In the few days after the practical combat test ended, Aisha, having avoided the expulsion crisis, saw her life return to its former tranquility.
It was almost just daily school attendance, completing homework after class, and then going to the library to learn various kinds of knowledge with Senpai Irena.
Although very plain, as a student, this was how it should be.
Aisha also greatly enjoyed this fulfilling life without having to worry about academic points.
Especially now with You Ling's company added, Aisha wouldn't feel lonely even after returning to her single dormitory room.
When she couldn't fall asleep late at night, Aisha would habitually chat with You Ling.
Of course, it was basically Aisha talking non-stop by herself, with You Ling only occasionally replying with an 'Mm' to indicate he was listening.
Even so, Aisha never tired of it. She told You Ling many things about her childhood, about the Carlos family, and about her older sister.
Among them, the matter of Aisha's older sister made You Ling feel quite empathetic.
As the eldest daughter of the Carlos family, she excelled in all aspects, and Aisha also loved her sister very much.
But just because on this Elf Continent, she didn't have the Elven Eye and couldn't become a Duelist. No matter how outstanding Aisha's sister was, she couldn't manage to revitalize the Carlos family.
That's why Aisha shouldered the heavy burden, becoming the last hope of the Carlos family.
"I also have a good sister, but that was all from my previous life."
During that night's chat, You Ling rarely answered Aisha with just 'Mm mm mm'.
This made Aisha even more enthusiastic, chattering almost all night about her sister.
It also simultaneously led to Aisha, lacking sleep, falling fast asleep during the daytime dueling class for the first time.
So much so that when asked by Teacher Aileen when Quick-Play Spell Cards could be used, Aisha's answer was 'can be used in duels'.
"Not a completely correct answer, after all, outside of duels, you could also use Quick-Play Spell Cards as throwing weapons. Then, remember to copy the correct answer to this question fifty times, student Aisha Yuna."
Maintaining a harmless-to-people-and-animals smile, Teacher Aileen unhesitatingly delivered divine punishment.
[Quick-Play Spell Cards can be used at any time during your turn. Or they can be set on the field and used at any time during the opponent's turn, like Trap Cards.]
The girl is copying...
Even with some small setbacks, it's undeniable that Aisha preferred her academy life after You Ling's arrival even more.
But the only change that made Aisha vaguely uneasy was that in the recent few days, she always felt someone was secretly following her from behind. And it seemed like more than one person.
——Aisha's intuition was not wrong.
At this time, it was Tuesday afternoon, after school let out. Aisha was on her way to the Fusion Academy library.
And behind Aisha, by the stone pier on the left, Kevin, who had already started secretly following Aisha three days ago, was hiding.
"Aisha Yuna Carlos, no matter how you look at her, she's just an ordinary woman. Completely lacks that destined rival feeling from the duel. Could it be, it really was just my wishful thinking... Impossible! How could I, the dignified grade NO.1, possibly lose to an ordinary woman!"
Here was Kevin, still in a state of confusion, not knowing how exactly he should view Aisha.
If You Ling knew, he could probably explain that Kevin was experiencing 'don't fight, won't become acquainted' , preparing to treat him like a brother.
However, Kevin didn't know about You Ling's existence, only knowing Aisha as a girl.
You Ling also didn't know Kevin's thoughts, only knowing that he had been following Aisha for the past few days.
At the same time, behind Aisha, by the stone pier on the right, was the second follower——
Aisha's childhood friend, Yilin Austin, was trying hard to make her eye-catching red hair less conspicuous.
"Ah, Student Lin, you're here. We were just looking for you."
However, no matter how she hid, the red-haired Yilin was still easily discovered by a first-year classmate.
It was a girl wearing thick, black-framed glasses.
"Our Magic Club has a competition today, we wanted to ask if Student Lin could come help out?"
The reason Yilin could become the first year's social butterfly was inseparable from her own exceptional talent and abilities.
Although not top-tier, the girl who was proficient in sports, studies, and card playing undoubtedly received favor from various clubs in Fusion Academy.
Yilin hadn't joined any single club, but would step in to help various clubs when needed, thereby accumulating connections and becoming the socialite in everyone's eyes.
However, this time, Yilin didn't respond enthusiastically to the Magic Club's invitation, choosing instead to mutter to herself.
"Xiao Ai has been really strange lately. Not only did her dueling style change drastically, but she actually fell asleep in class. This is simply not something Xiao Ai would do!"
Even though Yilin, at the end of the duel, kept telling herself not to overthink.
But ultimately, looking at the result, she still couldn't convince herself.
After all, having grown up with Aisha since childhood, Yilin understood Aisha too well.
From the details of Aisha's daily gestures, Yilin could guess what color panties Aisha wore today.
It was this exaggerated level of understanding; after Aisha was influenced by You Ling, it was impossible for Yilin not to notice something strange.
But at the same time, Yilin had no evidence. Every time she pretended to casually probe with questions, she would be fobbed off by Aisha with very clumsy acting, getting away with it by acting cute.
She could only follow secretly.
Yilin, having thought of this method, just like Kevin, started following Aisha three days ago.
Of course, just like Kevin, she was also in a state of having gained nothing.
Because Aisha's daily movements followed the same pattern as before, with no difference. It was nothing more than a three-point line between the classroom, cafeteria, and library, and then obediently returning to the dormitory after the library closed.
"Damn it, no openings at all." Yilin, unwillingly biting her thumb, her expression gradually became serious.
The more this resembled a perfect crime atmosphere, the more it made Yilin unable to help but suspect.
"Student Lin?" Seeing Yilin constantly muttering to herself since just now, the girl from the Magic Club asked with concern.
"Xiao Ai, she couldn't have been swapped out, right?" After asking and answering herself, Yilin also noticed the girl beside her, "I say, do you believe magic exists in this world?"
"Ah, this, magic... Of course I believe. I'm from the Magic Club..."
Stumped by Yilin's sudden and inexplicable question, the girl from the Magic Club didn't know how to answer for a moment.
"I mean, magic similar to (Gu witchcraft/black magic), more bizarre, capable of changing a person's mind."
"That's outside my area of expertise then. Student Lin, you should go ask the Curse Arts Club."
"Tsk, no other way then." Yilin clicked her tongue.
Having followed for so many days without discovering any flaws, the only blind spot remaining now was the period after Aisha returned to the dormitory at night.
This was also where Yilin had an advantage over Kevin.
"I'll go sleep over with Xiao Ai tonight."