Chapter 3: The Gathering of Fierce Warriors

The North Selford Continent is home to a variety of nations.

Among them, the southeastern part of the continent is crowded with city-states, each with its own autonomous culture and political structure, forming a confederation known as the “Seria Alliance.”

Within this free city-state confederation, the “Seria Alliance,” there is one city that stands out with particularly significant influence.

That city is Free City Milano.

Located southeast of the Alzano Empire and southwest of the Rezalia Kingdom, this city has thrived as a key hub for east-west trade across the North Selford Continent.

Furthermore, despite being adjacent to the Alzano Empire and the Rezalia Kingdom, separated by the “Dragon’s Spine,” it serves as a political buffer zone indirectly connecting the two, as well as a religious buffer zone where the new and old sects of the St. Elizares Church intermingle.

Traditionally, the Magic Festival has been held in this Free City Milano—

“Do you know why the Magic Festival is held in Milano, Sensei!?”

After a three-day journey through the skies aboard the Hræsvelgr provided by the military,

the moment the Imperial delegation arrived in Milano, Sistine Fibel, brimming with excitement, blurted out the question.

“Well, two hundred…”

“Ugh, you don’t know!? It’s because this was the site of the final battle of the Great Magic War two hundred years ago!”

Sistine, at maximum enthusiasm, didn’t even register Glenn’s words.

“Back then, the Alzano Empire, the Rezalia Kingdom, the Seria Alliance, the Eastern nations… every country on the continent joined hands to fight the Evil God, facing the crisis of world destruction… That’s why the Magic Festival, a celebration of peace, has continued to be held here! It’s common knowledge!”

“Lately, it feels like everyone around me just ignores what I say, huh?”

Glenn could only let out a weary sigh.

“Hey, Rumia! Ellen! Look, look! This is the Milano!? The city known as the birthplace of the world’s art!? Eeeek! It’s amazing!?”

Ignoring the overly excited Sistine, Glenn surveyed their surroundings.

Free City Milano… a crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, where the city actively protects and encourages artists, resulting in a dazzlingly refined cityscape.

The buildings that make up the city are constructed in the latest architectural styles, with varied arcades that exude sheer opulence and splendor.

Grand boulevards are adorned with glittering statues of angels and the Holy Mother, and the people passing through are dressed in remarkably stylish attire. The sounds of pianos and violins echo throughout the city without pause, while young painters set up canvases on street corners, capturing the scenes around them.

Beautiful waterways, drawn from the northern Lutas River, run through the city like veins, with gondolas gliding along them. Every stone bridge spanning these waterways is decorated with magnificent religious carvings, enough to spend an entire day just visiting them.

With the long-awaited Magic Festival drawing visitors from abroad in droves, the city was bustling with unprecedented liveliness.

“It’s… incredible… I never knew there was such a beautiful city in the world…”

“Y-yeah… it doesn’t even compare to St. Lily’s student district…”

“…As much as it pains me to admit, even the Imperial Capital isn’t this grand.”

Caught up in the unparalleled vibrancy, Francine, Colette, Gibul Wisdan, and the rest of the Imperial delegation couldn’t help but feel giddy.

As a religious buffer zone for both the new and old sects of the Elizares Church, Milano is characterized by an abundance of cathedrals and temples. These baroque-style religious structures, built by renowned architects competing to showcase their skills, are all lavish and majestic, radiating awe-inspiring grandeur. One could easily spend a month just touring the temples.

Led by Sistine, every member of the Imperial delegation was overwhelmed by the unfamiliar cityscape and its imposing presence, their eyes wide with wonder.

However—

(…This place gives me hives…)

For Glenn, who had no interest in religion or art, the city felt excessively ostentatious.

At that moment,

“By the way, Glenn-sensei, did you know?”

A man tapped Glenn on the shoulder.

It was Fossil Lefoy Ertoria, the professor of magical archaeology at the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy.

“What’s that?”

“This city is not only one of the world’s foremost artistic hubs but also one of its greatest archaeological sites.”

With his usual stern expression, Fossil pointed to a corner of the city.

There stood a peculiar black stone pillar monument.

