Oscar said, "That's your and Captain Tai's problem — I just provide sausages. You two are the leader and the strategist, so it's up to you. Honestly, I don't think our levels are that big of an issue. The real problem is that our team has two auxiliary Soul Masters. Sure, that boosts everyone's overall strength, but it also means we have one fewer combat member than other teams. We're always going to be at a disadvantage."
Xiao Wu said, "At a disadvantage? Not necessarily. Have you forgotten Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda — oh, wait, I should call it the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda now. She already has her third Soul Skill, which boosts our overall support by another ten percent. On top of that, she has a new type of buff. That should be more than enough to offset a numerical disadvantage."
The moment Xiao Wu mentioned Ning Rongrong, an odd expression flickered across Oscar's face. "Rongrong left yesterday morning, and I have no idea when she'll come back. What I'm worried about is — what if her family won't let her return? She's a girl, after all, and still so young. If I were her father, I probably wouldn't feel at ease sending her back either. Her father seems to be the only one she has. She's the future heir of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, you know."
Hearing this, both Tang San and Xiao Wu froze for a moment. Xiao Wu said, "No way. If Rongrong doesn't come back, then the Shrek Seven Devils are down by one, aren't we?"
Oscar laughed bitterly. "Who can say for certain? Of course I want her to come back. Xiao Wu, you've been sharing a dorm room with Rongrong this whole time. Tell me — do you think I actually have a shot with her? If there's absolutely no hope, I'll cut my losses now and spare myself the heartbreak later."
Xiao Wu stuck out her tongue. "That's not something I can really say. Rongrong has never brought it up with me. But I can tell that she definitely has a good impression of you. As for what exactly that feeling is… I couldn't say. You'll have to ask her yourself. You're a grown man — what are you so afraid of? Just ask and be done with it."
Oscar nodded. "You're right. If she comes back this time, I'm going to get a clear answer. While we're still young, I need to lock things down. Once we leave the academy, I probably won't have another chance."
"'Lock things down'? That sounds awful." Xiao Wu glared at him in annoyance.
Oscar had by now resumed his usual smile. He had to admit — after shaving off his beard, his appearance was practically unbeatable. Even Xiao Wu couldn't help being momentarily stunned, secretly cursing under her breath: *Sissy.*
"What do you mean, awful? Even if you don't say it, you've already done it! Don't tell me you haven't 'locked down' Tang San?"
"I…" Xiao Wu stole a glance at Tang San beside her, only to meet his gaze head-on. She quickly looked away. "Enough — quit talking and go eat breakfast. I'm starving."
The academy's dining hall served everyone at the same place. Though the three of them had arrived early, there were already some early-rising students there eating breakfast.
The moment Tang San stepped into the dining hall, he could feel that something was off. Every student was looking at him with a peculiar expression — reverence, envy, admiration, and a dozen other emotions mixed together.
Even though he was standing next to Oscar, Tang San hardly seemed remarkable by comparison, yet not a single student in the hall so much as glanced at Oscar. The female students in particular — to put it in Xiao Wu's words — were completely lovestruck.
After all, this was an advanced Soul Master academy. Every student was a Soul Master, all at least at the twentieth rank. Soul Masters generally chose other Soul Masters as partners. In the world of Soul Masters, strength was the wellspring of everything. Looks paled in comparison. A handsome face was a gift of birth, but true power was rare — it demanded relentless effort on top of natural talent.
Tang San's battle the day before had certainly involved a fair share of luck, but at the end of the day, he had defeated a fifty-eighth rank Soul King. His own strength was an impressive thirty-seven ranks, making him absolutely one of the top students in the entire academy. How could a student like that fail to attract attention?
As it happened, the only thing preventing bold female students from coming over to strike up a conversation was the fact that Xiao Wu at Tang San's side was far too beautiful — and she was glaring daggers at every girl who dared look their way.
After a quick sweep of his surroundings, Tang San's expression returned to normal almost immediately. After all, his mindset wasn't that of a thirteen- or fourteen-year-old kid — he was immune to that sort of outside distraction. The three of them bought their breakfast and found a quiet corner by the window to eat.
Oscar chewed quietly for a moment, then leaned in and whispered to Tang San, "I really shouldn't have come here for breakfast with you two."
Tang San looked at him, puzzled. "Why not?"