Chapter 5: It’s Changing, It’s Changing

A grand gesture was still a grand gesture, but Lin Sheng’s first experience with teleportation was far from pleasant.

The dizziness after the transfer left Lin Sheng needing to steady himself against the wall.

But surprisingly, Serveyia didn’t seize the opportunity to mock him.

That was rare.

He leaned against the wall for a moment to adjust, then, feeling his body was fine, began to take in his surroundings.

The first thing that caught his eye was the massive rectangular carpet beneath his feet.

Its intricate patterns muffled all sound, and from every angle, it was clearly a priceless piece.

On either side of the carpet was gleaming marble floor, polished to a mirror shine.

Further out were the room’s walls, seamlessly merging with enormous bookshelves packed full of books in various languages and scripts—many of which Lin Sheng couldn’t even recognize.

Directly across from him was a gigantic floor-to-ceiling window, taking up nearly half the wall.

Through the glass, he could see a distant glass dome.

So, this is already Saint Laia Academy?

“Kaili Dean, I’ve brought Mr. Lin Sheng.”

At Serveyia’s voice, Lin Sheng finally noticed the woman seated behind a huge desk beneath the window.

Or more accurately, an elven woman with long ears, dressed in a traditional elven robe—plain but clearly no ordinary garment.

Was this the reason Serveyia had held back her sarcasm earlier?

However, with the sunlight streaming in from behind, Lin Sheng couldn’t make out her features clearly.

“Ah, little Serveyia, you’re back.”

Kaili, who had been seated, stood up excitedly upon hearing Serveyia’s words, but her gaze was fixed not on Serveyia, but on Lin Sheng behind her.

“Dear child, you’ve finally arrived.”

Kaili took Lin Sheng’s hand warmly and led him to a chair beside the desk.

Only then did Lin Sheng get a good look at her.

A middle-aged elf woman, with gentle features.

Rather than a Dean, she felt more like a wife.

Uh, is it really okay to think that?

Lin Sheng quickly banished the stray thought.

To be honest, he was a bit overwhelmed by Kaili’s kindness.

What had he, Lin Sheng, done to deserve such friendly treatment from the Dean of Saint Laia?

“Dear child, since you’ve come to Saint Laia, it means you’ve already agreed, right?”

“Agreed? Agreed to what? Wasn’t it to become a lecturer?”

“Eh? Little Serveyia, didn’t you explain?”

“I didn’t.”

Lin Sheng didn’t know what kind of word games Kaili and Serveyia were playing, but it didn’t seem simple.

“Haha, dear child, this is our failing.”

There was an obvious trace of embarrassment on Kaili’s face.

For some reason, Lin Sheng also sensed a hint of urgency and… um, flattery?

“Dear child, you should know, Saint Laia Academy is a girls’ school, so we don’t hire male teachers.”

“Uh, then what was the meaning of that letter? And what exactly was I supposed to agree to?”

Lin Sheng wasn’t exactly surprised by this outcome.

He hadn’t thought there was much chance of him becoming a lecturer at Saint Laia anyway.

But what was the “agreement” Kaili was talking about?

“Ah, well, this should have been explained by little Serveyia, but since she hasn’t, let me do it.”

“Dear child, you should know that Saint Laia was established by the Human Empire as a place to recruit students of all races, nurture talent, and maintain peace and friendship among all races.”

“Mm.”

“But have you ever wondered, child, how peace and friendship are maintained?”

“N-not really.”

Though he answered, Lin Sheng felt a sense of foreboding.

Why was the Dean telling him all this?

“Of course, it’s thanks to the ‘Princess System’ we’ve long maintained.”

Princesses, chosen by the Ancient Academy Spirits’ Will, serve as the jewels of Saint Laia, acting as mediators and bridges among all races, beloved by students of every kind, and giving equal affection in return.

“So… so?”

The unease in Lin Sheng’s heart grew stronger.

He felt like Kaili was about to drop a bomb on him.

“However, the position of Saint Laia’s Princess has been vacant for a long time.

The Academy Spirits’ Will had not chosen anyone.

But not long ago, the Spirits finally expressed their will.

They chose you, dear child.”

“Me?”

“That’s right, child, it’s you.”

“But, but, why me?

I’m a man.

A man can’t possibly become a Princess, right?”

“Regarding that, it’s because the Academy’s will detected the Celestial Fox Bloodline within you. Though faint, for Saint Laia, which is in urgent need of such bloodlines, it’s incredibly precious. As for the transformation process—child, you can rest assured. Saint Laia has considerable experience in this area. Please trust us.”

“No, no, that’s not the issue of trust. I’ve never heard of myself having a Celestial Fox Bloodline. All my ancestors are ordinary humans!”

“After all, the last appearance of the Nine-tailed Celestial Fox was centuries ago. With hundreds of years of intermarriage, it’s natural for the bloodline to be diluted. However, Saint Laia’s Bloodline Detection Technology is highly advanced.”

“When you participated in your university’s health check, your blood sample was discovered by us. So, this is a truly rare opportunity~”

“Um, can I refuse?

I-I mean, I’m ignorant and of humble origins.

I really can’t handle such an opportunity.

Couldn’t you choose someone else?”

“I’m sorry, child.

