Chapter 199 : Chapter 199

Chapter 199: The Academy Exchange Competition Officially Begins

“Is it here? Tan Han really knows how to pick a place.”

After I arrived at the location Tan Han sent me, I couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

If I had known, I wouldn’t have eaten so many desserts.

I originally thought since I didn’t eat breakfast, I should eat more to cover for lunch as well, but now it’s really going to be Tan Han’s treat.

Tan Han is a super-rich girl, not someone who’s short on money.

After entering, I briefly spoke to the service staff inside, and they recognized me.

After all, this was the place Tan Han booked, and the people she invited were this year’s top ten newcomers, which was a recent hot topic.

Even the senior sisters working here knew about it.

After being led to the reserved dining place, I realized Tan Han had already arrived.

After all, she was the one who initiated the invitation, so there was no problem with her being the first to arrive.

The important thing was that there was a girl with natural golden curls beside her, currently engaged in a very pleasant conversation with Tan Han.

Perhaps this was the way girls interacted.

Every time I opened my mouth, I made the topic so serious that I couldn’t even smile.

“Little Han is here, have a seat anywhere.”

Seeing me arrive so quickly, Tan Han immediately stood up and spoke.

“Little Han, let me introduce you. This is Minian Joseph, the class president of Class Two. Minian, this is…”

“Oh, I know, I won’t trouble the great Miss Tan Han to introduce her to me. Yang Yuehan, right? Her reputation is no less than yours. How could I not know?”

Minian quickly pulled Tan Han and spoke first.

“Hello.”

I said to this Minian.

When I came over, I had also briefly looked at the list of the top ten, so I was somewhat familiar with the names.

I didn’t expect Minian and Tan Han to be so close.

“Hello, very happy to meet you. Please take care of me in the upcoming exchange competition.”

“Not at all.”

After humbly sitting down, I said nothing more.

After all, they were all strangers, and my way of doing things would naturally keep me silent.

However, Minian, who was beside me, often included me while talking with Tan Han.

It seemed like she genuinely wanted to interact with me more.

She was right about one thing.

In such social situations, even strangers could communicate more, because this was the kind of occasion provided for strangers to become friends.

This did move me, but I couldn’t keep up with many of her topics, and her train of thought jumped a bit too quickly.

Fortunately, she didn’t seem to mind much.

As time passed, the time Tan Han had set was approaching, and the remaining few people arrived one after another.

After all, it was a dinner party led by Tan Han, so many people would give her face.

Some even came directly in formal wear; those who didn't know might think there was going to be a ball here.

“Since everyone is here, let’s not waste time. The reason I’ve gathered everyone this time is because of the upcoming Academy Exchange Competition.”

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Tan Han directly raised her wine glass and addressed everyone.

There were no tedious processes or social niceties; she went straight to the point.

“The academies involved in this exchange competition include our Witch Academy, for a total of 34 academies. It can be said that the scale of this exchange competition far exceeds previous ones.”

“I originally thought of gathering everyone under the pretext of a dinner party to discuss some tactical arrangements for the exchange competition, but because the rules are complex and there are too many uncontrollable factors this time, I didn’t emphasize the tactical aspect. I thought since you are all contestants in this competition, we should gather to get to know each other, to avoid the embarrassing situation of not knowing each other when we enter the Dream State.”

Tan Han was still taking the lead in explaining the situation, and everyone present naturally listened very attentively.

Even though they were all the best of this newcomer batch, arrogance was not applicable here.

No one was a fool.

After Tan Han finished her opening, facing the table full of dishes, they finally started eating.

I also took some meat.

After all, these were delicacies.

Although I had eaten a lot of desserts before, it felt as if those desserts were stored in a separate stomach.

While everyone was eating, Tan Han naturally wasn’t idle.

The focus of this gathering was never the dinner, but the exchange competition.

Everything was to serve the exchange competition, whether it was getting to know each other or explaining the importance of this exchange competition.

At this moment, Tan Han directly opened her Portable Earth Vein Operating System.

After waiting for a while, the map of the exchange competition announced this time was presented in a three-dimensional way in the center of the table, ensuring that everyone could see it.

