At that moment, Scottia stepped onto the stage, each stride perfectly measured. She stood at the front and spoke through an amplification spell.

"This competition has some changes from previous years."

"What? Changes? No one mentioned this before!"

"Why wasn't this announced earlier?"

"Silence!"

Scottia’s authoritative voice instantly hushed the entire venue.

"This time, it’s a free-for-all battle. Ten groups of thirty each. The last ten standing per group make the top hundred. The final three standing advance."

"Now, grouping begins. Those who hear their names, proceed to your assigned stages."

Scottia finished her last word, turned sharply, and strode away.

*This rule is custom-made for you, Lilina. Don’t disappoint me.*

Scottia clapped her hands. "Alright, signed-up students, follow me to the front and wait."

"Teacher Stephanie, isn’t this unfair? Some who could make the top hundred might get ganged up on first."

"No. This rule eliminates mediocre commoner students. Noble class students stick together due to family ties. Honor students have specialties. Only the confident enter—they fear no ambush."

Stephanie’s words made Lilina and her classmates feel the world’s harshness.

*Hahaha! My stage at last! Watch me crush you with enhanced magic. Thirty opponents? Three hundred wouldn’t be enough! Hahaha!*

Wu Yan had long awaited this chance to shine after grasping his power. He figured Lilina could coast while he stole the show.

Gurgle!

Lilina followed Stephanie to the venue center with other students. Soon, her name echoed.

"Lilina, Stage Six."

Lilina waved to Stephanie, then found Stage Six by the number.

"So you’re Lilina! You tricked us!"

Two furious girls marched up to her.

Lilina frowned. "Have we met?"

"Hmph, forgotten us already? Your second day in the Student Council—we asked for Lilina, and you pointed to the President’s office. Remember now?"

"Heh, heh, uh..."

Under their blazing glares, Lilina recalled her prank and forced a weak smile.

*Wow, bold move! So they were all after you that day!*

Wu Yan was stunned by Lilina’s calm finger-point. He never expected such mischief from the honest girl.

*But I like it...*

Gurgle...

"Finally remembered? Got nothing to say?"

The girls felt a critical hit to their pride—outsmarted by a commoner. Rage maxed out.

"Just wait! We’ll deal with you later, hmph!" They spun and stormed off.

"Eh..."

Lilina sighed bitterly. Two enemies already.

But she’d underestimated the trouble...

"See her? That’s the girl who gave us directions! She’s Lilina!"

"What? She dared trick us? Double the crime!"

"Her! I knew she was shady!"

"Why not speak up sooner? Everyone, gather! We’ve got a traitor!"

"Ahhh! Perverts! Hands off my chest!"

"Tch, ‘peaks’? More like buns."

"Yamete!!"

...

"Little Dark, we might be in trouble soon!"

Gurgle!

*No big deal. Watch me unleash my ultimate move and clear the field in minutes. Heh heh.*

"Looks impossible to make the top hundred, Little Dark!"

Gurgle!

*Top hundred? Let’s aim for first place.*

Wu Yan’s confidence swelled. He fantasized about annihilating heaven, earth, and air.

"Stage Six, everyone retreat to the edges. Match starts now!"

Lilina clutched Wu Yan, retreating anxiously. The stage spanned fifty meters square—tight quarters for Mages.

She realized this setup tested spell-casting speed, luck, and connections to avoid delays.

"One-on-one, I’d manage. But two..."

Five pairs of furious eyes locked onto her. She’d thought too simply.

Five people...

Despair washed over Lilina. No hope left...

Gurgle!

Wu Yan extended a tentacle, patting her shoulder.

*Relax. Leave it to me!*