Chapter 220: Late Night Chat
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 220: Late Night Chat
After choosing a new location, we officially prepared to settle in for the night.
"Um, how about everyone else gets some more sleep? I usually stay up quite late anyway, so I'll take the first watch. We can swap at dawn. After all, the two main combat pillars of our Witch Academy need to be well-rested!"
"What are you talking about? Do you really think keeping watch is a joke?"
After both Tan Han and I vetoed the suggestion, the idea wasn't brought up again.
After all, this was the dreamscape of the Exchange Competition. Not everyone from every academy would be sleeping at night. If a sentry wasn't careful, weren't they afraid of being discovered and having the whole team wiped out in one go?
Not to mention, this was the first night—the easiest time to seize an advantage. Many academies were likely planning to use the cover of darkness to pull off something big.
For instance, the night might very well be the home field for the Vampire Academy, and the Beast Academy had plenty of members who were nocturnal creatures.
Especially the current "Big Three" academies—suddenly having two other academies sitting on their heads, could they really sleep well tonight?
If they couldn't sleep, their insomnia would drive them to stir up trouble.
As evening approached, the Exchange Competition had entered a passive state. Many academies were lying low, conserving their energy to make a major move during the night.
At this moment, on the Witch Academy's side, I was already among the group slated to sleep first. My lifestyle was quite disciplined; sleeping early was normal for me. Between "early to bed, early to rise" and "late to bed, late to rise," I would definitely choose the former.
"Sister Xiao Han’s sleep quality... is really good..."
Before long, my breathing became steady. In truth, this hour wasn't exactly the prime time for young people to hit the sack.
Even the two who had decided to sleep early with me were merely squinting to rest their minds, not yet having fallen into a deep slumber.
"Maybe she’s just really tired. From this morning until now, Sister Xiao Han seems to have been causing trouble all over the Exchange Competition. You can tell just by looking at that terrifying score, right?"
"By the way, you guys saw that anomaly rising from the Afuhemi Academy World Tree earlier this evening, right? What exactly was that?"
"Not sure. It didn't feel like the Elves' handiwork."
"If I’m not mistaken, it was likely an Over-consumption Spellbook," Tan Han spoke up at that moment.
"An Over-consumption Spellbook? I know about those—aren't they terrifying spells that cost at least four digits to cast? Even the reward for first place in the Freshman Competition was only something on that level, right?"
"Mhm. It’s just a guess, but with an anomaly that terrifying, it’s highly probable. It was likely Xiao Han who... well..."
"How does Sister Xiao Han have something like that? I’ve never heard of it before," Minian asked in a low voice.
Since they were all freshmen, such a gap was inevitably a bit too massive. It was the kind of thing that could easily spark resentment among many new students.
Even as fellow members of the Freshman Top 10, they were curious as to why such a disparity existed.
For a moment, the atmosphere of the chat became somewhat strange.
Tan Han could naturally sense it. Although all of this was decided by the academy, and the academy wouldn't care about "unfairness," as the students benefiting from it, they would be the first to face so-called ostracization.
"I want to ask you all—where did you get the spellbooks you currently have?"
"From the counselor. I got class resource priority after competing for Class Monitor."
"My first spellbook was given to me by my President. In the club I joined, the President is very good to me. After she found out I became Class Monitor, she specifically gave me a spellbook and a Mana Source."
Most of the spellbooks and Mana Sources here came from their respective counselors, which was essentially the same as being provided by the academy. Of course, there were also counselors who thought highly of their students and sponsored them in their own names.
Many ordinary students might still be using the solidified spell from the chest badge in their Witch Four-Piece Set, and some might only have the single Mana Source given at enrollment.
The gap was evident.
One could say the first turning point for resource priority was becoming a Class Monitor. A Class Monitor served as a goal for everyone in the class to chase—a form of incentive.
This was a Transcendent Academy. The academy didn't care if resources were distributed to every student; they only cared if the resource priority was effective.
This year was the most exceptional one. In previous years, the Freshman Competition would have already ended by now, and everyone would have returned to a normal academic life, following the standard curriculum to learn about the Transcendent world.
But this year, everything suddenly changed. It was as if the academy had suddenly become incredibly wealthy.
Although Tan Han was treated specially because she entered the Witch Academy as the full-score Top Scorer, many people still felt it was unfair.
After all, before enrollment, everyone’s understanding of the Transcendent level was roughly the same. These people held onto the mindset of wanting to be treated fairly, wanting everyone to start from the same finish line again.
But the so-called "same starting line" was nothing more than a pretty-looking fantasy.
In the Transcendent world, there is no such thing as a same starting line. The academy providing a platform where they could learn Transcendent Knowledge was already the greatest fairness anyone could ask for.
Furthermore, people with that mindset understood the power of World Scripts even less. They didn't know how the Transcendent world operated, truly believing that the status of a student entitled them to fair treatment.
Even in a non-Transcendent academy, getting so-called fairness is difficult, let alone here.
As the saying goes, there is no hurt without comparison. This "I should have it too" mentality was a delusion born solely from comparison.
