Sorcerer’s Handbook
Chapter 634: Dance of Swords and Dragons ①

Stars Kingdom, Swordflower College.

As night draped over the land, stars twinkled above, and the school’s grand field was adorned with lights and decorations. The stage was graced by a masked songstress pouring her heart into her performance, accompanied by a music sorcerer. The central area was a starlit dance floor, surrounded by open-air bars and buffet tables. Students in elegant attire, wearing masks, mingled, danced, chatted, played, or indulged in food, their youthful energy filling the school with the rhythm of flowing music.

July and August marked the self-study summer vacation for universities, as well as the season for various intercollegiate entertainment events. Trajectory College’s “Fantasy Summer Frenzy,” Fangzhou University’s “Crimson Theater,” Truth College’s “Great Debate,” and Phantom Music University’s “Campus Idol” were all events designed to let students unwind, concentrated within these two months.

Among these, the most anticipated was Swordflower College’s “Dance of Swords and Dragons” Masquerade Ball!

These events were open to all university students, and Swordflower College was renowned for its students’ exceptional looks and affluent backgrounds, with a strong romantic atmosphere on campus. Every year, the masquerade ball attracted countless students from other schools, hoping to turn a new page in their youthful love stories. Even students from Truth College were no exception-in fact, the rate of cross-college couples between Truth College and Swordflower College was significantly higher than those within Truth College itself.

While some students were determined to “focus on studies and not on romance,” the lack of classes in July and August often led to a lapse in discipline. The approaching masquerade ball would inevitably raise the love fever among university students across Galaxia. Even those who could effortlessly solve math problems might find themselves swept up in the tide of youthful affection.

Many students from Truth College, known for their strict family upbringing and dedication to spellcasting, found themselves unwittingly charmed by outsiders at the masquerade ball, leading to lifelong commitments, regardless of gender.

According to completely unreliable statistics, the number of couples successfully matched at the masquerade ball each year reached four figures. Even though 70% of them would break up within a month, it was enough to excite the love-struck youths.

However, even though Swordflower students anticipated the ball’s popularity, they were still surprised by the sheer number of attendees, as if half of Galaxia’s university students had squeezed in.

As for why there were so many people this year, everyone knew the reason.

“Why are there so many redheads?”

Outside the dance floor, a wolf-costumed youth was bewildered.

Among the three girls passing by, one had dyed red hair. Though there were various shades like pink, wine, and crimson, and different styles like short, medium, layered, and ponytails, the number of red-haired girls was overwhelming!

“That’s normal, young man.”

At the bar, a female bartender was mixing drinks with flair, laughing as she said, “When ‘Blade of Shifting Time’ aired, at least eight out of ten young women in Galaxia styled their hair like Delarose. Now that the Red-Haired Sword Princess has shone in the Meteor Trial, it’s no surprise everyone’s following the trend and dyeing their hair red.”

The wolf-costumed youth glanced over and noticed the bartender had also highlighted a strand of red in her hair. Resigned, he accepted the cocktail. “But with so many red-haired girls, I can’t even tell if the Sword Princess is right in front of me… Ugh!”

He took a sip of the cocktail and found it unbearably sour. He wanted to complain but held back his anger, considering the bartender was quite cute. “I asked for a Holiday Storm. What is this?”

“Oh, sorry, sorry.” The bartender pulled out a notebook. “Let me see… No wonder, I mixed it up and accidentally added bitter vinegar. I’ll make you the correct one while looking at my notes.”

“Are you learning on the spot?!”

“There are too many people tonight, and I was pulled in for a part-time job at the last minute.” The bartender muttered, “Blame it on me failing my finals…”

The wolf-costumed youth blinked, suddenly finding the bartender quite adorable. Her cheeks were chubby and rosy like red apples, hitting his sweet spot perfectly. He cleared his throat and said in a magnetic voice, “Then, my lovely lady, may I invite you for a dance later?”

“Thank you!” The bartender chirped, “But no, I have a fiancé.”

“Can’t we dance just for fun, even if you have a fiancé?” The wolf-costumed youth coaxed.

“If it’s just for fun, I can dance with my roommate. Why insist on dancing with the opposite sex?” The bartender giggled, “Besides, you’re not my type.”

“What type do you like?”

“My fiancé’s type.”

