The magic circle's ceremony was solemn and precise, each step steeped in the weight of history, as if glimpsing countless glorious eras now weathered into a timeless allure.
Yu Yu, placed by the Grand Archon's side under Senior Meng's wing, mimicked what she could and posed to blend in when she couldn't.
Thankfully, no one paid her much mind.
At the ceremony's climax, all high-tier spellcasters stood in their places, heads bowed in silent reverence.
Yu Yu caught the Grand Archon's gaze.
Yes, the Grand Archon was presiding.
Perhaps she wasn't as unimpressive as Yu Yu had thought?
Acknowledging the signal, Yu Yu retrieved the flowers from her bag, straightened her spine, and strode forward with spirited resolve.
The blooms were star-blue, shimmering like a night sky, their effects dazzling, with a delicate, enchanting fragrance.
Senior Meng had explained: these were Flan, ceremonial flowers exclusive to the magic circle. Costly and finicky, they required Mental nurturing—beyond most people's means.
Walking the aisle, Yu Yu recalled Meng's instructions.
She moved with steady steps, mentally chanting: They're just kittens. I'm a tiger. Cool and composed.
Yes, she'd considered casting Void Reason for calm but quickly dismissed it.
Casting would cause fluctuations.
Using magic in front of these titans? That'd be a face-slapping taunt.
In this setting, Yu Yu didn't dare tempt fate. The consequences were unthinkable.
It's just offering flowers! How hard could it be?
She'd spoken under spotlights before, never this nervous.
They're kittens, kittens, kittens…
Brainwashing herself, Yu Yu puffed out her chest, her stride growing bold and fierce.
Everyone seemed to be in silent reverence, oblivious to her.
Except the Grand Archon.
Her ceremonial robe boasted a striking red collar, her pure black cloak exuding charisma as she stood at the forefront.
Her expression was unreadable, watching Yu Yu march with tiger-like vigor.
Yu Yu followed protocol, gently placing the flowers before Senior Yami's tomb, reciting the foolproof eulogy: "Senior, may the will of the stars shelter you."
Behind her, a dazzling display should be unfolding—high-tier spellcasters releasing Mental sigils in tribute.
Her role was done.
That wasn't so tough!
Piece of cake!
Though… shouldn't Senior Yami appear now, give a pleased nod to her juniors, then ascend to the heavens?
As Yu Yu mused, standing to slip back to the ranks per Meng's instructions, the Grand Archon's pensive hum stopped her.
"Hm…"
Her voice sent Yu Yu's eyelids twitching, her steps quickening.
"Why am I here?" a familiar voice exclaimed.
Yu Yu spun, stunned. "Senior? You're awake again?"
A pale-blue shade, hand on chin, stood by her own tombstone. "Good question. Why am I awake?"
The shock disrupted the magic circle's silent vigil, spellcasters looking up in confusion.
What?!
Even the red-collared leaders at the front gaped.
The War Archon murmured, "She's really here?"
Yu Yu: "Senior, this is the magic circle! Didn't you always want to return?"
She beamed, sharing good news. "You're a High Steward now! The magic circle recognized your contributions and posthumously named you High Steward!"
Yami's shade lit up. "Such good fortune?"
The crowd: "…"
The Grand Archon: "…"
Yu Yu nodded eagerly. "And your traitor disciple is dead! The magic circle revoked his honors!"
Yami sighed, bittersweet. "But I'm dead too."
Yu Yu: "…Think happy thoughts. At least he's not here gloating at your funeral, right?"
Yami perked up. "Fair point. So, I'm at my funeral?"
The Grand Archon, recovering, spoke in her magnetic voice. "Senior, welcome to the magic circle."
Yami: "Nice. I didn't wake in a spell furnace. Who knows what that would've done."
The Grand Archon's expression twitched. "The furnaces fell with the mainland. Make do, Senior."
Yami scanned the area. "No wonder the magic circle looks so rundown. Getting poorer, huh?"
Her words left everyone speechless, the spellcasters' faces exquisitely awkward.
Yu Yu: "Don't say that, Senior. Think positive—the headquarters is still standing!"
Yami, soothed, nodded. "True. Where's my spot?"
The spellcasters stared at Yu Yu. "…"
You're quite the comforter.
The Majesties, though absent, were at headquarters. Did she think they couldn't hear?
