**Chapter 199: The Academy Exchange Competition Officially Begins**
“Is this the place? Tan Han really knows how to pick locations.”
After arriving at the location Tan Han sent me, I couldn’t help but sigh.
I should have eaten fewer sweets; I thought since I hadn’t eaten breakfast, I’d indulge a bit more, which would save me on lunch. Now, I feel I’m really getting a deal at Tan Han’s expense; she’s a rich girl and doesn’t need to worry about money.
Once inside, I exchanged a few words with the staff, who recognized me right away since this was Tan Han’s reserved venue, and she had invited the top ten new students—this has been quite the hot topic lately.
Even the senior students working here were aware of it.
After being guided to the reserved dining area, I discovered that Tan Han had already arrived. After all, she was the one who initiated the invitation, so it wasn’t surprising she was the first to come. More importantly, she was accompanied by a girl with golden curly hair, who was happily chatting with Tan Han.
I suppose this is how girls socialize; whenever I try to join in, I end up making the conversation too serious, and I can’t even manage a smile.
“Xiao Han is here; feel free to take a seat,” Tan Han said as she noticed my quick arrival and immediately stood up to speak.
“Xiao Han, let me introduce you to Minian Joseph, the class leader of Class Two. Minian, this is…”
“Oh, I know, you don’t need to trouble Lady Tan Han to introduce me. Yang Yuelan, right? I’ve heard of her; her reputation is just as good as yours!” Minian quickly interjected, taking the lead.
“Hello,” I greeted Minian. On my way over, I had glanced at the list of top ten students and recognized a few names. I didn’t expect Minian to be so close to Tan Han.
“Hello! It’s nice to meet you. Please take care of me during the upcoming exchange competition!~”
“Not at all.”
After sitting down modestly, I fell silent since we’re all still strangers. My way of dealing with situations always keeps me quiet.
However, Minian frequently engaged me in conversation while talking to Tan Han, clearly wanting to connect with me more.
She was right; in such social scenarios, even if you don’t know anyone, it’s good to interact, as this is exactly the kind of opportunity to turn strangers into friends.
This did indeed resonate with me, but I found it hard to keep up with her rapid-fire topics, yet thankfully, she didn’t seem to mind.
As time passed, the time Tan Han had agreed upon was approaching, and the remaining few people came in one after another. Since this was a gathering led by Tan Han, many showed up to honor her, and some even came in formal attire—it was as if they were preparing for a dance.
“Since everyone is here, let’s not waste time. The purpose of gathering everyone is due to the upcoming academy exchange competition,” Tan Han said as she lifted her wine glass, directly addressing everyone without any detailed preamble or social niceties.
“This exchange competition involves a total of 34 academies, including our Witch Academy. The scale of this exchange exceeds previous ones.”
“I originally thought we could discuss some tactical arrangements regarding the competition under the guise of a gathering, but because the rules this time are complex and there are too many uncontrollable factors, I decided not to emphasize tactics. Since you are all contestants this time, let’s gather and get to know each other to avoid any awkwardness in the Dream World where we might not even recognize one another…”
Tan Han took the lead in explaining the situation, while everyone listened attentively. Even though they were all outstanding newcomers, pride didn’t apply here; none of them were foolish.
Once Tan Han set the stage, we finally dug into the spread of food laid out before us.
I helped myself to a bit of meat; after all, it all looked delicious. Despite having eaten quite a few sweets earlier, at this moment, it felt like they were in a separate stomach.
While everyone was eating, Tan Han also stayed busy as the focal point of the gathering, emphasizing that it was more about the exchange competition than the meal itself. Everything served to support the competition, whether it was getting to know one another or stressing the importance of the event.
At this point, Tan Han opened a portable Earth Vein System. After a moment of waiting, this week’s announced exchange competition map was presented in a 3D format right in the center of the table for everyone to see.
