Dragon Raja: Lu Mingfei finds a Freylian

Inuyama Rin: After all, you're an S-rank from the main academy, which is the highest level of bloodline rating. And don't you possess an incredibly powerful Word of Power? I heard it's Time Zero? That's the same legendary Word of Power as Principal Angers! With such formidable strength and a top-tier bloodline rating, you're the most prominent figure in the Snake Clan.

As Lu Mingfei looked at the lines of text on the screen, especially the words "the same as Principal Angers's Word of Power," he felt his face burning.

Chapter 302 Fingel is going to Cuba

"Hehehe, Junior Brother Lu! Lu Mingfei! Snap out of it!"

A slightly noisy yet incredibly familiar voice rang in his ears, followed by a large hand slapping heavily on Lu Mingfei's back with such force that he almost threw his phone away.

Lu Mingfei yelled, snapping out of his daze from being bombarded by the words "Director Yuan Zhisheng," "S-class," and "Time Zero." He grimaced and turned around, clutching his back, and sure enough, he saw Fingel's stubble-covered face with a mischievous smile.

"Damn it! Fingel, can you go a little easier on me?! How can my little body take this kind of abuse?" Lu Mingfei complained irritably, feeling a burning sensation on his back.

Fingel completely ignored his protest, his eyes sneakily glancing at the phone screen that he hadn't had time to lock. Unfortunately, Lu Mingfei reacted quickly and had already turned off the screen.

"What are you looking at? Don't you understand privacy?!"

"Tsk tsk tsk," Fingel said, arms crossed, with a "I saw right through you" look on his face. "Standing by the roadside, staring blankly at his phone screen, a faint, silly smile on his lips. Tell me, which beautiful girl has such magic that she made our junior brother Lu so distracted that he didn't even notice me standing right in front of him?"

"Wow, what beautiful girl?!" Lu Mingfei stammered, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "I, I was just looking at the news! Yes, looking at the news!"

"News?" Fingel exaggeratedly picked at his ear. "What news could make you blush and your eyes dart around? Come here, let me, your senior, help you judge which international event is so captivating." As he spoke, he reached out to grab the phone.

Lu Mingfei quickly clutched his phone tightly to his chest, as if protecting a priceless treasure. "Really, no! It's just... just chatting with a regular friend!"

"Just friends?" Fingel narrowed his eyes, like a cunning fox. "Male or female?"

"Uh, a woman," Lu Mingfei answered subconsciously, then immediately wanted to slap himself.

“Oh—a woman,” Fingel drawled, his smile growing even more lewd. “What country is she from? From our academy? Or from elsewhere?”

Lu Mingfei was dizzy from his barrage of questions, and coupled with the turmoil from being slapped earlier, he blurted out without much thought: "Japanese. From our academy."

"Japanese? A girl?" Fingel's eyes lit up as he continued to probe for key information, "What does she look like? How tall is she? What color is her hair? Is she the kawaii type?"

Lu Mingfei was forced to retreat step by step by his questioning, and his defenses completely collapsed. "His height is not very tall. His hair is black and quite long."

"Not tall! Long, straight black hair! A Japanese beauty!" Fingel slapped his thigh suddenly, the loud voice startling Lu Mingfei. "You, Lu Mingfei! You usually look so quiet and unassuming, but you've managed to hook up with a foreign girl without a word! And she's got classic Japanese long, straight black hair! That's not fair of you! With such a high-quality resource, how could you not introduce her to your closest comrade-in-arms, your half-brother in the same dorm? What happened to sharing the good times and the bad?"

As he spoke, he shook Lu Mingfei's shoulders vigorously, making him feel like a sapling in a strong wind.

"Stop, stop, stop! This is going to fall apart!" Lu Mingfei finally managed to break free from his clutches, panting as he explained, "What flirting! Don't talk nonsense! We just added each other as friends and chatted for a bit! She's from the Inuyama family, her name is Inuyama Ri, the one I told you about before who kicked the vending machine! We're just classmates! I have someone I like!"

He practically shouted the last sentence, trying to prove his innocence.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Fingel was stunned for a moment, then burst into an even more earth-shattering laugh: "Hahahaha! Yes, yes, yes! You have someone you like! It's our great, lovely, and powerful elven ancestor, Miss Frilian, right? Oh my, I never expected our Junior Brother Lu to be such a romantic, so devoted and unwavering in his love for Miss Frilian! I admire you! I admire you to the core!"

Lu Mingfei's face instantly flushed crimson, like a boiled shrimp. Having Fingel so bluntly expose his deepest, and widely known, secret was practically doubly socially humiliating. He stubbornly retorted, his voice trembling with fear, "None of your business! It's my freedom to like whomever I want!"

