Another half-month passed. With the Student Council’s welfare support and her own Mana Saturation State, Lilina finally reached the peak of Junior Mage.
Wu Yan had finally mastered this world’s language. When he learned the meaning of his name…
(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
*Little Dark? That’s a dog’s name!* (Was it meant as an insult?)
Wu Yan seethed. He desperately needed a pretty girl to cool his jets (→_→)!
But then he remembered this was an all-girls academy. If he transformed back and someone saw him…
Somehow, in a magic academy where everyone was a walking hormone factory, he’d probably die a gruesome death…
*Hmph!* Fine, girl. I’ll spare you… for now!
*Gurgle!*
“Little Dark, it’s the Academy Tournament today! Why still can’t you channel mana?”
*Gurgle!*
Wu Yan played dumb on that topic.
“Ah well. I’ve gotten stronger too. This time, I’ll fight on my own!”
Lilina wasn’t discouraged. She quietly pumped herself up.
“But no slacking off, Little Dark! Learn to channel mana soon and help Alimi advance. She’s been so good to you!”
*Gurgle!*
Wu Yan had made up his mind. To protect the girls around him (→_→), he couldn’t stay scared. Besides—that cat-eared loli was just too cute (that was the real reason!). How could he not help?
*But…*
How could someone as upright (→_→) as him do *that*?
*Guess I’ll have to wait till night…*
After deep consideration, Wu Yan decided: he’d pay Alimi a late-night visit. *Ahem.* To *help* her.
…
Lilina carried Wu Yan into the classroom. She sighed, staring at the empty seat three rows ahead to her right.
*That was Rabi’s seat.* That day had shown Lilina the world’s cruelty. To earn respect, she had to grow stronger.
Stephanie strode in like a cat, cleared her throat. “Line up outside. I’ll escort you to the tournament grounds. Not one peep until we reach the venue—or else…”
She smirked coldly, pointing at Rabi’s empty seat. “Rabi is your example.”
The class fell dead silent.
“Professor Stephanie… is it really that serious?”
“You’re Commoner Class. Remember your place. You have no right to make noise. The academy can expel you anytime.”
Stephanie adjusted her posture. “Though you’re Commoner Class, don’t look down on yourselves just because others do!”
Her voice sharpened. “Show them your strength! Prove you’re no different—except for birth!”
“Yes, Professor Stephanie!”
Eyes blazed with fire.
*Why do they look down on us?*
*We’re all Mage Apprentices. Yet they stare like we’re filth.*
*Just because of birth? What’s so great about that? It’s not their achievement!*
*I’ll crush them. Let everyone see—you’re nothing once stripped of that fancy exterior.*
…
Stephanie nodded, satisfied with their fighting spirit.
“Fall in!”
“Yes!”
The reply rang sharp and loud.
Wu Yan could only tip his hat.
*First crush them low. Then dangle a chance to prove themselves.*
*Deep tactics…*
He felt a little wary of such people.
*Gurgle!*
“Lilina!”
Stephanie called her as she moved to line up.
“Yes, Professor?”
“Has your Contract Beast learned to channel mana?”
“Not yet…”
Lilina’s shoulders slumped. Stephanie sighed. “I see. But don’t give up. With your Mana Saturation State, you’re still top-tier among Junior Mages. Though against Intermediate Mages…”
“Little Dark channeled mana once before. I don’t know why he still can’t…”
*Gurgle!*
*Ah… such a blue sky today!*
“I hope you pass the preliminaries. So the class won’t be wiped out…”
“Eh? The others are strong too…”
“I know the class’s situation. I was just boosting morale. But the only real hope is you, Lilina.”
Stephanie’s sigh deepened. “You know better than anyone how resources change everything.”
Lilina remembered her past—scraping by with part-time jobs, no time to meditate, her rank frozen. She fell silent.
Stephanie patted her shoulder. “Don’t pressure yourself. Just do your best. Now go join the line.”
“…Okay.”
Lilina lowered her head and walked out.
Stephanie followed, taking the front of the queue.
“Move out!”
“Yes!”
As she turned away, she murmured under her breath:
“You should feel lucky. Commoner Class wasn’t even allowed in the Academy Tournament before…”
