The Yellow-Haired Villain in Soaring Phoenix’s Novels Also Desires Happiness

Chapter 45, Striving

“Hey hey, not poking, really not poking.”

In the dean’s office, smoke swirled around.

The Pink Bear lounged on his newly bought leather sofa, which felt like the finest imitation of a beautiful leg, puffing on a top-tier cigar from the South Rock region while flipping through the latest edition of the Saintess photo collection 2.0, occasionally bursting into lewd laughter.

This time, the Saintess photo collection not only featured actors who resembled the Saintess more closely but also included reenactments of famous scenes.

For instance, in the scene depicting the Life Church’s previous Pure Saintess purifying the undead spirits in a graveyard, the Pure Saintess, holding a solemn staff, released an immeasurable holy light, purifying the grotesque and repulsive demons, causing anyone who witnessed the scene to feel an overwhelming sense of reverence.

However, the “Saintess” in the photos was clad in a thrillingly provocative and revealing bikini.

“Tsk tsk, this intertwining of solemnity and seduction, the union of angel and devil, marvelous, simply marvelous. Just looking at this photo collection, my soul feels as if it has been elevated. It’s a pity I don’t know who could have such a brilliant idea; I truly want to meet the author of this collection.”

As he sighed in admiration, the Pink Bear flicked the ash off his cigar and scratched his backside.

How wonderful it is, this leisurely time of slacking off. If only I could…

“Pink Bear!”

A deafening roar echoed, and the office door was kicked open.

“Damn, you’re back so soon.”

The Pink Bear jolted upright, hurriedly hiding the photo collection behind him, looking at the furious Professor Prang at the door, shaking his head in alarm:

“I wasn’t slacking off, I wasn’t!”

“Slacking off is a trivial matter, it doesn’t matter at all.” Professor Prang’s eyes were bloodshot, his teeth clenched as he spoke.

“Eh?”

The Pink Bear was taken aback.

Slacking off?

Little things?

Is this something Professor Plang would say?

During the last inquiry meeting, I only dozed off for half an hour, and you almost kicked my leather cover apart, didn’t you?

Why are you so lenient this time?

Before the pink bear could regain its senses, it saw Professor Plang revealing a sinister cold smile:

“Grab him!”

“Yes!”

“Got it!”

Teacher Cade and Professor Gran appeared from nowhere, each tightly holding one of the pink bear’s arms.

“What are you doing? What are you doing?”

Sensing something was off, the pink bear began to struggle in panic.

But both Teacher Cade and Professor Gran were formidable opponents; even he found it hard to break free under their combined strength.

Not to mention, right in front of him was Professor Plang, the crown-wearer, watching with keen eyes.

Surrounded by the three, the pink bear had nowhere to escape.

But why were they doing this?

The pink bear widened its eyes in terror.

Could it be…

They discovered that he had secretly misappropriated funds to buy sofa cigars and photo albums?

“Pink Bear! Look at the good deed you’ve done!”

Just as the pink bear was thinking about how to gloss over the funding issue, Professor Plang suddenly threw a stack of documents in its face.

“What is this…”

Following the documents, the pink bear saw the information of a man with a huge scar on his face.

“Eh? Isn’t this that guy?”

The pink bear recalled:

“That guy who had feelings for classmate Mu En.”

“Oh? Do you remember the good deed you did?”

“Good deed? Oh, oh, that was indeed a good deed; I helped him find his true love, after all.

Eh? Wait a minute.”

Seeing Professor Plang in front of him looking as if he wanted to chop him into pieces, the pink bear suddenly had a bad feeling.

“Could it be that…

He succeeded, right?”

If that duke’s son also had such a penchant, and met the scarred man who pursued him, the two would hit it off and fall in love…

—Not good, Duke Campbell would kill me.

He would come directly with hundreds of thousands of troops to cut me down!

Damn it, I just wanted to have some fun. Are all these noble young men’s preferences so twisted?

Even if you like that sort of thing, at least find someone good-looking!

“Although I don’t know what you’re thinking, I estimate you must have thought wrong.”

Professor Plang picked up the document and pointed to one column:

“I was asking about this matter.”

“This matter?”

Pink Bear looked in the direction Professor Plang was pointing and discovered that in the column regarding the identity of this scarred man, the words “mountain bandit” were glaringly written.

