Slowly, Oscar too opened his eyes, a hint of green light flashing within his gaze.
He could feel the tumultuous soul power fluctuations within his body.
"What a terrifying soul bone, what a terrifying soul skill. Starting today, I am no longer a defenseless food-class Soul Master," Oscar's emotions began to intensify.
For support-class and food-class Soul Masters, being like fish on a chopping board in battle was their greatest pain. If their teammates didn't protect them well, they could easily meet their end. But now, he had a powerful defensive soul skill at his disposal.
"Little Oscar, how about it? Your soul bone can't be as powerful as mine, right?" Ma Hongjun, with a smiling face, ran over to Oscar, flaunting the color of his Phoenix Flame, a lurid green. Just looking at it one could feel an intensely palpitation-inducing aura.
Seeing that Oscar didn't seem to turn green on the outside, Ma Hongjun couldn't help but get cocky, ready to show off in front of Oscar. His strength had increased quite a bit. Especially this soul bone, he felt it was extraordinary, not like ordinary soul bones, it seemed to possess growth potential.
This made him incredibly grateful to Xu Ran. He is indeed the boss, so generous in his giving.
"Sorry, but my soul bone should be stronger than yours. Yours boosts the intensity of the flames, right?" Oscar said with a grin, reflexively touching his hair.
"Right, and yours? What's your soul skill?" Ma Hongjun asked curiously. Hearing Oscar say this, he worried it might be bad news; his soul bone was already very powerful. Could it be that the one Oscar had was even stronger?
"You guys better watch closely," Oscar said, lifting his head and puffing out his chest, wearing a look of pride.
First, Oscar turned his gaze towards Xu Ran, extending a cordial greeting.
Then, Oscar's expression turned solemn, and he slowly recited a spell.
"I have a big green hat."
As the spell was intoned, a green hat appeared out of nowhere, fitting snugly on Oscar's head, and from it, a powerful barrier of light was emitted, enveloping Oscar.
Covert yet powerful.
Having unleashed his soul bone and soul skill, Oscar felt a profound sense of security. He knew that not just anyone could break through this defense.
"A defensive soul skill? That's just perfect. What's suitable is the best. Setting aside the strength of the soul skill, a defensive soul skill provides Little Oscar with ample self-protection," Flander spoke, full of admiration.
The others nodded in agreement, expressing their approval, and offered Xu Ran their highest respects. Xu Ran's broad-mindedness was incomparable; he had even given away a treasure like a soul bone.
The widest thing in the world is the ocean, wider than the ocean is the sky, and wider than the sky is the human heart. Such is the heart of Xu Ran, how magnificent it is.
Oscar's newly acquired soul bone was no less formidable than the one Ma Hongjun had received.
Used well, his role in team battles could rise several levels in the future.
"Nice hat," someone remarked.
"Boss, from now on we will certainly follow your lead," Oscar and Ma Hongjun approached Xu Ran, saying respectfully. Their tone became incredibly devout and reverent. Xu Ran was their good big brother, willing to give them even soul bone treasures.
"No need, we are all classmates here."
"Later on, you need to practice well, aim to become greener. It'll be beneficial for your future cultivation," Xu Ran said decisively, looking at the now-green Oscar and Ma Hongjun, a relieved smile on his face.
Originally, with his narrow mind, he couldn't have kept the two of them around.
After all, in the original story, their relationships with Ning Rongrong and Bai Chenxiang had always been a knot. But now, well, there were no problems. After all, this lifetime, they were all his.
"Senior Xu Ran, will you also be participating in the Soul Master Academy Competition this time?" a beautiful girl about eighteen or nineteen years old asked timidly. Jiang Zhu, with her Martial Soul, the Healing Staff, was a talented student from the Original Blue Tyrant Academy whom Liu Erlong had been grooming for the competition. She had purple hair and a mature body; however, she was not Xu Ran's type.
In terms of looks, she was far behind Rongrong and the others.
Now, he was very picky—only absolute beauties would be accepted into his "Harem".
"Yes. However, I'll only participate in the important matches. In general situations, it will still depend on you all; your strength is already powerful enough," Xu Ran said.
"Oh," Jiang Zhu responded with a dimness flashing in her eyes. She could naturally tell that Xu Ran wasn't interested in her. And why would he be? Surrounded by stunning beauties as he was.
Zhu Zhuqing's shapely figure, Xiaowu's slender and delicate legs, Ning Rongrong's skin as smooth as milk—they were all top-notch.
"Xu Ran, these days, you should take them for training. The competition will start soon," Flander said. Xu Ran's strength was so formidable that even a little guidance from him could benefit someone for life.
"Sure," Xu Ran nodded.
"Then you may all leave," Flander waved his hand, wanting now to be alone with Liu Erlong.
He found that when at the academy, especially during work hours, Liu Erlong exuded a charm that was irresistible, unlike her usual idle serenity. Liu Erlong was more energetic and spirited when working.
Particularly when she wore this wonderful pencil skirt that hugged her figure, it outlined her perfect curves—her ample hips and smooth, long legs sparking wild imaginations.
"Er Long, we..."
"I want to invite you out to dinner."
After hesitating for a long while, Flander finally spoke. Looking at such a beautiful Liu Erlong, he couldn't help but yearn for her, harboring many bold thoughts.
"Big Flander, there's no way anything can happen between us. I only have feelings for you like a brother, not romantic love," Liu Erlong said, feeling a bit lost as Xu Ran left and eager to follow him and throw herself into his arms, to enjoy Xu Ran's pampering.
Only by Xu Ran's side could she truly be a woman, to understand what love is.
"Is there really no chance at all?" Flander asked, disappointed. He didn't understand why Liu Erlong wouldn't accept him. Was he not good enough?
"Absolutely no chance," Liu Erlong said decisively. Even though she knew it might hurt Flander's heart, her heart was filled only with Xu Ran, and she and Xu Ran had already taken that step together, several times over.
Being with Xu Ran, she could never fall in love with someone else.
"Alright then. Er Long, tell me, do you have someone you like?" Flander asked, looking at the brightly dressed woman in front of him. Now, Liu Erlong's attire was increasingly revealing, as if she had someone special in her heart.
If she didn't have someone she liked, Liu Erlong definitely wouldn't be so concerned about her appearance.
"Yes, I have someone I like," Liu Erlong said, looking down at her beautiful legs and speaking indifferently.
"I see. I understand," Flander said, his voice tinged with bitterness. He had sensed it before but had chosen not to believe it. After all, who could possibly make a move faster than him?
Could it be Xu Ran?
Flander muttered in his heart. Xu Ran was the only one capable of it.
As Shrek Academy's most outstanding student, if Er Long were really with him, being held and doted on in his arms, perhaps that would also be a happy outcome.
As long as Er Long was happy, even if it was in Xu Ran's arms, what difference would it make?