Chapter 27: The Civil War of the Fire Magic Class

"Fire Magic Class Two versus Fire Magic Class One!"** The moment these words were announced, the entire arena erupted into chaos, buzzing like a marketplace.

**"We protest! No civil wars!"** The thirty-plus members of both Fire Magic Classes roared in unison.

**"We demand a fair and just competition!"**

But the lot had been drawn by their own Fire Magic instructor. Under the collective outcry, the teacher on stage turned pale. How could he face his students now? His luck—why was it so rotten?

**"Look at Kerry and Frank's faces—I'm dying!"** Beatrice tugged at Thundrous' sleeve, pointing at the two as they prepared to take the stage. Thundrous glanced over and saw Kerry and Frank looking like they'd just lost their fathers, their expressions grim.

**"This is gonna be good,"** Eric chimed in, gleefully joining the uproar.

**"Karma! This is pure karma!"** Sis smirked in satisfaction.

The Fire Classes' protests and the other classes' schadenfreude quickly devolved into a full-blown shouting match, grinding the competition to a halt. The Fire instructor on stage turned desperately to Principal Laurent for help. With no choice, Laurent stood and approached the podium.

As the principal prepared to speak, the noise gradually died down. Pleased with his authority, Laurent cleared his throat. **"Enough! You are the future pillars of the Kingdom of Sylvan, the respected uncrowned nobles! What kind of example is this chaos setting? Do you want the entire Faelor Magic and Martial Academy to become a laughingstock?"**

**"Principal! We demand a redraw for the matchups!"** Kerry shouted.

**"The competition is fair and just!"** Laurent shot him a stern look. **"No one rigged this matchup. Civil wars like this aren't unheard of—last year's tournament had the two Wood Magic Classes facing each other, didn't it?"** He gestured behind him. **"This year's rewards far surpass previous years. I understand your frustration, but… once the lots are drawn, they cannot be changed! The city lord and nobles are watching. Do not disgrace our academy! Or are you all so greedy for this year's prizes that you'd stoop to cheating?"**

The Fire Class members lowered their heads in shame.

It was true—same-class matchups had happened before, but never had the reaction been this intense. The reason? The unprecedented rewards this year.

**"Enough. You have three minutes to prepare. If you don't step onto the stage by then, your entire class will be disqualified! Students of Faelor Academy, even in defeat, must hold their heads high!"** Laurent's voice was resolute.

**"No need for that, Principal! We're going up right now!"** Frank grabbed Kerry and another teammate, dragging them onto the stage.

The three members of Fire Class Two followed with bitter smiles.

The referee—the same instructor who'd drawn the lots—could barely look his students in the eye.

**"This year's team competition has a slight rule change!"** The red-faced teacher addressed the six students. **"Though each class still fields three members, we're no longer using a best-of-three format. After deliberation, the academy leadership has decided on a new relay-style battle system. Each match will feature one participant at a time. When a participant's magic shield breaks, they lose, and the winner will face the next opponent. In theory, if strong enough, a single participant could sweep an entire team! This better reflects combat prowess. A team loses once all three members' shields are broken. Any objections?"**

Could they even object? The six Fire Class students rolled their eyes.

**"No objections? Good. Now, discuss your team's battle order and report it to me. Once set, no changes allowed! You have three minutes!"** The Fire instructor stepped aside.

The two teams exchanged resigned glances before warily distancing themselves to strategize.

Three minutes passed quickly. The referee collected the six students' numbered badges and set them aside.

**"First match—Number 15 versus Number 56!"**

Kerry stood, straightening his robes with a confident smile. His opponent, a female student from Fire Class Two, had a pockmarked face dotted with acne.

*Fire mages really do have tempers,* Thundrous mused silently.

**"Fire Class Two doesn't stand a chance,"** Sis said. It was obvious—Frank was the strongest in Fire Class One, Kerry second. The three from Class Two averaged a combat index barely over 150. No contest.

**"Brother Kerry, go easy on me, okay?"** the acne-riddled girl said sweetly.

**"No problem!"** Kerry thumped his chest.

The referee cast magic shields on both and raised his hand. **"Begin!"**

Before the words fully left his mouth, Kerry had already hurled a fireball. The girl reacted swiftly, countering with her own. The two fireballs collided midair, scattering sparks.

**"Damn, sis! We're on the same side—why so ruthless?"** Kerry taunted, already launching another fireball.

**"You're not holding back either, Brother Kerry,"** the girl replied sweetly, though her eyes were sharp.

Back and forth they went, trading fireballs and barbs. Thundrous found it tedious—beginner mage duels were dull, especially same-element matchups. The same one or two spells recycled endlessly, with victory hinging on casting speed and reflexes.

And no mage duel allowed time for grand spells—only the quickest, most reliable attacks. Kerry and the girl had been spamming fireballs nonstop since the match began.

In the end, Kerry's superior speed and firepower won out. Though he took a direct hit, the girl's magic shield shattered first.

**"Number 15 wins!"**

**Will Frank's team crush their rivals—or will Fire Class Two pull off an impossible upset?**