Page 86
Page 86
"Teacher, where is that guy?"
"According to the time, Shangguan is reading in the library."
"Okay, I'll go get revenge on him."
"Ah? It's better for Shields-san not to go. Shangguan-san is quite capable of fighting, whether it was defeating over 1000 students on the first day of school or defeating the Shiba siblings last night."
"Tsk tsk, they're just a bunch of students, look at me"
He said this with a solemn oath and left the school clinic.
Angelina walked out of the school infirmary with a pride that was not to be underestimated, secretly vowing to make Shangguan Wen pay for his actions. As she walked through the quiet corridors, her footsteps echoed across the empty campus, each step seeming to tread upon her own pride.
Arriving at the library, Angelina took a deep breath and pushed open the heavy door. Inside, rows of towering bookshelves seemed to guard an ocean of knowledge. Within this ocean, Shangguan Wen sat quietly in a corner by the window. The sunlight filtered through the glass, casting a golden glow on him. He appeared exceptionally focused and tranquil.
Angelina's eyes locked on Shangguan Wen. She slowly approached, each step filled with determination. However, just as she was about to speak, Shangguan Wen seemed to notice something and looked up at her, their eyes meeting in mid-air.
"Oh? It's Shields-san. Are you feeling better?"
Shangguan Wen's tone was calm and gentle, as if he had no recollection of what had just happened.
Angelina choked at the sudden greeting, and the complaints and provocations she had prepared suddenly became difficult to express. But she quickly adjusted herself and a cold smile curled her lips.
"Thanks to you, I'm still alive. But I think it's time to settle the score between us."
Shangguan Wen gently put down the book in his hand, stood up and said:
"If it's about what happened just now, I apologize. But I don't think I could have handled it any better. As for settling the score, if you insist, I'm always here for you."
Angelina was stunned. She hadn't expected Shangguan Wen to apologize so directly and sincerely, nor had she expected him to face the impending conflict with such a calm attitude. But this didn't make her back off; instead, it aroused her even greater fighting spirit.
"Okay, come on! Let me see how much weight your so-called fighting ability has!"
Chapter 193 Angelina's Awakening
"Sorry to bother you, health teacher."
The door of the health room was suddenly opened, and Shangguan Wen walked in carrying Angelina, who had fainted again.
"Ah, the winner is decided so quickly."
"Yes, because we were in the library and didn't want to draw too much attention, so we decided to make it quick."
"Okay, leave it to me, Shangguan, but be careful with girls."
“Try your best”
An hour later, Angelina, who had missed the lunch class, woke up slowly and touched the back of her neck, where she felt sore.
"That bastard, he hit me really hard. I don't accept it. I want to continue fighting."
After that, Angelina ignored the health teacher's advice and went straight to the next round of battle.
"Angelina, please wait a moment!" The health teacher hurriedly stopped her, her tone filled with helplessness and concern. "Your body has just experienced a fierce battle. What it needs now is rest and recovery, not continued fighting. Fighting is important, but health is the most important thing."
"Don't worry, health teacher, I will be prepared this time and I won't lose again."
Angelina vowed to go to Shangguan Wen again.
Looking at the stubborn girl, the health teacher had to make herself a pot of 490 tea, thinking that by the time the tea was ready, it would be delivered again.
Sure enough, just as the health teacher finished making the tea, Angelina was brought in again, who was unconscious again.
"Teacher, please tell her that this is the third time and she can't win. Don't continue to challenge me and waste time."
The health teacher sighed, put down the teapot in her hand, walked to Angelina, and after a careful examination, turned to Shangguan Wen and said:
"There's nothing serious physically, it's just the same old problem—a brief fainting spell caused by excessive mental stress. This kid is as stubborn as a bull."
Shangguan Wen smiled slightly, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "It is this unyielding spirit that has allowed her to improve her strength, even though her methods are a bit extreme."
"Did Mr. Shangguan show mercy?"
“I’ve shown mercy.”
"Has he been knocked unconscious multiple times? Are you still showing mercy?"
"Otherwise, he wouldn't just be knocked unconscious, but would go straight to the hospital."
The health teacher was speechless. These words were so hurtful.
After a while, Angelina woke up from her coma and kicked and punched again.
"Damn it! I'm a magician, so if I lost to vibration magic or swordsmanship, I wouldn't have anything to say, but why did you use fists and kicks~"
When Angelina woke up, her delicate face was broken. She covered her head with the quilt and fell into self-doubt.
"Am I too weak to use magic with Shangguan Wen? My stomach hurts, my neck hurts, I want to go home so much."
The mentality that I had when I first arrived in Neon, that I was on vacation, has disappeared, and I have become weak, pitiful and helpless.
Angelina slowly sat up from the bed, staring blankly at the faint sunlight streaming in through the window, feeling mixed emotions.
