Chapter 768: Luring the Idle Roommates Away
After some understanding, I finally realized what Hong Chanyi was talking about.
Because she missed the application for course exemption last semester, both Hong Chanyi and Guan Qiuling were unable to get the same exemption as Yu Yatian and Dongli Yiren, which made Hong Chanyi extremely anxious.
Moreover, last semester, those who received course exemptions could also enter the Expanding Realm to broaden their horizons. After hearing Dongli Yiren and the others talk about their experiences in the Expanding Realm, Hong Chanyi wanted to go as well.
So, this semester, none of the four of them left school during the holiday; instead, they teamed up to find teachers to apply for course exemption.
However, their application for course exemption couldn’t go through just because of a single sentence from me; it required a concrete application and assessment. At the very least, they had to master the topics for the next semester to qualify for the exemption.
Thus, after applying, they got the materials in advance and started self-studying.
Hong Chanyi was in Teacher Ji’s class, and when I first walked in, I heard that Hong Chanyi had failed her first attempt at applying for the assessment, and it was only after trying again that she succeeded.
This was the first time I clearly understood how complicated the process for students seeking course exemptions could be.
But the fact that Hong Chanyi was able to pass was actually related to the Great Knowledge Seed; after all, learning an entire semester’s worth of knowledge through self-study over one holiday requires a lot of effort and some special means.
However, it would disappoint Hong Chanyi to know that the Expanding Realm would not continue to be open this semester.
The Expanding Realm would enter a period of free development centered around the Ninglan Realm, connecting an entire world.
Ninglan Qiuyue’s role in this would be crucial; she not only had to be responsible for the entire Expanding Realm but also represented the will of the Witch Academy.
“So, it sounds like you four will be quite idle this semester,” I said as I looked at them. No wonder they were gathered here so casually; they were all waiting to see whether Hong Chanyi passed or not. If she didn’t pass, she would really be isolated in this dormitory.
Fortunately, she made it; otherwise, she wouldn’t have heard a word from the other three teasing her.
Perhaps that’s what friends are for: when they hear you didn’t pass, they spend some time tutoring you, but now that you have passed, they’ve turned into mischievous friends.
“Of course! This time we also want to experience what you felt back then, Sister Xiao Han!”
“But I have to tell you some bad news: this semester, including for a long time afterwards, the Expanding Realm will not be open to outsiders—so, have you figured out what you’re going to do with your time if you don’t have classes?” I remarked, seeing how happy Hong Chanyi looked. If she had a tail, it might even have wagged, so I had to bring her down to earth.
“Ah? Aahhh…”
Upon hearing my “definitive reply,” Hong Chanyi instantly slumped on the sofa in disappointment, like a spoiled little girl crying and throwing a tantrum on the floor.
“I think Hong Chanyi should just continue being her little princess on the Street of Elegance…”
“Shut up! Don’t bring that up!” Hong Chanyi suddenly sat up and interrupted Guan Qiuling’s teasing suggestion.
“Then go pursue your Shi Huiyu?”
“Forget it, don’t mention her…”
“Who would have thought, Hong Chanyi, that you’ve turned over a new leaf and abandoned your infatuated identity?” I asked with a smile from the side.
“Sister Xiao Han, are you this harsh on me? I’m going to cry… really going to cry!”
“Ugh… your posture is making me sick,” Guan Qiuling commented, as it seemed that after a year of getting to know each other, she was no longer as introverted as before.
However, since we all lived in the same dorm, everyone really knew each other well, including their previous genders. Although they had to completely say goodbye to the past upon entering the Witch Academy, there was no need to deliberately act like a girl when together.
Of course, Hong Chanyi’s behavior was definitely her true nature showing.
“By the way, have you all eaten? If not, I’ll treat you tonight. It’s the beginning of a new semester, and since we’re gathering, you’ll probably not all be together next time I hear from you.”
“Sister Xiao Han’s treating? Awesome!”
“You’re making Sister Xiao Han shell out money again.”
“Don’t worry—it’s not a big expense. I have already passed the stage of worrying about money, so don’t be shy with me.” I said generously.
