The Asteris Academy has a stadium for holding official disputes and demonstrations of practical fights, the capacity of which is sufficient to accommodate the entire student body and teachers of the academy. On the day of the dispute between Professor Yukiko and Professor Emanoel Clairus for the position of teacher in charge, the stadium was completely full of people.

“Girls, do you want to come with us?”

On their way to the stadium, Maria and Camila come across a group of 4 girls heading toward the same location.

“Good morning, Director Rosenfold. Do you mean to the stadium?”

“Yes, I have some seats reserved for the board, it's much closer to the event.”

“Wouldn't it be a problem if students took these seats?”

“Don't worry, Yukiko was even the one who asked me to invite you all.”

Rose then looks at her friends who agree to accept the proposal by shaking their heads.

“Understood, then we accept it.”

“Wonderful.”

Arriving at the stadium and passing through a large door, Rose comes across a room with some chairs, in this room one of its walls was non-existent giving a view to the center of the stadium, leather chairs, drinks, and a lot of space, this was definitely a VIP spot. In the room were already Roxy and Onix.

“Hmm? Roxy, did you bring Onix?”

“Yes, I decided to come a little earlier. I met him on the way, so I invited him, just as Yuki asked.”

“Great, that makes things easier.”

During Maria and Roxy's brief conversation, the children quickly greet each other and immediately stand in one of the corners of the room.

“Hmm? You can sit wherever you like.”

After Maria's command, the children start looking at each other, extremely nervous and not knowing how they should act.

“Director Maria, I think they are a little nervous, after all, the director of the academy and Saint Mage casually found them in the hallway, asked to follow her, and now ask them to sit next to her. I believe they don't know how to act.”

Camila then interrupts the situation, trying to explain why the children are not knowing how to behave, the children look at her with eyes full of thanks.

Thank you, Miss Camila!

“Hmm? I understand, but just sit down, I don't expect any etiquette from you. It will be only us in this room.”

Immediately Mia sits in one of the chairs next to Camila, then all the other children sit down right after. Frederica then leans toward Camila to speak silently.

“Hmm... Miss Camila, can I ask you a question if you don't mind?”

“Of course.”

Frederica then continues to speak to Camila, in the lowest voice she can manage so the director and Roxy won't hear, though loud enough for the other children nearby.

“What is the relationship between Professor Yukiko and Principal Rosenfold? I can't understand how he can be that close to a Saint mage.”

“Hmm? Well, I can't say for sure... would they be just friends? Maybe lovers?”

“Lovers?!”

The other girls and Onix are also startled by this statement and almost get out of their chairs.

“I can't say for sure, but I'd say they're pretty close.”

“I see... he really is mysterious, being so close to a Saint and to Professor Roxy too. I wonder who he really is... he didn't tell us anything about himself.”

“Don't worry, everything will become clear today.”

“Hmm?”

Who answers Frederica is Maria, who is on the other side of the room.

“Wait, she was listening?”

Camila then looks at Frederica confused and answers.

“Hmm? She's a Saint mage, Miss Frederica, were you talking softly so she wouldn't hear it? I don't think this would work...”

“What?!”

Maria remains motionless in her chair. Frederica quickly tries to apologize.

“Forgive me, Principal Rosenfold. It was not my intention-”

“Don't worry, it was rude of me to hear a conversation that wasn't for me.”

“Director Maria, can I ask a question?”

Who interrupts now is Mia.

“Hmm? And what would it be?”

“When did you meet Professor Yuki?”

"Yuki…?"

“Yes.”

Maria after hearing her niece call Yukiko by a nickname reaches for a glass and pours a good quantity of wine in it.

“It was during my time on the battlefield, a few years ago.”

“Some years? Isn't Professor Yuki 21 years old?”

Everyone understands Mia's reasoning, if we take the Asteris academy as an example, students graduate at about 20 years old to then go to war, this information would not make sense with what the director just said.

“Don't think that all places are comfortable like the city of Asteris, where children can live carefree lives until they are 13 years old and receive training for war until their 20s. The world is a much crueler place than you can imagine.”

“Oh...”

