NOVEL NEXT Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Transfer Student
"Was I hearing things?"
Although You Ling heard the sound of wind chimes, he didn't see the Millennium Ring on the transfer student.
The concept of a transfer student was quite rare for the students of Fusion Academy.
After all, there were only three duel academies on the continent, each representing one of the three most mainstream special summoning methods.
However, it was undeniable that in the annual academy rankings held in the Holy Land of Spirits, Fusion Academy, which used Fusion Summoning, had always been at the bottom in terms of win rates.
Typically, noble families who hoped their children would achieve greatness would pull strings to send their children abroad to study at one of the other two academies.
It was rare to see a transfer student like today, who had specifically transferred to Fusion Academy from another academy.
Especially since this adorable girl named Luka had come from XYZ Academy, which currently held the top spot in the rankings and used Xyz Summoning.
"Please introduce yourself to the class, Luka."
"Of course, Teacher Erin."
Nodding obediently, Luka's sweet smile revealed two charming dimples on her cheeks, making her even more enchanting.
"I'm Luka Slint. I transferred to Fusion Academy because I deeply admire the Fusion Summoning method. I hope to spend the next two and a half years happily with all of you."
"Ooooooh!"
The first-year classroom erupted with excitement, almost as if it were the eve of a weekend holiday.
"A real transfer student, and she came from XYZ Academy!"
"She's so cute, like an angel!"
"Did I wake up too early today? Am I really going to be classmates with such a cute girl?"
What excited everyone the most was undoubtedly the transfer student's stunningly beautiful appearance.
Her golden bangs framed her sapphire-blue eyes, which sparkled like starlight, and her sweet smile accentuated by her delicate, crescent-shaped eyebrows.
With the combination of being a beautiful girl and a transfer student, who wouldn't be captivated?
Well, it seemed there were two people who weren't particularly moved.
"Is she really that cute? I think she's just average."
Ilin, who was holding Aisha in her arms, gave her a playful squeeze.
"I think my Little Ai is much cuter. The transfer student is just a novelty."
"I agree with Ilin."
Equally indifferent to the cuteness of women, Kevin crossed his arms and nodded coldly.
"Appearance isn't what matters. What's important is dueling strength. Weaklings won't earn my respect."
"It's not as strict as you two make it sound," Aisha said fairly. "Luka is indeed exceptionally cute."
Glancing at the magical watch on her wrist and estimating that it was almost time, Teacher Erin reluctantly put out the cigarette she had been holding in her mouth.
"Find a seat you like, Luka."
Thursday's summoning class was a special course, held in a spacious lecture hall.
In this kind of classroom, there were no fixed seats. Everyone just sat wherever they felt like.
Those who wanted to perform well could sit closer to the front. Those who were afraid of being called on or wanted to catch up on sleep could hide in the back. It was very flexible.
"Luka, sit with us!"
"There's an empty seat here!"
"Come sit with me, Luka~"
Out of enthusiasm for the beautiful transfer student, most of the students wanted the porcelain-doll-like girl to sit next to them.
However, as Luka stepped down from the podium, it seemed she already had a target in mind.
Her sapphire-blue eyes, with their deep pupils, reflected the Millennium Puzzle she had noticed the moment she entered the classroom.
Luka Slint walked straight up to Aisha without hesitation.
"Excuse me, Aisha, may I sit next to you?"
"How do you know my name, Luka?"
"Your glorious achievement of defeating the grade's number one, Kevin Seto, despite being at the bottom of the class—I've heard about it for a while now."
"That's... quite an honor."
Aisha awkwardly scratched her cheek.
How could she not feel awkward? The grade's number one she had supposedly defeated was sitting right next to her.
It wasn't Luka's fault for not reading the room. Perhaps, as a new transfer student, she knew about Aisha but didn't recognize Kevin.
"So, may I sit next to you?"
Her eyes curved into a beautiful crescent moon as she smiled, but her gaze remained fixed on the Millennium Puzzle hanging from Aisha's chest.
"No. Can't you see the seats next to Aisha are already taken?"
Kevin, speaking on Aisha's behalf, firmly rejected Luka. His tone was clearly hostile, likely due to Luka's earlier comment.
Of course, those who knew the truth would understand that Kevin treated most women this way.
Otherwise, there wouldn't be rumors about Kevin Seto hating women.
"You really have the nerve to say the seats are taken," Ilin couldn't help but tease.
Aisha's right side was occupied by Ilin. As childhood friends, the two always sat together during class, and everyone was used to it.
However, Aisha's left side was currently occupied by Kevin himself.
At a glance, it did seem like the seats were taken.
"I'd rather have the transfer student sit next to Little Ai than you, Kevin."
"Oh, so you're the Kevin who lost to Aisha. My apologies, I didn't mean to offend you."
Clasping her hands together and winking playfully, Luka gave Kevin a cheeky, insincere apology.
"There's no need to apologize. I don't feel offended," Kevin replied coldly. "If you know what's good for you, don't bother me."
"Oh?" Luka's eyes sparkled as she shifted her approach. "But Kevin, as a guy, why are you always sticking close to Aisha? Do you like her? Well, I can't blame you. Aisha is quite cute, after all."
Shocked, Aisha exclaimed, "(°Д°) Huh? Kevin likes me? I'm sorry, but you're a good person."
Ilin quickly waved her hands. "No, no, anyone with half a brain knows that's impossible. Don't be so naive, Little Ai."
It seemed someone had just been handed a "good person card" in record time.
The speed of that move was completely unaffected by the presence of women.
"You bothersome women wouldn't understand. Aisha Carlos and I are destined rivals! One day, I will defeat her and climb to the top of this academy."
"Pfft." Luka couldn't help but laugh.
"I thought the grade's top elite would be more serious. I didn't expect you to be such an interesting person."
Luka didn't insist on sitting next to Aisha anymore. After all, there would be plenty of opportunities to interact with her.
For example, as Luka knew, Aisha currently lived alone in a double room due to having the last student number.
"But the title of 'rival' sounds so appealing. How about this? In today's summoning class, let's see who can summon the stronger monster—me or Kevin. The winner gets to be Aisha Carlos's rival."