Not just that—upon closer inspection, similar stone pillars, monoliths, and ancient relics were unnaturally scattered throughout the city.

“Beneath this city lie numerous ancient ruins, slightly different in style from those of the Empire. Dig a tunnel or a crypt, and you’re bound to unearth some kind of relic.”

“Oh?”

“—Which is why this is where we part ways. I’m leaving the rest to you, Glenn-sensei.”

“Hold it right there.”

Glenn grabbed Fossil by the collar as he tried to leave without warning.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“Let go. What do you think I came all this way for?”

“You’re the assistant coach for the delegation, aren’t you!? You got caught borrowing that Le Kill statue without permission last time, and you’re supposed to make up for it by assisting me this time, right!?”

“Do you really think someone like me would do something so noble!? Use a bit of common sense, will you!”

“This guy’s begging for a punch!”

“Relax. I’ll still work on deciphering that journal you asked me about in parallel.”

“How is that supposed to reassure me!?”

“Anyway, I’m off to investigate the ruins in this city. Farewell.”

With that one-sided declaration, Fossil dashed toward the stone pillar with a burst of speed rivaling Re=L’s.

“Whoa!? This monument… could it be that—!? Uhyooo! I’m getting pumped!”

(Memoirs of Alicia III… Was it really okay to entrust it to that guy…?)

Though he had given Fossil a copy, Glenn couldn’t shake his deep unease.

“Hmph, who cares about that worthless guy? Let him do what he wants.”

Standing beside Glenn with her arms crossed and a sour expression was Eve Ignite.

“The delegation is fine with just you and me. In fact, we should take this chance to dump that academy’s industrial waste here.”

“Man… you really hate that guy, don’t you…?”

“Enough to make you seem tolerable by comparison. Forget him—we need to hurry. The Magic Festival’s opening ceremony starts after sunset. Let’s check into the hotel before then.”

Tossing her hair with a huff, Eve strode forward.

Glenn followed with a sigh, and the rest of the delegation began to move as well.

“Oh, Sensei, look! That’s the Tirika-Falia Cathedral!”

After walking for a bit, Rumia pointed into the distance.

Following her gesture, Glenn saw, at the heart of the city, an enormous religious structure towering as if reaching for the heavens.

The Tirika-Falia Cathedral, Milano’s grandest cathedral.

“Yeah. That’s where the summit is happening… where Her Majesty and the Pope will hold their talks,” Glenn muttered, gazing at the cathedral with distant eyes.

“If this summit succeeds, it’ll secure peace for the next decade. Her Majesty must be staking everything on this…”

“Mother…”

Rumia clasped her hands at her chest, staring at the cathedral with a faraway look.

Thinking of her mother, Alicia VII, who was likely already at the Imperial Consulate in the city, she gazed at the cathedral, as if praying for her solitary battle’s success.

“…It’ll be fine.”

To reassure Rumia, Glenn placed a hand on her head.

“I know it’s weird for me to say, but Her Majesty is an incredible person. …It’ll work out.”

“…Thank you, Sensei.”

Rumia gave a small smile in response to Glenn’s kindness.

A gentle atmosphere began to flow between them… but at that moment,

“Senseeei! Rumia-senpaaai!”

A girl forcibly wedged herself between them, clinging to their arms as if hanging on.

“You’re flirting alone again!? Even if you’re married, that’s not fair! Let me join in!”

“Maria!? Hey, let go! You’re heavy!”

“Still, Free City Milano… it’s such an amazing place! The Tirika-Falia Cathedral, St. Paulis Cathedral, Sangaria Temple, and over there’s the Folia Church! And that’s not all—ahh, I’m overwhelmed! I want to visit them all and pray!”

Maria, still clinging to both their arms, crossed herself in a fervor of emotion.

“Hey, Sensei!? Rumia-senpai!? Want to go cathedral-hopping with me later!? If we pray really hard, I bet it’ll be super effective! Right!?”

“What the heck did you even come here for!?”

“Owowowow! Sorry! My insides are gonna spill out!”

“Hahaha…”

Glenn grabbed Maria’s head and squeezed, while she flailed tearfully.

Rumia watched the scene with a wry smile.

