A Beautiful Victory

On the opening day of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, Shrek Academy lost its first battle to its uniforms.

The uniforms were yellow-green, with six bright red characters across the back: Naming Sponsor Wanted.

There was even a blank patch on the right cuff. Flender said he could add lettering at the last minute if the price was right.

Dai Mubai stood in the waiting tunnel, his expression uglier than his uniform.

"Dean, is it too late for me to withdraw?"

"Young people must learn to shoulder the academy's burdens," Flender said earnestly. "The more steps you take today, the sooner Shrek can afford two more beds."

Ma Hongjun tugged at his cuff. "Can I have one of those beds first? I want to lie down and play dead."

Bai Jin leaned against the wall, holding a small mirror he had borrowed from who knew where. He angled it toward the others, one by one.

"Looks good."

All seven turned to stare at him.

Bai Jin smiled with perfect sincerity. "If your enemies come looking for you, put these on. They'll never recognize you."

Ning Rongrong burst out laughing. Zhu Zhuqing turned her face away, her shoulders giving a slight shake.

Tang San straightened his wristbands and looked toward the end of the tunnel.

Cheers surged in from outside like a tide. Xue Ye was already seated on the opening platform, with Ning Fengzhi and Platinum Bishop Salas on either side. Nearly every noble of standing in Heaven Dou City had come. The flags of Five Elements Academy lined the Soul Fighting Arena in a bright ring of color.

The Heaven Dou Royal Academy Second Team was already waiting onstage.

Their captain caught sight of Shrek's uniforms. He froze for a moment, then laughed loudly.

"An academy