“How about it, Miss Keti? In the end, these mediocre wastes from the regular class are absolutely not worth cultivating.”
“How could they possibly deserve to compete for training grounds with my students? This is exactly what I mean by ‘first come, first served’—in a way, you could call it the rules of this school.”
Ebert sneered, curling up his lips as he spoke the very words that made every student from Keti’s class at the scene grit their teeth.
The silver-haired beauty observed the situation for a moment. It was obvious that after being called ‘mediocre wastes,’ Ximon, Kutar, and Rog all wore expressions of indignation on their faces.
Students with low magic talent have to make way for those with higher magic talent; resources must be distributed strictly according to the level of one’s gift.
Even if you arrived first, in this place, everyone simply takes for granted that the strong will take resources from the weak.
In truth, deep down, Keti felt a little relieved. After all, even students like Ximon used to think this way—maybe even now, for all she knew.
Otherwise, how else would he have shown such hostility toward her the moment he found out her own talent level, even saying she wasn’t qualified to teach them?
That kind of behavior was, without a doubt, the product of long-term immersion in the Imperial Capital’s community of magic users. But… once you accept such a creed, you inevitably have to face a certain problem.
There will always be someone with greater talent than yours. Even among S-class talents, there are vast differences between individuals—sometimes worlds apart.
At that point, sure, you can use these rules to bully those beneath you. But when those stronger than you trample on you, all you can do is swallow your anger.
You can’t even talk tough, since this was the principle you agreed to in the first place.
So… if this goes on, then anyone who believes in such a creed will only become an ugly creature who flatters the powerful and tramples the weak, forever suppressed by those above them and forced to vent their frustrations on those weaker still.
Now, Ximon and his group—at best B-level talents—no matter how proud and confident they once were, have finally experienced what they themselves had done to others so many times before.
It must feel awful inside, clenching their fists, wanting nothing more than to punch Ebert in the face. The first time they’ve felt this way—it’s tough, but maybe it’s not too late!
However, after a moment, the boys all shrank back. Though their faces still showed a stubborn unwillingness to submit, deep down, perhaps they already felt inherently inferior to their opponents.
But—
This won’t do!
The silver-haired beauty’s eyes flashed with resolve. As their teacher, she had to set an example.
She had to show them that in times like these, you must never simply grit your teeth and endure, nor take out your anger on those weaker than you.
Instead… it was time to give these so-called geniuses at the top a resounding counterattack!
Only then would the other side possibly respect you.
“I’ve never heard of such a rule at this school, so there’s no need for me to follow your prejudiced guidelines. I only care about fairness.”
“As far as I’m concerned, opportunity belongs to those who arrive first. If you want to train here, then wait in line like everyone else until after nine o’clock.”
And with that, the silver-haired beauty struck back. In fact, dealing with people like this was simple—they were all devotees of the caste system based on magical talent.
The key was to never argue according to their logic, but to trample their cherished dogma beneath your feet!
“I still have to watch my students train. Don’t waste my time—hurry up and get lost. And another thing, swallow that word ‘waste’! Ebert, just because you have a few talented students doesn’t make you superior. My students will never be inferior to yours in the future!”
“Ha?!”
Ebert couldn’t hold back a mocking laugh, then widened his eyes and shouted menacingly, “You’re a cocky little girl, aren’t you? Hmph… I heard about you too, your class even got roughed up by you. That kind of attitude might work with inexperienced, high-talent brats, but against me? Hmph…”
“Oh? So you’re saying you want to fight me? Dueling without permission on school grounds is against the rules, Ebert. Don’t think only the students have to follow that one.”
Keti could sense how agitated he’d become. It seemed he cared a great deal about the impression he left on the students behind him.
He was the type who put great stock in his own image, to the point where he was on the verge of losing his temper.
Uh… But Keti didn’t want to solve this with violence either. After all, starting a physical conflict with this guy here and now wouldn’t accomplish anything.
Of course… just talking it out wouldn’t solve things either. This was something Keti was doing for Ximon to see—showing them what to do, and what not to do.
“Phew. But I’m also not someone who likes to let conflict end in confusion. If you don’t want to lose face in front of your students and want to determine who’s stronger, I’ll give you a chance, Ebert!”
Keti folded her arms, flashed a confident smile, and issued her challenge at once, “Why don’t we make a bet?”
“Let’s see whose class will have the better overall results in this year’s freshmen competition—Class 3 or Class 25. Let the students settle the dispute for us with their strength. What do you say?”
“Hah, how arrogant…”
Hearing Keti’s words, Ebert almost wanted to laugh. What a joke… She actually thought a class of rejects could possibly beat his own crop of geniuses? This teaching assistant sure had some wild dreams.
“I do admire your courage, though. Still, when a sure-win bet comes my way, of course I’m not going to refuse. Fine, it’s a deal! Hey, kids, bear witness for your teacher!”
“Since this self-important assistant dared to disrespect our Class 3, if our class wins, Miss Keti, you’ll leave the Magic Academy. How’s that?!”
“Fine. I have no objections.”
“Teacher…”
Ximon and Kutar started to mutter worriedly, but Keti only shook her head and looked across with a steely gaze.
“But Ebert, you’ve really put me in a tough spot here. Normally, bets are supposed to be mutual.”
“I’m not interested in making you unemployed—and the position of official instructor is far more valuable than that of an assistant. So, to prevent you from backing out, I’ll propose an even harsher condition!”