No! I don't want to be a Super Necromancer!

Damien leaned back in his chair, eyes half-closed as he quietly listened to the announcement blaring from the holo-screen mounted above the cafeteria hall.

Beside him, Elly, the newly-named fox girl, now dressed neatly in Pearl Institute's uniform, swung her legs cheerfully, munching on a sweet bun.

"...The governments of China and the European Empire have agreed to end the decade-long conflict with a decisive, high-stakes battle," the announcer declared gravely. "Seven against seven. No participant older than twenty-five. China stakes Mongolia while Europe stakes the entirety of Russia."

The cafeteria erupted in shock, surprise, and excitement all at once.

"They're putting national borders on the line in a single duel?" Fatty shouted, eyes wide. "That's insane."

"Not just insane. It's genius," Ji Chen said softly, frowning deeply. "Both sides are exhausted. Neither wants to drag this out further. A decisive battle like this... It's ruthless, but it makes sense."

Jiang Xiao Yu sat silently, her face pale yet her eyes blazing fiercely. She knew what this meant. "They're gambling the future of millions on seven individuals."

"But imagine the glory," Ji Chen breathed, fists clenched, his gaze burning with ambition. "Whoever represents China will become legends overnight."

Damien merely observed quietly, already feeling the storm of intent and competition brewing in the hall.

He then sighed deeply. He had a feeling that he would be joining the fight, regardless of his opinions.

Nearby, students began murmuring excitedly.

"Did you hear? They're organizing a nationwide tournament immediately to pick the strongest representatives," someone called from another table.

"It'll be city-wide elimination rounds first," a third-year student said eagerly. "Then regional semi-finals. The top fifty fighters nationwide will battle it out in Beijing for those seven coveted spots."

Professor Kong Hu stormed into the cafeteria, his normally stern face flushed with fervent energy.

"All students, listen closely! Pearl Institute has been granted special permission! Any student who believes themselves strong enough, regardless of year, may register for the preliminary selection rounds immediately. Do not waste this opportunity!"

Cheers erupted from the older students, the cafeteria filling instantly with fevered energy. Those previously uninterested now buzzed with ambition, excitement, and tension.

Suddenly, Captain Lin Zhong's booming voice echoed from the doorway. "Damien Bloodbane!"

Every eye in the cafeteria turned sharply to Damien.

Captain Lin approached swiftly, ignoring the murmurs of curiosity around them. "The top brass have specifically requested that you register. After your recent performances, it's not optional."

"As I expected." Damien smiled wryly.

Captain Lin chuckled darkly, nodding approvingly. "Good. It seems the rumors about you aren't exaggerated after all."

Damien sighed again internally.

He had expected attention after the recent mission, but joining the fight against Europe would definitely propel him to the top and even headline the news for weeks.

There goes his peace and quiet.

He glanced at Elly, who blinked up at him with wide, innocent eyes.

"Master's going to fight again?" Elly asked innocently, tilting her head slightly.

He patted her head softly. "Looks like it."

Around the cafeteria, whispers flew.

"Damien's registering? Well, there goes one of those seven spots."

"Isn't he still just a first-year?"

"Yeah, but have you seen him fight? He practically wiped out a beast army by himself!"

The gossip intensified.

Nearby, Jiang Xiao Yu quietly stood, her expression calm yet resolute. "I'll register as well."

Captain Lin Zhong smiled approvingly. "I expected nothing less from the both of you. China needs you."

Damien stood up slowly, eyes calm yet sharp. "Fine. If it has to be done, might as well do it right."

Captain Lin laughed out loud, clapping Damien on the shoulder. "That's the spirit!"

As the buzz grew louder, Damien glanced thoughtfully out the cafeteria window, toward the distant horizon.

War loomed.

Not just the threat of beasts, but now this decisive showdown with Europe. Everything he'd done so far was merely preparation.

Elly tugged his sleeve gently, breaking his reverie. "Will master become a legend too?"

He smiled faintly. "I suppose we'll find out soon enough."

But deep inside, Damien Bloodbane already knew the answer.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The registration hall was packed.

Pearl Institute had transformed its central amphitheater into a fully automated entry station, with dozens of holographic terminals projecting rules and forms.

Lines snaked in every direction, some for individual applicants, others for pair registrations or full seven-man squads. Cadets shouted, jostled, and filled the air with anticipation so thick it could be cut with a blade.

Damien stepped through the archway quietly, flanked by Fatty and Elly.

"Wow," Fatty muttered, glancing around at the bustling sea of bodies. "Feels like we're signing up for war. Oh wait… we are."

They approached one of the terminals. A cold, metallic voice welcomed them.

"Please select registration category: Solo, Duo, or Team."

Damien didn't hesitate. He reached out to select Solo, while Fatty and Elly chose Duo.

"Hey, are we really going with this?" Fatty asked as he looked over at Damien. "Me and her? I mean, I'm down, but are you sure?"

"You'll be fine," Damien said, eyes scanning the registry screen. "She's terrifying. You're annoying. That makes for a balanced duo."

"I'm adorable," Elly corrected with a bright smile.

At that moment, footsteps approached behind them. Damien turned just as Jiang Xiao Yu arrived, her long hair tied up neatly, her robe replaced with simple combat gear.

"I'm registering with you," she said softly.

After the mission to Emerald Pine Basin, Jiang Xiao Yu had treated him slightly differently.

More gentle and more… Expectant, for some reason.

Damien blinked. "You sure?"

Before she could reply, a new voice interrupted them.

"Jiang Xiao Yu."

It was Principal Tian Long.

He stood in his ceremonial robes, face unreadable as always, but his presence made the crowd hush slightly. Even among hundreds of cadets, his appearance drew attention.

Jiang Xiao Yu turned. "Principal."

"Your mother requests your presence immediately. You're to return home."

Her brows furrowed. "Now? I'm about to—"

"Not possible," Tian Long interrupted. "Your father… he—"

He didn't finish.

But whatever he was about to say made Jiang Xiao Yu's face go pale.

She froze for only a second. Then she turned away from Damien and the others, walking briskly toward Tian Long. She didn't say goodbye.

Not even a glance back.

The trio watched her disappear into the crowd, swallowed by noise and light.

"…So it's just us three?" Fatty whispered after a long moment.

Damien didn't answer.

Elly pouted. "I liked her. She was calm. Pretty. Also strong enough not to die in three seconds."

"A monster," Fatty said, counting Damien. "A dragon." He jabbed a thumb at himself. "And a fox." He glanced at Elly. "Yeah. This is going to go great."

Damien finally nodded and tapped the confirm button.

[Registration Complete – 1 Solo Entry – Damien Bloodbane]

[Registration Complete – 1 Duo Entry – Fatty & Elly]

The screen shimmered, sealing their entries.

A soft ping announced their assignment.

"Your first matches will be held tonight. Combat Arena 3. Check-in begins at 19:00. Good luck."

Fatty exhaled slowly, cracking his knuckles. "So… tonight, huh?"

Damien was already turning to leave. "Get some rest. You'll need it."

"Wait, you're not going to tell us our strategy? Our plan?" Fatty called after him.

"You've got ten hours," Damien said without looking back. "Figure it out."

Elly tilted her head thoughtfully, eyes following Damien's retreating back. Then she turned to Fatty and smiled wide.

"Wanna practice throwing me at people like a bomb?"

Fatty blinked. "Wait... What?"

"C'mon!" she beamed. "It'll be fun!"