"That's my little brother!"** As soon as Eric stepped off the field, Beatrice grinned triumphantly.
**"Here, drink some water!"** Thundrous handed him a cup. Eric was utterly exhausted—his opponent, a wind mage, was notoriously fast. Winning a direct confrontation like that was already a stroke of luck.
**"Thundrous… gulp… why are you still holding up a magic shield? The match is still going,"** Eric asked between gulps. **"Did you forfeit?"**
**"What? No! He got lucky—his opponent had a stomachache and couldn't even make it to the match. He won without lifting a finger,"** Sis explained from the side.
**"Thundrous, you're my idol!"** Eric's eyes welled up with tears. **"Why is my fight so much harder?"**
Regardless, the Lightning Magic Class had swept the first round.
But good moments never last—unwanted guests always show up. Kerry and Frank were those guests.
**"Beautiful Miss Sis, how's your team doing?"** Frank flashed a charming smile. Thundrous couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. The guy was the epitome of a pretty boy—handsome, suave, and always impeccably polite. Put a wig on him, stuff two apples in his shirt, and bat his eyelashes, and he'd probably seduce half the men in the room.
Thundrous envied him for one simple reason: he was better-looking. And Thundrous envied *any* man better-looking than him.
**"We won all our matches! How about your pathetic Fire Magic Class?"** Thundrous had finally done her proud, and Sis spoke with extra confidence.
**"No way… Thundrous actually won?"** Kerry stared at Thundrous in disbelief.
The way he said it made it sound like Thundrous winning was as likely as a pig flying.
**"A miracle!"** Frank leaned in, examining Thundrous like a rare specimen. **"How *did* you win?"**
**"Does it matter? A win's a win. How about you guys?"** Sis clenched her fists, too embarrassed to explain the details. **"Don't tell me you got eliminated."**
**"Of course not. If I lose, it'll be to *your* lightning, Miss Sis. No one else has that honor,"** Frank said smoothly, laying on the charm.
**"Good answer."** Sis's face lit up with delight.
After trading barbs with the two Fire Magic Class jerks, Maria finally arrived.
**"I'm exhausted,"** the instructor sighed, wiping sweat from her forehead. Her delicate flush only added to her allure. She'd been overseeing matches nonstop and had cast countless magic shields, leaving her drained.
When she heard all three of them had won their first rounds, Maria beamed. **"Eat well at lunch, then Sis, bring them to my place to rest. The team matches are this afternoon—no idea if we'll be picked."**
**"I *hope* we get picked. We'll fry them all!"** Sis shot a dark glare at Frank and Kerry. The two Fire Class jerks bowed hastily to Maria before bolting.
After lunch, Thundrous and Eric followed Sis to Instructor Maria's home.
Her house was on campus, provided by the academy—spacious and well-kept. The moment Thundrous stepped inside, he caught the familiar scent of Maria's perfume.
Without thinking, he took a deep breath.
**"Pervert!"** Sis looked ready to punch him.
**"The guest rooms are ready. Pick any to rest in. I'll wake you when it's time,"** Maria said.
Her home was tastefully decorated, clearly designed with care. Potted plants dotted the space, and Thundrous—visiting for the first time—couldn't help but admire it.
**"Instructor~"** Sis suddenly clung to Maria's arm, her voice dripping with sweetness. Thundrous and Eric exchanged glances, shuddering at the saccharine tone.
**"I wanna stay with you."**
Thundrous glanced over just in time to see Sis pressing herself against Maria in a shamelessly clingy pose, her arms squishing the instructor's ample chest.
**"You little rascal,"** Maria tapped Sis's forehead lightly. **"Fine, come with me."**
**"You're the best, Instructor!"** Sis only ever acted like a child around Maria. **"Just being near you makes me feel refreshed. Hey, Instructor… marry me?"**
Thundrous swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. A wicked thought flashed through his mind—what if this enchanting beauty said the same thing to *him*…
**"Thundrous, you're bleeding!"** Eric yelped.
...
The individual matches dragged on until after lunch, finally narrowing down to fifty-one competitors. To accommodate the team matches in the afternoon, the event was delayed to allow recovery time. Even though most students were beginner mages and regained their energy quickly, the academy leaders wanted to ensure fairness.
By their calculations, even those who'd fought in the morning would be in top condition by the time the team matches began.
The Lightning Magic Class trio was tense—partly hoping to be chosen, partly dreading a tough opponent that could knock them out early.
**"First round of team matches! Fire Magic Class Two versus…"** A voice boomed from the stands. The teacher in charge of drawing lots looked like he was constipated, veins bulging as he glared at the slip in his hand like it had murdered his father.
**"Is he struggling to poop?"** Thundrous whispered.
**"Probably drew the Water Magic Class. Hah! That teacher's from Fire Class Two. Water counters Fire—this'll be a brutal fight,"** Sis explained gleefully.
**"Just announce it already! Who's Fire Class Two up against?"** After an awkward silence, impatience spread through the crowd.
The teacher's face turned green. Trembling, he forced out the words:
**"Fire Magic Class Two… versus… Fire Magic Class One!"**
The arena fell dead silent—then erupted in laughter. Most were just enjoying the schadenfreude, while the two Fire Classes howled in protest.
Everyone wanted to win, but now, before the team matches even began, they'd have to fight their own. No wonder the teacher looked so grim. Thundrous and Sis exchanged glances, barely holding back their laughter.
**"Kerry and Frank are in Fire Class One."**
**Will the Lightning Class face their rivals—or will fate have another surprise in store?**