Chapter 24

### Announcement Day for the Magic Academy

Ruisa and Sharo were walking together towards the academy.

"It hurts... My waist still aches."

"Are you okay? Should I cast a recovery spell?"

The two walked along, chatting casually. Around them, many other examinees were also heading to the magic academy, but they all looked at Ruisa and Sharo with curious eyes. It was only natural, as most of the examinees had witnessed their duel. Despite being the same age, the two possessed extraordinary power and were already the most talked-about students.

Many students actually wanted to talk to them, but some were afraid, and others held them in high regard, so no one dared to approach them.

However, there are always exceptions.

"Hmm, so you're the famous examinees? You look pretty weak to me."

The one who spoke was a group of three rough-looking men.

"What do you mean? You're being rude to us on our first meeting."

"Hehe, we're also examinees. But you're the descendant of the legendary hero, right? You're cuter than I thought. Why don't you come with us instead of that weak-looking guy?"

The men approached Sharo with lecherous grins. Sharo glared at them forcefully, but they paid no attention.

The reason they were so bold was that they hadn't seen Ruisa and Sharo's duel. They had finished their exams early and left, only hearing the rumors later. Disliking the attention the two were getting, they decided to confront them.

"If you come any closer, I'll cut you down."

"Hehe, don't be so mean."

One of the men, who was eyeing Sharo, reached out to grab her arm. Just as his hand was about to touch her, it was stopped by a hand that reached out from the side.

"Sorry, but she's mine."

The one who grabbed the man's hand was, of course, Ruisa. Ruisa pushed the man's hand away and pulled Sharo's arm, drawing her into his chest.

"Hey, Rui!? Not in public!"

Sharo blushed and scolded him, but inside, she was not entirely displeased. In fact, she was delighted to be treated like a princess, something she had always dreamed of.

"Trying to act like a prince? You're really annoying."

"I'm not trying to be anything grand... But if you want to fight, I'll take you on."

Ruisa raised his fist. The men felt provoked and all attacked him at once.

"I'll make you regret this!"

One of the men, with magic power wrapped around his fist, lunged at Ruisa. Ruisa slipped into the man's guard, grabbed his arm, and threw him face-first to the ground with a move similar to a suplex.

"Smack!"

The man hit the ground face-first, let out a pitiful cry, and passed out. The technique Ruisa used was a qi technique, the Sixth Form of the Defensive Style, 'Willow Flow.' It involved channeling qi into the opponent's force flow to change its direction and strength.

The other men, who didn't know this, were terrified when they saw their comrade being thrown so quickly. Despite being physically larger, the small boy in front of them seemed like an incredible master.

"Damn it! We'll attack with magic then!"

The two remaining men created fireballs and aimed them at Ruisa.

"Using such a powerful spell in the middle of the city... What if it hits someone else or a house?"

While a spell of that level wouldn't be a problem for Ruisa, stray shots could be dangerous. Ruisa created a small rock with magic in his palm and shot it at the two men's heads.

"Micro Rock Homing Bullet!"

The rock, about the size of a fist, hit the two men's heads with a loud "Bang!" The impact made them let out cute cries and collapse. They were likely unconscious but not seriously injured.

Ruisa moved the three unconscious men to the side of the road so they wouldn't obstruct traffic and then ran back to Sharo.

"Let's go."

Holding Ruisa's hand, Sharo blushed and nodded.

And so, the two walked happily to the school.

By the way, the unconscious students missed the announcement and were not admitted to the academy.