“Mountain bandit?”

Pink Bear’s eyes widened: “This guy is actually a mountain bandit?”

“……”

Professor Plang paused in silence:

“You didn’t know?”

“How would I know? Although this guy does look quite like a mountain bandit, do you think I’m that shallow person who judges by appearance? Moreover, this guy doesn’t even have a hint of blood on him. Do you dare to believe a mountain bandit who hasn’t killed anyone?”

“Then wouldn’t you use the academy’s intelligence system to check? Do you know the amount of reputational damage it would bring to our academy if a mountain bandit became one of our teachers?” Professor Plang bellowed.

Pink Bear was shocked: “Intelligence system? Your educational institution actually has an intelligence system? What do you want to do?”

“Hmph, not just an intelligence system; there’s actually an armory hidden beneath the academy.” Professor Plang sneered.

“Armory?”

Pink Bear was taken aback for a moment, then immediately roared with righteous indignation:

“Are you saying you want to rebel? I tell you, as long as I, Pink Bear, hold my position for even one more day, I absolutely will not allow such disrespectful things to happen. Let me go, and buy me the newly released Saintess figurine as an apology, or I’ll go to His Majesty and report your treachery!”

“Too lazy to argue with you here.”

Knowing that continuing this chat with Pink Bear would surely lead to him glossing over the main point, Professor Plang went straight to the point.

“Even though you are now the acting dean of the academy, such negligence cannot be easily overlooked; you must accept punishment.”

“Punishment?”

Pink Bear’s eyes widened in terror:

“How do you plan to punish me? Are you going to make me work overtime to the point of exhaustion?”

“That is indeed a good method, but I have a better idea.”

Professor Plang let out a cold laugh, suddenly leaning down to pull out the book of the saintly maiden from behind the pink bear.

“Are you ready to face hell, Director Pink Bear?”

With a grim expression, Professor Plang opened the first page of the book under the horrified gaze of the pink bear, his strong hand gripping the page, and then…

Slowly tearing it out.

Riiip—

Accompanied by the clear sound of paper being shredded, as he watched the enchanting “saint” on the page gradually split in two, the pink bear felt as if his very soul was being torn apart along with it.

“No—”

……

……

“Is that how you’re going to let him off the hook?”

In Professor Plang’s office, Professor Gran was expertly brewing tea, then handed a cup to Plang.

“That’s not very much like you, is it?”

“Impossible.”

Professor Plang scoffed:

“There are still a dozen inquiries waiting for that guy. Does he really think he can just brush off such a mistake? Compared to me, those nobles are the ones who keep a tight grip on the academy; how could they allow something like this to happen?”

“Ah, true enough.”

Professor Gran whistled cheerfully and unapologetically enjoyed the top-quality black tea he had mooched from Professor Plang.

“By the way, nothing major has happened at the academy recently, right?”

Professor Plang had been busy lately; otherwise, he wouldn’t have allowed the pink bear to appoint a bandit as a teacher without any review.

“Nothing, it’s been quite peaceful.”

A cryptic smile played on Professor Gran’s lips as he said:

“No major incidents, but there is one amusing little thing.”

“Oh?”

Professor Plang’s interest was piqued:

“What little thing?”

“This.”

Professor Gran handed a newspaper to Professor Plang:

“Though it’s just a small matter, it has caused quite a stir in the academy over the past few days.”

“Now that’s interesting.”

Professor Plang took the newspaper, his gaze quickly scanning the contents.

“Mu En Campbell declared boldly that he would achieve an excellent score on the next Fundamentals of Magic exam.”

Professor Plang raised an eyebrow:

“An excellent score, meaning eighty? Is he going to take the exam with the first years?”

“Second year.”

Professor Gran pointed to the back of the report.

“Second year?”

Professor Plang paused for a moment, then scoffed:

“Impossible.”

“Oh, so certain?”

Professor Gran chuckled, “What if he gets lucky and succeeds?”

“That’s not a goal that can be achieved by luck alone.”

Professor Plang tossed the newspaper aside, losing interest.

“After so many years of teaching, I know very well what can be accomplished and what cannot.

If Mu En Campbell’s goal were sixty, and he devoted himself entirely to this subject for a month, with a good teacher, it might be possible.

But an excellent score of eighty… that is absolutely impossible.”

