Nina shook her head slightly. "Class 16 was the former principal's experimental pilot class. Of course, that's not important now. What I want to say is, since you were placed here, you must have your own strengths. If there are problems, we can figure them out together. Both Wyatt and I are willing to help you."
Leo blinked, stunned. Wyatt? So that was why the sudden offer of late-night snacks—he was playing the long game.
"Ahem, Monitor, there's been a bit of a misunderstanding. I can handle it myself, really. I'm currently in a period of deep self-reflection." Leo knew Bleem's style all too well—after disappearing for so long, this sudden reappearance meant he was going to be kept very busy.
"Leo, the Monitor is ranked first in our class. She has a broad knowledge of mecha types and the best grasp on current tactics. If she helps you, your improvement will be rapid," Wyatt added. He had actually approached Nina first; the condition was that he had to join Nina's combat team.
Leo could already feel the skeptical gazes of those around them. Nina Zhou was a celebrity at Tianjing Academy—her EMP score had broken 1500 in her freshman year, and her daily performance was flawless. Marlon once said the only person in the academy who could rival Sienna was Nina.
"Monitor, I feel like I'd just be a drag on you. We aren't exactly in the same league. How about this: I guarantee I'll hit 1200 this semester," Leo promised.
Looking at him patting his chest as he made the vow, Nina felt he seemed even less reliable. But she had done her part.
"Wyatt, let's leave it at that for now. If you need my help later, the offer still stands." Nina didn't push. She had fulfilled her word; if the other party didn't want it, she couldn't force them.
Wyatt nodded helplessly. "Don't worry, Monitor. I keep my promises."
Left with no choice, Wyatt dragged Leo into a two-hour sparring session before finally letting him go.
"Leo, was today a blast or what? You're buying!" Marlon teased, winking. The plan was his, the execution was Wyatt's, and he had been certain it would be a total success.
"Leo turned her down," Wyatt said, sighing.
"What? Say what now? Leo, that was Nina Zhou! The Nina Zhou! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Marlon was speechless. Turning down a chance to spend time with a beauty... he concluded that he was the only normal person in this dorm.
"I just didn't want to waste the 'Big Sister's' time," Leo said, hooking his arm around Zack's neck. "Hey, you brat, you promised we'd slack off together. How did you end up flying solo? I thought we were the 'Twin Stars of the Bottom Tier.'"
Zack stuck out his tongue. "Not my fault! I didn't know the sniping specialty added that many points."
"I don't care. Tomorrow's breakfast—you're paying for my emotional damages."
As the new semester kicked off, the entire Tianjing Academy buzzed with energy. Clubs pulled out all the stops to recruit new blood. This year was different—the new principal reportedly arrived with a "dowry." General Long was no ordinary leader; she had immense personal charisma and powerful connections. This year, the academy's budget had doubled, and a lot of new talent had been poached.
The 4396 crew was dragged out of bed by Marlon. Leo, Zack, and Wyatt weren't exactly enthusiastic about freshman orientation—watching was fine, but actively hitting on people? In Marlon's words, they were a bunch of "unopened wooden blocks."
Marlon was the president of the Photography Club. How could a handsome, tasteful man not know photography? He was also a master of figure drawing—currently exclusive to Sienna. After grooming himself for an hour, the morning sunlight hitting his face was already enough to charm several freshmen. The Photography Club had high standards; the guys from neighboring clubs were already shooting him murderous glares.
"Brothers, what is youth? It's about being bold, being proactive, and having thick skin. Does a girl with even a bit of looks need you to be passive?" Marlon began his lecture. "If you spot one you like, ask me for her Link ID. Free coaching."
The other three were kept running—carrying luggage, giving directions, and serving as "backdrops" to highlight Marlon's magnificence.
"Big Brother, I suspect you're playing us. Was that plate of 'Big Plate Chicken' noodles you left on the table yesterday a bait?" Even Zack smelled a conspiracy.
"What are you saying? We're brothers! What's a plate of noodles between us? I'm telling you, the incoming freshmen are fresh and full of romantic ideals. Boldness, attention to detail, and a thick skin—that's the recipe for success," Marlon bragged.