Shortly after, Glenn and the others arrived at their designated hotel.

The Magic Festival’s organizing committee had assigned hotels to each nation’s delegation, with entire buildings reserved exclusively for their use.

This hotel would serve as Glenn and the delegation’s base during the Magic Festival—

“Man… this place is just as crazy as that Château Snowria we stayed at last time…”

Looking up at the hotel, Glenn could only groan in half-lidded disbelief.

The lavish, aristocratic mansion-like hotel, built on prime Milano real estate, was enough to make even Glenn recoil in awe.

“Apparently, it’s a publicly-run luxury hotel originally built for wealthy tourists visiting Milano.”

“What? We’re really getting this place all to ourselves?”

Eve’s haughty words only made the small-town Glenn shrink further.

“S-seriously, one room per person? This has gotta be some kind of joke, right? I mean, a lowlife, vulgar commoner like me sleeping in a place this fancy…”

“Don’t be ridiculous. We’re the Imperial delegation—representatives of the Empire. We’re practically state guests. This level of treatment is only natural.”

Acting completely at ease, Eve briskly headed toward the hotel entrance.

“Still, for a three-star place, it’s kinda underwhelming, huh?”

“Exactly! Don’t you think they’re looking down on us!?”

“Haha, well, we are just students, after all.”

“I’m fine anywhere as long as I get to bunk with Sistie!”

“Man, cleaning a place like this must be a nightmare—yikes.”

Colette, Francine, Sistine, Ellen, and Ginny followed, behaving as casually as ever…

“Hmph, what a tacky, garish hotel. Well, I suppose this is the taste of a nouveau-riche provincial city.”

“I agree on that point. This kind of ostentatious design is a bit tiresome… I’d feel more at ease in a simpler, sturdier mansion with less decoration.”

“Oh? Rize, you’ve got some sense.”

“…”

Levin, Rize, and a silent Heinkel followed, continuing their conversation.

None of them showed the slightest hint of being intimidated, unlike Glenn.

(Hold on, hold on, ladies… aren’t there a lot of upper-class types here?)

Feeling utterly alienated, Glenn watched them with half-lidded eyes…

“…”

“…”

Left behind were Gibul and Jaill.

One a struggling student from a commoner background, the other the third son of a fallen minor noble family. Both were frozen, sweating profusely, before a hotel so far out of their league.

Glenn nodded knowingly, stepped between Gibul and Jaill, slung his arms around their necks, flashed a sunny grin, and gave a thumbs-up.

“Comrades!”

“…I get how you feel, but could you not?”

“I’m gonna punch you, you idiot instructor.”

“C’mon, c’mon, let’s go, you guys!”

Dragging a clearly reluctant Gibul and Jaill along, Glenn marched toward the hotel with gleeful enthusiasm.

“Honestly, Sensei…”

Rumia followed behind with a wry smile.

“Ugh, Rumia-senpai… are we really okay staying in a place like this?”

Maria clung nervously to Rumia’s hand.

Apparently, Maria was part of the commoner crew too.

“Haha, it’s fine. We were officially invited, after all.”

“I-I know that, but… it just feels so overwhelming… I mean, I usually live in a convent in Fejite…”

“A convent? Wait, Maria, are you…?”

Just as Rumia was about to ask about Maria’s background,

“Oi, Rumia! Maria! Hurry up, you two! Come on, with us! With us!”

“Could you not emphasize the ‘us’ part…?”

“Ugh, so annoying…”

Hearing their voices, Rumia let out a soft chuckle.

“Let’s go, Maria.”

“Y-yes…”

Chasing after the noisy Glenn and company, Rumia and Maria broke into a run.

After checking into the hotel, the group used waterway gondolas and a coach to head toward the northwestern part of the city.

Soon, they arrived at a magnificent stone Arena, far grander in scale than the magic arena at the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy.

The Celica-Elliot Grand Arena.

This Grand Arena, a point of pride for Free City Milano, was a historic site where countless young mages have competed in the Magic Festival over the years.

According to legend, it was built on the very spot where, two hundred years ago during the Great Magic War, the last two surviving heroes faced the Evil God in their final battle.

