In the dormitory room, Min and Taro were visibly depressed.
"Five thousand for second place," Min collapsed onto his bed. "And a thousand points for third and fourth."
"Not even real money for fifth to eighth place," Taro sighed, absently turning his daily cultivation crystal between his fingers. His beetle's markings had dulled to match his mood.
Liu laughed from his desk. "What did you expect? That they'd hand out fortunes like Ren's?"
Ren listened while organizing his materials, trying to find space where none existed.
"Anyway," Liu continued, "it's not like you had a chance of winning. Luna's famous wolf will sweep everyone aside, and if not her, it'll be Klein's expensive beasts or some other noble."
"Liu's right... maybe we should focus on the mines," Min murmured, then grimaced. "Although lately..."
