While everyone was chatting away in the group chat for an entire system hour, Stelle and March 7th grew tired and went to sleep.
The night passed without incident.
The next day, refreshed and energized, Stelle and March 7th ate breakfast in the Goethe Hotel lobby before using the Realm Anchor to return to the Astral Express, then teleporting to Flowing Cloud Crossing on the Luofu to take part in the second decisive match.
There, they ran into Guinaifen. The three happily reunited and chatted for a while, deciding to act together.
Guinaifen explained to Stelle and March 7th how to solve the Flowing Cloud Crossing puzzles: use the mechanisms to unlock the cargo crates there.
After one system hour, the three successfully solved Flowing Cloud Crossing's puzzle. Then, a familiar figure singing in an operatic style watched them from a high platform.
"Look, it's Master Gongshu from the Artificer Department!"
"Could he be the reserve champion of Flowing Cloud Crossing?"
The three girls stepped forward and began talking with Master Gongshu, who recognized Stelle and the others.
After chatting for a while, Master Gongshu said that since they had broken his formation, he ought to accept their challenge. Their battle thus began.
Following a fierce back-and-forth battle, Master Gongshu's many mechanical Etherium Spirits were jointly defeated by Stelle and March 7th. Master Gongshu also spoke of how formidable the younger generation was.
"Ever since this old man entered the Artificer Department, it has been a long time since I felt this exhilarated. Thank you for letting this old man experience such a splendid duel. Since you have defeated me, this qualification badge is yours."
Master Gongshu handed the qualification badge to Stelle, who accepted it with a smile and put it away.
"We had a great fight too!"
Stelle's