Stephanie led her students toward the arena. Whenever they passed another class’s team, they halted until the others moved on.

This only sharpened their fighting spirit.

At last, the group reached the arena. Stephanie guided them to a quiet corner at the very edge.

Soon, the stands filled with seated students—but Stephanie’s group remained standing.

One girl hesitantly asked, “Teacher Stephanie, why are we…”

Stephanie cut her off sharply. “Silence! Wasn’t I clear before we left? Do you want to end up like Labi?”

“I’m sorry, Teacher Stephanie, I…”

The girl’s eyes welled up. Others glanced at her with sympathy, then fell silent, remembering Stephanie’s warning.

*Seriously? So harsh. You scared her nearly to tears. What’s wrong with a little noise?*

“Gurgle!”

*I made noise!*

“Gurgle!”

*I did it again!*

*Nyah nyah—why don’t you scold me too?*

*Ugh, girls like you… just like that blondie, always scaring others into tears.*

*Shhh, don’t cry. There, there…*

Wu Yan gently stroked the girl’s head with a tentacle. She sniffled softly but held back her tears.

Stephanie watched closely. Memories flashed—Wu Yan hiding at Scottia’s voice. Doubt tightened in her chest once more.

*Such a human-like Dark Beast… could it truly not channel magic?*

“President!”

“Wow—it’s the President!”

“Why’s the President way out here?”

Amid waves of admiring gazes, Scottia walked calmly toward Lilina’s group.

Noticing the stir, Lilina and her classmates turned. Scottia approached, expression serene.

“Scottia…”

Even now, Lilina couldn’t grow used to the name. Scottia’s presence felt too immense for equality.

*Whoa—speak of the blondie and she appears. Never gossip about people.*

“Gurgle!”

“Lilina, let’s go.”

“Huh? Go?” Lilina asked, confused.

“You’re in the Commoner Class, but still part of the Student Council. All members have VIP seats.” Scottia explained evenly.

Stephanie said nothing—silent approval.

Lilina felt her classmates’ complex stares. After a quiet struggle, she bowed deeply.

“I’m sorry… I’ll stay here.”

“Why?” Scottia’s tone held genuine confusion.

Lilina’s voice steadied. “Today, I compete as a Commoner Class student. I want to prove we’re just as capable. I’m sorry, Scottia.”

Scottia met her gaze. Something in Lilina’s resolve softened her. She turned and left.

“Who *is* she? Calls the President by name *and* refuses her? Unbelievable!”

“Heard the Student Council took in a Commoner Class girl—the one who uses the President’s name. Must be her!”

“Jealous! Jealous! Why doesn’t the President pick *me*?”

“Hmph. You? Next lifetime.”

…

Lilina offered a wry smile—another wave of envy earned.

Yet around her, classmates’ eyes warmed. Closer. Kinder.

Even Stephanie gave a faint, approving nod.

Wu Yan cheered silently for his little girl.

Choosing this path alone took real courage. He saw Lilina anew.

Then—the tournament began.

A stern-faced elder appeared before the arena, face lined with time.

Coline. Twelfth President of the Magic Academy.

Only twelve Presidents… yet the academy spanned ten thousand years.

Each Mage’s rank extended life—dramatically at higher tiers. Every President had to be Sage of Magic or above. Millennia made sense.

After Coline’s sleep-inducing speech, the tournament officially commenced.

Lilina’s heart fluttered with excitement—unaware of the storm ahead.

“Listen up! That Lilina… made us run wild last time. Crush her today! Maybe the President will notice us—ah, bliss!”

“Got it. Shout if Lilina’s name shows on your bracket.”

“Hmph. What’s so special? Dares to call the President by name… Jealous!”

“Jealous! Jealous!” …

…

“Go get ’em, Little Dark!” Lilina whispered, head bowed, to Wu Yan.

“Lilina, you’ve got this!”

“Mm! Alimi, you too—do your best!”

“Gurgle!”