The bells rung to signify the end of class.

Or it could have been the notification alarm bell that sounded.

[ Student Class ]

[ Your Learning Rate Is Hastened ]

[ Obtained Introduction to Magical Theory - Lvl 1 ]

[ Fame: Kraelonia Academy: 25

[ Evaluation: Barely at the beginnings of the [ Mage ] Class ]

Han looked up from his table and stupor to see the familiar screen in front of him. He fought back the urge to say something and then noticed the resigned look on Timothy's face.

"Hey, what's up?" Han grinned.

Timothy let out a sigh and packed his things, "We're off to our next class, stupid. Maybe [ Basic Combat Spell ] class will at least have your attention."

"That's really awesome." Han was quick to get up to his feet, "So where's the classroom?"

Timothy stared at him. "Have you not read your class schedule? How will you manage without me?"

"That's why I asked you to come with me."

The man's face reddened in anger before he slapped a hand over his forehead, "There's no use to it, follow me. Our class will take place at the courtyard. Our Professor is [ Battle Mage ] Howard Carnus."

Han chuckled and nodded, "Thanks Tim," He glanced back to see the cloaked girl still there, "Hey, want to come with us to the courtyard? Ellynn right?"

They looked up and vehemently shook her head before looking away.

"Wait did I get your name wro—"

"Don't bother the lady, Han." Timothy pushed the young man forward until they were well out of earshot. "What did you think you were doing, doofus?"

Han frowned at Timothy and glanced back at his shoulders, "Trying to make friends?"

"Well, she clearly isn't the one to befriend."

Han blinked and looked at his companion, "Why not? We were all at the Test Trial. She seems nice, she actually helped me and then ran back to check on me."

"If you weren't paying attention, she doesn't seem well accepted and by even befriending her, you'll make yourself an even bigger target." Timothy sighed as they made their way down the lecture hall's stairs.

Han rolled his eyes. "Then why don't we just bootlick Sir Leon then?"

Timothy gave him a sharp look, "If you want to do that, then do so but I for one—"

"Ah, Timothy right?" A female voice spoke up behind them. Han looked over to see the girl who had been practically placing Sir Leon on the pedestal and also claimed to be a top mage in their class. She was a pretty girl with ginger hair and bright green eyes and a Victorian like knee-length dress—or one of those pastel lolita clothes.

Timothy blinked and then turned to the young woman with a smile, "Ah yes, that's me. And you are?"

"Penelope from the Primrose House, but my friends call me Penny." She gave him a smile, "I saw your performance yesterday, you did great. I admired the way you used your [ Spell ] to get over the spiked floor, quite flashy. And you came in second after Sir Harrington, that's quite an amazing feat!"

Han blinked, [ Spell ]? Timothy wasn't a mage yet so—

"Ah thank you, it wasn't exactly a [ Spell ] but close enough." Timothy scratched his cheek.

Han tried not to face palm, this guy had a sharp tongue when it came with him, Old Man Joe Light and Sir Leon but is suddenly nice to ladies? He cleared his throat and gave the woman a smile. "I don't want to meddle but we'll be late for our next class, Penny."

'Penny' gave him a sharp look before raising her chin, "I did not give you permission to refer to me as such. But yes, if you would like—Timothy, would you like to join me and my friends in class? It'd be hard to learn if you keep sitting at the back."

Han felt alarm come through him as he looked at Timothy, he dared not say a word but waited for the guy—

"Ah… I'm trying to keep my friend here in check, he slacks off without me." Timothy gave a sheepish smile.

Ah! The bro code still lives on!

Han tried to hold back himself from sighing in relief, at least it didn't seem like Timothy would get distracted by a pretty woman.

Penelope Primrose stared for a moment before she looked away, she had the nerve to look embarrassed and shy. "Ah, you're such a good friend. Perhaps you could join us for lunch, then? Since you missed the former lessons in class, my friends and I can give you pointers."

Han saw Ellynn already sped past behind, zipping towards the exit. He rubbed his face as he looked at the girl who was clearly making the moves on his friend. Didn't this girl already try to suck up to Sir Leon? Why was he bothering with his friend now?

"Excuse me, we really have to get going. We were late in the first class, but now we can't afford it—bye Penny!" Han shoved Timothy forward before either of them complain and they left the woman in her tracks. "Keep moving if you want to get to class on time."

"The courtyard is actually quite near—"

"Keep walking." Han shook his head, "Can you imagine that girl already—"

Timothy shrugged and continued forward, no longer needing to be pushed by his friend. "She seemed nice."

"She looked like the type of girl who'd step on me and expect me to thank her for it." Han shuddered as they continued forward.

Timothy chuckled and led them to one of the available doors, it immediately led them to one of the large grassy fields. But it wasn't actually from the front courtyard, instead it seemed to be in the middle of the castle—a small circular arena.

There were already a group of students that former a circle around a man, and he could even eye Ellynn at the edge of the circle. A wide berth between her and the other students.

It tasted badly in his mouth, this kind of treatment was—

"Ah, thank you for finally bestowing us with your presence, gentlemen." The Professor in the center seemed to be a man in his fourties, unlike what he imagined a typical mage was—they wore a more functionable kind of robe. He eyed them with a somewhat irritable look in his eye, his smile was twitching.

If Timothy ever grew up to be a full on [ Mage ]... this was the guy that Han imagined him to be.

And that was where he saw Penelope Primrose shuffle towards the circle, and the Professor barely batting an eye. Han tried not to rub his face, why did it feel like every teacher had some sort of vendetta against them?