Children being used on the battlefield was not uncommon in times of crisis, even being a forbidden practice nowadays, in many places when there were not enough soldiers any kind of manpower would be welcome, even children. Rose remembers the many times she noticed painful expressions in Yukiko's eyes and how his aura showed a certain melancholy, always when it came to war subjects. Mia continues her questions.

“Principal Maria, he...”

“Sorry to interrupt you, Mia. But any questions regarding his past, I ask you to ask him.”

“I understand...”

After being interrupted, Mia understands Maria's reasoning.

“Does he really need to do this, director?”

“Hum?”

Maria turns to face Rose, after that question.

“Couldn't he avoid this dispute?”

“Are you afraid of him losing?”

“I don't know if that would be it, but I feel as if regardless of the outcome of this dispute, it will have consequences for him.”

“I see... you have good intuition. Your name is Rose, right?”

“Yes.”

“He told me a lot about you, Rose.”

“Of me?”

“Yes, he was very proud you know? You wouldn't believe how much he talked about his first student to me, about all of you also.”

All the children look down in embarrassment, with a certain delight on their faces.

“You can trust him.”

“Hmm?”

“It's a teacher's job to protect and help his students, that's the kind of teacher he wants to become, right? That's why he's willing to face the difficulties that will come his way after today. What you can do is believe in him, that's all he would want from you. For some people the feeling of being needed is enough, so depend on him, ask him for help, and learn from him. Can I ask this from all of you?”

Maria then looks at them, and for the first time it is possible to see affection in her expression, as she is a Saint mage, she always needs to show strength before the students, but here, for these 5 children, she makes an honest request. All of them, determined, respond in unity.

“Yes!”

“I appreciate it.”

Immediately sounds of applause and shouting interrupt their discussion, when they look through the open wall where it is possible to see the entire stadium, Emanoel Clairus is entering from one of the two huge gates that give access to the center.

“He's really popular...”

Camila makes the first observation.

“He is a Gold 1 mage and a genius for having reached this Rank at only 55 years old, in addition, he achieved several strength recognitions during his period in war.”

Onix declares his uncle's achievements, but without showing any kind of pride or admiration.

“Also, even among the Clairus, his affinity with the fire element is enviable, he is probably one of the most powerful mages in this academy.”

Rose and her friends swallow hard after Roxy's statement. Camila also firmly grips her hands. Elia is then the next to ask.

“Is he really that powerful?”

“Emanoel of the ashes, that was the name by which he was known on the battlefield. The reason, although it seems obvious, is not due to his hair, but because of his extremely large mana reserve and his devastating area spells, leaving only ashes of his enemies on the battlefield.”

Roxy is the one who gives this very detailed explanation of Emanoel to Elia's question.

“Area spells are his specialty, better build a barrier Maria, things will heat up a bit.”

“Yes, I plan to do that as soon as it starts.”

“Director Maria, if things get... complicated, you will intervene, right?”

The one who asks this is Camila, due to her concern for Yukiko.

“No, I promised I wouldn't get involved, remember?”

“I understand... usually when disputes like this go too far other teachers intervene, but in this case, I don't believe that any of them would take Yuki's side...”

“Yes, I believe none of them would.”

“Hmm... in that case, Professor Roxy, could you do something?”

“I don't think I would be of much help against a Gold 1 mage.”

“I understand...”

Everyone in the room seems to be getting even more nervous.

“He's already late. I need to buy a watch for that idiot.”

“You already gave me one, but I don't like to use it...”

Everyone looks back after hearing a familiar voice and Yukiko is leaning against one of the walls near the entrance door.

“Good morning, everyone! How are you?”

“Professor!”

“You're late.”

“I just lost time a little, that's all.”

“You always say that.”

“Don't be cruel Roxy... and what is up with this story that you won't help me if Professor Emanoel tries to kill me?”

“I can't help you. The only one who would be able to is Maria, but you made her promise not to get involved, remember? Go there and deal with your own problems.”

“Hmm... the two of you are especially anger today...”

“Of course, we are. You know how much we hate this decision of yours.”

“Are you sure about this, Yuki? I will ask one more time.”

Maria gets up and looks Yukiko in the eyes.

