The Cornflower Witch

Book 3: Chapter 86: A Leisurely Victory

The scene fell quiet as everyone watched the young girl fold her wings and descend. A surreal, dreamlike sensation washed over them, as if such a scene shouldn't belong to reality.

After a moment, Spencer's stiff expression finally shifted, as if he was being forced to accept some reality.

"It's... it's your win." His voice still carried lingering resentment.

With that, he turned and walked away without looking back, not even stopping when someone called out to him.

This was probably the most humiliating and shameful moment he'd experienced in years. Every extra second spent here felt like being seared on a blazing hot stone slab.

After Spencer left, the students stared at the girl on the stage, who was slightly lifting one foot to adjust her heel. They still found it hard to believe.

The strength Hedra had displayed in battle was simply too overwhelming. Even these geniuses from various districts took a good while to slowly accept the reality.

Everyone knew that many creatures gained their core ability upon reaching Third Tier, achieving a qualitative leap—a hurdle extremely difficult to cross.

Generally speaking, only the top-performing Second Tier apprentices could barely defeat weak Third Tier opponents. Being able to tie with a Third Tier opponent at this stage already made them elites and geniuses among their peers in the entire Mage Alliance.

And facing a spirit that was at peak Third Tier, with skills surpassing its level and only power being downgraded—even a Fourth Tier Transcendent could stumble. But in her hands, the tier gap seemed nonexistent. She defeated it with such plain, unadorned simplicity.In the sword duel against the enemy's most proficient skill, with power clashing constantly, even in the dangerous close-combat state, she never fell behind and won.

Winning with such a composed, unhurried posture made it impossible to see where her limits lay. This massive gap in strength was ultimately what broke Spencer's defenses and plunged him into despair.

He had to accept a reality—that there really were geniuses in this world beyond imagination, and he was just someone born slightly better than ordinary people, just a little smarter. This nearly shattered the cognition that had supported his inner pride all along.

"Spencer is probably going to be down for a while now."

"Sigh, Chief Hedra is just too perfect. Even someone excellent like me doesn't dare compare myself to her."

"Looks like for the next few years, we don't need to discuss who's first. Just fight for second place."

"She's really beautiful. Whether it's her movements, posture, appearance, or aura, I wonder who will ever get close to someone so nearly perfect."

"If such a guy really existed, I'd probably be jealous out of my mind."

"Come on, let's go. Study the recent courses hard. Don't dwell on genius stuff."

The students gradually dispersed. Sylutia also walked out of the arena, and Peline trotted over to follow her.

"Chief Hedra, are you alright?" Although she had won, this girl still asked with some concern.

"I'm fine." Sylutia slightly brushed aside the windblown hair by her ear.

"Are there any major events in the academy lately?" She had been busy with advancement matters these past few days and hadn't paid much attention to other things.

"No major events, but there are some activities and news." Peline then began explaining.

"The Alliance is currently at war with the western barbarians. Our academy will periodically send some members to support. Senior students occasionally discuss it."

"'The Carving and Casting School' recently delivered several giant golems, which are being prepared for placement at this year's Silver Bell Festival venue. It's said these are the product of several years of collaborative research between our two schools."

"The wind under the Ice Sea is getting weaker. The northern part of the Mage Alliance has experienced some light hailstorms and snowfall. The market price for warm items has increased quite a bit."

......

Peline talked about recent events at the academy and news that had appeared in the newspapers. Although there were many things, none were closely related to them as new students.

Come to think of it, in the eyes of the Mage Alliance's High-Ranking Officers, they were just a bunch of Second Tier freshmen, probably viewed as children. They wouldn't be assigned any responsibilities. For now, they just needed to study hard.

"I see." After listening, Sylutia nodded.

The two continued to the restaurant. Sylutia looked at the menu on the counter, then ordered a Second Tier "Lemon Silver Cod" for Peline, while getting a "Pan-Seared Venison Steak" for herself.

"Thank you, Chief Hedra."

