Gwen couldn't stop breaking spoons after all her friends went home. The headmaid, worried about the mess, had even hidden all the utensils to prevent Gwen from being tempted. It seemed as though the girl was itching to break something, anything. Even the delicate hairpin Clay had given her was destroyed once she discovered it contained a truth spell.
Not surprisingly, Gwen attracted a lot of attention. Many young people, especially those with an interest in her, took the initiative to approach her. Among them was a group of female students who were hostile to Gwen, particularly because of her undeniable beauty. To them, she appeared to be the perfect match for Clayton, the most sought-after young man in their circle. This only fueled their jealousy and bitterness.
Gwen overheard their whispered conversations and despite the veiled malice in their words, she was hardly surprised. Their plan was to spread rumors of a romantic relationship between Gwen and Clayton. They hoped that this would prompt Clayton's mother to attend the event and embarrass Gwen in front of everyone. The idea was to ruin the festive mood and humiliate her in the process.
However, instead of Clayton's mother making an appearance, Clayton himself appeared—striking and glorious, following Gwen wherever she went. To everyone's shock, Clayton exuded an intimidating aura, something he never showed at school. It was as if he wanted to make a clear statement to anyone watching: Gwen was his, and no one could challenge that.
As for the group of girls who had hoped for a spectacle, their plan failed miserably. Clayton's mother didn't show up, and they were further disappointed when they realized they wouldn't get to see the Lady Knight come to collect her son. Little did they know, Gwen found their plans laughable, feeling little more than exasperated at their childish schemes.
"Father, why can't you make him call his mother? Isn't he just a momma's boy?" Gwen's frustration was evident as she voiced her thoughts to her father.
Rocco Hall sighed and shook his head. "It seems Clayton has a powerful mount that can break my mind manipulation. I tried persuading him to call his mother, but he was resistant."
"Isn't Clayton only a third-level Knight?" Gwen asked skeptically. "I've heard that only fifth-level Knights and above can summon beasts from other planes and form blood contracts with them."
Her father's expression darkened slightly. "I think his mother bought the mount from a summoner mage. Sometimes, a summoner calls upon a high-level beast that requires a rider. Even if someone is only a first-level Knight, they can form a bond with the creature by paying a high price."
Gwen sneered inwardly. "He's truly a momma's boy," she thought in disgust.
Her father continued, undeterred. "So, you'd better keep your relationship with Clayton stable. I'm sure that, sooner or later, he'll introduce you to his mother."
Gwen groaned inwardly. Should she continue this charade? The very thought made her feel tired and defeated.
"And you'd better start preparing for the tournament," her father added as if he were trying to pile on yet another responsibility.
The mention of the tournament immediately caught Gwen's attention. Her ears perked up. "What tournament? Can I use my powers?"
Rocco chuckled in amusement. It seemed her adopted daughter was more eager to battle than to keep her relationship with Clayton. "An inter-school tournament to prove which school is the best. But no, you can't summon elemental spirits. I will allow you to use your illusion magic, though."
Gwen blinked in confusion. What was the use of illusion magic in a serious competition? Illusions could deceive an opponent's vision and intimidate them, but what if someone figured out the trick? Wouldn't the illusion be useless?
"Then I don't need to participate," Gwen replied, turning to leave.
But her father's hand landed heavily on her shoulder. "Gwen, listen to me." His voice was firm as if he were preparing to impart something important. "If you want to improve your telekinesis abilities, you need to take part in this tournament. A battle between fellow Hunters will boost your adrenaline and help you improve your control. As they say, real battles are the best teachers."
Gwen blinked. "So, I can just join a team of Hunters and hunt in the Demon Clan's territory."
Her father's face darkened, and he let out an exasperated sigh. "The Demon Clan wants you dead, and you still want to go into their territory?" Gwen felt as though she were facing a villain from one of those novels her friends loved. She could see the scariest of expressions on her father's face. "No more excuses. No one is changing my mind. You will join the academy's secondary team."
Gwen opened her mouth to protest, but her father's words left her no room for argument.
"Secondary team? Does that mean we're just the reserve?" she asked, trying to find some sense in the decision.
Her father nodded. "Your tutor will explain everything to you. I'm just telling you now so that you're not surprised when the announcement is made at the academy."
Sure enough, the crystal monitor above the notice board flashed with a new announcement the following day.
The elite Hunters tournament, held every five years, would take place in just a few weeks. Each academy could send up to three teams. Wisdom Academy, known for its prestige, would send three teams, maintaining its top ranking for fifty consecutive years. It was a tradition that had seen the academy clinch first place for a decade, with their second and third-place teams often following closely behind.
Gwen scanned the list of names for the first team and recognized one name: Esmee, a fourth-level mage. One of the mean girls who made a silly bet with her. "I hope I don't see her too often," Gwen muttered under her breath.
She then looked over the second team's list and froze. To her utter disbelief, her name was there—and alongside it, the name Clayton Hawk.
Clayton? The same boy who was a notorious momma's boy? Gwen couldn't understand why the academy would make him the captain of their second team, especially since he seemed so useless to her. He was a third-level Knight, hardly impressive. But worse, she was certain the boy had no idea how to lead anyone, let alone command a team in such an important competition.
Clayton Hawk—the thought of being on the same team as him filled Gwen with dread. How could the secondary team ever succeed with him as their leader?
Her fears were confirmed when the second team's tutor gathered them all for a formal introduction. Clayton, as usual, stuck to Gwen like glue.
"Why are you wearing glasses again?" Clayton asked, eyeing her curiously.
Gwen couldn't summon the energy to respond.
"Alright, everyone, let's get acquainted," the tutor began, saving Gwen from further awkwardness. "Clayton, you're the captain. Why don't you go first?"
"My name is Clayton Hawk," he said confidently, "and as you know, I'm a level-three Knight. This is my girlfriend, Gwen, a level-two mage." Clayton pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her shoulders with an air of possessiveness.
Gwen was caught off guard by the attention, though she could sense the mixed reactions from the team members. Some were shocked by her being a sophomore, while others were simply surprised that Clayton would claim an 'ugly' girl as his girlfriend. But Gwen ignored the stares effortlessly.
"My name is Cain," a tall, burly young man with the presence of a warrior spoke next. "I'm a level-5 Shield Warrior."
Gwen blinked, impressed. Level 5? Wasn't that high enough to graduate? She watched, intrigued, as Cain explained his decision to postpone his graduation exam to take part in the tournament.
Level 5 Shield Warrior? Maybe this secondary team isn't as hopeless as I thought. Gwen noted to herself.
Next up was Heidi, a quiet but confident girl with striking blue-silver hair. "I'm a level-4 mage with an ice attribute."
Gwen hadn't met Heidi before, but she immediately liked her. The ice mage had a calm and collected demeanor that Gwen found refreshing.
Maybe, just maybe, this team wasn't as doomed as she'd initially thought.