Chapter 1: Reminiscence

—What, exactly, was the trigger for it all?

I saw a “light” at the tip of my sword.

Of course, it wasn’t as though I could see that “light” from the very beginning.

As far as I can recall, it was during those tender years… when I cast aside all the joys of youth befitting a girl my age and devoted myself entirely to sword training from dawn till dusk.

I swung my sword, carefully confirming each stance, each motion, each arc of the blade.

I carefully shaped my grip on the sword, released all tension from my body, sharpened my mental focus, regulated my breathing, smoothly shifted my weight, adjusted my center of gravity, stepped with precise control, channeled my inner spirit, and maintained zanshin, a state of sustained awareness.

I let my awareness permeate every bone and muscle in my body, calming my heart, refining my spirit, and swinging my sword.

It was not mere labor; thus, with the unity of spirit, sword, and body, I formed a single kata and swung my sword.

In the act of swinging the sword, there was not the slightest excess, nor any deficiency—a self-contained perfection.

My ego floated into a white void, immersed in such solitude, with focus and absorption so intense that I swung my sword.

I swung the sword relentlessly. Swung it. Kept swinging it.

I continued swinging the sword, becoming a puppet of the act itself, as if merging with the sword in my hand, forging myself into a single blade.

It was during one such moment, when I was ceaselessly swinging my sword…

“…?”

I suddenly noticed.

At the tip of my downward swing, I occasionally caught a fleeting glimpse of a twilight-colored “light.”

At first, I thought it was an illusion of the eyes.

A hallucination conjured by a heart exhausted from training—that’s what I believed.

But it wasn’t a hallucination.

From that day, the strength and frequency of the twilight light spreading from the sword’s tip gradually grew stronger and more frequent.

The light, which at first was barely a flicker, soon became so intense it seemed to sear my eyes.

The light, which initially appeared only once in a hundred swings, gradually increased in frequency.

Enchanted by the beautiful radiance the sword emitted, yearning to see that light—I swung the sword like a fool. I kept swinging it.

Eventually—I discerned a certain “principle” in that light.

This radiant sword flash was not so much about “cutting” as it was about “opening.”

And this light would not appear if even the slightest imbalance disrupted the unity of my spirit, sword, and body. It manifested only when I achieved a critical, supreme, perfectly flawless strike.

Thus, the more I advanced in my training and discipline as a swordsman, the stronger and more divine that radiant sword flash became.

In time, I became able to summon that light freely, whenever I wished.

I made the light completely my own.

But, strangely enough… this light was invisible to everyone else.

Even to the master I so deeply respected.

Everyone worried about my sanity, but I wasn’t afraid at all.

Surely, this light was mine alone. A twilight light shining in solitude.

I had a strange conviction… that with this light, I could become stronger, boundlessly so.

In truth, after I became able to produce this light at the tip of my sword, I grew stronger than anyone else. Even my master, who was almost comically powerful, seemed like a mere infant just learning to hold a sword.

Everyone praised me as a genius of the sword, one who had reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship.

But this light—it still had further to go. There was a pinnacle yet unattained by anyone.

I wanted to know what kind of vista that ultimate peak would reveal to me—

So I swung my sword. Swung it. Swung it.

Chasing that light, I swung my sword. Swung it. Swung it. Swung it. Kept swinging it—

Forging and refining, forging and refining, forging and refining.

Refining, refining, refining, elevating, elevating, elevating, and then—

Before I knew it, I came to be called《The Sword Princess》—

————.

I run. I kept running.

Across a blood-soaked battlefield, I ran alone.

It is a battlefield like a mountain of corpses and a river of blood, a veritable hell.

Scattered around are those who were once human, once comrades.

What kind of death could cause such things… Some are compressed into tiny cubes, others reduced to piles of dust, some turned into blocks of salt, and still others melted into green liquid.

—There’s no time to indulge in sentimentality. No time to tremble at the horrors beyond human understanding.

I am a sword.

My body is but a single sword.

If I am a being capable of nothing but swinging a sword, then now I must fulfill that role alone—

“Ha, you finally showed up, ‘Princess’!”

When I arrived there, a woman clad in a tattered black robe, her body drenched in blood, turned to me with a ferocious expression, her luxurious golden hair in disarray, like a wrathful deity.

“You’re late, you idiot! For someone like you, what’s with the dawdling? I’ll kill you!”

“Sorry, Celica. I got held up. …What’s the situation?”

“Hah! As you can see! Ysiel’s airheaded girl and Lloyd’s smelly monk are out of commission, Lazare’s kid and Saras’ smug jerk are on death’s door, and as for me, well, I’m half-dead myself… barely standing, really. Honestly, today I thought I caught a glimpse of the afterlife.”

Cough! She spat out the blood pooling in her lungs, wiping her mouth with an irritated scowl.

“And look, here it comes… today’s final assault wave.”

Celica glanced toward the horizon.

There, I saw amorphous monstrosities, like sludge, swarming chaotically, surging toward us like a tsunami.

“Ugh, those damn ‘roots’ are multiplying like crazy again… Spawning endlessly like roaches, those evil god’s kin really have no shame. Honestly, this war feels like it’s nowhere near over… We need to do something about that ruin soon…”

“…Got it. I understand the situation. Leave the rest to me.”

With that, I began walking toward the sludge on the horizon.

“Thank you, Celica.”

I offered my gratitude to the presence I felt watching my back.

“For what?”

“You held back that entire army all by yourself while protecting everyone, didn’t you? Thank you, truly. I was so worried that we’d lose someone today.”

“Hmph, I don’t know what you’re talking about! I just did my job. If that happened to keep those half-dead losers lying around alive, that’s all there is to it.”

“Even so, thank you. …I’m really glad you’re my comrade.”

“…”

At those words, my blunt friend fell silent.

Then,

“Elli… what about backup?”

Celica threw the question at me with a slightly sulky, offhand tone.

“Do you… need my strength?”

“I don’t. You know why, don’t you?”

I answered over my shoulder, drawing the sword at my waist.

Feeling a pang of loneliness, I left her with these words.

“…I’m… stronger alone.”

And with that, I lightly kicked the ground—ton!

—In the next instant.

My body soared to the heart of the sludge-like monstrosities’ swarm—a place like the bottom of hell’s cauldron, the forefront of the horizon—in a single bound.

Facing the abominations closing in below, I readied my sword—

And, as always, I swung it.

“—[Twilight Solitude]—”

Flash!

The twilight-colored sword flash, visible only to me, my own unique light, cleaved through the swarm of abominations—

————.

Sway, sway.

…Sway, sway.

A pleasant rocking sensation coursed through my body.

“…Re=L. Hey, wake up, Re=L.”

A gentle voice tickled my ears.

“Come on, Re=L, we’re here already. Re=L.”

“…Nnh…?”

Stirred by these sensations, Re=L surfaced from a shallow sleep, slowly opening her eyes.

The first thing that filled Re=L’s narrow field of vision was… a girl with gently wavy flaxen hair and glasses, her refined features adorned with a kind smile.

Like Re=L, she was clad in the ceremonial robes of the Special Missions Annex’s mages, with an eastern sword—a katana—hanging at her slender waist.

That girl was peering directly into Re=L’s face.

