The First to Witness the Drama Unfolding, Li Aoz, Was Jian

Because they were both ostensibly of the Thanatos Human Race, the two chatted all the way and got along quite well.

"Speaking of which, Lioz, are you familiar with our school's curriculum?"

"I know a little bit about it." Li Aoz didn't really understand, since he had never actually been to university. "It's just the Credits, right? You complete courses, pass exams to get Credits, and only when you have enough can you advance to the next level and graduate."

"They're pretty much the same, but there are some differences in our school."

Hobbes said mysteriously:

"As you can see, apart from ordinary people like us who got in based on our grades, everyone else who comes to this school is either rich or powerful. If you were the school administrator, how would you evaluate such a large group of people?"

Li Aoz's cyborg head was rather rudimentary and couldn't make any expressions; he simply said casually:

"What else can we do but take the exam?"

"Hey! Look at what you're saying. If it were really that easy, there wouldn't be any need to bring it up for discussion."

Hobbes chuckled, "This school is backed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so the Ministry of Education doesn't handle exams or graduation. And guess what? Trivella doesn't even have a Ministry of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These students basically have no one to directly manage or command them."

Li Aoz an "oh," but that wasn't enough to get his attention.

"Our exams are very special, not only because they are Credits, but also because they include club activities and practical courses—however, our practical courses are not workshop internships."

Hobbes explained, "In the first year, we will attend classes together in a large classroom, but starting in the second year, we will each choose our own workshop and tutor, who will then decide whether you are eligible to graduate based on your academic performance and conduct."

"It seems there's not much difference."

"The difference is that our school's workshops are different." Hobbes smiled. "Our workshop system is like a company where teachers lead students to do research and provide production at the same time. However, since our school is open to allies and foreign friends, we will not open the core technology workshops."

"So what? Our workshop courses are just for show?"

"On the contrary, my workshop will not engage in substantial large-scale production, but rather focus on meticulous handcrafting. It leans more towards artistic competition than production competition, and the rankings in this competition will affect your final graduation grade."

Wow.

Li Aoz finally understood.

It seems that while students at other schools work while attending school, they compete while attending school.

"Under this system, if anything goes wrong, the school can completely absolve itself of responsibility, leaving it all to the students themselves through competition and rivalry."

Hobbes' eyes lit up. "Excellent! You're absolutely right! So insightful. They're all royalty, it's difficult to deal with any of them. It's better to just let the students fight it out among themselves."

"Then it seems," Li Aoz naturally realized what this meant, "The competition and intensification among students will probably be quite severe..."

"The competition begins in the first year, or rather, from the moment you enter the school. Your club activities and academic performance in the first year directly affect how your future workshop mentors will evaluate you."

Hobbes said:

"I've put in a lot of effort to study the school's rules and regulations beforehand, and I've gained some insights—how about it, Lioz, since we're both compatriots, how about we team up?"

Li Aoz shook his head. "We'll see. I don't like getting involved in this kind of thing. I'll be content as long as I get my diploma."

Hobbes wasn't surprised by Li Aoz's attitude; he knew he'd soon understand just how competitive the school was.

No matter what, this is the most prestigious academy of the Crystal Tower Civilization on White Candle Star. Getting in is easy, but graduating is difficult.

"It's okay, let's exchange contact information and keep in touch."

Getting to know people is never a bad thing.

"That's no problem."

Li Aoz glanced at the ring on the other person's left hand.

He was also somewhat interested in that thing, but for now, it was best not to use his Aoneng. If he continued to explore it more deeply, he would have a chance to learn more about it.

[What exactly is it? A mimicry beast? A shapeshifter? No, it could also be a new type of equipment, but what kind of equipment could have this effect? Even a divine artifact like Jannia can't do it...]

Just as Li Aoz was lost in thought, the two had already crossed the extremely long stone bridge and arrived at the main gate of the Magical Application Academy.

The weather was rather cold today, and a misty fog hung over the bridge, making the ancient castle appear even more towering and mysterious. Pale blue magical patterns intertwined in the air, dancing in the wind like ribbons, and the teachers and students passing by were all dressed in robes of various colors.

In the Interstellar Era, mages also kept up with the times. Except for a few old-timers who still insisted on wearing long, wide robes that reached the ground, most people's clothing was more like uniforms. Male mages almost all wore dark coats, light-colored vests, and belted trousers, and they focused on decorating their belt buckles and ties. Older mages mostly wore trench coat-style robes.

Female mages come in a wide variety of styles. More conservative girls wear trousers and cloaks, while those from the city wear a variety of outfits, from business attire and evening gowns to sportswear. White and black stockings are everywhere. The youthful and vibrant female mages are obviously much more likable than witches from the outside world. People from different countries have different customs and cultures, but the standard of beauty is always the same. Many boys can't help but look at them and can't walk away.

However, for Li Aoz and Hobbes, the castle was more interesting than the pretty female classmates.

"Wow, as expected of a top-tier university, this misty castle built on a swamp is truly tranquil and magnificent."

Hobbes sighed.

The next moment, a noisy sound came from the side.

"Lucite Caostros! When will you ever stop? It's one thing to keep bothering me all the way to university, but to follow me all the way to White Candle Star? Don't you feel ashamed to bring shame to our home planet?"

"Me, pestering you? Don't flatter yourself. Bei Chonggui Ming, do you think you're some kind of peerless beauty? I got into this university through my own abilities, unlike someone who threatened to commit suicide to force her brother to give up his spot."

"You spewing venom and spreading lies! Lucite, Lucite idiot reincarnated from a ninth-generation fool, you are indeed of questionable character! I was merely playing around when saying goodbye to my Li Ren, and you spread rumors that I threatened to commit suicide! Classmates, look at this! This is Lucite Caostros from the Ravenster Star! A scourge with a mouth full of lies and Venom Fang fangs!"

The dispute escalated, the crowd grew larger, and traffic was even blocked.

He had just praised the tranquil environment when he was suddenly proven wrong, leaving Hobbes speechless.

"Looks like it's going to be difficult to squeeze through," Hobbes said with a headache. "Hey Oz, do you think we'll be able to get our textbooks before dinner tonight?"

Flying spells are still quite difficult for newly enrolled mages, and Li Aoz didn't want to attract attention.

"Go forward and take a look."

Li Aoz didn't like wasting time. Rather than blocking the way, he chose to walk straight ahead, using his broad and sturdy build to break into the crowd. With Li Aoz leading the way, they soon arrived at the inner circle where the argument was taking place.

Two aliens, a man and a woman, with slimy skin and catfish-like beards, were locked in a fierce confrontation. They were exchanging sharp words and their glowing yellow eyes seemed to suggest they wanted to devour each other alive.

The woman was quite beautiful, with almost no trace of any otherworldly features. She was extremely human-like, with a stunning face and exquisite attire, making her look like a beautiful and dignified noblewoman who was not human.

Compared to the woman, who showed almost no signs of being different, the man had a more rugged appearance. Not only was he tall and strong, but he was also covered in black and white armor and fin spikes like a scavenger, and his eyes were slightly red, making him look like a fish-man who had not yet fully evolved.

However, the beautiful woman was aggressive and verbally abusive, while the man remained calm and composed, responding to each question with the words: "I'll say it again, Ms. Bei Chonggui Ming, I never intended to bother you, and we have nothing to do with each other. You are the one who is truly slandering me."