*Chapter 8: Secrets in the Starlight*
The prank war between Jin Ming and Bao Yu's enchanted seedling reached hilarious new levels by midweek. Jin Ming rigged their classroom door to rain cherry blossoms when opened—much to the teacher's confusion and the class's delight. Bao Yu fired back by coaxing his seedling to grow tiny edible fruits that bounced and pelted everyone during lunchtime, sparking a spontaneous food fight that even stoic Li Wei couldn't escape.
Chen Xiulan and Mei Fen found themselves locked in a friendly competition in Enchanted Creatures class, trying to outdo each other with illusions and rare magical beast trivia. Their banter soon drew a crowd, including a quiet girl with glowing silver hair and a nervous boy whose shadow acted on its own.
Together, the friends explored hidden parts of the school: discovering a secret alcove under the old library where Li Wei found peace from all the psychic noise; sneaking into the greenhouse where Mei Fen tried (and failed) to charm a grumpy talking cactus; and practicing magic on the sprawling east lawn until sunset painted the school golden.
One night, the entire school gathered for a lantern festival under the stars. Floating lanterns bobbed above the quad, students and teachers mingled, and Rui bravely demonstrated a "rain dance" with his electric squirrel—landing the whole group in a sprinkle of warm summer rain and peals of laughter.
Later, sprawled on picnic blankets and drying off, the teens opened up even more. Chen Xiulan confessed a secret fear of not living up to her myth-hunter family's name. Mei Fen shyly admitted her illusions sometimes hid how scared she was inside. Bao Yu, always quiet, whispered about feeling out of place—until Jin Ming, boosted by sugar and mischief, loudly vowed "this squad is stuck together forever, weird powers and all!" Even Li Wei, speaking softer than usual, thanked everyone for helping him find a bit of inner silence.
As they drifted off, content and exhausted, the school's ancient statues seemed to watch on in approval—while, at the edge of the garden, a mysterious figure melted into the shadows, biding their time.