Andrey was invigorated by the impending Wanderer Competition, a burst of new energy, life, and ideas that had everything proceeding at full speed.

For instance, every club’s contestants were engaged in related activities.

Inside the Church of Holy Light.

Everything was bathed in golden holy light, illuminating this sparkling domain.

The claws of shadow and red lightning collided in the air, bursts of dark energy opening foul rifts of void. The shadows spilling out onto the ground could not erode the simple rows of wooden benches.

Loveday waved his arms, the blood-red whip of lightning lashing against Aryan’s shield, while in response, shadowy claws shredded his afterimage.

Star Spirit emerged from the void, the shimmering armor lending an air of nobility to the gaunt figure akin to a dark templar.

"Your power is exceptional, Lord Aryan, whether it’s holy light or shadow, you’ve demonstrated strength far beyond your own level. As Andrey’s representative of the holy light, you’re certain to achieve outstanding results."

Aryan dropped his combat stance, the shadow in his hands condensing into a serpentine eel swimming in his palm.

"Everyone in Andrey is excellent. Even putting aside those powerful combatants from the Salvation Association, the remaining contestants will likely possess Fourth Tier or Fifth Tier abilities." The situation didn’t look optimistic, but Aryan wasn’t nervous. To be frank, if it weren’t for the fact that the Church of Holy Light only had her as a candidate, Aryan, as a nun, would definitely not participate in such a competition.

"If only Mr. Loveday could represent us in the competition, with your strength, you would undoubtedly have better chances than me."

"I am not a Lich and wouldn’t be recognized as a member of Andrey. Besides, Lord Aryan, you certainly have the potential to win. Holy light is a power of the era, capable of suppressing other forces, and perhaps, Lord Aryan, you might even claim first place."

Aryan offered a slight smile, "No, the first place in Lord Raymond’s heart is already spoken for. This is merely a contest, and if possible, I wish it to be a relaxing one."

"Of course, it can be," Loveday replied, holding a promotional brochure, "If things go as expected, Mr. Raymond will likely participate in this so-called exhibition match to display the authority of Andrey with high-end power. Hmm... most likely, the dignity of the holy light will be well-maintained by the bishop himself, so, Aryan, just relax as you please."

"Having such an extraordinarily powerful leader is truly my fortune."

"I hear there will be many festive events during the Wanderer Competition. How do you plan to relax, Miss Aryan? Reunite with your family and visit the City of Mages together?"

"I’ll just rest in a quiet corner. As for my family, my family members all work for the church. The holy light of this world is not tolerant, so to avoid trouble, it’s better for me to be alone. Don’t worry, I had a proper reunion last Christmas." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Loveday nodded, and Star Spirit looked at the promotional brochure, contemplating his own plan of action.

"This brochure is really well made, it even makes someone like me curious. The Literature Club is truly a spirited organization."

"Indeed, it is Lord George’s club. How should I say this... To be hopping around like this is all thanks to their talent."

"The Fallen Angel’s club?"

"A bunch of troublemakers who never change despite many teachings from Lord Raymond," Aryan sighed, "But they did do one good thing, Mr. Loveday. That they couldn’t accept you is the only regret."

Star Spirit chuckled, his eyes like the stars gazing up at the Church of Holy Light’s stained glass windows, "I am already quite content. The Literature Club persuaded Andrey to accept an oddity like me, even if just as an ’observed species,’ which shows the magnanimity of those Liches."

"I think they simply found it interesting," Aryan replied.

"Whatever the reason, kindness is still kindness. They’ve done me a favor."

At that moment, the massive doors opened, and a dignified bulb approached from outside.

"That’s correct, which is why I’ve turned a blind eye to the Literature Club’s recent antics," Mr. Raymond pinched his helmet, "I have a feeling those scoundrels are plotting something."

Elsewhere in Andrey, at the Magic Research Society.

Mr. Jing hovered above the lake, looking at the reflection that delivered Mr. Miracle’s response.

"Storm, Flicker, and Convergence, all three are busy? And they’ve all hit a research roadblock at the same time?"

Miracle shrugged his shoulders and said, "That’s right, such a coincidence, boss."

"What about you, Miracle? Are you free to participate as a Magic Research Society contestant?"

"Ah, about that," Miracle hemmed and hawed for a while before finally saying, "Boss, you know, my power is very unstable. I’ve cheated and stolen powers from those demons, ancient gods, and other weird beings too many times; I reckon they’ve all got me marked in their little notebooks. As for the next time, who knows if the next sucker is going to be easy to fool. So, for the glory of the club, I suggest you choose someone else."

Miracle’s reason successfully convinced Mr. Jing.

"But if you’re all busy, does that mean we have to choose from the weaker newcomers?"

"Boss, you could let Law go up. Aren’t his commanding incantations strong too?"

"Law? Law has to be Andrey’s supervisor during the competition..."

"Does one less supervisor make a difference? This is a major event for our Magic Research Society! It’s an opportunity, boss! Think about it! This time, we might just beat the Advanced Magic Research! We’ve been oppressed for so long! Boss! Is Andrey’s order more important than our glory?"

Mr. Jing hesitated for a second before saying, "You’re right. I’ll immediately have Law come back to compete. As a member of the Magic Research Society, we need his contribution."

Miracle turned his head slightly, a faint smile on his face. Plan, successful.

When the rules of the competition arrived at the Advanced Magic Research Society, all the professors were dumbfounded.

No Salvation Association members allowed to compete?! Oh, how many eligible members does the Advanced Magic Research Society even have left?

Facing such a predicament, Apocalypse scanned his colleagues before finally turning his gaze to the apprentices.

"Electromagnetic, your apprentice, Laser..."

"He succeeded in researching the railgun."

"...And what about Mr. Fear’s apprentice, Bold?"

"He’s out collecting memes with Mr. Fear everywhere. Forget it, that kid is more like a mentor than his own mentor."

"...Death Star... your..."

"His apprentice died in a black hole, his second apprentice died on the Death Omen Star."

Apocalypse fell silent, shifting his gaze away from Lone Star of the Catastrophe.

"Stasis, your apprentice didn’t... join the Salvation Association too, did he?"

"No, his research has hit a bottleneck."

"Good, let him compete..."

"His research is on the power of time. He’s got himself trapped in permanent stasis. He’s now an unbreakable bone sculpture."

Mr. Apocalypse, the influential president of the Advanced Magic Research Society, finally looked towards Mr. Gravity.

Mr. Gravity coughed twice.

"My apprentice... Nameless can compete, it’s possible."

"But, as you all know."

"No responsibility."