My setting is above yours!

Chapter 110 The Transfer Student's Unbeatable Enemy in the Monthly Exam (4k5)

'【Hidden Purple】...Is this the magician who was possessed by a Heroic Spirit and recognized as a 【Color Rank】 by the Mage's Association?'

Ron looked at the young man before him, whose face clearly exuded a hint of authority, and couldn't help but feel a little puzzled:
'How can he be...so young?'

After taking magic classes for so long, Ron has gained a better understanding of magicians.

Within the Magicians' Association, magicians' skills and the intensity of various spells are standardized and divided into seven ranks, from strongest to weakest: [Grand Rank], [Color Rank], [Ceremony Rank], [Festival Rank], [Opening Rank], [Eldest Son], and [Last Son]...

Among them, the magic strength that the eldest son and the youngest son can use will not exceed that of a Level 2 esper, and the magic strength that the opener and the sacrificial priest can use will not exceed that of a Level 3 who has not activated the formula.

However, upon reaching the [Rank 3], a magician's strength increases dramatically. Due to their diverse and complex techniques and more powerful magic, they can usually defeat a Level 3 magician who has constructed an [Ability Formula].

Of course, this excludes superpowered individuals like Ron, whose abilities are so powerful that they employ a variety of methods and are so strong that they seem unreasonable.

Above that are the magicians who are categorized into ranks by color and given unique color titles, known as "Color Rank" magicians.

These magicians all possess abilities comparable to Level 4 superpowered individuals, and within the "historical void," they can unleash power far exceeding that of ordinary superpowered individuals, almost surpassing the vast majority of ordinary Level 4 superpowered individuals.

Most of these magicians are successors to various schools of magic, or even the highest scholars of those schools...

Among them, geniuses like [Hidden Purple], whose schools possess [Grand] slots, are called [Grand Candidates], recognized as the next [Grand] mage of their school, and allowed to participate in the [Mage's Association]'s highest council and ascend the [Twelve-Person Tower]—

The strength of the [Grand] Magician is self-evident.

These Grand-rank mages, who can truly circumvent the limitations of the Anti-Mystic Formula and use magic without restriction, are all top-tier overpowered beings standing at the pinnacle of Ideal City.

They possess the terrifying ability to easily flatten a planet's surface, just like Level 5 mages, but that's not their most frightening aspect. The most terrifying aspect is that many Grand rank mages are "part-time"...

They are all like [Pointer] 404, not only are they Lv.5 espers, but they are also [Grand] magicians!
However, it must be said that [Grand] and Lv.5 are special cases. After all, many people, before becoming [Grand] magicians, may have already completed some kind of [experiment of seeking knowledge] with their boundless talent, thus becoming Lv.5 superpowered individuals. They could easily achieve Grand rank by stepping on their own feet.

Why is someone who has already been recognized as a Grand Rank candidate by almost all the magicians in Ideal City and has already obtained the unique title of "Hidden Purple" so young?

You should know that this person is not a superpowered individual, but a pure magician!
For a magician to improve their skills, just learning those extremely complex magic models would take an unknown amount of time. The knowledge from various schools of thought is as heavy as a real mountain; even the most gifted person would need to invest a considerable amount of time to digest and interpret it.

But this [Hidden Purple]... doesn't seem to have spent much time on it.

'And...this person's eyes...'

Ron gazed thoughtfully at the [Hidden Purple]'s pupils, which shimmered with a murky, oily sheen, and immediately recalled the terrifying scene he had experienced in [Flash of Light and Shadow]—

[7] had shown this appearance before, using those seven-colored, murky eyes to unleash some kind of extraordinary ability from a [mysterious] sequence...

However, although [Hidden Purple]'s eyes are this color, Ron is not affected in any way. It is impossible for this person to suddenly attack Ron for no reason. Obviously, his eyes changing into this color is not a sign of some extraordinary ability.

After thinking about it carefully, Ron immediately understood why his eyes had always remained that cloudy color:
'He can't control this power... The heroic spirit residing within this person was once a superhuman of the [Mystic] sequence?'

'No wonder, his [Color Position] title is [Hidden Purple]...'

Ron seemed to be deep in thought, quickly analyzing the young man in front of him in his mind. After a moment of contemplation, he made up his mind.

Regardless, Ron can't afford to offend this man for the time being. Although his arrogant attitude is a bit annoying, in Ideal City, who isn't like that once they have power and status?
Moreover, his sudden approach to Ron was clearly not a coincidence or a simple matter of getting to know him; there must be some purpose behind it.

Why not say something nice to this person and see what they really want to do...?