“If you do that, there's no turning back.”

Everyone is surprised by Maria's questions and actions. Rose then notices with her eyes something about Maria's aura, an ordinary person wouldn't be able to notice any change in the headmistress' facial expression, but she can notice a profound feeling of regret and melancholy in her aura.

“Don't worry, I had already decided before, remember? That's my wish, and stop looking so sad, it is not nice for a Saint to be so open for others to read.”

Yukiko then approaches the children and puts one of his hands on Rose's head and one on Onix's head, both turn red at the same moment.

“Besides, now I have something to protect, don't I? I can't stay hidden forever. I need to start moving and keep my promise.”

Yukiko looks at all his students with absolute affection, his aura at this moment is so warm in Rose's eyes, that she feels an enormous urge to start crying.

“I'm going then, take care of them, Maria.”

“Understood.”

“Teacher!”

Rose immediately screams before Yukiko can make his way to the stadium.

“Hmm?”

What can I say? The director asked us to believe in him, so I will do it. I couldn't ask him not to go, I can't help him either because I lack power, so what can I do?

“Take care, please...”

The only words that come out of Rose's mouth are these, due to this she feels extremely frustrated, that was all she could do. But when she looks at Yukiko, that same warm smile finds her.

“Of course! I'll be back soon.”

In the next instant, Yukiko disappears.

In the middle of the stadium where Professor Emanoel is, Yukiko appears like a breeze, surprising several people.

“So, you came. I was thinking you wouldn't show up.”

“Seriously? Well, I'm a man of my word, Professor Emanoel.”

“Hmm.”

At that moment the entire stadium is filled with an extremely powerful aura and from the room destined for the direction, Maria begins to speak.

“Good morning, I appreciate everyone's presence. We are here today for a magical duel between Professor Yukiko and Professor Emanoel Clairus for the position of professor responsible for class 1. I will be the mediator of the conflict, but due to mutual agreement between the members I will not interfere at any time during the battle, even if one of the participants fights with the intent to kill.”

Everyone in the stadium starts celebrating the fight that is about to begin.

“And to think we're going to see a Gold Rank 1 mage fight! It will be incredible!”

“Yes, but unfortunately, he won't be able to fight seriously because of his opponent.”

“But I'm sure we'll see some very interesting things.”

Maria then continues.

“If both participants are ready, we can start.”

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In the middle of the stadium, Emanoel looks at Yukiko who keeps looking at the sky with a serene expression.

“I will give you one last chance, Yukiko. Kneel down and ask for forgiveness to the Clairus House, if you do so, I will show mercy and spare you out of respect to Headmistress Rosenfold. I give my word on this.”

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“It's really a beautiful day, the sky is extremely blue...”

“What are you talking about-”

“Professor Emanoel, you spent years on the front line of the empire, right?”

“Yes, I'm proud to say that I fought for decades for the empire.”

“Pride... if you had to describe it, how would you define the battlefield?”

“A place where only the strongest and noblest survive.”

“I see, this definition suits your personality perfectly, for me it's just... a sad and regretful place.”

“So, you also served in the war. It's like I thought, you were probably a slave child, right?”

“...”

“That's why you don't even have a last name. A slave child who was sent to die and serve as a meat shield on the battlefield. If that's the case I congratulate you, boy. Congratulations on surviving in these conditions and I respect you for having defended this empire even as a slave, however, you will not survive here, give it up, it's my last warning.”

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Inside the boardroom, the kids begin to wonder what's going on.

“They've been talking for a while, but I can't hear them from here.”

“Professor Roxy, is Professor Yukiko a contact mage?”

Who asks this question is Onix.

“Hmm? What makes you ask this?”

The other students start paying attention to Onix.

“It's the only way I can think for him to have defeated my brother, to be able to move that quickly, I imagined if that could be the case.”

“What would a contact mage be?”

The one asking the question is Rose, who hadn't heard the term yet.

“It is a mage who specializes in melee combat, it is a term most used on the battlefield.”

“Melee? But doesn't a mage usually cast spells?”