I was also slightly surprised at this moment.

It seems Tan Han got one for herself too.

I have to say, this system is very convenient to use, but it can't be brought into the Dream State.

This thing quickly attracted the attention of many people.

Comparatively speaking, not everyone was familiar with the Earth Vein Operating System.

Even though every classroom podium was equipped with one, it was difficult to connect the two for a while.

“This is the exchange competition map announced by the academy this time. I called everyone here in a hurry. If you haven’t had time to check the rules and information of this exchange competition, you can say it directly, and we can discuss it again to avoid low-level cognitive errors.”

Following Tan Han’s words, everyone stopped being coy and started discussing.

After all, everyone took this very seriously and had learned the relevant information at the first opportunity, but some more details were easier to understand with such a map.

The most important point of this exchange competition was naturally to hold rituals and kill enemies.

Some academies also needed to pay attention to defending their base, but Witch Academy obviously did not need to do so.

However, the birthplace of Witch Academy was in the Central Ancient Battlefield, which could be said to be fraught with danger, and even the environment was very dangerous.

Even though it was just said that there were no specific tactics, if there was no plan at the beginning, it would undoubtedly be a mess.

Therefore, the students of Witch Academy needed a clear goal and plan from the very beginning, and then adapt to the situation according to this plan.

“The ruins of the Dwarves' Forging Ancient City here are located directly on the edge of the Ancient Battlefield. Even if no one destroys it, the monsters that spawn in the Ancient Battlefield will break through this ancient city after a period of time.”

“We are all born in the Ancient Battlefield, but there is one problem that is not clearly marked, which is whether we will be directly together or scattered in various parts of the Ancient Battlefield. Let's discuss the worst-case scenario: we are scattered. At the beginning, we will directly seize the right to hold the ritual near this Forging Ancient City, attracting everyone’s attention, and this will also be the gathering point for everyone from Witch Academy.”

“This place is backed by the Forging Ancient City and is also on the edge of the Ancient Battlefield, so the danger is not great. The dwarves will not give up this golden period of development to stop us at this time, but we must also be careful. The dwarves have always had a bad temper, so the degree of being besieged here is relatively small, unless other academies come from afar, but the chances of winning in a hasty battle are not high. At that time, we will see whether we should follow the situation and lead the capture of the Forging Ancient City, or form an alliance with the dwarves in the Forging Ancient City. The worst result is to flee far away, and it doesn't matter whether the first ritual is successful or not.”

“By the way, have you all taken the Flying License exam? Do you know how to ride a Flying Broom? This Dream State exchange competition allows you to bring a certain number of alchemy items or weapons, carried on your body in the form of items within the Dream State. These need to be registered in advance.”

As Tan Han asked this, the scene fell silent for a moment.

Everyone present was a newcomer, and some didn't even know where to take the Flying License exam.

“I’ve gotten mine.”

Minian spoke up from the side.

After all, she was a top student who could get along well with Tan Han.

It was likely she had spent time learning this, and Tan Han should have reminded her.

“It’s okay, this time our flight is in the Dream State, so a Flying License is not necessarily required. After all, the Flying License is purely classified as an alchemy item, and it naturally won't disrupt the order of reality in the Dream State. The Flying Broom is a very mobile alchemy item, everyone can give it a try. If you really can’t master it before the exchange competition begins, then switch to another method. After all, there are many alchemy items that can increase mobility. This map is not small, and for us who don't need to defend a base, mobility is also very important.”

“I see. I’ve been practicing for several days and have mastered quite a few skills, but I haven’t gotten my license. May I ask where I can get a Flying Broom?”

“You can just borrow one from a teacher and register it then.”

Tan Han also replied, answering the question.

“Then let's discuss the hidden rules. I heard that it’s a rule to increase the fun. I guess it might be related to holding rituals. After the ritual is completed, the hidden rules might be triggered.”

Someone suggested at this moment.

“Hidden rules are unreliable. It's better to be down-to-earth than to look forward to this.”

Slowly, this dinner party ended amidst the ceaseless discussion.

In the end, Tan Han also created a group chat, a group chat for the top ten newcomers.

It was a way for them to communicate with each other.

