The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, painting Shrek Academy's worn courtyard in warm hues of amber and gold. Wisps of clouds drifted lazily across the blue above, and the faint calls of distant birds stirred a bittersweet feeling in the hearts of those gathered. Today marked a departure—not just a journey toward a new spirit ring, but a step forward into unknown challenges that none could predict.
Beneath the courtyard's arching stone gate, seven students stood at attention: Tang San, Xiao Wu, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, Ma Hongjun, Zhu Zhuqing, and their leader, Dai Mubai. The playful laughter that often colored their gatherings was absent, replaced with a focused solemnity. Their gazes, usually filled with youthful mischief, were sharpened today with a hint of gravity.
Vice Principal Zhao Wuji approached at an unhurried pace, the hem of his robes brushing the ground with each powerful step. Arms folded across his broad chest, he surveyed the team with an approving glint in his tiger-like eyes.
"You'll be on your own once we reach Star Dou Forest," Zhao Wuji said, voice rumbling like distant thunder. "I won't intervene unless absolutely necessary—specifically if you encounter a thousand-year beast or worse."
A small shiver ran down Oscar's spine. The thought of facing such terrifying creatures with only their own strength was both exhilarating and horrifying.
Zhao Wuji continued, sweeping his gaze across them. "You must depend on your wits, your strength, and most importantly, on each other. Think carefully. Plan for every possibility. Danger lurks where you least expect it."
Dai Mubai stepped forward, the sunlight glinting off his striking blond hair. His blue eyes held a mixture of authority and brotherly concern. "I'll be leading you through the forest. Listen carefully to the formation I'm setting. It could save your life."
He lifted a hand, gesturing in slow, deliberate motions.
"Tang San," Dai Mubai said, "you'll take the vanguard. Your control-type abilities and keen senses make you perfect for spotting threats ahead of time."
Tang San inclined his head, the cool confidence in his eyes betraying none of the pressure he felt settle onto his shoulders. The path forward… It's my responsibility to carve it safe.
"Behind him," Dai Mubai continued, "Oscar and Ning Rongrong. Oscar, your food-type support will keep the front strong, and Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda will bolster our strength when we need it most."
Oscar adjusted the pack on his back nervously, feeling the weight of more than just supplies. Ning Rongrong, however, merely nodded, her delicate features composed. Support may not shine in battle, but it's the difference between life and death, she reminded herself silently.
"Flanking the sides will be Xiao Wu and Fatty—Ma Hongjun."
At the announcement, Ma Hongjun flexed dramatically, causing Xiao Wu to giggle and roll her eyes. Zhao Wuji's mouth twitched upward in a rare almost-smile.
"The flanks are critical," Dai Mubai said, voice sharpening. "Unexpected attacks usually come from the sides. Be alert. React fast."
"Finally," Dai Mubai turned slightly, his posture as steady as an anchor in a storm, "Zhu Zhuqing and I will cover the rear. We'll protect everyone from ambushes or any monsters that might follow us."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly, her shadowy presence blending naturally with the gathering dusk. Her quiet loyalty was a silent reassurance to the others.
Tang San memorized the formation instantly, repeating it mentally like a mantra. Frontline, support close, flanks guarded, rear secure. Fluid, defensive, flexible. It was a sound plan. Trust flowed through their veins like a living river.
Zhao Wuji clasped his hands behind his back. His deep voice interrupted their private thoughts. "I'll say it again: I'm only here to protect you against spirit beasts too strong for you. I will not help you otherwise."
The heavy words settled over them like a thick fog. There would be no second chances if they made foolish mistakes.
"In battle, there is no fairness," Zhao Wuji finished. "Only survival. Remember that."
No one spoke. There was no need. They understood.
The shadows grew longer as the hour of departure neared. By the time the sun had dipped low enough to kiss the tops of the trees, the Shrek team had gathered one last time beneath the courtyard gate for their final farewells.
They had packed lightly—each carrying only essentials: dried food, extra clothes. No grand send-off, no banners or well-wishers. Just the seven of them, their resolve, and Zhao Wuji's towering figure looming protectively at their head.
From within the academy, Flender finally emerged, his robes catching the breeze like a battered flag. His face split into a wide, delighted grin at the sight of the group ready to embark.
