First Semester, Lesson 26: Accepting the Challenge

"Each elemental magic has its own attributes. Before learning magic, we should first understand the properties and characteristics of the elemental magic we are about to study. In the case of earth magic..."

To Lin Yuan and Katusha's surprise, Tre performed exceptionally well during his observation class the next day. His insights into earth magic earned nods of approval from the other teachers. It seemed that his rise to the rank of a mid-level mage master by the age of 40 was no accident.

Lin Yuan and Katusha exchanged glances, both seeing the astonishment in each other's eyes. They had come to watch Tre make a fool of himself, but instead, they found his expertise genuinely enlightening. There was no room for mockery.

"Teacher Lin, I have a proposal. I wonder if you dare to accept it," Tre said, stopping Lin Yuan as he was about to leave after the class.

"Oh?" Lin Yuan had revised his opinion of Tre after the class, but he was taken aback by this sudden provocation. "The academy tournament is for students. What would we compete in?"

Katusha couldn't hold back: "Tre, you're a mid-level mage master, while Teacher Lin can only use magic below Level 2. Isn't it unfair to compete with him?"

Lin Yuan frowned. While Katusha's words were true, they sounded like an admission of weakness.

Tre chuckled, "Afraid, Teacher Lin? Don't worry. The competition I'm suggesting isn't between you and me, but between your class and mine. As you know, in addition to teaching earth magic to first-year students, I'm also in charge of Class 6."

"Oh? How would that work?"

"Simple. We follow the academy's rules. The losing class won't participate in the academy tournament in half a month."

Lin Yuan studied Tre, puzzled by this sudden proposal. The academy tournament at Finor Academy was more of an assessment, designed to showcase students' abilities and talents, facilitating future teaching. Those who performed well received special rewards, which were highly beneficial. Even students who didn't place could gain special attention if they demonstrated excellence. Missing out on the tournament would be a significant loss, especially for first-year students.

"Teacher Lin, do you think your students are all that bad?" Tre pressed, using a provocation tactic.

Lin Yuan, however, wasn't swayed. He replied with a cold smile, "I'm afraid I feel sorry for Class 6. Missing out on this tournament would be a great loss for them."

"So you accept?"

Lin Yuan shook his head. "I personally accept, but whether the students agree or not, I need to ask them directly."

Both Tre and Katusha were taken aback.

"Why ask the students? Your word should be enough."

Their surprise was understandable. On the Farinos continent, the concept of respecting teachers was strictly enforced. A magician who disrespected his teacher would be ostracized by the entire magical community. As a result, students at Finor Academy, the continent's top magical institution, rarely dared to defy their teachers. Even royal heirs were no exception. This was also why none of the students in Class 3 complained about waking up early every day.

Lin Yuan glanced at the two, knowing that explaining the concept of "human rights" would be futile. He simply shook his head and let it go.

The students in Class 3 had no such reservations. Having spent so much time with Lin Yuan, they knew he was much more approachable than their previous magic teachers. Hearing that Class 6 wanted to compete with them, they became excited and eager in class.

"Pfft, Class 6? We'll crush them."

"Yeah, let's show them what we're made of."

Lin Yuan chuckled. Young people were like this—competitive and eager to prove themselves. It was both their flaw and their strength.

"Quiet, everyone. Listen to me," Lin Yuan said, signaling for the students to calm down. "You need to understand that the losing class will forfeit the entire tournament. Think about the consequences."

The students fell silent at this reminder. If it were just one person, it wouldn't be a problem; losing wouldn't matter. But this time, the outcome affected the entire class, and individual bravery couldn't solve the issue.

After more than a month of bonding and mutual support during their mercenary work, the students in Class 3 had grown close. They didn't want to let each other down.

Seeing the students' hesitation, Lin Yuan nodded in satisfaction. His efforts over the past month hadn't been in vain.

"The significance of the academy tournament needs no explanation. Missing this opportunity would be a great loss. Think carefully."

The students were silent. As Finor Academy students, they knew the importance of the tournament. But backing down didn't sit well with them.

"Teacher, we accept the challenge," Fasno suddenly stood up, speaking firmly. "Classmates, if Class 6 challenges us and we refuse, how can we face them or anyone else in the academy? Even if we win the tournament, we'll still be looked down upon by Class 6 and ridiculed as cowards who dared not accept a challenge. Do you want to be cowards? Do you want to live with that shame?"

Fasno's words struck a chord. The students, who had been hesitant, slowly raised their heads, their confusion turning into determination.

"Besides, who says we'll lose?" Fasno suddenly extended his right hand, and a small cloud formed above it. Moments later, several bolts of lightning struck his palm, turning into serpentine flashes of electricity.

"Lightning magic!" Lin Yuan and the other students gasped in astonishment.

Fasno had used high-level wind magic—lightning magic! Mastering lightning magic meant that Fasno had at least reached the level of a Level 5 mage. Moreover, his precise control over the thundercloud and lightning demonstrated considerable proficiency, far beyond mere beginner status.

At just 17 years old, Fasno had become a Level 5 mage. Apart from Finor, who had become a Level 5 mage at 14 three centuries ago, he was likely the youngest recorded Level 5 mage in history. Such an impressive display was beyond the realm of mere genius.

As everyone was still in shock over Fasno's performance, Zona suddenly stood up. With a wave of her hand, a shield engulfed in flames appeared in front of her.

Lin Yuan was too astonished to even react.

Unlike other elemental magics, fire magic is inherently offensive, and there are no defensive spells in its lower levels. The lowest fire shield with any protective capability is a Level 3 spell. Using it meant Zona had reached the level of a Level 3 fire mage.

When Zona had introduced herself at the beginning of the school year, she was only a Level 3 water mage and a Level 2 fire mage. Now she could cast a fire shield...

"I really should teach her about hybrid magic," Lin Yuan thought to himself.

Fasno's speech had already ignited the students' enthusiasm, and his and Zona's displays further fueled their excitement. They eagerly expressed their determination to show Class 6 what they were made of.

"Alright, alright, I get it," Lin Yuan quickly smiled, signaling for the students to calm down. Otherwise, they might have rushed to Class 6 to provoke them on the spot. "One last thing: if anyone doesn't want to participate, they can come to me quietly. There's no need to feel ashamed."

As soon as he finished speaking, waves of disdainful looks were cast his way. He could only rub his nose and give an awkward smile.