“…Elsa?”

At Re=L’s sleepy murmur, the girl—Elsa, formerly a student at St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy—smiled brightly.

Re=L rubbed her unusually drowsy eyes, moving her misty head to look around.

She was currently inside a floating vehicle pulled by a divine phoenix, a transport used by the Special Missions Annex.

It seemed they had already landed, as there was no sense of floating or swaying.

In the cramped interior, Re=L had been curled up asleep on one of the seats arranged to face each other.

“Look, Re=L, see? Our sky journey’s over.”

Elsa urged Re=L to look out the window.

But Re=L remained dazed. She merely stared blankly at her hands, opening and closing them slowly.

“What’s wrong, Re=L?”

“A golden… light…”

Re=L answered Elsa’s question in a soft mumble.

“Huh? A light?”

Re=L nodded slightly.

“Yeah. At the tip of my sword… I saw a golden light, like a sunset… I don’t really understand it, but… it was so beautiful… and so lonely…”

“Oh, Re=L, were you dreaming or something?”

Elsa gave a wry smile at Re=L’s cryptic words.

“You’ve got to pull yourself together, okay? Starting today, you’re my superior.”

Elsa held up her arm next to Re=L’s.

On Elsa’s sleeve was the badge of a vice-knight, while Re=L’s bore the emblem of a full knight.

“…I don’t get it. I’ve always wondered, what’s with these badges?”

“Haha… This is going to be tough right from the start…”

Elsa could only manage a wry smile at Re=L’s disinterested grumble.

The place where Re=L and Elsa arrived was a plain not far west of the free city of Milano.

It was a base camp set up by the Alzano Empire’s military in preparation for a summit between the Alzano Empire and the Rezalia Kingdom, held in conjunction with the Magic Tournament, to be ready for any potential emergencies.

Within the camp, where numerous tents stood in rows, a minimal division of about five thousand soldiers—capable of conducting a single-front strategy and concealed by a simple warding barrier—was stationed.

Re=L walked sleepily through the military camp, while Elsa moved with a hint of tension.

Eventually, they reached a particular tent, were cleared by the soldier standing guard at the entrance, and stepped inside.

The tent’s interior had been converted into a makeshift strategy room, where a lone mage sat at a desk in the back, handling some paperwork.

Elsa approached the mage with brisk, disciplined steps, while Re=L followed sleepily behind, trudging along.

“Reporting!”

Elsa straightened her posture and gave a crisp salute to the mage.

“Elsa Virif, Vice-Knight of the Imperial Court Mage Corps’ Special Missions Annex, Executive Officer Number 10,《The Wheel of Fortune》. As ordered, I have just arrived at the site! Though I am but a novice newly enlisted, I will carry on my late father’s legacy and strive with all my might! I look forward to serving under you!”

“…Uh, um… Re=L. I’m here.”

In stark contrast to Elsa’s earnest formality, Re=L greeted the mage with astonishing nonchalance.

“Hehe, no need to be so stiff.”

At that, the mage paused her paperwork and stood.

She appeared to be in her early twenties. A striking woman with long, fiery hair that blazed like flames.

Her features were exquisitely beautiful and refined, yet they lacked the cold, unapproachable hardness or intimidation often found in women of such beauty. Her gentle, violet-flame eyes and calm, warm smile exuded approachability.

Yet every one of her movements was precise, without a hint of waste or vulnerability, naturally commanding those around her to stand taller. This was the enigmatic charm of the woman who now gazed at Elsa and Re=L.

She was Lydia Ignite, the commander of this special dispatch division, the new head of the Imperial Court Mage Corps’ Special Missions Annex, and Executive Officer Number 1,《The Magician》—a centurion leading a thousand knights.

“As a newcomer myself, I’m in the same boat as you. I look forward to working with you.”

“No, no, please!”

Elsa shook her head vigorously, flustered.

“I’ve heard all about you! The Ignite family, the cornerstone of the Alzano Empire’s magical and martial traditions! A genius among geniuses in their two-thousand-year history! Though you once lost your magical abilities due to an accident, I’ve heard you recently made a miraculous recovery and returned to duty!”

“Oh my… I’m not nearly as grand as the rumors make me out to be…”

Elsa, slightly excited, pressed on despite Lydia’s bashful modesty.

“That’s not true!”

“Everyone in the military speaks of you in unison! Your combat prowess, magical abilities, leadership, strategic planning, and political acumen—all terrifyingly perfect… They say you were born to lead an army!”

“…”

“At first, the military brass questioned your unprecedented promotion, calling it nepotism or an abuse of privilege. But once they witnessed your abilities firsthand, they were silenced, unable to utter a single objection! To work under such an incredible person as a soldier I admire… It’s the greatest honor!”

“Well… it seems the rumors have grown tails of their own. But for the sake of those who believe in me and to uphold the proud name of Ignite, I’ll do my best.”

Then, Lydia turned to Re=L with a smile.

“I look forward to working with you too, Re=L, Executive Officer Number 7,《The Chariot》. As your superior, I’ll give my all, so please lend me your strength.”

At that moment, Re=L’s usually sleepy, expressionless face clouded ever so slightly—an almost imperceptible shift that only those familiar with her would notice.

“…No. My superior? It’s… not Lydia… It’s Eve.”

“…Wha—!? R-Re=L…!?”

Elsa, standing beside her, panicked, but Re=L merely stared at Lydia, as if she had something more to say.

Yet Lydia, unfazed by Re=L’s words, responded calmly.

“Eve? Oh, that person again… Who could she be?”

“…”

Re=L’s eyes sharpened faintly as Lydia gave a soft chuckle.

“Everyone says she’s my sister, but isn’t that strange? There’s no one named Eve in the Ignite family… Oh, but I did have a sister named Aries long ago…”

“!?”

Even Elsa, who had only heard secondhand about the complicated sisterly relationship between the former head, Eve, and the current head, Lydia, felt a sense of unease at the oddity of this statement.

If this was merely a jab at Eve, who had been disowned by the family head, it would be simple—a matter of Lydia harboring the old aristocratic values and pettiness.

But—there was no such vibe from Lydia.

She genuinely seemed not to know Eve.

“…”

Re=L continued to stare at Lydia.

Her gaze held a faint hostility as she fixed her eyes on her.

“…I understand that you don’t trust me, Re=L.”

Yet Lydia, undeterred even by Re=L’s piercing stare, responded earnestly.

“We’re practically strangers to each other, after all. But I’ll do my utmost to earn your trust. Will that suffice for now?”

Still, Re=L seemed unconvinced, but Elsa quickly stepped in.

“Y-Yes! We’ll do our best to earn your trust as well, Commander Lydia!”

Elsa hurriedly tried to smooth things over.

“Yes, let’s both do that. …Now, I know you must be tired from the long journey, but let’s get to the mission at hand.”

Smiling with satisfaction at Elsa’s words, Lydia proceeded.

She assigned a mission to Re=L and Elsa.

“This is a task we need you to undertake in our stead, as we cannot act openly at the moment. It also serves as practical training for Elsa, who has just completed the military’s training program. The mission is—”

…………

“Honestly… Re=L, why did you say that to Commander Lydia?”

Elsa and Re=L were walking through the bustling streets of Milano.

