The next morning, apprentices crowded around the bulletin board at Celestial Carving Academy.

Sharkai Bai trudged toward the teaching building, looking as listless as ever.

He wasn’t drawn to the notice; to him, nothing at this academy mattered.

“The ranking tournament of Celestial Engraved Magic Academy begins in one week. Prepare your ranking tokens and join enthusiastically!”

Student Council President Elucia stood imposingly before the board, loudly announcing the notice.

Each apprentice received a ranking token upon enrollment. During duels, tokens were submitted—the winner claimed the loser’s.

With over three thousand apprentices, Sharkai Bai held token number 3150. He was dead last.

“Hello, Sharkai!”

A crisp voice called from behind. Sharkai Bai turned to see Zhiminghan, who’d treated him to a feast yesterday.

“I heard Black Falcon troubled you again last night. Are you okay? I’m so sorry! Was it my fault?!” Zhiminghan’s voice trembled with remorse. She lowered her head, tears welling in her eyes.

“Hey… do I look hurt?” Sharkai Bai forced a smile, unable to bear girls’ tears.

Relieved he was unharmed, Zhiminghan finally smiled back.

“You probably don’t know my name. I’m Zhiminghan, Class 2-A. Please take care of me.”

“Sharkai Bai, Class 2-C.”

After a brief hesitation, he shook her outstretched hand.

“Let’s go to class together.”

“Mhm.”

In Class 2-C of Celestial Engraved Magic Academy, Sharkai Bai slept at his desk, ignoring the lecture. He jolted awake when someone yanked his ear.

“Damn it! Who—?”

“It’s me.”

“Tch. Didn’t expect you to babysit me.”

Grand Magus Sharkai Manwei released his ear, gazing down at Sharkai Bai’s drool-streaked chin. Sharkai scowled, clearly annoyed.

“Teacher Rank, I’ll borrow this boy. Apologies for the interruption.”

“Heh, by all means.” The middle-aged lecturer smiled politely.

Outside the corridor, Sharkai Bai leaned against the wall, arms crossed, yawning. “Talk.”

“Join the ranking tournament.”

“Tch. As expected. I said: force me into this hellhole, and I won’t fight.”

“This time is different. You know the Cecilia Family?”

“Yeah. So?”

The Cecilia Family and Sharksea Clan were the Western Sea’s twin noble houses—a fact Sharkai Bai knew well.

“Our families have an engagement. Between their young lady and—you.”

“Hah?! Old man, that’s no joke!” Sharkai Bai snapped wide awake.

“Don’t glare! Just an engagement! The Cecilia Family will observe your strength at the tournament.”

“Fine. I don’t get this ‘strange woman,’ but I’ll use it to blow off steam.”

Sharkai Bai lazily returned to class. A trace of excitement flickered in his lifeless eyes.

That afternoon, after sleeping through dull lessons, he walked alone to his dorm.

As the saying goes: enemies always meet.

“Got you again, white-haired bastard!!”

Black Falcon blocked his path, clearly not letting him go this time.

“I won’t mind sending you back to the infirmary. For new teeth this time.”

“Oh, I’m so scared~ Junior Sharkai~” Black Falcon sneered, magic gathering in his hands. A D-rank apprentice couldn’t stop him.

A whoosh sounded behind him. Sharkai Bai vanished—then reappeared at Black Falcon’s back.

Cold sweat soaked Black Falcon’s spine; his pupils dilated.

“You’re weak.”

A crushing force slammed into Black Falcon’s skull. His face twisted, teeth shattering as saliva sprayed. His body flew backward.

Sharkai Bai didn’t glance back, ready to leave.

White light pillars erupted from the ground, trapping him in a cage.

“Even in duels, you crossed the line.”

Elucia stood before him, beside a towering youth.

“Truly formidable. The Sharksea Clan has no weaklings, as rumored.” The tall youth smiled.

Vice Student Council President Wilkor, combat mage.

“Hmph. This cage holds me?” Sharkai Bai punched the barrier.

A deafening crack echoed. He stepped out of the shattered light, expressionless.

Astonishment filled Elucia’s eyes—curiosity sparked. How could a D-rank break her magic?

“Let him go. Black Falcon provoked first,” Wilkor said.

“…Fine. No next time!”

Sharkai Bai stayed silent, vanishing from their sight.

Above the academy, a golden-haired girl in a lavish robe watched.

“Hmm—so this is my fiancé, Cecilia Xuelian? How… in·ter·est·ing!”