"Aren't you afraid Sienna will blow a fuse?"
"Relax. This is art—appreciation, nothing more. Sienna understands; that's why we get along." Marlon continued to preen.
To be honest, if they weren't roommates, the three of them would have pinned him to the ground and thrashed him. Sienna was beautiful, and yet she tolerated Marlon's "artistic" personality.
"Look, look! Holy crap, things are getting interesting!" Marlon's eyes lit up as he pointed toward the school gate.
A girl was walking in, pulling a simple suitcase. She wore a white T-shirt and a short skirt that showed off long, pale legs; she looked to be over 1.7 meters tall. As she tossed her ponytail and looked at the academy's landmark statue, a small smile revealed dimples that were a critical hit to any straight man's heart.
"Impressive. Sienna and Nina used to be our top tier, but this junior might be a cut above. There's going to be a bloodbath over her," Marlon lamented. If he weren't already taken, he'd have launched an all-out offensive.
Leo and the others stared for a moment, though they were more subtle. Several predatory upperclassmen had already rushed forward. Sophomores weren't that thirsty yet, but the single juniors and seniors knew that the early bird gets the worm.
The question was: who was checking out whom?
"Pfft, look at them showing off. I bet not a single one of them succeeds," Marlon laughed.
"How so, Big Brother?" Zack asked curiously.
"Look at her suitcase. High-quality carbon fiber, at least fifty thousand credits. That deep blue hair tie on her ponytail? This year's 'Starry Sky' limited edition, endorsed by Arths—ninety-five thousand. You think a girl like that is going to be swayed by a few local bums?"
Even Leo couldn't help himself: "Ninety-five thousand for that little thing? Why don't they just rob a bank!"
"Leo, a piece of paper Arths has used doubles in value. It's a different world. A girl this beautiful and well-off has had suitors since she was a kid. Even with my level, I'd only have a 30% chance." After looking at the details, Marlon knew: she was high-difficulty. A girl like this was either naturally provocative or extremely disciplined with sky-high standards for a partner. Neither was easy to handle.
Sure enough, the girl politely declined the upperclassmen's help. She seemed to be waiting for someone. A few persistent ones refused to leave, pestering her until Nina appeared.
The two stood side by side.
"Alright, seniors, that's enough," Nina said, stepping between them.
"Junior Nina, don't be so cold. We're just trying to be helpful," Jason Zhao said with a smirk. Backing down after one sentence? If Nina wasn't so high-status, he wouldn't have let her off either.
"Exactly. Why are you interfering in our business? You aren't my girlfriend," some of the others chimed in. They had been lusting after Nina for a long time; she was a staple topic in the men's dorms.
Before Nina could speak, a "knight" appeared. Marlon stepped forward with a grave expression: "Excuse me, student. Security just notified me—you must leave the campus immediately!"
He was clearly talking to the new girl. She was stunned. "Me? Why?"
Marlon nodded, perfectly serious. "Junior, your beauty will make every other girl in this school fade into obscurity."
The crowd realized the joke. The girl laughed. The others, however, didn't look amused.
"Marlon, beat it. You've got a girlfriend and you're still out here flirting? You looking for a fight?" The leader stepped forward—Jason Zhao, a senior in the Mecha Department and a department head in the Student Union. He had fallen for the girl at first sight. A small-time rich kid like Marlon was a dime a dozen in Tianjing; he meant nothing to Jason.
"Junior, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Jason Zhao, head of the Student Union's External Relations Department, the manager of the Tianjing representative team in this year's Mecha Championship, and a core member of the school team. Would I have the honor of giving you a tour of our beautiful campus?" Jason stared at her, radiating authority.
Nina shook her head, silently watching the show.
"Senior Jason, I'm sorry. I have no interest in losers. You should spend more time practicing. Principal Long brought me here specifically to replace people like you." The girl smiled politely, but her words were razor-sharp.
The boys around her took it as a joke from a feisty freshman. But Jason Zhao's face changed instantly.
"You... you are Noctis?"