The capital, abuzz with the grand event of the Magic Tournament, was as lively as ever today.

“I know you haven’t known her long, but she seems so kind.”

“…I don’t really get it. Just…”

Re=L’s expressionless face twisted ever so slightly with a hint of seriousness.

“…That person… gave me a really bad feeling.”

“A bad… feeling?”

“Yeah. She felt… really creepy. Something’s off. It’s not just her… How do I put it? Her… reason for being here…? No, that’s not it… Um…”

“I-I see… I think you’re overthinking it…”

Unable to grasp what Re=L was feeling, Elsa could only respond vaguely.

To break the awkward tension between them, Elsa forcibly changed the subject.

“By the way, Re=L… Do you remember?”

“?”

“I told you, didn’t I? That I’d become strong. That one day, I’d fight side by side with you.”

With those words, Elsa stepped forward lightly, her footsteps barely making a sound, and turned to face Re=L.

Then, clad in the ceremonial garb of a mage, she puffed out her chest toward Re=L with evident pride.

“I… I made it. I’ve come this far, Re=L.”

Elsa beamed with genuine joy at Re=L, who blinked in surprise.

“I’d given up, you know. I always thought I could never become a soldier wielding a sword to protect others, like my father did… But thanks to you, I’ve made it this far.”

“…Elsa.”

“And to think, I’ve been entrusted with the number my father once bore—《The Wheel of Fortune》—and I get to fight alongside you. It’s like a dream. Everything, everything is because of you, Re=L… Thank you, truly.”

“That’s not true.”

Re=L muttered a soft denial.

“You became a soldier because you worked hard, Elsa. I had nothing to do with it.”

“No, you did have something to do with it…”

Elsa stepped closer to the stiffly standing Re=L and gently took her hand.

Elsa gazed intently at Re=L, their faces so close they could feel each other’s breath.

Re=L’s sleepy eyes reflected Elsa’s face.

“…Elsa?”

“Re=L… I… to you…”

Just as Elsa seemed about to say something with a pained expression, it happened.

“Uh… look, I hate to interrupt, but don’t you think this lovey-dovey rom-com nonsense in the middle of the street is a bit… unproductive?”

A young man had appeared beside them unnoticed, scratching his head awkwardly.

It was likely a conditioned reflex honed through Elsa’s rigorous training.

“H-Hyaaaaaaa!?”

In an instant, Elsa’s face flushed crimson as she unleashed a lightning-fast iaijutsu slash.

The blade flashed with divine speed.

“W-Waaaaaaa!?”

The young man, narrowly dodging the white blade aimed at his neck, caught it between his left fingers at the last second.

By a hair’s breadth, Elsa’s sword stopped just short of grazing the thin skin of his neck.

“W-Wait, what the hell was that!?”

The young man—Glenn—yelled with teary eyes.

“What!? What’s your deal!? Trying to kill me with a sudden slash!?”

“A-Ahh!? Glenn-sensei!? I-I’m so sorry! I sensed a presence out of nowhere and thought it was an enemy!”

“You’re too well-trained! And the reason you didn’t notice me coming was because you two were lost in your own weird little world, wasn’t it!?”

Clutching his pounding heart, Glenn leaped back to put distance between himself and the dangerous situation.

“Geez, I was waiting at the designated rendezvous point for the additional escorts for the Alzano Empire’s representative team, and I nearly got killed by one of those escorts… That’s gotta be a first.”

“I-I’m sorry! So sorry, so sorry!”

With no room for excuses, Elsa could only bow repeatedly in apology.

Well, with Elsa’s skill, she likely would’ve stopped the blade at the last moment anyway… but it was still a heart-stopping ordeal.

“Anyway, I’m counting on you from here on out, alright? Elsa, Special Missions Annex Executive Officer Number 10,《The Wheel of Fortune》, and Re=L, Executive Officer Number 7,《The Chariot》… We owe Queen Alicia VII our thanks. To think she’d assign two executive officers to our protection.”

“Yes, sir! Please leave it to us!”

“Mm.”

Glenn let out a sigh, and Elsa and Re=L responded in their own ways.

“…That aside.”

Calming down, Glenn glanced at Elsa in her mage’s ceremonial garb.

“Your swordsmanship was already on par with Re=L’s during that St. Lily Academy exchange incident. With the Special Missions Annex’s current shortage of personnel, it wasn’t unthinkable they’d recruit you as an executive officer. But… are you sure about this, Elsa? This world isn’t kind.”

Glenn spoke to Elsa as if warning her.

“What you’re about to face is the darkness of magic. The filthy sins of humanity itself. Are you truly okay with that? If you’re underestimating what’s coming, I’m telling you now, it’s not too late to back out.”

But to Glenn’s words.

“I’ll be fine.”

Elsa replied firmly, without a trace of hesitation.

“I’m sure you’re right, Sensei. What I’m about to encounter is likely a hell beyond imagination. I’ve caught glimpses of it during my training and real combat. And that was merely the beginning… Yes, I understand. But… that’s exactly why I must take up the sword. That’s what gives my sword meaning.”

“!”

“My father—former Executive Officer Number 10,《The Wheel of Fortune》, Sakyou Suigetsu Virif—taught me: ‘Wield your sword to protect.’ ‘Wield your sword to save.’”

“That sword is my everything. The teachings embodied in the name Suigetsu drive me to take up the sword and stir my soul. What meaning is there in a life of peace and comfort? My proof of existence lies in the harsh path I carve with my sword. That is my fate.”

“……”

“Please don’t worry, Sensei. I won’t regret this choice. Whether it’s a long journey… or a very short one, I don’t know. But I will walk this path with my sword until the very end.”

It was a mindset unique to Elsa, likely rooted in the Eastern philosophy of Bushidō—a way of finding meaning in death and refining oneself through it.

(Well, damn… the Special Missions Annex picked up a real gem.)

Faced with Elsa’s enlightened gaze, Glenn was certain of it.

Elsa’s resolve wasn’t like his own vague dream of “becoming a mage of justice”—something that would rot miserably if the desired outcome wasn’t achieved.

What Elsa sought wasn’t results but the journey itself.

“…Alright. Seems like you’ll be just fine.”

Glenn looked at Elsa as if gazing at something dazzling and out of reach, then gave a wry smile and turned on his heel.

“If only a certain dreamy brat had even a fraction of your strength…”

“Sensei?”

“Come on, let’s go. You’re our escorts, right? Everyone’s waiting—”

At that moment.

Thud! A sudden weight and impact hit Glenn’s back.

“…Huh? W-What’s wrong, Re=L…?”

“……”

To his surprise, Re=L had clung to Glenn’s back, piggyback-style.

Ignoring Elsa, whose face twitched for some reason.

“Glenn. What’s wrong? You seemed a little down just now.”

Re=L murmured, pressing herself tightly against Glenn’s back.

“It’s okay. Don’t worry. I’ll protect you. I’m your sword.”

“H-Hey… I get it, I get it, just get off!”

Feeling the icy, piercing aura radiating from Elsa like a blizzard, Glenn broke into a cold sweat and tried to shake Re=L off.

But Re=L clung to him like she was glued on.

“H-Hey, I said get off!”

“No.”

“Why not!?”