Professor Plang was well aware of the chasm between sixty and eighty in the Fundamentals of Magic course.

It was not a gap that could be bridged by effort alone.

“What if? There’s always a what if; what if he creates that miracle?” Professor Gran leaned in, persistently asking.

“What if?”

Professor Plang scoffed derisively, then slapped his beloved antique desk:

“Still, I’ll say it again: if he really manages to do it, I’ll eat my desk!”

……

……

“Has it spread throughout the school again?”

In the Ancient Potions Society classroom, Mu En stared in astonishment at the newspaper handed to him by Senior Anna.

In the most prominent position of the paper, in bold red font, it exaggeratedly reported Mu En’s earlier bold claims made in the woods, even adding a melodramatic title like “The Duke’s Son’s Comeback.”

One could imagine that with the release of these newspapers, there would be quite a stir in the academy, which had just begun to settle down.

“How does the news agency know everything? I don’t remember telling anyone this time?” Mu En said, puzzled.

“Don’t underestimate Senior Mingte from the news agency,” Anna replied.

As she handed him a cup of coffee, Mu En reached out, only to be astonished to find that the coffee had been brewed using a measuring cup.

Do intellectual big sisters who conduct experiments enjoy playing like this?

“He can become the president of the news agency; strength is just one aspect. The most important thing is that he has a magic that allows him to manipulate birds. You could say that many of the flying birds in the academy are his eyes and ears, and there are very few things that can escape his notice in the academy.”

“Manipulating birds? I see.”

With such a convenient magic, it’s no wonder the news agency always gets first-hand information.

“What’s wrong? Are you scared, junior?”

Senior Anna stirred the coffee in the measuring cup with a glass rod, and when the sugar cube melted, her pink tongue lightly licked the transparent rod, looking exceptionally alluring.

“It’s not a good thing to be watched by so many people.”

“Scared?”

Mu En steadied himself and said with a bitter smile:

“I’ve already thrown caution to the wind; what’s there to be afraid of?”

Mu En continued to flip through the newspaper, and when he reached the last page and saw the betting information about whether he could achieve an excellent score, he couldn’t help but twitch his mouth.

“No way, they can bet on this? How bored must those people be?”

“Studying is dull; you have to find some fun, right?” Anna sipped her coffee, smiling gently.

“Oh? Does that mean you placed a bet, senior?” Mu En blinked and asked curiously:

“Which side did you bet on?”

“Which side?”

Anna propped her cheek and asked back:

“What side do you hope I bet on, junior?”

“I…”

Mu En’s eyes shifted, and he said:

“I hope senior bets on the ‘cannot’ side.”

“Oh? Why?”

Anna asked:

“Don’t you want me to believe in you?”

“I definitely want you to believe in me.”

Mu En crossed his hands under his chin and said earnestly:

“But I don’t want you to lose your bet.”

“…Hehe, even at this time, you don’t forget to flirt with me. You really are a scoundrel.”

Anna pretended to be angry and tapped Mu En’s head with the book in her hand, laughing lightly:

“You should have a bit more confidence in yourself, young man.”

“I want to as well.”

Mu En sighed, “But at that time, the bravado was deafening. Now that I’ve calmed down, it’s indeed a bit hard to achieve.”

“So, are you just going to give up like this?”

Anna tilted her head:

“Actually, the sixty points you mentioned at the beginning is quite an impressive goal.”

“Give up?”

Mu En lowered his head, staring at the tabletop.

The tabletop, used as an experimental station, was made of metal and had been cleaned to perfection by the senior.

It reflected his shadow vaguely, like a copper mirror.

And in that mirror, the blond man, clearly well-dressed and handsome, made Mu En feel so disheveled.

Unable to do anything.

Unable to change anything.

Neither himself nor others.

Compared to Aimon, he looked even more like a dog.

“Who wants to give up?”

Mu En clenched his fist, as if he wanted to embed those words into his heart, one by one.

“I will not give up, absolutely not!”

“Really?”

As if she had already anticipated Mu En’s answer, Anna snapped her fingers.

Then a thick stack of books appeared in front of Mu En.

“This is…”

“Practice books.”

Anna said:

“Since your goal has changed, our study methods must also change. We can’t just limit ourselves to memorizing and reviewing basic knowledge; you also have to do extensive practice based on various questions and question types that might appear in the exams.

