Vol 7. Chapter 70: This Child Takes After Her Father

"The rules for this outdoor practical exam aren’t much different from previous years."

Hefei pulled out a list, walking slowly beside Muse as she scanned the contents.

"We have to kill or capture the dangerous species listed here, then collect their distinguishing traits. That’ll be used as the basis for our final score. The higher the rank of the dangerous species, the more points we earn. We can hold at most three traits of the same species to exchange for points—anything more than three won’t count."

After finishing, Hefei put the list away carefully and lifted her gaze to observe their surroundings.

It was quiet—only the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves.

"Just like ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ the wilderness around Ebuniel, the distribution of dangerous species in the Redstone Forest forms a ring."

Hefei went on:

"The closer to the center of the forest, the higher the rank of the dangerous species. Muse, I think we should first search the outer area for some low-level dangerous species, secure a base score, and then move deeper in. Or... should we just head straight in?"

Muse narrowed her eyes slightly, gazing toward the forest’s core. After thinking a bit, she replied:

"Let’s head straight in. Dangerous species deeper inside will give us more points, but they’re also more dangerous. If we get hurt, it’ll affect the rest of the exam."

She paused, then added seriously:

"Besides, during my big sister’s outdoor exam, she dove straight into the heart of the Snowfrost Forest right from the start."

"And then?" Hefei asked curiously.

"And then she and Sister Helena ran into the Warhammer Dragon King, Adam."

Hefei froze, then quickly remembered.

"Oh~ Father told me about that too. That was when he and Leon’s mother ran into Adam as well. If it hadn’t been for that hateful Dragon King making me sleep inside that crystal for more than thirty years... Father and I would have already settled that score."

Muse nodded.

"After that incident during the Academy expedition, the school did more research on the exam sites. But since these are meant to simulate real combat, unexpected things will always happen. We’d better be cautious."

"Mm, alright!"

Muse firmly believed in her eldest sister’s courage and strength. Her sister’s tough personality, wit, and sense of responsibility had all shone in that crisis. If not for Adam’s sudden appearance, Helena would’ve long since pushed her to the brink.

But Muse still hadn’t gained full mastery over her own ability. Her confidence had been worn down day by day. So, choosing a conservative tactic suited her and Hefei’s current state better.

Hefei understood Muse’s position and mindset. Even if she dearly wanted to be like Helena and rush straight in, without the strength and confidence to sustain that style of combat, she couldn’t force her best friend into reckless battles.

For Hefei, points were important, but the friendship built through overcoming hardships together was far more valuable.

"The map shows a river nearby. There should be some C-rank dangerous species there—we can secure some base points first." Hefei suggested.

"Alright."

The two close friends set off at once, following the map and jogging toward the river.

After pushing through some tall grass and shrubs, they arrived at the riverbank.

Hefei checked the list, scanned the area, and after a while pointed toward the riverbed.

"There are some Volt Frogs there. We can catch a few."

"Mm-hm."

The two dragon girls ran toward the riverbed, stepping onto safer ground and beginning their hunt.

Volt Frogs were about the size of normal frogs, their bodies dark yellow with black stripes across their backs.

When faced with mortal danger, a Volt Frog would inflate its body and generate an electric current across its skin. The discharge lasted ten to fifteen seconds—

And then that was it. That was the nature of a C-rank species: a short, furious burst of power.

"Muse, careful, don’t get shocked," Hefei warned. "Wait until the Volt Frog discharges once, then count fifteen seconds—you can grab it then."

"Got it, got it."

Muse locked her eyes on a Volt Frog. She crouched low, inching toward it. The frog hopped away in sync with her movements. So it leapt, and she chased—but it always leapt farther.

A few minutes later, Hefei had already caught three Volt Frogs. When she turned, she saw her best friend still locked in a "jumping contest" with the first one. The scene was comical enough that Hefei chuckled, but she still called out,

"Muse, don’t just chase after it—you can’t outjump it. You need to make it feel threatened, then it’ll discharge."

"Oh, oh, right!"

Muse responded, keeping her eyes on the frog in front of her. It stopped less than half a meter away. Biting her lip, tail twitching, she raised her hands, picked her moment, and...