The moment you stepped into the Teleportation Array, the Academy Spirits had already taken note of you, and the Transformation Magic began to activate.

Even if you leave now, the transformation is already a certainty.”

“! This—this is kidnapping and illegal modification.

I-I want to call the police.”

“Hmm, I thought little Serveyia would have explained things to you, so we took your agreement as a given when you came here. We’ve already reported to the Empire, and I think the Imperial Appointment Letter will arrive soon. Calling the police probably won’t help.”

With Kaili’s explanation, how could Lin Sheng not understand?

Serveyia, this wicked woman, had kept silent just to pull him to Saint Laia under false pretenses.

Wasn’t this just acting first and explaining later?

“Serveyia!

Is this your plot?

You! You—”

Lin Sheng wanted to point at Serveyia’s nose and curse her out, but when he saw her cold, expressionless face, the words died in his throat.

Damn it, this was Saint Laia Academy, Serveyia’s territory.

And judging by her confident demeanor, Lin Sheng probably wouldn’t be her match even in a fight.

“What’s wrong?

Does our Mr. Lin Sheng prefer to remain an ordinary, insignificant male lost among the masses, rather than give up a few unnecessary parts to become Saint Laia’s noble Princess?

Anyway, based on Mr. Lin Sheng’s current performance, even if you keep them, you probably wouldn’t use them, right?”

You—you dare insult me!

Lin Sheng’s face turned red from Serveyia’s words.

He wanted to argue but couldn’t find a single reason.

He had to admit that while Serveyia was blunt, from a purely rational standpoint, she wasn’t wrong.

But some things just couldn’t be explained with logic alone.

Lin Sheng still had a bit of pride unique to men.

“All right, little Serveyia, I know you’re excited about Her Highness the Princess, but for now, we need to bring Mr. Lin Sheng to the Newcomer’s Chamber.”

“The Newcomer’s Chamber? What’s that?”

“A place where the transformation process can be made safer and more stable. I imagine, child, you don’t want to be tormented to death by pain during the process, do you?”

Lin Sheng was afraid of pain.

He had to admit that Dean Kaili’s words were even more persuasive than threats or bribes.

Damn it, did he really have to say goodbye to his little brother?

“D-Dean, may I request some compensation?”

Since transformation seemed inevitable, Lin Sheng still wanted to negotiate some benefits for himself.

“Of course, dear child. After the transformation is complete, whatever compensation you wish for is fine. Little Serveyia, please take our Mr. Lin Sheng to the Newcomer’s Chamber.”

“Let’s go, Mr. Lin Sheng.

Or would you prefer I ‘escort’ you there?”

Lin Sheng felt like a lamb being led to slaughter as Serveyia guided him forward.

The Newcomer’s Chamber wasn’t as mysterious as its name suggested.

It was just a small, ordinary room.

In the center was a mysterious magic circle, with a small bed placed atop it and a mirror thoughtfully positioned nearby.

“Mr. Lin Sheng, please lie down here.”

Honestly, seeing the small bed, Lin Sheng was suddenly reminded of a classic skit: a patient thinking he was about to undergo minor skin surgery, only to find out after anesthesia that it was a gender reassignment operation.

Lin Sheng now felt like that patient, except he didn’t even get anesthesia.

He lay on the bed, and the moment his head touched the pillow, the fatigue of a sleepless night overwhelmed him.

Frankly, Lin Sheng thought he could sleep like a dead pig without any anesthetic at all.

“Child, please drink this.”

Dean Kaili handed Lin Sheng a bowl of green liquid.

“This is a Sleeping Potion. After you wake up, the transformation will be complete.”

There it was—anesthetic, after all.

Staring at Dean Kaili’s bright eyes and Serveyia’s serious face, Lin Sheng knew he couldn’t escape.

The Sleeping Potion tasted like nothing—just ordinary water.

It took effect quickly, and by the time Lin Sheng handed back the empty bowl, he was already losing consciousness.

He didn’t know how much time passed.

When Lin Sheng finally woke, he struggled to sit up, first aware of the completely unfamiliar sensation of his own body.

Light, soft.

He hated to admit it, but it felt like a thousand pounds had been lifted.

Lin Sheng opened his eyes with difficulty.

The first thing he saw was a lock of silver-white hair falling before his eyes.

He looked down.

Instead of his once unremarkable chest, he saw a spectacular, curving fullness.

His waist was impossibly slender.

His arms and legs had become smooth and gently contoured.

His skin was so fair and delicate it looked like it could be pinched to produce water.

Worst of all—

Below, it was gone!

That little brother who’d been with him for over twenty years… was missing!

No!

Lin Sheng screamed inwardly.

We haven’t even fought our first real battle together—how could you leave me behind?

With trembling hands, Lin Sheng reached for the mirror.

Staring back was a face he’d never seen before—beautiful to the point of heartbreak.

Exquisite features, flawless skin.

And most striking were the eyes: the left as pure blue as sapphire, the right as honey-gold as amber.

Behind Lin Sheng, nine fluffy, cloudlike silver tails swayed unconsciously, easily large enough to wrap around his entire body.

So many, so huge…

It would be a nightmare to maintain, wouldn’t it?

For some reason, that was the first thought that floated into Lin Sheng’s mind.