159. Invitation from Diaran
"The situation on the front lines is probably more brutal than we imagined."
Li Aozi pondered for a moment and shared his opinion:
"Generally speaking, mages need to be trained to the Zeta tier to be effective on interstellar battlefields. For example, controlling magic arrays, calibrating rapid-fire spells, boarding combat, direct engagement, and airborne operations all require Zeta tier to be destructive."
A Zeta-tier mage on Azure Star could destroy the surface in no time, but on interstellar battlefields, one person defends a line, with each comrade spaced several kilometers apart. Like waves, they must follow one another to muster the power for an assault.
"Aozi, what do you think?" Hobbes asked curiously.
"I think the space battlefield is probably over, and the next phase is ground warfare," Li Aozi speculated. "Ground wars require manpower. In space combat, information matters more than numbers. On the ground, when it comes to control and occupation, numbers are indispensable."
"I thought the same," Lucite said gravely. "Hobbes, Aozi, you two are from the Tower clan. Be more vigilant."
Hobbes dismissed the concern:
"Neither of us is registered in Trivira. The first conscription targets will definitely be spellcasters from the capital region. They have the highest soldier quality and education levels, needing only minimal training to go to war. They've been waiting for an opportunity to earn military merits."
"But Senior Karlwa, he's from a remote area," Lucite said worriedly. "I suspect the number of casualties on the front lines is far beyond imagination. To be honest, I haven't seen upperclassmen from our school since last week. Guess where they went?"
"Thinking about this is pointless," Li Aozi shook his head. "If it comes to that, no one can escape. The Crystal Tower won't back down from this war, nor will the Night Butterfly Federation. The fight for Corina Star has surpassed its original dispute over ownership to become a matter of political and strategic significance."
What's more, with so many deaths now, the original conflict has turned into a blood feud.
"Tsk, let's just hope we can graduate in peace…"
Hobbes clicked his tongue, picked up his coffee, and took a sip. Li Aozi's eyes caught something unusual—the ring on Hobbes' left middle finger.
"Hobbes, did you change your ring?"
Li Aozi pointed at the white ring on Hobbes' finger:
"I seem to remember you wearing a black one before?"
"Huh? Did I?"
Hobbes glanced at his hand, his face slightly changing. Li Aozi instantly caught the panic in his eyes.
"Ah, looks like cheap stuff. The color faded."
Hobbes waved his hand dismissively, pretending to be nonchalant.
"Oh, that's nothing. Come to my planet sometime; I'll get you a black pearl for a ring."
"Ha, as expected of Lucite, what a great buddy."
Li Aozi narrowed his eyes slightly.
Hobbes was feigning calm. His acting might fool the naive Lucite, but to a seasoned veteran like Li Aozi, it was a poor attempt.
[I've been curious… what kind of equipment emits mental energy? I've played so many games but never heard of such a thing.]
Although everyone has secrets, Li Aozi was still concerned.
If that thing was alive, it needed attention to prevent harm to his few friends.
As Li Aozi was contemplating how to borrow Hobbes' ring for a look, he suddenly noticed the other two fall silent, giving him strange looks.
"Hmm?"
Li Aozi was puzzled and touched his face, only to realize that Lucite and Hobbes were not looking at him but behind him.
Perplexed, Li Aozi turned around and met a pair of golden eyes.
Diaran, the Dragon Titan, was standing behind him, still exuding her cold and noble aura of unapproachable majesty.
"Oh, Diaran, good afternoon," Li Aozi greeted casually.
Li Aozi bore no ill will toward Diaran. Her true dragon pressure felt entirely different to someone like him, imbued with [Bloodline] Omega Energy. He even found her eating enthusiastically in the cafeteria last time oddly endearing.
Diaran scrutinized him briefly and then spoke:
"You've advanced to the Delta tier."
"Sort of," Li Aozi shrugged, glanced at her, and asked, "What about you? When did you reach the Delta tier?"
"Yesterday," Diaran replied. "There are four Delta-tier students in the first year. With you, that makes five."
"Hmm, not bad," Li Aozi said, sensing she wasn't here for small talk. He asked directly, "What brings you here?"
"I want to join Professor Kuitarna's workshop."
"Kuitarna!" Hobbes exclaimed. "She's from a family in the Supreme Council. Her future is limitless."
"Professor Kuitarna's 'Laurel Workshop' is the school's second-largest workshop. It specializes not only in theoretical magic but also in unlocking the power within bloodlines," Diaran explained. "However, Professor Kuitarna is eccentric. She only accepts paired partners, two people at a time."
"Uh, let me think…"
Li Aozi probed cautiously:
"Are you inviting me to be your partner?"
"Yes," Diaran nodded.
"May I ask why me? There are three other Delta tiers, aren't there?"
"I've already beaten the other three. They're too weak to keep up with me."
Diaran looked at Li Aozi and pulled out an information rune from her pocket:
"Whenever you're free, spar with me. I want to test your strength. Don't worry, you'll be compensated—20 credits."
Li Aozi initially wanted to refuse, finding it troublesome, but upon hearing "credits," he nodded immediately:
"Deal. I'm free tomorrow afternoon."
"Good," Diaran nodded. "You're the only one who's been this cooperative. Thank you."
Without further ado, Diaran turned and left.
"Hey, Aozi, are you really going to fight her?" Hobbes patted Li Aozi's shoulder nervously. "The Golden Princess doesn't hold back. If you treat her as an ordinary mage, you'll suffer."
"Exactly. Desperation for credits doesn't mean you should take anyone's offer," Lucite said with a twitching mouth. "That woman… When she enrolled, she indiscriminately attacked me and Beizhong Guiming. Even our heavy and sturdy Silus clan bodies were gravely injured by her single slap…"
"No need to worry. I know my limits. If I can't win, I'll surrender," Li Aozi said nonchalantly.
He had been itching for a fight lately. On Azure Star, Isaac's personality often handled matters alone, leaving Li Aozi with spare time to learn. His hands had been itching.
"It's time to test the results of my training."