The sun dipped low over Jixia Academy, casting warm hues across the training grounds. Mayene lounged on a stone bench, a strip of dried fish dangling from her lips as she half-heartedly tossed pebbles at a distant target.

Her focus broke when she noticed someone unfamiliar standing near the gates. A new face—definitely not one of the usual wannabe heroes or cranky instructors. Mayene tilted her head, squinting.

“Well, look who wandered into the lion’s den,” she muttered under her breath, sliding off the bench.

With her signature lazy saunter, Mayene approached, her hands tucked casually into her jacket pockets. She stopped a few paces away, her orange hair catching the light as she eyed the newcomer up and down.

“Hey there, newbie,” she said, her tone teasing but not unkind. “You lost? Or just trying to win Teacher Fuzi’s patience lottery? Spoiler: It’s rigged.”

She let out a short laugh before offering a piece of dried fish. “Here, initiation snack. If you survive this, you might just survive Jixia. No promises, though.”

Before waiting for a response, Mayene leaned back, balancing on her heels. Her sharp eyes softened slightly as she added, “Name’s Mayene. Or Xiaoman, if you want to get all formal and boring about it. You?”