“Freedom, of course freedom!” Fingel laughed until tears almost streamed down his face, barely managing to stop before wiping his eyes with his sleeve. “But Junior Brother Lu, the girls at the Japanese branch are quite lovely too, like that Inuyama Rin-san. From your description, she seems quite unique. Why not get to know her better? I won’t tell Miss Frillie. On the condition that you share her contact information with me…”

"Go away! Don't even think about it!" Lu Mingfei interrupted him impatiently. "I would never betray a friend!"

He paused, then noticed that Fingel seemed a little unusual today. This guy usually wore either his ever-present tattered T-shirt or the academy's training uniform in the dorm, but today he was unusually dressed in khaki casual pants and a dark polo shirt—by Fingel's standards, they looked fairly neat, though wrinkles were still inevitable, at least he looked presentable. More importantly, there was a black suitcase that looked neither new nor old beside him.

"Huh?" Lu Mingfei's attention was diverted. Pointing at the suitcase, he asked, "What's with this outfit? Going out? Finally expelled from school, preparing to pack up and go back to your hometown?"

"Pah! You can't expect anything good to come out of a dog's mouth!" Fingel spat, a mixture of smugness and mystery on his face. "I'm going on a glorious mission! To represent our Kassel College in international exchange and cooperation!"

"A mission?" Lu Mingfei looked at him suspiciously, finding it hard to connect a glorious mission with the smirking guy in front of him. "What mission? Where to?"

Fingel glanced around, then lowered his voice like a thief, but his volume didn't decrease at all: "Cuba! Ever heard of it? The pearl of the Caribbean! Sunshine, beaches, waves, classic cars, and..."

He leaned closer to Lu Mingfei, winking and making faces, "A passionate, hot Latina beauty! And world-renowned, top-quality handmade cigars!"

“Cuba?” Lu Mingfei blinked, images from his geography textbook and movies about Cuba immediately flashing through his mind. “What are you going there for? Does the academy have a branch in Cuba?”

“Of course!” Fingel puffed out his chest, looking quite proud. “Our Kassel College is a global organization, spanning five continents and four oceans! Although the Cuban branch isn’t very big, I’ve heard it has a unique atmosphere, and lately it seems there’s been a bit of, well, a little trouble to deal with. Norma assigned me this cushy job that allows me to travel on a company-funded basis and accumulate practical credits! How about it, envious?”

Chapter 303 Cigars are a good thing

Looking at Fingel's smug expression, Lu Mingfei felt a pang of envy. Since arriving in Kassel, aside from the harrowing Beijing subway journey and the recent anime festival, he had spent most of his time at the academy, with his furthest business trip being to a neighboring city to purchase supplies.

For Fingel, being able to go abroad on a mission, even one that sounds unreliable, and to go to a place like Cuba that sounds exotic, is an unattainable dream.

"Oh, oh, oh, that's really great, really impressive," Lu Mingfei exclaimed sincerely, his eyes filled with longing. "Cuba, beautiful women, cigars."

He automatically filtered out the word "minor trouble".

"Right, right!" Fingel said, even more smugly. "When I get there, I'll send you a postcard! And I'll figure out a way to get you a genuine Cuban cigar to broaden your horizons!"

"Cigars..." Lu Mingfei scratched his head. His knowledge of cigars came entirely from the images of gangsters or wealthy tycoons in movies, puffing out thick cigars and exuding an air of absolute control. "Are those things very expensive? What does it feel like to smoke? Is it different from cigarettes?"

“Nonsense! Of course they’re different!” Fingel immediately transformed into a cigar theory expert, although Lu Mingfei seriously doubted whether he had ever actually smoked one.

"Cigarettes are fast food, cigars are enjoyment! They're art! A good handmade cigar involves a complex process, from planting and harvesting the tobacco leaves to fermentation and rolling... The price ranges from a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands of dollars per cigar. As for the feeling..."

Fingel smacked his lips, savoring the flavor he had imagined. "Rich, complex, with aromas of nuts, coffee, cocoa, leather, and all that. Basically, it's a man's romance! You're just a kid who wouldn't understand!"

Lu Mingfei was stunned by his words. Although he couldn't imagine what was so enjoyable about the smell of leather, he still nodded in agreement: "It sounds impressive."

A familiar figure walked past on the side path. The person was wearing a simple white tracksuit, with fine beads of sweat on their forehead, as if they had just finished a morning run. They were tall and straight, with steady steps, and their short black hair shimmered in the sunlight. Their expression was as calm as ever, almost expressionless.

"Senior Brother Chu?" Lu Mingfei called out.

Chu Zihang stopped in his tracks upon hearing the voice, turned around, and his ever-burning golden eyes swept over the two of them indifferently. "Lu Mingfei, Fingel, good morning."

