Chapter 412

Chapter 412: Rankings

“I came this time to challenge Teacher Ando to a duel,”

Magic Rainbow said softly, a faint cold smile playing at the corner of her lips.

“A duel? You—you mean?!”

Ando first felt a jolt of alarm, but then her face flushed with anger.

“Do you intend to take my teacher ranking?”

“I wish to test my current strength through a battle with Teacher Ando. Additionally, I aim to prove to Mrs. Ada that I am qualified to teach second-year students. As for obtaining a teacher ranking, that remains secondary.”

Teachers at the academy hold rankings. Generally, those with greater strength and higher rank occupy superior positions. Salaries and other benefits also vary according to these rankings. Certain ancient magical texts preserved by the academy are accessible only to a small group of highly ranked teachers.

This is not because the academy hoards its treasures, but because these ancient texts are profoundly obscure. Without sufficient magical mastery, acquiring them would prove futile—merely wasting time. For less accomplished mages, this does more harm than good.

Moreover, the top three ranked teachers earn the right to challenge Merleau, Headmaster of the Magic Academy and the kingdom’s Chief Mage.

Regarding ranking rules: A teacher may challenge another through formal combat. The duel must be witnessed by Vice Dean Mrs. Ada and at least one of the top three ranked teachers. Should the challenger prevail, they claim their opponent’s rank.

Having spent over a month at the Magic Academy, Magic Rainbow had demonstrated exceptional magical talent and prowess. Thus, she deemed it time to advance her plans.

Coincidentally, she had been undecided about whom to challenge—after all, her surface relationships with fellow teachers appeared amicable.

Now, hesitation was unnecessary.

…

Back to the present.

“Why target me?!”

The female teacher’s chest heaved as she suppressed her fury.

“Hmm, why indeed?”

Magic Rainbow’s smile faded.

“Teacher Ando surely understands? If not, perhaps our coming battle will enlighten you.”

“You—”

“What? Surely Teacher Ando isn’t shrinking from the fight?”

“Hmph! As if I fear you! Since you’ve challenged me, don’t dare regret it!”

Ando’s anger ignited, scattering her lingering doubts like smoke.

After securing consent for the duel, Magic Rainbow and Ando approached Vice Dean Mrs. Ada and Counselor Hank.

Upon hearing the news, Mrs. Ada and Hank first stared in surprise, then exchanged a wry glance.

After yesterday’s major incident, they had gathered accounts from other second-year students—including Ando’s controversial remarks.

They naturally assumed Magic Rainbow sought retribution for Demon One and Demon Two.

The group proceeded to the academy’s training ground.

Magic Rainbow and Ando took their positions below.

Demon One and Demon Two found seats in the stands, watching the scene below with eager anticipation.

At Mrs. Ada’s signal, Magic Rainbow and Ando first distanced themselves from each other before commencing their battle.

Ranked eleventh among the thirty-six teachers, Ando was not weak, but her strength paled in comparison to Hank, who held the third position.

Had Magic Rainbow wished to defeat her opponent, merely raising her hand would have sufficed.

Bear in mind that even during her earlier confrontation with Hank, she had employed only ten percent—perhaps less than ten percent—of her true power.

Magic Rainbow intended neither to exert full strength nor to overwhelm Ando instantly.

During the initial magical exchange, she seized an opening to cast “Electric Finger”—a technique that mitigated most damage while concentrating its paralyzing effect on Ando’s throat, rendering her unable to speak.

What followed was an unrelenting assault…

Fire-type, wind-type, earth-type, water-type… along with lightning and ice spells derived from these elements rained down consecutively, leaving her opponent defenseless and thoroughly disheveled.

Yet Magic Rainbow exercised restraint, refraining from the extreme brutality characteristic of Darkling Stalker.

Thus, even when Mrs. Ada and Hank recognized Magic Rainbow’s deliberate chastisement of Ando, they merely hesitated without intervening.

Given the choice between Magic Rainbow and Ando, their preference naturally leaned toward the former—especially since…

Hadn’t Ando still refused to surrender despite her pitiful state?

After some time…

Once Ando’s voice returned, the female teacher desperately shrieked her surrender.

With her opponent yielding, Magic Rainbow ceased her attacks. The relentless magical barrage had finally eased her frustration.

Observing Ando laboriously extract healing potions from her Magic Backpack to pour over herself and down her throat, Magic Rainbow turned to Mrs. Ada and Hank.

“Does this count as success?”

“Indeed. Your teacher ranking is now eleventh. Should you wish to teach second-year classes, there would be no issue.”

“Hmm, understood.”

Teaching second-years? Wouldn’t that mean instructing Demon One and Demon Two?

“Are there differences in teaching second-year students?”

“The salary for second-year instructors is higher.”

“If that’s all…” Magic Rainbow gently shook her head. “Then there’s no need to teach second-years.”

As they spoke, Ando partially healed her injuries with the potions, though her clothing remained tattered from the battle, leaving her resembling a grimy beggar.

While defeat and her wretched state fueled Ando’s resentment, seeing Magic Rainbow, Ada, and the others converse casually made her seethe with fury.

Yet neither Magic Rainbow—superior in strength—nor Mrs. Ada—higher in status—were adversaries she could challenge. Thus Ando slunk away from the training ground without a word.

Shortly after Ando’s departure, before Magic Rainbow’s group could leave, a soldier from the academy guard hurriedly approached them.

Upon inquiry, they learned the Minister of Finance’s steward had come demanding someone—and had surrounded the academy entrance with troops.