The wide-eyed young girl who stood there in utter astonishment turned out to be an acquaintance. Who was she?
None other than Edra, the exceedingly loud girl from the 'Duberai Magic and Martial Arts Academy' they had encountered during their time in the Monster Forest. Edra had no classes that afternoon and planned to use the rare free time to purchase a new magic robe, as her previous one had been ruined during their recent training expedition.
Mages value their appearance, especially female mages, and simply could not tolerate a tarnished image. So, almost immediately after her last class ended, she had rushed straight over here—her favorite magic shop.
Yet, before she could even step inside, she saw Zhong Shenxiu and Robin exiting the shop. Since not much time had passed, and Edra remembered Zhong Shenxiu and his companion quite vividly, she recognized Zhong Shenxiu instantly.
Good heavens, weren't those the two youngsters from last time? They were actually alive!
What in the world was happening? Why were they here?
Zhong Shenxiu hadn't noticed Edra. It wasn't that he was unaware of people nearby, but with so many people coming and going, why would he pay undue attention to any one person?
Let them be whoever they were; they had nothing to do with him! Zhong Shenxiu looked at the relaxed horse and had an idea.
Since he now possessed a magic ring, the horse was redundant. Keeping it around was inconvenient; he felt much freer with both hands empty.
At this moment, Zhong Shenxiu was already leaning toward selling the horse. After Zhong Shenxiu and Robin led the horse away, Edra remained rooted to the spot, still too stunned to process what she had seen.
After another moment, Edra finally regained her senses. Strangely, however, she did not enter the "Magic Shop" but instead sprinted rapidly back the way she came.
Dust swirling around her, Edra ran all the way back to the "Duberai Magic and Martial Arts Academy." Upon entering the girls' dormitory building, Edra headed straight for Monica’s room. Although she and Monica were the closest of friends, they were not roommates.
"Monica, Monica—something terrible has happened!" Her voice echoed down the hall before she even arrived. Her voice always possessed remarkable carrying power!
Monica was inside her room, working on an assignment. Hearing Edra's distinct tone, she felt a wave of dizziness, knowing any chance of quiet study time was now ruined.
"CRASH~" The door was shoved violently open. Edra poked her head in, scanning the room, and instantly locked onto Monica, who was lying on her bed with an expression of resigned helplessness.
"Monica, Monica—something terrible has happened!" Edra suddenly sprang near Monica; her explosive energy was baffling. "Hey, hey—could you possibly lower your voice, you're practically deafening me," Monica rubbed her ears, shifting over to make room for Edra to sit down.
"Is my voice loud?" Edra asked, genuinely confused. Monica didn't reply, merely rolling her eyes.
Her expression vividly conveyed her meaning: Your voice isn't just loud; it's exceptionally loud! "Spit it out!
What major crisis is it this time?" Monica asked with weary resignation. "It's not like some teacher bought a new dress again, or the cafeteria added some new dish today, is it?" "No, it's a bigger catastrophe than that!" Edra declared, her eyes wide.
Monica remained perfectly calm, unfazed by the heightened drama. "Well, what is it, then?
Tell me, I'm listening," Monica replied placidly. "You guess!" Ugh!
This was the one thing Monica couldn't stand about Edra. If you have news, just say it!
No, she insists you guess, and she won't tell you until you've tried seven or eight times. In Monica's opinion, her friend was occasionally quite perverse, seemingly deriving pleasure from testing others' patience.
"I can't guess. If you're going to tell me, tell me.
If not, I have homework to finish!" Monica promptly flopped back onto her bed and resumed writing. Her assignment was simple: copy each of the new magic incantations learned that day ten times.
"Monica, just guess! Please guess!
Just one guess—" Edra vigorously shook Monica's body while adopting a pitiful expression, as if someone had stolen her candy. Monica couldn't even focus on her studies now; she could only sigh inwardly: I chose my friends poorly!
"Is some shop having a massive clearance sale again?" Monica relented, knowing Edra wouldn't stop otherwise. "Wrong!
Guess again!" Edra’s eyes glittered with excitement; she lived for the thrill of someone failing to guess correctly. "Is the Academy about to go on break?" "Wrong!
Guess again!" "Did someone get disciplined for being in a new romance?" "Wrong! Do you want a hint?" Edra actually asked, in a gesture of mock kindness.
Did she not realize how torturous she could be? "Did you perhaps find money again?" Monica refused to fall for Edra's bait.
She knew her friend too well; the more hints Edra gave, the further off track she would lead you. "I found some just the other day; how could I find more so soon?" Edra smiled triumphantly.
"Guess again! I guarantee you absolutely cannot get it right!" Speechless.
Monica was struck by a wave of utter speechlessness. If you already know I can't guess it, why torture me like this?
"Ah—I remember now!" Monica put on a sudden realization. "I still have a few pieces of underwear that need washing.
You stay here; I need to rush off and wash them!" With that, Monica tried to flee, desperate to escape this torment! "Don't go, Monica, please don't go!
I'll tell you, alright?" Monica had already started to rise from the bed but was yanked back down by Edra. Heavens above!
Earth below! Is anyone allowed to live anymore?
Monica cried out in despair internally. "I'll tell you!
Today, outside the Magic Shop, I saw two people!" Edra suddenly lowered her voice, adopting a mysterious air. Did seeing two people warrant such intense secrecy?
Monica thought so, but she still managed to ask, "Who did you see?" "You guess!" Dear gods! I might as well jump off a cliff!
I don't want to live anymore!! Monica was utterly broken by this "You guess!" She genuinely felt like strangling the girl in front of her right then and there!