5:05

“Stop—”

The whistle blew just as Goodzer hit the grass.

Yuan Hanshuang straightened up. Just as she was about to ask if they could head to the cafeteria early, Spirit Power instructor Xiao Yunmeng hurried over, wearing a sour expression.

“This is a simulated battle. Why are you using physical combat?”

Faced with the question, Yuan Hanshuang looked especially innocent. “But teacher, you just said to treat classmates as hostile gifted adversaries to feel the real combat atmosphere.”

“In real combat, isn’t it about using every means to win?”

Yuan Hanshuang had been hungry for three days. Her head was buzzing as she hurried to the cafeteria, wanting a quick victory and a fast meal. Choosing the fastest solution within one’s options was her life principle. Besides, she had only used a shoulder throw—not even her signature martial art—and had gone easy!

Yuan Hanshuang: I absolutely did not intend to bully a child.

Xiao Yunmeng: “...” Somehow, it feels like I’m being lectured by a student.

But there was no mistake—she had indeed said that.

There are two main types of attacks for gifted individuals: simulated combat and synchronization combat.

The first involves directly summoning a simulated entity, issuing commands, and letting it fight.

The second involves synchronizing with one’s simulated entity. In this state, the gifted person's physical abilities are greatly enhanced, producing a synergy greater than the sum of its parts. This is currently the mainstream combat method in the interstellar arena. The rumor Yuan Hanshuang had heard—that gifted individuals could traverse the cosmic expanse physically—referred to synchronization combat.

As the saying goes, gifted individuals rely thirty percent on talent and seventy percent on hard work.

Simulated combat levels depend largely on luck. But through hard work, options broaden considerably. To boost gifted combat power, people have tried every conceivable method.

Even the beginner academy’s curriculum for new students is no exception, including weighted runs, dumbbell lifts, pull-ups, and push-ups—treating children as adults with shocking intensity.

In summary, using physical combat in a gifted duel is entirely normal.

Yet no one expected that, in such a setting, a newly enrolled little girl would rush forward and execute a flawless, textbook-perfect shoulder throw, instantly defeating her opponent.

The neighboring senior-level fight instructor stood up in shock. “No extraneous movements, force applied perfectly, skillful use of leverage. Shoulder throws are usually taught in senior classes, yet she has mastered it early... Is she really only nine years old?”

Even by his exacting standards, it was a perfect score.

“I did say to treat this as real combat practice.”

Seeing his colleague joining in to undermine her, the spirit power teacher shot him a sharp glare. “This is a spirit power class. Even if we’re simulating real combat, attacks should primarily be from simulated entities. That was my oversight for not emphasizing this earlier.”

“So, teacher, you mean we have to fight again?”

“Exactly.”

As they spoke, Goodzer struggled to get up from the grass, his face as if slapped in public—fiery and furious, glaring hard at the blonde little girl nearby.

“Fine,” Yuan Hanshuang shrugged. “Let’s do the simulated battle again.”

Back in position, her previously worried teammates now looked at her with deep admiration, utterly impressed. “You’re amazing! That move was so cool—I barely saw it and Goodzer was already on the ground...”

After that episode, in Ke Junda’s eyes, Yuan Hanshuang’s small figure suddenly seemed towering.

Because of that swift shoulder throw, their duel drew unprecedented attention. Many senior-level instructors came over to watch, and fight instructor Hong Nian even dragged over a chair, openly showing his appreciation for the child.

“Ready! Fight!”

At the whistle, Yuan Hanshuang didn’t rush forward this time. Instead, she brushed off the grass, sat on the field, closed her eyes, and began to summon her simulated entity.

Opposite her, formations were set. Almost simultaneously, a fiery spotted tiger cub, a green caterpillar, a gorilla parrot, and a koi fish appeared in the pale blue ripple of spirit power.

Other common simulated entities went unnoticed; only the red tiger cub, no larger than a kitten, drew all eyes.

“This kid’s simulated entity is a fiery spotted tiger?”

The senior instructor showed surprise. “One of the top powerful simulated entities on the list, with huge growth potential! Going to the top seven in the final exam is definitely possible.”

“After all, he’s the young master of the Gu family in the Federation, inheriting their signature simulated entity,” the spirit power teacher shrugged. “Although a collateral branch, he carries the Gu bloodline. The genes are innate. Though the starting point isn’t as high, the ceiling is far beyond ordinary people’s reach.”

“True.”

Hearing the amazed discussions and envious glances all around, Goodzer’s expression improved markedly, returning to his usual arrogant sneer.

Though a collateral descendant, Goodzer was among the most gifted in his generation.

Before awakening his simulated entity, he had trained his will with family secret methods, dedicating enormous time and effort, day and night, until finally awakening the Gu family’s signature fiery spotted tiger.

Ranked fifty-second on the interstellar simulated entity list, it was a coveted, powerful simulated entity.

Such an entity, even starting low, could reach A-level in the future—truly a rising star.

Undoubtedly, among his peers, Goodzer was the best.

He had never lost before, so this defeat was unbearable.

“Fiery spotted tiger, tear them apart!”