“It’s been a while since I saw you.”

“Huh!?”

“And… lately, you’ve been so focused on everyone else, you haven’t paid attention to me.”

“W-Well… I’m the head coach, so that’s just how it is…”

“I don’t really get it, but I feel like doing this, so I’m gonna stay like this for a while.”

“H-Hey!? Stop messing around, you idiot!”

Glenn tried to reach back and peel Re=L off, but no matter what he did, he couldn’t dislodge her.

“……”

As always, Glenn had no idea what Re=L was thinking.

She just clung to his back with her usual sleepy, expressionless face.

“Geez, what a hopeless girl.”

Resigned, Glenn turned to Elsa with a strained smile, as if trying to appease her.

“She’s such a spoiled little sister figure, never growing out of it… She’s a handful, but, Elsa, I’m counting on you to look after her! Oh, wait, Re=L’s technically your superior, isn’t she? That’s gonna be tricky, haha…”

Then.

With a radiant smile like a spring breeze, Elsa whispered.

“Don’t get too full of yourself, okay?”

“Fwah!?”

A chilling sensation, like having ice water dumped down his back, made Glenn shudder.

The only sensible person in the St. Lily group saying something like that was so unexpected it made his head spin.

“Hehe, Sensei, Re=L, shall we go? Don’t worry. Now that we’re here, we’ll protect the team with our lives. The entire team.”

“Uh… does that include me?”

Elsa didn’t answer, just smiled brightly and started walking ahead.

“…? Was Elsa a little mad? …Why?”

“Because of you.”

Glenn could only let out a deep sigh.

(Man, ever since this magic festival started, it’s been nothing but trouble and stress… Someone, please, save me…)

He just wanted to wrap this up and get back to his ordinary, mundane life.

(Well, one way or another, it’s almost over… Back to normal life… Just a little longer.)

With that thought, Glenn started walking absentmindedly, still carrying Re=L on his back.

With Re=L and Elsa in tow, Glenn returned to the Celica-Elliot Grand Arena.

“Wow, it’s been a while, Re=L! Since the empire’s representative selection, right?”

“You were back with the military for work, weren’t you? Doing okay?”

“Mm.”

They reunited with Sistine, Rumia, and the others.

With skilled escorts like Re=L and Elsa joining the Alzano Empire’s representative team, Glenn and Eve’s worries seemed to ease slightly.

After all, just last night, they’d secretly clashed with Luna, Chase, and other monstrous members of the St. Elizares Church’s Temple Knights, the Thirteenth Holy Execution Squad, also known as the Last Crusaders, who were plotting to eliminate the empire’s team.

Though they’d claimed to back off, it was hard to fully trust them. Having extra defensive firepower was a welcome relief.

The day was clear, with a bright blue sky stretching endlessly above.

It was perfect weather for the magic festival.

Having defeated the desert nation of Harasa yesterday, the Alzano Empire had advanced to the second round.

Their match wasn’t until the afternoon, so the empire’s team planned to watch the morning match between the Rezalia Kingdom and the industrial nation of Gartz, doubling as reconnaissance.

Glenn and the others claimed a section of the spectator seats reserved for team affiliates, looking down at the Rezalia and Gartz teams facing off on the central field.

“If we win against the Sun Nation in the next round… we’ll face either Rezalia or Gartz in the finals. Wonder which one it’ll be?”

Around Glenn were the empire’s players—Sistine, Colette, Francine, Ginny, Gibul, Jaill, Rize, Levin, Maria, Heinkel—along with support staff like Eve, Rumia, and Ellen, the newly joined escorts Re=L and Elsa, and, somehow sneaking in, the cheer squad of Kash, Wendy, Teresa, Cecil, and Lynn, all eagerly awaiting the match’s start.

“…Who do you think will advance, Rize-senpai?”

“Hmm. Based on the first round yesterday, it’s hard to say.”

“Right… Both nations were really strong, weren’t they… Ugh…”

Sistine’s question was met with serious expressions from Rize and Maria.

“Hah! Doesn’t matter who comes! We just gotta crush ’em!”

“Ohohoho! Exactly! No one can stand against us!”

“Sigh… These empty-headed ojou-samas are always so blissfully carefree. I’m jealous.”

As usual, the carefree Colette and Francine were countered by Ginny’s muttered sarcasm.

“…Which one do you want to win?”

“Hmm… I’d prefer Gartz to advance.”

To Levin’s question, Gibul adjusted his glasses with his middle finger and replied.

“…Their magic has weaknesses our magic can exploit.”

“Hmph. Whatever. Leave the scheming to you guys. I’m just charging forward.”

Jaill responded to Gibul’s comment with a dismissive tone.

While the students engaged in their critique session.

“…Who do you think’ll come out on top, Eve?”

Glenn quietly asked Eve, who sat beside him with her legs and arms crossed.

“Well, in my estimation, Reza—”

Just as Eve began to reply, flipping her hair haughtily.

“This match—Gartz will advance. No doubt about it!”

A bold, confident voice boomed from behind.

Glenn and Eve turned to see…

A massive man radiating overwhelming presence, sitting with his arms crossed in an imposing manner.

Even compared to Jaill, the most physically imposing member of the empire’s team, this man’s breadth and height were easily greater. His log-like limbs were forged like steel, and his exposed skin and face were covered in scars, exuding the aura of a battle-hardened warrior.

The white robe barely covering his muscular frame indicated he was, at least nominally, a mage.

“Uh… who’s that?”

“Haha. That’s Gilliam Wallace, a druid monk from the Green Nation of Talyssin, representing the Oak Tree Academy. Didn’t you see their match the day before yesterday?”

Answering Glenn’s twitching question was Adil, the main wizard of the desert nation Harasa’s team, seated nearby.

Beside him was his partner, Elseed.

The injuries from yesterday’s fierce battle with Sistine had fully healed, and Adil now seemed content to be just a spectator.

“Nah… I was out for a bit on some business…”

Glenn recalled his secret meeting with Alicia VII.

“So, this Gilliam guy’s from the Oak Tree Academy, huh? Is he, like, their coach or something?”

“Nope. He’s a student, just like us. And get this—he’s the youngest in the tournament at fourteen.”

Whether it was the “no sides after the match” spirit or just his natural personality, Adil chuckled and spoke to Glenn with easy familiarity. But Glenn wasn’t focused on that.

“F-Fourteen!? Fourteen!? That guy…?”

“…The world’s a big place, isn’t it…?”

Staring at the druid monk boy (?) Gilliam, whose overwhelming presence and gravitas left the seats around him empty, even Eve was sweating alongside Glenn.

Unfazed, Gilliam addressed Glenn with commanding authority.

“Alas, brave warriors of the Alzano Empire. Your valiant charge ends here. For standing in your path are the fierce warriors of Gartz’s Magic Engineering Academy!”

“Hey, seriously, how old are you? Fourteen’s a lie, right? Tell me it’s a lie!”

Gilliam ignored Glenn’s interjection.

“Those warriors defeated our elite Talyssin forces head-on—true champions among champions. Having bested us, nothing short of victory awaits them!”

“So, you’re just bitter about losing and want the team that beat you to win, huh?”

Gilliam ignored Adil’s jab.

