Serena completely failed to notice the changing expression on Descartes' face—or perhaps he noticed but simply didn't care, continuing to hop and skip around the boy.
"You say you're the strongest student at Fairy Academy?"
"But the people I asked didn't say that!"
"They all said Gildarts is the strongest!"
"You're probably still far from that level, aren't you?"
Wha—!!!
This newcomer is completely disregarding Descartes!!!
The crowd of onlookers suddenly shivered. Strange... it was already early spring, so why was it so cold? Oh, it was the chill emanating from Descartes! Everyone clicked their tongues in awe; they wanted to stand further back to avoid the cold, but they couldn't bear to leave and miss such a magnificent show, so they huddled together for warmth.
"I'm also the strongest among the exchange students, so I plan to challenge Gildarts."
"Since we both carry the title of 'strongest,' it's only natural to have a duel and settle who's superior!"
"However, I'm the type who likes to save the best for last—with food and with opponents."
"So, before the 'main course' that is the duel with Gildarts, I want to enjoy an 'appetizer' to whet my appetite!"
I'm just an appetizer?!
Inside Descartes, a vast magical power poured out like a violent, surging wave.
Crack—
The floorboards shattered instantly!
Boom—
All the desks and chairs in the classroom were swept toward the ceiling by a powerful current of air! The surrounding students couldn't dodge in time and were all blown against the four walls, letting out muffled groans of "cough" and "pfft."
However, even though this disaster came suddenly and violently, they had no complaints. Instead, everyone had a satisfied smile on their faces. Their hearts were shouting, roaring, and screaming frantically—
There's a show to watch!
There's a real show to watch, hey!!
Gotta go notify everyone immediately!!
In such a chaotic environment, only two people remained motionless.
"Nice aura!" Serena's face was full of wild joy, his blood boiling within him. "It seems you really do have some God-tier strength!"
Descartes' face looked as if it were covered in a layer of frost. "Tomorrow at 3:00 PM, see you at the Academy Duel Arena!"
"God-no problem!"
...
Afternoon.
When Descartes returned to the Fairy Club from the library, his companions were discussing the team of exchange students from the Royal Capital Magic Academy. The loudest voice belonged to Macao, a 12-year-old currently in the sixth grade of Fairy Academy's elementary department.
"I'm telling you, I'm telling you..."
"In our class today, an exchange student from the Royal Capital Magic Academy arrived too."
"Her name is Layla, and she's a very cute girl!"
At the mention of Layla's name, a flush of longing unconsciously appeared on Macao's face. His nostrils flared as he exhaled steam, and drool leaked from the corner of his mouth—the look of a lecherous "pig brother."
The others felt speechless at the sight and stepped forward to smack him on the head. "Restrain yourself, you lecherous brat! Tell us properly about the exchange students!!"
"Cough, cough... sorry, sorry..." Macao quickly composed himself. "According to Layla, a total of six people came this time: one lead teacher and five students. The five students are three boys and two girls. Two were assigned to Year 3, two to Year 2, and the last one is in our sixth grade."
"What kind of people are they?" the group asked curiously.
Macao scratched his head awkwardly. "Well..."
Seeing this, everyone immediately understood: this kid was definitely too busy trying to flatter the new little beauty and forgot to ask about serious matters.
"Currently, we only know their names." The one who took over the info-dump wasn't Macao, but his best friend, Wakaba, who was the same age and in the same class. "The two assigned to Year 2 are Serena and Ur. The two assigned to Year 3 are Bluenote and Silver."
"We don't know much about their personalities yet, but according to Layla, those four are geniuses from the Royal Capital Magic Academy and even have the title of the 'Four Heavenly Kings of the Academy'!"
Four Heavenly Kings of the Academy? The nickname certainly sounded flashy! But who knew how strong they actually were...
Just then, everyone noticed Descartes walking in from outside.
"What's there to fear?!"
"Their academy's 'Four Heavenly Kings' might be impressive, but are our academy's 'Twin Walls' any worse?"
The "Twin Walls of the Academy" naturally referred to Gildarts and Descartes.
"Descartes, you must teach that guy Serena a lesson tomorrow and knock them down a peg!!"
"That's right! This involves our academy's reputation. Descartes, you must go all out!"
It looks like everyone knows about the duel already... Descartes' eyes narrowed slightly; he wasn't surprised. In Fairy Academy, news spread faster than discount alerts at the town market. It would be weirder if they hadn't heard a whisper.
"Even if you didn't say it, I would still go all out!"
Hearing this, everyone felt a bit more at ease. They all knew Descartes' strength. Fairy Academy regularly held "Strength Evaluation Tournaments" three times a year. The first was within each academic year, the second was divided into "Elementary," "Middle," and "University" departments, and the final one involved every student in the school. In the past few years, Descartes had never lost a grade-level match; only when facing Gildarts, who was a year ahead of him, did they trade wins. Even so, he had never dropped to third place in the overall school rankings.
Since Descartes said he would "go all out," the match was as good as won in their eyes.
"By the way, Macao, Wakaba—did that little sister Layla in your class say what kind of magic that Serena guy uses?"
Macao and Wakaba looked at each other and scratched their heads awkwardly. They were so focused on making a good impression on Layla that remembering the other exchange students' names was already a feat—how could they have thought to ask about Serena's magic?
"Ah, well... we didn't ask."
"Does that kind of thing even matter? We'll find out tomorrow during the duel anyway."
These two brats...
"Idiots!"
Thump, thump!
A senior raised his hand and rapped both of them on the head. "Since they dared to come and challenge us, they must have gathered all the intel on Descartes already. But we know nothing about them. Won't Descartes be at a disadvantage tomorrow? Hurry up and go find out!!"
"YES!!" × 2