Goodzer fiercely commanded his simulated entity to attack.

Opposite him, Ke Junda, who had just summoned the gorilla parrot, looked up to see the fiery cub with flames burning on its head, his face instantly draining of color as memories of a recent crushing defeat flashed through his mind.

Last time, during the fight for top spot with Goodzer, the fiery tiger had easily torn apart the gorilla parrot, securing victory. Though simulated combat was less physically damaging than synchronization combat, the entity’s injuries had left Ke Junda dizzy for days, now causing despair.

In panic, Ke Junda quickly ordered, “Gorilla parrot, defend!”

Clearly, he was not the only one haunted by Goodzer’s entity.

Ordinary simulated entities could not speak, but the gorilla parrot, possessing racial traits, flapped its wings in terror and chirped loudly, “Help! Birdie doesn’t want to get hurt! Birdie doesn’t want to get hurt!”

“Someone save the bird! Someone save the bird!”

“No way, the gap is too big,” the teachers shook their heads.

They could see Ke Junda’s intent to use his simulated entity to block the fiery tiger’s assault.

But the fiery spotted tiger was extremely powerful and specialized in close combat. Facing a slightly stronger gifted opponent, it was more than a match. Against the similarly ranked gorilla parrot, it was effortless.

Sure enough, under its owner’s command, the tiger lunged and tore through the gorilla parrot’s defense amidst screams, forcing Ke Junda to retreat repeatedly, barely maintaining control of his entity.

“This ferocious attack... no wonder it’s well-ranked. Today’s quite an eye-opener.”

Another senior instructor sighed, “The starting line for gifted individuals who awaken rare simulated entities is different. By contrast, students on planet 1999 are all commoners. Without family bloodlines or comparable resources, it’s clear that being born into the right family is also a skill.”

Indeed.

The observing teachers sighed internally.

Though respected on planet 1999, as beginner academy instructors, they were insignificant in the central star system.

Truly formidable gifted individuals received offers from military departments or large organizations after graduation; only the less capable or unsupported got assigned to remote star systems as poor teachers.

“I recall Ke Junda is a commoner too. Awakening a C-level simulated entity is already impressive. With effort, he might still make it. The other newly enrolled girl is young but excels in physical combat—a promising close-combat gifted candidate. If they hadn’t met the fiery tiger, she might have won. But alas... hmm?”

As the teachers exchanged their insights, the situation suddenly shifted.

“Fiery spotted tiger, continue the attack!”

After shredding the gorilla parrot’s defense, Goodzer didn’t let the tiger stop.

His target was never Ke Junda but Yuan Hanshuang. Old grudges and new insults demanded a lesson; his pride was at stake.

Having defeated one hostile simulated entity, the tiger’s spirits soared. Flames atop its head blazed fiercer as it eyed the only remaining opponent—the koi fish.

Compared to the tiger, the already tiny koi seemed even smaller—looking as if it could be snapped with a single bite.

Sensing its owner’s battle intent, the cub raised its head and howled, pawing the ground before darting forward like a flash.

What was once a foregone conclusion stunned everyone: it was Goodzer who stumbled backward with a grunt.

“What’s going on?”

The sudden reversal shocked all watching teachers and students. Ke Junda rubbed his aching head and looked up, mouth agape wide enough to fit an egg.

Everyone clearly saw the fiery tiger pounce aggressively, while Yuan Hanshuang’s red-and-white koi appeared weak and helpless against such a size disparity.

Just as the tiger’s claws neared, the koi suddenly flicked its tail into a defensive stance.

Yet that flick was enough to effortlessly block the tiger’s attack.

Compared to the diverse and complex synchronization battles, simulated entity fights were swift—one clash could settle superiority.

Undoubtedly, Goodzer had lost.

But how could this be? Such a famous and powerful entity defeated by a plain, common simulated entity?

The half-winged gorilla parrot raised its arms, shouting, “Awesome! Awesome! Teammate carrying us!”

Not only others were stunned—Yuan Hanshuang herself was dazed.

After her shock, she suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed onto the grass.

The spirit power teacher was first to summon her simulated entity and helped the blonde girl up.

“What’s wrong?”

The emergency drew everyone’s attention away from the duel’s outcome.

The academy’s doctor hurried over, doing a preliminary check with his simulated entity. Frowning, he said, “This child... is extremely weak from hunger and malnutrition, causing temporary weakness. She urgently needs to eat.”

A teacher produced a nutritional fluid vial, quickly administering it to Yuan Hanshuang. Meanwhile, Goodzer’s body swayed unpleasantly, his expression sour.

The doctor’s simulated entity hadn’t yet withdrawn, performing another check on Goodzer.

“Simulated entity damaged, mild spirit power concussion. Nothing serious—just rest.”

With Yuan Hanshuang’s fainting distracting many, the simulated battle continued.

The fiery tiger, a wild and untamed close-combat entity, had never lost since awakening. Confidently striking, it was effortlessly blocked by a small fish—an outcome unbearable to both the tiger and its owner.

Naturally, it launched a second attack, wrestling with the koi.

Ke Junda’s injured gorilla parrot energetically narrated from the sidelines, “Hit it! Good job!”