“It is usually the case, but there are spells that can strengthen the body, increase speed and give protection. Some mages who have high mana reserves focus on large-scale spells and ranged fighting, as is the case with Professor Emanoel. Others due to a smaller reserve tend to focus on strengthening spells in combination with martial arts. That would explain Professor Yukiko's speed. Usually, non-noble mages tend to be contact mages because of their low mana reserves.”

“Amazing.”

“Do you think that's how he beat your brother?”

“It's the only answer I can think of, it still doesn't explain why my brother wasn't able to activate his spells, but it explains his speed and how with just 2 hits he was able to defeat him.”

“It's an interesting conclusion.”

“But still, some things don't fit.”

“Like what?”

“For him to defeat my brother with just two blows... even a contact mage would have difficulty doing that since my brother probably tried to protect himself with magic from the attacks, for that to happen I imagine he should be at least two Ranks higher than my brother. Three Ranks would make more sense, but that would be...”

“That would mean he would be Gold 3.”

Roxy interrupts Onix and says what he was thinking.

“But that would be... unbelievable, right?”

Camila is the one who interrupts this time, she continues.

“A 21-year-old mage Gold 3, it would be the first time in history that something like this happens, even the emperor, even director Maria. And he does not even belong to one of the main houses...”

“Yes, it would be unbelievable, but the way he defeated my brother... and also for the confidence with which he said he would take us to Gold in the next 7 years. That was the only coherent answer I got.”

“Gold at 21... that would be...”

Camila cannot find words to describe her indignation.

“Assuming that's true, do you think he would have a chance?”

Who interrupts now is Maria. Onix then looks down with some annoyance.

“I do not think so. Even if he is Gold 3, fighting a Gold 1 of my uncle's level would be a really complex thing to do.”

“Let's believe him.”

Rose exclaims after being quiet listening to the whole argument.

“Let's believe him, it's the only thing we can do now.”

“Yes.”

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In the middle of the stadium, both Yukiko and Emanoel signal that they are ready to start.

“By my name, Maria Rosenfold, and my position of Saint mage, I recognize this dispute! Begin!”

“That was your decision boy, Regret it in hell.”

After these words come out of Emanoel's mouth, the temperature of the entire stadium changes instantly, the previously pleasant environment becomes hotter than an oven, with some people even starting to feel sick.

“Is this just the mana escaping while he prepares a spell?”

Frederica is scared of such influence and power that Emanoel emanates at that moment. Meanwhile, Yukiko remains standing in the same position.

“I'll end you quickly boy. Hell Tornado.”

A fire tornado near the stadium proportions forms in the middle of the place, Maria immediately creates a protective barrier so that the people sitting in the stands do not burn alive.

“Professor!”

“Disappear, boy.”

Emanoel extends his hand and the tornado engulfs Yukiko in an instant.

“Water Wall.”

In the next instant, a wall of water appears and despite being much smaller than the fire tornado, it starts to extinguish it and generate steam in colossal amounts, even though it is much smaller the wall does not disappear regardless of how much steam is generated. After a few seconds, the tornado slows down and dies. The entire environment is now covered in steam so hot that without Maria's protection, people would be burning alive.

After the steam begins to disappear, Emanoel finds himself at the center completely paralyzed and not understanding what did just happen. The same can be said of everyone in the stadium, except for Maria and Roxy.

“How? What did you do?”

“Hmm? A defensive spell, have you never studied that?”

“Cretin! That's not what I asked, even though it's a defense spell you shouldn't have been able to erase my Gold Rank 1 spell! Even more so with Water Wall, a Silver Rank spell!”

“Professor, but remember that the water element has a natural advantage against the fire element.”

“Kid, don't underestimate me! It is obvious that with only one destructive advantage this would not be possible, explain to me what you did!”

“Why don't you try again? It will be easier to visualize, but this time pay more attention, ok?”

“Bastard! Hell Tornado!”

Another fire tornado appears in the stadium, this time an even bigger one, but when it encounters Yukiko, another wall of water forms, and again a gigantic amount of steam is formed and the tornado disappears.

“Impossible! How? To be able to neutralize my spell this way, what are you doing? Explain yourself!”