I was a bit surprised; it seemed Tan Han had gone out of her way to obtain this. I couldn’t deny how convenient this system was to use, although you couldn’t bring it into the Dream World.
This quickly caught the attention of many; comparatively, not everyone was familiar with the Earth Vein Operating System. Even if this system was installed at every classroom podium, it was hard to connect it to the current situation.
“This is the map for the upcoming exchange competition announced by the academy. I hurriedly called everyone here, so if you haven’t had the chance to review the competition rules and information, feel free to speak up, and we can discuss to avoid any basic misunderstandings.”
With Tan Han’s prompt, everyone ceased their pretense and began discussing. After all, this was an issue they cared about and had already gathered relevant information. However, many of the finer details became easier to understand when combined with such a map.
The most crucial aspect of this exchange competition was, of course, the ceremony and combat; some academies have to focus on defense. However, it was clear that the Witch Academy did not require that.
Yet, the birthplace of the Witch Academy was situated in the Central Ancient Battlefield, which could indeed be fraught with danger, with environments that were very hazardous.
Even though she mentioned that there was no specific tactics this time, starting without a plan would be like a scattered group. Therefore, students of the Witch Academy needed a clear goal and plan right from the get-go, working within that framework while adapting as circumstances changed.
“This area, the Dwarven Forge ruins, is directly located on the edge of the Ancient Battlefield. Even without anyone to disrupt it, monsters that spawn within the Ancient Battlefield will break through this old city after a while.”
“We all emerge from the Ancient Battlefield, but one question remains unclear: are we all together or scattered across various places? Let’s consider the worst-case scenario and discuss it based on that. If scattered, we will compete for the right to hold the ceremony close to this Forge city, drawing everyone’s attention. This location is also where the Witch Academy’s members can gather.”
“It’s backed by the Forge city and situated on the edge of the Ancient Battlefield, which isn’t overly dangerous. The Dwarves won’t waste their precious time trying to stop us at this moment. But be careful; Dwarves typically have bad tempers, so gathering here will minimize the likelihood of an ambush unless other academies come from far away to confront us. In a hasty situation, our chance of winning would be slim. We should assess the actual situation and see if we can take over the Forge city or ally with the Dwarves inside it. The worst result would be to retreat far away. The success of the initial ceremony is not crucial.”
“By the way, do you all have flight licenses? Can you ride flying broomsticks? For this Dream World exchange competition, we can carry a certain number of alchemical items or weapons in the form of items in the Dream World. These need to be registered in advance.”
As Tan Han’s question lingered in the air, the room fell silent. Everyone present were new students, some of whom didn’t even know where to take the flight exam.
“I have mine,” Minian chimed in, being a top student who likely took the time to learn it; I assumed Tan Han had reminded her.
“Don’t worry; we’re flying in a dreamworld this time, so a flight license isn’t strictly necessary. After all, a flight license is merely categorized as an alchemical item; it wouldn’t disrupt the order of reality in a dream. A flying broomstick is a highly mobile alchemical item. Everyone can give it a try. If you can’t grasp it before the competition starts, then use another method. There are many mobility-enhancing alchemical items available. The map is quite large, and for those of us who don’t need to defend a base, mobility is also crucial.”
“Oh, I’ve practiced quite a few techniques over several days; I just haven’t gotten the license. Where do I pick up the flying broomstick?”
“Just borrow one from the teacher for registration later,” Tan Han responded, providing an answer.
“Now let’s discuss the hidden rules. I heard they are meant to add an element of fun. I suspect they might relate to the ceremony; perhaps after it’s completed, there will be hidden rules released.” Someone suggested.
“Hidden rules aren’t reliable. Instead of anticipating those, it’s better to be grounded in reality.”
Slowly, this gathering concluded amidst the ongoing discussions.
In the end, Tan Han created a group chat, a newcomer top ten group chat, allowing for some mutual communication. Although the exchange competition was about to start, it also served to build connections that could benefit everyone in the future.
