"Lilina, it's really Lilina!"

Alimi cried out joyfully at the sight of Lilina, her usual timidity vanishing instantly.

"Go for it!"

The entire Commoner Class erupted, unable to contain their excitement.

When had their class ever been in the spotlight like this? In that moment, they felt more united than ever, all hoping Lilina would seize victory.

"Teacher Stephanie, both are High Mages. Lilina should win easily this time, right?"

"No. If this High Mage is her, Lilina has no hope without a trump card!"

"Huh?"

Stephanie knew Scottia, though already chosen as the next head of the Lesser Family, never slacked in training. She’d even fought real battles as a Junior Mage...

She was someone who worked harder than Lilina—no, far harder!

Lilina, don’t underestimate her...

Stephanie thought silently.

Lilina stepped onto the stage, recognized her opponent, and froze in panic.

"Sco...ttia!"

"Gulp!"

Wu Yan snapped out of his daze at the name.

What? Scottia?

He looked ahead, his heart sinking.

Oh no, oh no—how did we end up against her?

Wu Yan couldn’t stay calm. He’d never forget that hellish night with Stephanie, or Scottia’s equally fervent gaze.

Though he hadn’t seen Scottia fight, instinctive fear crept in.

"Lilina, you’ve done well to reach here. I wasn’t wrong about you."

Scottia spoke impassively.

"No, no—it’s all thanks to Little Dark—"

Lilina was cut off.

"I’ll judge your efforts myself. Your Contract Beast carried you far, but your hard work mattered too!"

"Gurgle!"

Mmm, little Lilina’s amazing too!

"Ahem, student, time is limited—"

"Let her speak!"

"President!?"

The referee teacher fell silent.

"I..."

Lilina choked up, moved that her efforts were finally acknowledged.

"Lilina, after easily defeating High Mages before, did you think they were weak?"

"I didn’t—"

She was interrupted again by Scottia’s domineering tone.

"Those were newly promoted High Mages with no real combat experience—just basic tricks!"

"... "

"And I’ll show you a true High Mage’s combat skills!"

"Bring out your trump card, Lilina. Without it, you can’t win!"

Scottia summoned her Contract Beast—a unicorn. Snow-white fur gleamed; its agile legs moved soundlessly as it nuzzled her leg affectionately.

For the first time publicly, Scottia smiled, stroking the unicorn’s head.

"Gurgle?"

Huh? She smiled?

Wu Yan hadn’t expected her smile to be so beautiful—he was instantly captivated.

So cute... No! I mustn’t be fooled. Remember her true nature.

"A unicorn? Adults are mid-tier High Monster Beasts. Juveniles start as low-tier Mid, and when advancing to high-tier Mid, they grow wings, plus—"

"None of that matters! Did President really smile? Slap me—I need to know if I’m dreaming!"

*Slap!*

The girl hit the ground, staring at the sky.

"Ahhh, stars spinning around me... I must be dreaming..."

"Ahhh, President’s smile! As Vice President, I must preserve this forever—"

Alimi pulled out recording Magic Crystals, gazing adoringly at Scottia.

"So... so cute! I never knew President had this side. I... I can’t take it—"

Alimi collapsed face-down, spread-eagled.

...

Scottia drew her Staff of Sorcery—crafted from amethyst, embedded with multi-attribute Magic Crystals. At its tip sat an egg-sized seventh-grade Magic Crystal!

Lilina raised her own staff: a black iron one from the Student Council, topped with a fourth-grade Magic Crystal bought with all her savings.

Wu Yan watched their gear and groaned inwardly.

This is pure pay-to-win!

If this were a game, Scottia’s a whale player. Lilina’s just a late-game first-time payer...

Totally unwinnable!

Of course, not with me around.

"Gurgle!"

Girl, be grateful and offer your kiss for me to claim anytime!

Hehe...