"Off you go, my little monsters!" he boomed, clapping his hands together. "Zhao Wuji, take care of them, will you?"
The old owl's words, while casual, carried the weight of true care.
Zhao Wuji gave a short nod, folding his arms. "Don't worry. I'll return them all. In one piece, preferably."
Their laughter broke the tension for a moment, though a part of Ma Hongjun noticed the lingering absence. If Li Wei were here, Flender might have been more generous—perhaps even ordering a carriage for them, or seeing them off with greater fanfare. But today, without their steady pillar of strength, Flender's infamous stinginess prevailed.
No carriage, no mounts, not even a hired wagon. Just their own two feet to carry them toward their destiny.
Ma Hongjun found himself smiling wryly. Li Wei… because you're not here, dean has become his usual self.
"Alright, enough dawdling!" Zhao Wuji barked. "Form up and move out!"
The group obeyed instinctively, their formation falling into place like clockwork: Tang San in front, Oscar and Ning Rongrong a step behind, Xiao Wu and Ma Hongjun on the flanks, Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai guarding the rear.
They marched forward, the sounds of their boots crunching against gravel, then fading into the softer thump of earth as they left the academy's well-trod courtyard behind.
As they passed under the gate, the late afternoon light framed them—seven young warriors stepping boldly into a world vast and unforgiving.
The road ahead stretched long and dusty, winding toward a faint smudge of forest at the distant horizon—the town near Star Dou Forest where they would rest tonight before truly beginning their expedition.
Their pace was steady but not hurried, a comfortable rhythm allowing for conversation and scanning the surroundings.
"Think we'll see any action on the way?" Ma Hongjun asked, half-joking, half-hopeful.
"If you call wild dogs action, sure," Xiao Wu teased, flipping a lock of hair over her shoulder.
Oscar chuckled nervously. "I'd rather not encounter anything. Let's save all the excitement for the forest, okay?"
Tang San remained silent, his senses sharp. His spirit power stirred quietly beneath his skin, ready to respond at a moment's notice.
Beside him, Ning Rongrong walked with calm, practiced steps, her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda ready to be called at any moment. She watched Tang San out of the corner of her eye, studying his unshakeable presence. No wonder Li Wei look like he trusted him so much.
As the afternoon wore into evening, the group's conversation dwindled. The growing stillness of the countryside around them—broken only by the occasional bird or distant rustle—brought an almost sacred quiet.
They traveled for several hours, each student lost in their own thoughts.
Xiao Wu thought about how much stronger they had all become in such a short time—and how much further they still had to go.
Oscar wondered if he could truly reach Spirit Elder without relying too much on others. 'I have to pull my weight too. I can't always hide behind stronger friends.'
Ning Rongrong mulled over the lessons Li Wei had patiently taught her—the importance of thinking beyond herself, of caring about more than just strength and pride.
Ma Hongjun dreamed of roasting his first spirit beast over a fire, savoring victory with laughter.
Zhu Zhuqing kept her eyes on the shadows, ever vigilant, her mind calculating the probability of ambushes even here, in the open.
Dai Mubai, ever the seasoned warrior, carried their shared burden without complaint. His heart beat with a single, steady mantra: Protect them. No matter what.
And Zhu Zhuqing… Zhu zhuqing thought of Li Wei—the boy who had changed her mind set so much without even meaning to. Their battles, their training, their laughter.
Wherever you are, Li Wei, Zhu zhuqing thought, tightening her grip on the simple bag carying essential, know that we march forward carrying your spirit with us.
The sun finally slipped beneath the horizon, surrendering the sky to a wash of deep blue and emerging stars.
Ahead, faint pinpricks of light marked the outline of the town—a humble place of wooden inns and travelers' waystations.
Tomorrow, they would step into Star Dou Forest. Tomorrow, they would face the unknown.
Tonight, they would sleep under a borrowed roof, sharing food, laughter, and whispered dreams.
Bonds beyond distance, hearts stronger than fear.
This was the spirit of Shrek Academy.
This was the spirit Li Wei had inspired.
And nothing—not even the dangers of Star Dou Forest—would break them.
_________________
Somewhere in the forest a person sneeze again, wondering who in the world cursing him so much. Is it that bastard hypocrite again?