Chapter 72 Separation Anxiety After the Birthday Surprise, the Exam...
The birthday surprise went very smoothly. With the cooperation of the "victims," they were covered in magic glitter, various ribbons and sequins, and even the birthday wishes hidden inside were found. They were handwritten birthday wishes, all carefully hidden away.
The two gifts Enid prepared were also put away. For Jason, there was a set of handmade plates with animal patterns carved and painted, a raccoon-shaped pendant, and a small cotton doll with a detachable headgear, but wearing a dress. Jason just raised an eyebrow and didn't say anything.
Stephanie was given animal-shaped forks, each in its own animal form, forming a set of multiple dessert forks, fruit forks, dinner forks, etc., along with a ceramic jar to store them. The other item was a cotton doll (in its disruptive form) and a purple flower pendant, but it was an illusion item that could alter her appearance, aura, and breathing state.
This thing can also create a small illusionary scene to aid in stealth, and it's solar-powered.
Everyone was quite envious of the gift Stephanie received; it was incredibly useful, which made Stephanie look quite pleased with herself.
However, afterwards, Dick secretly (openly) raised his hand and said, "Can I exchange the doll for yours, Little Fia? I want your doll more than I want myself."
“Eh? Actually, I did make some, and I even made the father’s…” As soon as she finished speaking, she received everyone’s expectant gazes. She seemed to understand. Hmm… it seemed like everyone really wanted some. Enid couldn’t help but smile. “There are many, and I can share them with everyone.”
After saying that, Enid received a light cough from Bruce, to which Enid blinked. "I'll give you Father's on your birthday!" But soon, she received a glare from her father, and it seemed she couldn't refuse. Enid puffed out her cheeks. "Father cheated! Well... Father, you got one too!"
"I'm sorry to have troubled you, Fia."
"No, it's actually very convenient, because you can take care of it while practicing new magic."
While replying to Bruce, Enid took out a bunch of finished cotton dolls and handed them out one by one. Bruce looked at the Batman doll with a detachable cape in his hand and paused for a moment: "Hmm, the workmanship is excellent, but it's a little, um... too cute, not quite suitable."
“I think it suits him perfectly, don’t I?” Dick tugged at the doll’s bat ears. “After all, this is Bruce.”
"I agree with that."
Tim nodded in agreement. In fact, everyone who received the doll secretly touched it. Damian didn't even hide his slight delight, and Afu also held the doll with a gentle and loving smile.
"This is very similar to the master when he was a child. Thank you for your hard work, Miss Fia."
"It's not hard work at all, because I'm very happy."
Enid's eyes crinkled with laughter. She was delighted to see everyone's expressions when they received the doll. Noticing how much everyone liked it, Bruce's silence eventually turned into a smile, and he couldn't help but pinch the corner of Batman's cape.
He didn't stop them, of course. It was just a family matter, and it wouldn't matter if it didn't get out. But he secretly placed the doll in his bedroom where it could be seen at any time. As for the others, they also secretly placed the doll in a conspicuous place in their own bedrooms.
However, after the joyful birthday party, Enid's formal entrance exam is almost here, starting in two days. She will begin preparing on August 20th.
So after resting, Enid went to see Tim and Barbara early in the morning with books and prepared materials. They agreed to finalize the relevant plans together in the next few days. Tim had already handed over his work in advance. They had discussed some details before, and now they were finalizing the plan.
"I'm sorry to inform you... but the location for the entrance exam has been changed."
When Enid arrived with the documents, seeing that all their previous discussions were about to be scrapped, she leaned against Barbara, somewhat sullen, and announced the news. Clearly, this was not good news. Enid rallied her spirits and announced the latest news.
"The specific assessment direction hasn't changed, but the assessment content seems to have become process-oriented, like in an RPG game, where you progress through levels? The location is a newly created semi-artificial secret realm, which is modified from an ancient secret realm."
The purely artificial secret realm has become a semi-artificial secret realm. This change is particularly important to them. Tim frowned slightly, then quickly composed himself and maintained his usual gentle demeanor.
"If the assessment content remains unchanged, it won't have any impact. However, how often are exams changed at the last minute?"