Yu Yu eagerly pointed. "Nice, right? Pretty flowers—I offered them!"
The crowd watched, struggling with reality.
So, outsiders could see seniors? Her familiarity meant they were truly close. It was real!
How had she, alone, summoned a twice-departed senior in magic circle headquarters, unbeknownst to all?
Yu Yu didn't grasp their bewilderment.
With so many spellcasters in headquarters, a departed senior briefly appearing to express contentment seemed reasonable, no?
Though she'd imagined a fleeting blue shade nodding and vanishing.
Senior Yami clearly defied norms, shattering Yu Yu's expectations.
Yami eyed her tombstone. "The pit's small. Can it be bigger?"
She negotiated with the Grand Archon. "High Stewards get bigger ones, I recall."
The Grand Archon strained to keep her tone even. "Not anymore. Even Grand Archons get this size."
Yami mused, "The magic circle's dwindled that much?"
She crouched, sniffing the flowers. "Nice. Flan—my favorite. I won't wake again, will I?"
Yu Yu hesitated. "You… probably won't? If you do, it'd be when someone pries open your coffin."
Yami looked at her.
Yu Yu met her gaze.
The Grand Archon and others stared at them.
This kid wasn't just a comforter—she was a talker.
The Grand Archon stayed silent, fearing she'd crack.
Yu Yu, still consoling, continued, "Don't mind the pit. It's a cenotaph. Your ashes were meant for elsewhere. Worst case, we scatter them across the magic circle. A breeze, and the whole headquarters is your… home…"
The Grand Archon's face began to twist.
Yami clapped, radiant. "Well said! You get me."
The spellcasters: "…"
You're really good at this.
No wonder you coaxed back a near-anomaly senior.
Yami, satisfied, looked down. "I want to see Star Guidance."
Yu Yu obliged. "Sure, Senior. Let's run it again."
She pulled out her silver disc, but as she looked up, starlight cascaded.
Unlike the narrow beam she'd once summoned, this enveloped the entire magic circle, vivid and clear.
Yu Yu felt an illusion—as if her Mental could touch ancient wills, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them…
Speak not loudly, lest you startle the heavens.
A poem, now literal.
Who cast this Star Guidance?
Yu Yu looked to the Grand Archon.
The Grand Archon's voice was low. "Her Majesty."
Bathed in starlight, the blue shade raised the Flan to her nose, sniffing, then patted Yu Yu's shoulder. "The magic circle's future is yours."
Yu Yu froze.
Why bring that up?!
With all these titans here?!
The Grand Archon: Stare.
The spellcasters: Stare.
Yu Yu's face flushed crimson.
The Grand Archon gave her a meaningful look, then addressed the shade. "Yu's a good kid. We'll nurture her. Rest easy."
The shade faded into starlight, sighing, "I'm really going this time."
She handed the flowers to Yu Yu. "Place them on my tomb. Neatly."
Yu Yu, emotions raw, took them dazedly. "Got it."
The shade dissolved into stars, the starlit canopy still cloaking the magic circle.
Yu Yu stood stunned, eyes reddening, hiding her face as she arranged the flowers.
Why mention it again? Only the Grand Archon's reply snapped her back…
They'd parted once, but this time hit harder.
When the ceremony ended, Yu Yu's eyes were still red.
Meng: "Yu's such a lovable kid~"
Chang, after a pause: "The magic circle has no tradition of posthumous titles."
Yu Yu, still grieving, lingered by the tombstone.
Star-blue Flan rested before it, dewdrops sparkling, vibrant and alive.
[High Steward Yami Terns' Tomb]
Moments later, Yu Yu, clutching a small urn, approached the Grand Archon.
The Grand Archon: "…"
Seeing Yu Yu's red eyes, she sighed. "I can't decide this."
"Permitted."
A voice sounded nearby.
Yu Yu glanced around, the voice faintly familiar but unplaceable.
The Grand Archon amended, "Her Majesty approves. Go."
Yu Yu, urn in hand, stepped out to find Felix waiting, arms crossed.
Yu Yu: "Senior! Where were you? I didn't see you!"
Felix eyed the urn. "Where do you want to scatter?"
Yu Yu: "Just… sprinkle it around?"
Felix: "The magic circle has no wind."
Yu Yu: "Then why's it snowing?"
Felix, cool as ever: "A Majesty's remnant, eternal."
