Golden barriers erupted as Sunny Finch's talismans unfurled. But the fire dragon was relentless, smashing through them one by one. One. Two. Three. All of her defenses shattered into splinters of light.
Sunny Finch stood frozen as the beast loomed closer. She could see the rage burning in its fiery eyes. She had nowhere left to run.
The crowd gasped.
"Move, Senior Sunny!"
"Where are the elders? Why aren't they intervening?"
"Does she have any other tricks?"
Just as the dragon's jaws were about to close over her, it halted. It hovered inches from her face. Sunny Finch squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for death. She felt a wave of heat wash over her, but no pain.
Slowly, she opened her eyes. She was staring directly into the dragon's massive pupils. She stumbled backward, gasping.
Erwin gave a casual flick of his wrist. The dragon shattered instantly, dissolving into sparks that rained down around the arena.
Erwin grinned. "Looks like I win."
Despite the loss, Sunny Finch wasn't bitter. She patted her chest, catching her breath. "That was terrifying! How did you do that? Those were my flames! How could you control them?"
"I told you," Erwin said smoothly. "When it comes to fire, I'm the expert."
Sunny Finch pouted. "Fine. I guess I just can't beat you."
Erwin offered a polite bow. "Thank you for the match."
"You really know your East etiquette," she noted, smiling.
"I do," Erwin replied. "The East has a rich cultural heritage. I have much to learn."
"Alright, alright," Sunny Finch laughed. "Enough flattery. Come on, Erwin. I'll treat you to dinner—let's try some local cuisine."
Erwin nodded. They jumped down from the arena, and the sea of students parted for them automatically. The crowd watched them leave in stunned silence. Only after they were gone did the whispers start.
"That foreigner is incredible. I didn't think anyone could beat Senior Sunny."
"Yeah, she's untouchable among the younger generation here."
"I underestimated Western magic. That was impressive."
"The elders always say it: never underestimate anyone."
High Above
Several Kunlun elders watched from the shadows.
"Erwin is truly powerful," one murmured.
"Rare indeed. I didn't expect Sunny to lose so quickly."
"He was chosen for a reason. If he couldn't handle her, how would he handle the coming darkness?"
"That spatial magic... Apparition, was it? It has its uses."
"Perhaps there was wisdom in this arrangement after all."
As the elder spoke, a smelly boot dropped from the sky and smacked him on the head.
The elder glared upward. "Headmaster, must you be so disgusting? Throwing shoes at people?"
"Serves you right for badmouthing me!" a voice boomed from above. "I've always been wise! Now, listen up. I'm taking a business trip soon. Someone needs to come with me."
The elders fell silent, pretending not to hear.
The Headmaster projected his voice into their minds: It's a fully funded trip. Best accommodations. Best food.
Their eyes lit up, though a few looked skeptical.
"Really? Last time you promised the 'best,' and we ended up eating rubbish."
"What could I do? We went to Japan, and the situation turned hostile. There was conflict, and their academy was damaged in the aftermath. Who was left to cook? This time we're going to Britain. Hogwarts is being very generous."
"Hmph. You're too soft. Last time I was in seclusion; if I hadn't been, things would have gone differently."
"Enough. We live in a modern society. Our community needs stability to develop. We can endure some inconvenience for the greater good."
The elders sighed. For the sake of the "greater good," they were willing to endure anything. Unlike other magical communities that separated themselves from non-magical society, the Eastern cultivation world maintained closer ties with the mundane world.
The Dining Hall
Erwin's eyes lit up at the first bite. Authentic Eastern cuisine. It was the taste he'd been missing. Maggie's cooking at Hogwarts was excellent, but it lacked this atmosphere. He watched the students eating with chopsticks and finally felt at home. He ate peacefully, finding comfort in the familiar flavors of this parallel world.
After the meal, Sunny Finch took Erwin on a tour of the campus.
"Erwin," she asked, "how did you train your physique? It's incredibly strong."
"Kunlun has special methods," she explained. "Our combat strength relies on physical power combined with talismans. The body is our foundation."
Erwin's interest was piqued. "Can I learn it?"
Sunny Finch hesitated. "That's... different. I'll have to ask the elders."