The arena fell silent as the spectators stared at the beautiful hybrid woman. Most had never seen someone so beautiful in their lives, more so emphasized by the kafu’s natural charms. But, even more shocking was the woman’s identity. Soul Society sent a hybrid as their representative? What in the world was going on?

“Is this a joke?” Only the Grand Tutor had the authority and presence to voice the crowd’s misgivings. “Do you know the punishment for impersonating a Soul Society representative?”

The kafu coldly smiled and fished out a badge from her robes. She then tossed the badge to the Grand Tutor and said, “Here, you may verify it yourself.”

The Grand Tutor caught the badge with a worried expression. Seeing as she handed it over willingly, he did not doubt her identity. Still, to fulfill all righteousness, he held it out to a soldier, who promptly confirmed her identity with a scanner.

After receiving the guard’s confirmation, the Grand Tutor forced a smile as he walked over and politely returned the badge. “My apologies for the disrespect, Representative. My lack of experience clouded my judgment.”

“It is alright, Grand Tutor. I understand your confusion.” The kafu smiled as she pocketed the badge and then said, “However, I advise you to get used to this sight. You will be seeing many more hybrid representatives in the near future.”

The Grand Tutor’s heart trembled as he quickly put two and two together. “Then, the Central Continent?”

“Yes. It is as you fear.” The Representative nodded and then glanced at Rao Wu. “The war is not going as smoothly as humanity hoped. The beastkin started openly recruiting and training hybrids a few years ago. As a result, the balance has begun to tilt, so humanity has to adjust.” The Representative fished out a scroll from a spatial ring and then unfurled it. “All Soul Academies, upon advisement from Soul Society shall henceforth accept and train hybrids with the same curriculum and treatment offered to humans.”

The Grand Tutor’s eyes turned cold as he glared at the Representative. “Are you not overstepping your boundaries? Soul Society shall not interfere with the governance and laws of the populace. Is that not the agreement upon which your organization exists?”

“We are not overstepping our boundaries.” The Representative put the scroll in her ring as she explained, “We will not interfere with your laws regarding hybrid treatment and ownership. However, Soul Academy and her partner, Soul Society, reserve the right to protect their trainers, students, and alumni against abuse and targeted harassment. This protection extends to laws that promote abuse and harassment against its agents. I am sure you are aware of this.”

The Grand Tutor gritted his teeth. The Representative was not blowing hot air. Indeed, Soul Society had drafted numerous agreements with the various kingdoms to protect itself and prevent Soul Society from becoming a shadow government. Some of these agreements hampered Soul Society’s autonomy in these regions, but others protected Soul Society from potentially harmful or unreasonable laws.

For example, Soul Society paid a fixed 12% tax in all cities and kingdoms. It did not matter if there was an increased tax because of war or something else. No one could raise or lower Soul Society’s tax rates.

In effect, Soul Society’s new directive would protect any hybrids that became students from forced servitude. Furthermore, not even a King would be spared if they dared to attack Soul Society’s students – openly at least.

That said, there was, of course, a difference in how Soul Society investigated its students’ affairs. A mediocre student would only warrant a mediocre investigation. However, attacking an Elite Student or a high-ranking Soul Society worker could bring the entire continent down on a person or organization’s head.

The Grand Tutor knew the Representative had chosen to protect Rao Wu since she decided to reveal this directive at this precise moment. However, the old man’s pride would not let him eat this loss calmly. “We shall obey the directive, but this child is not yet a student. Furthermore, his assassination attempt is a crime he must answer for, even if he was a student.”

“Did I not ask you not to embarrass yourself further?” For the first time, the Representative scowled, causing the Grand Tutor to feel a terrifying pressure on his soul. However, she then looked away and then looked to the crowd. She held out her hand, and someone handed her a microphone, which she brought to her lips.

“Soul Society deeply regrets the unfortunate event that you witnessed. However, I assure you that there was no assassination attempt on the Second Prince’s life.” The Representative warmly smiled as she held up her hand to calm the boisterous spectators. “This was an accident on both parties’ part. As you heard, the Second Prince offered to contract this child, Rao Wu. However, the child warned that no one could contract him due to a protective soul seal. The Second Prince misunderstood Rao Wu’s gentle rejection and instead tried to brute force a slave contract, hoping it would shatter the protective seal. Unfortunately, the seal proved to be too powerful, and it resulted in a heavy backlash.”