This defeat was undoubtedly a heavy blow to her. As a magician hailed as a genius since childhood, she had never imagined she would be defeated in such a simple and crude exchange of fists and kicks, let alone against Shangguan Wen, whom she had always looked down upon.
"Perhaps, I was too confident and ignored the ever-changing nature of battle."
Angelina muttered to herself, her fingers gently rubbing the faintly painful bruise on her neck, the mark left by Shangguan Wen's sharp elbow. Her eyes gradually became firmer, no longer the previous confusion and frustration, but ignited with an unprecedented fighting spirit.
"No, I can't just give up like this. If it's because of a lack of magical skills, I can train day and night. If it's because of a lack of physical strength, then I'll strengthen my physical training. As for fist and kick skills... humph, who says magicians can't learn close combat techniques?"
Angelina flung back the blanket, an unyielding strength surging through her. She decided to start over, not only improving her magical skills but also addressing her shortcomings in physical skills.
"Angelina, are you awake?"
"Um"
Angelina noticed Shangguan Wen next to her.
The health teacher couldn't help but say:
"Shangguan, come and comfort Angelina. You've beaten her many times. She's so weak, so just say something nice to her."
"..."
Angelina's chest trembled. The invisible finishing blow was the most deadly, especially after hearing that she was so weak.
Angelina's wounded heart was pierced with holes.
"Okay, Angelina, you are already very strong."
Angelina didn't answer, but just raised her head and glanced at Shangguan Wen, wanting to hear what Shangguan Wen had to say.
"Compared to most people, I'm a magician currently residing on the 9th floor."
Angelina puffed out her chest with pride. But the next sentence knocked her down again.
"But he's too weak compared to me. He's slow to cast magic, not good at physical skills, and just relies on his fragile brute force and acts without thinking."
The health teacher listened at the side with a slightly embarrassed smile on his face. He originally thought that Shangguan Wen would say some encouraging words to comfort Angelina, but he didn't expect Shangguan Wen to point out her shortcomings so bluntly and mercilessly.
However, he also understood that this was Shangguan Wen's usual style—direct, truthful, and straightforward. Angelina's face instantly turned livid, and she clenched her fists tightly, as if ready to explode at any moment. But to everyone's surprise, she didn't immediately refute or lose her temper. Instead, she took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. She looked at Shangguan Wen, her eyes gleaming with a complex light, a mixture of resentment and a hint of admiration.
"Student Shangguan, you are right."
Angelina's voice trembled slightly, but was extremely firm.
"I do have many shortcomings. I'm slow at casting magic, not proficient in physical skills, and often rely on brute force in battle. However, I won't give up. I will work hard to improve myself, and one day, I will surpass you and become a truly powerful warrior!"
Shangguan Wen was slightly stunned when he heard this. He had originally thought that his words would make Angelina even more depressed, but he didn't expect her to be able to accept her shortcomings so calmly and make such a bold statement.
He couldn't help but look at Angelina with admiration, and a sense of respect welled up in his heart.
"Okay, be ambitious!"
Shangguan Wen patted Angelina's shoulder with a hint of appreciation in his tone.
"Since you're so determined, I'll wait and see. But remember, don't just shout slogans; put them into practice."
Angelina nodded, a determined light flashing in her eyes. She knew that there was still a big gap between her and Shangguan Wen, but she believed that as long as she kept working hard, she would be able to catch up with him one day.
The health teacher watched this scene with a secret sense of relief. Angelina hadn't been discouraged and withdrawn, but had chosen to stand up and practice diligently, striving to catch up with Shangguan Wen.
Chapter 194 Jiudao Lie's Calculation
After Angelina left the infirmary and returned to her own house, she removed her disguise. Looking in the mirror, her eyes revealed a subtle hint of fatigue and unwillingness.
So strong, so strong. Shangguan Wen's strength surpassed hers. In a one-on-one fight, he was no match for her. This realization weighed on Angelina's heart like a huge rock, making it difficult for her to let go.
As one of the international strategic magicians, she has always been known for her powerful strength and calm judgment, but today's confrontation made her feel an unprecedented sense of frustration for the first time.
"Alice, haven't you found any information about Shangguan Wen yet?"
Angelina's voice was a little low. She turned around and looked at her female assistant Alice who was sitting on the sofa looking through some documents.
Alice looked up in surprise, her eyes filled with disbelief. In her mind, Angelina was practically invincible, and she had never imagined someone could defeat her in a head-on confrontation.
"Lady Angelina, I'm still trying to find it. However, the name Shangguan Wen is indeed unfamiliar. I haven't found any relevant records in the databases of major magic organizations and schools in Greater Asia. Some of them are even false records."
Alice reported truthfully, her brow furrowed.
Angelina walked to the window, gazing at the bustling cityscape outside, her mind racing. Shangguan Wen's strength was so formidable, yet his background was so mysterious, which forced her to be on high alert.
