Franlin’s smithy bustled until dinnertime, the sun already nearing its final descent, yet Qian Jin had not managed to forge all the refined iron the group required. After all, the quantity needed by an adventurer squad was considerable. As it was time to close for the day, the work would have to wait until tomorrow.

Leaving the forge, Qian Jin touched the Doushi in his pouch, his spirits high as he jogged back to the Academy.

The Oakland Academy of Magic and Warriors was as quiet as ever under the twilight sky, save for one extra person waiting at the main gate.

Qian Jin raised his arm in greeting toward Professor Rodriguez, who was pacing back and forth before the entrance: “Professor, what a coincidence? Out for a stroll?”

“Coincidence?” Rodriguez’s nose nearly turned crooked with annoyance. He had been standing there specifically waiting for the young man, only to be told it was a coincidence. “Coincidence, nothing! I was waiting for you intentionally. Do you remember what you said this morning?”

“Said what?” Qian Jin blinked, then smacked his forehead. “Oh! Look at my memory—I think I still have a duel...”

Rodriguez sighed and shook his head. Other students viewed rankings with such importance, yet the student he valued most seemed to regard this ranking so lightly.

“Kid, not one duel, two!” Rodriguez held up his middle and index fingers in a 'scissors' gesture, correcting Qian Jin on the number. “Two! Why are you only getting back now? Did you think your promise about the duels this morning was supposed to be a secret?”

Qian Jin shrugged. He hadn't planned on keeping the matter completely sealed; otherwise, he wouldn't have mentioned it to the young merchant, Rollin, that morning.

“Let me tell you something, Qian Jin,” Rodriguez placed a hand on Qian Jin’s shoulder with sincere gravity. “You shouldn't always treat these things so casually. You probably don't know this yet? Little Fatty Rollin sold this news to the Dean of Academic Affairs, Keller, for the price of three gold coins. Keller immediately seized this opportunity and told me that whether your trial could proceed depended entirely on these duels. If you win, it signifies competence, and you can make up the examination trial. If you lose, the trial is gone, and so is your future position in the Dou Ling Great Array…”

“The Dou Ling Great Array?” Qian Jin’s indifferent expression instantly became tense. His strength had increased rapidly these past few days, and he valued the Dou Ling Great Array more than ever before. “Professor, you don’t need to say another word. I’m going to fight that duel right now.”

“Two…” Rodriguez followed behind Qian Jin, correcting him again. “Two duels! By the way, what were you doing all day? Why are you only getting back now?”

“I was working, Professor, you know my situation.” Qian Jin scratched his head and gave a helpless smile. “Oh, right, while I was working today, I ran into a strange person, someone named Fabredis. He seems like a very powerful warrior, and he even invited me to hang out with him tomorrow. Honestly, this person—he knows students are busy and have no time for such things…”

“What!” Rodriguez let out a strange cry, like a Crimson-Striped Tiger whose tail had been stepped on. His eyes widened even larger than a tiger’s, and he quickly closed the distance to Qian Jin, grasping his shoulders firmly and shaking him: “What did you just say? Who?”

“Fabredis?” Qian Jin stared at Rodriguez suspiciously. “Professor, you know him…”

“You said you were busy?” Rodriguez cut him off. “No time to go? Unacceptable! You must go tomorrow! I will ask the Principal for leave for you; even the Dean of Academic Affairs won't be able to say anything!”

“Professor, you really know him?” Qian Jin was somewhat surprised. Although he knew Fabredis seemed very strong, he hadn't expected Rodriguez to be this excited, as if he would be forced to go at knifepoint tomorrow if he refused.

“I know him! He doesn’t know me!” Rodriguez looked thoroughly displeased. “Fabredis! The strongest warrior in Oakland City, and the strongest overall in Oakland City! First! First! Do you understand clearly now?”

First? Qian Jin raised an eyebrow. “The Guardian of Oakland City?”

“What do you think?” Rodriguez glared at Qian Jin. “Of course!”

Qian Jin nodded in understanding. No wonder Franlin and Lucas had been so respectful to Fabredis; it turned out this man was the Guardian of Oakland City.

Guardian! That was one of the most glorious titles in the current world!

When the title of Guardian first came into being, it referred only to the strongest individual leading the human armies against the Demon Race. As time passed, the term gradually applied more broadly. Almost every city had its own Guardian, representing the strongest individual combat prowess in the city. Eventually, even powerful families with wealth and influence began naming their strongest members as the family’s Guardian.

A Guardian was not just an empty title of glory; it also carried responsibility and afforded many privileges.

Fabredis was currently the Guardian of Oakland City. Unless a stronger individual defeated him and took his place as the city’s protector, even the City Lord showed him deference.

Rodriguez, seeing Qian Jin’s indifferent expression, felt his teeth itch with anger, clenching his fist and shaking it in front of him: “Kid, receiving guidance from the City Guardian is something countless people spend money on and cannot attain! If you don't go tomorrow, you watch out what I…”

Qian Jin obediently raised both hands in surrender. This wasn't out of fear of violence, but because he was touched by Rodriguez’s genuine concern for him. Never mind that he couldn't beat Rodriguez; even if he could, he would still surrender—because he was his teacher, a teacher who had always been incredibly good to him and looked out for him.

“Professor, can I go beat up those two challengers now?”

“Beat up?” Rodriguez snapped Qian Jin lightly on the head. “Kid, you need to be serious and careful. They are your opponents. If you underestimate them…”

“I know, Professor.” Qian Jin walked forward with his hands raised high above his head like a victory salute. “As a warrior, I must not underestimate any opponent.”

Rodriguez crossed his arms, satisfied. This was the student he valued.

The sun finally dipped below the horizon.

The small grove behind the Oakland Academy of Magic and Warriors was now illuminated only by the moonlight, which cast silver beams upon the earth. A few torches sputtered and cracked in a clearing within the woods.

Beneath the torchlight stood two warriors clad in tight fighting uniforms, their brows already furrowed with deep resentment. The constant tapping of their feet betrayed their growing impatience.

:Member click, recommendation ticket B