After defeating Huang Chutian's team, there was no longer a single team in this competition area that could cause Lin Xi's team any trouble.
As a result, Lin Xi's team easily achieved ten consecutive victories in the round-robin stage of the freshman assessment.
The next day, Lin Xi arrived in class.
In yesterday's round-robin matches, three of the eleven teams in their class had been eliminated.
This made the already spacious classroom feel even more deserted.
Zhou Yi stood at the lectern with a cold expression. Looking at the numb-faced students below, she gave a soft snort.
"What, you're still in the mood to mourn those useless fools? All you've done is make it through the first-year assessment. If you slack off even a little, you'll be eliminated in the assessments to come. Don't relax too soon."
She was in a terrible mood. There had already been few students left in her class, and now another tenth had been eliminated.
It was practically like saying there was something wrong with her teaching methods.
She said flatly:
"Also, don't think this is over. Ten of your teams still have to continue the assessment, because you made it into the top sixty-four. You still have more matches to compete in. You'd better bring me some results, or else-"
As she spoke, she swept her gaze over the entire class in a show of intimidation.
Apart from the members of Lin Xi's team, everyone involuntarily hunched their shoulders.
Their fear of Zhou Yi had already seeped deep into their bones.
Only then did Zhou Yi nod in satisfaction.
Good. This was how the students in her class should behave.
Then she began explaining the opponents Lin Xi and the others would face next.
Just as Lin Xi knew, the only teams truly worth watching were the three teams with Soul Elders.
Depending on the circumstances, Lin Xi might have to lend a hand against those three teams.
The other teams posed no threat at all to the combination of Wang Dong and Huo Yutong.
And so, as he listened, Lin Xi's mind began wandering beyond the heavens.
A few months ago, he had asked Emiya to help him buy something. Word had come a while back, and judging by the time, it should have arrived by now.
Sure enough, when Lin Xi returned to the dormitory after class, he collected a package from the dorm supervisor.
Under Wang Dong's curious gaze, Lin Xi opened the package. Inside was a black blade about half a foot long and only as thick as a finger.
Wang Dong could not help asking curiously:
"Lin Xi, what's that?"
She noticed that Lin Xi's expression was exceptionally serious and cautious as he faced the little knife. As far as she remembered, he had almost never worn such an expression.
Lin Xi said flatly:
"Nothing much. Just a cursed blade. It makes its owner die an unnatural death."
"Huh?!" Wang Dong hurriedly took two steps back. "Then why did you buy it?"
"Because it's useful to me, of course." Lin Xi placed the package on the bed. "Wang Dong, step outside for a moment. I'm going to purify it."
"O-okay." Wang Dong nodded. Before leaving the dorm room, she cautioned him uneasily, "Don't do anything reckless."
"Don't worry. I value my life very much."
Only after hearing Lin Xi's answer did Wang Dong breathe a sigh of relief and leave the room.
Lin Xi locked the door from inside.
As soon as he had confirmed that he had secured Electrolux, he had notified Emiya to send people to keep an eye on the Starlight Auction.
This was the only way he knew of to obtain the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade.
Although he could also buy it with the academy's money during the tournament later on, that would leave him owing the academy a favor. Lin Xi did not want that.
It was not until a week ago that word finally came from Unlimited Blade Works that the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade had appeared. Lin Xi then ordered them to win it at auction, no matter the cost.
After all, this was a key item for unlocking Electrolux. There was no way Lin Xi would let it slip by.
Frowning at the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade, Lin Xi called softly:
"Emiya, I know you're here. Come out."
"...You really are a Master who loves ordering people around."
At his call, a muscular figure with dark skin and white hair appeared before Lin Xi.
He was Emiya Alter, Lin Xi's third Heroic Spirit, commonly known as Black Archer.
His usual work consisted of running and supporting Unlimited Blade Works, while also fulfilling some of Lin Xi's little requests.
Of the Heroic Spirits Lin Xi currently possessed, only he, with his rank A Independent Action, could do this kind of work.
There was a reason Lin Xi had specifically asked him to stay this time.
"Can you use the All-Things-Breaking Talisman to break the curse on this?"
Emiya glanced at the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade and shrugged.
"Easily."
"Good."
Lin Xi breathed a sigh of relief.
No matter when, safety always came first.
He had to be prepared for the possibility that this thing would fail to awaken Electrolux.
If that happened, he needed a way to forcibly counter the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade's curse.
That was why Emiya had to be present. Lin Xi needed to borrow the power of his practically bug-level Projection Magecraft.
In FSN, Rule Breaker could even sever the connection between Dark Sakura and the Holy Grail. Lin Xi believed it should be able to keep him safe.
Judging by Emiya's answer, he had guessed correctly.
Slowly drawing a breath, Lin Xi reached toward the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade.
Then, let's awaken Electrolux.
One of the crucial pieces in creating the Soul Spirit System in the future.
As his fingers touched the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade, a vicious presence immediately rushed at him, as though seeking to devour him completely.
Yet the moment it entered Lin Xi's Sea of Consciousness, a gray presence suppressed it.
An aged voice rang out.
"Oh? Gold of life? I never expected you to come across something so good, child."
The corners of Lin Xi's mouth lifted slightly.
The most basic first step, awakening Electrolux, had succeeded.
Next came explaining the current situation.
"Elder Yi, do you know about my situation?"
Electrolux chuckled gently.
"Of course. You're a visitor from another world, just like me. Rather than that, I'm more curious about why you know my name."
"About that, this is how it happened."
Lin Xi gathered his words and told him the truth about his circumstances.
Whether it was the situation on the Douluo Continent, the Heroic Spirit Summoning System, or the matters involving Tang San, he held nothing back.
After all, he could not hide it even if he wanted to. If Electrolux truly wanted to look through his memories, there was nothing he could do at his current level.
It made no difference to him. Since that was the case, telling him voluntarily would show greater sincerity and make their future cooperation more pleasant.
Lin Xi did have a certain degree of trust in Electrolux. After all, in the original story, Electrolux had truly been a good teacher to Huo Yuhao in every sense.
"So that's how it is. I never imagined something so wondrous could happen..."
Even Electrolux, whose life experiences could be called legendary, could not help sinking into shock after hearing what Lin Xi had to say.
To him, it was simply far too extraordinary.