“It's simple, Professor Emanoel. I am just stronger than you.”

“Do not underestimate me!”

Clearly losing his sanity, Emanoel starts casting the same spell over and over, each time the fire tornado meets a wall of water and disappears.

“I will destroy it! Hell Tornado!”

“You're already bothering me, that's enough.”

“Oh?!”

The tornado that Emanoel was about to cast off simply disappears instantly, leaving the mage speechless.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“It’s the same phenomenon that happened in the fight against my brother!”

“Hmm?”

Back in the director’s room, Onix finally manages to say something, he was paralyzed until now due to the events.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“Why can't I use magic? It can't be, that's...”

At that moment Emanoel seems to have noticed something, among all the surprised ones in the audience, the teachers who were watching seem to be talking to each other and reaching the same conclusions as him. Emanoel then looks at Maria.

“Director Rosenfold, is this your doing?”

“Hmm?”

“The mana particles from the environment are not responding to me, it's like I've been cut off from my bond with my mana. I don't know how you would do it, but it's something only a Saint could do.”

All the other teachers also look at Maria.

“Do you really think I would break my word that way, Emanoel Clairus?”

“I don't want to offend you, Director Rosenfold. But there is no other explanation.”

“You really are blinded by your pride, aren’t you? Just like all the teachers here.”

“Hmm?”

“The man who has extended his authority over the stadium and has control over all mana particles is in front of you.”

“Hmm?”

Emanoel then turns around and finds Yukiko smiling at him.

“It's impossible... that doesn't make any sense, are you kidding me, director? This boy, are you saying that this boy…”

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Onix not understanding what is going on looks towards Maria and asks.

“What are you talking about director, extending authority?”

Maria looks at him and answers, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“It is something that a Saint can do. A Saint is able to shape nature according to his will, and for that he can expand his authority to a limited region, within that region all mana particles are in your favor, thus disabling any other mage within that authority domain from interfering with mana particles.”

“A Saint...”

“That is...”

“It cannot be.”

Onix, Rose, and Camila slowly begin to understand the situation and the surprise of all the teachers.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“Principal Rosenfold, are you serious? Are you telling me that this brat, this boy is a Saint?”

The entire stadium falls into absolute silence after Emanoel's question. A Saint, a being who has surpassed human limits and is at the height of magic, would this 21-year-old man in front of him be one of them? This possibility causes Emanoel to break out in a cold sweat.

“It can't be, you...”

“I think you made a small mistake, Professor Emanoel.”

“Hmm?”

At the same moment that Yukiko finishes his sentence, all the steam in the stadium freezes instantly, causing snow to start falling on everyone. Emanoel's body is then frozen up to his neck, completely sealing his movements. The temperature in the stadium then drops to extremely low values, the glass around the stadium breaks due to expansion and contraction caused by the large drop in temperature, and many people immediately begin to shiver.

“Ice?! You...”

“I believe that this way you will become a little more docile.”

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“Deviant...”

“Miss Camila?”

After the word escapes Camila's mouth, Onix questions her, but immediately understands what she means, after all, the entire stadium is completely frozen.

“His affinity... is Professor Yuki a deviant?”

“Yes.”

Maria responds without thinking twice to Mia’s question, there are no more reasons to hide anything. At that moment all the observers still had not recovered their reason.

“Is he a Saint? A Deviant Saint?”

“No, he is not.”

Maria again answers Mia’s question.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“You were wrong in one detail, Mr. Emanoel.”

Yuki continues to address Emanoel, that is totally trapped in the middle of the ice.

“Ice... you...”

“You are right that a Saint can exert his influence on the particles of the environment through his authority, but he only has this ability when he expands his authority across the entire region...but I didn't expand my authority, did I?”

“Oh?!”

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“An ice mage...”

In the room, Camila begins to speak.

“Miss Camila?”

“An ice mage... a deviant... the legend of Serus...”

“Legend of Serus?”

“A city on the border between the empires of Levimus and Leviathan, 3 years ago a legend emerged due to a confrontation. The Leviathan empire had prepared an army of 30 thousand men, among them 10 thousand magicians of excellence. Leviathan was waiting for an aggressive answer from the empire, so they prepared for a war of great proportions, however, the empire of Levimus in response did not send an army, the empire sent only one mage.”