Not long after this group chat was created, I received many friend requests from those in the group. After accepting them all, my friend list was suddenly filled.
It seemed that even though I hadn’t contributed any constructive insights during the gathering, my own combat potential was enough to prompt them to want to be friends with me.
However, not long after, I received a private message greeting from someone.
Her name was Su Xingyue; if I remembered correctly, she was the class leader of Class 44. After a brief greeting, our subsequent topic of conversation swiftly shifted.
Su Xingyue: Um… So I will also call you Xiao Han.
Yang Yuelan: Sure, no problem. Most people I know call me that.
Su: Um… I recently saw rumors saying you were recruited with a score of 586 in the entrance exam. Is that true?
Han: Why are you asking this?
Su: Oh, it’s nothing. Just a simple inquiry because I saw someone spreading rumors that your score was too low but that you were specially recruited by the Witch Academy due to being an Innate Spirit Vision User.
Han: Who spread that?
Su: I’m not sure. I just looked at that post and it seems to be gone now. Seriously, I checked and the existing records for Innate Spirit Vision Users indicate they are all mentally unstable lunatics. How could they be specially recruited by the Witch Academy? If you’re going to spread rumors, at least make them believable.
Su: Don’t mind it. I was just curious… I also wanted to remind you that you might be getting targeted, and someone might be trying to mess with your mindset.
Han: Yeah, I’m not worried.
After replying, I exited the private chat. I truly didn’t care because what they said was already true.
But this was a serious issue. How did my score get leaked? Was it the academy that leaked it? That didn’t seem likely. Plus, my identity as an Innate Spirit Vision User had been exposed; even if no one believed it now, that information could hardly have just come out of nowhere. What a coincidence; who would believe that it was just a speculation?
The exchange competition was about to begin, and they were playing mind games with me?
Of course, I wasn’t blaming Su Xingyue; rather, I was frustrated with the person who spread this rumor… or rather, the fact. Su Xingyue at least reached out to me to inquire about the situation. But since even Su Xingyue couldn’t find relevant information, it seemed the academy had also begun to step in.
I presumed this matter would not escalate further.
At the moment, I decided not to think too much. It was ultimately pointless; the issue was bound to erupt eventually. If it exploded now, it might not be a bad thing.
I could just hide in the Dream World for a few days; once the competition was over, any topics related to me would likely also d*e down.
That’s right; this exchange competition could last several days; the specifics would depend on the situation.
During this period, contestants would need to spend those days in the Dream World. The equipment used for this Dream World exchange competition was specially designed, sustaining life signs and providing nutrients for various bodily conditions.
You could even sleep in the Dream World, and rumors had it that the sleep quality was excellent. Therefore, there was no need to worry about fainting like Tan Han did.
That was just Tan Han’s own doing; if she did that in reality, she’d faint too. Oh no, the cost of reviving in reality was hefty; she might have ended up in the medical room directly.
On the way back, I drank all the potions Teacher Ji had given me. Upon returning to my dorm, my roommates, who had nothing else to do, were also paying close attention to the upcoming exchange competition.
As soon as I returned, I was met with enthusiastic cheers from Hong Chanyi. Although she’s been like this for the past few days, I figured it was because her thoughts were centered around Shi Huiyu.
Now that Shi Huiyu was representing the Witch Academy in the top ten, Hong Chanyi had been by my side a lot, saying nice things.
However, what caught my attention was that Yu Yatian was also here in our dorm.
“Yu Yatian, I feel like I haven’t seen you in a while. Where have you been recently?” I asked curiously.
“Oh, I was at the club, but it seems I couldn’t keep up. What a shame; our club was disbanded due to allegedly inciting a crowd disturbance and surrounding the Holy Angel Academy’s exchange students and teachers. It made quite a stir, and the president could no longer handle the pressure, leading to its dissolution.”
