chenfeng just smirked, his nonchalant attitude firmly intact.
Mu Ningxue sighed internally. Why does he always ruin everything with just one sentence?