As the Thorn Flower Fairy's poison was heavily injected, Bell-Moonshadow, bound by thorns, collapsed weakly onto the fighting platform.
"Crack—"
The rocky ground cracked, and a vibrant green thorn suddenly emerged from the fissure, forming a bud. As a large number of thorns grew rapidly, a pink flower bud nearly two meters high grew from the spot where Jia Na had disappeared.
"What kind of Witchcraft is that? Is it Plant-based Witchcraft?"
As the thick fog gradually dispersed, the apprentices sitting further back, looking at the deep pink flower bud growing from the ground, couldn't help but crane their necks, wanting to find out more.
"The one on the ground is actually Bell-Moonshadow? How did she lose?"
"The fog is too thick, I can't see clearly at all."
The rustling discussions below the stage were incessant, and the deep pink flower bud standing on the fighting platform also bloomed layer by layer under everyone's gaze. Not until the thorns spreading on the ground dissipated did Jia Na, embraced by a strange humanoid creature and surrounded by petals, appear before everyone.
"Is that... an elemental creature?"
With light green skin, deep pink long hair, and a pair of long antennae in the middle of its forehead, below which were a pair of pitch-black eyes like butterfly compound eyes. Unlike its upper body which was humanoid, its lower body was completely covered within a deep pink flower.
With wings on its back, two vibrant green butterfly-shaped wings gave this strange creature an eerie beauty.
"Put me down, Lola."
"Hiss—"
Lola-Thorn is the Thorn Flower Fairy's contract true name. However, unlike the Celestial Bird's near-human level of intelligence, the Thorn Flower Fairy, as a low-level sprite, acts more on instinct and can only engage in simple mind communication with Jia Na.
But fortunately, the Thorn Flower Fairy's loyalty is extremely high. She can execute any of Jia Na's commands one-to-one, almost acting as soon as the thought arises.
...
The Thorn Flower Fairy, having received the mind command, slowly lowered Jia Na from her embrace. Also lowered was the Celestial Bird, which had consumed too much magic power.
"You worked hard, Afu. Go back and rest."
"Okay... Master."
Whoosh—
The Celestial Bird, having received the command, rubbed affectionately against Jia Na's shoulder. As Jia Na dispelled the contract power, the Celestial Bird also turned into a white light and returned to the Spirit World.
"Hiss—"
The Thorn Flower Fairy's hissing sound was very similar to an insect's, sharp and short. Hearing the sound, Jia Na just shook her head and gently soothed the slightly anxious Thorn Flower Fairy.
"This isn't prey... You go back too."
"Hiss—"
Hearing Jia Na's mind command, although the Thorn Flower Fairy showed disappointment, her loyal trait of obeying orders allowed her to obediently retract the thorns binding Bell-Moonshadow, gather her petals, and disappear into the contract magic circle.
"What's your name?"
The barrier dissipated, and the rocky terrain on the fighting platform also disappeared with it.
Turning around, besides the more than a hundred pairs of eyes with various emotions below the stage, the Scarlet Witch, Grace-Eva, who had been guarding the edge of the fighting platform, was also staring directly at Jia Na. In her sharp eyes, there was undisguised scrutiny.
"My name is Jia Na-Luo Lan, Professor."
"Your Witchcraft is very well-practiced. Keep it up."
"Thank you, Professor."
"She was poisoned by you. You're responsible for healing her."
"Yes, Professor."
Looking at Jia Na, whose attitude was humble and respectful, Grace nodded with satisfaction. Then, with a light tap of her finger, Bell-Moonshadow, who had been lying in the center of the fighting platform, floated in front of Jia Na.
"Toxin Removal—"
Placing her palm gently over the spot where Bell-Moonshadow was scratched by thorns, a ball of vibrant green light emerged from Jia Na's palm. The light ball shimmered. As Jia Na rapidly chanted a Witchcraft incantation, guided by plant-based magic, the Thorn Flower Fairy's poison hidden in Bell-Moonshadow's blood was quickly drawn out by Jia Na.
"Cough, cough—"
Bell-Moonshadow, who had been in a semi-paralyzed state, suddenly felt her body lighten. Following several violent coughs, Bell-Moonshadow, who had been slumped on the ground, quickly opened her eyes and stood up, trembling.
"Alright, who else wants to come up for the next group?"
...
As two apprentices raised their hands and ascended the fighting platform, Jia Na and Bell also jumped down from the fighting platform, facing everyone's gaze.
"I lost this time. I hope to have a chance to spar with you again next time."
"The honor is mine."
Unlike her initial arrogance, the defeated Bell-Moonshadow, looking disheveled, just took a deep look at the seemingly gentle and harmless calm face in front of her, turned around, and returned to her seat with a look of unwillingness.
"Whoosh—"
Gently exhaling a breath, looking at Bell-Moonshadow limping back to her seat, Jia Na, as the winner, did not show any victorious posture, but simply returned to her seat calmly.
Even when facing the overflowing praises from several familiar apprentices around her, she just nodded politely and smiled in response to everyone's approval.
"As expected of Miss Jia Na, who is hailed as the 'Magic Tower's Most Dazzling Gem'. Even in victory, she is so humble and composed."
...
Jia Na, who naturally possessed high Charm and was skilled at utilizing her appearance advantage, had gained considerable popularity among the Wizard Apprentices of the same year since entering White Coral Academy.
In addition, by relying on her 【Muscle Control】 talent in her daily life and managing her words, actions, and expressions carefully, Jia Na also enjoyed the reputation for good qualities such as humility and gentleness among the apprentices while benefiting from her appearance.
The shaping of this "superficial reputation," in the final analysis, was also Jia Na's means to accumulate connections and resources, seek to break through class barriers, and thus obtain more intelligence information.
After all, as a "commoner Wizard," Jia Na's limited social circle meant she had inherent disadvantages in many areas compared to apprentices from Wizard families.
To overcome this disadvantage, diligent study, year-round meditation, and the investment of jin sule were all directions Jia Na worked towards.
Furthermore, Jia Na, who did not want to sacrifice her freedom to rely on other Wizard families, could only maximize the full use of all her own advantages, proceed step by step, integrate into circles, build circles, and utilize circles, thereby achieving opportunities to obtain resources through connections.
...
"Ding dong—"
Just as Jia Na was preparing to continue watching the other Wizard Apprentices' duels, a notification sound from the system suddenly rang out in Jia Na's mind.
【Today's Mission: Complete one Wizard fighting challenge and achieve victory (Completed);
Mission Reward: Talent Experience 200 points, Skill Experience 800 points, Special Character Talent "Heavenly Voice"】
Looking at the mission rewards on the virtual screen in front of her, the corner of Jia Na's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.
"Heavenly Voice... I didn't expect it to be a sound-type talent this time..."