"Let's eat together." The two sat down with their meals.

Peline was a student in the same grade as Sylutia, and one of the few classmates from the "Ximilye District" who joined her group. She usually acted as Sylutia's assistant, helping handle Chief-related affairs or informing classmates of various matters.

Generally, students at Tetis College didn't like doing these odd jobs because they took up time that could be used for studying or relaxing. So Sylutia occasionally treated her to a meal or helped explain difficult points in the curriculum as compensation.

But come to think of it, Peline wasn't from an ordinary family that lacked money. Sylutia could tell from her occasional spending habits and clothing that Peline's family background was probably not bad either—she just kept a low profile.

The two ate together, occasionally exchanging a few words. Outside the window, the evening glow gradually appeared as time slowly crept toward dusk.

"Next weekend, after the exams are over, do you have time, Chief?" Peline asked with a slightly cautious tone.

"I should have time. Is there something?" Sylutia looked at the ponytailed girl across from her.

"I'd like to invite you to visit my home. It's not far from the academy."

"Is that so... Alright. Remind me then." Sylutia thought for a moment. There didn't seem to be any reason to refuse, so she agreed.

After dinner, Sylutia bid farewell to Peline and headed to the Task Hall again. Although it was already evening, the place wasn't closed. It seemed to be open 24 hours.

"Sorry, I had classes during the day yesterday and forgot to tell you." Upon arriving, Sylutia first apologized to the receptionist, then asked if she could continue working on tasks that evening.

"No problem, Miss Hedra." The receptionist went to the backstage to notify another mage familiar with alchemy and machinery to accompany her.

With the experience from yesterday, Sylutia completed this task quickly. She finished six gemstone bearings in just over two hours. Among them, three were of Superior quality, and three were of Rare quality. The mage who watched the process was astounded.

"Even though I reviewed yesterday's records, I still find this hard to believe."

"Have you considered joining a workshop? I have an acquaintance who could introduce you. You could earn higher income working there."

"No need. I'm still in school and can only take on occasional tasks here." The girl shook her head and declined.

She only needed resources for her current advancement and didn't intend to rely on this to make money long-term.

Besides, if she truly had to make a living through some profession, she would prefer planting flowers and grass. That would be more relaxing for both mind and body.

In the following days, Sylutia came every evening to craft gemstone bearings and complete tasks. The quality of her work continued to improve. In the end, she could consistently inscribe Rare-quality components.

"Congratulations, Miss Hedra. Here is your reward." The receptionist packed the last batch of gemstone components into a box, registered and sealed it, then brought out the girl's payment.

"The original reward was 370 gold coins. However, your work quality was excellent, and the employer added another 150 gold coins based on the quality, totaling 520 gold coins, along with that 'Eighth Tier-Excellent' ruby."

With that, the receptionist took out another large box. Opening it revealed a fingernail-sized transparent ruby emitting a beautiful halo.

"Thank you." Sylutia put away the gem, deposited the gold coins into her student account, and continued browsing the bulletin board.

Through this experience, she had gained a good understanding of these tasks. While some tasks looked highly rewarding, they were time-consuming and laborious, making them less efficient and cost-effective than some lower-paying ones.

It wasn't always true that higher pay was better, she thought. Unless it was related to her advancement, which could save some effort, and also serve as good practice.

At that moment, her gaze landed on a corner.

"Forging a Silver Bane Blade..." She read the requirements and reward.

It actually offered Mithril as an additional reward. Sylutia blinked, quickly calculating in her mind.

If that was the case, the final compensation for this task would likely be close to 3,000 gold coins. Of course, the requirements were extremely high. Even she wasn't entirely confident she could do it.

Still, challenging herself a little seemed good. She wanted to try and see if she could do it. If not, she could also identify where she needed improvement and learning.

"Can I take on this 'Forging a Silver Bane Blade' task?"

This girl, wearing the new student uniform and still bearing a hint of youthful naivete, stepped back up to the counter and pointed at the note in the corner of the bulletin board.