Yu Yu gasped.
Had headquarters seen battle?
Felix didn't elaborate. "You'll learn in time."
"I'm browsing the archives. If I find anything on botanical plagues, I'll tell you."
Yu Yu hadn't expected her to remember. "Thanks, Senior."
Felix brushed it off. "Scatter here. Those mage towers are unclaimed—some auto-attack."
Yu Yu: "You doing okay here, Senior?"
Felix: "Fine."
As Yu Yu stowed the urn, Felix stepped aside decisively.
Yu Yu cast a precise Gust, murmuring, "I'm scattering ashes now. Senior would probably praise my flair…"
Felix, watching, smirked faintly. "You and this senior… kindred spirits."
Yu Yu agreed. "Wish we'd met in her prime."
Felix: "?"
Yu Yu fumbled. "I was born, she was gone?"
Felix: "?"
Yu Yu, defeated, slumped. "Forget it. Senior gets me."
With nothing pressing, and before Meng dragged her off, Yu Yu asked, "What's the Night Lord Majesty like?"
"And the Council? Are they strict?"
Felix considered. "The Majesties are majestic. The Night Lord is gentler, all deeply respected seniors."
Yu Yu: "…"
That's as good as saying nothing.
She'd probably say the same of the Grand Archon.
But knowing her—heroic and divine? Pfft, a total mess.
Meng's voice called, "Yu Yu."
Yu Yu sprang up. "Senior, I'm off! Study hard! We'll catch up outside!"
Felix nodded, watching her go.
Back in the castle, Yu Yu remembered, "Forgot to say—Senior, you rock that ceremonial robe."
Pretty wolf looks good in anything!
Meng: "The Grand Archon wants you."
Yu Yu frowned. "Again? I did fine, right?"
"Senior, I followed your instructions to the letter!"
Meng's expression was odd, strained. "Sure…"
She'd witnessed Yu Yu's "comforting" skills—uplifting to the recipient, traumatic to everyone else.
Great job. Don't do it again.
The Grand Archon's chamber was crowded.
Senior Chang, Senior Xue, and a few strangers.
"You're Yu?" a cool male voice asked.
Yu Yu looked, noting his unchanged ceremonial robe, and blinked. "That's me."
The tall, pale man in a red-collared black robe was impassive. "Internal Affairs Archon, Guang Chen."
He introduced himself curtly, then said, "Xue tells me you brought back restoration magic."
Yu Yu couldn't read him. "It was mostly the seniors' work."
Guang Chen: "I discussed with Feng Ye. I'd like to second you to my division for a time. Thoughts?"
Yu Yu glanced at the Grand Archon.
Still in her ceremonial robe, she lounged in her chair, her gaze unreadable.
Yu Yu: "I follow the Grand Archon's lead."
Guang Chen frowned, clearly unimpressed by her diplomatic dodge.
Feng Ye spoke up. "I've got plans for her. Scram."
"Want talent? Train your own. Stop poaching," she mocked. "Even Saisi's alley cats know better."
Guang Chen, unfazed: "Drop your scheming. I just need her for a task."
He scoffed at Feng Ye. "If you spent half your cunning on magic, you wouldn't be this weak."
Feng Ye : "Weak from injuries, you mean?"
"Wanna fight?"
Guang Chen, arms crossed, stayed cool. "Why not?"
Their glares clashed, Mental energies surging.
Yu Yu looked left, right.
Wow, both Archons are hot.
She couldn't help but admire their robes—those sharp red collars, the subtle crimson linings peeking from black cloaks. Every move was effortlessly cool.
Meng, worried Yu Yu might be overwhelmed, saw her enviously eyeing the Archons' attire.
She looked ready to strip them and wear it herself…
No need to worry about Yu Yu.
Xue cut through the standoff. "Business. If you can't borrow her, assign a task. Yu won't refuse."
Guang Chen relented. "Fine."
He added coolly, "Restoration's under Internal Affairs. Its return demands my attention."
He shot someone a look. "Unlike certain schemers whining to the Majesties."
Feng Ye ignored him. "Yu Yu, I told you we're opening more slots for outsiders."
On business, her dark eyes were unreadable.
Normally a mess, she was all smiles.
In these moments, Yu Yu was on high alert. "Yes, you did."
Guang Chen studied her, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, staying put.