“The terror of Gartz’s mages lies in their world-class mastery of magical engineering, crafting magical puppets and mechanical weapons! Forged of steel, they boast fearsome firepower and durability, crushing all who oppose them… Behold!”

Gilliam pointed sharply at the central field.

A massive fortress stood at the field’s center, surrounded by plains and forests.

The match’s rules were a siege battle, with teams divided into attackers and defenders. Victory could be achieved by defeating the enemy team’s main wizard, or, for the defenders, by holding the fortress until the end, while the attackers won by capturing it.

The Gartz team, positioned as the defenders, was summoning and setting up various magical mechanical weapons—cannons, traps, and more—around the fortress.

“Whoa… All of that are made by the students?”

“Yes, it’s an impressive display of magical engineering, even on second glance.”

“Heh, isn’t it?”

For some reason, Gilliam smirked proudly at Glenn and Eve’s admiration.

“Before those machines, our green magic, which commands nature itself, was utterly powerless.”

“Well… Talyssin’s a pacifist nation that lives in harmony with nature. Green magic isn’t really meant for combat…”

Adil patted Gilliam’s shoulder.

“Still, if there’d been one or two more of you, things might’ve gone differently.”

At that moment.

As Glenn and the others watched, a girl, presumably Gartz’s main wizard, began chanting a spell.

A massive blue armored suit, clearly not meant to be worn as armor, materialized before her.

“What the heck is that…?”

The front of the giant armor opened like a door, releasing steam.

The girl climbed into the armor as if donning it, and the front door closed.

The giant armor, now worn by the girl, sparked with steam and magical electricity, moving smoothly and lightly as if alive.

“…A Mana-Powered Exoskeletal Armor!?”

Glenn clapped his hands, a realization dawning.

“Yes, exactly.”

Eve nodded.

“It was once heavily funded in the Alzano Empire as next-generation mage equipment. But the difficulty of standardizing and supplying mechanical parts, unstable performance, and the high expertise needed for maintenance—plus the heavy reliance on scientific technology—made it unpopular with old-guard military and mages. It was shelved. Now, only a few enthusiasts continue researching it.”

“So, magic unique to an industrial nation, huh… The world really is vast.”

Glenn vaguely thought that Orwell Schuzer, the magic engineering professor at the academy, would’ve been thrilled to see this.

“IT’S HERE!”

A deafening shout erupted from behind—Gilliam, of course.

“Gartz’s main wizard, Frederica-tan’s Mana-Powered Exoskeletal Armor, ‘Blue Rex’! Nngh, so cool! How utterly cool!”

Gilliam-san, raising both hands in a frenzied dance of ecstasy.

The stark contrast between his usual rugged, battle-hardened warrior demeanor and this display left Glenn and the others with their mouths agape, unable to close.

“And what’s more! For such a tiny, adorable girl to fight wearing that stern, bulky armor! Guhahaha! It’s thrilling! That gap sets something deep within my soul ablaze! I, defeated by Frederica-tan, have not a single regret! Go for it, Frederica-taaaaaan!”

“Uh, well… if you think about her being fourteen, it’s age-appropriate, right…? Yeah.”

“Age-appropriate? No, that’s something else entirely…”

Glenn and Eve gave up trying to make sense of it.

With that, preparations for the match were soon complete.

As the audience watched with bated breath, the match between the industrial nation of Gartz and the Rezalia Kingdom began with solemn ceremony—

——

And the result was—

“A complete rout, huh.”

“…Yeah, utterly one-sided.”

Glenn’s grave words were met with Eve’s equally stern expression.

Even after the match had concluded, the chilling echo of their words reverberated through the eerily silent arena.

“Yeah… the Rezalia Kingdom’s overwhelming victory. It wasn’t even a contest…”

Glenn looked down at the central competition field once more.

There lay the pitifully shattered remnants of Gartz’s defensive fortress, the wreckage of their numerous magical weapons, and—the pride of Gartz, their Mana-Powered Exoskeletal Armors, now in ruins.

Gartz’s side suffered numerous severe injuries. Some might have lost their ability to ever wield magic again. That there were no fatalities was nothing short of a miracle.

Frederica, Gartz’s Main Wizard, was on her knees, sobbing in frustration beside her destroyed Mana-Powered Exoskeletal Armor.

Markov, the Rezalia Kingdom’s Main Wizard, looked down at Frederica with a gaze that seemed to regard her as mere trash, dripping with contempt.

“The holy spells wielded by the Farnelia United Theological Academy of the Rezalia Kingdom… what insane firepower,” Glenn muttered. “Especially their Main Wizard, Markov Dragunov… that guy’s a monster. Before his holy power, a lump of steel is nothing but scrap paper…”

Glenn let out a groan.

The battle between the Rezalia Kingdom and Gartz had been one-sided from start to finish.

The defensive power of the Mana-Powered Exoskeletal Armors, enhanced by magic, was the real deal. Ordinary spells wouldn’t leave so much as a scratch. Breaking through them would require intricate strategies and cunning.

But—the Rezalia Kingdom’s team, particularly their Main Wizard, Markov Dragunov, had overwhelmed them head-on with sheer, transcendent firepower.

The Holy Knights of the Church of St. Elizares and the Inquisition sometimes faced inhuman monstrosities—demons, undead, and the like. To stand against such foes required absolute firepower… pure, unadulterated strength. This match had proven that in spades.

“Uwooooh! F-Frederica-taaaaaan!?”

Ignoring Gilliam-san’s wails of despair in the distance for now…

“Their match against the Seria Alliance the day before yesterday was practically a game to them,” Eve said, grimacing as if nursing a headache. “No amount of clever tactics can withstand that kind of power. Ugh… I need to rethink our strategy.”

Eve rubbed her temples, clearly troubled.

“…”

The members of the Alzano Empire’s team were all uniformly speechless.

Even key players like Rize and Levin, the team’s heavy hitters, couldn’t suppress the cold sweat beading on their foreheads or the unease stirred by the glimpse of Markov’s power in that match.

(This is bad… we’ve got a match against the Sun Nation this afternoon…)

They had to get through that before even thinking about facing the Rezalia Kingdom.

Glenn was just about to say something encouraging when—

“You the coach of the Alzano Empire team?”

A flippant voice suddenly called out from behind Glenn.

Turning around, Glenn saw a boy in a red robe standing there. With brown hair and an air of carefree arrogance, he exuded the vibe of a spoiled rich kid who toyed with the world.

But that flippant demeanor was only skin-deep. His eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence and depth. This was no ordinary person, despite appearances.

“…And you are?”

“Oh, first time meeting ya. I’m Alfred Selitary, Main Wizard of the Seria Alliance’s Great Magic Guild. Nice to know ya, Sensei.”

“Selitary…? Oh, that Selitary family. Their name’s famous even in the Empire—”

“The family name’s got nothing to do with it,” Alfred cut in. “Right now, I’m just a pathetic loser who got trashed by Rezalia on the first day! Ugh, just thinking about going home makes my stomach sink.”

He laughed sardonically, a wry grin on his face.

His mannerisms were flippant to the core, but somehow, Glenn found him likable.

“So? What’s up? Got something for me?”

“Nah, just wanted to say—you saw it, right? Rezalia’s Farnelia United Theological Academy crew. If you end up facing them, forfeiting might be a solid option.”