After all, the exam won’t only test the content from the textbooks.”

“I see.”

Mu En realized:

“So it’s the sea of questions strategy? It really brings back memories.”

“Memories?”

Anna raised her eyebrows in confusion:

“Has the junior done this before?”

“Ha ha, maybe in a dream…”

Faced with Senior Anna’s confusion, Mu En could only chuckle awkwardly, brushing it off.

After all, he couldn’t very well say that in his past life, due to the most important event of his life—the “Gaokao”—he had already experienced the so-called “sea of questions” strategy.

But it was quite similar.

This exam, just like the Gaokao from his past life, would also be a decisive test for his future.

“Since that’s the case, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

After all, he had already been through it once, hadn’t he?

Once you’ve experienced something for the first time, the second time won’t be so frantic.

All he needed to do was follow the steps, advancing one step at a time.

So…

“Come on, Senior, don’t pity this delicate flower of mine; please, come and trample me hard!” Mu En said with a determined expression.

“Is that so? Then the junior better not cry later.”

Anna, holding a pointer she had somehow acquired, waved it lightly with a mischievous smile and said, “Teacher Anna can be very strict, you know.”

…

…

Night.

In the dormitory.

The bright stone that Mu En had bought at a high price emitted a brilliant glow, illuminating the entire dorm room.

Across from him, in the upperclassmen’s dormitory, only a few rooms were dimly lit, while the others had long since fallen into darkness.

The night was deep, and Mu En was still studying under the light.

Finally, he could no longer bear the soreness in his eyes and stopped, applying a warm towel over them.

From the hot water prepared nearby, it was clear that this scene had repeated many times.

“It seems that the human body really does have its limits.”

Mu En rubbed his temples, feeling the warmth on his face, and couldn’t help but sigh.

Even the body of a second-tier martial artist couldn’t withstand a whole day of studying; delicate parts like his eyes had already begun to protest.

“If only there were a way to make me not care about the fatigue in my body.”

Mu En thought, then suddenly jolted awake.

“Wait, I think I really do have that kind of method!”

As he spoke, Mu En couldn’t care less about the wet towel that had fallen to the ground, his thoughts quickly diving deep.

The black book space.

However, this time there was neither the maid assassin nor the naked adventurer.

It wasn’t even pitch black anymore.

Under Mu En’s intentional control, the scene here transformed into… an ancient potion classroom.

The blue curtains that his senior liked swayed gently, but unfortunately, outside the window was a sea of darkness, nothing visible.

Touching the cold metal tabletop, Mu En couldn’t help but smile slightly:

“Ah, it’s still here, a place that brings peace.”

After a brief moment of reflection, Mu En’s thoughts shifted, and the workbook he had been working on appeared before him.

“Practice makes perfect; let’s give it a try.”

Mu En once again immersed himself in his studies.

Then, he lost track of time.

Eventually, Mu En snapped back to reality from his intense studying, glanced at the time, and checked his physical state, unable to hide his joy.

“I’ve been studying for three hours straight! As expected, in the black book space, my body doesn’t get tired.”

In fact, it was easy to understand that what was active in the black book space was Mu En’s consciousness, consuming mental energy, so his body naturally wouldn’t accumulate fatigue.

Moreover, during this time spent studying in the black book, Mu En’s body could enjoy ample rest.

As for his mental state… thanks to the rigorous training he had undergone in the black book space, Mu En’s mental resilience had long surpassed that of ordinary people.

After all, how could someone who had died countless times not have a strong spirit?

“That means I can compress my sleep time to the bare minimum!” Mu En’s eyes lit up.

He didn’t need to rely on sleep to alleviate the fatigue of his physical body; about two hours of deep sleep each day would be enough to refresh his mind.

This effectively gave him an extra four hours of study time each day!

Mu En couldn’t help but clench his fist in excitement.

Indeed, only hard work would not betray a person.

Those struggles he had faced earlier seemed to serve no purpose, but in the end, they rewarded him in an unexpected way.

They allowed his seemingly unreachable goal to finally shine with a glimmer of light in the darkness.

…

“However, just doing problems like this without knowing if they’re right or wrong doesn’t feel very efficient.”

As he continued working through the problems, Mu En sensed something was off.

After all, in this world, the subject of magic was ultimately aimed at the nobility and certain geniuses. Although it had formed a certain system, it was nothing like the universally applicable subjects from his past life.