The Grand Archon's tone was calm. "Most slots are magic circle-controlled, but someone's complaints got the Majesties to allocate some to the Archons."
"Minus someone's share, War and Purification slots are mine," she said, pointedly avoiding a name. "How should I use them?"
Yu Yu's eyes widened.
They could pick players themselves?
Right… the Grand Archon's authority was always high, so…
Recalling her track record, this wasn't about handing Yu Yu slots for fun. It was…
Yu Yu caught on, brimming with confidence. "Since they're targeted slots, it depends on your needs."
The woman, unimpressed, narrowed her eyes. "And what are my needs?"
Chang and Xue watched, intrigued.
Guang Chen's lips tightened, scrutinizing Yu Yu.
Feng Ye praised her highly. Was she worthy?
Only Meng stifled a yawn, regretting not slipping out earlier.
Yu Yu mused, "You want reliable tools, like the other Archons. Maybe… reserves?"
She hesitated. "How many slots, dare I ask?"
Feng Ye, casual: "About three thousand."
Yu Yu gaped.
That many?
Yu Yu: "I boldly suggest you need disciplined players for battlefield training, legal-savvy tools, and perhaps… students?"
Feng Ye's eyes narrowed. "Students?"
Guang Chen, less composed, straightened, his sharp eyes locking onto Yu Yu.
Students? That's the Academy—his domain.
Chang raised a brow; Xue's eyes gleamed, hands dropping.
Feng Ye cursed her teammates' transparency. The little fox would see through them.
Yu Yu, noting their reactions, grinned inwardly.
Bingo.
"Dare I ask, how many qualified students does the magic circle receive yearly?"
"How many apprentice spellcasters, excluding outsiders?"
Feng Ye: "An embarrassing question."
Her fingers interlaced, tone steady. "You've seen our food output can't sustain large populations."
"The stars' protection is limited, pureblood humans dwindle, and those with Mental talent are rarer still," she said calmly. "The magic circle is fading."
She stood. "Hence, we recruit outsiders."
The others grew solemn.
Feng Ye met Yu Yu's gaze. "What's your advice for this decline?"
Yu Yu blinked. "No people? Recruit. We've got plenty."
Under their stares, she pressed, "How does the magic circle find talent? At what age?"
Feng Ye hadn't considered students, assuming it a tough concession.
But Yu Yu's tone…
Curbing her stirring emotions, she remained calm. "Once, we cast a ritual spell every decade, scanning the continent."
"Now, we register newborns yearly," she sighed. "Spellcasters show talent post-twelve, peaking around sixteen. Without training, Mental growth halts."
"That's the ideal window for detection," she softened. "Post-sixteen works, but not too late, or progress suffers."
Yu Yu frowned. "Am I late, then?"
Feng Ye wanted to pinch her for derailing but stayed steady. "You're an exception."
Yu Yu: "So, a thousand slots for students?"
She recalled Rong City's population.
She'd seen rough data: seven to eight million residents, another seven to eight million transient. As South Province's capital, it was average.
"What's the ratio for Mental talent?" Yu Yu asked. "Hard to find?"
Feng Ye answered seriously. "Mental 7 is rare—one in a hundred."
"Mental 6 is commoner—one in ten."
"But our resources prioritize innate Mental 7," she explained. "Barring mishaps, they're guaranteed high-tier spellcasters."
Yu Yu gasped. "Really?"
She recalled many player spellcasters only became such after leveling stats.
Feng Ye: "Yes."
"Times have changed. Before, even dregs could be forced into high-tier with resources," she said. "Now, we lack that luxury."
…Not luxurious? Yu Yu thought, incredulous.
"I'll screen then. A thousand, right? Shouldn't be hard," Yu Yu hesitated. "But I'm not Insight_ing one by one, am I?"
"Last time, a hundred nearly killed me."
Feng Ye nearly wrote the Council for ten thousand more slots.
But she held back.
Observe first.
Who knew their quality? Or if she could gather enough?
Feng Ye stayed composed. "There's a ritual spell. Didn't Meng teach you group casting?"
"Gather candidates, cast, and beams appear," she said. "Below Mental 6—gray. 6 and up—colored."
"6—white, 7—blue, 8—purple, 9—gold."
Yu Yu: "10?"
Feng Ye glanced at her. "Anomaly."
Yu Yu: "?!"
Don't scare me!