“One mage?”

“Yes, the confrontation lasted an instant, the entire plain along with all 30,000 soldiers were completely frozen.”

“Wait, frozen?”

“Even today the region is inhospitable due to the ice that never melts even with the change of the seasons or with fire spells. The person responsible for this disaster… there were rumors that he was… he can’t be.”

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In the middle of the stadium, Emanoel is still trying to understand the situation.

“It can't be, you... why are you here?”

“A Saint is not able to control the particles of the environment that precisely without expanding his authority, you know what that means, right? In fact, many of the teachers here know, don't they?”

Yukiko raises his voice reaching everyone in the stadium.

“My name is Yukiko, I am the fruit that was sown for years through your futile wars. I will show you all, all the teachers and students present here, the pinnacle of the magical arts!”

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“Director Maria, who is he? I beg you, please no more lies.”

All the children look at the headmistress, all already tired of so many detours to this question.

“I met Yukiko eight years ago.”

Without the need to hide anything anymore, Maria starts talking.

“8 years?”

“At that time, he was 13 years old, the same age as you here. Yukiko was part of my unit, an elite unit responsible for dealing with troops of great destructive power.”

“A child of our age?”

“That year, 13-year-old Yukiko had just become a Saint and was appointed as one of our main weapons.”

“!?”

Everyone became speechless, completely frozen. When Camila finally asks.

“Are you saying that he is a Saint?”

“No, not anymore.”

“Ah?”

“Yukiko, no last name, codename Ice Emperor. Saint at 13 years old, and Sage at 18 years old. The man in front of you, children, is the sixth Sage of the Levimus empire.”

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In the middle of the stadium, space and time begin to distort as if they are going to tear each other apart, the sound disappears along with most of the bodily sensations. At the center of this deformation, Yukiko lies still.

“Pay attention, academy students and empire mages, this is the pinnacle of magic.”

Yukiko raises his hand and crosses his fingers, making a symbol that although strange to onlookers seems natural to him, an overwhelming sensation takes over the world.

“Authority Expansion - Complete Realm - Calm Ocean.”

The world... shatters, the environment transforms, everyone's vision goes black, in the next moment a light appears and everyone has a vision of a clear and undisturbed ocean. The stadium disappeared, the ice disappeared, the sound disappeared, and the only thing you can see and feel is the ocean in front of you, however, no one dares to make a move.

The kids are completely paralyzed, they can't feel the wind, smell, hear the sound or feel their mana, it's like they've been disconnected from the world. But for some reason, they don't feel fear, as if this world doesn't want to hurt them. Then they hear a voice, Yukiko's voice.

“Do not worry, I am the owner of this Realm, you are safe inside it.”

With Yukiko's voice, the children relax a little more and can better observe the scenery, all they can see is an endless ocean, it is not possible to see land or even any kind of disturbance in the water, only the ocean and the clear blue sky.

“Did you have to go that far, Yuki?”

The children hear a voice, it is a muffled voice, but it is present, and little by little they begin to recognize the owner of that voice. Maria continues drinking her wine with one of her hands, in the middle of the ocean, while looking at Yukiko.

“I said I wanted to make a big impression, didn't I? Not to mention that it is a beautiful experience for children, few people in the world have ever felt the influence of a complete Realm.”

“Yes, but it must be scary for them.”

The image of Maria sitting in a fancy chair with a wine glass in her hands in the middle of an ocean causes almost a feeling of awe.

“Yes, you're right, Maria.”

The kids, Camila, Roxy, and everyone else can only watch the friendly discussion between Maria and Yukiko. Two beings that have already transcended human limits.

“Well, a new experience can be positive, even if it's a little scary. What you all are feeling is the presence of my Realm.”

Even without being able to move, everyone starts to pay attention to Yukiko's voice.

