Tricolor ribbons hung in waves along the student dormitory corridors, and the students walking through them wore joyful smiles.
The anniversary celebration had arrived.
Not only did they get three whole days off from classes, but they could wear whatever they liked instead of their uniforms, and there was no nighttime curfew. For freshmen who had long been curious about Theoret after dark, this was a rare opportunity.
Of course, more importantly, there were fireworks, floats, and the Food Battle.
"Micah, are you really entering the Food Battle?"
Holding a monster mask and dressed in a trench coat, Stalnt worked to paint his exposed hands to match the mask as he turned to ask Micah.
"Yes."
"It's a rare opportunity."
Sitting cross-legged, Micah nodded, his breathing remaining perfectly steady as he spoke.
"But have you thought about how powerful your opponents might be?"
"There are referees, but accidents can still happen!"
Stalnt sat down in front of his friend and asked with a serious expression.
"Powerful opponents?"
"I couldn't ask for more!"
"Accidents?"
"I'll treat them as training!"
Micah looked determined, without the slightest wavering.
"Then... have you thought about what you'll do if you face the chief?"
Seeing his friend so eager to fight, Stalnt knew he should not ask that question. Still, he could not quite stop himself, because the situation he was asking about might very well become reality.
Micah's expression froze, and his breathing faltered.
After four or five seconds, the chief's assistant finally said slowly, "If I face the chief, I'll withdraw."
Micah did not dislike powerful opponents. In fact, he welcomed them.
But Qin Ran clearly went beyond powerful. He was... despair!
Micah was no fool. Faced with despair, he naturally knew what to do.
Stalnt let out a sigh of relief and gently