"This is where you'll be staying. It's a suite with two bedrooms," the counselor said, leading the two of them inside.
"Wait... we're not a couple. Can't we have separate rooms?" You Feng asked, speaking up primarily out of consideration for Ma Qingxue.
"Rooms are tight at the Vocational Academy right now, and this is the only suite left. If you really want, I could ask around and see if anyone is willing to trade," the counselor replied.
"No need, this is fine. You provoked everyone the moment we set foot herewho'd want to room with you anyway?" Ma Qingxue spread her hands. For reasons she couldn't quite explain, a subtle flutter of delight stirred in her heart.
"Fair point. Let's leave it at that, then." You Feng shrugged. If Ma Qingxue didn't mind, why should he care?
"Great. If you have any other questions, just reach out to me. Here is my contact information. During your stay at the Vocational Academy, I'll be here to help you resolve any issues," the counselor said with a warm smile, taking his leave shortly after.
"Phew, I'm exhausted. Why did you have to antagonize everyone the moment we arrived? Haven't you just turned yourself into public enemy number one?" Ma Qingxue asked with a furrowed brow.
"Isn't that for the best? This way, you can investigate the stone tablet in peace. I won't be involved with the tablet, but if people are constantly breathing down your neck, would you even have time to look for it?" You Feng replied calmly.
"You actually make a lot of sense. Well, I'd better pick my room first!" Ma Qingxue felt a sudden warmth swell in her chest. He really was looking out for her. To hide the blush rising to her cheeks, she turned and hurried into the bedrooms.
You Feng blinked, then chuckled softly.
Still, were these Nine Rakshasas really at the absolute pinnacle of their respective attributes? Just how strong would that make them?
He certainly didn't underestimate them. Anyone who could reach such standing was bound to be formidable.
"Master... your disciple wants to come out," Mana whispered softly into You Feng's ear from behind, her lips practically grazing his skin.
"No way. If you materialize right now, how am I supposed to explain it?" You Feng spread his hands helplessly.
"Then I'll come out tonight..." Mana pouted her little lips.
"What would you do coming out at night? Besides, there are no spare rooms for you to sleep in," You Feng replied.
"Why would I need another room? I can just sleep with you! Being in spirit form means I can't cuddle Master, and that's no fun at all," Mana grumbled, puffing out her cheeks.
Hearing this, You Feng felt blood rush straight to his head. Sleep together? Who in the world could resist that?
"No. Even if we were to sleep together, not now."
"Wait, scratch that! We can't sleep together at all!" You Feng blurted, nearly blurting out his innermost thoughts.
"Why not?" Mana asked, pouting unhappily.
"Because I wouldn't be able to control myself," You Feng coughed awkwardly.
"Why do you need to control yourself?" Mana blinked her curious eyes, completely oblivious to what he meant.
"..." You Feng was rendered speechless.
Once they finished tidying up their rooms, the two headed over to the academy's registration desk.
While they filled out the paperwork, the young man behind the counter stared at You Feng as if he had just discovered a brand new continent.
"Are you that Child of God, You Feng?" the clerk asked.
"I'm just You Feng," he answered indifferently.
"Huh. You don't look like someone who likes to flaunt himself. Why talk so big the moment you got here? What an odd guy."
"Pick an attribute teaching building, and I'll take you over in a bit. By the way, my name is Xiao Guang..." Xiao Guang was a rather short boy, but unlike many of the others, he lacked any arrogant airs.
"Should we pick the WIND Attribute?" Ma Qingxue asked, blinking thoughtfully.
"But I don't run a WIND Attribute deck..." You Feng said with a slight frown.
"Actually, you've misunderstood. The Wind Attribute Building doesn't strictly require you to play a WIND Attribute deck; it's just that most students there do. Anyone interested in learning more about the WIND Attribute can study there. As long as you pass the evaluation, you can switch buildings anytime to learn about other attributes," Xiao Guang explained.
"Whatever works, then. Not like I'm here to study anyway," You Feng remarked, speaking nothing but the truth.
"Then let's go with the WIND Attribute," Ma Qingxue decided after a moment of thought.
"To be honest, that's what puzzles me," Xiao Guang said, scratching his head. "The Wind Rakshasa already has a massive grudge against you two. I can understand your boyfriend being reckless, but as his girlfriend, shouldn't you be trying to stop them from dueling?"
"I-I'm not his girlfriend...!" Flustered, Ma Qingxue blushed crimson and hurried to correct him.
"Uh... sorry! You two look so good together that I just assumed you were a couple," Xiao Guang stammered, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.
Secretly, another flutter of joy warmed Ma Qingxue's heart, though she made sure not to let it show.
"Alright, let's head out. I'll take you to the Wind Attribute Building. Just... please, try not to pick any more fights, okay? I scare easily..." Xiao Guang pleaded. He was terrified that the Wind Rakshasa's wrath might fall onto his head; losing his job would be bad enough, but having to pay out of his own pocket would be a nightmare.
You Feng merely smiled, tacitly agreeing. After all, drawing the aggro had been the plan all along.
Was the Wind Rakshasa really that terrifying?
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