Forfeit.

Given the recent trouble surrounding that very topic, Glenn instinctively tensed, but it was clear Alfred’s words came from genuine concern for their well-being.

“Your Sistine-chan… from what I saw, she’s a once-in-a-decade prodigy. Honestly, I don’t think I could ever beat her in my lifetime…”

“…”

“But those Farnelia United Theological Academy folks—especially Markov—they see the Alzano Empire as heretics and enemies. They’ll come gunning for Sistine-chan, no question. If the Kingdom’s team crushes the Empire’s, it’ll be the ultimate power play for them.”

“…I see. So you’re saying retreating quietly is a valid choice?”

“Exactly. No need to play fair with a nutcase like that, seriously. Sistine-chan’s got a bright future ahead of her.”

At that, Eve suddenly interjected.

“Speaking of, Alfred, was it? You… to avoid having your teammates crushed by Markov, you quickly assessed the gap in strength and orchestrated a calculated loss, didn’t you? All while secretly casting protective runes on your allies.”

Indeed, the Seria Alliance had suffered the disgrace of being completely wiped out, but most of their injuries were minor. None were career-ending.

“Compared to Gartz, the Seria Alliance had strikingly few severe injuries despite the same defeat. That’s undoubtedly thanks to your subtle, brilliant plays. I’ll give you credit for that.”

“Huh? Whoa! Wait, you noticed!?”

Alfred dramatically slapped the back of his head, laughing heartily.

“This stunningly gorgeous lady’s got sharp eyes, huh!? I thought I pulled it off without anyone noticing! Well, that’s the gist of it! If you go all out like Gartz did today, you’ll get wrecked, so just… be careful, yeah? Sorry for sticking my nose in…”

With that, Alfred turned and walked away.

Wondering how to address his rattled teammates, Glenn casually glanced at Sistine.

“…!”

Sistine’s body was trembling faintly.

For a split second, Glenn thought she was scared, but he was wrong.

Sistine was clenching her fists tightly, her passionate gaze fixed on Markov below.

She looked as if she couldn’t contain herself in the presence of such a formidable figure.

Glenn blinked in surprise at Sistine’s demeanor.

“…What, not gonna rally the troops, Coach?”

Eve’s sardonic remark prompted a response.

“Nah, I’ll hold off for now.”

Glenn, who had half-risen, sat back down.

Soon, Sistine stood up smoothly and turned to face the Empire’s team.

“Looks like our opponent for the finals is set.”

Her calm, natural poise drew everyone’s attention.

“The Rezalia Kingdom’s team… from what I can tell, they’re not beyond our reach. Sure, Markov Dragunov is an exceptional threat we need to watch out for… but I’ll make sure to keep him in check.”

Sistine clenched her fist firmly.

Her face showed neither bravado nor anxiety—just the quiet, youthful passion of someone eager to test herself against the towering walls of the world.

“If we can neutralize Markov, our overall strength is absolutely superior! We’ve got this! Let’s show Rezalia what makes a magician a magician!”

Sistine’s confident words gradually quelled the team’s unease.

Her radiant presence and reassuring words reignited their spirits.

“Yeah, damn right!”

“Indeed! If we combine our strengths, those one-trick firepower freaks have nothing on us!”

The Empire team’s wilting morale roared back to life.

By now, they were brimming with enthusiasm for the next match, with no trace of worry left.

“How’s that?”

Glenn shot Eve a smug grin while glancing at Sistine.

“…She’s grown, hasn’t she?”

Eve, unusually impressed, nodded back.

“Yeah, she’s really something else. Not long ago, the moment she faced any danger, she’d be bawling her eyes out, clutching her head, and cowering in a corner…”

Glenn gazed at Sistine with eyes full of admiration, as if beholding something dazzling.

“Really… what kind of magician will she become? What kind of sights will she show me?”

“Yes, absolutely. She’s the real deal, no question. But…”

At that moment, Eve’s expression shifted to something complex.

“…But what?”

“Well, I was just thinking… hasn’t she grown a bit too much?”

“…?”

Glenn frowned at Eve’s cryptic words.

“She had immense talent to begin with, no doubt… but her family, her mentors, the battlefield—she’s been blessed with an extraordinary environment. It’s caused her talent to bloom all at once, in a way that would normally take years to develop gradually…”

“And that’s a bad thing?”

“Not necessarily. If there’s no issue, then it’s fine. …As long as there’s no issue.”

With that vague remark, Eve fell silent.

No amount of prodding would likely get her to say more.

“…What’s she getting at, that Eve…?”

Feeling a mix of unease and dissatisfaction, Glenn stole a sidelong glance at Sistine, who was laughing brightly at the center of the team.

The morning matches concluded, and it was time for a break.

The Alzano Empire’s team spent the interval at a special dining hall set up within a corner of the Celica-Elliot Grand Arena, eating and relaxing.

This dining hall was exclusively for Magic Festival participants, managed by the festival’s organizing committee under strict safety and quality control, overseen by an independent third-party auditor. It was a place where athletes could eat with peace of mind.

Magical defensive barriers ensured that poisoning or foul play was impossible.

Best of all, it was an all-you-can-eat buffet, free for all participants.

And so—

“Wooooh! Is this heaven or whaaaaat!?”

“Stop embarrassing us in front of the entire world!”

Glenn, tears streaming down his face as he clutched multiple plates piled high with food, was met with Sistine’s usual scolding.

“Come on, White Cat, don’t you get it!? It’s all-you-can-eat cuisine from around the world! And it’s free! Everything here is mine!”

“Ugh, this is exactly why you’re—!”

“Here, Sensei! I brought the entire platter of turkey! Praise your loyal, adorable Maria!”

“Nice work, Maria!”

“Hey! Don’t encourage this nonsense!”

“Hey, Sistie, look! I want you to do your best in the afternoon match, so I got you tons of food to boost your energy!”

“Ellen, what’s with this cake tower!? It’s as tall as I am!”

“Sweet stuff gives you energy, right? It’ll help you move better! …Here, say ‘ahh’!”

“It’ll make me less mobile! Are you trying to kill me!?”

No matter where they were, they were always a noisy bunch.

Eventually, the chaotic meal scene settled down.

Ellen, the manager, went off with Eve to handle administrative tasks. Elsa, the bodyguard, accompanied Maria, who was heading to pray at the cathedral, and the lively St. Lily group, who had sprung into action after eating.

“It’s been a while since just the four of us sat down together like this, hasn’t it?”

“Hehe, yeah, Sistie.”

“Mm.”

Sistine, Rumia, Re=L, and Glenn were spending a relaxed moment at a corner table in the dining hall.

“Well, we’ve all been busy with our own stuff…”

“Ever since this Magic Festival business started, it’s been one thing after another. It feels like I’m living in a dream every day. When you think about it, we’ve come a long way, haven’t we…?”

Glenn’s weary words were met with Sistine’s reflective sigh.

“Sorry, Rumia, Re=L… ever since the team selection, I haven’t had much time to really talk with you two…”

“No, it’s fine. You’ve been working so hard toward your dream, Sistie. All we can do is support you so you can keep pushing forward.”

