Cathole and Freedom!

Maxwell was bored listening to the old professor talk about the geography of the continent. Apparently, the empire divided the continent in half, leaving the northern and southern kingdoms without any kind of communication. The people in the north were prejudicially known as barbarians and uncivilized. For their kingdoms were constantly at war and their people had a more conservative culture. On this point, Maxwell couldn't help but agree as many things he had seen in the empire were missing in the north. The north, has poor hygiene, wedding customs, and a law that forbade sexual relationships between noble and commoners and the like.

They lived in disputes and wars, in addition to architecture, and fashion, even the cities were backward compared to the villages in the empire.

"Maxwell's boredom didn't end until the teachers dismiss their lessons and commented "Alright, our time for this class is up. Head to the coliseum for your battle lesson"

Maxwell was by no means a battle freak, but he wanted to know exactly where his strength lies in the ranking of the empire. The old teacher led them through the long corridors of the building, walking for almost a quarter of an hour just to reach the goddamn place.

The group of almost 40 children and the elderly woman reached what look like a large Roman coliseum, like a fighting pit larger than most.

They all entered without saying any word and once inside they realized that they were not the only ones in there. Several other classes of various ages were practically having a little sparring session too.

"Alright guys, in today's schedule we will have a battle class. I want to see what you can do whether it's your skill set, physical capabilities, or your unique talents." The old woman clapped her hand to get the attention of everyone. "I'm going to pair you up with someone and you will fight that person, the winner will fight the other winner of another sparring until there's only one left, okay?"

"Yes ma'am!" They all nodded in response in synchrony but some with a little bit of reluctance.

You had to know that there are more girls in the class, especially the10-15 years old so a lot of them were not really excited about fighting.

The teacher called names after names to participate in the sparring, in which Maxwell was greatly disappointed. They were all very weak, they could barely control their mana to create their elements, some did but in a very crude way.

Something that surprises Maxwell though is that Adelaida has apparently the nature element, which she doesn't really know how to use. She placed her hands on the ground and the next moment, a group of herbs started sprouting and moving, however, it was very slow and her opponent only has to throw a single punch at her to make her concede.

She didn't know how to throw an attack or even defend herself, plus her magic could only grow plants. The result was very obvious from the very beginning.

"Tina vs Maxwell" The old teacher yelled.

At her call, Maxwell calmly walks up towards the arena. A girl about 14 years old, with dark hair, brown eyes, and a developing body was in the opposite direction.

"Fight!"

"Once the teacher screamed, the girl raised her hands and materialized a small sphere of water the size of a volleyball and shot it in Maxwell's direction.

Maxwell simply tilted his head to the side dodging the sphere of water, with two quick steps he approaches the girl and throw a punch in her stomach. The girl manages to dodge but Max grabbed her in the shoulders making her back in front of Maxwell, the next second Maxwell trip her by placing a foot below her feet before pushing.

Before pushing the girl, Maxwell actually gropes her butt a few times until she falls.

"The winner, Maxwell" the teacher shouted without flinching.

The rest of the class continued to be matched with each other, while Maxwell continued to win and take advantage when his opponent is a girl and that without even using his magic.

Eventually, only two students remained.

Maxwell and Jacob.

Jacob was a young man whose age seemed to be around 15 years with his brown hair, and black eyes, he was very tall but a bit skinny. He always wore a smile on his face.

Maxwell thought this match would be the same, a walk in the park, so he relaxed. But very soon, as the teacher gave the signal, Jacob without holding back stamped his feet on the ground and a great number of earth spikes and stones rose and were launched towards him.

"Woops" Maxwell jumped back in a hurry a little surprised. Before he even landed, a boulder was already heading towards his way at a high speed.

Maxwell had no choice but to use his lightning speed to dodge the magic attack, and before anyone could blink, he suddenly appears in front of Jacob and hit him on the forehead, knocking the guy to unconsciousness.

The entire class fell silent and stared at him with amazement.

"I am sorry" Maxwell raised his hands " I didn't want to knock him out, I reacted without thinking."

The teacher snapped out of her surprised and look at Maxwell with appreciation.

Don't worry, it was just an accident" The teacher shook her head and smile "the winner, Maxwell Magnar!"

After clapping for a little while, Jacob regained his consciousness and the teacher ended the class.

As Maxwell was heading toward Adelaida to leave for the mansion, the teacher approached him and gave an advice.

"Maxwell, you have very good elemental attributes and skill, but you attack and defend almost instinctively. You don't have a clear or defined fighting style, I recommend you look for one in the library or ask someone to teach you" commented the teacher.

"Yes teacher"

The teacher then patted his shoulders with a smile before saying "You have good talent and aptitude. You know, I have a beautiful granddaughter that I would like to introduce to you"

Miriam thought Maxwell would politely decline her offer or evade the question in embarrassment, but Maxwell looked at her seriously and asked "What would that granddaughter of yours be willing to do?"

To say that she was surprised would be an understatement to describe her astonishment. She initially saw Maxwell as a person with a lot of talent and stoutness, so she brought the subject. But never in a million years thought that Maxwell would be interested.

Miriam thought for a bit about Maxwell's question and smiled suggestively. "She will be willing to do what I tell her to do"

Maxwell smiled wickedly and look at the old woman in the crotch" even that?"

Miriam followed his gaze and smiled.

"Yes, I could even have her sister come with her" she smiled knowingly.

"I am indeed very tempted, but I highly value my freedom"

With a will he didn't know he had, Maxwell turned and fled from the old woman before she could even say any more advantages that may tempt him.

When Maxwell was gone, the old woman shook her head and smiled.

"Who said you had to get married? Silly boy"