“Ah? That’s quite exciting! Why didn’t you take some photos and share them with us for some laughs?” Hong Chanyi responded, surprised that such an event occurred amidst everything happening at the academy.
“This isn’t something to take photos of fondly, and even if the club hadn’t disbanded, I was planning to quit. Those people are no longer the same genuine practitioners, and I don’t belong with them anymore,” Yu Yatian replied.
“I told you that club wasn’t trustworthy. They don’t even provide things like Magic Sources or Spellbooks, not even symbolic items. How can it be this bad?”
“Well… actually, the key issue isn’t here…”
“Stop, stop, stop! No more preaching! Hey, Little Yu, could you lend me your notes again? I’ve had so few classes lately that I’m getting bored out of my mind.”
As time passed, the evening’s announcement officially informed all students about the upcoming collaborative exchange competition involving 34 extraordinary academies, set to commence tomorrow.
Additionally, during the opening ceremony, the participating academies would be formally announced, with the event taking place in the largest outdoor arena.
The Witch Academy mobilized teachers and students for quick scene arrangements; during this interval, they had been busy with this setup.
Even at this moment, tickets for the arena were in high demand, even harder to come by than those for the previous new student competition. Although ultimately all the contestants would duel in the Dream World, the appeal of being there live attracted many. Just watching them enter the Dream Device in the arena felt like an experience worth attending.
Moreover, this arena provided the entire academy’s largest and most comprehensive viewing angles, from a host perspective to a god-like perspective—the atmosphere here was something that couldn’t be compared to watching live streams at home.
This day passed amidst the heightened excitement of everyone, and the second day arrived quietly.
Time flew by; at this moment, the arena was already filled with people, and many were supporting from outside, with some even live streaming the event.
The raucous atmosphere inside the arena stirred everyone’s emotions.
Until a figure walked up to the podium, the atmosphere took on a new height.
“Good morning, dear students, esteemed teachers, and friends from distant academies! On behalf of the Witch Academy and personally, I extend a warm welcome to all of you!”
The speaker at the podium was one of the academy heads from the Witch Academy, her tone cheerful and unpretentious. She had every right to represent both the academy and herself, as this exchange event was hosted at the Witch Academy, which took it seriously. Even she, who was often busy, took to the stage to deliver her speech.
In contrast, Lina, who had only hosted the previous new student competition, had to remain seated in the audience during this occasion.
“I won’t waste more words. I hereby announce that the collaborative exchange competition among 34 extraordinary academies held at the Witch Academy officially begins!”
Without any lengthy introductions or unnecessary words, after a simple greeting, the headmistress directly announced the start of the academy exchange, elevating the atmosphere to its peak.
Following that, the proceedings naturally fell to Lina, who could not escape her hosting duties and began the next phase.
After all, with so many academies participating, it was essential to have a formal occasion to introduce everyone properly.
Despite their already being present and some even having experienced life at the Witch Academy, such a formal occasion was necessary to showcase the spirit and characteristics of their academies.
Each participating academy brought more than just their ten competitive students; it represented a team, and such occasions served to highlight the academic ambiance.
“First, let me welcome the Academy of Aphhemia to the stage.”
As Lina’s voice echoed, the entrance passage opened for the first appearing extraordinary academy. The Aphhemia Elves had certainly made ample preparations for this moment.
Without seeing them yet, an abundance of natural life force and extraordinary energy filled the air as the path was laid, branches extended, exhibiting the beauty of nature. Green plants sprouted, extending a vibrant green welcome mat, immediately capturing the gaze of all attendees. Those close by felt the leaves and flowers blown in by the wind and instinctively reached out, only to grasp at emptiness.
This was merely a visually striking spell effect.
Such a grand phenomenon, accompanied by the enthusiastic and joyful figures of the Aphhemia Elves, ignited the excitement of the audience in the arena, as they were witnessing beautiful Elf maidens unseen at the Witch Academy.
