Morning at Shrek Academy broke with a strange energy in the air—unsettled, like a drumbeat just before a storm. Whispers had already begun to spread about a fiery argument near the outer dorms.
Ma Hongjun had been seen shouting at a local girl named Cui Hua, his anger flaring after some personal dispute. That alone might've gone unnoticed, but when Tang San stepped in to mediate, things nearly turned violent. Only Dai Mubai's timely intervention pulled Ma Hongjun back, revealing him as a fellow Shrek student.
The tension lingered like smoke even after the dust settled.
Li Wei sat beneath a tree at the edge of the training grounds, calmly finishing his breakfast. He listened to the gossip drifting from nearby students without inserting himself.
Drama is natural when strong personalities clash—especially among the 'monsters' of Shrek.
He took a slow sip of water, his gaze lingering briefly on Tang San and Xiao Wu.
They're not ordinary. And Dai Mubai... he's still Dai Mubai. I heard he clashed with Tang San and Xiao Wu before they entered Shrek—something about the last hotel room and the two girls he brought along.
People forget that this academy has so few soul masters. If secrets aren't kept, more eyes will turn this way.
Most of the students already knew about Dai Mubai's womanizing attitude. That included Zhu Zhuqing. If not wrong, he seem to remember that Zhu Zhuqing manage to get a glance when Dai Mubai bring the twin.
The courtyard bell rang—low and resonant—calling all students into the main hall.
The newly admitted students gathered at the front: Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong stood together, still unfamiliar with their surroundings. Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, and Li Wei took their places to the side as current students, arms crossed or hands casually resting.
"Man, Fatty really picked a fight the moment we woke up," Oscar muttered with a shake of his head.
"He's always like that," Dai Mubai said with a low grunt, folding his arms. "But he's not a bad guy. Just... complicated."
"Complicated?" Li Wei echoed, mildly amused. "That's one way to put it. Reckless works too."
Dai Mubai glanced at him and smirked. "And you're the calm, collected one, huh? Haven't seen you blink since you got here."
"I blink when it's necessary."
Oscar chuckled. "You two are going to get along great."
"Hahaha!"
Li Wei gave a light chuckle while Dai Mubai and Oscar burst into laughter, followed by a reluctant grin from Ma Hongjun.
Then, silence fell again. Li Wei turned his eyes forward, keeping his thoughts close.
They're older, more experienced. But even they have cracks.
Dai Mubai hides his impatience. Oscar masks his insecurity with humor. Ma Hongjun… he's still figuring out how to control his nature.
His gaze shifted toward the new students.
Ning Rongrong's pride is thicker than armor. Zhu Zhuqing... guarded. Xiao Wu? Friendly, but too relaxed. Tang San.
His eyes lingered.
Focused. Disciplined. That one might become dangerous in time. A silent traitor, the kind who'd stab you in the back the moment he no longer needs you.
A rush of wind stirred the leaves—and Flender landed in the courtyard with practiced grace.
"Good. You're all here," he said, hands clasped behind his back. "Let me be blunt—Shrek Academy is not a place for ordinary soul masters. We train monsters. And only monsters graduate."
He wasted no time.
"First, the tuition. One hundred gold soul coins per year. Pay it, or leave. Simple. Hand it to Mr. Li after this."
No one moved.
Li Wei remained silent. His tuition had been covered long ago—or rather, it could be said that he didn't need to pay at all.
After all, he was half the owner of Shrek Academy.
No one here knew the truth of his background—and he intended to keep it that way. They only know that he had a little hand in improving the academy financial state.
Flender's sharp gaze swept across their faces.
"If you're looking for comfort, go somewhere else. If you want recognition without effort, leave now. And most importantly—if you haven't reached the fortieth rank by the age of twenty, you'll be expelled. Alternatively, you can graduate by earning the silver badge at the soul arena."
Zhu Zhuqing's expression didn't change. Tang San nodded quietly. Xiao Wu pouted but said nothing. Ning Rongrong narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Now," Flender continued, his tone sharpening, "Oscar. Ning Rongrong. Twenty laps around the outer perimeter."
Oscar groaned. "This again?"
"Should've stretched," Dai Mubai muttered.
Ning Rongrong crossed her arms. "Why should I? I passed the test yesterday."
"You passed as a support-type," Flender replied flatly. "That means your body must be stronger than most. If you can't keep up with your teammates, you're dead weight. You also need the stamina to flee when things get dangerous. Now run."
Then he added, "And Oscar, leads the way."
Grumbling under her breath, she followed Oscar into a jog around the academy grounds.
"Mubai, explain the academy rules to the newcomers," Flender ordered.
"Yes, Dean." Dai Mubai gave a respectful nod.
Flender glanced toward Li Wei for a moment—then thought better of it. Asking Li Wei, who was practically a co-owner, to explain basic rules would've been inappropriate.
"Your first lesson begins tonight," he said, then turned to leave.
Before he could walk away, Tang San stepped forward.
"Dean, there is something I need to give you. My master entrusted it to me."
"Is that so? Come. Follow me."
Hearing that the new student had something from his master, Flender invited Tang San along.
Coincidentally, he also wanted to ask about the boy. There weren't many students at Shrek Academy—each of them was exceptional in some way. It was worth learning a bit more.
Of course, if they didn't want to talk, he wouldn't force them. Everyone had secrets.
After their departure, silence lingered for a moment longer before the crowd began to break apart.
Li Wei remained where he was, arms loosely crossed.
Dai Mubai stepped beside him.
"So, are you going to train again, Li Wei? Or do you want to follow me and explain the rules to the others?" Dai Mubai asked.
"Sorry. I'm not really interested in explaining the rules. I'll leave that to you—since the Dean gave you the job."
Li Wei answered without hesitation, his tone calm.