"Ribbit!"

She pounced—only to miss.

Just as she sighed in disappointment, she heard the faint crackle of electricity. Looking up in delight, she saw the frog sparking across its skin.

Muse silently began counting. Fifteen seconds later, she reached out and easily scooped up the exhausted frog.

"Nice~! You did it, Muse!" Hefei rushed over to celebrate.

"Just two more and we’re set. Anything extra won’t count."

"Mm-hm."

Muse kept at it, and before long, she had two more frogs in hand.

"Alright, small species like this don’t yield big traits, but they don’t take much space either. We can carry them, and they’ll count toward our score later," Hefei said.

"Okay. How many points is one Volt Frog worth?" Muse asked.

"Uh..."

Hefei scratched her temple, thinking, then answered,

"Two points."

Hearing that, Muse’s face fell.

"So if each of us catches three, that’s only six points total?"

Hefei grinned. "Can’t be helped—Volt Frogs are the lowest on the list, and the easiest to catch. But we said we’d get a safety score first, right?"

"Mm... that’s true. Let’s keep going then, Hefei."

"Good."

The two dragon girls left the riverbank, retracing their steps.

Hefei made sure to praise Muse along the way.

"You were great, Muse. After catching the first one, you picked up the trick right away."

Muse rubbed at her hair awkwardly.

"No way. You already had three before I even caught one..."

"Haha, my father used to take me hunting in the mountains when he was on break. He taught me how to catch dangerous species bare-handed."

"Hunting, huh..."

Muse lowered her eyes, murmuring, "During summer break, Dad also took me and Third Sister hunting. I caught a lot of rabbits then."

"See~~ you are amazing, Muse~"

"But back then I had a bow. That’s why it was easy. Now, without weapons or tools, I couldn’t even catch a few frogs..."

"Pat—"

Hefei dropped her arm over Muse’s shoulder, straightening her face into seriousness.

"Using weapons and tools is also your strength. Why throw that away? You’re amazing, Muse. Believe me—even if you don’t have confidence in yourself, you should at least trust me, right? I’ve got a good eye for people!"

Her comforting skills still needed work, but the sincerity in her tone was undeniable.

Muse could feel the importance and encouragement Hefei placed on her.

"Mm..." Muse answered softly, lowering her head, biting her lip, turning her eyes aside, and nodding.

"Alright~ I get it, Hefei."

Hefei smiled in satisfaction.

"That’s more like it. Now, we—"

Rustle...

Before Hefei could finish, the bushes nearby stirred.

They turned toward the sound, instantly wary of a possible dangerous species.

The footsteps grew clearer, until finally two small figures emerged from the brush.

Hefei raised a brow.

"Zorn... Luka?"

They were classmates, also participating in the outdoor exam.

But Hefei didn’t like them much.

"Hey, Hefei, Muse. What a coincidence running into you here," Zorn greeted, glancing at the glass containers in their hands.

"Hm? Volt Frogs? We were listening nearby. You sounded so excited we thought you’d caught something big. Turns out it was just some frogs?"

That was exactly why Hefei disliked them.

They were the type of classmates who acted like "there’s a party tonight—guess who’s not invited." Not outright bullies, but annoying enough.

"You two haven’t caught any high-scoring species either, so what gives you the right to mock us?"

Luckily, Hefei wasn’t one to be pushed around.

Her comeback left the boy sputtering.

"Tch, maybe we haven’t caught any yet, but Zorn and I found the lair of the Scythe-Scorp Crab."

It was Luka speaking.

"Scythe-Scorp Crabs are worth a lot of points. And since they’re still near the outer zone, they won’t attract higher-level species."

"So? Want to come with us to the lair and see who catches more Scythe-Scorp Crabs?"

Hefei frowned. "Why would I waste time competing with you?"

She grabbed Muse’s hand, ready to leave without another word.

But as they brushed past Zorn, they heard him mutter:

"As the daughter of Flame Dragon King Constantine, Hefei... don’t tell me you’re afraid to lose to me?"

Hefei froze mid-step, slowly turning her head, her little fist tightening as she ground out:

"Who are you saying is afraid?"

This child—just like her father—couldn’t take the slightest provocation.