It had been a month since Renji became the magus of Second Rank. In this first grade wind magic classroom, he never missed it, though it was a place where he only went to earth magic classes once a month. Renji took his usual seat today.
"Renji. You're here." Rika—well, that cute, small young lady—greeted and sat next to him.
Renji smiled. "Rika, you are early. The class has not started yet."
Rika was Hikari's sister, deemed to be the top genius at Keito Institute. With that brother a lot had been expected of her, but Rika turned out to be an outstanding girl.
" It is because I know you always come early," said Rika, beaming with a smile.
Unknowingly, so engrossed within the conversation the time flew, and soon the class started. Instructer Fei delivered today's lesson with great enthusiasm, even though Renji listened with much interest, Rika stole glances at him once in a while.
"Alright, class has done for today" Instructer Fei said "But before you leave, I have something to tell you all"
Students murmur with excitement.
"Many of you may be already aware that our Keito Institute has taken a tradition. Every year, at the end of a year, we would have a big competition here. That period here would be the liveliest period here within a year. After, also, the champions of the competition have a greater opportunity to be appraised as 'Excellent' while graduation and even can receive an invitation from all the Four Great Empires," animated Instructor Fei explained.
This news began to spread in the students, causing excitement for an opportunity to shine and get recognized at the Keito Institute—a place teeming with talent. Almost everyone took an interest in it.
"Of course, us wind magic practitioners will also compete. In case you're interested to participate, please let me know," Fei said.
Instructor Fei noticed that Renji seemed very uninterested in this matter, talking with Rika rather than signing up. Heading to him, Fei approached him.
"Renji, it's a great opportunity. It's one opportunity where you can test yourself against the best students. Why aren't you signing up? It's a rare chance," Fei tried explaining seriously.
"I am not interested," Renji said flatly.
To have a few surprises in store greatly surprised Fei. "Renji, don't you know that there is a prize for the winner? For example, students of the top three classes might get a chance to stay in the two-story dorm for a year. A symbol of one's status with much nicer conditions."
To think about it, two-story dormitories were a privilege Renji did not think of. Still, it was not tempting him. "I'm not going.
Fei became a trifle impatient. "If you are afraid it would expose your ability, then let me reassure you; I already know you are a magus of the second ranking."
Renji's head jerked up in surprise. How did Fei come to know his ranking? Fei's previous statement just confirmed his suspicion.
"Even if you do not participate to avoid exposing yourself, then I might personally expose you," Fei said, chuckling.
"Whatever. Seem like I still not going," Renji stated firmly, standing up, and after a polite farewell left the place.
Fei could not hold himself together; after being dazed, he laughed. Rika could not hold it back either, and laughed softly.
By the time it was over, almost evening had come and one would notice that the color of the sky changed a little.
Renji walked back to the dorm where his friends were waiting. There was much camaraderie for the students of dorm 1875, as they always got together for dinner in the evening.
"Renji, you're back." A curly-haired student from dorm 1986 cheered.
"Harry, have you had your dinner?" Renji asked while gleaming back his smile.
Harry nodded. "Of course. Your three bros are waiting for you inside."
"Renji's back! Time to eat, everyone!" Yori's voice called from inside the dorm.
Yori, Ryūji, and Giichi then came out, waving to Renji. The four friends then went to the dining place. Even though the Keito Institute had luxurious restaurants, Renji had managed to convince Yori, Ryūji, and Giichi to stick to the simple, but fulfilling meals of the small dining hall.
As they ate, they conversed about the events going on in the institute. Renji understands a lot that his friends said, to whom he listened, because most of the time he was training in the mountain.
"Man, the school year is almost over. In the last two months, the institute will hold the yearly tournament. The top three students in each grade get to live in those two-story dorms for a year," Yori told him.
"Yearly tournaments?" Renji laughed. Just the other day, the class learned about them. "I'm game."
Ryūji had his confident grin. "I'm going to give it my all."
Yori just smirked. "Of the first rank, you became a magus earlier on the way here—I swear you are close to the second. It's unfair."
Ryūji had become a first rank of a Magus, learned from the family housekeeper during his travel towards the institute. Giichi looked at Renji with a smile. "Don't forget about Renji. He was already a first." "He's already a first-ranked Magus even when he's outside. Besides, he's a double element. He's probably one of the strongest at our dorm." Renji smiled at the praise. "Giichi, you flatter me.
"Renji, have you really reached the second rank?" Her eyes seemed too wide open with curiosity.
"But actually, it's not so easy to make the rank the second one that quickly. Normally, it would take at least two years after promoting from the first rank," Ryūji said with rather a puzzled frown.
"That's right," Yori said. "Renji has never told us anything about his improvement."
Renji gave an indifferent nod. "Yes, I've reached the second rank."
Yori, Ryūji, and Giichi's eyes widened in surprise. "You should participate in the tournament. Show everyone what you're capable of and bring glory to dorm 1875!" Yori urged.
As the servers brought their dishes, Renji shrugged. "Eat up. I'm not interested in the tournament."
Yori and the others exchanged glances, knowing how hard Renji trained. Despite his efforts, Renji remained uninterested in competing with others.
"If you don't participate, someone else will take the glory," Yori mumbled.
"If I had your strength, Renji, I'd be showing off and winning over some pretty girls," Ryūji added wistfully.
Renji laughed. "Enough of that. Let's eat."
Though Renji had no personal interest in the tournament, most students at the Keito Institute were buzzing with it, and even some of the full magi paid close attention to the results.