Chapter 149: The Last Day Before the Duel
(There was a significant mistake in Chapter 147; the final 18 resurrection match spots were decided in the 182 free-for-all. Sorry, sorry; the author’s math must have been taught by a PE teacher!)
“Not bad… um… it feels like something is missing…” The senior excitedly looked at her product, but for someone as perfectionistic as her, it still felt incomplete.
“How about we put on the witch’s four-piece set and do it again! That large-brimmed witch hat will showcase your witch identity perfectly. Hurry, adjust the lighting and let’s do it again!”
“Ah? Again?”
In the end, I was dragged into another round of shooting, and among that series of photos, we picked the one that both of us were most satisfied with. That settled the matter.
But it was tough on that senior who had to endure my interruptions during her spellcasting twice; the backlash from mental power is no joke. Even a spell like Fireball can make someone feel unwell for a long time.
Unless one is someone who regularly practices countering repercussions, spell backlash can be deadly, especially during intense battles, when the moment a spell is interrupted can lead to numerous deaths.
After saying goodbye to the photography studio, I sighed in relief. I had never been so averse to photography before; I swore I wouldn’t do it again, especially with makeup. I truly don’t want to experience that a second time, even though I looked beautiful after getting made up.
I pursue natural beauty; makeup is sorcery!
“Xiao Han, you’re done so quickly?” Anne, still queuing for her turn, looked at me with envy when she saw I was already out.
“Yeah, it was a bit busy; the senior in charge of taking photos had too many requirements.”
“Huh? Isn’t it just casual shooting? How can there still be requirements? Hmm? You even wore makeup! You didn’t have that earlier.”
“I was forced to put it on. Honestly, I’m not really a fan of makeup. Anyway, see you later; I’m going to get the stuff I need to prepare for tomorrow.”
“Okay, bye~”
After bidding farewell to Anne, I was set to gather my things, like my identification badge as a member of Class 14, which I would need to wear throughout tomorrow, showing that I am a contestant.
I also needed to register any alchemical items and potions that would be used during the battle to ensure I wouldn’t be using anything against the rules when the time came.
If I ended up using items not registered when I compete, there would be a post-match verification, which would nullify my score and allow my opponent to advance.
Of course, at the competition itself, no one would likely care about this unless the violation was egregiously obvious or someone reported it; that’s when the registration information would matter.
As for handling the outdoor arena’s processes, we’d be guided by volunteers inside the arena.
Naturally, I could also go with the teachers leading us, but due to efficiency issues related to photography, not everyone could go together, so the teachers would take us in batches.
Thus, I planned to follow the larger group. After locating my teacher, I spotted a familiar face—Erica, the class leader of Class 13.
“Xiao Han~ You’re here! I noticed you were right behind me. Why did it take so long for you to come out? You even put on light makeup?”
“Yeah, just a bit. By the way, how are we getting to the arena? Did the teacher mention anything?”
“The teacher arranged for a bus; once we fill our batch, we’ll head straight over. Let’s talk more on the bus.” Erica, quite familiar, took my hand and led me to the bus.
Since getting my flying broomstick, I rarely took that bus; but an occasional ride isn’t bad either.
When we arrived, the arena was already crowded with many onlookers.
After all, many people had heard that today was the last day before the competition, so the participants had come to familiarize themselves with the venue, drawing a large crowd.
Plus, it’s a rare opportunity to see so many class leaders at once.
After all, school had started for several days, and each class leader would already have their own fan base; even if not, classmates would come to support each other.
More people were keen to witness this year’s perfect academic genius, whose reputation had already spread since school started.
Moreover, there were rumors that Tan Han’s current strength matched that of previous class seniors, and she possessed terrifying spells that consumed thousands of magic points.
There were even blurry videos circulating online of Tan Han battling past seniors that couldn’t be confirmed for authenticity.
In the extraordinary world, it’s that simple: admiration for power. Power is the foundation of everything and the most direct embodiment of one’s worth.
I sat in the back of the bus, but Tan Han was nowhere to be seen; she likely went back already. Familiarizing herself with the venue? Perhaps she’s been here before, and besides, she has a flying license to go there herself.
If even Teacher Ji could get me a broomstick, I don’t believe Tan Han wouldn’t have one, especially since she’s wealthy and likely bought her own.
“Look! Our class leader! They’ve arrived!”
“Really?”
“I’ve been waiting here for a long time.”
“Leader~ Look over here! I’m here to cheer for you~”
“Minian~ Over here! I found you!”
As people began to disembark from the bus, it stirred quite a discussion, and many familiar voices called out their names.
What I cared more about was the significant change; it felt even more lively compared to yesterday. Tomorrow should be even more bustling, I suppose.
I scanned the area for any members from Class 14 joining in the fun.