Thinking this to himself, Ron immediately showed a surprised and respectful expression, his tone carrying a hint of admiration:
"[Hidden Purple]? So you are the [Grand Candidate] of the [Astrology School], the future [Grand] Magician!"

Upon hearing Ron's words, [Hidden Purple], whose expression had been stern and somewhat cold because Ron hadn't recognized him, immediately relaxed considerably. He clearly appreciated Ron's flattery and nodded in satisfaction.

Seeing the obvious change in [Hidden Purple]'s demeanor, Ron's heart stirred. He immediately realized that although this person appeared dignified, he clearly couldn't handle praise.

Is this all it takes for a few casual words of praise? If I praise him a few more times, wouldn't that mean I'd be considered a close friend and a kindred spirit?
With that thought in mind, Ron continued without hesitation, showering the man with praise:
"No wonder I saw iron trees blooming, white fish entering boats, five stars aligned, and colorful clouds shining brightly before I went out today—it really is an auspicious sign!"

"The reason why auspicious omens are everywhere is to remind me that I am destined to meet a genius like you today. It is truly the guidance of fate..."

Listening to Ron's endless boasting, [Hidden Purple] couldn't help but cough twice, interrupting Ron:

"There's really no need for that... This is, after all, not far from the main entrance of the Clock Tower. It's perfectly normal to run into each other here. It's far more than just 'fate guiding us'..."

Although Ron's praise was clearly just a casual remark, [Hidden Purple] still showed an expression of enjoyment, and her gaze towards Ron became more affectionate.

"You don't need to call me 'Hidden Purple' anymore... That's a title the association gave me, it sounds too formal."

He smiled gently and said in a calm tone:

“My surname is Wang, and my name is Wang Yi. After all, you are a pillar of the [Heavenly Listening] organization that it is cultivating, so you should naturally be closer to me. Just call me by my name…”

Upon hearing this, Ron immediately lost his composure.

He didn't know whether he should complain about the person's name, which sounded like a clone's serial number, or about the person's attitude...

Where did that aloof, mysterious demeanor go?

'How come just a few kind words made her act like a cat whose fur had been stroked, her attitude immediately becoming gentle...'

'On the surface, this guy appears to be the renowned "Hidden Purple," a high-ranking "Grand Candidate," but in reality, he's clearly a young man who stays at home with little experience in interpersonal relationships... Is that really true?'

With this thought in mind, Ron's heart, which had just been at ease, suddenly tightened again.

No, no... We can't look down on him, or really treat him like some kind of innocent and foolish student.

After all, how could [Hidden Purple], a future [Grand Candidate], be a fool with no social experience who wears his heart on his sleeve?
His behavior, on the contrary, made Ron feel that he was unfathomable, a guy who could conceal his thoughts, whose purpose was unclear, and who had not yet revealed his true goal, making him completely unfathomable!

'I need to try him again...'

Thinking this to himself, Ron smiled and replied:
"Then I shall respectfully accept your offer..."

As he spoke, he immediately began to probe Wang Yi's purpose:
"However, Brother Wang, I don't think you simply wanted to say hello, did you?"

Ron already had a guess in mind, and said meaningfully:

"I wonder... if Tian Ting Media needs to contact me about something, or if they want me to do something?"

Indeed, the first company that came to Ron's mind was [Tian Ting Media].

When Wang Yi met him, he deliberately mentioned [Tianting Media] and emphasized his own identity, suggesting that his purpose must be strongly related to [Tianting Media]...

And since Tian Ting Media has been investing in Ron for so long, what is it that Ms. Irina can't just make a phone call to inform us of, instead of having a high-ranking "Grand Candidate" come to us in person?

Perhaps all of this is related to factional infighting within Tianting Media, or a disagreement between Tianting Media and the Astrological Society! In that case, there's no need to hide anything; he might as well confront Wang Yi directly and see what he really wants him to do—

As long as there are sufficient benefits, even if it means taking sides in the internal power struggles within [Tian Ting Media], it's clearly not something Ron would find unacceptable...

Upon hearing Ron's words, Wang Yi's expression immediately turned serious, reverting to his previous stern demeanor.

“That’s right… Ron, you guessed it, I do have something to discuss with you.”

"However, that has nothing to do with [Tian Ting Media]."

Is it unrelated to Tianting Media?
Such a straightforward response. Could it be that... this [Grand Candidate] is going to start his own business?

'He wouldn't want me to defect from Tianting Media, would he?'

'Was he, or someone behind him, also interested in Prometheus's experiment in seeking knowledge?'

Ron frowned, clearly showing some resistance.

