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"It's the Dean!"

Everyone looked behind them and were surprised to see the Dean of Academy come over in the company of multiple Academy Officials. The leftover flames on the road extinguished as the old man walked through with a stern expression on his face. 

Liu Ye actually wanted to watch a battle between high-leveled Benders to learn some tricks but it seemed he wasn't lucky today. He stood up from the ground and moved to the side to give way to the Dean. The annoying Academy Official from the store didn't accompany the Dean so he avoided some inconvenience. 

"Fighting is prohibited in the Academy grounds! Do you want to be banned entry?!" Dean scolded Marvin as he reached Avi's side. "I have been turning a blind eye to your actions for the sake of your grandfather but I'm already fed up with you. Do you want me to visit him personally?"

No one was surprised when the Dean publicly admitted to bending the rules which showed how obvious the favoritism was. If one had a family member who was a Grandmaster, they were bound to receive special treatment. 

"Alright, alright, I guess I will spare you trouble and kill them outside of the Academy," Marvin shrugged unbothered and withdrew from his battle stance. "You can stop me here but they will not stay in the Academy forever." 

He glanced at Avi and gave her body one last glance. "You could have chosen me and you would have everything. It was you who forced me to be the villain. I will make sure to enjoy you plenty once I—" 

"Get out of my Academy!" the Dean cut him off and the ground shook as if an earthquake struck the place. One could tell the Dean wasn't happy and Marvin finally gave him some respect by walking towards the exit. 

He didn't forget about Liu Ye though while moving past him. "Enjoy the last moments of your life. They don't call me Marvin the Hunter for no reason." 

[Ding! Your Affinity with Marvin the Hunter has decreased by 500 and reached the limit. You are now mortal enemies for life and he will actively try to hunt you.]

Liu Ye wasn't even a bit surprised by the news. It was still a better outcome since now he had Avi by his side. 

"Damn, this bitch," the Dean cursed after Marvin left and rubbed his forehead in annoyance. "This whole day has been so tiring. I don't care anymore, ban him. I don't want to see him again in my Academy." 

"Yes, Dean," the Academy Official accepted the order. 

"And clean up this road. He made a mess," the Dean commanded again before turning to all the students in the area. "What are you all standing here? The scene is over. Go attend your classes or get back to your training." 

With the Dean's order, the students scattered around with only Liu Ye and Avi staying behind. 

"I'm sorry but this is the most I can do for you. Now he at least won't bother you" the Dean informed once their surroundings cleared. "The Mainland is a dangerous place and we can't protect you outside of our territory. You should be careful when you depart for training." 

"I don't recall being protected the last week when that maniac was harassing me," Avi replied 

"You see, I needed a reason to ban him. There is a difference between battling in the Academy and being annoying. One is prohibited, the other is not," the Dean explained with a sigh. "If I were to ban him because he was blocking your way on the road, his grandfather would definitely pay me a visit. Now it's a completely different story." 

"Won't his grandfather punish him for his actions at least?" Avi questioned but one could tell she had no hope already. 

"Well…" the Dean scratched his head. "Let's just say Marvin probably inherited his character from his grandfather. If it's nothing major, he will simply applaud his grandson and pat his back. I remember he was also like this when he was younger." 

Avi's face darkened. "Nothing can be done then. We can only improve our skills to the point no one dares to fight us." 

She glanced at Liu Ye and grabbed his hand as she pulled him away. "Let's go. We don't have time to waste." 

Liu Ye had no business with the Dean so he followed her but the Dean stopped them right after. 

"Wait a second, are you that bender with a 5 Elements potential?" the Dean questioned curiously. "I was informed that a talent in a red dragon outfit came into the Academy." 

Even Avi paused at the question and looked at Liu Ye in surprise. It seemed like it wasn't that common in this world. 

"Yes, that's me," Liu Ye nodded, causing the Dean to brighten. He pulled out a pin that all students wore and threw it in Liu Ye's hands. 

"Our Academy loves to nurture new talents which is why we allow all masters to use our Facilities for free. Naturally, we still need to earn so some of it has to be paid for," the Dean explained as he pointed at the pin. "This pin is the symbol of being a student of our Academy. It will give you a huge discount on our training rooms. Hope you make good use of it." 

"Thank you," Liu Ye acknowledged with a nod but just as he was about to inspect it, Avi snatched it from his hand with a jealous expression. 

"Damn, isn't that Diamond Pin?" Avi cursed speechlessly. "Even I only have a gold one. How is that fair?" 

"You only have the potential for 4 Elements so you can only get gold," the Dean shrugged and Liu Ye snatched the pin back to inspect it. 

[Diamond Pin]

[Description: Academy Pin that gives you access to special training rooms. It has a tiny Water Essence Crystal of the lowest tier attached to it.]

[Benefits: 90% Discount]

[Effects: +25 Elemental Power while using Water Element Abilities.] 

Liu Ye didn't hesitate to equip it and the pin attached itself to his chest. 

"I saw your Waterskin so I chose one with Water Essence Crystal. It should give you a small boost of power too," the Dean added kindly. "Good luck with your training." 

The Dean was too kind to him which made Liu Ye suspicious. Only once they left did Avi explain the scam in place. 

"Don't fall for this old geezer's tricks. They will spoil you with discounts and before you know it, they will try to bind you into a contract. The Academy is just a tool for the Emerald City to get experts on their side in case a war happens." 

"I was actually offered one when I visited the Bank," Liu Ye revealed. 

"Of course." Avi rolled her eyes. "They are trying to lure you before you become powerful and learn the truth. With 5 Element potential, you have the chance to become an Avatar so of course they will try to get you." 

She squeezed his hand and assured, "Don't worry, just stay with me and I won't let you get scammed. All of them tried to do the same to me but thankfully I was cautious."

"Anyway, turn right and we will reach the Teleportation Stations. It's like a minute away from here," Avi added as she pulled him to the right on the intersection. That was when he realized she has been holding his arm this whole time. 

She has been too close since the moment they left the Dean. Even her thumb was rubbing his hand affectionately. 

"You know, you don't need to hold my hand all the time. We are only pretending and that Marvin is gone," Liu Ye reminded while no other students were around but she didn't care at all. 

"Pretend or not, you are my boyfriend now. Since the contract didn't specify the time and place, I can do whatever I want to you," Avi replied with a smile. "If I want to hold your hand, I will. If I want to kiss you, I will do it too."

She tried to act playful and raised his hand to kiss it but Liu Ye acted quicker. He suddenly jerked her into a dark alley between two buildings. Her eyes followed his actions but Avi didn't resist as he grabbed her wrists and pinned her to the wall. 

"My, my, are you trying to exercise your boyfriend's rights?"