“Okay! We won’t hold back! So where’s Sister Xiao Han taking us? The night market not far downstairs, or are we heading to the snack street?”
“Isn’t Sister Xiao Han’s identity now quite extraordinary? Hong Chanyi, are you sure you want to mention these places?”
“Should we go to the expensive commercial area, where I heard the food is mediocre?”
“Then how about… we go to the Magic Capital? What do you think?” I suggested, “The Witch Academy is built on top of the Magic Capital, but since you’ve been in the academy for so long, you probably haven’t been to the Magic Capital many times, right?”
“Sister Xiao Han’s suggestion is good! I haven’t really been to the Magic Capital much. When I was brought to the Witch Academy, I headed straight to another place upon entering the Magic Capital.”
“Hehe, I’ve been there! After the first semester, I went home for the holiday but actually played in the Magic Capital for a few days before heading back. Honestly, the prices there are ridiculously high!” Hong Chanyi said, laughing and then complaining about it.
“Wait… shouldn’t you all be concerned about how we’re going to get to the Magic Capital? Leaving the Witch Academy requires a prior application!” Dongli Yiren reminded from the side. “Just because it’s the beginning of a new semester doesn’t mean we can go in and out freely, right? Don’t you have a solution, Sister Xiao Han?”
“Um… it seems so.”
“Sister Xiao Han, you didn’t consider this? Can’t the teaching assistant help us write the leave application?”
“I’m not too sure about that, but the teaching assistant can come and go freely in the academy, but they seem to be unable to take others out…” I pondered. Although the Extraordinary Witches seem to be able to write applications, that would trouble Sister Bai.
“Then… should we just wander around the commercial area?” Hong Chanyi suggested.
“We can sneak out; I have a teleportation spell, and bringing you all along will be no problem!”
“Ah? Sneak out? Is that… okay?”
“Relax, the academy is pretty lenient about this.” I recalled when Sister Bai surprisingly took me through a ‘formal channel,’ and her expression…
As long as it doesn’t cause serious disruption, the academy is usually uninterested in these matters.
“Since Sister Xiao Han said that, then I’m in!”
“Alright… I’ll go too…”
“Count me in!”
“It seems I have no choice…”
“Don’t worry—if something really happens, I’ll handle it for you.” I confidently promised, as there’s really no one in the Witch Academy who would dare to mess with me now.
“It’s fine—even if something goes wrong, we can consider it a fulfilling experience at the academy; everyone has their moments of rebellion, right?”
So in the end, the five of us made a pact.
We directly left the Witch Academy using the teleportation spell.
Once outside, the scenery, in stark contrast to that of the Witch Academy, brought us a completely fresh experience.
After all, the Magic Capital is one of the most developed areas in the Main World, while other areas have varying levels of development depending on the radiation from the Extraordinary Academy.
Some places are still quite backward.
“Wow… is this the Magic Capital?”
The five of us strolled down the street, drawing the gazes of passersby even in their hurried state, who couldn’t help but notice a group of five youthful girls walking together.
However, the moment the thought of approaching crossed their minds, it was extinguished. In the Magic Capital, if you see a group of girls who look out of place, you don’t need to guess; they must be students from the Witch Academy.
Given that it was the opening period, flirting with students from the Witch Academy was highly risky.
Moreover, for ordinary people, the students from the Witch Academy couldn’t pass on their lineage, and there are rumors about their s*xual orientations, often finding the opposite gender repulsive, and it’s said that if you flirt with them, you might end up cursed or something. This results in very few cases of s*xual harassment in the Magic Capital.
You might get away with numerous attempts at harassment, but if you get caught once, that’ll be the end of you.
Besides, the nights in the Magic Capital are filled with many urban legends; it’s not just a matter of myth but real occurrences, mostly instigated by the witches of the Witch Academy. However, the long-time residents of the Magic Capital have mostly grown accustomed to it.
“Alright, Hong Chanyi, stop revealing your true nature; no one is paying attention to you.”
“Is that so? I don’t think so! That guy has glanced at us dozens of times since he walked from that corner—am I not allowed to give him a proper lesson?”
“That might indeed be necessary…”
“But the sun is about to set soon; have you all figured out where to eat?” Dongli Yiren, simply hungry, asked from the side.
