The Fleeing Cat

Duncan's voice carried a hint of command; he was fully aware of his situation—even if he lost the exam, he would help his opponent advance.

"Duncan! Don't be fooled by their words."

Duncan's other teammate, Lihita, shouted loudly, seemingly trying to wake the bewitched Duncan.

"Ahem, Duncan, you wouldn't want to see your beloved looking this old, would you? See how I look now? The magic of youth."

Li Yan chuckled and added fuel to the fire. Duncan, expressionless, turned to look at Laufen and another teammate, "If you want to advance, listen to me. I'll find a way to get both of you in the next round."

Laufen blinked, and without further hesitation, handed the Stille's cage back to Li Yan. Seeing that the situation had already turned out this way, his other teammate, Lihita, also stopped talking and could only sigh and watch.

"Hmm, I like smart people. As for the Stille, Laufen, you keep it for me. If I don't advance, Duncan might cry."

Li Yan proudly tiptoed and patted Laufen on the shoulder, managing to subdue Duncan with just a few words. Only a genius like him could do that.

"I hope what you're saying is true, otherwise, even if it means eternal damnation, I'll drag you down with me."

Duncan's face was grim, and powerful Mana energy gathered around him, showing the seriousness of his words.

"Hahaha, Duncan, you're being too idealistic. With my status and position, even Macht can only be my servant. Do you think I would need to lie to a little guy like you who can't even beat Macht?"

Li Yan whispered dismissively, while Duncan lowered his head in thought. Decades of experience had taught him that he was now like a fish on a chopping board, unable to escape.

Duncan's team was completely subdued, and the six of them formed a small group to search for other Stille. Meanwhile, high up on the mountain, examiner Genao sipped his hot tea and looked towards Zanze's location, slowly asking, "Is it against the rules for that guy to form a small group with other teams?"

What do you think?

Zanze responded with a blank stare.

"It's not mentioned in the rules, but the other party seems to have some powerful connections. They were able to enter the First-Class Mage exam despite not having any magician qualifications."

Genao stared in bewilderment at the candidates' information on the list of references. Li Yan's section was completely blank, clearly indicating an incredibly powerful background.

Zanze nodded in agreement. "Yes, it is indeed very thick, so thick that even I dare not provoke it easily."

"You can't afford to offend Zanze? Then I'd better not bother with him, or I might get retaliated against later."

Genao shook his head and continued to silently drink his hot tea and read the newspaper. Small groups are fine, anyway, the rules don't say it's forbidden.

After searching, the commotion in the forest was naturally noticed by Li Yan immediately. Watching Frieren and Fern pursue them from atop the giant stone golem, Li Yan chuckled and waved. Just like that, the small team of six became nine. Seeing the number of pursuers increase, the bespectacled man Lanto, and Übel couldn't help but exchange a glance. Now they could no longer escape together; they could only separate and go their separate ways, perhaps offering a sliver of hope.

"Junior Sister, what did those guys do to offend you? You're usually so good-tempered."

Li Yan spoke while touching Laufen's bun, while Fern stared at her with a puffed-up face, looking unhappy.

They say I'm an old monster, even though I'm so young and cute.

Frieren's face was full of anger, which was why she kept chasing and teasing the other person.

"Oh, they really should be taught a lesson."

Li Yan suddenly realized that the other party had touched on the point that Frieren hated most: age.

Lanto and his team split up and fled. Li Yan also became interested in giving chase. "Junior Sister, your team goes after the guy with glasses, I'll go after the one with green hair, Duncan, you go after the rest."

The nine-person team split into three squads for the pursuit. Lanto, the bespectacled man, cursed under his breath. This wasn't an exam; it was a battle royale! Three mages of similar strength were chasing him. There was no chance of fighting back; he could only run. The Elf among them was a monster; no matter how well he concealed his clones, the elf always detected him instantly. Not to mention the purple-haired girl, whose long-range Normal Attack Magic unlike anyone else's. If others' Normal Attack Magic was like arrows, hers was like cannons.

On the other side, Li Yan, along with Lawine and Kanne, toyed with Übel like a cat playing with a mouse. Übel was also annoyed by the endless Ice Magic and Water Magic attacks, and stopped running away. Instead, he turned around and looked at Li Yan with murderous eyes, like a cat with its fur standing on end.

"If you chase us any further, I'll kill you."

Li Yan's calm yet menacing words prompted her to wave her hand, signaling Lawine and Kanne to stop attacking. The kitten was angry, and they couldn't go any further.

"Your name is Übel, right? I know you. You killed a First-Class Mage examiner during the last First-Class Mage exam."

Li Yan licked his lips. He had always liked Übel, in a natural way. If Übel had the unwavering belief that nothing could be cut down, he might be able to kill him. Of course, Übel would have to be able to hit him.

"Hmm, you little kid actually know me? I didn't expect you to be investigating older sisters you like at such a young age?"

Übel gazed in Li Yan's direction with great interest, her fragrant tongue lightly licking her rosy lips.

Li Yan wasn't annoyed by Übel's teasing. He knew that geniuses had unique personalities, and it was precisely because of this that Li Yan found them interesting.

"I won't chase you anymore. Just come back with me and apologize. If my Junior Sister forgives you, I guarantee you'll pass this exam. How about it?"

Li Yan stepped forward and made a suggestion with a light smile.

"That's a very tempting offer."

Übel lightly stroked her chin, feigning thought, but as Li Yan approached within ten meters of her, a slight smile played on her lips, and a slash of Mana-Splitting Magic straight at Li Yan...