(Yare yare… Could the name of this place possibly be…?)

Pondering vaguely, Glenn and the others entered the Arena through the VIP entrance.

After completing various procedures, they were led to a waiting room.

The large room was already filled with athletes and coaches from other nations.

Apparently, a briefing and preparations for the opening ceremony were about to take place.

The room was charged with a distinct tension, the air thick with anticipation.

After all, aside from their own teams, everyone here was a rival vying for the top spot in the world. With national pride on the line, the atmosphere was understandably intense.

“Man… these guys are way too serious…”

Amid it all, Glenn alone seemed unfazed, yawning and scratching his head in boredom.

“Honestly, Sensei, you’re so laid-back.”

“Heh, I’m almost jealous.”

“In a way, he’s the biggest fish here.”

Watching Glenn, Sistine, Rize, and Gibul exchanged wry smiles.

“Talk about reliable. It’s way better than making a fool of yourself by freaking out like some people.”

“…Hmph.”

Levin and Jaill cast exasperated glances toward…

“E-everyone looks so strong…! T-this is the world stage…!?”

“You idiot, Francine! D-don’t get scared! F-for the record, I’m not scared at all! Not one bit! Seriously!”

“Ugh, so uncool… Where’s that fearless, take-no-prisoners attitude you usually have? Come on, calm down and breathe. In, out, in, out.”

Francine and Colette, trembling with nerves, were being grudgingly calmed by an exasperated Ginny.

The attire of the Imperial delegation’s students differed from their usual uniforms.

They wore unified coat-robes in a practical, black-and-white design—traditional Imperial ceremonial garb for the Magic Festival.

“Still… my grandfather wore this robe too, didn’t he…”

Sistine gazed down at her robe with deep emotion.

“Hehe, Sistie, you look great in it.”

“It’s true! Sistine-senpai, your beautiful silver hair looks amazing in it! I’m plain, but I’d let you sweep me off my feet!”

“Haha, thanks, Rumia, Maria.”

“No way, Maria! You can’t steal Sistie from me!”

“Uh, Ellen? Try not to say things that leave me at a loss for words…”

Amid the lively chatter of the female students,

(God, these guys are loud no matter where they are…)

Glenn, feigning nonchalance with a yawn, was discreetly scanning the room.

He stole glances at the other nations’ delegations, grouped together and waiting.

The other delegations were also sizing up their competition, turning the room into a battlefield of exchanged gazes.

(So this is… the world.)

Cold sweat prickled Glenn’s skin as he assessed the situation.

Young mages, clad in their nations’ ceremonial attire.

Even from a distance, using spiritual vision to gauge their magical aura, it was clear that every single one of them possessed terrifying talent.

(That distinctive red robe… that’s the ceremonial garb of the Seria Alliance’s Great Magic Guild School, right? And those revealing outfits with tattoos… those are from the southeastern jungle nation’s shamanic university, if I recall. And those white robes over there… Druids, from… what was the country’s name again…?)

It was like a showcase of the world’s mages.

(This Magic Festival includes the eight major nations of the North Continent. At its peak, fifteen nations competed, so… these guys are just the tip of the iceberg.)

The world was vast, and Glenn was reminded of that fact once again.

(Ugh… thinking they’d easily win was pure arrogance… With this level of competition, we could get crushed in the first round…)

As Glenn grappled with growing anxiety,

“…Don’t worry. It’ll be fine.”

Eve, standing beside him with her arms crossed and looking away, suddenly spoke.

“Those kids will absolutely hold their own. They won’t embarrass themselves like you’re fearing. Have a little faith in the students you’ve trained.”

“!”

Stunned by how she seemed to see through him, Glenn stared at Eve in silence.

“W-What’s that supposed to mean…? Got a problem or something?”

“Nah, it’s not that… It’s just, who the heck are you right now…?”

“Hah!?”

“Lately, I seriously can’t reconcile the cold, nagging, late-to-the-party hysteric you used to be with the you standing here now…”

“What did you just say!?”

Eve grabbed Glenn by the collar, and their usual bickering kicked off once again.