“How about we stroll around a bit longer? The night view in the Magic Capital is stunning!” Hong Chanyi suggested.
“Then let’s go to that one; such a high floor is perfect for seeing the night view! Let me check if I have a membership card for that hotel.” I pointed toward the tallest building visible in the distance.
In the Magic Capital, many businesses are closely related to the Witch Academy, or let’s say a very ordinary student you meet in the Witch Academy might have their family running a business in such a prime area.
“Ah? Sister Xiao Han, you actually have a membership card? Do those really exist? Are you a regular here?”
“Not really—many people inside the academy want to connect with me. If that’s not the case, we can look for another place.” I shrugged, then rummaged through the pile of gifts I received. Thanks to the identification spell, it was quite convenient to find things.
“Ah, found it!”
…
“Finally here! This is the first time I’ve sat in an elevator for so long.”
Guided by the waiter, the few of us were brought to a high-level private room. Initially, we had only requested a high floor and a window seat, but after I showcased my “identity,” we were brought straight here.
As the saying goes, you must take advantage of a good deal.
“Come on, let’s order; just go for the buffet.” I took the elegantly bound menu and tossed it to them.
“Then we won’t hold back with you, Sister Xiao Han! Haha, it truly feels like a high-end restaurant; these dishes I’ve never seen in the cafeteria,” Hong Chanyi was the first to take over the menu and began discussing what to order with Guan Qiuling nearby, while I took the chance to enjoy the night view of the Magic Capital.
This was the perfect time, as the last light of the sun dipped below the horizon, soon followed by the vibrant light display of the Magic Capital at night.
“Sister Xiao Han, what are you looking at…”
“Uh? Oh, Box of Books; you should know it, the book I read to pass the time when I’m bored.” I shook the book in my hand while explaining to Yu Yatian beside me.
“I heard this is also your weapon?”
“Of course! During normal times, it’s my medium for reading, but in battle, it’s the most convenient brick in my hand.”
“I see; I was wondering why there seems to be a trend in the academy about using thick magic books as spellcasting tools lately. So, is this the trend you started, Xiao Han?”
“I guess so. Do you want to customize one?”
“Actually, I’m more curious if the content on this book is pre-downloaded.”
“Um… it’s knowledge collected from the Great Knowledge Tree. I review it during downtime because, after all, you should understand that knowing and learning are two different concepts.”
“Indeed, the Great Knowledge Seed gives me the same feeling; it feels more like a tool for assisting learning rather than something for slacking off.”
“I’m glad you understand this; if you’re in the dorm and Hong Chanyi and the others go astray, please help steer them back. I always feel they lack that awareness.”
“Don’t feel that way; Hong Chanyi is just like that.”
“That’s not too good…” I remarked.
At that moment, while I was chatting with Yu Yatian, Hong Chanyi and the others had already decided what to eat for dinner.
They ordered quite a few dishes, but what they couldn’t finish, they would pack to take back and slowly eat; even the most high-end hotel should offer take-out service, right?
“By the way, have you all really not thought about what you want to do this semester?” I asked during a break in our meal.
“Sister Xiao Han, if there’s any place you need us, just say it—we don’t need to test whether we’re willing or not! You still remember the people in our dorm, and we’ve already considered you as our friend! If you don’t mind us… hehehe,” Hong Chanyi was the first to speak up.
“Okay, Hong Chanyi, you’re even more straightforward than I am,” I said somewhat helplessly, realizing I really can’t hide things, “I do have some things going on; whether it’s good or bad… you can decide for yourselves whether you want to do it. I’m currently working on a topic about Self-Generated Magic…”
“Wait? Self-Generated Magic?! That’s the one! The one… that’s on the academy’s website! I heard you even recruited Tan Han into it!” Upon hearing the term Self-Generated Magic, Hong Chanyi jumped up excitedly!
“You already know? Is the academy website really spreading that fast?”
“Of course! Ever since I found out that the Great Knowledge Seed could also appear on the academy’s website, I’ve become a surfing expert! I’m determined to explore every thread and short video mentioning you, Xiao Han!”
“That’s not necessary…”
