After recalling Sam to her summoning space, Lin Yunyi quickly tidied herself up and stepped out the door.
With the Mask ability, she could transform into anyone—so long as she had a vivid image in mind.
Indulging her own whims, she morphed into Sparkle's iconic look, complete with a cherry blossom hair clip.
She wore a plum blossom fox mask—white on the left, red on the right. Her fiery red floral mini-dress shimmered with vibrant energy, cinched at the waist with a transparent bead. Red string wrapped delicately around her fair, slender legs, and low-heeled wooden shoes framed her dainty feet with elegance.
In the bustling city streets, her outfit stood out like a cosplay ensemble dropped into a sea of everyday pedestrians.
Even her gait mimicked Sparkle's—light-footed, playful, and brimming with joy.
But Lin Yunyi paid no mind to the stares. Her thoughts were consumed by one thing: how to make money fast.
"In a world full of Ability Users… strength and background are everything, right?"
She rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought.
Her current Realm was Bronze One-Star. Sam's was the same.
Typically, newly Awakened Ability Users enrolled in academies to learn combat techniques, undergo physical training, and eventually take on missions.
Over two centuries ago, the world had changed. Creatures mutated into violent monsters known as Yao Beasts. Humanity, on the brink of collapse, discovered Awakening—and with it, the rise of Ability Users.
Led by these gifted individuals, humans reclaimed their cities, built towering walls, and pushed the Yao Beasts back.
Missions became a way of life—hunting Yao Beasts to gain experience and keep their numbers in check.
Lin Yunyi had considered this path.
But without strength or backing, even a slightly stronger Yao Beast could spell disaster.
"Wait… the gacha system includes upgrade materials, doesn't it?"
She paused in front of a tall building.
"System, check inventory."
A panel appeared before her eyes:
[Inventory]
[Wandering Guide (Elementary) ×8] – For character cultivation below Silver
[Wandering Guide (Intermediate) ×1] – For character cultivation below Platinum
"Experience books, just as I thought."
She nodded, analyzing the contents.
According to her knowledge, Ability User Realms were ranked: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Star Glory—and above that, Supreme.
Thankfully, the original Lin Yunyi had been a diligent student. Her grasp of the basics helped her adapt quickly.
"Let's see how far Sam can go with eight Elementary Guides…"
She opened the character panel and fed the books to Sam.
[Consumed Wandering Guide (Elementary) ×8]
[Sam's Realm upgraded to Bronze Three-Star]
[Next upgrade requires Wandering Guide (Elementary) ×2]
"So ten books take him to Bronze Four-Star… but why am I still Bronze One-Star?"
She frowned.
[Host's Realm can only be upgraded by completing missions. Summoned characters follow a different path.]
"Figures. So what missions do I have?"
[None yet.]
Lin Yunyi: …
She rolled her eyes and checked Sam's stats. Visually, Bronze Three-Star Sam looked the same as before.
But the system's analysis revealed that Bronze upgrades only enhanced physical attributes.
If Sam could punch down one cow before, now he could punch down three.
Just an analogy, of course.
Only upon reaching Silver would Sam unlock elemental abilities—like Firefly IV: Complete Combustion.
"So I'm short on money and star rubies. Great. Time to hustle."
She remained optimistic. After all, she had a system now.
"First, I'll register at the Ability Academy. Even if the deadline passed, I should qualify as an Acquired Awakener."
With that, she headed toward Tianhuan Academy.
Registration went smoothly. As a summoning-type Ability User, all she had to do was summon Sam.
The moment the mech appeared, the teacher in charge nearly dropped his clipboard.
Most summoners called forth Yao Beasts. A mech? That was a first.
After completing the paperwork, Lin Yunyi officially became a student of Tianhuan Academy.
Just then, a boy and girl in academy uniforms strolled out, arms linked like a couple straight out of a drama.
Lin Yunyi's eyes narrowed.
She recognized the girl—or rather, the original Lin Yunyi did.
Back in high school, this girl had bullied her relentlessly, mocking her for being an orphan.
"Well, well. Isn't it little Lin? What are you doing at the gates of Lin City's First Ability Academy?"
The girl's tone dripped with sarcasm.
"You know her?" the boy asked, eyeing Lin Yunyi with interest.
He wore silver chains and gold rings—your classic rich playboy.
His eyes widened at the sight of Lin Yunyi. Clearly, he hadn't expected someone so stunning.
"Her? Jiang Ge, she's just an orphan. Didn't even Awaken last week. A total nobody. Unlike me—I Awakened a wind-type ability."
She shot Lin Yunyi a smug look.
"Unlike some people who have to beg at the academy gates…"
"An orphan?" Jiang Ge stroked his chin, intrigued.
Lin Yunyi blinked, sizing them up.
The girl was Huang Na. Jealous of Lin Yunyi's looks, she'd made her life miserable in school.
She wasn't alone—she had a clique.
"Jiang Ge, don't waste your time. Just looking at her dirties your eyes. The freshman banquet's about to start. Let's go."
Huang Na clung to him, acting spoiled.
"Move it, you little tramp. Don't block the way."
She tried to kick Lin Yunyi, but Lin Yunyi sidestepped effortlessly.
The boy didn't press the issue. He and Huang Na climbed into a sleek black sedan and drove off.
"Freshman banquet?"
Lin Yunyi ignored the insults. Watching the car disappear, a mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes.
Suddenly, the system chimed:
[Ding! Host has successfully joined Tianhuan Academy. Novice mission activated!]
Option One: Register at the Ability User Association and accept a Bronze Yao Beast hunt.
Reward: 800 star rubies, Realm upgrade to Bronze Two-Star.
Option Two: As a true Sparkle, embrace the Path of Joy. The freshman banquet promises chaos—why not stir things up?
Reward: 1600 star rubies, Realm upgrade to Bronze Three-Star, Spiritual Artifact: Cloak of Invisibility.
Lin Yunyi's eyes gleamed.
She didn't even glance at Option One.
"Oh my, I remember all those bullies got into Tianhuan Academy too. If she's here, the rest must be too…"
Her lips curled into a wicked smile as she slowly donned her fox mask.
"Time for a little entertainment~"