Chapter 39: Mo Fan’s Past

The azure flame erupted, surging towards the group of opponents! The second-level Fiery Fist was already immensely powerful, and combined with Mo Fan's spiritual fire, its destructive force was something none of them could withstand. The firestorm surged, and just as it was about to engulf them, Instructor Gu Han intervened to protect the students.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Instructor Gu Han's timely magical barrier absorbed the brunt of the attack, shielding the students from harm. Even so, the impact of Mo Fan's strike left everyone in stunned silence. This wasn't a mere first-level Fiery Fist—Mo Fan had already elevated it to the second level!

A freshman? A freshman who could unleash such power? "Is this student really only less than twenty years old?" one of the faculty members couldn't help but ask.

"He's clearly more skilled with fire magic than anything else. Maybe we should transfer him to the Fire Institute." suggested one of the fire magic instructors.

"No way! He's part of the Summoning Department. At least during his freshman year, we can't let him switch." retorted Jiang Yunming, the Summoning Department's head.

Even though Mo Fan had just offended many of his peers with his overwhelming performance, what did it matter? He had the strength to back it up! Any instructor would be eager to claim such a talented student, and it was obvious that Mo Fan's future was destined for greatness. What he had done here in the Qing School district was merely the beginning—he would undoubtedly become a renowned magical genius.

"Alright, today's Beast Battle is officially over. For the rest of the semester, all public resources will go to the Summoning Department." Principal Xiao declared, cutting through any murmurs of dissent. Though some faculty wanted to protest, Principal Xiao's sharp tone silenced them.

"The resources distributed to each of you during the semester, while important, aren't significant enough to greatly impact your training. What bothers you isn't the loss of these resources but the fact that they've gone to a single department—a single person!"

He continued, "Where was this outrage when the rule was proposed that if the Summoning Department didn't reach 100 students, their resources would be distributed to you? You were silent then, willing to take advantage of their weakness. But now that they've won, you cry unfairness? Have you forgotten what I told you on your first day here? Have you forgotten what kind of mages we're trying to cultivate at Pearl Academy?"

Principal Xiao's words struck like thunder. Even the older students lowered their heads in shame. If they had voiced their objections to the rules earlier, perhaps the principal would have reconsidered. But now, after Mo Fan had achieved victory, it was too late. Their sudden complaints reeked of opportunism, and Principal Xiao had no tolerance for that.

At that moment, a defiant student stood up and challenged the principal, his voice filled with pride and bitterness. "Principal Xiao, what you're saying makes sense, but have you considered that students like me, who come from poor backgrounds, rely on the academy's resources to sustain our magical training? We're competing against those who have abundant resources and barely have to try to get into Pearl Academy! Every little bit of help is crucial for people like us."

Principal Xiao removed his glasses and gazed at the student from a distance. Calmly, he responded, "Because this is a school, you're allowed to ask such questions. But in the real world, such complaints would seem childish. Do you think Mo Fan was born with better resources than you? Do you believe he's a privileged child from a powerful family, and that's why he's reached the intermediate level so early?"

"Yes!" the student replied confidently.

"Well, let me set the record straight," Principal Xiao said, his tone turning more serious. "The student you despise for taking your resources, Mo Fan, is from Bo City. His family background is very modest—likely even worse off than many of you here. I don't need to say more."

The arena fell silent again. The defiant student stared in disbelief at Mo Fan standing in the arena. How could someone without wealth or privilege have reached such heights by the age of twenty? How could he be a second-level intermediate mage?

"You may find it hard to believe, but everything Mo Fan has achieved was earned through his own efforts. Starting in his second year of high school, he ventured into the wild, battling monsters day after day. From the weak Colossal-eyed Rats to the fierce One-Eyed Demon Wolves, Mo Fan fought them all."

Principal Xiao knew Mo Fan's history well. It was impossible for someone to improve at such a pace without drawing attention. Records of his expeditions could easily be found, and he had even sold monster materials in the magic marketplace.

As Principal Xiao recounted Mo Fan's past, even Mo Fan himself was taken aback. He had thought no one would notice his actions, but it was clear that the higher-ups had been watching him closely. However, since everything he had done was legitimate, there was nothing to worry about.

Still, Mo Fan realized that his exceptional abilities would likely attract unwanted attention in the future. Reflecting on his previous encounters with danger, he felt a surge of excitement at the thought of his next challenge—his eventual confrontation with the demonic powers he would one day face.

As Principal Xiao finished recounting Mo Fan's journey, the students fell into a stunned silence, staring at him in awe.

For someone to venture into the wilderness during their second year of high school, when most students were barely stable enough to draw their star orbits—it was unbelievable!

However, Principal Xiao encouraged anyone who doubted his words to check the Magic Association's records for confirmation. While Mo Fan's methods were effective, Principal Xiao also reminded them that luck wouldn't always be on their side. Although battles could accelerate growth, the risks were not worth it for everyone.

(End of Chapter)