The relaxed atmosphere in the dorm vanished in an instant.
Qingxiao got up, grabbed the jacket off the back of his chair, and put it on, slipping Xiqu into his trouser pocket. "See? We just said we're always shorthanded, and here we go again."
Qingxiao glanced at the screen again and heaved a long sigh. "Guess I'll have to go AFK. Hope my teammates can win."
Suguru Geto pinched the bridge of his nose and said helplessly, "Can you stop thinking about that at a time like this?"
The two moved briskly and soon drove away from Jujutsu High.
It was nearing evening. The orange-red sun sank behind the distant buildings, setting the clouds along the horizon ablaze.
Suguru Geto settled into the driver's seat and rested his fingertips on the steering wheel. The engine gave a low hum as he turned the key.
Qingxiao opened the passenger door and climbed in, pulling his seat belt across and fastening it.
"Come to think of it, you're only sixteen this year, right? Do you even have a license, taking a long drive like this?"
Suguru Geto's hands paused briefly on the wheel. He glanced sideways at him, his tone calm but tinged with resignation.
"Jujutsu High issues its own driving permits. Ordinary traffic authorities have no jurisdiction over Jujutsu Society business.
"We need to hurry and get there before dark. If the traffic police do stop us, we'll say you're the driver. You look older anyway."
Qingxiao protested on the spot. "Why should I take the blame? You're the one driving!"
"This County Third Middle School is pretty well known locally." Suguru Geto changed the subject, his hands on the wheel and his eyes on the road stretching ahead.
Qingxiao let it slide. "How so?"
"High university admission rates. High death