Even among the current freshmen, plenty of people felt that if they had the same Mana Source and spellbooks as Tan Han, they could stand at the same height.
This only proved that such a way of thinking destined them to suffer.
Even though this "suffering" was a level of treatment that students in extreme academies like the Lesser Demon Academy or the Fallen Academy would literally beg for on their knees.
"Actually, regarding Xiao Han... you guys don't know much about her, do you? To be honest, are you dissatisfied that Xiao Han, or even I, receive this kind of treatment?"
"Sister Tan Han... that’s a bit much, isn't it?" Minian wasn't quite ready for Tan Han’s sudden bluntness. Out of consideration for their friendship, she tried to smooth things over and avoid the topic.
"Actually, even I was curious why. I was 'kidnapped' into the Witch Academy by a Senior Sister. The person who put in the most effort was the President of the club I’ve now joined. She gave me many of my Mana Sources and spellbooks, calling it an 'investment' in me."
"Actually, Xiao Han is in that same club. You should know that, right? That’s where I met her for the first time."
"Xiao Han is very impressive. Back then, I was still full of myself because of my Top Scorer status and grumpy about being 'kidnapped.' I made quite a few excessive demands of the academy. In fact, many of my spellbooks and Mana Sources were accumulated back then."
"It wasn't until I met Xiao Han that I slowly reined in that attitude. You might not know this, but Xiao Han arrived at the academy very early and knows a lot. There was a day when she succeeded on her very first attempt at the Witch Meditation Method. Even I had to ask her for tips before I could successfully meditate."
"And things like getting a flight license—I only went to get mine after she reminded me."
"Huh... Sister Tan Han and Sister Xiao Han already had such a deep bond before school even started?"
"Not necessarily..." Tan Han didn't explain further. She didn't mention the sudden "severing of ties" or any of those trivial matters; there was no need to explain them to the others.
She simply wanted to tell them that Xiao Han was more qualified than anyone to receive these resources and special treatment—including herself. That was all.
"After school started, Xiao Han and I took two completely opposite paths. You all know that both Xiao Han and I have course exemptions. But exemption doesn't mean not learning. We both explored the Transcendent world based on our own understanding."
"You don't understand—and neither did I back then—just how much she changed between the start of school and the Exchange Competition. With just a single Fireball Spell, she invalidated all the hard work I had put in since the beginning of the semester."
Everyone knew which incident Tan Han was referring to: the first match of the Freshman Competition.
It was now called the most regrettable duel in the academy. Everyone felt that such a match should have been the final of the competition, not the first.
However, because of the arrival of the Exchange Competition, the final duel to decide the ultimate winner never happened. Yet, no one felt sorry about it, because in everyone's eyes, that final had already been fought in the very first round.
"Perhaps you should pay attention to the Academic Section in the academy system. Then you would know just how brilliant Xiao Han’s life has been in that short amount of time."
"The Academic Section? There’s something like that in the academy system?"
"The functions in the academy system are all-encompassing. If Sister Tan Han says it’s there, it’s there."
"We’re in a dreamscape now, so we can't check. But I just want to tell you that everything Xiao Han has is backed by solid qualifications that justify her receiving those resources."
Tan Han’s words left the listeners in deep thought. They didn't believe Tan Han would lie to them about such things, nor did she have any reason to go out of her way to explain this to them—or to the people watching from the outside.
Because those who knew the truth simply watched the complainers ranting like clowns, while the academy wouldn't even acknowledge their dissatisfaction.
Even Shi Huiyu and Lan Baihui, who had been preparing to sleep, heard everything Tan Han said.
"If there truly is such a thing as a genius of the Transcendent world, then Xiao Han is likely that person."
"Um... Sister Tan Han, is it really okay for us to talk about Sister Xiao Han like this while she’s sleeping? Even though we know you mean well..."
"True..." Tan Han rubbed her forehead, realizing she had been a bit too eager.
"Hehe, it would be so awkward if Sister Xiao Han suddenly looked up and said, 'I heard everything.'"
"I doubt it. Sister Xiao Han looks like she’s sleeping so soundly."
As they sat by the fire, they found themselves quite enjoying this rare experience.
There was a peaceful atmosphere; listening to the white noise of the dry wood crackling in the flames was a pure delight.
It was just that being near the Fallen Land meant there were no fireflies or the chirping of insects.
Everything at night returned to silence, but beneath that calm surface, a greater struggle was beginning.
As the first ritual of the night lit up the sky, battles in the distance commenced.
"Sister Tan Han, people really are secretly 'grinding' at night..."
"It’s fine. At least things haven't spiraled out of our control. We’re temporarily leading by two points. Unless necessary, we should prioritize resting."
With Tan Han’s words, the girls on watch relaxed. Tan Han had become the backbone of the group, and their fear of the dark night dissipated in the face of her formidable strength.
"If you get sleepy, I have some Refreshing Potions here."
"No thanks, we have those too. Speaking of which, the supplies we’ve found lately are all items for use within the Exchange Competition. Have you found any rewards that can be taken out?"
