Chapter 42: Quarterfinals

Erick eagerly suggested Thunder open a scroll shop, while Sis nodded vigorously, already planning to be the shopkeeper.

"Enough," Teacher Maria cut off their daydreaming. "Thunder's mana reserves are limited—he can't inscribe many scrolls a day. As a mage, improving your own strength should be the priority."

Thunder nodded approvingly. *Now that's wisdom. These kids just don't get it.*

"Besides, low-level scrolls aren't worth much," Maria added. "If you want to sell, wait until Thunder's mana grows and he can inscribe higher-tier scrolls."

"Great idea!" Sis clapped, nearly making Thunder choke on his own spit.

"Just kidding." Maria wrinkled her nose. "Anyway, since Thunder has such talent for scroll inscribing, I don't need to worry. With this skill, he'll forge his own path. But improving strength is crucial for all of you—Thunder included. The more mana you have, the more powerful scrolls you can create!"

"I understand," Thunder said.

"Sis, Erick, no need to be jealous," Maria reassured the two red-eyed siblings.

"Who's jealous?!" Sis snapped, though her face practically screamed envy.

"Thunder has the makings of a scroll master, but remember—you two have your own strengths. He still can't cast the simplest spell. If you can unleash magic stronger than his scrolls, why envy him?"

Maria knew how to soothe wounded pride. Soon, the siblings' gloom vanished.

With harmony restored, the trio began scheming how to use Thunder's newfound power to *mess* with people.

"Bro, imagine the look on your opponent's face when you suddenly unleash overwhelming force!" Erick grinned, the troublemaker in him shining.

"That's not fun enough," Sis countered. "Showing your strength too soon just makes people wary. Better to strike at the *perfect* moment—take the championship in one move!"

Then she paused. *Wait… I'm a top contender too. What if Thunder pulls this on* me *in the finals?*

Considering his insane dodging skills and effortless scrolls, Sis suddenly felt her championship dreams slipping away.

"No using scrolls on me!" she blurted. "And no dodging like a rabbit when we fight!"

"Just say you want me to throw the match," Thunder deadpanned.

Sis faltered. *Since when do I back down from a fight?* The fearless Thunder Magic Queen shouldn't be scared of *anyone*—yet against this monster, victory felt impossible.

Either way, Thunder decided to keep his strength hidden for now.

By the fifth day, only eight remained in the individual tournament—the true elite of Fael Academy. Maria beamed with pride; three of them were from her class.

The Water and Wood Magic teachers, meanwhile, hid in shame—not a single student from their departments had made the cut.

Today's quarterfinals followed single-elimination rules, same as the Warrior Division—where the undefeated champion, Ailea, was the crowd's favorite.

Thunder stood relaxed, his No. 100 tag swaying slightly. Sis glanced at him from the side, grudgingly admitting he looked… *kinda handsome* now.

*Must be because I'm used to his face.*

Kyle and Flanx approached, but the moment Flanx spotted Thunder, he paled, dragging Kyle away before he could greet them.

"Why'd they run?" Sis frowned.

"No idea." Thunder licked his lips.

"Ugh, you look *so* creepy right now."

"Do I?"

The bracket was drawn—four would compete first, then the next four.

And in the first round, *both* Thunder and Sis were chosen.

*Please don't pair me with that monster!* Sis prayed desperately.

Last night, she'd analyzed a match against Thunder. The result? *Instant loss.* Unless he somehow got hit by her Paralysis Net—but with his reflexes? *No chance.*

Miraculously, her prayers were answered. When she stepped onto the stage, her opponent *wasn't* Thunder.

"HAHAHA!" Sis laughed, unable to contain her glee. Her poor rival shivered under her gaze.

"Don't worry," she declared. "Today, the *gorgeous* Sis will go easy on you!"

Thunder, meanwhile, faced an Ice Mage. The moment they exchanged greetings, Thunder noticed his opponent's smirk—*too* confident.

*Does he not know Ice Arrows are useless against me? Or has he already given up?*

The crowd buzzed, speculating how "Bro Thunder" would win this time. Even without casting spells, reaching the top eight had earned him respect.

*After all, evasion is a skill too.*

**Will Thunder's opponent reveal a deadly trick—or fall like the rest?**