The referee sighed in relief as both were ready. Finally, he could start the match.

"Alright, the final match of the academy tournament begins now!"

"Little Dark, I'm counting on you, but don't push yourself too hard!"

Lilina focused intently, chanting a magic spell.

"Gurgle!"

"Snowy White, go stop that Dark Beast!"

The unicorn eyed Wu Yan with disdain and snorted.

"Don't underestimate it; it's different!"

"Roar!"

Hearing Scottia's command, the unicorn roared at Wu Yan and charged straight at him.

"Gurgle!"

Hmph, so full of yourself. If you're tough, bite me!

Wu Yan ignored the unicorn, watching Scottia's movements closely.

Alright, if she casts instant spells, I'll block them. If she chants, I'll charge right in.

Wu Yan glanced at Scottia's chest.

Hmm, just the right size. Shouldn't be too hard...

Magic gathered on Scottia's Staff of Sorcery. It spun, merged with water element, and formed a small water ball.

Instant spell!

If I block all attacks, and Lilina finishes her chant, we'll win...

Wu Yan froze suddenly.

Wh-why...

Scottia formed a water ball but didn't launch it. It floated quietly as she began another.

Magic can be used like this?

Wu Yan was utterly bewildered.

No, I must stop her, or we'll lose.

He cast a Levitation Spell on himself. Just as he charged at Scottia, a dark shadow flashed before him...

"Smack!"

Wu Yan flew backward, feeling like last time he crashed into that girl's chest.

He rolled over ten meters on the ground. Dizzily, he stood up with two tentacles.

What's going on?

Wu Yan looked up. A huge, drooling mouth descended on him...

"Gurgle?"

Huh? Yamete!

Wu Yan was swallowed whole by the unicorn...

Scottia's magic attacks hit Lilina. With five attacks, three would strike her no matter how she dodged.

"Ah!"

Struck, Lilina fell to the ground. Her chanting stopped.

Scottia had reduced magic power, so the referee saw no danger and didn't intervene.

The hit spots ached faintly, but Lilina wasn't badly hurt. She stood up, leaning on her Staff of Sorcery.

"Little Dark, you didn't stop it? But as long as you tried..." Lilina paused. "Little Dark?"

She scanned the area. No Wu Yan. Only the unicorn lay on the platform, mouth bulging, saliva dripping.

A bad feeling crept over Lilina.

"Little Dark!"

"Snowy White, spit it out!" Scottia commanded.

Reluctantly, the unicorn spat Wu Yan onto the ground. It ran to Scottia, seeking praise.

Wu Yan was soaked in saliva. He rolled a few times and lay on the ground, utterly hopeless.

"Gur... gle..."

Heh... heh... heh...

I was actually swallowed...

"Little Dark!"

Lilina rushed over and hugged Wu Yan without hesitation. Tears streamed down her cheeks, splashing on the ground.

"My Snowy White doesn't swallow things randomly. It just tastes curious things," Scottia explained. She patted the unicorn's head. It closed its eyes contentedly.

"Are you okay, Little Dark?" Lilina wiped Wu Yan's saliva with her sleeve.

"Gur... gle..."

This must be a nightmare...

"Alright, Lilina, your Contract Beast is fine. Now, discuss your failure," Scottia said firmly.

Lilina checked Wu Yan for injuries. Seeing none, she looked up relieved.

"Your only failure is not understanding High Mages. Upon promotion, magic control improves greatly—not just instant spells, but magic delay!"

"Magic delay..."

Lilina had never heard this term.

"Release magic around a cast spell to delay its effect. Delay time depends on magic power and spell strength."

"Thus, true battles begin after becoming a High Mage. That's where a Mage's power truly starts."

"And mastering instant spells and magic delay is a Mage's foundation."

"I see..."

Lilina gained a new understanding. Gratefully, she bowed to Scottia.

Scottia recalled her Contract Beast and walked offstage.

"This match counts as your win. I wasn't supposed to compete; the original High Mage couldn't beat you."

"But I lost..."

Before Lilina finished, Scottia's figure vanished.