Some of the Mechanical Department students who clashed with the Ouyang siblings had left, but the remaining three didn’t head straight back to their dorms. Fuming, they found a quiet clearing, pulled out their stash of strong liquor—Augustus College allowed moderate drinking, but drunkenness was against the rules—and started drinking while grumbling.
"Tch, what rotten luck, running into the inspection team."
"Tell me about it? And it had to be that ‘Silent Sword’ and the Monster Girl."
"Yeah, without those two, I’d have beaten up the whole damn team!"
"Silent Sword" and "Monster Girl" referred to Chen Feng and Monica. Chen Feng’s official codename in the Magic Sword Department was "Silent Sword," but since he couldn’t speak, many called him "Silent Sword" behind his back. As for Monica being dubbed "Monster Girl," anyone who’d faced her freakish strength and brutal fighting style would understand why. Still, their sheer power was vital for scaring off troublemakers and keeping the academy in line.
"And that Mechanical Department punk! At this month’s scoring match, I’ll settle with him!"
"Right! Teach that kid a lesson first, then have his sister too, haha…"
"Haha…"
Just as the group rambled on, a deep, arrogant voice boomed: "You! Ready to accept your punishment?"
A terrifying pressure followed the words. Though unseen, the sheer might of the speaker’s mana was undeniable. The trio tensed, scrambling to their feet and peering into the darkness. Heavy footsteps approached, carrying a wave of scorching heat.
"What kind of guy dares to use magic here?"
"Could it be the inspection team?"
"No way. They don’t have any Elemental Department members."
As their confusion peaked, a figure emerged from the shadows. He wore an extravagant red classical suit, a flowing cape, a black top hat, and a mask, radiating an aura of dread.
"Hey, who are you?"
The figure didn’t answer. He slowly raised his arms. "Flames of punishment, ignite!"
Crimson fire erupted around them, forming a six-meter-high wall that trapped all four inside. His hands blazed with roaring flames as he advanced on the Mechanical Department students.
"Damn it, think I’m scared? Brothers, take him down!" The leader conjured an ice ball, ready to fight. The others prepared their spells too.
Mechanical Mages could build armies alone—but if you took out the caster, you wiped out the whole force. Plus, mechanical magic was limited by materials, so Mechanical Department students always minored in standard magic for defense. Exceptions like Ouyang Tao, who knew no other magic, were rare.
Flames and ice clashed violently.
"Ugh… what kind of fire is this…"
"Too strong… who the hell are you!"
"Hey! You can’t be serious about killing us!"
The strength gap was obvious, yet the attacker didn’t break their icy shield. Instead, he controlled the flames with precise force, using his overwhelming mana to push them slowly—inch by inch—toward the deadly fire wall. He didn’t just want to win; he wanted them to feel the creeping terror of doom. To him, this was punishment…