Although the exchange competition was about to start, this was also a network connection that could benefit everyone greatly in the future.

Not long after this group chat was created, I received many friend requests from people in the group.

After accepting them all, everyone in the group was now my friend.

It seems that although I didn't offer any constructive opinions at the dinner, the value of my own combat power was enough to make them willing to befriend me.

But it wasn't long before I received a private message greeting from someone.

Her name was Su Xingyue.

If I remember correctly, she should be the class president of Class 44.

But after a simple greeting, the topic of the chat changed directly.

Su Xingyue: Uh then I’ll call you Little Han as well.

Yang Yuehan: Yes, no problem, people I know usually call me that.

Su: Um I recently saw a rumor saying you were specially recruited with a score of 586 on the college entrance exam, is that true?

Han: Why ask this question?

Su: Oh, it’s nothing, just asking.

Because I saw someone spreading rumors that your score was too low, but you were specially recruited by Witch Academy because of your Innate Spirit Vision.

Han: Who spread that?

Su: Not sure, I went to look for that post just now and it seems to be gone.

Really, I’ve looked up Innate Spirit Vision, and all the recorded people with it are mentally unstable lunatics.

How could they be specially recruited by Witch Academy?

They can’t even make up a good rumor.

Su: “Don’t mind it, um… I’m just asking… and also wanted to remind you, you might be targeted by someone trying to mess with your mentality.”

Han: Mm, I don’t mind.

After replying, I also exited the private chat.

I really didn’t mind, because what she said was all true.

But this was a very serious problem.

How did my score get leaked?

Was it leaked by the academy?

That seems impossible.

And my identity as an Innate Spirit Visionary was also exposed.

Even if no one believes it now, this was definitely not spread randomly.

Who would believe that such a coincidence was just a guess?

Trying to mess with my mentality at the start of the exchange competition?

Of course, I’m not blaming Su Xingyue, but the person who spread this rumor oh no, this fact.

At least Su Xingyue came to ask me, the person involved, about the situation.

But since Su Xingyue can’t find the relevant information anymore, it seems the academy has started to take action.

I suppose this matter won’t ferment any further.

At this moment, I stopped thinking about it too much.

It was meaningless anyway.

The problem was bound to erupt sooner or later.

If it erupted like this, it might not be a bad thing.

I’ll just hide in the Dream State for a few days.

After the competition ends, the topics related to me will probably have faded.

That's right, this exchange competition might last for several days.

The specific situation might depend on how the battle goes.

And the contestants would need to spend these few days in the Dream State.

The Dream State devices used for this exchange competition were specially made, with life sign maintenance and nutrient solutions to maintain the body's various conditions.

You could even sleep in the Dream State.

It was rumored that the quality of sleep in the Dream State was very good, so there was no need to worry about fainting like Tan Han did.

That was Tan Han’s own doing.

If she did that in reality, she would also faint.

Oh no, the cost of revival in reality is very high, she might be sent directly to the infirmary.

On the way back, I also drank all the potions Teacher Ji Niang gave me.

Back in my own dorm, my roommates, who had nothing to do, were also paying attention to the exchange competition.

As soon as I returned, I was met with Hong Chenyi’s enthusiastic cheers.

Although Hong Chenyi had been like this for the past few days, well, actually, for the past few days, Hong Chenyi’s thoughts had been on Shi Huiyu.

Now that Shi Huiyu had also become one of the top ten representing Witch Academy in the competition, Hong Chenyi had said no small amount of good things about her to me.

But what I cared about was that Yu Yetian was actually here in the dorm.

“Yu Yetian, it feels like I haven’t seen you for a long time. What have you been up to recently?”

I asked curiously.

“Oh, I was originally at the club, but now it seems I can’t keep up. It's a pity, our club was suspected of illegal assembly and something about blockading the exchange student teachers from Holy Angel Academy. The matter blew up, and the club president couldn’t stand the pressure and was forced to disband it.”

“Huh? So exciting, you were there and didn’t take some photos to bring back for us to enjoy?”

Hong Chenyi didn’t expect such a thing to happen while the academy was so lively, and immediately became interested.