“Why do all the girls I like already have someone?!” The wolf-costumed youth lamented, “If I failed in pursuing them, that’s one thing, but why do they all have someone they like already? Am I destined to be the type who seduces married women?!”

“I have two single roommates, both quite pretty, though not as much as me. When they come over, I can introduce you.”

“No.” The wolf-costumed youth firmly refused, “I don’t like encounters that feel too set up. I’m looking for that spontaneous spark.”

The bartender bluntly pointed out, “But aren’t you here for the Red-Haired Sword Princess?”

“Yes, I was moved by the Sword Princess’s resilience during the Meteor Trial Final.” The wolf-costumed youth looked at the grand field, “I was hoping to bump into her at the masquerade ball and win her heart with my charm, or at least become friends… But how can I recognize her now? Even the singer on stage has red hair!”

“I thought you were just here to have fun.” The bartender looked at the wolf-costumed youth with an amused expression, “With your wild outfit, I thought you were here to revoke your dating rights.”

“I heard the Sword Princess isn’t fond of Swordflower’s extravagant style, so I dressed as a werewolf swordsman.” The wolf-costumed youth stroked his chin, feigning depth, “Do you see the lion in my eyes?” He hadn’t given up on charming the bartender yet.

“Honestly, I find you quite cute.” The bartender chuckled while wiping a glass, “Like a fluffy big dog. The Sword Princess might like that.”

“Give it up.”

Beside the bar, another young man wearing a golden mask said, “Didn’t you hear that Lelouch confessed to the Sword Princess a few days ago?”

“Lelouch? Lelouch Valuda?” The wolf-costumed youth was surprised, “The Count of Voidstar’s eldest son? The swordsmanship genius second only to Dimy at Truth College?”

Among the nobility, the Five Pillars of Starlight were undoubtedly at the top, but they weren’t without peers. Recently, five Counts had emerged during the technological revolution, known as the “Little Five Pillars,” whose power rivaled the Five Pillars.

Count of Voidstar, Valuda, was one of them. Their family controlled five major virtual gaming associations, holding 80% of the national gaming market share and continuously expanding and recruiting talent. Almost every young person had played their games. In terms of social influence, job creation, and annual income, Count of Voidstar was on par with the old Dukes. “Virtual Star Games” had become a staple of many young people’s childhoods.

As the eldest son of Count of Voidstar, Lelouch’s family background was impeccable, and he was a swordsmanship genius, achieving two-wings perfection in his third year at Truth College. He was once seen as a rival to Dimy-though no one said that anymore.

Regardless, Lelouch was a top-tier nobleman. If he publicly pursued the Red-Haired Sword Princess, others would have to step aside.

“Lelouch’s confession to the Sword Princess has been the hottest topic these days, and you didn’t know?” The golden mask laughed, “He didn’t confess in private but staged a grand performance at the Swordsmanship Club, with roses covering the ground and fireworks filling the sky… Oh, and Lelouch met the Sword Princess at the Swordsmanship Club.”

During summer vacation, battle sorcerers often didn’t train in isolation but participated in clubs for competition and sparring. Lower-level clubs might just be a few students renting a classroom, while higher-level clubs were usually led by professors.

A club attended by both the Sword Princess and Lelouch had to be the highest level, not even needing a name. Only the weak would take pride in saying, “I’m a member of XX club” or “I’m in the same club as XX.” For these genius sorcerers, clubs were just ordinary places for sparring and training.

“I didn’t know! I spent the first half of the month in the eastern countryside with my old man, who said it was to broaden my horizons, but I just fed mosquitoes for half a month. I only got back yesterday, so I have no idea what’s been happening in Galaxia!” The wolf-costumed youth wailed, “The Sword Princess didn’t accept, did she? My Sword Princess-“

“She didn’t.”

“Thank goodness.”

“But Lelouch said, ‘I know you have someone in your heart, but even if we can’t be a couple, we can be friends. I may not be your first good friend, but I hope to be your most important, the one who can help you the most. The path of swordsmanship is long and lonely; we can compete and learn from each other. Although I’m not as strong as Dimy now, I’ll catch up soon.’”

“That guy’s up to no good, planning to slowly seduce the Sword Princess under the guise of friendship!” The wolf-costumed youth was indignant, “Such tactics and words are the work of a seasoned player. The Sword Princess should have cut ties with him on the spot! How did she respond?”