Meanwhile, with the Nine Schools Tournament approaching, No. 1 High School has begun selecting its participants, with Shangguan Wen and Angelina on the shortlist. The reason is simple: they're strong enough! With their participation, No. 1 High School will undoubtedly win more medals and bring honor to the school. However, their identities have become a key concern for the school and coaching staff.
Shangguan Wen's background check remained blank, as if he had appeared from nowhere, leaving no trace. His file contained no past competition records or family background information, and even his admissions documents were remarkably concise, making it difficult to believe they were real. The school repeatedly attempted to verify his identity, but each time to no avail. This mystery made Shangguan Wen even more of an enigma. Angelina Shields, on the other hand, presented another challenge. As the granddaughter of the Kushima family, Angelina Kushima Shields possessed not only a beautiful, Japanese-American appearance, but also the blood of two powerful nations. While such an identity might have been merely a source of luster in the past, it now assumed a heightened sensitivity amidst the turbulent situation in Greater Asia. Greater Asia's sudden renaming to the Human Union, along with the mysterious launch track and the appearance of the mineral ship, further shrouded the situation in uncertainty.
The growing strength of the mainland is a reality that the island nation of Japan is most reluctant to face, yet cannot avoid. As a prominent family in Japan, the Kujima family's every move is closely watched. Angelina's participation in the competition will undoubtedly put her in the spotlight, potentially even sparking unnecessary political turmoil.
After weighing the pros and cons, the school decided to hold an emergency meeting to discuss how to properly handle the participation of these two special players.
At the meeting, opinions varied. Some advocated boldly recruiting the two and bringing honor to the school with their abilities; others worried about the risks their identities might bring and advocated for cautious action.
But the Jiudao family cannot be avoided in this matter. If the head of the family, Jiudao Lie, does not agree, then the school authorities are just wishful thinking.
In Neon, the Ten Master Clans held supreme and unshakable familial status. In the eyes of Neon magicians, their words were considered unrivaled and unassailable. These ancient clans, owing to their lofty status and profound heritage, had always been forbidden to be tampered with or trampled upon by outsiders.
In the eyes of some members of the Tenth Division in Neon, Angelina's participation in the competition is another form of the Jiudao family participating in the competition in a high school, rather than simply the participation of foreign students.
Each of the ten master clans has its own participating magic high school, such as the first high school being Nanakusa and Juumonji.
The Kujima family also has its own investment in a magic high school.
When the school was hesitant, Jiudao Lie took the initiative to go to No. 1 High School and find his granddaughter Angelina.
The school leadership of No. 1 High School quickly arranged a meeting.
In a classroom where a student club was having an activity, someone showed up, which surprised Angelina very much. In order to avoid suspicion, she did not go to her grandfather Jiu Dao Lie's house, nor did she take the initiative to call him. She did not expect that her grandfather would come to find her.
"Long time no see, my granddaughter. You came to Neon but never came to my grandpa's house. You really treat me like an outsider."
Jiudao Lie's words were filled with a hint of blame, but more of it was doting and concern. Angelina was speechless. She took a deep breath and tried to explain, "Grandpa, I... well... Actually, I've always missed you, but I've been so busy with school lately, and..."
0Request flowers0
Her words were full of hesitation and struggle, as if she was weighing something.
Jiudao Lie looked at Angelina's expression and guessed something in his heart. He patted Angelina's shoulder gently and said with a smile:
"Okay, granddaughter, grandpa knows your difficulties. But no matter what difficulties you encounter, grandpa will always be your strongest support. If there is anything, just tell grandpa, and grandpa will help you find a solution."
"Yes, Grandpa."
After Angelina left, the air in the room seemed to freeze. Jiudao Lie stood by the window, watching his granddaughter disappear into the night. His face still wore that kind, gentle smile, but only after he was sure she was gone did it fade, replaced by a chilling coldness.
He slowly turned around, walked to the desk, and pulled out an old-fashioned telephone from the depths of a drawer. The buttons on the phone made a soft clicking sound under his fingertips, as if he were tapping out some secret code. When the call was connected, his voice was low and hoarse, completely different from the gentle tone he had just used when talking to Angelina.
"it's me,"
He said briefly, his tone revealing an unquestionable authority.
"When the plan began, Angelina didn't suspect us, but Greater Asia—no, the Human Union—is changing too rapidly. It's already showing signs of leaving the rest of the world far behind PG. We need to speed up."
A vague male voice came from the other end of the phone, as if asking something. Jiudao Lie's brows slightly furrowed, and a sinister glint flashed in his eyes.
"No, she can't know the truth,"
Jiudao Lie said coldly.
"At least not yet. Her value hasn't been fully realized yet."
He paused, as if listening to the other party's response, and then a sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of her. She's my granddaughter after all. Remember, any mistake will ruin all our efforts."
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