"Alright, that concludes the group assignments for the freshman assessment. Any questions?"
On the podium, Sun He had just finished reading the list of student groups for the upcoming test and was now scanning the classroom.
"No." Someone answered first, and soon the rest of the students echoed softly in agreement.
"Good. I'll be submitting the list shortly. Those of you in the same group should take some time after class to get acquainted—cooperation will be key during the assessment. Lastly, whether you pass or not, don't forget what you've learned over
these three months. One day, when you look back, perhaps you'll find it was all worth something."
And so, three months of training passed just like that.
Wang Nan's freshman experience wasn't filled with grand events—it ended quietly before he even realized it. Thinking back to that first day of class with Sun He felt as if it had just happened yesterday.
"Xiao Nan~ Want to have lunch together later?"
The sudden sing-song voice beside him sent a shiver down Wang Nan's spine. When they had first met, Gongyang Mo had been reserved enough. But after three months of living together, his true playful nature had completely come out, and he enjoyed teasing Wang Nan at every chance.
Wang Nan was about to answer when he noticed Wang Yan standing at the classroom door.
"Not today. Someone came to see me. Let's talk later this afternoon about the assessment strategy."
"Alright, I'll be waiting for you in the dorm~" Gongyang Mo said with a mischievous wink. Even the usually cool-tempered Wang Nan felt his composure falter a little.
"Second Uncle!" Wang Nan quickly walked to the doorway, pretending not to notice Gongyang Mo's grin.
"Come on, let's get lunch," Wang Yan said.
It wasn't the first time his uncle had dropped by. Over the past three months, he often came to check whether Wang Nan had adapted to academy life. After all, in his eyes, Wang Nan was still just a child going to school for the first time.
"The freshman assessment starts tomorrow, right? Has your teacher finalized the groups?"
"Yeah, they were just announced."
"Good. So, how do you feel—confident?"
Wang Nan thought for a moment, recalling his teammates, then nodded firmly.
"I think we can go for the championship."
"Oh?" Wang Yan raised a brow, intrigued. "You know, the assessment isn't just about individual skill. Team coordination is just as important."
"I know. I trust my teammates."
In truth, Wang Nan hadn't been determined to win first place—but his teammates were just too strong. One was naturally Gongyang Mo, his roommate. They knew each other well, one being a power-type and the other a support-type, making them an ideal pair.
The other was Ling Luochen. They hadn't spoken much, but from her name alone, Wang Nan knew she was far from ordinary—after all, she would one day become one of the future Shrek Seven Monsters.
Among freshmen, reaching level twenty soul power was already considered exceptional. But all three of them had surpassed that mark—and Gongyang Mo, in particular, was over level thirty, already a true Spirit Elder.
With such a lineup, how could they not aim for the championship?
"Confidence is good," Wang Yan said with a smile, "but don't let pressure get to you. Even if you don't win, as long as you perform well, you can still compete for a core disciple position."
As he spoke, Wang Yan led Wang Nan into the dining hall and ordered two meals from the most expensive window.
Shrek Academy's cafeteria had eight serving counters, with prices—and quality—rising from right to left. The most expensive dishes used thousand-year soul beasts as ingredients. One of the reasons Wang Nan had agreed to attend Shrek was, in fact, because of this cafeteria.
Dishes that were impossible to find elsewhere could be eaten here twice a day. Even if he failed the exam, just eating Shrek food for three months was worth the trip.
"By the way," Wang Yan said as he ate, "about your teacher, Sun He…"
"What about him?" Wang Nan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Quite a few teachers disagree with his teaching methods. They say he focuses too much on real combat and neglects theoretical foundations—building castles in the air, so to speak. His students may perform well in the short term, but it could hurt their long-term development."
Wang Nan thought back. In the past three months, their classes had indeed been nothing but fighting, training, and reviewing battle strategies. Sun He had never once taught them formal theory.
"Still," Wang Yan continued, "his classes always have one of the highest pass rates in the entire freshman cohort. His reasoning is simple: getting into Shrek is already hard enough, so he wants as many of his students as possible to stay. What happens after that," he chuckled, "he leaves for the next teacher to worry about."
"I was a bit worried you wouldn't adjust to his style," Wang Yan added, "but it seems your solid foundation makes his approach perfect for you."
"Ah, I wouldn't say that," Wang Nan said modestly, waving his hand.
"Alright, finish up and prepare for tomorrow's test. Communicate with your teammates—good coordination is everything in team battles."
After lunch, Wang Yan reminded him to be careful, then departed. Wang Nan walked back to the dorms, spotting Gongyang Mo and Ling Luochen waiting for him at the entrance.
Perhaps because of her martial soul, Ling Luochen rarely spoke to others. Wang Nan wasn't sure how Gongyang Mo had even managed to get her to come along.
"Xiao Nan's back!" Gongyang Mo called cheerfully. Even the stoic Ling Luochen couldn't help glancing at him.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm here," Wang Nan said quickly, cutting him off before he could say anything else. "You want to discuss tomorrow's assessment, right? Let's find somewhere quieter to talk."
The three of them walked toward Shrek Plaza, where groups of freshmen in white uniforms were already gathered, clearly preparing for the next day's trials.
"Let's start with introductions," Wang Nan suggested. "We should all understand each other's martial souls and soul skills first."
Though he was the youngest of the three, Wang Nan naturally took the lead once things turned serious. After all, with twenty extra years of life experience from his past world, he couldn't help acting a little more mature around two preteens.
"I'll go first," Gongyang Mo said, suddenly becoming serious. "My martial soul is the Rainbow Dragon. Soul power level thirty-two. My three soul skills enhance strength, soul power, and speed."
"My martial soul is Ice. Level twenty-four. My first skill is Ice Staff, second is Ice Armor." Ling Luochen paused, then added, "I don't have any pure control-type soul skills yet, but my martial soul naturally grants me the ability to control ice, so I can still act as a controller."
It was rare for Ling Luochen to say that many words at once. But as the team's control-type soul master, she clearly felt the need to clarify her role—after all, having no control skill at all would sound odd.
"My martial soul is the Coiling Dragon Staff. Soul power level twenty-eight." Wang Nan had been stuck at level twenty-six for some time, but after steady meditation these three months, he had finally advanced two more ranks.
He glanced at Ling Luochen and continued, "Like you, my soul skills aren't offensive. Both of mine boost speed and strength, but my staff techniques are solid. I can still fight as a power-type soul master."
Neither of them objected. They, too, were thinking long-term. They understood Wang Nan's decision to sacrifice early offensive power in exchange for stronger overall growth.
The three discussed tactics through the entire afternoon, planning their formations, roles, and signals until the sun went down.
Tomorrow, the freshman assessment would begin.
(End of Chapter)