Inside the classroom, over forty students held their textbooks, reciting a mythic epic in unison.

"...Arrogant, prideful, ignorant, reckless—the Divine and Demon Clans once judged humanity thus. Now, humans mock those very gods in return.

For humans still thrive in this world, while the Divine and Demons have vanished—slain, sealed, or exiled by human hands.

Their smug magic became humanity’s weapon. Humans conquered Hell. Humans breached Heaven. Humans won the war. Humans now rule the world!

After victory, Celestials and Demon Clans slowly integrated into human society. The once-trifurcated realms are merging. All seems to march toward a brighter future..."

As the epic described, humanity triumphed over gods and demons. Most powerful Celestials and Demon Clans faded into history; the rest surrendered, pledging loyalty to become part of human society.

Humans were indeed victors. But was everything truly heading for the best? Not necessarily. To Ouyang Tao, it was doubtful—daily newspapers devoted a third of their pages to global conflicts. How could this be "the best direction"?

Clearly, the Age of Gods and Demons’ end didn’t halt wars. Without reverence or restraint, human strife grew bolder. Of course, Ouyang Tao knew this didn’t concern him—he’d just mused idly.

*Ding, ding, ding...* Suddenly, the school bell rang. Since class had just begun, this wasn’t dismissal—it was...

"Halt! Everyone stand. Assemble on the playground," the teacher ordered. Students snapped shut their books, rose, and filed out orderly—the emergency assembly bell.

Rarely used, this bell signaled major crises. Its mid-class ring meant something grave had happened. Soon, over two hundred students formed neat lines before the podium.

The principal stood on stage, but unlike usual, a formally dressed Messenger stood beside him. Everyone understood: only Augustus College sent Messengers to hand-deliver acceptance letters personally. Someone from this remote coastal magic school would join the nation’s top academy.

"Students, this is a historic moment! Today, one among you earned a place at Augustus College through sheer effort..." The principal’s speech overflowed with excitement. Graduating to Augustus College from this humble school was like a phoenix rising from ashes.

*It came so fast!* Ouyang Xue thought. Her exam in the capital was just last month—she hadn’t expected results this soon. Her heart raced.

She was the school’s only exam-taker. The accepted student had to be her. Though unannounced, classmates already shot her envious, congratulatory glances. The girl’s excitement swelled.

"Now, the Messenger will read the acceptance letter!" After the long speech, the climax arrived. The Messenger stepped forward, opened the envelope, and declared loudly: "Ouyang Xue, third-year junior mage of Seaside Town Magic School, ranked 644th in our Elemental Department entrance exam. You are accepted into the Elemental Department. Report to Augustus College on August 30th. Signed."

Applause thundered as Ouyang Xue hurried onstage. Some even shouted, "Congrats, Big Sis!"

Her hands trembled slightly as she took the letter. She cradled it carefully, rereading the words—overjoyed, overwhelmed. This was a life-changing moment.

After graduation, she wouldn’t toil like her parents, scraping by as fishermen. A bright new path lay ahead. Tears of joy welled in her eyes.

But it wasn’t over. The Messenger opened a second envelope: "Ouyang Tao, third-year apprentice of Seaside Town Magic School, excelled in our Mechanical Department entrance exam. You are accepted into the Mechanical Department. Report to Augustus College on August 30th. Signed."

"Ouyang Tao? Big Dummy?!" "Huh? What’s happening?" "How did Big Dummy get into Augustus College? Impossible!"

Unlike Ouyang Xue’s moment, the crowd erupted. Students whispered in disbelief. Even teachers stared at Ouyang Tao, baffled.

Understandable—a guy who couldn’t even cast a fireball, accepted into the top magic academy?

Ouyang Tao, however, just grinned. He ambled onstage, took the letter, and chuckled, "Heh, I actually passed."

Ouyang Xue froze, turning stiffly to him. "B-Brother... when... how...?"

"When I tagged along to the capital for your exam. I quietly signed up too. Heh." He kept smiling, as if it were a brotherly prank.

"Why didn’t you tell me first?!"

"Well... I wasn’t sure like you. If I’d bragged and failed, how embarrassing? Heh."

"But... but..." Ouyang Xue took deep breaths, reminding herself to stay calm—this was good news. Yet something felt off. "Wait, why does a magic academy even have a Mechanical Department? That’s weird!"

Even Ouyang Tao wondered why the premier magic institute had such a non-magical major. "Uh... it just does. And I passed."

"But it’s strange!"

"Eh, don’t sweat the details."

"And why’s there no ranking on your letter?"

"Probably ’cause I was the only applicant? Heh..." His words revealed the "truth."

A solo exam meant guaranteed acceptance. Boos rose from below. "Tch, just luck!" "I’ll grab that spot next year!" "Fools get fortune."

"The notices are delivered. Further details are inside the envelopes. Congratulations to both." The Messenger shook their hands and left. For the school—and the whole town—celebrations were just beginning.

The principal announced the news publicly, gave congratulatory remarks, and declared today a holiday with three days off.

Next, Ouyang Xue should’ve given a speech. But her joyful face suddenly clouded with heavy gloom.

"Ouyang Xue, please share your thoughts?" The principal called her name repeatedly before she snapped back. Her expression had dimmed, losing all its light. No one noticed.

"Your speech, please."

"Oh, I... um..." She stepped forward but stammered, words stuck. The crowd assumed she was too emotional and waited patiently.

Then, Ouyang Xue burst into tears. She whirled around, covered her face, and fled. The atmosphere turned awkward.

Ouyang Tao rushed to save the scene. "Ah... sorry, everyone. My sister’s just overjoyed. Let me speak for her?"

"Big Dummy, skip it." "What’re you still standing there for?" "Go find your Big Sis!"

The students’ attitude was clear. Ouyang Tao turned to the principal with a憨笑. "Uh... Principal, should I...?"

"Go. Make sure she’s safe."

"Thanks!" He dashed off after his sister.

Why Ouyang Xue’s mood flipped, Ouyang Tao knew all too well.