The Representative sighed and then shook her head. “This was a case of misunderstandings, nothing more. Fortunately, the Second Prince’s life is not in any danger. With a few months of bed rest, he should be good as new. I hope this unfortunate event does not sour what has been an otherwise enjoyable and fun tournament for the ages.”

The Grand Tutor wanted to speak, but the Representative’s death glare froze any outbursts. He knew this was the final chance. Despite not needing to, the Representative gave an explanation that absolved both parties and kept the royal family’s face intact. If he still chose to cross her, she might just destroy the Bu clan’s reputation.

The Grand Tutor, thus, shut his eyes for a moment to calm himself. A few moments later, he looked at the Representative with a pleasant smile. “Thank you for intervening, Representative Xun. At my old age, it is harder to contain my emotions. If you do not mind, I must excuse myself to attend the Second Prince and report these events to the king.”

Representative Xun warmly smiled and then bowed as she said, “Many thanks for your understanding, Grand Tutor. Please pay my respects to the king. We… have something of a history. It would be pleasant to catch up.”

The Grand Tutor’s smile blossomed. As expected of their king. He even had contacts within Soul Society’s headquarters! The Grand Tutor excitedly bowed and then left the arena, no doubt to quickly meet his king and drop his report.

The Representative’s smile dimmed as she watched the Grand Tutor disappear. A flicker of rage flashed in her eyes but then quickly faded as she turned to look at Rao Wu. “Congratulations, child. You exceeded all our expectations. How does it feel being the winner of this grand competition?”

“Hey, do I know you?”

Rao Wu’s sudden question took the Representative off-guard. Shaking her head, she sweetly answered, “I do not see how that would be possible.”

“I know, right? I never forget a smell.” Rao Wu muttered to himself. “But you kinda smell familiar, and you also knew my name. Who told you my name?”

“You’re an inquisitive one, aren’t you?” Representative Xun lightly chuckled, her pleasant smile stealing the crowd’s hearts. “For your first question, we gray kafus are rare, so my scent may be similar to someone you smelled in the past. You probably have not been exposed to enough of us to differentiate between individuals. For your second question—” She gently glanced at Xian Da and Lu Lin. “Your soul pets called you by name a few times. I must say, I have never met warrior and general-rank soul pets that could speak the common tongue. I’ll have to ask how you managed it in private.”

Rao Wu frowned and looked at Xian Da. “Did you guys say my name?”

Xian Da shook his head. “I don’t remember. It’s possible, I guess. Only Lin’er calls you master.”

Rao Wu scratched his head. He could not shake the feeling that he knew this woman, but his memories turned up blank. Seeing as she denied knowing him, Rao Wu decisively chalked it up to some malfunction. Maybe, as she said, gray kafus were just too rare.

Having made up his mind, Rao Wu calmed down. “Alright. Guess I really don’t know you. In that case—” He then held out his hand and said, “What’s my reward?” The trials had trained Rao Wu to expect remuneration for risking his life.

Representative Xun gently coughed in an attempt to kill the laughter that bubbled up her throat. Rao Wu’s innocent expectant gaze and outstretched hand were just too cute. Still, mindful of her post, the representative controlled herself and said, “This is not that type of tournament. The reward is a 70:30 split of the Eternal Spring Lake in favor of the monsters.”

“Really? That’s it?” Rao Wu did not bother hiding his disappointment. He had hoped to get something cool for overcoming a 10-man deficit, but he supposed it made sense. Since it was a team tournament, they could not give him individual rewards, which would undermine the others’ hard work.

“Do not worry. Your outstanding performance has netted you something better than any simple reward.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Representative Xun smiled as she observed Rao Wu’s bright eyes. Indeed, this child was straightforward in expressing his emotions. She liked it. “How would you like to join Soul Academy?”

“Soul Academy?” Rao Wu raised a brow in surprise. “You mean where Aeriole and the others learn?”

“Yes, the Von Basten heir is an Elite Student.” Representative Xun smiled as she continued, “With your performance, I can recommend you for the Elite course. You more than meet the requirements.”

