Chapter 63: Unexpected Encounters at Aixi University

Despite the attack by Otherworld Beasts mid-journey, the train arrived safely in Yegong City, though not without incident.

Compared to Tiangong City, Yegong City shared largely identical foundational structures and designs, differing only in its slightly larger scale.

The two cities resembled sisters, even their names bearing a striking similarity.

Teresa had long since vanished.

A message she had sent recently via her messaging app account suggested she intended to seize the opportunity to first register for the Magical Girl Fan Club at their office before proceeding to the university for enrollment.

Bai Li and her companions, however, had no such errands and could head directly to the university to report.

After all, their identities spoke for themselves.

Students like them, who gained direct admission through the exemptions granted by official Awakened organizations, were regarded as treasures by the university.

The institution would have gladly dispatched several professors to meet them at the station, had it not been for the fear of appearing biased.

However, a slight modification to the general freshman welcoming process within the school was permissible.

“Welcome, both of you, to Aixi University.”

A girl with long, straight black hair, dressed quite formally and clearly the type of a model student, approached Bai Li and Lin Xi shortly after they entered the campus gates.

“You are…?”

“My name is Gu Yunzhi, and I am the current Student Council President of Aixi University.

I am currently assisting with freshman reception.

The professors have informed me about your arrival, and I hope you both have a pleasant time at this university.”

As Student Council President, the black-haired girl, Gu Yunzhi, naturally possessed the authority to access certain information about new students.

Bai Li and Lin Xi, as directly admitted students, were undoubtedly crucial in every respect, necessitating a thorough reception.

That said, the university’s knowledge extended only to their status as members of the Weichangzhe Organization and their significant contributions; they remained entirely unaware of their Arbitrator affiliations.

Most ordinary people, let alone knowing their Arbitrator identities, were not even aware of the organization’s existence.

“The matriculation ceremony is still a day away.

Let’s head to the dormitories to drop off your luggage first.

This way, please.”

Gu Yunzhi led the two to the Aixi University student dormitories.

It was undeniably a university of considerable renown, for the dormitory environment surpassed even typical rental apartments, with a single four-person room occupying an entire floor.

“This is the dormitory assigned to you two.

Besides yourselves, there are two other roommates.”

Having spoken, and exchanged a few more polite words, she then departed.

Bai Li and Lin Xi, without hesitation, simply opened the dormitory door.

“…There’s no one inside, is there?”

Upon opening the door, they were greeted by an empty living room.

The lights were off, and the curtains were drawn, completely blocking out the light, creating an exceptionally dim space.

One might have mistaken it for a haunted house.

“Perhaps they haven’t arrived yet?

After all, the matriculation ceremony is tomorrow, so reporting before the registration office closes today should be fine.”

Incidentally, Gu Yunzhi had immediately taken them to register for enrollment upon their arrival, almost as if she feared they might suddenly change their minds.

“In that case, let’s put our belongings in our rooms first, to avoid everyone being busy at once later.”

“That’s a good point.”

Having decided on their next course of action, the two proceeded to their individual bedrooms, opened one of the doors, and casually switched on the light.

Then, their gazes met a strange animal curled up in the bedding within the room.

“…?”

Observing the gray lump that seemed to blend seamlessly with the gray duvet and sheets, both Lin Xi and Bai Li felt a surge of confusion.

This was Aixi University’s dormitory, where safety was assured.

It was utterly impossible for ordinary Otherworld Beasts to approach, let alone make their way onto a bed in a room.

In stark contrast to their bewilderment, the gray lump suddenly puffed up, as if its fur had bristled, before it yanked the duvet over itself, completely retreating inside and becoming a mere bundle.

“This…”

Lin Xi struggled to comprehend the current situation; the creature’s behavior, coupled with its face being obscured by gray hair, leaving only a pair of black eyes visible, made it impossible to even ascertain if it was human.

Given the other party’s reaction, it felt inappropriate to simply walk over and pull back the duvet.

Bai Li, however, had a plan for this particular predicament.

“If it’s afraid to face people, then it’s highly likely an Otherworld Beast that fears being hunted down.

Such creatures typically have a record, so eliminating it directly wouldn’t be an issue.”

Hearing these utterly dispassionate words, the gray lump hidden beneath the duvet jolted, immediately peeking its head out.

“I-I-I… I’m not an Otherworld Beast… I’m human!”

The gray lump—the gray-haired girl—re-emerged from the duvet, her frightened expression akin to that of a startled little rabbit.

“Human?

How can you prove it?”

“Uh, uh…”

She had initially thought that merely sticking her head out to speak would resolve the situation, but Bai Li’s next question rendered her utterly speechless.

“I…”

“What?

Can’t think of a reason?”

“Uh… I…”

“Alright, Xiao Bai, don’t scare her.”

Seeing the other party’s eyes begin to spin in confusion, Lin Xi interjected to stop Bai Li, then knelt down before the girl to meet her gaze.

“What’s your name?”

Lin Xi offered the gray-haired girl a gentle smile, her inherent warmth and approachability slowly calming the initially distraught girl, prompting her to speak haltingly.

“I… My name is Gu Ling…”

“Gu Ling, right?

I’m Lin Xi, and that’s Bai Li.

We’re new students living in this dormitory.

You are too, I presume?”

“Yes…”

“Then we’re roommates.

Please take care of us.”

Confronted with Lin Xi’s kindness, even the severely socially anxious Gu Ling gradually let down her guard, sitting up on the bed and shaking Lin Xi’s hand.

The duvet, however, remained draped over her head, resembling a cloak.

“Speaking of which, Gu Ling, you arrived here remarkably early.

Our train was the earliest service today, you know.”

“No… I just arrived a day early…”

Gu Ling answered Lin Xi timidly, though still responding.

Arriving a day early, how had she managed to go without food or drink until now?

There were no signs of cooking or finished takeout in the dormitory.

It could only be said that Awakened were a peculiar lot; indeed, some could sustain life activities purely through energy, going without food, drink, or even breathing for extended periods.

“It’s almost noon now, isn’t it?

It would be better to eat something.

Xiao Bai, let’s…”

*Click.*

Just as Lin Xi turned towards Bai Li, the dormitory door opened once again.

“Is that our last roommate?

Let’s go say hello.”

“This… I’ll try…”

Pulled by Lin Xi, Gu Ling decided to pluck up her courage and get off the bed.

However…

“Good morning!

My name is Teresa, and I look forward to our time together…”

A blonde, twin-tailed girl rushed in, dragging a suitcase, her blue eyes immediately locking onto the gazes of the three others.

The four exchanged glances, and in the face of this complicated situation, no one spoke another word.