The Grand Archon, relaxed, leaned back. "Human Mental caps at 9. Untrained bodies can't handle more—madness or death."
She gave Yu Yu a pointed look. "Mental 9 was elite even in the magic circle's prime."
Yu Yu lit up. "Really?"
The others nearly laughed.
Xue, hoarse: "Talent's just potential. Unrealized, it's nothing."
"You can't die young or slack, or…"
Yu Yu finished, "Or become a legend!"
The room: "…"
The Grand Archon scoffed. "Dream big, but not that big."
Yu Yu: "Why not?"
Guang Chen, coolly: "Legend isn't just high Mental. Without insight, Grand Archon's your ceiling."
Yu Yu beamed. "Grand Archon! Isn't that worth celebrating?"
Look at Senior Yami, toiling for a High Steward title, granted only in death.
Study hard, and Grand Archon was within reach. Awesome!
The others: "…"
Both Archons: "…"
Where's your ambition?
Why not aim for legend?
Feng Ye, after a pause: "Your food friend loves it. She wants daily deliveries."
Yu Yu: "?"
Who's this glutton?
Her treasonous thoughts shone through her eyes.
Feng Ye cut her off, fearing she'd speak. "It's a magic circle task. Rewarded."
Her task updated.
[Taste Test (Recurring)] (Completed)
[Reward: +2000 Points, +20 Gold]
Yu Yu tilted her head.
Daily? 2000 points, 20 gold?
A daily wage of 20 gold?!
A month—600 gold, plus points?
Who's this titan?!
Her debt could clear in fifty days, excluding other tasks.
Yu Yu's eyes sparkled. "No problem! Task accepted!"
Seeing the refreshed task, she quipped, "This isn't tasting—it's delivery!"
Who tastes that often?
The task name changed.
[Delivery (Recurring)] (Reward: +2000 Points, +20 Gold)
Yu Yu gawked.
You actually changed it?
I'm a delivery girl now?
Fine, delivery it is. Stable point tasks were rare.
The Grand Archon ignored her. "Meng will teach the spell. I planned to send you to Rock Tomb soon, but you can stay a bit."
"You're studying protective spells, right? Meng will guide you."
Meng snapped alert. "Yes."
Meng, corporate drone extraordinaire.
Feng Ye pretended not to notice her dozing.
Yu Yu logged off, washing her face.
Shu Tu frowned. "Something's noisy outside."
Yu Yu ruffled the big cat's head, drawling, "What? Federation bombing the ants?"
Wei Shu Tu: "No. If they had time, they'd avoid crude bombardment."
Fuyu, sharp-sensed, watched a video with Chang Yu. "Not that. Something heavy landed."
Yu Yu, releasing the cat's ears, mused, "I'll check."
Shu Tu, wary: "I'll go."
Outside, six silver-white crates stamped with magic circle sigils greeted them. Yu Yu stared, thoughtful.
No way it's that, right?
Shu Tu, shocked: "What's this?"
Yu Yu's expression was odd. "Shu Tu, help move them."
Wei Zishu, setting down her book, started. "This is…?"
Shu Tu: "The magic circle can ship to reality?"
Yu Yu: "Wake up. Wristbands appeared out of nowhere."
Wei Zishu: "They're light. Where to, Yu Yu?"
Yu Yu: "My room."
She didn't dare say what, fearing leaks and theft.
If it was what she thought, countless would kill to enter the game.
Maintaining composure, she watched Shu Tu set the crates down, waving off their curious looks. "I'll explain later."
Shooing WeiZishu out, Yu Yu tried opening a crate.
…Locked?!
She logged in fast.
"Grand Archon, I got six crates!"
The black-robed woman, half-reclining, eyed desk documents. "Hm? I told you—slots."
Yu Yu: "Wristbands?"
The Grand Archon: "What else?"
Yu Yu was floored. "You sent them like that? What if I'm ambushed?!"
The Grand Archon: "Keep them safe."
Yu Yu calmed, barely. "I can't open them."
The Grand Archon nodded to Chang. "Teach her."
Meng absent, Chang, reporting, took the task. "Yes."
Quickly learning, Yu Yu logged off, hands trembling.
She eyed her wristband, emotions swirling.
Without it, she'd be like most—terrified, tiptoeing through life, future uncertain.
Now, she held wristbands to distribute?