The bartender raised an eyebrow-who was it that said if he couldn’t pursue the Sword Princess, he’d at least be friends…

“The Sword Princess’s response might sound familiar to you.”

“Hmm?”

“She said, ‘If I need a rival, Senior Sister Leoni and Sister Trelozan provide enough pressure. Why must I interact with the opposite sex? Lelouch, it’s not that I disdain you for not being in the Sanctuary. In fact, no matter who it is, even if Dimy asked me for a private relationship, I wouldn’t agree. You shouldn’t underestimate yourself.’”

At this point, the golden mask sighed, “They could have just confessed and rejected each other. Why drag Dimy into it?”

“Bravo!” The wolf-costumed youth applauded, “The Sword Princess saw through Lelouch’s schemes at a glance and responded with grace! Wait a minute, those words do sound familiar…”

He turned to the bartender, “They sound like what you said to me earlier.”

The bartender blinked, “That means I have the same discerning eye as the Sword Princess.”

“And didn’t you investigate the Sword Princess’s personality?” The golden mask added, “She’s devoted to swordsmanship and doesn’t participate in social activities outside of acting and recording. It’s said that many noble banquets have invited her, but she’s declined them all. She wouldn’t attend a time-wasting social event like a masquerade ball. She’s probably exploring the Virtual Realm now.”

“I didn’t investigate.” The wolf-costumed youth scratched his head, “I thought sincerity would be enough to win someone over.”

“Just as the rumors say.” The golden mask laughed, “Lan Shile, you’re a child of sincerity.”

“Since you put it so nicely, I’ll pretend you’re not calling me dumb… Wait.” The wolf-costumed youth suddenly realized, “I never said my name, did I? Who are you? My admirer? Or… a secret admirer?”

“In the past half month, only your father went to the east for research.” The golden mask shrugged, “I just happened to know and guessed.”

The wolf-costumed youth made a sound of surprise, “You actually follow my old man? That’s creepy. Are you a prophecy sorcerer? How else would you know so much about Lelouch’s confession to the Sword Princess?”

The golden mask replied, “Because I was there watching.”

“I can vouch for that.” The bartender giggled, “I was one of the roses on the ground.”

The wolf-costumed youth took a sip of the newly mixed cocktail. Though it wasn’t great, he endured it.

Before him were the myriad men and women hunting each other in the dance floor, and in his ears was the gentle, enduring song. After pondering for a long time, he turned to them and asked, “How can I make the Sword Princess like me?”

The bartender seriously asked, “If I knew the answer, what price could I sell it for?”

The golden mask thought for a moment, “Probably something equivalent to the property of a Four-winged Spirit.”

“That much!” The bartender looked at the wolf-costumed youth, “Can you pay a deposit first?”

“I’m not joking!” The wolf-costumed youth said earnestly, “At least give me a direction to work towards!”

“At the very least, don’t lay roses when you confess.” The bartender advised, “According to rumors, the Sword Princess likes tulips.”

“And she probably likes Swordmasters.” The golden mask added, “Lan Shile, you don’t seem to major in the Swordsmanship Sect, do you?”

The wolf-costumed youth said, “It’s not a job application; how can there be spellcasting restrictions in love? I refuse to accept it! Is there any news about the Sword Princess’s crush? I want to know what type she likes!”

The golden mask laughed, “The question of ‘who the Sword Princess likes’ will probably remain an unsolved mystery for countless people during their university years.”

“I think, even if strength isn’t the deciding factor, it’s an important one.”

The bartender finally gave a serious suggestion, “After all, the Sword Princess will surely aim for the legend realm in the future, so her partner should at least be able to keep up with her pace-“

“Aiming for legend? Is she even worthy?”

Everyone turned to see two people passing by the bar, a tall man wearing a Black Tiger Mask and a petite woman wearing a Butterfly Mask. The speaker was the Butterfly Mask.

The golden mask smiled faintly, “Are you questioning the value of ‘half-year Sanctuary’?”

“It’s precisely because she’s a half-year Sanctuary.” The Butterfly Mask said bluntly, “She lacks combat experience and spellcasting accumulation. She’s just an empty vase with levels.”

“She could climb to the Distant Sky Domain through cheating, but can she ascend Ruby Mountain?”