“A complete Realm is exactly what it purports to be by name. What differentiates an Intimus from a Holder is the origin of its mana, while an Intimus is only able to utilize his core of mana to perform a spell, a Holder can use the mana of the environment to complement his spells, it may seem simple, but the ability of a mage who has all the mana particles of the environment at his disposal is infinitely greater than that of a mage who only has access to his own core, even a Gold Rank 1 mage is but a child in the presence of a Holder Rank mage. So, I ask you all, what is the difference between a Holder and the next Ranks? The answer is the intensity, capacity, and quality with which the mage uses the mana particles of the environment, or more simply, the influence or authority that a mage exerts over nature, this in minor details is what differentiates the classes above the Intimus Rank.”

Even without being able to move or react to Yukiko's explanations, the children absorb each of his words in their heads.

“And above all these classes, at the apex of magic, are the Saint and Sage Ranks. A Saint can expand his authority and control the mana particles of that region, but his realm is limited, or incomplete. A Sage is the one who completes this realm, who is able to exercise absolute authority over nature and mold it to his will, this is a complete realm.”

In the next instant, the environment starts to distort again, the Ocean that was in front of everyone disappears as if it had never been there before, and sound, sight, taste, and smell start to return to the world, when everyone recovers their movements, the stadium and everything that had disappeared is there again. Still, no one dares to make a sound, after all, they are in the presence of a Sage.

“I believe the fight is over?”

The one who asks this question is Maria.

“Oh, I had forgotten!”

Yukiko looks at Emanoel and then the ice that was imprisoning him disappears.

“Okay, now that you are free, Professor Emanoel. Do you want to continue the fight?”

Yukiko asks with a bright smile on his face.

“Pardon my insolence, Great Sage. Please spare this ignorant man's life!”

Emanoel immediately kneels down and puts his head against the floor, begging for Yukiko's forgiveness. Some people are surprised by the scene, but they soon understand the situation, after all, how else could he get out of there alive? Emanoel has no chance of victory and also cannot defend himself behind his family name, if Yukiko killed all the Clairus present here today, not even a warning from the emperor would reach him, that is the meaning of Sage's position and influence. The empire would be capable to do nearly anything to keep him as an ally.

“Hmm? So, you give up the position of responsible teacher?”

“Of course, there is no one more worthy than you for this position. I give it up immediately, please I beg you to forgive my rudeness during this month.”

“I see, I'll think about your forgiveness.”

Yukiko looks at Emanoel with serious eyes, if he wanted Emanoel would disappear without even feeling a single pain, but if he so wished he could inflict an unimaginable amount of pain while keeping him alive for a long time. What punishment could a Sage do on a simple Gold?

“Okay, all right then.”

“Oh?”

“We're even, just tell your family to stop bothering Onix, he's my disciple now.”

“Yes! Understood, there will no longer be any form of disrespect towards him.”

“Great! Maria, we're done here.”

“How boring... ok, I declare the duel over with the victory of Professor Yukiko.”

With Maria's declaration, the barrier that protected the people disappears and Yukiko walks towards the room where the children are.

“Thank you for your mercy, Great Sage.”

Emanoel continues kneeling, while people are leaving the stadium through Maria's instructions, all being extremely confused.

“Now I think we won't have any more problems with the student's parents, right?”

Yukiko appears in the room again and addresses Maria.

“Not from the parents, but we will have a whole new range of problems...”

“I'm counting on you, director!”

Yukiko then looks at the kids and Camila, who is still sitting there not knowing what to do.

“Surprised? Excited to have a Sage as a teacher? There are very few people in the world who could boast about that, you know?”

Yukiko tries to play with them, but no one can react to the joke, the first to move is Camila, who immediately kneels.

“Yuk- Sage Yukiko forgive me for all my lack of consideration and respect!”

“Hmm? What are you talking about, Camila?”

“I treated you with no respect whatsoever because we were almost the same age, made you serve me tea, and even drank from the same cup as yours while you weren't looking thinking about an indirect kiss, forgive my lack of respect!”

“Indirect kiss...?!”

Everyone else in the room is surprised by Camila's sudden apology.

“Catherine.”

When Camila raises her head, Yukiko is with his face a foot away from hers, also kneeling.

“I was the one who asked you to call me whatever you wanted and we are really close in age, so what's the problem? I don't want any respect from you, I want to keep making and drinking tea while we talk.”

