The Spider Queen

It had been a few days since the examination finished and most of the students were now relaxing in their rooms or hanging out in the various entertainment centers on the transport ship.

Emotions varied quite drastically among the students as those who passed were now joyfully celebrating while those who failed were in various stages of grief.

The difference between heaven and hell was only a narrow line and for many of these geniuses, not getting an offer would severely impact their future.

"My…aren't you a greedy girl," Sophie cooed gently as she stroked the sides of her Frostwing egg with a loving expression.

The egg had grown significantly bigger during the duration of the exam and it would not be long until it hatched.

Sophie bit her finger and carved out a blood pattern on its blue surface while injecting a steady stream of qi.

For some reason, this naughty animal kept absorbing qi like an endless black hole, but Sophie could tell that the air around the egg became colder once more qi entered its shell.

Frostwing bats did require plenty of care and attention during their early childhood months as this combat beast was a sociable animal.

Sophie was looking forward to bonding with her new companion who would be her only partner until she reached at least the Qi tide stage.

It was a rare moment of peace and quiet in room 105 as Sophie was the only one present inside the suite as her other roommate were off on various trips.

Qiana had taken Astrid on a shopping spree to get some new clothes while Rachel was hanging out in the Arcade trying to flirt with beautiful ladies or handsome gents.

Sophie and Rachel were not blind and could tell that the Mendolesa girl and Qiana were developing feelings for one another but neither appeared willing to confess anytime soon.

Generally, the university term would begin in September so the students would have three months to relax before joining their new school.

There were also some exceptions as the elite classes of the universities would have five-week training camps before the regular term begun.

Offers would usually arrive two weeks after the examination ended as recruiters would need to submit their potential list of applicants to their respective office of admissions for confirmation.

Potential students would be given until the end of July to accept or decline the offer, so Sophie planned on discussing the matter carefully with her father.

She really wanted to call Cleo to brag about her accomplishments in the exam, but it seemed that the examination at Site 03 had not finished yet.

Ring! Ring!

A notification popped up on Sophie's wristband as she saw that her father was trying to reach her.

[Dad Calling….]

[Accept] [Decline]

Sophie clicked 'Accept' and soon the holographic figure of Duke Peterlor was projected from her wristband.

"Congratulations my precious daughter!" the duke cheerfully spoke with a sense of pride.

His baby girl had placed third among thousands of geniuses!

"You've really won some face for this old man and I've been bragging to all my ex comrades for days now."

"Thanks dad," Sophie replied with a smile.

The father daughter duo chatted for a few minutes about casual matters and Sophie just gave a brief summary of her experiences during the exam.

She did not mention any details about her bloodlust mode or the connection to her aunt as her father had always said to remain vigilant when discussing her heritage.

Sophie planned on having a long chat with her father once she arrived in the Peterlor mansion and seek his advice on controlling her new urges.

She also had to tell her father the news about her mother!

Hopefully, her father would be glad to hear that her mom was in a cultivation retreat and in good health!

"Oh yeah…. also, I think I will join the Imperial Army just like you did after graduation!"

Sophie wanted to follow in her father's footsteps as he was considered her hero.

The duke paused for a moment before speaking hesitantly,

"I was in the Imperial Army for years and I can say confidently that the universe is not a kind place."

"But in recent years I can't help but get the feeling that a creeping darkness has been inflecting the mindset of the army."

"War was once treated as a last resort but now….," Rokan trailed off and fell into a contemplative mood.

Sophie remained silent as she could tell that her father was experiencing a surge of emotions when discussing the new changes to the army.

It must be difficult for a man once in charge as a commander to now be looking in from the sidelines, but the duke never regretted his choice.

He was the only pillar of support that his daughter had in this world and it was not possible to go into dangerous battlefields without worrying about the impact his death would have on Sophie.

Many were eyeing the enormous wealth and assets held by House Peterlor and it was only his personal strength that chased away these hungry wolves.

It was also too risky to involve himself in the politics and intrigue of the upper nobility, so House Peterlor had remained seemingly neutral for the last few years.

"We can discuss this matter once you return to Gaia." Rokan ended this conversation with finality.

"Okay bye dad. Say hello to Jack and Katarina for me," Sophie waved goodbye before the holographic projection dissipated.

Sophie lay on the bed while thinking about her father's opinion on the army when the door to the suite suddenly made a noise.

Buzz!

Rachel entered the room while holding what appeared to be a mountain of stuffed toys and roses given to her from admirers in the Arcade.

"Those two lovebirds aren't back yet?" Rachel laughed as she walked towards her bed. She definitely would need to buy some extra luggage bags by the end of the journey.

"Don't let Qiana hear you talking like that," Sophie smiled back.

"What about you? Any romance you've been hiding?" Rachel teased.

Cleo's beautiful figure and piercing green eyes flashed across Sophie's mind as she thought about the mischievous princess.

"I'm not too sure…. there is this girl who has been kind of flirty towards me, but we haven't gone on any dates or anything," Sophie replied.

"Hmm…you didn't strike me as a bottom," Rachel stared at her with a knowing gaze.

"Oh, fuck off!" Sophie mockingly yelled.

The words of her roommate did strike a chord and Sophie realised that she had been the passive one during their interactions.

Well no more!

Sophie was determined to ask out the princess once they both returned to Gaia and flip the dynamic of their relationship.