“This time, our High Tower Witches have sent three witches besides myself to participate in this struggle...”
Lan Qingyou’s words echoed in Alisa’s ears.
Looking at the other woman’s smug expression, Alisa didn’t know the exact intent behind the statement, but coupled with that seemingly provocative gaze, she was certain it wasn’t anything good.
“There are only three top spots in this competition.”
Seeing that Alisa—this researcher whose brain had apparently gone soft from too much study—didn’t understand the implication, Piamon, who had been busy having a staring contest with Chu Yuan, whispered a reminder.
Alisa was excellent in many ways; her professional knowledge was solid, and the potions she made were superb. However, she was slightly lacking in other areas.
Especially when it came to such subtle undercurrents.
Startled by the reminder, Alisa looked at Piamon for a moment before the realization struck her.
There were only three top spots, yet the High Tower Witches had sent four people. Did they intend to sweep every single one of them?
Did they not even intend to leave the fourth-place spot for anyone else?
Although Lan Qingyou had claimed that 'this isn't a gathering of the strongest combatants, but those with the strongest research capabilities,' Alisa knew that anyone capable of high-level research had a few tricks up their sleeves.
She didn’t know exactly how strong they were, but they surely had plenty of unexpected little trump cards.
Since the Witches of the High Tower had come here, they were definitely going to take the field.
For Lan Qingyou to speak with such confidence suggested she had the foundation to back it up.
But...
“My Witches of the Workshop are not inferior to your High Tower Witches.”
After saying this, Alisa ignored Lan Qingyou’s stunned expression and pulled out her card, tapping away as if sending a message.
“Three.”
Once she finished, Alisa waved the card in her hand in front of Lan Qingyou’s eyes.
“Huh?”
“This time, our Workshop Witches have also sent three witches besides myself to participate in this struggle.”
Alisa returned Lan Qingyou’s words to her, verbatim.
“...”
Looking at the smug Alisa, Lan Qingyou fell silent.
Based on her appearance, this woman was likely only a few years older than herself.
At first glance, she had given off the vibe of a cold, mature woman, but now she was acting so childishly, matching Lan Qingyou blow for blow.
However...
“Well, that certainly is interesting. Are you suggesting a competition between us?”
Lan Qingyou arched an eyebrow, floating up on her magic broom to meet Alisa’s gaze.
With a new pair of rivals staring each other down, Chu Yuan and Piamon called a truce to their own staring contest and watched the two women.
Not just them; everyone nearby was doing the same.
If the friction between Chu Yuan and Piamon was a matter of politics, then the dispute between Lan Qingyou and Alisa was truly a clash between races.
Now this was a show worth watching.
After all, it concerned everyone’s immediate interests.
Why?
Because both Lan Qingyou and Alisa had essentially laid their cards on the table.
They were shamelessly declaring, 'I want all three recommended spots.' How could the people around them not pay attention?
This situation caused Piamon, who was on Alisa’s side, to let out a long sigh.
He had originally reminded her because he wanted her to seize on Lan Qingyou’s boast to create some public pressure on the third-floor spectator area, which was filled almost entirely with clan leaders.
That might have caused Lan Qingyou to hesitate slightly during the upcoming battles, increasing the possibility of her defeat.
Instead, not only did Alisa fail to take the hint, but she also directly followed suit and met the challenge head-on!?
Wait... why are you copying her!
Why would you imitate someone who is already a target of everyone’s resentment? Did you want to become a target yourself?
Is this damn competitive streak really that important?
Looking at the two witches—one in black and one in white—facing off, Piamon opened his mouth, wanting to say something to diffuse the thick atmosphere, but ultimately nothing came out.
What could he say?
Nothing he said now would help.
The tempers of everyone around them had already been ignited by the two witches.
As the saying goes, 'Man lives for a breath of air; Buddha lives for a stick of incense.'
Being looked down upon—or rather, directly ignored—by Lan Qingyou and Alisa was more than anyone could stomach.
Regardless of their race’s population, who here wasn't a leader in their own right?
Consequently, several people began to step forward, intending to argue the point.
Bzzz—
Just then, Lan Qingyou’s body suddenly trembled violently again, instantly shattering the hostile atmosphere.
No way... again?
Everyone who had witnessed it before complained silently in their hearts.
Lan Qingyou gave a somewhat awkward smile.
She had forgotten to turn off the vibration mode after chatting with Diana. She had no idea who was messaging her at a time like this.
Under the collective gaze of the crowd, who looked like they wanted to give her a sound thrashing, she checked her card.
Seymer: “The research is complete. Do you want to take a look? Once we’re done, I’m heading to the Witch Academy.”
...
So it was Professor Seymer.
Lan Qingyou, never expecting him to message her at this critical juncture, let out a sigh.
Then, she sent him a direct invitation.
After all, she also wanted to see exactly what kind of research could make Professor Seymer 'sell' himself to her.
Of course, to avoid ruining the atmosphere a third time, she took the opportunity to turn off the card’s vibration function.
“Hmm?”
When Seymer accepted Lan Qingyou’s invitation and arrived at the third-floor spectator area, Alisa, who had been staring down Lan Qingyou, was suddenly stunned.
“Is that Alisa? Long time no see. It’s wonderful to see you’re still alive.”
Seymer was also briefly taken aback, but he quickly recovered and greeted her.
Seeing Seymer greeting her, Alisa immediately gave a slight, respectful bow.
“Hello, Teacher. I am also very happy to see that you are doing well.”
“Huh?”
Alisa’s use of the word 'Teacher' left everyone watching the spectacle, including Lan Qingyou, completely stunned.
“Wait, you two are master and disciple?”
Lan Qingyou looked at Alisa, then turned her head to look at Seymer.
“A few years ago, when Alisa was studying at the university, I taught her chemistry. Speaking of which, I also taught you chemistry, so the two of you should be considered fellow students.”
Seymer, having just arrived and being entirely unaware of the daggers drawn between Lan Qingyou and Alisa, casually spilled the beans on both their backgrounds.
“...”
“What!”
Unlike Lan Qingyou’s silence, Alisa appeared much more shocked.
She had only been slightly startled to see her mentor appear in such a place.
But she never imagined that this Witch of the Tower’s chemistry knowledge had also been taught by her own mentor.
Though, thinking about the other woman’s research and application of various things, she did indeed have her own set of understanding and standards for Blue Star’s chemical theories.
“By the way, Alisa, did you also become a witch? But why are your eyes blue instead of red?”
Professor Seymer asked, looking at his student’s sea-blue eyes.
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