“Yuki...”

Camila looks into Yukiko's eyes with emotion.

“The indirect kiss part is a little weird... but that's okay, don't worry.”

“Sorry!”

Camila asks for forgiveness again.

“You really are an idiot... later let's talk about this tea story later.”

Maria is the next to comment on Camila's actions.

“Forgiveness!”

“HA-HA-HA!”

Everyone is surprised by Mia's sudden laugh, who holds on to her chair so she doesn't fall over while laughing.

“Mia?”

Rose addresses her worriedly.

“Did your realm affect her head?”

“Hmm? No, it wouldn't...I think.”

Roxy asks if it might have been the effect of the realm and Yukiko answers with some uncertainty.

“No, that's not it. I'm just finding this series of events hilarious, all of us here were worried about Professor Yuki's safety, and in the end, he's a Sage? Really?”

Mia is looked at by everyone there with some confusion until Yukiko starts laughing and little by little the children and Camila start showing smiles too.

“Well, that's it, I'll continue to be the teacher responsible for you for a while longer. I know that you all should have a lot of questions, but I need to solve some things together with Maria, so I see you tomorrow in class.”

“Understood!”

The children respond together and begin to leave the place. Rose is the last to leave as she looks at Yukiko who is smiling at them.

A Sage...

After all the children are out, Maria finally addresses Yukiko who has sat down in one of the vacant chairs.

“Okay, now how are we going to handle things?”

“How long do you think until the royal family’s contact?”

“Probably tomorrow there will be some form of contact.”

Roxy then interrupts them, answering Yukiko's question.

“Tomorrow already? They don't have anything better to do?”

“I don't believe there is anything more urgent than the reappearance of a Sage who had gone missing without a trace.”

“Missing?”

Camila is surprised by Roxy's statement, she had stayed in the room after not knowing whether to go out with the children or not, but as no one had asked her to leave, she decided to stay.

“Hmm? Yes, I disappeared for a short time without telling anyone, so you could say I'm a fugitive at the moment.”

Yukiko answers her without thinking twice.

“Oh? But isn't that a serious problem?”

“Yes, it will be a headache to deal with the empire...”

Yukiko puts his hand on his head as if he is simulating a severe migraine.

“But for a mage affiliated with the empire to leave without giving information is desertion, wouldn't that be a problem, Yuki?”

“Hmm? I don't think there's a problem with that, Camila.”

“What?”

Maria then interrupts and asks Camila a question.

“Who in the empire would try to pursue and accuse a Sage of desertion, Camila?”

“That... makes sense.”

“No need to worry about that. The problem is the headache that will be dealing with all those nobles.”

“I can try to muffle the Clairus reaction a little.”

“No need to worry about it, Roxy. You hate dealing with those people anyway.”

Maria declines Roxy's offer.

“The problem will be my headache... they always asked me about you because of our relationship, but I always said I didn't know anything, now out of nowhere you appeared in my academy as a teacher...”

“Well, it's something that would happen sooner or later.”

“Sorry for the headache.”

Maria and Roxy immediately look scared in Yukiko's direction.

“You sincerely apologizing like that is a little scary...”

After Maria's comment, trying to play with Yukiko, Roxy approaches him and places one of her hands over one of Yukiko's hands.

“We don't care about the difficulties that will appear, I've told you this dozens of times Yuki, just… don't disappear again, please.”

Camila is surprised by Roxy and Yukiko's iteration, at the same time Maria just takes a deep breath and looks his way.

“Yeah, just don't disappear again.”

“I will not.”

Camila continues to observe a scene she could only describe as warm.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In front of a huge castle, a woman dressed in white and noble robes is preparing to enter a carriage adorned in gold. Everywhere you look guards can be seen accompanying her and guaranteeing her complete safety.

“Princess Eris, please. I beg you to wait a little longer before leaving. Even with that number of guards, I don't like the idea of a trip like that.”

“There is no time, we are leaving now. This is an order.”

Eris then gets into her chariot and immediately it starts moving at high speed. Only one thought remains in her mind.

We need to hurry! This time I'll be able to convince him!