Graduation Approaches

Notting Junior Soul Master Academy.

Yu Xiaogang sat in his office, which was piled high with books and manuscripts. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting mottled patches of light across the dust-covered desk.

He was staring blankly at an open atlas of Soul Beast mutations, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the desk with dull clicking sounds.

There came a soft knock at the office door.

"Come in." Yu Xiaogang did not look up, assuming that another student had come to ask him a question.

The door opened, but Tang San and Cinderella entered.

Yu Xiaogang adjusted the glasses on his nose. Seeing that it was them, he showed no surprise, though a trace of complicated emotion flickered deep in his eyes.

He set down the pen in his hand and leaned back slightly in his chair.

"Master."

Cinderella spoke first, her voice crisp and carrying just the right degree of respect.

She wore a simple, elegant dress today. Her golden hair fell smoothly over her shoulders, and her azure eyes were clear and bright.

Tang San stood half a step behind her in silence, merely giving Yu Xiaogang a slight nod in greeting.

His gaze was calm and betrayed no ripples, yet Yu Xiaogang could sense the impatience and probing hidden beneath that composure.

Graduation was drawing ever closer. Most students in their year had already found their paths, either being admitted into Intermediate Soul Master Academies or preparing to return home, each with their own plans.

Only the two of them still had uncertain futures.

The reason was none other than Tang Hao's unquestionable order.

They were not allowed to leave early for any intermediate or advanced Soul Master Academy. They had to remain in Notting City and stay by Yu Xiaogang's side.

Now, with graduation imminent, that order was