The Fire executioner

The ranking system in this world was built on magic and mana reserves.

The strength of a mage was measured not just by skill, but by the sheer amount of magical energy they possessed.

For most, advancement was determined by a specialized magic machine, which calculated a mage's rank based on how much mana they could release.

However, for those who displayed the potential to rival a top 100 mage, their ranking was determined in battle.

They had to fight their way through the ranks-defeating others until they lost.

If a mage was bested by rank 87, their title would be 88.

Takuma, once ranked among the top five mages, had long since retired from active missions, but his power was still legendary.

Now, he had brought his students-Akemi, Hiritsu, and Aiki-to the Ranking Hall, a massive fortress-like mansion where mages underwent official ranking.

Their goal was simple: to become recognized warriors so they could take on legal missions.

The Battle Begins

Akemi was the first to take the test.

She surpassed every opponent with overwhelming mana and unmatched spellwork, climbing rank after rank until she reached Mage No. 17-Konran.

Konran was infamous.

He was a wild man who laughed at every face he met, yet despite his unpredictable nature, his heart was kind.

He was known to help the elderly and protect children, but when it came to battle, he lived for the thrill of the fight.

His love for combat was unmatched, and his fighting style was unlike any Akemi had ever faced before.

The battle began in an instant.

Without hesitation, Konran flung enchanted bombs across the arena.

They exploded in a blinding flash, creating a thick veil of smoke.

Though the blast didn't harm Akemi, it obscured her vision.

Before she could react, Konran was already there.

He burst through the smoke and delivered an uppercut so powerful it sent her flying into the ceiling.

Laughter filled the air.

"Louder! Let's make this fight fun!"

Konran cackled, his voice echoing through the unbreakable magic walls.

Akemi clenched her fists.

She couldn't afford to hold back.

She activated Dragon Roar, a spell that granted her speed rivaling light.

In a blink, she reappeared in front of Konran, aiming a devastating punch.

But he met her attack with equal force-fist to fist.

She barely had time to register his reaction before she prepared her next move.

Lightning crackled around her fingertips.

She was ready to activate Thunder Break, a spell designed to send her opponent flying backward.

But Konran wasn't about to let her cast it.

He had already anticipated her move.

Before the spell could activate, he threw a punch-this time, with an explosive in hand.

The impact sent shockwaves through her body.

Pain.

Real, undeniable pain.

Akemi staggered as blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

Konran was thrown back by the blast as well, but his fire-resistant armor shielded him from most of the damage.

He straightened, his grin never fading.

Meanwhile, Akemi's vision blurred.

She could feel something stirring within her-rage.

It was the same uncontrollable fury she had felt once before, the kind that pushed her beyond her limits.

But then-

Takuma's sharp gaze cut through her like a dagger.

A simple look from him was enough to remind her to control herself.

To stay in command of her power.

Taking a deep breath, she stood firm.

This time, she launched a relentless barrage of magic, firing spell after spell in rapid succession.

Konran dodged, weaving between the attacks, his laughter never ceasing.

But even he couldn't deny it-her mana reserves were greater than his.

There was only one way for him to win.

He had to take a risk.

Konran waited.

He studied her movements, biding his time. And then-

She cast a fire spell.

That was his moment.

Ignoring the searing heat, he charged straight through the flames.

His body burned.

His skin cracked from the heat. But he didn't stop.

Before Akemi could react, he was in front of her.

And then-the punches began.

One.

Two.

Three.

A relentless barrage, fists crashing into her over and over.

She couldn't block.

She couldn't move.

Desperation kicked in, and she did the only thing she could-she detonated the area around her.

The explosion sent both of them soaring into the air.

But Konran wasn't finished.

He threw a bomb behind himself midair.

The explosion propelled him forward like a missile-straight toward Akemi.

The moment his feet touched the ground, he resumed his assault.

Punch.

Laugh.

Punch.

Laugh.

His strikes were merciless, his amusement endless.

For the first time in her life, Akemi felt truly powerless.

There was only one way she could win.

She had to use her forbidden magic.

But doing so would make her a criminal.

It wasn't worth it.

She gritted her teeth, clenched her fists-and surrendered.

Akemi-Rank No. 18.

After the brutal battle between Akemi and Konran, Hiritsu felt nothing but pride for her.

Not because she had reached Rank 18.

Not because she had fought against one of the strongest mages.

But because-for the first time-she had controlled her rage.

She didn't let her emotions consume her.

She didn't lose herself.

Clenching his fists, he made his way to the healing room.

He wanted to congratulate her.

Wanted to tell her how proud he was.

But when he opened the door, what he saw made him freeze.

There she was-lying on the bed.

No wounds.

No burns.

Nothing.

As if she had never been injured in the first place.

Hiritsu's eyes narrowed.

He had seen how much damage she had taken-the blood, the bruises, the exhaustion.

Yet now, she looked completely unharmed.

Confused, he stepped forward, wanting to wake her up and ask-

But before he could, a voice came from behind.

"Looks like your lover is alright."

Hiritsu's face turned red instantly.

"Sh-Shut up, Sensei! I was just concerned about her wounds!"

he stammered.

Takuma smirked.

"Well, as you can see, she has no wounds."

Hiritsu frowned.

How?

He turned back to Takuma, raising an eyebrow.

"But... Sensei, your healing magic isn't even that advanced."

For a brief moment, Takuma smiled.

But it was a dangerous smile.

The kind that sent shivers down anyone's spine.

Hiritsu gulped.

"S-Sorry, Sensei."

Takuma suddenly burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! You really do have a good sense for danger!"

Then, as if remembering something, he added-

"Ah, right. My friend healed her."

Hiritsu's confusion deepened.

"Friend? What friend?"

Takuma turned toward the hallway, cupped his hands around his mouth, and yelled-

"HIRA! Get in here!"

The moment the name was called, a young man appeared.

He had pale skin, deep dark circles under his eyes, and a lethargic expression-

As if he hadn't slept in ages.

Without hesitation, he punched Takuma square in the face.

"You idiot,"

Hira scolded, his voice filled with annoyance.

"What if someone was sleeping? You just woke them up!"

Takuma, instead of looking offended, grinned like an idiot.

"Long time no see, buddy!"

At that moment-

Hiritsu's jaw dropped.

His brain took a solid few seconds to process what just happened.

Hira-the healer that Takuma casually called his "buddy"-

Was one of the top 4 mages in the world.