The sausage melted the moment it entered Dai Mubai's mouth, without the need to chew, transforming into pure spirit power that flowed into his body and steadily restored him.
The exhaustion that had clouded him moments earlier quickly faded. After consuming Oscar's first spirit skill, Dai Mubai's spirit power and stamina recovered by more than half in just a short while, and even the sharp pain from his fractured right arm dulled noticeably.
Such an effect was possible only because Oscar's spirit power level far surpassed Dai Mubai's own.
The sausage he had eaten was crafted when Oscar was already at the twenty-ninth rank. For Dai Mubai, a single one was enough to give him an overwhelming recovery.
"Teacher Zhao, does this mean I've passed the assessment—or failed?" Dai Mubai asked, leaning on Ma Hongjun for support.
Zhao Wuji chuckled. "The fight was part of the assessment, yes. But winning isn't the only standard. As long as you've earned Little Ao's approval, that is your mark of admission."
At those words, Dai Mubai was both delighted and bewildered. His gaze drifted again toward Oscar, standing calmly beside Zhao Wuji.
It wasn't just Ma Hongjun who seemed to admire this silver-haired youth with blind reverence. Even Zhao Wuji, a dignified Spirit Sage and vice dean of the academy, regarded Oscar with the same high esteem.
But hadn't Hongjun just said the sausage he ate came from Oscar's first spirit skill? That would mean Oscar was a Food-type spirit master… right?
Yes, judging by the effect of the skill and Oscar's age, he was no doubt an extraordinary genius. But a Food-type? Weren't they supposed to be auxiliary support? Since when did an auxiliary spirit master command such awe from an assault-type like Ma Hongjun, and respect from a Spirit Sage?
And most shocking of all, his admission to Shrek had been decided simply because Oscar recognized him? When had food types become so terrifying?
While Dai Mubai was still puzzling, Oscar leapt lightly down from the viewing platform and walked toward him.
"Your right forearm is slightly fractured. I'll give you a quick bandage. With your physique, half a month of rest should be enough for it to heal."
As Oscar spoke, his hands were already at work. Dai Mubai didn't resist. Instead, he found himself staring. Up close, he could see clearly just how striking Oscar's appearance really was—and his skin… why was it so flawless?
"Pah, pah! What the hell am I thinking?!" Dai Mubai shook his head violently, banishing those ridiculous thoughts.
In short order, Oscar had finished bandaging him, suspending Dai Mubai's arm against his chest to keep it from moving.
"Let me introduce myself. My name is Oscar. Martial Spirit: Supreme Sausage. For now, I'm Shrek's senior brother." He smiled faintly. "Of course, if you'd like to take that position, you just have to defeat me."
"Huh?!" Dai Mubai froze, stunned. "Aren't you a Food-type spirit master?"
Ma Hongjun chuckled from the side. "Heh, Oscar's not nearly as simple as you think. But before you even think of challenging him, maybe try beating me first."
Dai Mubai gave a bitter smile. He was twelve years old, at the twenty-fifth rank. Hongjun was nine, also at the twenty-fifth rank. Not only did he lag in talent, but the gap in actual combat power was even wider.
Challenge Oscar? He couldn't even handle Ma Hongjun!
Still, Dai Mubai couldn't resist asking, "What was your innate spirit power level?"
"Ninth rank," Ma Hongjun replied with a grin.
"What?!" Dai Mubai was dumbfounded. His own innate spirit power was also level nine! So why was the difference between them so vast?
Seeing his expression, Hongjun asked, "Wait… your innate spirit power was also level nine?"
Dai Mubai scratched his head awkwardly and nodded. "That's right. And I've always thought my cultivation speed was already fast. How on earth did you get this far, this quickly?"
Hongjun glanced toward Oscar, then answered simply: "Because of him. With Big Brother Oscar guiding you, it's harder to fall behind than to keep up."
As he said it, he shuddered at the memory of those brutal training days. Even he couldn't believe he'd survived them.
Dai Mubai followed his gaze back to Oscar. Remembering how Hongjun had also claimed Oscar was a sword genius, his doubts deepened. Could it be…?
Could Oscar actually be a Twin Martial Spirit holder?
As a prince of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Mubai had seen his share of things. If Oscar possessed the Supreme Sausage martial spirit, and yet was also a peerless sword cultivator as Hongjun had described, then only the existence of twin spirits could explain it.
"This really is Shrek Academy," Dai Mubai thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "An academy that only accepts monsters."
If that was true, then perhaps this was the place where he could grow strong enough to one day surpass his elder brother.
The despair that had once shadowed his heart slowly gave way to a flicker of hope.
Zhao Wuji, watching the three of them get along so naturally, finally spoke up: "Since you're all acquainted now, Oscar, take Dai Mubai to the dormitory and show him around the academy."
Oscar nodded. "Leave it to me."
Ma Hongjun clasped his hands together. "Then, Big Brother, I'll head back to Teacher Li's place to help."
Oscar acknowledged him with a nod, then turned to Dai Mubai. "Can you walk on your own?"
"I can," Dai Mubai replied, following Oscar as they left the plaza.
As they walked, Oscar introduced the academy's environment and gave short explanations of the teachers.
When Dai Mubai learned that the weakest teacher in Shrek Academy was already at the level of a Spirit Emperor, his mind went blank.
As a prince, he knew better than anyone how rare and valuable high-ranked spirit masters were. And yet, Shrek Academy housed several of them.
More astonishing still, there was even a Spirit Douluo! Though Oscar explained that this Spirit Douluo was his teacher and did not personally instruct classes, Dai Mubai's curiosity toward Oscar only deepened.
Respected by Ma Hongjun. Admired by Zhao Wuji. A disciple of a Spirit Douluo.
Who exactly was this Oscar?
After much hesitation, Dai Mubai finally asked, "Oscar, how strong are you? You don't look much older than Ma Hongjun."
The unexpected form of address made Oscar blink, then chuckle. "You can call me that if you like. After all, in Shrek, strength is what decides seniority."
Dai Mubai nodded in agreement. Though he was proud by nature, he hadn't even managed to beat Ma Hongjun. How could he dare act arrogantly toward the one even Hongjun held in such reverence?
Besides, in Dai Mubai's eyes right now, Oscar might truly be a twin spirit holder.
"I just broke through to the thirtieth rank this afternoon," Oscar said casually. "I'm two years older than Hongjun—eleven this year."
The words left Dai Mubai frozen in place. Eleven years old… Spirit Elder?
No wonder Hongjun admired him so much. Such talent was unheard of, even in royal circles.
Then… Oscar, Dai Mubai stammered, Are you perhaps one of the legendary Twin Spirit holders? Earlier, you gave me a sausage from a Food-type spirit, but Hongjun says you're also a gifted sword cultivator.