So she won after all. I never expected even an ordinary High Mage to be unable to withstand her.

Scottia suddenly stood up, causing a wave of panic in Alimi beside her.

"P-President?"

"Next match, I'll take it. Have that girl from our guild step down!"

"...Yes!"

Alimi froze for a moment, then replied crisply.

If it were me, I should spot what's different about this Dark Beast!

...

"Dean, the Lesser Family girl has gone up. Should we stop her?"

"No. Let her test that girl's limits. Win or lose, she gets first place reward."

Hearing this, Coline didn't intervene. Instead, her interest sparked.

"A fully charged High Mage fighting a Junior Mage... isn't that too..."

"Have you ever seen a Junior Mage beat a High Mage?"

"Uh..."

"Let the Lesser Family kid gauge her skill!"

...

"Teacher... Lilina won, right...?"

Alimi asked Stephanie, disbelief in her eyes.

The whole class was stunned silent by the result.

Stephanie didn't answer. She gazed excitedly toward Lilina.

I thought Lilina might make top hundred if the Dark Beast channeled mana to her. But now, with no mana channeling, she reached the finals...

I know Lilina's limits. Top thirty was impossible. So...

Stephanie's focus shifted to Wu Yan. He was enjoying Lilina's close-range affection when a chill ran down his spine—a bad omen.

Everything hinges on that Dark Beast. Its behavior defies all known intel. That's what puzzled Stephanie.

Stephanie felt this Dark Beast's appearance wasn't simple...

She won't hold back in the finals...

A playful smile curled Stephanie's lips.

Lilina, be careful. She's a High Mage too—but far stronger. Don't underestimate her...

...

"Finals..."

After watching the defeated girl's retreating back, Lilina's excitement bubbled uncontrollably.

She never imagined first place was this close...

Could I...

Lilina shook her head hard, forcing calm.

No. No pride. No underestimating!

"Little Dark, last match. Let's give it our all!"

"Gurgle!"

Easy peasy!

"If we lose, it's fine. As long as we try our best..."

"Gurgle!"

Lose? Impossible!

With me—the school's number one ace—how could we lose?

Relax, relax. Even backward, I won't lose!

After watching two High Mages fight, Wu Yan knew their patterns. When their Contract Beasts were useless, victory came effortlessly.

Next time, hope for a flatter-chested opponent. The last one's chest was too big—it bumped me so hard I still ache...

...

"P-President, you'll replace me?"

"Yes. Problem?"

Scottia frowned, displeasure flashing.

Seeing her expression, the girl panicked instantly.

"N-no! I agree to all your orders, President. I just wondered why you'd care about a Junior..."

Before she finished, Scottia turned away, satisfied with her agreement.

"You can take second place reward."

"Second place?"

"Because you can't beat her."

"I can't beat a Junior..."

The girl bristled but dared not challenge Scottia's judgment.

How could I lose to her? She's just a...

Wait—a Junior Mage reached the finals...

The girl suddenly recalled two High Mage opponents she'd never faced. So...

A Junior Mage beat High Mages...

She shuddered at her own deduction.

...

"Now, the academy tournament's final match! Contestants, step forward!"

Lilina took a deep breath, calming her nerves. She looked trustingly at Wu Yan.

"Let's go, Little Dark!"

"Gurgle!"

Lilina stepped onto the spotlighted stage...