My monster cards can evolve infinitely.

The crowd gradually dispersed, but the murmurs lingered like ripples on a pond where pebbles had been thrown in.

The name Hugh Wright, along with his incredible ogre companion, spread at an explosive pace among the students of the Royal Academy of Solmar.

"Have you heard? That Xiuqi from the first-year defensive school, he's the monster with a 98% affinity!"

"He defeated Fernand from Class 2-A! He used that 'Basic Deflection Field' technique that no one else can learn!"

"And there's an ogre! The kind that's incredibly obedient! Fernand's goblin bears are like chicks in front of it..."

"Didn't they say he almost got the lowest score in his midterms? He's been hiding it way too well..."

"Who knows? Maybe he's just being modest. I think that Fernand always acts so high and mighty; he deserves it!"

Various versions of rumors spread through the corridors, the cafeteria, and the training grounds, making Xiuqi's image increasingly mysterious through word of mouth.

Some admired, some were curious, and some secretly envied or disdained.

But in any case, no one would simply see him as "the bottom of the class in Class C of the first year".

......

The next morning, Xiuqi was awakened by the sunlight streaming through the dilapidated roof.

Ado was already awake, looking curiously at the little birds perched on the trees outside the window.

Its enormous body was curled up, trying not to make a sound, lest it disturb the small creatures.

Xiu Qi smiled and got up to pack his bags.

In the morning he goes to Master Alvin's office, and in the afternoon he goes to the library.

Before leaving the room, Xiuqi left Ado plenty of food and water, and used simple magical symbols to set up a perimeter around the dormitory.

He will sense if someone approaches.

"Ado, stay here and don't wander off," Xiuqi instructed. "I'll be back this afternoon."

The ogre obediently nodded, making submissive gurgling sounds in its throat.

......

Master Alvin's office is on the top floor of the Academic Tower.

Xiu Qi walked up the spiral stone steps, and the several apprentices of the Protection School he encountered along the way all cast complicated glances at him—

Surprise, curiosity, admiration, and a hint of barely perceptible jealousy.

News of yesterday's duel has already spread throughout the academy.

A story where a bottom-of-the-class student from Class C defeats a genius from Class A in the second year and also has an obedient cannibalistic contract partner is bound to attract attention.

While fame brings wealth and prestige, it also brings some unnecessary interference and trouble.

Xiu Qi is never afraid of trouble. He can take on trouble in order to improve his strength, just like he promised Jia Sili.

A knock came at the office door, and Master Alvin's gentle voice came from inside: "Come in."

Xiu Qi pushed open the door and entered.

The office was much simpler than he had imagined.

A huge oak desk was piled high with scrolls and books; several rows of bookshelves reaching the ceiling were crammed with all kinds of books.

An old sofa and a coffee table were placed in front of the window, with a tea set on the coffee table.

Master Alvin was standing in front of the bookshelf, holding a thick book in his hand.

Seeing Xiuqi come in, he put down his book, walked to the sofa and sat down, pointing to the seat opposite him: "Sit down, child."

Xiuqi sat down as instructed.

Master Alvin did not speak immediately, but instead slowly began to brew tea.

Hot water is poured into the teapot, and wisps of white steam rise, carrying a refreshing aroma of tea.

"Try this, it's spirit mist tea brought back from the Eastern Continent." The old man pushed a cup of tea in front of Xiu Qi. "It's good for meditation."

Xiuqi picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

The tea was slightly bitter at first, but then turned sweet, and a refreshing sensation rushed into his mind, invigorating him.

"Very good tea."

Master Alvin smiled and picked up his teacup. "You did very well yesterday, Xiuqi. But I'd like to hear your thoughts on where you think you won."

Xiuqi pondered for a moment before answering seriously: "First, my understanding of defensive tricks is deeper than Fernand's. Although his magic missiles are exquisite, he focuses too much on tactical variations and neglects the inherent stability of the force field."

"Secondly, I have Hodor. Not only is it incredibly powerful, but it also obeys commands completely, something Fernand's goblin bears can't do."

"Third," Hugh paused, "Fernand underestimated me. He treated me like an ordinary first-year student from beginning to end and didn't really take this duel seriously."

Master Alvin nodded in satisfaction: "Your analysis is very thorough. But there's one more thing you didn't mention."

Xiuqi looked up, waiting for the next part.

"You have a calm heart." The old man's gaze was profound. "You remain calm in the face of provocation, humble in the face of advantage, and composed in the face of crisis. These are extremely precious qualities among spellcasters."

Xiu Qi bowed slightly: "You flatter me, mentor."

"It's not an overstatement, it's the truth." Master Alvin put down his teacup, his expression turning serious. "Shuqi, do you know what a 98% affinity with the Protection School means?"

"This means that my learning and mastery of protective spells will far exceed that of ordinary people."

"That's not all." The old man stood up, walked to the window, and looked into the distance. "This means that you are a natural darling of the protective school."

You can sense subtle fluctuations in force fields, understand the essence of energy structures, and even... perhaps touch upon the root of the protective laws.

Xiu Qi was startled.

Master Alvin turned around, his gaze sharp: "But talent is a double-edged sword. Excessive affinity can lead to rapid progress in the early stages, but it can also cause you to hit a bottleneck—"

Because you are too perceptive, you find it difficult to accept those "imperfect" spell models.

Xiuqi recalled the difficulties he had faced when learning other spells, and seemed to be deep in thought.

"So, I have a suggestion for you." Master Alvin walked back to his desk, took out an ancient bronze badge from the drawer, and handed it to Xiuqi.

"Don't rush to learn more spells. First, solidify your foundation and master the existing tricks to the fullest."

Xiuqi took the badge, which was engraved with a shield and a wavy pattern—the symbol of the Protection School.

"This is......"

"This is my personal keepsake," Master Alvin said. "With it, you can borrow books from the restricted area on the third floor of the library. There, you'll find some ancient Protector's notes and insights that will be helpful to you."

Xiuqi gripped the badge tightly, a surge of gratitude welling up within him: "Thank you, mentor."

"No need to thank me." The old man waved his hand. "I just see hope for the future of the protective school in you."

But remember, the path of cultivation must ultimately be walked by yourself. Your ogre companions can be an aid, or they can be a burden—

Its presence will draw a lot of attention to you, including some with malicious intent.

"I see."

The conversation continued for a while, during which Master Alvin inquired about Xiuqi's next plans and offered some specific advice on his cultivation.

It was almost noon when Xiuqi left the office.

He gripped the bronze badge of the Protection School in his hand and carefully put it away.

Just as I stepped out of the Protective School tower, a fiery red figure flashed out from behind a nearby stone pillar.

Today, Cassie changed into a light green hunting outfit that was easy to move in, and her long hair was tied into a neat ponytail, which made her bright face even more vivid.

Her emerald green eyes were filled with laughter as she looked Xiuqi up and down.