Although he was extremely reluctant, Tang San knew he had no choice. The teachers all seemed pleased, and it was Dean Flender who had given the order. He could only hope that as a fellow student, Dai Mubai wouldn't dare to cause him too much trouble.
"Okay, since there are no objections, the pairs are now set," Flender announced, his voice carrying across the quiet playground. "You will all begin the second phase of your training tomorrow, but there are a few rules you must remember."
"First, you are forbidden from revealing your real appearance or name to your opponents during a spirit battle. All fights will be conducted under a codename." Flender had thought this through carefully. The students of Shrek Academy were exceptionally young and talented. A thirteen-year-old like Huo Feng reaching the Spirit Elder realm was the kind of news that would shock the entire spirit master world. Once they became famous in the Great Spirit Arena, it was only a matter of time before the Spirit Hall came knocking. Flender wanted nothing to do with that troublesome organization.
The students nodded in understanding.
"Your codenames will be simple," Flender continued. "I've chosen numbers, as they are the easiest to remember. Listen carefully and memorize yours."
"Huo Feng, you are Shrek One!" "Dai Mubai, Shrek Two!" "Xiao Wu, Shrek Three!" "Zhu Zhuqing, Shrek Four!" "Ma Hongjun, Shrek Five!" "Oscar, Shrek Six!" "Ning Rongrong, Shrek Seven!" "And Tang San, Shrek Eight!"
The eight students were ranked from one to eight. Flender's criteria for the ranking was simple: it was based on their overall strength. Huo Feng was naturally number one, with Dai Mubai following closely behind. As auxiliary spirit masters, Oscar and Ning Rongrong were placed near the end. As for Tang San, having just joined and possessing questionable strength, he was ranked last.
Everyone silently committed their new codenames to memory. However, one person was clearly dissatisfied with his assignment: Tang San.
He was ranked last.
Under normal circumstances, he might have been able to endure it. But what Tang San found unbearable was being ranked behind Oscar and Ning Rongrong, two auxiliary spirit masters. Didn't this imply that he was even less useful than them? Who could possibly tolerate such an insult? It was clear that Tang San was still unable to grasp the reality of his current abilities. In his present state, he wasn't much different from a support-type master himself. While Oscar and Ning Rongrong provided buffs, Tang San could, at best, be considered a support with some minor control abilities. His control skills didn't last long, his damage was negligible, and he couldn't take a hit. He was a collection of shortcomings.
Yu Xiaogang's brief moment of happiness vanished, and his long face fell once again. He suppressed his anger, struggling to maintain his image in front of the other teachers and students. He tried to convince himself that this was just a temporary arrangement.
Just then, Flender took out eight prepared masks from his spirit tool bracelet. "It's up to you how you choose to fight, but you must wear these. Here, one for each of you." He added, "Also, speak as little as possible on stage. Try not to let your opponents guess your age."
Dai Mubai took the stack of masks and began distributing them. When he finally handed one to Tang San, he gave him a look so cold it made Tang San flinch. It was clear that Dai Mubai had already become a source of immense fear for him. The masks were all identical, designed in the image of the green monster that was the logo of Shrek Academy.
"Next, I will briefly explain the arrangement for the team battles," Flender said, his tone serious. "Because Tang San is new to Shrek Academy and unfamiliar with everyone's abilities, and considering his record of losing both of his previous matches in the Soto Great Spirit Arena, I have decided to temporarily assign him as a substitute. The other seven of you will be the starting members for the team battles!"
Hearing Flender's words, even the usually composed Huo Feng almost lost his composure. Tang San went through all that trouble to join Shrek Academy, only to end up as a substitute? If he wasn't so good at managing his expressions, he would have burst out laughing. What was the difference between this and not joining at all? As long as the main seven remained healthy, Tang San would be a substitute forever.
The expressions of the other students changed subtly. They couldn't be too obvious with the teachers present, but they knew they would have a good laugh about it later in private.
As for Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, their faces were monuments of ugliness. The situation was made worse by the fact that they had to live in Soto City and pay for their own food and lodging. If Tang San didn't participate in spirit battles, he wouldn't earn any money. They wouldn't even be able to afford a place to stay.
Yu Xiaogang's face grew even darker. He was incredibly dissatisfied with Flender's arrangement, but he couldn't find any fault in his logic. It was an undeniable fact that Tang San's strength was weaker than the others. Yu Xiaogang's throat tightened, but in the end, he said nothing.
"If there are no further questions, you are dismissed. Gather on the playground tomorrow morning to head to Soto City and begin your training!" Flender finished with a nod of satisfaction. This training method was something he had thought about for a long time. Known for his stinginess, he was pleased that the students would be earning their own money for food and lodging, relieving him of any financial pressure while simultaneously improving their practical experience.
After they were dismissed, the students broke off into their usual groups. Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun walked away with undisguised mockery on their faces, pointing and laughing in Tang San and Yu Xiaogang's direction. Huo Feng, walking with the girls, was more subtle, his sarcastic remarks cleverly disguised as praise.
Tang San and his teacher stood alone, their faces as dark as if they'd been digging coal. They walked side by side in silence for a long time.
Finally, Yu Xiaogang, who had been holding it in, could bear it no longer. "Tang San," he began, his voice low and intense, "with your strength, you are definitely more than just a substitute." He started his classic brainwashing, feeding his disciple the only comfort he knew. "You have to understand, your talent is greater than any of theirs!"
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