Whatever the Grand Archon's motives, her rise owed much to her support.
Her magic circle status began with her senior, but the Grand Archon's indulgence sustained it.
She was a sapling held aloft by giants.
If either let go, her fall was predictable.
The magic circle's grip was firm, prompting the Federation's hesitant reach.
And the one steering the magic circle? Always the Grand Archon.
Recalling her every move, Yu Yu trusted her instincts.
She didn't know other Archons' prowess, but Feng Ye? She earned her title.
One day, Yu Yu hoped to stand alone, free of their hands.
Perhaps she needed to be bolder?
How?
The delicate woman sat on her bed, hands clasped, staring at the crates, lost in thought all night.
Yu Bai: "Small matter. We'll handle it."
"Say, is the magic circle expanding recruitment?!"
She paced excitedly. "Yu Yu, any inside scoop? Spill!"
"How do they choose? Do I have a shot?!"
Yu Yu flipped through a roster. "This many?"
"How many?"
"Just sixth-grade newborns," Yu Bai said casually. "The Federation's got people. If the magic circle wants, Rong City can all join their conquest. Just give us rings!"
Yu Yu mused, "We could…"
Seeing tens of thousands of names, her mouth twitched. "Pick ten thousand for now. I'll assess."
She added, "Get the ones who helped my last cast. I need them again."
Yu Bai nodded without question. "That's it?"
"Test us too?" she hinted. "We're more reliable than kids."
Yu Yu thought, The magic circle prioritizes spellcaster-talented kids. You're secondary.
"There'll be chances," she hedged.
Yu Bai, deflated, sighed. "Urgent? Tomorrow if you're in a rush, day after if not."
Yu Yu, considerate: "Ants dead? I'm not rushed. Finish your tasks first."
Yu Bai: "They're still asleep. We planned to hit them with heavy weapons, but the Institute opted for chemical agents. It buys time to save surface structures and stabilize subsidence…"
"Big project," she glanced at her watch. "Cleanup's likely started. You just can't hear it."
Yu Yu nodded. "Guess our role in this mission's set."
No task rewards yet—the ants weren't fully dealt with.
Chang Yu had changed, quieter but insistent on handling family matters.
Yu Yu didn't mind, asking Yu Bai, "Know about Chang Yu's family?"
Yu Bai: "Yes. Need help?"
Yu Yu: "Hope the Federation keeps an eye out."
Yu Bai, matter-of-fact: "You've spoken. It's handled. Don't worry."
Yu Yu hummed.
Yu Bai: "Your name goes public soon. We're planning to clear it. Any other requests?"
Yu Yu caught her hint, pondering. "Let me see."
Yu Bai sent a prepared investigation report.
Its detail stunned Yu Yu.
She stared at Yu Bai, incredulous.
Yu Bai's face was blank.
Yu Yu straightened. "So…"
Shen Lan, Su Rongyu.
Shu Tu, Su Shu.
How?
Her tirade against Shang Wei had accidentally struck Shu Tu too?
Yu Bai struggled. "Miss Su's had it rough."
Not everyone could, upon learning the truth, tear up their household registry at adulthood.
Illegitimate? Or worse.
When Shu Tu learned the truth, no one knew.
But her reaction was fierce, tanking the Yu City Su family's reputation.
The report kindly clarified illegitimate, extramarital, and non-marital distinctions.
Shang Wei was illegitimate, but Shu Tu was…
Su Rongyu, the marital child, was younger than Su Shu.
Shu Tu, taken in by the Su family, lost her mother early.
Fostered, her father later married and had another daughter.
It was a saga Yu Yu couldn't have imagined.
When Shang Wei framed her, Yu Yu, in fury, called her a slur—Shu Tu standing nearby.
Was that why Shu Tu stayed silent?
Yu Bai: "Su Rongyu and Su Shu are at odds. You were close to Su Shu, so you were targeted…"
"Su Shu renounced her inheritance, so back then…"
Shu Tu's escape showed she wasn't defenseless.
Shen Lan wasn't a saint either.
And Shang Wei? Remarkably gifted.
With other competitors, Yu Bai pitied Yu Yu.
A barely adult Yu Yu stood no chance.
Yet she'd crossed that circle's threshold. When Shu Tu faltered, Yu Yu caught the fallout.
Yu Yu saw Shang Wei's profile. "Tch, exactly as I guessed."
