"It's just a pity that this young boy's magical talent is too low. Otherwise, he could have accomplished great things in the world of wizards..."

After a while, Teacher Kino also returned. After looking around and not finding Natalia Chan, he asked, "Professor Malock, where is Natalia Chan?"

"The second class has started, so I let him go back."

"Is that so? I still wanted to ask him something."

"There will be opportunities. Don't worry. By the way, didn't you have something to ask me before? Tell me about it."

Kino nodded and took out a test paper from his pocket, handing it to Professor Malock.

"Oh, this is the young boy's test paper, right?"

"That's right. Please have a look, Professor."

"Of course." Professor Malock carefully reviewed Natalia Chan's written answers, then smiled with satisfaction, not knowing how many times today.

"The handwriting is neat and elegant, flowing smoothly. Not bad."

"Please take a look at his answer to the last question."

When Professor Malock's gaze fell on the completely filled last question, he couldn't help but show a surprised expression.

"This young boy actually managed to fill it all in. He couldn't have randomly written it without understanding, right?"

"It would be great if that were the case." Kino replied with a bitter smile.

Professor Malock didn't think so. You see, that question was personally set by the headmaster himself back then, meant to distinguish the truly excellent students. Those who answered incorrectly were suspended, while the remaining top students could continue attending classes.

Kino stood aside, watching Professor Malock's expression go from surprise to seriousness, then surprise again, followed by contemplation and seriousness in a recurring cycle. He even saw sweat appear on Professor Malock's palm, as if he were reading a complex spellbook...

"This young boy...he has such a deep understanding of magic!"

"What a pity, what a pity! It's such a shame that his magical ability isn't just a bit higher, even if just a little. If that were the case, he would definitely be a rising star in the world of wizards!"

In the spacious office, the sound of Professor Malock's despairing sigh echoed.

--------------------------------------------------

Ester Magic Academy, infirmary.

"Ah, it hurts, it hurts!"

In the infirmary, a man with white bandages wrapped around his face kept yelling. Blood stained the bandages, forming a terrifying blood binding around his face.

He was the one who had fought against Natalia Chan before, named Bal.

Trembling, he looked at his hands, gnashing his teeth in hatred. Images of Natalia Chan appeared in his mind. That commoner, who should have been crushed beneath his feet, had actually managed to strike him! What's worse, it happened right in front of their classmates.

Bal had lost all face and couldn't even bring himself to leave the infirmary. A noble like himself being defeated by a commoner! How could he accept that?

Natalia Chan's punch had landed hard on his face. If he were to remove the bandages now, he would reveal an utterly disgusting appearance, enough to make anyone sick just by looking at it.

"Damn it, I will never let this go! You commoner! I will make sure you suffer!"

"Cough, cough!"

Intense pain coursed through his body. Before Natalia Chan sent him flying, he had also struck him twice in the chest. Bal even suspected that he had broken a few ribs.

Just as he finished speaking, the infirmary door was pushed open, and a man with short brown hair walked in. Seeing Bal sitting on the bed, he greeted him with a smile.

"Hey, Bal, how did you end up like this after only two days?"

"Kis! Are you here to mock me?"

"How could I? I wouldn't dare provoke Young Master Bal."

"Good that you know your place!"

"But then again, did you really lose to a commoner?"

"Shut up! I didn't lose to him! Who knows why he was completely unaffected by my flames! There must be something fishy going on! I won't let him get away with it.""Ahahaha, this is more like our Baron. But it seems like you can't do anything about him now."

Baron glared at him, suppressing his anger and asked.

"Kiss, what do you want to say?"

"It's nothing, really. I just feel that we, the nobles, have lost face because of you. It's unbearable to be suffocated like this. Since you can't do anything now, let me handle it."

"You? Don't make me laugh. That guy can't even defeat me, a junior magician. Do you think you stand a chance?"

"Why not give it a try? Besides, you're just a one-star junior magician now. Once I advance to become a junior magician, do you think you can still beat me?"

"Umm..." Baron shook his lips. "Could it be that you've already become a ten-star apprentice?"

"Of course, I just advanced to one-star a few weeks ago. With that, I can be considered as a presence in the junior magician rank." Kiss smiled and said, "I came here this time because, one, I feel that this matter has brought shame to our noble status, and two, I want to make a deal with you."

"What deal?"

"I'll help you deal with that commoner, but, in return, you have to give me your spot in the academy's competition!"

"What! You bastard! You actually want me to give you my spot in the competition!" Baron immediately stood up, but the intense pain in his body made him sit back down. "Damn it, you backstabber! I knew you had ill intentions. Get lost! I don't need your help! I'll take revenge myself!"

"Heh, what can you do with your current condition? If it wasn't for the fact that the registration for the competition has already closed, do you think I would seek you out?"

"So, this was your plan all along. Only junior magicians and above can register for the competition, and since you, who just advanced to be a ten-star apprentice, won't make it in time, you've shifted your focus to me."

"Isn't this a mutually beneficial arrangement? Before your reputation gets tarnished, I'll make that guy fall first. Then, it'll be your turn to deliver the final blow. This way, you'll regain your face. Besides, do you think you can win in the competition with your current physical condition? I think you'll be defeated in the first round and shamefully roll off the stage."

"Umm!"

Kiss' words hit Baron's chest like a booster. He clenched his teeth and remained silent, while Kiss calmly leaned against the wall, watching him.

After a while, seeing Baron still wavering, Kiss smirked and spread his hands.

"Well, since you're so hesitant, I won't say anything anymore. After all, it's your face that's at stake, not mine. By the way, I'm also looking forward to the arena battle in half a month. Who knows, maybe in the first round, I'll witness someone being blasted out of the arena, a pitiful and tragic figure."

After finishing his words, Kiss stepped out of the infirmary, and Baron's voice came from behind.

"Stop. I agree to your terms!"

"If only you had agreed earlier." Kiss turned back, a smile on his face. "So, is the deal sealed?"

"No problem." Baron said solemnly, "But let's make it clear, on the day you confront him, you must bring me along. I must see him suffer!"

"No problem, I'll take care of it."