"Yes. When I followed Sister Tan Han to the Wizard Tower, I used designated supplies to snatch a Mana Source and a spellbook."
"A Mana Source too? Wait, is it even useful for people from other academies to grab a Mana Source? Do they just join the Witch Academy on the spot?"
"I don't know. Maybe it gets converted into other resources."
"There are actually resource guardian bosses on the map. Haven't you encountered any?"
"We really haven't."
"Man, these resource drops are so rare. It really depends on luck, and they aren't marked on the whole map like the rituals are."
"The main thing is probably the final ranking rewards. Sister Tan Han, will you be competing with Sister Xiao Han for those?"
"Things that should be fought for will naturally be fought for. I acknowledge Xiao Han’s strength, but that doesn't mean I’ll just back down. However, there’s no need for infighting this early."
"That definitely sounds like something Sister Tan Han would say."
During the first half of the night, Tan Han, Minian, and the others witnessed the nocturnal warfare. From the Vampires who were the first to declare war to the Wizard Academy, the glow of rituals flickered in the night sky.
The aftershocks of the distant conflicts could be felt even here at the border of the Fallen Land.
"Xiao Han... Xiao Han."
With a soft call and a gentle shake, I woke from my slumber.
"Mmm... Huh? Is it my turn?"
Upon waking, I immediately forced myself alert, remembering that I was still in the Exchange Competition.
"Yes. We’ll leave the second half of the night to you."
After waking me, Tan Han walked to the side, an empty bottle of Refreshing Potion in her hand.
"Got it. Thanks for the hard work."
I stood up and stretched. Since I wasn't sleeping in a bed and didn't have a blanket, my body felt a bit stiff and sore, and my mind was still groggy.
I looked at the others. The ones who were originally on watch had also fallen asleep. It seemed Tan Han had stayed up until the end, letting them sleep first.
I rummaged through my storage equipment, found three bottles of Refreshing Potion, and took a swig.
"Shi Huiyu, have one. Lan Baihui, you too. It’s our turn for the next stretch."
"Thanks, but I’m good. I have plenty of these potions, so I won't waste yours."
"Um... me too..."
"If you don't want it, then go back to sleep. You’ve suffered quite a bit today. Don't worry, we’ll get revenge for you after morning comes."
"Uh... thank you... actually... you guys don't really need to go to all this trouble for me..."
"Feeling a bit guilty? It’s fine." I walked over, picked up some leftover dry wood, and tossed it into the bonfire.
"Think of it this way so you don't have to worry: we’re not just getting revenge for you anymore; we’re also stirring up the entire Exchange Competition. Of course, I was the one who proposed this plan. When I first saw that the Fallen Land was low-lying and near the sea, I wondered what it would look like if it were flooded."
"Eh? You were plotting that far back?" Shi Huiyu took a sip of her own Refreshing Potion and leaned in.
"It wasn't really a plot, I just thought it was a possibility. Besides, my desire to flood the Fallen Land now has a personal element to it."
"Huh?"
"It’s still early, so I’ll tell you guys. You might not believe it, but the one I actually have a grudge against is the Lesser Demon Academy. Before I entered the Witch Academy, I was almost sold to the Lesser Demon Academy for fifty thousand yuan."
Thinking back, if the Witch Academy's admission letter hadn't arrived early, and if Sister Bai hadn't taken me away so soon, those guys from the Lesser Demon Academy would have shown up at my house. Would I have had any room to resist then?
Even if Sister Bai might not have stood idly by, I didn't know that at the time. Thinking back on it now still makes me break out in a cold sweat.
"How... how is that possible? Sold to the Lesser Demon Academy for fifty thousand? What kind of family would do that?"
"Exactly! Especially since you..."
"It was alright, I guess. They did raise me to adulthood with the bare minimum. It’s all in the past now; I’ll just act like it never happened."
"Um... Sister Xiao Han... is it really okay to tell us this here? We’re probably still being live-streamed..."
"Oh, right... but look at the time. Who’s watching a live stream at this hour?"
"Uh... I guess that’s true... maybe?"
"Since there’s no entertainment here, telling stories is a way to liven things up. Actually... I’m not that unapproachable. I feel like I’m becoming more and more detached from the people around me, especially my classmates. Some of them are just names in a group chat..."
"Not that unapproachable..." Shi Huiyu’s mouth twitched as she repeated my words. If she hadn't heard Sister Tan Han’s words before sleeping, she might have actually believed me.
"By the way, Xiao Han, can you teach us how to use spellbooks? Um... I want to learn too. If I can learn, it’ll definitely boost our combat power!"
"Learn how to use spellbooks? You mean Modified Spellbooks?"
"Yes, exactly!"
"I’m afraid I have to apologize for that. You won't be able to learn it in a short time; you won't even be able to grasp the basics. How about I explain Elemental Theory to you instead? I’m quite..."
"Huh? Ne... never mind! Let’s not listen to that. Let’s talk about something else!"