Central Magic Academy’s Simulation Training Ground – Thunder Zone. Thunder and lightning rolled ceaselessly. Each bolt packed the punch of a mid-tier spell from a Class B mage. Even Class B students found it deadly here.
A purple-haired youth ignored the strikes. He sat rock-steady at the center. Arcs of electricity crackled around him.
From afar, students watched. They’d wanted to challenge the zone. But none lasted long inside.
The youth didn’t spare them a glance. He waited. Waited for the six hours to end. Those too scared to step into the Thunder Zone weren’t worth his attention.
He was Sigu Du, holder of Central Magic Academy’s number two token. Codename: Raging Thunder. One of only two Class B peak students competing!
He didn’t even respect Lilith. But then Yan Yi appeared. The teacher handing him the token called Yan Yi Class F. That infuriated Sigu. Others might just guard their tokens. He craved the number one spot. A Class F had no right to lead them.
When the six hours ended, Sigu became a bolt of lightning. He shot toward the bulletin board.
"Hmph. Don’t get taken down before I face you."
He moved blindingly fast. Soon, he arrived. Students still crowded the board, watching for changes.
Sigu landed. He scanned the listings. Only the number one spot mattered.
Central Library, fifth floor…
Hmm, fifth floor…
Fifth floor?!
Sigu nearly plummeted mid-air. The fifth floor! A Class A symbol! The library didn’t require ratings—but you needed the strength.
Sigu swallowed hard. He charged on. He’d reach the fifth floor too. He’d see if this person deserved the token.
The library buzzed with students now. The number one holder drew crowds.
Most thought the fifth floor was just a challenge requirement. To them, it was arrogance. Fail to enter, and you didn’t deserve a shot.
Ward had a headache. His quiet sanctuary was chaos. He’d nearly thrown out the noisy intruders multiple times.
Sigu blasted to the fourth floor. Light barriers barely slowed him. Fewer people here—only Class B students. Sigu sensed their weak mana. Probably just gawkers.
"Sigu senior!" someone called.
Sigu nodded curtly. He slammed into the next barrier. It held firm.
Onlookers gasped inwardly. That barrier had flung them back instantly.
"Sigu senior’s aiming for the fifth floor!"
"He’s challenging number one."
"Of course. He’s always been the strongest. Hates someone above him."
Rumors swirled below. Sigu ignored them. Pressure crushed him. It felt like carrying a mountain. Heavy. Unbearable.
"This is Class A!"
Sigu trembled inside. Class B peak was still Class B. Worlds from Class A.
But he refused defeat. He roared. Lightning flared around him. He unleashed his full mana—peak Class B power.
"Get in!"
Sigu focused all mana into his feet. He stomped. He shoved against the barrier with everything. It warped. Sigu vanished.
"D-did it! He made it!"
"No wonder he’s Sigu. The token might change hands!"
Students outside reeled. Sigu took in the fifth floor.
Unlike the lower floors, this space held wooden furniture. Ancient, yellowed books lined the shelves. An aura of timeless calm washed over him. Even his fiery temper softened.
Amid the books, a red-haired youth sat quietly. Sigu sensed nothing from him.
As if he didn’t exist.
Pressure spiked. This was the number one token holder.
Sigu breathed deep. He pulled out his token.
"Number two, Sigu Du, challenges you!"
…
Ward felt the barrier breach. He frowned.
"Guess the library needs repairs again…"
A minute later—BOOM! All eyes snapped to the library.
Sigu seethed. He’d lowered himself. The other ignored him. Once was forgivable. But ten shouts? Each louder?
Sigu snapped. He fired a lightning blast…
Yan Yi felt the earth’s pull and wind’s whisper again. He sighed.
"Why am I flying again?"
As Yan Yi reached for his bone chain, a purple-haired youth leaped from the hole.
Their eyes met. Both blinked.
Yan Yi wondered: Who’s this?
Sigu thought: How’s he unharmed?!
Confused, Yan Yi flipped mid-air. He landed smoothly. Sigu dropped beside him.
A crowd surged instantly. Students buzzed—finally seeing number one! But why no mana?
When did the library get so packed?
Yan Yi frowned. Central’s Realm of Magic was scarce. The library was usually empty. Yet people poured out.
He spotted Ward. A questioning look. Ward just rolled his eyes.
"Central number two, Sigu Du, challenges you!"
The words clicked. Challenge?
"Oh!" Yan Yi slapped his palm. He pulled out the number one token. "You want this?"
Sigu nodded, battle-ready. Yan Yi chuckled. With no mana sensed, it felt like mockery.
But—
"Just say so earlier. Here, take it."
Silence.
Spectators froze. Ward facepalmed. This guy really needed a beating.
"I was tricked into this anyway. Keep it. I’m going back to read."
Yan Yi stepped forward to hand over the token.
Sigu trembled with rage. This desecrated the strongest’s title. Pure contempt.
He lunged. A fist crackling with lightning.
"Raging Thunder – Extreme Speed!"
A modified high-tier spell. Lightning’s fury compressed into one punch. Near magic-curse power.
You won’t fight? I’ll force you!
A Class A could block it. Or counter. Either way, they’d act.
But—
Yan Yi flew again…
Sigu hadn’t resisted. This force couldn’t hurt him. But the push sent him soaring…
Everyone froze. Sigu too. That punch could shatter a mountain!
No blood fell. Only a figure flying farther.
He wasn’t hurt.
Sigu snapped back. He chased the figure. Utter disregard. Rage boiled.
…
Central Arena. Number eight, Rock, blasted another challenger away. No one had scratched him yet.
"Well, Interle? Figured him out?"
Interle had analyzed Rock’s style from past fights.
"Ready. I’m up."
Rock was massive—no one would guess he was a student. He eyed Interle kindly.
"You seem frail. Weak mana. Surrender. I’d hate to hurt you and cause outrage."
Interle smiled politely.
"No need to worry. But if you go easy, I’d be delighted."
Rock shook his head. Her Class C mana hid a dangerous vibe. He’d stay cautious.
As the barrier activated—a shadow plummeted from the sky. It crashed onto Rock.
Silence. Interle’s face twitched. Dust cleared. Rock lay unconscious. The newcomer had headbutted him perfectly.
The figure stood. Brushed dust off his trench coat. Looked around, confused. Then a familiar, exasperated voice cut through:
"Yan Yi, what are you up to again?"