“Mm. No problem here. Sistine should focus on her own goals.”

“You two… thank you…”

Sistine could only feel deep gratitude for her kind, understanding friends.

“And… Sensei too.”

“Hm?”

“The Last Crusaders, right? You fought again… for us… and Rumia, too…”

While it wasn’t ideal to unsettle the athletes, keeping everyone in the dark could cause issues later.

So, after last night’s battle, Glenn had shared the behind-the-scenes details with a select few, like Sistine and Rize, trusting that Sistine could handle it now.

“Don’t worry about it. I just couldn’t stand those cowardly, self-righteous fanatics, so I gave ’em a good thrashing. Hah, serves ’em right.”

Glenn played the villain as always, his usual bravado on full display.

That familiar attitude, amidst the whirlwind of this extraordinary festival, reminded Sistine of their old, everyday life, filling her with warmth.

“It’s fine. I’ll protect Sistine and everyone. Those… uh, Thirteenth weird people? I’ll drive them off.”

“I want to help everyone too. I haven’t found my exact path yet, but… for now, I just want to do something for others. That includes you, Sistie, of course. So you don’t need to feel guilty at all. It’s what I want to do.”

The selfless words of those who supported her, who believed in her, warmed Sistine’s heart beyond measure.

“Sensei, Rumia, Re=L… I’m going to do this!”

Caught up in her rising emotions, Sistine stood and declared to Glenn and the others.

“I don’t know how far I’ll get, but I’ll give it everything I’ve got! I’ll make this tournament something I won’t regret! Watch me, everyone! Watch my fight!”

“Yeah, do it your way. I’ll be watching—as your teacher.”

“I’m rooting for you, Sistie.”

“Mm. Do your best.”

Each of them sent Sistine their own words of encouragement… when suddenly—

“Man, what resolve, what confidence! As expected of the Empire’s famed Main Wizard, Sistine-han!”

The sudden voice made Sistine and the others turn toward its source.

Standing there was a boy dressed in an Eastern-style kariginu robe.

His narrow, slit-like eyes and suspiciously ingratiating smile gave him an air of dubiousness as he approached Sistine.

“Uh… who are you?”

“I’m Shigure Susukina, part of the Sun Nation’s Imperial Onmyou Bureau team, set to face you folks this afternoon! Nice to meet ya!”

As Shigure, as he called himself, reached out for a handshake—

Clang! A massive blade sliced through the air in front of him.

Re=L had silently conjured a greatsword with high-speed alchemy, thrusting it toward Shigure to block his advance.

“H-Hyaaa!?”

Caught off guard, Shigure stumbled backward, landing on his rear.

“Oh, my bad. I know magical foul play’s impossible in this room, but the world’s a big place. You never know what curses or tricks might be out there. …Just being cautious.”

Glenn offered an explanation on Re=L’s behalf.

Though he lounged with his hands behind his head, feigning nonchalance, it was clear he was wary of Shigure’s sudden approach to Sistine right before the match.

“T-that’s rude… I ain’t capable of anything that fancy!”

Shigure frantically shook his head in protest.

“You know, right? I’m total trash! The dead weight of the Imperial Onmyou Bureau! I only made the team as Sakuya-han’s attendant and personal doc. In the first round, I just dragged everyone down—felt so bad about it!”

His demeanor screamed suspicious. Surely, a nation wouldn’t send someone with no skills or merits to represent them in a prestigious event like the Magic Festival.

Yet, through Glenn’s spiritual vision, Shigure’s mana capacity was indeed the lowest among all the athletes—undisputedly the worst in the entire competition.

His movements were full of openings, making him seem like an ordinary person who’d somehow stumbled into the role of a representative by mistake.

(Well, whatever. If this guy’s up to something…)

Glenn discreetly gripped the《The Fool’s Arcane Tarot》in his pocket, activating his Original Magic [Fool’s World]. If Shigure tried any cursed tricks on Sistine, they’d be nullified.

Oblivious to Glenn’s precautions, Shigure kept chattering away at Sistine.

“Man, did I watch your match, Sistine-han! Beating that《Desert Flame Wolf》Adil-han? I’m in awe! The way you freely wielded the wind, that ever-changing fighting style! And to top it off, you’re such a beauty! I’m totally your fan now, haha!”

“Uh, haha…”

Unsure how to respond, Sistine could only offer a vague reply.

Glenn, unable to read Shigure’s intentions, could only watch the exchange unfold.

“There really are special people out there, huh! Like, chosen by the heavens or something? Right, Sistine-han!”

“Uh, well…?”

“Our Sakuya-han’s pretty great too, but… in my estimation, she probably can’t match you, Sistine-han…”

Suddenly, Shigure’s tone shifted from his usual flippancy to something somber.

“Ahh… if only she weren’t sick… then maybe it’d be a different story…”

“…Sick?”

Sistine couldn’t help but latch onto the ominous word, questioning him.

“Ah! No, no, forget I said that! Sorry! Pretend you didn’t hear!”

“Wait… that’s kind of concerning. Is Sakuya-san ill with something?”

Come to think of it, Shigure had mentioned being Sakuya’s personal doctor.

The likelihood that Sakuya was suffering from some serious illness was high.

“If something happens during the match, it’ll be too late, won’t it? Please tell me, Shigure-san. Is she… is Sakuya-san suffering from some kind of illness? Is she going to be okay?”

“……”

Shigure fell silent for a moment, as if lost in thought, before responding.

“No helpin’ it, I suppose… Truth is, Sakuya-han’s got a bad heart.”

“—!? What!?”

“Well, it ain’t just any illness, mind ya—it’s a magical affliction. Ever heard o’ the《Heaven’s Blessed Curse》? Basically, in exchange for bein’ born with an abundance o’ powerful magic and control, bestowed by the gods themselves, she’s gotta bear a heavy burden. Sakuya-han’s heart pumps out strong magic, but the more she uses her spells, the more strain it puts on her heart, chippin’ away at her lifespan. She probably don’t have much time left…”

“W-Wait, is that for real!? That’s a serious condition, isn’t it!?”

With a clatter, Sistine kicked her chair back and shot to her feet.

“Magic puts strain on her heart!? Then she shouldn’t be participating in a reckless tournament like this! She needs to see a magical physician right away and get spiritual surgery—”

“It’s no use. I told ya, it’s congenital, didn’t I? Ain’t nobody who can cure it. And… Sakuya-han’s got a family she’s gotta provide for.”

“—!? What!?”

“She’s the main wizard for the Imperial Onmyou Bureau, sure, but her family’s dirt poor, ya see… To keep her parents and siblings from goin’ hungry, Sakuya-han’s literally shavin’ off her own life to work as a mage.”

“N-No way…”

“If she wins this Magic Festival, her family will be guaranteed noble status. They’ll be set for decades. And Sakuya-han might finally be able to focus on restin’ and recoverin’ from her illness…”

Shigure let out a heavy sigh, his thoughts on Sakuya.

Sistine found herself unable to muster a response to Shigure’s words.

At that moment, the air grew thick with a somber atmosphere.

Whack!

“Ow!?”

Someone struck the back of Shigure’s head—where he’d been brooding so seriously—with a fan.

“Y-You’re Sakuya-san!?”

