C10 – Little Gray
The food stall was quite a trek from the social welfare home where Qin Hongyu and Bo Miaojiao were staying. Even by car, it took them nearly half an hour to arrive.
Upon exiting the vehicle, they were greeted by the sight of Mr. Qian, the director of the home, waiting at the entrance. They quickly approached him.
“Where have you two been off to, coming back so late?” Mr. Qian inquired, his expression stern.
He was known for his strict exterior, but at heart, he was a deeply caring man, affectionately referred to by all as Zhou Kangmin. He always looked out for Qin Hongyu and Bo Miaojiao, and today, after a call from their ninth-grade teacher, he had been waiting for them at the home’s entrance.
“Grandpa Director, it’s Hongyu’s birthday today. I went out to have dinner with him, so we’re a bit late. You’re not mad, are you?” Bo Miaojiao said, tugging at his sleeve with a pleading look.
“How could I stay mad at you two? Come on, let’s go inside,” Mr. Qian said, his attempt at a stern face melting away under Bo Miaojiao’s charm.
They made themselves at home in Mr. Qian’s office, lounging comfortably on the sofa.
“I heard you both awakened your Battle Spirit Bloodline and stirred up quite a scene?” Mr. Qian asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
“I managed alright, but Sister Jiao here nearly set the school ablaze,” Qin Hongyu replied nonchalantly, biting into an apple.
“And you’re one to talk? You’re not mentioning how you got the vice county head’s son, Ji Buyu, to streak across the sports field?” Bo Miaojiao retorted.
Mr. Qian, about to enjoy his tea, choked on his drink in surprise.
“Grandpa, are you okay?” they asked in unison, rushing to his side.
“I’m fine,” Mr. Qian assured them, though his twitching smile suggested otherwise.
“Tomorrow, we’re off to Deepfell City with our teachers for the Martial Exam. It might be hard to see you again after that,” Bo Miaojiao said, her voice tinged with sadness.
She had been at the social welfare home for two years, having arrived when she was in her second year of junior high. Mr. Qian, the director, had always shown her great concern.
Qin Hongyu had arrived at the social welfare home in his first year of junior high and had been there for nearly three years. Initially, he was quite the troublemaker, to the point where some suggested he be sent to a volunteer school for strict discipline. However, Mr. Qian vouched for him, ensuring that Qin Hongyu remained at the home. Under his guidance, Qin Hongyu gradually shed his defensive shell and became a part of the community.
“Children, you’ve all grown up. I believe you will certainly become outstanding Battle Spirit Fighters in the future, making all my years of care worthwhile,” Mr. Qian said tenderly, stroking their hair with a look of affection.
“Don’t worry, Grandpa Qian. I’ll make it into the Battle Spirit Academy and become a Battle Spirit Fighter as excellent as you,” Qin Hongyu declared with confidence.
He only showed his youthful side around Mr. Qian, knowing that he was one of the rare few who genuinely cared for him.
“You silly boy, I didn’t awaken my Battle Spirit Bloodline until I was thirty, and now, at nearly seventy, I’m just a level three Battle Spirit Fighter. You’re going to surpass me by far!” Mr. Qian chuckled, playfully flicking Qin Hongyu’s forehead.
“But to me, Grandpa, you’re the most formidable Battle Spirit Fighter there is. Please, let Xiao Hui out for some air. It’s been so long since I’ve seen it, and I really miss it,” Qin Hongyu pleaded, his eyes sparkling with longing.
“Oh, what’s so interesting about a growth stage Battle Spirit? Better not,” Mr. Qian replied, a touch of embarrassment in his voice.
“Please, please… Just let Xiao Hui out for a bit! We don’t know when we’ll be back, so let’s say a proper farewell,” Bo Miaojiao chimed in, rallying beside Qin Hongyu.
“Okay, okay, I give up. You two little rascals are impossible to deal with. I’ll let you have a quick look now!” Mr. Qian said with a tone of resignation.
With a mere thought from Mr. Qian, an ancient tome materialized in his hands. This was the “Grimoire of Demon Spirits,” an essential possession for every Battle Spirit Fighter.
The “Grimoire of Demon Spirits” opened on its own, turning slowly to the first page, which displayed a grey hunting dog. But this was no ordinary illustration; the grey hound within the image began to leap about excitedly, as if alive.
“Wei De! Come out and say hello to an old friend.”
At Mr. Qian’s summons, the grey hound vanished from the pages of the Grimoire, and a summoning circle flared into existence on the floor of the principal’s office. Moments later, a grey hound, identical to the one in the book, materialized before their very eyes.