***
Ranking Match.
It was a traditional practical exam unique to Reynolds Academy, held twice a year.
Two students would spar against each other in a round, coliseum-like arena.
The competition, which offered both raw combat and a spectacular show, was extremely popular among the students.
This event brought excitement to the otherwise monotonous Academy life.
The students viewed the ranking competition not just as an exam, but as a kind of sports festival.
In fact, the Academy itself often organized the ranking competition in a festive manner.
“Hey, hey, the first match is about to start! Let’s go!”
“Hold on! We need to get popcorn!”
Perhaps it was because the ranking competition had begun.
The atmosphere within the Academy was more heated than ever.
“Who was it again, in the first match?”
“Kelvin, the Reverse Grip Greatswordsman, and Karl, the Hammer! It’s going to be an amazing match!”
“Hmm… I’m more looking forward to the third match, though.”
In front of the open training grounds, where the ranking competition would take place…
A large crowd of students had already gathered, creating a lively, bustling scene.
Their eyes, filled with excitement and anticipation, were glued to the tournament bracket displayed on the bulletin board.
Kelvin, the Reverse Grip Greatswordsman, versus Karl, the Hammer.
Curien, the Black Magician, versus Ronne, the Divine Knight.
There were many matches that piqued the students’ interest.
And among them, the one that drew the most attention was…
“Hey, hey, look at this!”
“No way… Is this for real…?”
[Match 4]
[Raiden Lishite vs. Margaret Phyler]
It was the matchup between Raiden and Margaret.
The students’ eyes sparkled with interest as they stared at the two names listed side by side.
“The top student of the Magic Department, Lady Phyler’s match…! I have to see this!”
“I heard that Young Master Lishite has been making quite a name for himself with his recent exploits… This is going to be interesting.”
“They’re both incredibly skilled.”
“This match is going to be a sight to behold.”
Margaret, who reigned supreme as the top student of the Magic Department.
And Raiden, who had earned the title of “Hero of the Academy” for his recent accomplishments.
It was a confrontation that was bound to be captivating.
And there was one more thing.
Aside from their exceptional skills, there was another element that drew the students’ attention…
“Wow… Talk about a brutal bracket.”
“Why would they pit ex-fiancés against each other…?”
“I heard it hasn’t even been two years since they broke off their engagement.”
“Well, it’ll be entertaining, but… are you sure this is okay…?”
It was the relationship between the boy and the girl.
Two of the most skilled individuals in the Academy, bound by a complicated past.
With such captivating factors in play, it was no surprise that the match between Margaret and Raiden was generating a lot of buzz.
“I can’t wait for it to start!”
“Who are you rooting for?”
“Lady Phyler, of course! What about you?”
“Young Master Lishite. We’re both in the Swordsmanship Department.”
As their turn approached, the training grounds grew increasingly crowded.
The spectator seats, with a capacity of nearly 5,000, were packed with excited students and faculty members.
And amidst the fervent crowd stood a silver-haired girl and a black-haired boy, their expressions a mixture of apprehension and anticipation.
***
—Rooooar!!!
As I stepped into the arena, a deafening roar washed over me.
It was the sound of the crowd, packed tightly into the spectator seats.
I frowned, my ears ringing slightly as I adjusted the practice steel sword in my hand.
‘Seriously, what’s with all the commotion?’
‘What’s there to be so excited about?’
‘And why are there so many people here just to watch…?’
I broke out in a cold sweat as I surveyed the nearly full spectator stands.
Everyone was clutching bags of popcorn, cheering their hearts out.
“…”
‘Sometimes, I just don’t understand the sensibilities of this world.’
‘It’s just a practical exam, even if it is part of a festival. Why are they so worked up over it?’
I let out a small sigh and glanced up, my eyes meeting those of the silver-haired girl standing opposite me.
“…”
“…”
Her crimson eyes burned with an ethereal glow.
Our gazes locked for a brief moment, then the announcer’s booming voice echoed through the arena.
《Alright, everyone! The time you’ve all been waiting for is finally here!》
《Let’s get right into it! We’ll now begin the fourth match of the day, a clash of titans!》
—’Rooooar!!!’
‘…Talk about a dramatic entrance.’
‘Couldn’t he just tone it down a notch?’
I let out another, heavier sigh and adjusted my grip on my sword.
Across from me, Margaret mirrored my movements, gathering mana at her fingertips.
“I won’t go easy on you.”
《Competitors, ready yourselves!》
Her words reached me as I assumed my stance.
Not to be outdone, I replied curtly.
“As you wish.”
《Begin!!!》
The exam began with the announcer’s thunderous signal.
Margaret, her mana now fully charged, immediately locked onto me and unleashed her magic.
“Wind Cutter ×2!!”
A swift incantation left her lips, and two blades of wind came hurtling towards me.
I calmly raised my sword, deflecting the incoming attack.
‘She’s aiming for my head…’
I gauged the trajectory of her magic and pushed off the ground.
As expected of a spell meant for probing, it wasn’t particularly powerful.
In this case, it would be better to counterattack than to evade.
I tightened my grip on the hilt of my sword.
Then, I poured all my strength into a diagonal slash.
—Clang!!
The sound of metal clashing against magic reverberated through the air.
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