“This isn’t something worth taking photos of to commemorate, and even if the club wasn’t disbanded, I was planning to quit. Those people are no longer simple Ascetics; they are not my kind of people, so I naturally wouldn't associate with them anymore.”

Yu Yetian said.

“I told you that your club was unreliable. They don’t even give you anything for joining, no Magic Power Source, no Spellbook, not even a symbolic item. It wouldn't have come to this if they had.”

“Well actually, the key to the problem isn't here either…”

“Stop, stop, stop! Don’t preach your great principles. Hey, Little Yu, can I borrow your notes to copy again? There haven’t been many classes recently, I’m about to grow mushrooms from boredom.”

As time passed, the academy officially announced to the entire school in the evening that the joint exchange competition between 34 Transcendent Academies would officially open tomorrow.

And at the opening ceremony, it would be officially announced which academies were here for the exchange.

The venue would still be the largest Open-air Arena.

The teachers and students of Witch Academy were used to quickly set up the scene, or rather, they had been busy with this for the past few days.

Even the tickets for the arena were now hard to come by, even more sought after than during the previous Newcomer Competition.

Even though all the contestants would ultimately be competing in the Dream State, for the pursuit of the live experience, there were still so many people willing to come, even if it was just to watch them enter the Dream State device pods in the center of the arena.

Moreover, the arena had the largest and most comprehensive host and God's-eye view in the entire academy.

It could be said that in terms of atmosphere, watching the live broadcast at home couldn't compare.

This day passed with everyone in a state of extreme excitement, and the next day quietly arrived.

Time flew, and the arena was already filled with people.

There were also many supporters outside, some even starting live broadcasts to watch from outside.

At this moment, the noisy atmosphere inside the arena stirred everyone's emotions.

It wasn't until a figure walked onto the main stage that the atmosphere at the scene rose to another level.

“Good morning, fellow students, teachers, and teachers and students from academies who have come from afar! On behalf of Witch Academy, and on behalf of myself, I extend a warm welcome to you all!”

The one speaking on the stage at this moment was an Academy Head of Witch Academy.

Her tone was cheerful, without any airs.

And she was qualified to say these words representing Witch Academy and herself.

After all, this exchange meeting was held at Witch Academy, so Witch Academy naturally attached great importance to it.

Even an Academy Head as busy as her came on stage to give a speech on this occasion.

And Lina, who had hosted the Newcomer Competition before, could only sit in the audience on this occasion.

“I won’t say much nonsense. Then I announce that the newcomer exchange among the 34 Transcendent Academies held at Witch Academy officially begins!”

Without a tedious introduction or nonsense, after a simple greeting, this Academy Head directly announced the start of the academy exchange, bringing the atmosphere to its highest point.

And the one who took over the proceedings next was naturally Lina.

At this moment, she still couldn't escape the fate of being a host and began the next part of the process.

After all, so many academies had come for the exchange, and such a formal occasion was needed to introduce everyone.

After all, the various major academies also had their pride.

You’ve come all this way, wouldn't it be rude not to formally announce our arrival?

Even though they had arrived long ago, and had even experienced Witch Academy for a while, such a formal occasion was still needed to showcase their academy’s spirit and characteristics.

And each academy brought not just the ten students participating, but a whole team, precisely to showcase the academy’s style on such occasions.

“First, let us welcome the academy taking the stage, Aphrodite Academy.”

As Lina’s voice spread, the main entrance guest passage of the arena opened.

As the first Transcendent Academy to appear, the elves of Aphrodite Academy were naturally fully prepared.

Before their figures were seen, transcendent energy full of natural life force paved the way, branches and leaves stretched out, displaying the style of nature, green plants sprouted, extending a verdant welcoming carpet.

Such a vision immediately attracted everyone's attention.

The audience who were closer felt the green leaves and flowers carried by the wind and subconsciously reached out to grab them, only to catch nothing.

This was just a spell effect with extremely strong visual effects.

Such a grand vision accompanied the enthusiastic and cheerful figures of the Aphrodite elves as they walked out of the passage, immediately arousing the enthusiasm of the arena audience.

After all, these were beautiful elf young ladies that couldn't be seen at Witch Academy.