Rao Wu was intrigued by the opportunity, but he remained cautious. “What do I gain from joining the Academy?”

“A safe place to grow for one.” Representative Xun smiled as she glanced at the crowd. “You cannot underestimate the identity of a Soul Academy student and the protections that come with it. Right now, you are a child with limitless potential. However, in the end, it’s just that: potential. Countless people, organizations, and powers will seek to either control or destroy you to prevent you from achieving that potential.”

Representative Xun’s eyes carried a hint of melancholy as she continued, “Many geniuses fell prey to schemes precisely because they did not have powerful backers. I assure you, as long as you do not commit some grave sin, Soul Academy is the best, impartial backer for a young soul trainer.” She then stretched her hand out as she added, “Also, all Soul Academy graduates get preferred entry into Soul Society’s official positions. If you truly want to experience all this world has to offer, you will need the resources and intel from a large organization like Soul Society.”

Rao Wu had to admit he liked the terms, but there was something that bothered him. “Will I still be allowed to go adventuring on my own? My uncle always said that only those who trained in the wild become the strongest. I don’t want to become a pretty flower raised in total safety.”

“Your uncle is wise.” Representative Xun glanced at the podium, where a groaning Twilight lay prone as his fur began to fall out. “Do not worry. Soul Academy is not interested in raising useless flowerpots, either. One day, we hope you will fight on the frontlines for humanity’s sake, after all. All Soul Academies give out monthly missions that can be carried out by willing students for money or honor points. You can then exchange those to get whatever resource you need, be they skills, weapons, soul crystals, and yes, even soul pets.”

“I don’t know about fighting for humanity’s sake, but the rest sounds nice.” Rao Wu thought about it and then said, “Can I have some time? I want to speak with my uncle and aunt.”

“You seem to hold your uncle in the highest regard.” Representative Xun revealed a bitter smile and then said, “You can join the Academy at any time. However, I will only be around for a week. You might find it more challenging to join the Elite course without my recommendation. A single decree cannot eliminate centuries of discrimination against hybrids, after all.” She fished out a business card and handed it to Rao Wu. “Look for me at Soul Society when you make up your mind. I will let them know to watch out for you.”

With those words, Representative Xun warmly smiled and then turned around. Along the way, she mouthed some indiscernible words to Midnight and exited the arena, leaving Rao Wu with his Aunt Midnight.

Faced with his aunt’s usual stoic gaze, Rao Wu nervously chuckled and scratched the back of his head as she approached. “Hehe~ Hi, Aunt Midnight. Sorry I took so long. I—”

Paff~

Rao Wu froze as Midnight rested her head on his shoulder and then pulled him close with her paw.

Tears welled up in Rao Wu’s eyes as he wrapped his hands around her broad neck and then buried his head in her fur. “I’m back, Aunt. I’m finally back.”

“Grrr~” Midnight softly growled as she hugged the rebellious child. Only now did she truly realize just how worried she’d been the past two years. Rao Wu was as much her child as Xian Da and the others. What mother would not worry when their child had gone on a dangerous trip that lasted over two years?

Boom!

An explosion suddenly rocked the stadium, forcing the two apart as they turned to stare at the podium with worried expressions. An enormous pressure burst out from the podium and then crashed down on everyone present, suffocating them under the tremendous soul energy.

“HAHAHAHA! My Nephew is the Best!” Boisterous laughter burst out from the podium as a Star Dusklight Wolf walked out, revealing himself to the world.

Twilight’s appeared, his fur once again darker than night. Shockingly, he had shed and grown a new coat of fur in a few minutes. The Star Dusklight Wolf had also grown taller and sported a more elegant, regal appearance like a king looking down on his subjects.

As the closest person to the pressure, Hao Ranhui’s expression turned ugly, with no small amount of fear reflected in his eyes. “I-Impossible! You! You evolved!?”

Twilight grinned as he winked at Hao Ranhui. “You guessed it. I am—”

At the same time, Hao Ranhui stammered, “Y-You are—”

Within the crowd, several influential figures murmured along with Rao Wu and Midnight. “He is—”

“AN EMPEROR!”