Seraphina nodded, but she hesitated a bit. “It looks… not simple.”
It was a game that extremely tested one’s control over magic power. One had to guide ten “stars” as fine as dust particles using pure magic power alone, without any physical contact, letting them pass through a complex and dynamic maze.
Without allowing them to touch the maze walls, they ultimately had to converge into the groove at the maze’s center.
The stall owner was a senior student. At the moment, he was explaining the rules to others, but obviously, no one had succeeded yet.
Movira simply hummed in response and then stepped toward the stall.
Her arrival instantly quieted the noisy circle a bit. The aura she naturally exuded made the surrounding students unconsciously step back a certain distance.
“Let me try.”
Movira said to the student, but her eyes didn’t leave the prize.
The other was naturally delighted and immediately nodded, making way.
Under everyone’s gaze, Movira made no preparatory movements but opened her palm toward those ten “stars.”
The next moment, a jaw-dropping scene occurred.
All the scattered “stars” seemed to hear a command. In a short time, they rose uniformly into the air one by one, as if lifted by a gentle breeze.
Then, they “attacked” toward the maze entrance. Their speed was so fast that they formed a slender yet brilliant stream of stars.
They were extremely agile, as if infused with life, shuttling through those transparent obstacles with an elegant posture.
Not a single star fell behind, nor did any hit the wall. Even the magic power Movira released was just right, without leaking even a trace.
The entire process passed in an instant, just over ten seconds. Before the onlookers could react, they had already safely converged in the groove at the maze’s center.
Buzz—
The crystal maze trembled lightly, emitting a soft glow, signifying the challenge’s success.
The scene immediately fell into a momentary dead silence, followed by bursts of exclamations.
The student stared at Movira in astonishment. “You… you’re really amazing! Such elegant and powerful magic control! This prize is yours!”
He quickly took down the crystal and handed it to Movira along with the box.
This seemingly simple game was actually not low in difficulty. Using magic power to control these tiny “stars,” and even controlling ten at once.
Without some strength, it really couldn’t be done.
Moreover, Movira’s appearance wasn’t famous in the academy, so no one knew her true strength.
If some teachers came… well, they definitely wouldn’t be willing, and besides, which teacher would come play this?
Movira took it and immediately turned her head, looking at Seraphina, who was standing on the outskirts of the crowd and still a bit dazed.
She parted the crowd, walked to Seraphina, and placed the crystal in the other’s hand.
And just as Seraphina touched the slightly cool crystal, a excited voice suddenly rang out from the crowd. “That’s Professor Seraphina from the consultation wall!”
The gradually calming crowd was pushed to a climax again by this shout. Gazes swished over, all eyes intertwining together.
“Let’s go quickly!” Movira swiftly grabbed Seraphina’s arm, leading her through the crowd and turning into a relatively quiet corridor corner.
Seraphina leaned against the cool stone pillar, letting out a soft breath.
She raised her hand, gazing at the crystal in her palm that refracted fine starlight under the sun, and couldn’t help looking up at Movira.
“How did you do it?” she asked, referring to Movira’s absolutely exquisite magic control just now.
Movira looked at the brilliance reflected in her eyes, her mood inexplicably improving a bit. But her tone remained calm. “It’s nothing. This level… is as simple as eating and drinking.”
To her, this was indeed the truth, with no exaggeration.
“Yo, I was wondering why I couldn’t find you anywhere. Turns out you’re hiding here whispering sweet nothings.” A voice carrying amusement suddenly interjected.
The two turned their heads, only to see Dekalorin leaning against a corridor pillar at some point, her gaze sweeping back and forth between them.
Especially lingering a few seconds longer on the arm Movira had subconsciously used to shield Seraphina behind her.
Dekalorin stepped forward and stuffed a heavy coin pouch into Seraphina’s hand.
The clinking of gold coins inside made a crisp sound.
“Take it. At the festival, if you see any delicious food or fun little gadgets, don’t hold back. Consider it your… salary for these few days. Oh, right.”
She glanced at Movira and similarly gave her an equally weighted pouch.
“You get one too.”
“There’ll be a dance at the central square in a bit—very lively. Remember to come play.” Dekalorin didn’t wait for their responses and turned to leave. As she deliberately passed close to Movira, she quietly said to her.
“Have fun with your little sister. If it’s not enough, come find me again.”
Then, she turned with a smile, humming a light tune as she walked away.
Seraphina watched Dekalorin’s retreating figure from afar, unable to help thinking that the other was like those NPCs in games, always appearing at key moments…
She lowered her head to pinch the coin pouch, suddenly remembering something. “That… did that game require payment?”
“Hmm… that person didn’t ask for any. It was probably free.”
“Oh… alright.” Seraphina relaxed, her face regaining anticipation. “Then let’s go check over there. It’s also in the direction of the central square!”
This path had fewer people, perhaps because it wasn’t fully set up yet. There were quite a few sun umbrellas just erected along the roadside.
The two walked and stopped along the way, arriving at the central square in the blink of an eye.
It was even more open and lively here. The huge magic fountain changed colors, and melodious music was already playing.
“Whoa—!”
Seraphina was instantly captivated by the scene before her, her gaze sweeping over the rows of tables around, laden with various delicacies.
Her eyes finally landed on a plate of pale pink flower-shaped pastries.
“Want to try that?” Movira followed her gaze, catching the seemingly exquisite delicacy along with her.
“Mm.” Seraphina nodded, stars seeming to sparkle in her eyes.
“Alright, there are a few people over there. Wait here for me.”
Movira instructed, then turned toward the long table where the pastries were placed.
Seraphina obediently stood in place, basking in the warm sunlight and cheerful music, watching the endless stream of people in the lanes, an unconscious serene smile hanging on her lips.
However, this tranquility was soon broken.
A well-dressed, handsome young man approached, his demeanor elegant, making a standard courteous gesture toward Seraphina.
“Beautiful lady, I wonder if I have the honor to request the pleasure of your company for a dance together later?”
Seraphina’s smile froze. The man’s words caught her off guard. She wanted to refuse but didn’t know how to speak up.
But… the killing intent that followed, colder than a chill wind, spoke for her…