"I declare the first test..."
"Passed!"
Under Phantylia Kitten's incredibly cautious sparring with March 7th, the assessment quickly came to an end.
Feeling the weight of everyone's gaze, Yunli and Yanqing exchanged a brief glance before announcing the result.
"Yay!" Hearing this, March 7th's tense expression vanished instantly, replaced by overflowing joy. Her entire body sprang up like a coiled spring, propelling her into the air.
March 7th's happiness, delight, and exhilaration instantly permeated the courtyard, making the already lush and vibrant foliage—the trees, flowers, and grass—glow even more vibrantly.
"Ouch..."
But as March 7th landed, a sharp pain surged through her entire body. Her joyful expression twisted into a grimace as her features contorted in agony...
Yet even in this disfigured state, March 7th's irresistibly cute face remained utterly endearing.
"March, are you alright?" Seeing the scene unfold, Lumina rushed over, cradling her in her arms, her face etched with concern.
Simultaneously, she cast a fierce glance at the innocent-looking Phantylia Kitten sprawled on the grass, causing tears to well up in its eyes, making the creature look utterly aggrieved.
"Ah, I'm fine, really!" March 7th managed an awkward smile, feeling the lingering pain and realizing she'd overreacted slightly.
"Hmm... March 7th, since you've passed the assessment, let's take today off." Yunli had gauged March 7th's current skill level during the duel with the Phantylia Kitten, so a day of rest wouldn't hurt.
Besides, the Phantylia Kitten had fought a little too aggressively. Though March 7th appeared unscathed, internal injuries made her unsuitable for intense training today.
"Huh? A day off? Is that really a good idea?" March 7th's face clouded with confusion.
After all, with only fifteen days left, every minute and second was precious. How could they afford to waste even a single day on rest?
"Of course not... I mean, taking a day off isn't about actually resting," Yunli said flatly, drawing out the last syllable with a playful inflection as she waved her hand dismissively. "It's about making the most of that day to fully recuperate your body and spirit."
"Without any breaks, you might experience setbacks later on that disrupt your training."
"But..."
"Miss March, Yunli is right," Yanqing interrupted. "A day or two of rest mid-training might be just as effective as fifteen consecutive days of high-intensity drills."
Hearing Yunli's explanation, March 7th had been about to protest further, but Yanqing cut her off after only a few words.
"Take the day off, it's fine," Yanqing said.
"Those mechs are pretty weak anyway, a little delay won't matter," Lumina added, chiming in.
Though Lumina wasn't the one training with the sword, watching March 7th practice for five days had left her quite drained as well. She needed a good rest.
"Alright then," March 7th conceded.
With both Master Yanqing and Sister Lumina weighing in, March 7th naturally couldn't refuse. After a moment's thought, she nodded in agreement.
"Let's hurry then! Let's go relax in the Exalting Sanctum!"
"Sounds good!"
-
At night, in the hotel.
Lumina felt deeply disappointed and disheartened when March 7th and the others didn't return to the hotel with her that day.
However, Herta proactively initiated a video call without waiting for Lumina to speak, instantly lifting her spirits.
The disappointment and joy canceled each other out, leaving only joy.
As for why it didn't result in a neutral state, or even a lingering sadness?
The disappointment of being rejected by a beautiful girl paled in comparison to the joy of being pursued by one.
"You seem a little down," Herta remarked. "Did a beautiful girl reject you?"
Despite Lumina's beaming smile, Herta seemed to have detected lingering traces of her true feelings through subtle microexpressions.
"Are you some kind of god?" Lumina exclaimed, her face contorting with astonishment and disbelief at Herta's words.
How could she tell that, even through a screen? Is Madam Herta really that perceptive?
If I ever go out again... I'd be caught by Herta on the spot!
"Hmm? What kind of god?" Herta asked, startled. She clearly didn't understand what Lumina meant by "god." "I'm not from Xianzhou and don't believe in so-called gods."
"No, I mean your observational skills are just too sharp, almost godlike. I wasn't saying you believe in gods," Lumina clarified, hearing Herta's puzzling reply.
"It has nothing to do with observational skills. I simply didn't hear any beautiful girl's voices near you, so I made an educated guess," Herta chuckled, downplaying her abilities and insisting she wasn't divine.
Having seen the precedent, Herta had no doubt Lumina would continue inviting March 7th to spend the night in her room.
Yet, at that moment, Herta heard no trace of a beautiful girl's voice near Lumina, suggesting Lumina had likely extended an invitation only to be rejected.
"6..."
Upon receiving the accurate answer, Lumina was momentarily speechless. After a long pause, she finally managed to stammer out a single "6" to express her shock and speechless astonishment.
Wait, Little Herta, why are you so familiar with me?!