For instance, the workbook in Mu En’s hands, which his senior had somehow collected, didn’t seem like a properly bound version at all. It resembled a compilation of past exams and teacher assignments, with some parts even handwritten.

Therefore, the notion of a reference answer simply does not exist.

The significance of the tactic of drowning in questions is not to engage in a large volume of practice without considering quality and efficiency, but rather to identify one’s own mistakes and even the points not yet mastered through continuous problem-solving, quickly refining and solidifying one’s knowledge.

However, if one doesn’t even know whether they are making mistakes, then the subsequent benefits are completely moot; it merely serves to increase one’s speed and proficiency in answering questions.

For Mu En at this moment, speed and proficiency are utterly useless.

“But if I let the senior correct them tomorrow…”

Setting aside whether the senior has the time and energy for it, in terms of efficiency, it completely contradicts Mu En’s philosophy.

He needs to think of other solutions.

Mu En stroked his chin in contemplation.

The first solution that came to Mu En’s mind was to hire a few “teachers” specifically to correct his exercises.

After all, he wasn’t short on money.

But for him, hiring teachers itself would require time, and there was no guarantee he could find any.

So this solution could only be considered a last resort.

Mu En continued to ponder.

As he thought, his gaze wandered aimlessly around, and then inadvertently caught a glimpse of the deep darkness outside, revealed by the swaying blue curtains.

Darkness…

Black…

A spark of inspiration flashed in Mu En’s mind.

“Black Book!”

With Mu En’s call, the Black Book slowly materialized.

Yet this time, its leisurely demeanor seemed… a bit reluctant?

Mu En didn’t think much of it and excitedly pulled the Black Book closer.

“You can do it, right, Black Book?”

He patted the exercise book:

“Help me correct it!”

【……】

The Black Book remained silent.

“You definitely can.”

Seeing the Black Book’s lack of response, Mu En’s gaze sharpened:

“Your ability is essentially to record, right? You even know the weaknesses of the evil gods; I refuse to believe you don’t know the basics of first-year magic theory!”

【……】

“You didn’t inform me in advance last time and unilaterally changed my fate. I haven’t settled the score with you yet.”

【Sigh.】

It was still the familiar heavy sigh.

The exercise books in front of Mu En flipped rapidly.

Then, behind each question, little ✓ or little × appeared.

“Thank you!”

Mu En was overjoyed and quickly flipped back to the exercises he had done earlier, starting to pick out the mistakes.

But as he was doing so, he suddenly turned his head to look at the black book, his expression serious:

“What is the basic content of the syllogism of magic?”

【……】

The black book helplessly flipped, presenting an explanation identical to that in the textbook before Mu En.

“Thank you, love you!”

Mu En almost wanted to hug the black book and give it a kiss.

It could never be called a good teacher, but it could definitely be regarded as a good textbook.

Wherever he struggled, it would point it out; to some extent, he didn’t even need to point—knowledge would just emerge, saving him the trouble of searching. Who wouldn’t love such a textbook?

……

In the long night, Mu En concentrated fully on studying.

The black book floated beside him, occasionally flipping to reveal knowledge points from the textbook or notes from the senior’s lectures.

Mu En made rapid progress.

Yet at this point, he seemed unaware that he could actually use the black book to cheat, easily passing the exam.

Or perhaps, the option of cheating had never even appeared in his realm of thought.

……

……

“You are late.”

In the student council room, Celicia looked at Weir, who rushed in with dew still clinging to her hair, and said expressionlessly:

“You are exactly fifteen minutes late.”

“Hehe… President, spare me…”

Weir stuck out her tongue in a plea for mercy:

“I asked that Emon too late last night, so I overslept.”

“Is that so? But why did Emon say just now that you slipped away at eight last night?”

“Uh…”

Weir’s delicate face suddenly stiffened, as she began to ponder whether she should kneel down to beg for mercy or cling to the president’s thigh to plead for her beloved novel.

“Forget it.”

However, this time, Celicia did not pursue the matter further.

“Go make me a cup of coffee.”

“Alright.”

Weir felt as if she had been granted a reprieve, her movements quick and nimble.

In less than a moment, the aroma of coffee wafted through the room.

Celicia, meanwhile, stood with her arms crossed, turning to gaze out the window.

