C16 – College Battle
The next morning, Jiao Yuanju was roused from sleep by his mother.
In a flurry of concern, Jing Xiujie cried out, “Son, where were youst night? Your father and I waited up for you all night!”
Jiao Yuanju met his mother’s weary eyes, dark circles etched beneath them, and a wave of guilt and sorrow washed over him. He reached out, sping her hand in apology. “I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to worry you.”
He remained silent about his whereabouts.
His mother gazed at him, as if she had more to say, but ultimately held back. With a heavy sigh, she said, “Breakfast is ready. You should head to school.”
Out of the blue, Jiao Yuanju inquired, “How’s Jiao Qin doing?”
At the mention of her daughter, Jing Xiujie’s face lit up with pride, but her smile was short-lived as she let out another sigh. “She’s doing well, though she’s been asking about your father and me.”
Jiao Yuanju offered a small smile before he and Eoldrai set off.
He was aware of Jiao Qin’s disdain for him. A prodigy from a young age, his sister had always outshone him. A year his junior, she had already secured a 10,000 yuan schrship from their school two years prior. She had also received an invitation from the prestigious Riverdale Institute, one of the top eight universities in Puwhary, and had decisively bought her first pet to begin her studies there. The Riverdale Institute was renowned for nurturing formidable Combat Pet Masters, and her future seemed dazzlingly bright.
Yet, as the chasm between them widened, she appeared even less inclined to acknowledge Jiao Yuanju, her exceedingly average brother. She had never shown much interest in him.
Upon arriving at Azure Academy, Jiao Yuanju was taken aback by the borate setup that greeted him. The square brimmed with fresh flowers and balloons, while banners proimed, “Wee Krukshire Naval Officers to Our School.”
A dozen soldiers stood sentry outside the administration building, each as rigid as a spear.
Nevertheless, Jiao Yuanju’s entrance captured the attention of numerous onlookers.
“Isn’t that the ss monitor of ss 7, Jiao Yuanju?”
“I believe it is!”
“Didn’t Jiao Yuanju defeat Lei Sheng’s beast pet from ss 9 in a duelst night? Could it be that Jiao Yuanju is the strongest among our new students?”
“Let’s go check it out!”
Jiao Yuanju gazed at the surrounding crowd, his expression one of bewilderment.
There were even a few girls who shyly approached him to offer flowers. The change from just a day ago was staggering!
It wasn’t until Jiao Yuanju stumbled back into the ssroom that he realized everyone was already there. His homeroom teacher, Pei Chang, hade in early, and the entire ss was waiting for him.
Pei Chang let out a relieved breath and said, “ss president, take your seat quickly. We’ve all been waiting for you!”
No sooner had Jiao Yuanju settled into his seat than Jing Haokuo, the plump ssmate next to him, blurted out excitedly, “Chief, we’re about to select someone for the battle!”
“Battle?”
Jing Haokuo, taken aback, exined, “Today’s the day of the inter-sspetition. The military is scouting for recruits. It’s the perfect opportunity to gain fame and glory!”
Pei Chang scanned the room and dered firmly, “ss 7 will choose three representatives for the battle. Feel free to nominate candidates.”
Instantly, all eyes turned to Jiao Yuanju.
“I nominate our ss president!”
“Same here!”
With the exception of one, every student in the ss was in favor of Jiao Yuanju.
Pei Chang smiled and announced, “The first is Jiao Yuanju, and the second is Zhen Heyi. Are we in agreement?”
The ss erupted into murmurs, their attention shifting to Zhen Heyi. With a graceful wave of her hand, a pale blue leopard materialized in the ssroom, startling everyone.
“The Lightning Leopard, a valuable and rare Combat Pet!”
Pride tinged Zhen Heyi’s adorable face.
The ss burst into exmations: “The Lightning Leopard is renowned for its speed. Capturing one is incredibly challenging, far more so than other valuable and rare Combat Pets!”
Pei Chang chuckled and confirmed, “Well, it looks like Zhen Heyi is our second choice.”
“Teacher!”
Jing Mowen spoke up with assurance, “There’s no one better suited than me to be the third contender.”
Those who had remained silent now chimed in, “Absolutely, Teacher. Jing Mowen is the strongest after our ss president and vice president. He’s the obvious choice for the third spot!”
Jing Mowen’s smile widened as he cast a challenging look at Jiao Yuanju. He was determined to join forces with Dehai on the battlefield and ensure Jiao Yuanju’s downfall.
Jiao Yuanju nced at the somewhat distracted Jing Haokuo and inquired, “Are you interested in going?”
Regretfully, Jing Haokuo responded, “It’s unfortunate that my Combat Petcks agility; I wasn’t able to defeat Jing Dehai.”
With a spark in his eyes, Jiao Yuanju raised his hand and dered, “Teacher, I nominate Jing Haokuo for the task!”
“What?!” The room erupted in surprise, Jing Haokuo included. He never anticipated Jiao Yuanju would advocate for him.
Jing Mowen was quick to protest, “On what grounds? He lost to me!”
Jiao Yuanju retorted with a smirk, “You had your cousine after me for revenge, which clearly shows your malicious intent. I recall he even brought a knife that day.”
The realization dawned on everyone. Indeed, Jing Mowen’s actions had brought shame to ss 7, and his character was far frommendable.
“You can’t use that to disqualify me, can you, ss teacher?!”
Pei Chang, the ss teacher, gave Jiao Yuanju a disapproving look. “Jiao Yuanju, this is inappropriate.”
Unruffled, Jiao Yuanju replied, “In that case, I’ll pass my spot to him.”
Pei Chang fell silent, aware that Jiao Yuanju represented ss 7’s greatest hope. A victory for him could mean a promotion for Pei Chang. Besides, Jing Mowen’s abilities paled inparison to Jiao Yuanju’s; his chances of winning were slim.
“I back our ss president!” Pei Henwen led the chorus.
“I back our ss president!”
The ss erupted in unified support, with Jiao Yuanju emerging as a beacon of inspiration. Left with little choice, Pei Chang conceded.