Donghai City — Donghai Academy Main Gate
Morning sunlight gilded the academy's signboard, the four characters "Donghai Academy" blazing with pride.
A deep-blue soul-guided bus rolled to a smooth stop in the campus square.
Hiss…
The doors opened slowly.
On both sides of the gate, teachers and students stood in orderly ranks.
Dean Yu Zhen, in formal attire, beamed at the front, flanked by grade advisors and student squads holding flowers, faces alight with anticipation.
"Welcome back, Donghai Academy's heroes!" Dean Yu's voice boomed with vigor.
First off the bus—Wu Zhangkong, impeccable in white, ice-blue hair flowing like silk.
Then—Class Zero descended:
Fang Yang led, Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan close behind, followed by Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and the others.
APPLAUSE ERUPTED—thunderous, unending.
Students stretched on tiptoes, eager to glimpse their idols.
"Senior Fang Yang is SO handsome!"
"Senior Gu Yue looks like a celestial fairy!"
"They won CHAMPIONSHIPS!"
Whispers rippled through the crowd— admiration crackling in every word.
Dean Yu stepped forward, clapping Wu Zhangkong's shoulder.
"Teacher Wu—well done."
His eyes turned to Class Zero, voice trembling with emotion:
"You've brought Donghai unprecedented glory—and proven our teaching prowess to the entire Tianhai Alliance!"
Fang Yang bowed slightly, voice poised:
"Dean—you honor us. This is all thanks to Teacher Wu's guidance."
Graceful. Humble. Unshakable.
The others followed suit, faces glowing with triumph: Tang Wulin grinned ear-to-ear, Xie Xie stood tall, chest puffed, Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi remained silent—but eyes blazed with pride, Gu Yue stood serene as moonlight, Xu Xiaoyan waved cheerfully to the crowd.
Nearby, Dean Long Hengxu seethed silently, resentment thick enough to forge a demon sword.
"Ah, Dean Long," Dean Yu chuckled, noticing his gloom.
"Class Zero's success owes much to you too."
"Thank you, Dean," Long Hengxu forced a smile, 'At least he remembers my contribution…'
"You've traveled far—rest well," Dean Yu addressed the group warmly.
"We'll discuss details later."
"Understood, Dean," Fang Yang nodded.
"Teacher Wu, Dean Long—my office, please," Dean Yu added.
As the dean dismissed the assembly, students drifted away in chattering clusters, excitement still buzzing.
"Senior Sisters—I'll rest now," Tang Wulin waved to Ouyang Zixin and Mu Xi.
"Rest well, Wulin," Ouyang Zixin smiled tenderly.
Mu Xi simply nodded—she had to return to the Blacksmith Association.
Elsewhere, Xu Xiaoyu called to his sister: "Xiaoyan."
"Brother?" She blinked up at him.
He hesitated, then softened: "Sleep well."
Rare warmth in his eyes.
"I will!" Xu Xiaoyan beamed.
"Fang Yang—let's rest too," Xie Xie yawned, satisfied.
"These days drained me!"
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi nodded in weary agreement.
"Mm," Fang Yang replied softly.
He took Gu Yue's hand in his left, Xu Xiaoyan's in his right, the trio walking side by side into the sunset.
As the crowd dispersed, the academy gates returned to quiet—only the golden signboard still gleaming in the dawn light, a silent witness to this unforgettable day.
---
Afternoon — Donghai Academy Central Plaza!
Dean Long Hengxu stood on a temporary podium, voice ringing:
"This year, our students achieved HISTORIC success at the Tianhai Alliance Grand Tournament!"
CHEERS EXPLODED—deafening, euphoric.
"Now—please welcome Class Zero's champions:
Fang Yang! Gu Yue! Xu Xiaoyan! Tang Wulin! Xie Xie! Zhang Yangzi! Wang Jinxi!"
"CLASS ZERO! CLASS ZERO! CLASS ZERO!"
Chants shook the heavens.
In the Year One Class Two ranks, Wei Xiaofeng watched the radiant victors, eyes stormy.
"If I'd joined Class Zero… would I be up there too?"
Bitterness churned in his chest.
"Now—Dean Yu Zhen will present the awards!" Long Hengxu announced.
Fang Yang led his squad in a crisp line.
Dean Yu stepped forward, handing each a certificate.
"Thank you, Dean," Fang Yang bowed, accepting his.
Gu Yue nodded gracefully, Xu Xiaoyan beamed, Tang Wulin stood solemn, Xie Xie preened, Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi clenched jaws betraying their joy.
APPLAUSE ROARED—a full minute of thunder.
"Silence!" Long Hengxu raised a hand.
The crowd hushed instantly.
"To celebrate Donghai's victory," he drew out the pause, eyes twinkling—"Three days' holiday!"
"WOOOAH!"
Ecstasy erupted.
Students leapt, high-fived, danced—the plaza became an ocean of joy.
Thus, Class Zero claimed their moment of glory.
"Dismissed—free time," Wu Zhangkong ordered, striding off to discuss Class Zero's future training with the academy.
Class Zero headed to Donghai City's famed Donghai Grand Hotel.
In a luxurious private room, crystal chandeliers cast golden light, delicacies crowding the round table.
"To victory—cheers!" Fang Yang raised his juice glass, smiling.
"Cheers!"
Glasses clinked—clear, bright.
Amidst laughter and feasting, they spoke of dreams—all now burning to become Battle Armor Masters, forged by Wu Zhangkong's rigor and tournament fire.
As dusk painted the sky crimson, they walked back to campus, returning to their dorms under twilight's veil.
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