Yu Bai, careful: "Shang Wei's a player and spellcaster. We can't heavily sanction her or Qian Qing. If you insist, the Federation will try."
"But you'll need to handle the magic circle side."
Yu Yu waved, diving into the data.
The file was dozens of megabytes. Yu Yu read for hours.
The culprits aligned with her suspicions.
The root was Su Rongyu, targeting Shu Tu while acquiring Azure Waves, ousting President Xiao Lian.
Qian Qing exploited the momentum, Shang Wei fanned the flames, and Destiny's greedy ex-employees piled on.
The rest? Trolls, opportunistic rivals.
Su Rongyu and Shu Tu aside, Qian Qing, a rival, loved such tactics.
When Shang Wei debuted as a substitute, Qian Qing exposed her illegitimacy, tanking her reputation.
Naive Yu Yu, like the clueless crowd, had shunned Shang Wei.
The ex-employees? Pfft.
Now she understood Shu Tu's deep guilt.
Yu Yu pondered. "I need time to think. No rush."
"Can the announcement wait?"
"Of course. Public or not, you're a researcher," Yu Bai said, as if fearing Yu Yu would bolt.
Su Rongyu was a non-issue—no wristband, locked out of the game. A minor pest.
Qian Qing and Shang Wei, players and spellcasters, needed careful handling.
The employee? A nobody.
With Federation backing, Yu Yu held the high ground. No need to stir the nest.
She'd consult the involved and sort her thoughts.
Plus, she needed them for the next group cast. No outbursts until the magic circle task was done.
Don't sacrifice the big for the small.
Yu Yu, casual: "Can the Federation deal with that employee? I'm annoyed."
Yu Bai's eyes crinkled. "Just waiting for your word. And Destiny—their smug cover-up? We'll handle it too."
Yu Yu smiled, nodding. "Thanks."
Yu Bai pressed, "The Su family too…?"
Yu Yu: "Hold off. I'll think."
Reading further, she started. "Xiang Qin's in here?"
Yu Bai: "Not directly. We thought you'd want to know, so we included it."
Yu Yu: "…"
They'd switched bosses and stayed neutral, huh?
Flipping further, she choked. "Shu Tu and Fuyu too?"
Yu Bai: "Researcher safety is paramount. Everyone's vetted."
Yu Yu, sheepish, closed the file. "Fine, prep for now. I'll respond later. They're not going anywhere."
No wonder the file was massive—everyone around her was dissected, down to families, parents, and networks.
Shang Wei's data? Fair game.
Shu Tu's? Yu Yu felt awkward, deciding to shelve it.
Magic circle tasks first.
Secure a thousand Mental 7 kids to soothe the Grand Archon's restless heart.
The ant task rewards arrived. The Federation delivered.
Without the magic circle's mid-mission aid and early detection, this epic quest might've ended in tragedy.
Even so, the aftermath was grim. A sixth of the city was hollowed, perilously close to the Chongjiang, at risk of collapse.
Relocating populations, salvaging surface assets—piles of work kept the Federation busy.
But that was beyond Yu Yu's scope.
These days, nothing major happened.
No one knew what her crates held, and she hadn't probed Shu Tu.
Those were small fries. Yu Yu focused on her task.
The Federation might suspect something but not six crates of wristbands in her room.
The magic circle's delivery tech was impressive.
If anyone guessed, it'd be Shu Tu or Zi Shu. But they were sharp, staying mum.
Today, Yu Yu, with her human selfie stick, teammates, and a slew of guards, arrived at Rong City Stadium.
Students, long parted from teachers, "joyed" at gathering for a "checkup."
Shang Wei and others, tasked by the Federation, waited punctually.
Yu Yu, in her crisp researcher's coat, sauntered onstage amid their constipated looks. "Line up. We're casting."
Yu Bai: "No speech?"
Shu Tu took the phone, streaming.
Yu Yu: "Say what?"
Yu Bai: "…A pep talk?"
Yu Yu: "Pointless. Finish quick, move to the next batch."
The stream lit up with familiar codenames.
Seeing the stadium packed with students, they held back hard.
Prepping to cast, Yu Yu felt a pang.
Magic circle robes were cooler, enchanted for comfort—warm in winter, cool in summer.
When could she wear one in reality?
Under countless eyes, Yu Yu closed hers.
—Casting— :,,.