In the crowd, they were tough to recognize since we had only spent a little over a week together, and I hadn’t sat in class with them often, so they felt a bit unfamiliar.
Finally spotting a familiar face, I waved and called out to her, but she didn’t look my way. The distance was too far, so I just greeted her with a wave after catching her eye.
Fortunately, there weren’t any overly enthusiastic fans rushing to our class leader; even watching it from behind made me a bit embarrassed for her, especially in front of so many people.
But thankfully, the teacher in charge kept some order, and since we didn’t have the divine presence of Tan Han, there weren’t many people crowding around.
“Xiao Han~”
Just as I was about to head inside, I suddenly heard someone call my name. That familiar voice immediately made me turn around, and there stood that familiar person.
“Sister Bai!” I exclaimed in surprise but quickly lowered my voice to avoid drawing too much attention.
But I hadn’t mentioned anything about this to Sister Bai. How could she be here to meet me?
“Xiao Han~ How’s it? Didn’t expect to find me here waiting for you, right?” Sister Bai seamlessly blended into the crowd, as it was just a friendly familiarization process, not the actual competition start; naturally, it allowed for mingling.
Didn’t you see many students following along?
“I really didn’t expect it. You’ve been here for quite a while, right?”
“Not long; I just happened to come check it out. I heard some students would be going through processes today, so I came hoping for a lucky encounter, and look who I ran into!” Sister Bai said with a smile, whether it’s true or not, only Bai Yu would know.
However, Bai Yu noticed my apparent makeup right away. This delicately done light makeup definitely made me more beautiful than my bare face, and it made her heart race the instant she saw me.
“What’s wrong? Sister Bai, why are you looking at me like that?”
“Ah, it’s nothing; I just think Xiao Han looks really pretty today.” Bai Yu sincerely complimented, “Did you do the makeup yourself?”
“Well, this was done for the contestant full-body shot earlier; I didn’t really want to, but I couldn’t refuse that senior’s insistence.”
“Actually, just a simple dressing up can make you look even more beautiful, and I’d be really happy to see such a lovely and exquisite Xiao Han every day.” Bai Yu couldn’t help but advise, knowing that seeing such a cute and delicate Xiao Han would be pleasant, plus I’d be great to look at.
“Not a chance! I don’t like the feeling of those cosmetics on my face.” Though I said that, I kept it on, as one cleaning spell could remove it all.
“Okay, okay~ If you don’t like it, then don’t use it. But Xiao Han, if you’re opposed, you could try those products made from natural materials, the best alchemical products guaranteed to have no side effects and actually be good for your skin.”
“Alright… Since Sister Bai is so keen on recommending it, I’ll try it when I have money later.”
Continuing to chat with Sister Bai, the teacher led us into the arena.
At that moment, the arena was fully set up, with a giant earth vein projection in the sky looping information about the new student duel, and the central area was divided into several numbered battle zones.
To make things easier, everyone received a detailed schedule, even down to specific times for what to do, preventing any chaos about people being unable to find each other since failure to show up on time post-match could lead to disqualification.
After explaining the meeting time for tomorrow and the ceremony rehearsal for the new student duel, the official matters came to a close.
The remaining time could be freely assigned, but we were also informed that participating students had the right to reimbursement for expenses incurred during the competitive period.
As long as they used their contestant identification number, they could directly claim expenses; of course, there were limits, and they should avoid excessive claims.
Additionally, contestants received a ticket for a prime viewing position in the outdoor arena. Unfortunately, it was only one ticket; obtaining tickets for the new student duel live event is all about speed—otherwise, there’s no chance to be on-site, only watching the live broadcast.
However, I struggled with who to give this ticket to. Initially, I thought about giving it to Sister Bai, but she already snagged a ticket in advance, and none of the people I knew seemed worth it.
I had considered asking Ying Shiqian and her partner, but there were two of them and I only had one ticket. Yet, I asked symbolically to find out they had already secured tickets as well. It seems my seniors are quick on their feet.
Our class group chat was in chaos, filled with complaints about not securing tickets.
In the end… I gave the ticket to Tu Xingyue, our deputy class leader in Class 14.
After all, she is someone I want to build a closer relationship with since she manages the class in my stead, and I hope this changes her impression of me.
As for whether she accepts it or not, she didn’t get a ticket, and I offered it to her, so she should be fine accepting.
After all, considering how invested she is in the new student duel, and having confronted me about it, she must be quite concerned about it.
Now that I think about it, it’s really not a big deal; I just have to do my best.
Having wrapped up the troublesome affairs for today, I returned home early to rest and recharge, as tomorrow was the formal competition. Just to be safe, I even set multiple alarms.
Even the excited roommates couldn’t distract me.
As for… researching spells… I didn’t care about that little bit of time.
The first battle is tomorrow; I can study afterward, it won’t be too late.