The autumn air was thickening, the leaves of the phoenix trees fluttering down, carpeting the quiet little path in a golden river.

If one were to step on it, it would surely produce a crisp sound.

So beautiful, yet sadly, on this silent morning, no one passed by.

“What day is it?” Celicia suddenly asked.

“The fifth day, I think.”

Weir assumed Celicia was referring to the earlier incident with Aemon, and while brewing the coffee, she chattered on:

“That Aemon is really foolish, daring to drink a potion from a stranger. Sigh, he didn’t even get a good look at their appearance. It’s infuriating! If he had been a bit smarter, we wouldn’t be so busy. Don’t you think so, president…”

“He is a bit foolish.”

Celicia withdrew her gaze, though she was unsure whom she was speaking about:

“But I’ve gotten a bit unaccustomed to not seeing him jogging in the mornings these past few days.”

……

……

“Ariel!”

On the way to class, Lia stared at the dazed Ariel beside her, a hint of concern flickering in her bright eyes:

“You seem off lately!”

“Huh? Really?”

Ariel snapped back to reality, blinking her eyes:

“Must be an illusion.”

“It’s not! You’re zoning out in class, daydreaming while walking, and often smiling foolishly at a communication stone!”

Lia’s expression turned serious:

“You’re not still thinking about that woman from before, are you? Didn’t the professor say she was a fake?”

“Absolutely not!”

Ariel declared firmly, taking Lia’s hand in hers and saying with deep affection:

“Right now, my eyes only have you, Lia.”

“Oh, stop it.”

Lia’s cheeks flushed slightly, her expression shy.

Since Ariel had said that, she decided to forgive her.

But just as she was about to say something, she noticed Ariel’s gaze had wandered elsewhere.

“What’s that…”

Following her gaze, a blonde man was sitting under the shade of a tree, completely engrossed in the book in his hands, muttering something to himself and occasionally sketching with his pen.

“That’s Mu’en Campbell.”

Lia recognized the blonde man under the tree:

“I heard he made a bold statement that he wants to score eighty on the next Introduction to Basic Magic exam. I wonder if it’s true.”

“Hmph, just trying to grab attention.”

Ariel scoffed:

“He only got three points in this class last semester, and now he wants eighty? He’s only just thinking about putting in effort now—how is that possible? He might as well attend the first-year exam.”

“That’s true, but this matter has been quite the topic lately. I see a lot of people discussing it. Oh, right.”

As if recalling something, Lia suddenly said:

“Did you participate in that betting pool, Ariel?”

“Hmm? Why do you ask that?”

“Because I think you’re the kind of person who would join in on such excitement.”

“……”

Ariel fell silent for a moment, then the corners of her mouth curled up into a wicked smile.

“Just as expected of Lia, you really know people well. But I’m just playing around; I only bet two hundred Emiliars.”

“Two hundred? Isn’t that already your meal money for a week?”

Lia said with some concern:

“I remember last time you also bet your meal money, and ended up eating black bread for a week. If this continues, you might become malnourished, and who knows, your chest might really shrink!”

“Not gonna happen!”

Ariel retorted angrily, then confidently said:

“Last time, I forgot that Mu’en Campbell has a very powerful father, which is why I stumbled. But this time is different!”

After all, even the teachers who are extremely skilled in magic have directly stated that this matter is impossible, so it definitely is!

“Just wait and see, this time I will definitely make up for last time’s losses and expenses!” Ariel laughed heartily with her hands on her hips.

“But… but, the current odds are twenty to one, right? Most people still don’t believe that Mu En Campbell can do it, so even if you win, it seems you won’t earn much.” Leah said cautiously.

“……”

Ariel’s smile froze, and then she became furious:

“Damn Mu En Campbell!”

……

……

“I’ve made up my mind, I’m going to bet all my pocket money for this month!”

At the Magic Painting Club, a girl with twin tails suddenly pulled out her piggy bank and said angrily:

“Twenty to one, who do those people look down on? Does Mu En not measure up in their eyes? They think it’s impossible, but I think it can be done!”

“Exactly, I’m betting all my pocket money too.”

“Damn those low-eyed guys, long live single push!”

The other two girls chimed in, as if they couldn’t wait to roll up their sleeves and personally step in to fight against Mu En’s haters.

“Emma, Alva, Amy.”

