Magus Supremacy-Chapter 261: Harassment!

"Damn it!" Grey growled, his footsteps echoing down the corridor leading to the hall used for breakthrough classes.

His hands were stuffed deep in his pockets, his posture radiating annoyance as he walked alone.

Everyone else had already gone ahead, leaving him to stew in his thoughts, his mind spiraling with frustration.

"I said I didn't want to participate in the tournament," he muttered, his eyes locked on the path ahead. "But no—I'm being forced into this ridiculous test. I honestly couldn't care less about this tournament nonsense."

His voice dropped lower, barely above a whisper. "In this academy, I can boldly say—no one in the second year, not even the third years, can match me. If anyone might pose a challenge, it would have to be students from the other academies."

His tone was sharp, but tinged with exhaustion. "Even then, I don't want to waste time competing. I'd rather be training… trying to surpass that Kael guy."

Reaching the tall double doors of the hall, he flicked his wrist. With a soft whoosh, the doors groaned open, revealing a spacious training room teeming with students.

Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with energy and anticipation.

Grey's gaze swept across the room, landing first on his squadmates and then drifting to the third-year elites—Dante, Charlotte, Selene, Lyra, Dave, and over ten others.

They all stood scattered around the room like silent giants, awaiting the test with fierce pride.

With a scoff, Grey moved toward the far corner, his back resting against the cold stone wall. He closed his eyes, allowing his thoughts to swirl freely.

'I'm so close to reaching the next star… but cultivating my core isn't cutting it anymore.' He frowned. 'If I want to break through, I need a push—something intense. Either I battle powerful opponents who'll force me to my limits… or I absorb high-tier magical cores.'

He sighed inwardly.

'To do that, I need strong beasts. But how can I fight them when we're barred from accessing portals? If I could just open one myself, I'd head straight to Bronze Land. Randin's planet has an abundance of savage creatures… perfect for what I need.'

He groaned softly, rubbing his temple as a headache began to form.

'But how do I explain my absence during an academy mission? This is such a mess.'

Before he could dive deeper into his mental storm, a familiar set of footsteps echoed near.

His eyes snapped open to find Lyra approaching him with a radiant smile and sparkling eyes.

"Hey, Grey," she greeted warmly.

"What do you want, you over-bloated balloon?" he retorted, eyes rolling as he turned his gaze away.

Lyra halted, visibly twitching with irritation. A vein pulsed on her forehead.

"You know," she snapped, hands on her hips, "this over-bloated balloon you're mocking is what most guys would kill to lie on. Don't act like you're blind to what others crave."

"Too bad I'm not most guys," Grey said with a dry chuckle. "I don't chase after balloons that'll pop the moment I blast a bit of magic."

His jab earned a death glare from Lyra, but she tried to maintain her composure.

"I don't understand why you're always so difficult," she said, taking a breath before standing beside him again. "Ever since that joint dungeon raid, I've felt a connection. A spark. It's not just in my head—you have wind magic, and so do I. That's no coincidence."

Grey raised an eyebrow. "You're forgetting I've got other affinities besides wind."

She ignored his words, her voice softening. "Doesn't matter. We're still a perfect match. I've been looking for a guy who can match my strength and style, and you showed up. I need a boyfriend… and there you are."

Grey gave her a blank stare. "You need a boyfriend—or a sexual plaything?"

Lyra blinked, caught off-guard. "Both!" she blurted, then immediately realized what she'd said. "I mean—they go hand in hand! So what do you say?" she whispered, inching closer, her fingers brushing against Grey's cheek.

She was too close—dangerously close. He could feel her breath, smell her perfume. The room's attention slowly shifted toward them.

Three particular girls stared daggers at Lyra: Scarlet, Charlotte, and Vanica.

'How dare she get that close to Grey?!' they all seethed in unison.

"I say—get your hands off me," Grey warned coldly, "or you won't find them attached to your body in the next second."

Lyra giggled. "Come on, Grey. Can't you see I'm serious? I love you. I want you."

Lightning crackled faintly around his fingertips. Her boldness was pushing him over the edge, though she hadn't noticed yet.

"Crap! This is about to go south," Raze muttered under his breath. He had spotted the sparks dancing around Grey's fingers.

"I don't get it," Arthur mumbled, eyes shamelessly glued to Lyra's chest. "How does he get all the good ones? Am I not handsome enough? I'd let her do anything. It should have been me!"

"Just shut up, you perv," Vince snapped, elbowing him while still watching the scene unfold.

"This has to count as harassment, right?" Scarlet asked, her palm flaring with gentle flames as her fury simmered beneath the surface.

Lyra leaned in further, brushing her lips close to Grey's ear. "So… what do you say?"

But Grey had had enough. The lightning now danced violently across his entire hand, bright arcs flashing like electric whips around his arm.

"I'll tell you one last time," he growled, voice low and dangerous. "Back. Off. Or—"

Bang!

The doors to the hall burst open with a thunderous clap, cutting Grey short.

Every head turned toward the entrance. A tall figure stepped in, his aura commanding immediate attention. His gaze swept across the students like a tidal wave, his brow furrowed in mild disapproval.

Silence fell like a curtain. Whatever was about to happen next… the mood in the room had shifted.

____

{A/N}

Alright guys! A lil twist... Didn't want to just jump straight into the tournament hence this assessment thingy that will determine who's gonna participate.

It's another new week and another day for you all to throw in your support for this baby here 😤