Lina never imagined that Maxin would present such a demand that countered the regulations of the Tutai Grand Magic Academy. As long as one was under the age of twenty-four, they could be an official student, but anyone older wishing to study could register as a visiting student.

Though Maxin was a teacher, she was only twenty-two this year and could absolutely join the "Hikikomori Magic and Martial Arts Academy" as a regular student. The condition was that she had to resign from her current position.

Elena stared blankly at Maxin, unsure of what to say.

Maxin merely offered a gentle smile and continued, "Sister Lina, it’s fine if this puts you in a difficult spot. I can take the entrance exam for the 'Hikikomori Magic and Martial Arts Academy' based on my own strength. I’m confident I can pass!"

Unless one was a specially recruited student, gaining entry to the "Hikikomori Magic and Martial Arts Academy" necessitated taking an entrance examination. Only those whose strength proved satisfactory were qualified to become official students.

This route might be slightly more troublesome, but given Maxin's many years of teaching experience, passing would certainly not be an issue!

Elena gave Maxin a look of sheer exasperation. She knew Maxin’s stubborn personality; once a decision was made, it was nearly impossible to change. Realizing Maxin was absolutely set on joining the "Hikikomori Magic and Martial Arts Academy," she stopped trying to persuade her, sighing instead, "If you are truly determined, I can specially recruit you!"

"Really?" Maxin’s eyes immediately lit up. She hadn't expected Elena to agree to this matter!

"With your current ability, you already qualify to enter our 'Hikikomori Magic and Martial Arts Academy.' This won't count as me abusing my authority," Elena stated softly.

"Thank you, Sister Lina!" Maxin impulsively threw herself forward, acting like a naive young girl.

"There, there, don't get so excited!" Elena quickly pushed Maxin's ample chest away from her.

Maxin returned to her seat, but an irrepressible smile still lingered on her face.

"Have you told Uncle Donald about this decision?" Elena inquired.

Hearing this, the smile on Maxin's face instantly froze, and she replied with noticeable awkwardness, "I... I haven't yet!"

Elena was speechless again. Sometimes she had to admire Maxin’s way of doing things—she would just go for what she wanted, deciding on something so major without even consulting her family.

"Sister Lina, you must keep this a secret for me. I’ll tell my father myself once everything is settled," Maxin declared with firm conviction. This was a classic case of acting first and asking for forgiveness later!

Elena pursed her lips, already imagining Donald’s reaction when he finally heard the news.

The two chatted for a while longer until Maxin steered the conversation toward Zhong Shenxiu and Robin.

"You say that little girl, Robin, is back?" Elena was quite concerned about this.

She still felt the lingering effects of those nine bolts of heavenly lightning; even now, the thought of them made her body tremble involuntarily.

She harbored a suspicion that those bizarre lightning strikes were somehow connected to Zhong Shenxiu and Robin. Otherwise, why would the lightning appear right after the two of them vanished? It couldn't just be that much of a coincidence, could it?

Furthermore, she was intensely curious about the power possessed by Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, always feeling that those two children held inexhaustible mysteries, and anything was possible where they were concerned.

Hearing Elena’s question, Maxin nodded. Thinking about the morning’s events, she felt a surge of helplessness; being caught in the middle was simply torture!

"Do you know where they went?" Elena asked curiously.

Maxin shook her head.

"Have they changed at all?" Elena pressed further.

Maxin shook her head again: "The same as before, no changes!"

The reason she hadn't noticed any change in Zhong Shenxiu was twofold: first, she had too little contact with him; and second, the contrast in his personality compared to before wasn't stark enough yet.

Lina fell silent, sinking into contemplation.

She had no idea that in the days to come, she would become intimately involved with Zhong Shenxiu and Robin! (Anticipation builds...)

.

Life seemed to have settled back into its former rhythm. Zhong Shenxiu and Robin frequently went out, returning with all sorts of bizarre objects.

Xia Luo, Rhys, and Angelina never slackened in their training; their mastery of the "Butterfly Step" showed small but steady improvements.

In addition to training, Robin busied herself refining various elixirs, and over these past few days, her pill-making techniques grew increasingly proficient.

Zhong Shenxiu remained as he always was, preferring to study things alone. However, Xia Luo and the others gradually noticed that the current Zhong Shenxiu was subtly different from before. The indescribable worldliness had lessened, replaced by a childlike playfulness.

Xia Luo and the others couldn't quite grasp this change in Zhong Shenxiu, nor did they dare ask about it directly. But inwardly, they felt a quiet delight, as he teased them far less often now and was generally much easier to get along with.