Nearby, Senior Fanny helplessly glanced at the three little girls, sighing:

“Calm down, it’s not that we don’t believe in Mu En Campbell, but the goal he set is just too difficult; even the teachers think it’s impossible.”

“So what!”

Emma slammed her hand on the table in anger:

“True love is invincible, long live idols! I say Mu En can do it, and he will definitely do it!”

“Exactly!”

“Agreed!”

“……”

Seeing the three little girls full of fighting spirit, ready to pounce on anyone who spoke ill of Mu En Campbell, even Senior Fanny couldn’t help but twitch her lips.

Obsessive fans can be truly terrifying.

But then, she couldn’t help but think… should she also place a bet on Mu En Campbell, just for fun?

If she lost, it wouldn’t hurt too much, and if she won… a twenty-fold return is indeed very tempting.

Moreover…

What if it really happens, just like these little girls said?

After the Silent Moon invasion incident, nothing significant occurred, and the academy seemed to have finally welcomed a long period of peace.

The leisurely daily life that Mu En had hoped for finally arrived, but he himself found no time to enjoy this leisure.

This period was extremely fulfilling.

Aside from the two hours of sleep each day, half an hour for meals (three meals), and one hour for handling miscellaneous tasks (bathing, traveling, urgent matters, etc.), Mu En devoted nearly all his time to the subject of Basic Magic Theory.

After his senior sister caught up with the pace, he also attended a few classes taught by Teacher Fran.

He didn’t sit in a prominent position but chose a secluded corner by the window, listening attentively to Teacher Fran’s lectures, reinforcing and deepening his understanding with the content taught by his senior sister.

Occasionally, he would raise his hand to ask questions, no longer so afraid that Teacher Fran would explain his doubts in detail and earnestly.

I must say, aside from being easily excitable, Fran was indeed a good teacher.

However, for some reason, every time he sat in that window seat, he received several fierce glares from Ariel.

This left him somewhat puzzled, wondering when he had offended her again.

…

Time flowed unceasingly.

Finally, it was the day before the exam.

In the Ancient Potion classroom, Anna closed her book, announcing the end of the last class.

“Alright, all the classes are over, junior, you should take a break too.”

“No need, I’m not tired yet.”

Mu En ignored Anna and immediately opened his practice book, continuing to work on problems without pause.

Anna lowered her gaze, quietly observing Mu En.

His beautiful golden hair had grown quite a bit, but it was obvious that it hadn’t been groomed in a long time, covering his ears and eyebrows, giving him a somewhat unkempt appearance.

His uniform was also a bit disheveled, with many wrinkles left unpressed, and even his bow tie was a bit askew, which was unimaginable for a son of a wealthy noble family.

Though his handsome face still looked rosy, the fatigue in his eyes was visibly apparent.

That was a weariness of the spirit, a stubborn soul that pressed forward without rest every single day, leaving behind its aftereffects.

“Speaking of which, Mu En, it seems we haven’t tried to engage in a club activity for quite a while.”

“Eh, now?”

Mu En looked up in confusion.

“Right now.”

Anna nodded earnestly, looking like a mischievous girl who wouldn’t let go of an adult until she bought her candy.

“Then… alright.”

For both emotional and logical reasons, Mu En couldn’t refuse his senior sister’s small request and could only smile wryly, saying:

“Then please be quick, senior sister. My time is tight; the exam is tomorrow, and I still need to review the key points.”

“Of course it will be quick, it’s just a potion.”

Anna chuckled lightly, as if she had planned this all along, placing a bottle contained in black glass—its contents obscured—before Mu En.

“Drink up.”

“This… it shouldn’t have any terrifying effects, right?”

Mu En still felt a lingering unease from last time.

“Don’t worry, this time there will definitely be no problems.”

“Well, okay then…”

Out of trust in his senior, or perhaps because he wanted to get it over with and continue studying, Mu En didn’t even ask about the specific effects this time and downed the potion in one go.

“That should do it…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Mu En felt his vision blur.

Then, with a thud, he collapsed onto the table.

Before long, rhythmic snoring filled the air as he sank into a sweet slumber unlike any he had experienced in the past month.

In the quiet potion classroom, Anna rested her chin on her hand, watching Mu En, unable to resist reaching out to pat his head:

“Sleep well for a while, junior; you’ve worked hard enough.”

—