He was clearly beyond reason

Aria skipped over to the girl and asked, tying up her hair, "Hey Susan! How can I help?"

The girl called Susan shook her head with a smile, "Only you could look so happy when undergoing punishment."

Aria chuckled and took the bowl in which Susan was mixing something. Aria had never before even set a foot in the kitchen until she was seven, but Sonia was a great cook and had taught Aria all she knew.

Aria spent an enjoyable time during the day, helping everyone she could reach. Even if she couldn't reach, Aria still helped people carry things by bending wind with her will. It was great practice.

Joseph had been grumpy the whole day. He barely had gotten any sleep last night, and when he had, Aria's face had swam in them. The one face that he liked the best in the world, but with that nonchalant expression, looking like she didn't care what happened to him, was the worst nightmare for Joseph. It was just like he had been transport to a year ago, when Aria acted cold and treated him like a stranger.

Joseph did not even notice when he took his place in the line to fight, standing somewhere closer to the middle, contrary to his usual behaviour, where he insisted on being in the front, saying that he wanted Professor to be in his best form when he fought.

Joseph's turn came and he walked forward. As he took his stance, Professor Thomas asked, "Is something wrong Joseph? You seem a little distracted."

Joseph shook his head and slapped himself. He smiled at Professor Thomas, "I was. But I'm fine now." Professor Thomas frowned at his smile as he also took his stance, "Looks like he is plotting something." He muttered to himself as the fight started.

And Professor Thomas turned out to be right. Seeing Joseph fight today, many of the students were shocked. Joseph's defences were one of the best in the academy, probably even beating Aria by a hair's breadth.

But today, Joseph looked like he had forgotten the word defence. He attacked relentlessly and even did not try to block Professor Thomas's attacks, took them all head on.

Even Professor Thomas was surprised by Joseph's behaviour, he was usually the most strategic fighter among all the students. This recklessness seemed exactly like what Aria had displayed during her first fight.

After a while, Joseph was bleeding and barely able to stand, but still attacked without any intention of stopping. Professor Thomas only dodged his attacks, they were so straightforward and predictable that he did not even feel the need to block. Very soon, Professor Thomas stopped. He said in an authoritative voice, "That's enough Joseph. I won't fight you like this."

Joseph smiled menacingly, "What's wrong Professor? I am fighting, aren't I? What's wrong with this!" He suddenly thrust a big sword of water towards Professor's legs which Professor Thomas stopped just inches from his legs by taking control of the water.

As he saw that Joseph was beyond reason right now, Professor Thomas turned around and began walking towards the castle, saying, "That is all for now. We will resume after lunch."

But it was apparently not enough for Joseph as he rushed forward like a madman, fists raised and aiming to hit Professor. But the Professor was too quick for him. Professor Thomas stepped out of harm's way and gave Joseph a chop on the back of his neck.