“Little koi uppercut—no, upper tail—hits! One more! Smelly brain tiger down!”

In the end, the fiery tiger was pinned and beaten into defeat by the koi, vanishing in the ripples with resentment.

Damage to simulated entities can backfire on owners. After being beaten by Goodzer, Ke Junda suffered headaches for days. Now Goodzer was following suit.

“Take them to the infirmary.”

After confirming Goodzer was fine, the doctor focused on the semi-conscious student.

Without checking, no one suspected; but the examination revealed all of Yuan Hanshuang’s nutritional indicators were failing—across the board alarming. She needed urgent, detailed testing.

Carried on a stretcher to the infirmary, the doctor closed the door with concern. “This child’s family situation is likely poor. If tests are correct, she hasn’t had a full meal in over half a month. With overuse of spirit power, things could get serious.”

“What?!” Xiao Yunmeng exchanged shocked looks with Hong Nian.

Though many students at the beginner academy came from average families, starving children were unheard of.

At least two thousand years ago, poverty had been eradicated across the galaxy, slums eliminated. Though wealth gaps remained, no one should go hungry.

Who would have thought they’d meet a student who couldn’t even afford food?

“No wonder she enrolled a year late and specifically asked if tuition and cafeteria meals were free.”

Hong Nian shook his head sadly. “With such family conditions, paying tuition is impossible. Her attendance must be a difficult, carefully weighed decision by the whole family.”

“This kid’s fighting talent is extraordinary. A natural close-combat gifted candidate.”

“Yes,” sighed Xiao Yunmeng, “Her level is impressive too. Today’s battle clearly showed she’s close to breaking into the first tier. No wonder she made the young master Gu lose.”

They didn’t think Yuan Hanshuang’s koi defeating the fiery tiger was a fluke.

It was obvious: Goodzer was mid-level zero-tier, while Yuan Hanshuang was nearly first-tier. A two-level gap among gifted individuals was like an unbridgeable chasm.

More importantly, her enrollment documents said she was nine years old. The two teachers, unaware she had only recently awakened her spirit power, assumed she had trained for a year, so were unsurprised.

“As teachers, we must fulfill our duties. After class, let’s talk to the director.”

Xiao Yunmeng pondered briefly. “I remember the school has financial aid for needy students.”

“There is, but it’s best the child not know,” Hong Nian advised. “Since she hasn’t applied, we must respect her dignity.”

Xiao Yunmeng looked at him in surprise. “Rare to see you so considerate.”

Joking aside, it was a good suggestion. She readily agreed.

“Fine. Later we’ll check her family records with the director, see if we can arrange a home visit. If we get guardian consent, we’ll issue aid directly. At least we can support her within our means and not waste such talent.”

Meanwhile, Yuan Hanshuang awoke amidst familiar hunger.

She got out of the infirmary bed, put on her shoes, and steadied herself against the wall, stepping out slowly.

Outside stood a white-coated doctor and two teachers: spirit power instructor Xiao Yunmeng and fight instructor Hong Nian.

Hearing the door, the doctor was surprised. “You’re awake? Feeling any discomfort?”

“Yes,” Yuan Hanshuang said painfully. “I’m so hungry.”

She had gone days without enough food.

She truly had no idea simulated combat consumed so much physical energy.

A mistake! If only she had just thrown punches!

Minutes later, the teachers led her to the beginner academy cafeteria.

Yuan Hanshuang had no time to tour the futuristic building; her eyes fixed on the row of massive nutritional fluid tanks in the distance, unable to look away.

No doubt she looked like someone starved for a long time.

Xiao Yunmeng swiped her staff card. Seeing the screen display “Available,” she stepped back with pity, softly encouraging, “Go ahead.”

Gifted individuals were the empire’s future, and the empire took their nutrition seriously. All nutritional fluids in the beginner academy were centrally issued.

Thinking of the rich, sweet taste of advanced nutritional fluid, Yuan Hanshuang swallowed hard. “Te-teacher, how much can I drink?”

The teachers’ affectionate gazes deepened. “As much as you can handle.”

“Thank you, teacher!” Yuan Hanshuang cheered and pounced like a hungry tiger unleashed.

Soon, the teachers’ looks turned hesitant.

Hong Nian: “Wait... isn’t she drinking a bit too much?”

Too much was an understatement.

With Yuan Hanshuang’s bottomless appetite, the screen’s nutritional fluid level rapidly dropped from full to nearly half.

A kitchen lady rubbing her eyes in confusion.

Then the doctor rushed over in alarm. “No more!!”

He pulled Yuan Hanshuang away from the tanks, having her simulated entity perform another check. She kept glancing longingly back.

Rubbing her stomach, Yuan Hanshuang quietly raised her hand. “But teacher, I’m still not full.”

Honestly, she was only half-satisfied.

Fortunately, the check showed no issues from binge drinking. The doctor sighed in relief. “No. You’re already malnourished; binge drinking can be dangerous.”

Alright then. Yuan Hanshuang understood the need to stop while ahead.

She obediently thanked them and left the cafeteria, glancing back repeatedly.