Outing

The East Sea coast of the Sun-Moon Federation boasted a rich history, maintaining its ancient charm with buildings that stood for centuries, some even dating back thousands of years.

Gu Yuena and Anping strolled side by side through the winding streets and alleys of the ancient city, their curiosity piqued by the well-preserved structures. They explored with keen interest, occasionally indulging in the nostalgic allure of street snacks that carried a hint of childhood sweetness.

"Anping, could you pick up the pace a bit?" Gu Yuena bounded ahead, her enthusiasm evident.

Juggling a stack of acquired items, Anping sighed but complied, hastening his steps. "You invited me out, so I guess I should help with your acquisitions."

Gu Yuena flashed a playful smile. "Impossible! It's not like you didn't indulge in these snacks too. This place is so picturesque; let's capture the moment."

"Sure, sure." Anping silently conjured a mage's hand, hoisting the soul camera hanging around his neck to snap a photo.

"Come join me," Gu Yuena urged, racing over to pull Anping to what she deemed the ideal spot.

Taking the soul camera from Anping's neck, she stood shoulder to shoulder with him, leaning in slightly and draping an arm around his shoulders. With one arm holding up the soul guidance camera, she exclaimed, "Come on, let's see those smiles."

A crisp sound echoed as Gu Yuena inspected the soul camera's outcome, murmuring, "This one doesn't quite work. Let's try another."

After a prolonged struggle, they finally captured a satisfactory moment, reattaching the soul camera to Anping's neck before resuming their energetic stride. Anping, however, couldn't help but whisper, "You really just brought me along to carry things for you, didn't you?"

As the sky dimmed, Anping glanced at the still-vibrant Gu Yuena ahead. "Gu Yuena, it's time for us to head back."

With a touch of regret, Gu Yuena responded, "Alright, I'll come back whenever I get the chance."

Thankfully, the location they ventured to wasn't far from the academy, allowing them to return before nightfall.

Expressing her gratitude, Gu Yuena said, "I had a wonderful time today. Thanks for accompanying me. I'll head back now."

Anping shook his head. "I should be the one thanking you. After all, you were the one who invited me."

Just then, a voice interrupted them from behind, "Anping, Gu Yuena, follow me."

Turning around, they discovered Wu Zhangkong, who had appeared unnoticed not far away.

Following Wu Zhangkong to his office, they found Tang Wulin and Xie Xie standing awkwardly inside, their expressions betraying a sense of embarrassment.

Tang Wulin's school uniform bore minor stains, nothing glaringly amiss. However, Xie Xie sported a bandage on his arm, a clear sign of injury.

Wu Zhangkong's cold voice sliced through the air, questioning, "What were you two up to? Why are you back so late?"

Gu Yuena interjected, "Since there was no training today, we went out to enjoy ourselves. What happened to them?" Anping affirmed her statement with a nod.

Wu Zhangkong's tone retained its chill as he responded, "Their exploits can be set aside for now. Teaming up, you should venture out together. It fosters camaraderie, strengthens your synergy, and when faced with challenges like today, you can face them united."

Gu Yuena countered, "They didn't invite us to join them. We can't force ourselves into their plans."

Wu Zhangkong shifted his gaze to Tang Wulin and Xie Xie, inquiring, "What do you have to say for yourselves?"

Xie Xie admitted, "I only invited Tang Wulin, not them."

Tang Wulin, head lowered, remained silent, harboring self-blame. If he had insisted on including Gu Yuena and Anping, perhaps Xie Xie wouldn't be nursing an injury.

Wu Zhangkong, surveying the group, felt a headache creeping in. Even with just four members, internal divisions had emerged—an unforeseen challenge.

"Now that Xie Xie is injured, both of you take a break and rest. Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, head back first," Wu Zhangkong instructed before turning his attention to Anping and Gu Yuena. "The two of you, stay for a moment."

As Tang Wulin and Xie Xie exited, Wu Zhangkong focused on the remaining duo. "Even if you don't say it explicitly, it's apparent that there's some aversion towards Tang Wulin. Can you enlighten me on why? It can't be solely about talent; I sense it runs deeper."

Anping, slightly perplexed, shook his head. "Aversion? Not really. Why would I hate him?"

"If there's no animosity, why is there a lack of harmony in your teamwork after spending considerable time together? Look at Xie Xie; he can forge a good connection with Tang Wulin. Why can't you? In a team, cultivating mutual understanding is crucial," Wu Zhangkong emphasized.

Anping pondered briefly. "Well, everyone's got different personalities. Tang Wulin tends to be more passionate and a bit childish. Naturally, he desires companions with similar traits. Personally, as Teacher Wu puts it, we're pragmatic, fearing death. How can we easily connect?"

With a disdainful snort, Wu Zhangkong turned to Gu Yuena. "And you? Despite your efficient collaboration in training, I sense a certain dislike towards Tang Wulin. Can you share the reason?"

Gu Yuena responded calmly, "I just don't like him."

"No reason at all? Why this aversion?" Wu Zhangkong pressed.

"No reason. I just don't like him. Why do I have to like him?" Gu Yuena maintained an air of indifference, her confusion evident.

Wu Zhangkong found himself in a somewhat helpless situation. One claimed a clash of personalities, and the other simply harbored an unexplained dislike. It left him grappling with where to begin addressing the issue.

"Alright, you can go back and rest," Wu Zhangkong finally conceded, waving his hand to dismiss Anping and Gu Yuena from his office.

Exiting Wu Zhangkong's office, the two bid each other farewell and headed back to their respective dormitories.

The following day arrived swiftly, bringing with it the continuation of the promotion matches scheduled after school, much like the day before.

With only first-year classes participating, the audience was sparse, comprising mostly of the involved classes.

Ye Yingrong, the graceful head teacher of Class 3 of the first grade, had a penchant for sky dancing. Eager to leave a lasting impression, she brought her class to the playground early, neatly arranged in formation. At the forefront stood three strikingly handsome boys, indistinguishable to anyone unfamiliar with them.

Wu Zhangkong later led Class 5 of the first grade to the competition venue. Xie Xie, bearing a bandage on his arm, stood out. Unable to partake in the upcoming promotion match due to his injury, Xie Xie wore a visibly disheartened expression.