After all, no matter what, Tianting Media has given him so much investment and supported him to get to where he is today.

Without a reason, Ron didn't want to inexplicably go down the wrong path—

Unless this [Grandmaster Candidate] can really offer a lot of money, enough to make Ron ignore the risk of breaking the investment agreement and betraying [Tian Ting Media]...

But before Ron could weigh the pros and cons and resolve his thoughts, he heard Wang Yi ask him:

"I remember your investment file; it says you were a student in the experimental class of the physics department..."

He said this with a straight face:

"I transferred from the [Astrology Club], but I've never been to Moen University or the [Clock Tower] before, so I got lost..."

"Let's go, take me to the physics department's experimental class."

……ah?

Ron was stunned; all his plans were shattered.

He... did it all for this?
……

As Ron led Wang Yi toward the classroom of the physics experimental class, he was still thinking about all the plans he had just made. He couldn't help but twitch his lips as he thought about them, and for a moment he didn't know what to say.

Having played too many high-level matches in "Potion Era," even when I return to Ideal City and encounter low-level matches like this, I can't help but think in the high-level game mindset...

With that thought in mind, Ron couldn't help but sigh.

In the "Potion Age," both the Silver Knight and [7] were masters of planning three steps ahead for every step they took. The Silver Knight, who had clashed with Ron many times, was even more adept at conveying three meanings in a single sentence, deeply understanding the art of interpersonal communication.

Therefore, when Ron encountered Wang Yi, a [Grand Order Candidate], he subconsciously regarded him as a figure like the Silver Knight or [7], never imagining that he would actually be so age-appropriate, like a clear-headed and foolish student...

However, despite this, Ron did not look down on Wang Yi or harbor any contempt for him.

On the contrary, his performance made Ron's perception of his strength rise another level.

After all… despite having such a straightforward personality, she was able to obtain the unique title of [Hidden Purple] and become a [Grand Candidate]—

Just how powerful must his skill be in magic?
The heroic spirit that he possesses must be a superhuman of what rank, and how powerful is it that it has given him?

Upon reflection, Ron couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

'This is a magician specializing in [color position]...'

'A top-tier expert, comparable to a Level 4 superpowered individual, is going to become a student, transferring to the experimental class and attending classes with us first-year students?'

'Are you kidding me...? He's not going to have to take the monthly exam again, is he?'

Thinking of this, Ron couldn't help but feel a sense of suffocation.

Even he wouldn't dare say he could beat a Lv.4 right now... It's like heaven and earth in terms of strength!

If Wang Yi were to participate in the first-year physics department's monthly exam and also enter the [Void Battlefield] to fight, even if all the first-year physics students attacked together, they probably wouldn't be able to overwhelm him with sheer numbers...

With this in mind, Ron quickly forced himself to calm down and comforted himself with a few words:

'No...it shouldn't be that bad, it shouldn't be.'

'Principal 404 wouldn't stoop to such a tactic... If he were to participate in the monthly exam, he might as well just get the first-place reward outright. Why bother with the fancy name of a monthly exam ranking reward?'

'Our Moen University is relatively fair in this regard...'

Ron reassured himself in this way, and as soon as he entered the classroom, he heard a voice coming from the podium:
"Students, registration for the monthly exam... Ah, the latecomers have arrived too."

Standing on the podium, Dr. Qing, the homeroom teacher with a somewhat gloomy and deep-set face, was holding a meeting with the monthly exam registration forms. Seeing Ron and Wang Yi enter the classroom, he immediately said:

“Ron, and you are… oh, I remember now, the principal informed me—”

"You're the new transfer student from the [Astrology Society], right, Wang Yi?"

"I don't know why the people from the [Astrology Society] don't go to Tianting University, but instead come to our Moen University..."

He muttered a couple of things, tapped a few times on his phone, and Ron felt a vibration. He and Wang Yi both pulled out their phones at the same time, and a pop-up window appeared—

Hollow Battlefield Monthly Exam Registration Form

At this moment, Dr. Qing's voice finally drifted over:
"The monthly exam is tomorrow, let's fill out the registration form first..."

Upon hearing this, Ron immediately glanced at Wang Yi beside him and saw that he had already filled in his name on the registration form. He was so angry that he laughed.

'Damn it... no wonder that relic was a remnant of the [Mystic] sequence. There really are no free lunches in Ideal City...'

'Such a coincidental timing, and a reward that perfectly suits Wang Yi's needs...'

'Sure enough, that thing had been arranged long ago; it was a custom-made prize for Wang Yi!'

(End of this chapter)