"Hey, Junior Brother Zihang, morning exercise?" Fingel greeted him warmly, as if he wasn't the one who had just been talking about beautiful women and cigars.

"Hmm," Chu Zihang replied succinctly, his gaze lingering for a moment on the suitcase next to Fingel. "Business trip?"

"Hehe, that's right! I'm going to Cuba on official business!" Fingel patted his suitcase. "How about it, Zihang? Want me to bring you some local specialties? Like Havana cigars?"

Chu Zihang shook his head, his tone indifferent: "No need, thank you. Be careful on your mission."

Her gaze then turned to Lu Mingfei, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she just nodded and said, "Don't fall for someone else. I'm leaving now."

"Haha, goodbye, senior brother."

Watching Chu Zihang's departing figure, Lu Mingfei breathed a sigh of relief. For some reason, he always felt a strange tension whenever he faced Chu Zihang, especially after that rather unserious conversation with Fingel.

"Tsk, still so cool." Fingel shrugged and picked up his suitcase again. "Alright, Junior Brother Lu, I have to go now. The car is still waiting at the school gate."

"Okay, have a safe trip," Lu Mingfei waved. "Remember, uh, be careful."

He had originally intended to say to remember to bring cigars, but felt it was a bit inappropriate to say that after Chu Zihang had just reminded him to be careful.

"Don't worry! Wait for my triumphant return!" Fingel waved his hand nonchalantly, dragging his weather-looking suitcase, and strode towards the school gate with an air of indifference.

Lu Mingfei watched his figure disappear around the corner of the tree-lined avenue. The chaotic thoughts in his mind caused by Inuyama Riki and the Snake-Headed Hachike family were temporarily replaced by curiosity and a little envy for Fingel's sudden trip to Cuba. He took out his phone, looked at the chat interface with Inuyama Riki, and the resemblance to Director Genjiro was still glaring. He shook his head, sighed, put away his phone, and slowly strolled towards his dormitory, continuing his ordinary Kassel daily routine.

At the school gate, a black, unremarkable-looking sedan was already waiting. Fingel stuffed his suitcase into the trunk, opened the door, and got in.

The driver, an expressionless specialist, started the car after confirming Fingel's identity and drove smoothly toward the airport.

Upon arriving at the airport, Fingel quickly completed his check-in process through a special VIP channel. In the waiting area, he met his contact for this mission, a specialist from the Cuban branch of the Kassel College.

He looked to be in his thirties, male, with a healthy bronze complexion, wearing a brightly colored Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, and chewing gum. He exuded a lazy yet enthusiastic aura, which matched Fingel's image of a branch specialist. Hmm, somewhat similar, yet something seemed off.

"Hey! You're Commissioner Fingel from headquarters?" The Cuban commissioner greeted Fingel warmly, extending his hand and flashing a bright white smile. "I'm José Martínez from the Havana branch. Welcome. Uh, although I haven't arrived yet, I'd like to welcome you to Cuba in advance!"

"Hello, hello! I'm Fingel!" Fingel warmly shook the other person's hand, "I've long admired Cuban culture, and now I'm finally able to see it for myself!"

“I guarantee you’ll be impressed!” Jose winked and lowered his voice. “Don’t rush the work; we can talk about it when we get there. Let me first introduce you to the local customs and culture—I guarantee it’ll be much more interesting than what’s written in the mission briefing!”

Fingel smiled knowingly, feeling that he had indeed made the right choice in coming on this mission.

The long flight wasn't boring thanks to Jose's enthusiastic commentary, mainly about Havana's nightlife, beach parties, and cigar-tasting tips, and his active interaction with Fingel. As the plane pierced through the clouds and began its slow descent, the long, narrow island nestled in the azure Caribbean Sea could be seen through the window. The sun shone brightly on the land, the coastline was beautifully curved, and the city's silhouette was slightly distorted by the heat.

Fingel stretched, a hopeful smile spreading across his face. Cuba, beautiful women, cigars, and a few unknown troubles. His impromptu trip was finally about to begin.

Chapter 304 Lu Mingfei, a Second-Rate Swordsman

Kassel College, Kendo Hall.

The venue was quiet, with only two figures holding bamboo swords, facing each other a few meters apart.

On one side was Chu Zihang. His posture was as upright as a pine tree, his standard kendo uniform perfectly wrinkle-free, as if cast in steel. His face was expressionless, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, locking onto his opponent's every subtle movement. Simply standing there, he was like an insurmountable mountain, radiating a cold and powerful aura of oppression. The bamboo sword in his hand seemed like an extension of his arm, steady without the slightest tremor.

On the other side is Lu Mingfei.