“It’s been since the opening ceremony the day before yesterday, hasn’t it, Sistine-san?”

Emerging gracefully from behind Shigure was none other than Sakuya Konoha, the main wizard of the Imperial Onmyou Bureau from the Land of the Rising Sun.

“That aside… Shigure.”

“Eek!?”

Shigure shrank back, trembling in fear, as Sakuya fixed him with an utterly terrifying smile.

“Why do you always spout such lies?”

“…Huh? Lies?”

Sistine blinked, turning to Shigure in confusion.

Shigure fell silent for a moment, wordless…

“Haha, hahahaha! Well, guess I got caught, no helpin’ it now!”

Suddenly, he burst into loud, amused laughter.

“Sorry ’bout that, Sistine-han. It was all a lie—Sakuya-han’s illness, her family situation, the whole thing!”

“What!?”

“Heh, thought I’d rattle ya a bit mentally before the match, maybe catch ya off guard—ow!?”

As Shigure clowned around, his body suddenly jolted with a twitch, and he collapsed to the floor.

“Honestly! Why are you always, always so deplorable!?”

Sakuya was holding a strange straw doll in her left hand, driving nails into it with her right.

“To think you’d try to sully even this sacred festival! I won’t forgive you today, not one bit! Take this, and this, and this!”

Stab, stab, stab! Sakuya relentlessly drove nails into the straw doll’s entire body.

“Agh!? Oof!? Nooo! Be gentler, I beg ya—!”

Each time a nail pierced the doll, Shigure writhed in agony, as if he were the doll’s proxy.

“…What’s going on here?”

“Probably some kinda Eastern curse magic… I reckon it’s in the same vein as our sympathetic magic. Bet it’s somethin’ she uses regularly for ‘punishment.’”

The scene alone was enough to give a clear picture of Sakuya and Shigure’s usual dynamic and relationship.

Sistine and Glenn watched the spectacle with weary, half-lidded eyes.

Eventually, after finishing her round of punishment, Sakuya turned to Sistine.

“Truly, I’m so sorry for the trouble our idiot has caused. I don’t even know how to begin apologizing… Sigh…”

“Oh, no, it’s fine… Um, so the illness being a lie—that’s true, right?”

“Yes, absolutely. I’ve never heard of such a disease, and my family is reasonably well-off. This guy’s always like this, spinning tales to throw people off. He’s a magician of words, really.”

Thud! Still smiling, Sakuya stomped on Shigure, who lay unconscious at her feet.

“Phew, that’s a relief… I was really worried for a moment there…”

Sistine let out a breath, visibly relieved.

But then, Sakuya’s eyes narrowed for a fleeting moment as she fell silent before speaking solemnly.

“Sistine-san. When a mage steps onto the battlefield, staking their pride, the opponent’s circumstances are irrelevant.”

“Huh?”

“You and I… we’re both fighting for something we can’t compromise on, aren’t we?”

“…Y-Yeah… that’s true, but…”

“Then let’s at least fight with clear minds, giving it our all, fair and square. So neither of us has any regrets.”

To Sakuya’s words, filled with earnest hope, Sistine responded brightly.

“Of course! I get it, I really do! Let’s make it a great match!”

And at that moment, Rumia, who had been watching the exchange, noticed something—Glenn was wearing a slightly grim expression.

“…Sensei? What’s wrong?”

“Nah, it’s nothin’… Don’t worry about it.”

Glenn brushed it off vaguely, but in that moment, he felt a distinct twinge of unease.

—She’s… grown a bit too much, hasn’t she?

He was beginning to grasp the meaning behind the words Eve had let slip back then.

(White Cat… you…)

But for now, there was nothing he could do.

Even if he spoke up, Sistine likely wouldn’t understand, and it wasn’t something words could fix. Besides, it wasn’t even a flaw—it was, in a way, one of her virtues.

All Glenn could do was silently watch Sistine as she continued chatting with Sakuya before the match—

“Shigure. Why did you say those things to Sistine-san earlier?”

After parting ways with Sistine and the others.

In the empty players’ waiting room, Sakuya confronted Shigure.

“Hm? What things are we talkin’ about?”

“Don’t play dumb. The lies about my illness and my family.”

“Oh, those? But ain’t they the truth?”

“—!?”

Sakuya glared at her long-time retainer, who spoke so casually, as if she might bite him.

“Don’t give me that look… I made sure to cover for ya, sayin’ it was all a lie! It’s a wash, a wash! After that punishment, let it slide, yeah?”

“B-But… using such a cowardly tactic, preying on her sympathy to find an opening—!”

“If she’s rattled by somethin’ like that, then she’s just that kinda mage. Ain’t that right?”

“!”

In an instant, the carefree, flippant expression Shigure had worn vanished.

He slightly opened his narrow eyes, exuding an icy, unyielding aura.

His poised, impregnable demeanor was unmistakably that of a mage.

“I… don’t like Sistine-han.”

“Sh-Shigure… what are you…!?”

“I did my homework on her beforehand, and just watchin’ her from the sidelines makes it obvious. Family status, talent, wealth, environment—she was born with it all. She’s coastin’ on that, bein’ a mage without any real resolve, standin’ here in this arena. That’s what I can’t stand.”

“That’s not true. She’s put in tremendous effort and has the resolve to fight with her life on the line…”

“No, no, that’s not what I mean. I’m talkin’ about the resolve of a mage. You get what I’m sayin’, don’t ya, Sakuya-han?”

“……”

Sakuya fell silent, unable to counter Shigure’s words.

“A softie like her has no right to beat someone like you, Sakuya-han—who clawed her way up from nothin’, spittin’ blood to earn her place, with the resolve to be a true mage! I—!”

“Put your personal feelings aside, Shigure Susukina.”

Shigure fell silent at Sakuya’s deliberately calm tone.

“The opponent’s circumstances don’t matter. We win for our own reasons… That’s all there is to it, isn’t it?”

“…Yeah, you’re right.”

Sakuya took Shigure’s hand, who seemed deflated, and smiled reassuringly.

“I’ll definitely win. So, Shigure, please don’t worry. Just keep watching over me, like you’ve always done since way back when… Okay?”

“……”

Faced with Sakuya’s radiant, ever-cheerful smile, Shigure was lost in thought.

(If she wins, that’s all that matters. If she wins. But judgin’ from the matches, Sistine-han’s a tough opponent… Probably a fifty-fifty shot… No, if I’m bein’ harsh, maybe forty-sixty? Damn… If only that illness wasn’t holdin’ her back…)

Shigure’s fist clenched tightly, grit.

(Sakuya-han… she can’t afford to lose… For her family… and above all, for her own sake…!)

And then, unnoticed by Sakuya, Shigure sneered coldly within his heart.

(But… I’ve already planted my spell on Sistine-han. If it comes down to it, I’ll make sure Sakuya-han wins… Even if it means she casts me aside, I don’t care… I’m a mage… One of those ultimate egoists who’ll pay any price to achieve their desires… Just watch… I’ll stage a grand upset that’ll shake the world!)

And so,

Swallowed into the swirling chaos of countless emotions,

The Magic Festival, where people from all over the world gather to fight with their own convictions, drew ever closer to the match between the representatives of the Alzano Empire and the Land of the Rising Sun—