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First, you will work on improving the Snake Pits. With the absence of Snake Mistress, fellow older students are doing the bare minimum.
When you see a kid a couple year older than you dropping a cluster of ball python eggs - which are safe and good choice to give to little one for the admission test or as an animal to turn into bounded spirit - in the pit of the King Cobra, notorious snake eater, you know you must take things in hand.
But how? You're far from close to those other kids. You see them as untalented slacker, they see you as priviledged, favorite, underperforming. Meaning, they're not afraid of you. Your cultivation is equivalent or even above most of the slackers but they heavily outnumber you. Luckily, the second-stage kids are not working with mundane beasts. Still, something must be done. You approach Kyo Ko that evening.
"Dear sister, I'll need your help.
- <span class="mu-b">Oh? What for? Need some help to talk with a girl you like?</span>
- What? No! Beside, girls are trouble and sticking too close is a great way to catch germs.
- <span class="mu-b">So if I hug you it's trouble? I'm so dirty you think I've germs?</span>
- Get away! Get away!"
Your two hands push the older girl's face away, akin to an unwillingly held kitten.
This result in overtime for the two of you in the Snake Pits. Clearing and refilling basic supplies. Adapting the logistic to the actual population of the pits. Detailing a plan for hatching enough vipers and pythons for newcomers.
Checking the snakes individually - and that's when you figure out how careless the other kids have been.
"Kyo Kyo, I think we have a problem.
- <span class="mu-b">You finally run out of ways to give me more work?</span>
- I'm afraid it is the contrary..."
A good lot of the snakes are suffering from scale mold. It's a good thing you put more effort on the pits, as the situation will be harsh but recoverable. Cleaning extensively the pits, brushing the reptile and using the special balm becomes additional chores for you and the other kids.
Other kids who glare more and more angrily at you. Luckily, Kyo Ko is never too far, and they are not brave enough to misbehave in front of authority.
You took action at the right time. Situation is bad, but salvageable. However, efforts will have to be maintained.
When you're not scrubing the pits, you hang out with Ai and Dhundan. And you launch them on debates. On everything and anything.
They never agree, from minute points like the sky's color, to which element is strongest in direct pairing, what material supplement best what element.
This is deeply distracting, and you have to refrain to laugh for the sake of your ribs.
This continued strategy is starting to bear fruits, as the two geniuses are getting worked on, but slowly not at each other anymore.
This draws a smile on your face. Ai is getting more anchored in reality. Dhundan significantly more eloquent than when you met him.
You'll have to find <span class="mu-s">good ideas</span> to get them closer though.