Time passed quickly, and this day marked the approach of the "Academy Ranking Tournament’s" finale—the battle for the championship!

The contenders were none other than Austin and Angelina!

Angelina had never fought Austin before, so she felt uncertain about this match.

Regardless of the final outcome, it wouldn't diminish Angelina’s standing among her many fans...

Moreover, Angelina’s position at the Buzadi Magic and Martial Arts Academy had climbed to a new height, as she had already secured a top-two finish for the school!

Since this was the crucial final match, many people arrived at the venue early to secure seats. Rumor had it that some had even arrived the night before.

Because it was the last match and Angelina was competing, not only did Zhong Shenxiu, Robin, and Rhys come to watch, but even Xia Luo, who had never attended before, showed up today.

Xia Luo’s subordinates were efficient; they had already secured prime spots for the group.

"Commander," when Xia Luo and Zhong Shenxiu’s group arrived, Caine and the others greeted them in unison.

Xia Luo smiled at them, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then sat down next to Robin.

Caine and the others kept stealing glances at Robin, the current focus of attention. They had witnessed Robin’s previous matches and were already aware that the little girl possessed formidable power inconsistent with her appearance. What astonished them even more were the spells Robin had displayed—magic they had never heard of or seen before!

The match was finally about to begin amidst the crowd's anxious waiting. First, the referee entered, followed by Angelina and Austin walking onto the stage separately.

Instantly, fervent cheers erupted from the stands. As for the specific words being shouted, they were too jumbled together to distinguish.

Following tradition, the referee first briefed the two on the essential rules, then made a peculiar gesture toward the main platform. Subsequently, a loud bell resonated across the venue, signaling the official start of the contest.

The surrounding noise instantly died down following the chime, and everyone fixed their gaze on Angelina and Austin, who had already established some distance between them.

Xia Luo observed Austin with some curiosity. She found it hard to believe that someone who appeared so casually relaxed could fight his way into the finals.

To be frank, if this weren't Angelina’s final championship match, she wouldn't have bothered to come! She had competed in the "Royal Grand Tournament"; local competitions like this held little interest for her.

The main reason was the low skill level of the contestants. If Angelina competed in the "Royal Grand Tournament" with her current strength, she would certainly be eliminated before completing three matches. Yet here, she reached the grand final. This demonstrated the caliber of the other fighters!

Xia Luo had not come today expecting to enjoy the spectacle; she was purely there to cheer for Angelina, as the two had become quite good friends.

"I am ready, student Angelina. You may attack now!" Austin said with a meaningful smile, projecting an air of nonchalance.

Angelina intensely disliked this man’s self-assurance, as if everyone else were inherently weak. This made Angelina deeply uncomfortable.

Austin smiled again. "Student Angelina, you’ve gotten a bit stronger. I truly didn't expect to be fighting you in the final. I am looking forward to this match!"

At this moment, Angelina’s face was as cold as ice, her eyes fixed straight on Austin.

Just as Austin was about to say more, Angelina suddenly shot forward with an acceleration so fast it resembled an arrow loosed from a bow.

This demonstrated that Angelina was indeed much stronger than before; her control over her Battle Qi was far purer, and such speed stemmed directly from the explosive surge of Qi beneath her feet!

However, Austin seemed fully prepared, managing to dodge sideways, narrowly evading Angelina’s thunderous initial strike!

Angelina did not press the attack immediately but stabilized her stance, awaiting a new opportunity.

"That was close!" Austin chuckled again. "Your speed has certainly increased, but perhaps that alone isn't enough to defeat me?"

In that instant, Angelina desperately wanted to ask him: Are you a man or a woman? Why so much chatter?

Seizing an opening, Angelina charged again. This time, she used a feint; the real attack was reserved for the moment Austin attempted to evade.

Austin didn't suspect a thing and sidestepped once more. But the instant he shifted his weight, Angelina tapped her toe, using the innate flexibility of her female body to abruptly alter her trajectory. She pursued the dodging Austin closely, her longsword slicing down fiercely at that moment, intent on cleaving Austin in two.

Austin clearly hadn't anticipated Angelina having such a maneuver up her sleeve; he was genuinely startled, and the playful smile vanished from his face.

"Clang!"

Sparks flew as the two blades met. Angelina didn't pause; she unleashed several rapid strikes in succession, each one faster than the last!

On the surface, Austin appeared to be at a disadvantage, possessing only the ability to parry, with no chance to counterattack.

But was that truly the case?

Austin’s eyes, sharp as a predator's, meticulously tracked Angelina’s every movement.

Time ticked by, and Angelina’s sword showed no sign of stopping.

And then, something shocking began to happen to her..."