Chapter 15: Testing Grounds

When I looked at Sarah, standing behind her were two individuals, one man and one woman. The woman standing behind her was Anna Riverfield. I was familiar with her as she was renowned for her beauty, rivaling Sarah herself. Not only that, she was a well-known genius in our school, already a one-star mage upon entering.

Next to Anna stood a man with dark brown hair and sharp eyes—Thomas Wilburgh. He was one of the most mysterious students in our school, rarely attending classes and maintaining a cold personality. Despite his limited presence, he consistently ranked at the top of our student exams, indicating his exceptional abilities.

As I observed both of them, my heart couldn't help but be shocked. Not only was Anna an accomplished mage, but Thomas, with his demeanor and attitude, seemed to suggest that he had been a mage for quite some time. With both of them on the team, I doubted any other team could beat us. It made me wonder if Sarah had invited me solely to protect me.

Questions arose in my mind, suggesting that this might be the case. However, I couldn't help but feel grateful for her invitation, as no one else would have done the same.

"William, let me introduce you. These are Anna and Thomas, our other team members," Sarah introduced them to me briefly.

Thomas nodded lightly in acknowledgment, while Anna stared at me with a glare. I couldn't pinpoint the reason, but her gaze reminded me of the way my master looked at me before a sparring session.

"Let's not waste time. Sarah may have allowed you to join this team, but I'm still not convinced. Fight me. Let's see what it is about you that made her fall for you," Anna declared, her words antagonizing not just me, but also embarrassing Sarah by insinuating her feelings for me.

"Anna!" Sarah's face turned red as she shouted at Anna. Anna's words not only provoked me but also exposed Sarah's true feelings.

"Sarah, you don't have to say anything. If we don't test him, how will we know if he will be a burden or not? Now, William, will you fight me or not? Don't worry, as a handicap, I won't use my magic," Anna silenced Sarah and threw a challenging stare my way.

To be honest, I had expected something like this to happen. As someone who couldn't use magic, it was widely assumed that I would be a burden on any team. Yet, as I looked back at Anna, a silent smile formed in my heart. A handicap where she wouldn't use magic? If it were a normal fight where she used her magic, I might not stand a chance against her. However, with this handicap, it presented an opportunity for me to win.

Despite Sarah's pleading gaze, I could only utter one word, "Sure."