A little over a year ago, if someone had told Lu Mingfei that he could wield a sword, even a bamboo sword, and go toe-to-toe with the legendary, ruthless senior brother Chu Zihang in the kendo dojo, he would have thought the person was either crazy or playing some clumsy prank. Back then, he held a sword like a fire poker, clumsy and terrified. He couldn't even last a single exchange with Chu Zihang, often having his weapon knocked away with a single blow or being swiftly and decisively knocked down, leaving red marks from training on his body.

But now, standing there, though his breathing was slightly more rapid than Chu Zihang's, the confusion and fear in his eyes were gone. His posture wasn't perfect, but his center of gravity was steady and his steps were firm.

For over a year, nearly four hundred days and nights, aside from academic classes, tasks from the Executive Department, and the occasional banter with Fingel, going out for meals and drinks with Frilian, and playing board games and having dinners with the club members, he devoted almost all his spare time to this place. Initially, he passively accepted the special training, but it gradually became a habit.

Sweat soaked the stray hairs on his forehead, sliding down his cheeks and dripping onto the floor, leaving a small, dark stain. Lu Mingfei's kendo uniform was far less neat than Chu Zihang's, and even had some stains that couldn't be washed off, but on him, it inexplicably had a more authentic feel, as if he had been through a lot of training.

"start."

Without any emotional bias, Chu Zihang sounded the battle drum.

As soon as he finished speaking, Chu Zihang moved. His movements were lightning fast, without the slightest warning; he stepped forward and lunged! The sword sliced ​​through the air with a sharp whistling sound, aiming straight for Lu Mingfei's face. A classic facial technique!

This sword strike was simple, direct, and swift, embodying Chu Zihang's consistent style—abandoning all frills and aiming solely at efficiently defeating the opponent. If it were the old Lu Mingfei, he probably wouldn't even have time to react before the bamboo sword struck his face, sealing his defeat.

But Lu Mingfei is different today.

The instant Chu Zihang's shoulder twitched, Lu Mingfei's body reacted before his mind could process it. He didn't choose to retreat, because retreating would only lead to Chu Zihang's relentless attacks. Almost instinctively, he took half a step to the right front, simultaneously flipping his wrist so that his bamboo sword slashed upwards, blocking the attack from the side.

"Snapped!"

A crisp crack echoed through the empty arena. Lu Mingfei's arm jolted; a tremendous force surged from the bamboo sword, making half his body numb. But he gritted his teeth, enduring the blow head-on, his feet firmly planted on the ground, refusing to retreat.

As he successfully parried, Lu Mingfei didn't pause. Using the recoil from the parry, he spun his body, his bamboo sword tracing an arc as he counterattacked Chu Zihang's torso! This counterattack wasn't particularly sophisticated, but the timing was impeccable, occurring precisely at the moment when Chu Zihang's old strength had dissipated and new strength hadn't yet arisen.

A hint of surprise flashed in Chu Zihang's eyes. It was too late to parry with his sword, but his extensive combat experience allowed him to immediately make the most rational response. He forcefully pushed off the ground with his left foot, his body retreating slightly, while simultaneously switching from a thrusting to a sweeping motion with his bamboo sword, slashing at Lu Mingfei's exposed wrist as he attacked. This combined offense and defense forced Lu Mingfei to retreat and defend.

Lu Mingfei had anticipated this move. The attack was a feint; the real intention was to lure the enemy. He withdrew his offensive, lowered his wrist, and pressed down with his bamboo sword, barely blocking Chu Zihang's sweeping blade.

"Snapped!"

Another clash ensued. This time, Lu Mingfei used the momentum to jump back half a step, widening the distance once again, his breathing becoming heavier.

He knew that going head-to-head with Chu Zihang in terms of strength and speed would be a dead end. His only advantage, or rather, the ability that Chu Zihang had honed through more than a year of hellish training, was his ability to anticipate, his rhythm, and the lessons he learned from being beaten.

Chu Zihang gave him no chance to breathe, his attacks surging like a tidal wave. Thrusts, slashes, sweeps, and parries—he wielded various basic techniques with ease, combining them into an impenetrable net of attacks. The sound of bamboo swords slicing through the air was incessant, like a sudden storm.

Lu Mingfei's figure weaved through the sword shadows, parrying and dodging. His movements were far less elegant and fluid than Chu Zihang's, sometimes appearing clumsy, his steps disordered, and his parrying stances not entirely standard. But he always managed to defuse crises in the most effective way at the critical moment.

He no longer blindly swung his sword, nor did he passively take hits. He began to read Chu Zihang's attack intentions, predicting the direction of the next strike by observing the tilt of Chu's shoulders, the shift in his center of gravity, and the focus of his gaze. He learned to utilize the terrain, occasionally making a clumsy roll, seemingly out of desperation, but actually to create a more advantageous distance for himself.