"This time, the theme of the assessment dungeon wasn't announced, but I can look up some information based on its location. This dungeon is recorded in books, and its theme is based on the lyrics of a bard. If I had to find an analogy for the bard, it would probably be Mr. Andersen or Mr. Grimm."
Upon hearing Enid's answer, Barbara and Tim exchanged glances, having already gained a general understanding of the secret realm's contents. Barbara then reached out and patted Enid's hair to comfort her. She wasn't worried about the exam's outcome; as long as the exam's direction remained unchanged, it would be beneficial for them. If it changed, it would simply mean replacing the candidates who would accompany them.
"Don't worry, replanning the scheme isn't a big problem. Do you have a map or something?"
"There is a general outline."
The map copied from the book was indeed very abstract and strange. After comparing it for a long time, they all agreed that the map should only have one road. If it was an assessment method similar to an RPG in the fundamental sense, then there was no need to compare it with the first exam.
"I know it'll be no problem for you! I'm not worried either, it just feels like all our previous plans have been wasted... I also want to pick up some rewards from the secret realm assessment along the way!"
"If it's an artificial secret realm within the school, Barbara and I can go with you once you enroll. However, we need the complete original records to determine if there are any dangers associated with this secret realm."
It's just a secret realm; he wouldn't mind going once he has the time. What's more important now is the danger level of the realm. Artificial realms are relatively safer, since it's an entrance exam, but ancient realms are not necessarily safer. Fortunately, Tim and Barbara felt a little relieved after seeing the original copy that Enid brought out.
"If it's a gift left to future generations by the Omera family, why would it end up in a school exam?"
“Because this was given to the school by the Omera family,” Enid paused, also somewhat puzzled. “It’s strange why the school would want this secret place, because the records clearly state that it was a small gift for the good-for-nothing grandson, and the count mentioned in the records also always enjoyed watching performances by bards and the like.”
This statement deepened Barbara and Tim's thinking. If it were a stage or similar place, there would be a front stage and a backstage area, and even an entrance for the actors. Wouldn't it be possible for someone to take advantage of the situation? Obviously, it would be very easy, wouldn't it?
They never let their guard down.
"Don't worry, we have enough time to discuss our next course of action. Fia, your focus should be on protecting yourself."
Hearing Barbara's words, Enid shook her head and said with a serious expression, "And there's also the protection of you. Moreover, killing is prohibited in this entrance exam instance. Only this instance and the final exam instance are like this."
Enid only realized then that they were worried about her safety, so she somewhat embarrassedly added this information. However, contrary to her expectations, the two of them did not lower their guard because of this information. Tim took a sip of water (actually, it was an energy drink) and looked at Enid's shadow.
"Can Naya go this time?"
"Yes! Naya can go to this dungeon! Because Naya is a cat, a small animal."
"Take Lyra with you."
This news was actually very good. Barbara immediately gave a briefing after Enid answered. With Lyra around, obtaining intelligence would become exceptionally convenient, and Lyra had a strong connection to the power of the Stormborn, so she would be a powerful support for their operations.
"Okay, but they'll be weakened here and won't be as strong as we are. After all, it's a bit far away... It's so sad to think that this dungeon will take 7 days, even though it's only 7 hours outside the dungeon."
Enid leaned over the desk as she spoke, tapping the surface lightly with her finger. She subconsciously reached out and drew Dick's image on the surface, which made Barbara burst out laughing. She spoke with a teasing tone, and even Tim started to tease her.
"Should we replace me or Tim with Dick?"
"I don't mind."
Enid blushed completely. Embarrassed, she sat up and huddled behind Barbara, her voice soft but with a hint of coquetry as she gently poked Barbara's arm.
"I do mind! But I don't have separation anxiety!"
"Okay, I believe you."
Pretending to believe what Enid said, she clearly sensed Barbara's undisguised perfunctoriness and immediately sat back down, looking at them with what she thought was a very serious expression, but more like a slightly agitated Naya. Tim had actually secretly dialed Dick's video call, so Dick was able to speak smoothly at this moment.
"Of course, I'm the one who experiences separation anxiety."
“Okay…” Enid suddenly turned her head away and admitted shyly, “I did too, not just for Dick. After all, I’m not used to having to go to school for so long.”
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Author's note: [shy][shy][shy] I want a daddy's doll too!
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