Meanwhile, ignoring Glenn and Eve’s antics…

“…Are you the Main Wizard of the Alzano Empire?”

A girl addressed Sistine in fluent common tongue.

She was a striking beauty with glossy black hair and dark eyes.

Comparing her knowledge from books, Sistine noted the girl’s distinctive attire: a kosode, sashinuki-hakama, and kariginu.

It was the formal garb of the Onmyouji, the mages of the East.

“My name is Sakuya Konoha. I hail from the Land of the Rising Sun. As the young representative of the Imperial Onmyou Bureau, I have the honor of serving as the Main Wizard this time. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

The black-haired girl, Sakuya, bowed gracefully with refined elegance.

She must come from a distinguished family back home. Despite cultural differences, an unmistakable air of nobility radiated from her.

“Um… I’m Sistine Fibel… Uh, Sakuya-san? How did you know I was the Main Wizard?”

“Simple. You’re the only one here with a different caliber.”

A mischievous, resonant boy’s voice chimed in from behind the flustered Sistine.

Turning around, she saw an exotic, tanned boy with a turban and a cloak wrapped around his body, standing with a gentle smile.

“And you are…?”

“My apologies for the late introduction. I’m Adil Alhazad, from Harasa—or what you likely call the Desert Kingdom. I’m serving as the Main Wizard for the Astrological Tower.”

“Sakuya-san, Adil-san…”

Sistine couldn’t hide her bewilderment at the sudden approach of these two.

The pair spoke to her calmly.

“The Magic Festival, at its core, is ultimately a battle between Main Wizards… It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that.”

“In other words, it’s only human nature to want to know who we’ll be competing against—representing our nations’ pride, right?”

“True, we’re rivals aiming for the top… But to just compete and be done with it? That’d be far too lonely, don’t you think?”

“After all, it’s a rare opportunity.”

In that moment, Sistine felt a fierce intuition.

(These people… They’re strong.)

The immense magical power they concealed, their composure to engage with rivals in such a tense atmosphere, their boldness, unshakable confidence, and the aura of true strength.

Their power was an enigma. Whether her own abilities could match theirs or if she could win was impossible to gauge until they actually clashed.

(This is… the world! The same stage Grandfather once stood upon!)

With a strange surge of excitement and a warrior’s thrill, Sistine let out an uncharacteristically bold smile.

“You’re right. It is a rare opportunity. Shall we chat until it’s time…?”

As Sistine leaned into the flow, ready to bond with them…

“Hmph… Filthy heretics.”

Words spat with venom stabbed into Sistine’s back.

Turning, she saw a gaunt, pale-faced boy standing there.

His hair was slicked back, his dark eyes filled with contempt and disgust. A cross-shaped holy sigil hung at his chest, a scripture tucked under his arm, and he was clad in a black, high-collared clerical robe—a figure that screamed…

(A student from the Farnelia Unified Theological Academy!? The representative of the Rezalia Kingdom, the Alzano Empire’s sworn enemy!)

A different kind of tension flashed across Sistine’s face.

“Yare yare… So you’re the traitorous Alzano scum who crafted your own dogma and smeared mud on the Supreme God. As expected, your vile nature is written all over your faces. You should thank your god for the fortune of not being smitten on the spot.”

“Wha—!?”

Sistine was utterly dumbfounded by this sudden, scathing insult.

(Kuh! Stay calm, stay calm… I know about these types… Some of the Old Faith’s fanatic believers are like this…)

They were an exclusive, insular breed unique to the Rezalia Kingdom, vehemently hostile to other religions.

In the Empire, such people were derisively called “zealots.”

“Well, heretics can stick together and play nice, I suppose. Ugh, having to wait around in this den of demonic minions makes my skin crawl.”

Taking Sistine’s silence as an opportunity, the robed boy pressed on without restraint.

The atmosphere in the room soured rapidly.

Then…

“Yare yare, why are you Old Faith folks always like this?”

Unable to hold back, Adil stepped in to retort on Sistine’s behalf.

“Our god, in His boundless mercy and virtue, is tolerant of other faiths.”

“Hah? Why should we show consideration to demons in human skin who worship a false god?”

“…A false god, you say?”

Adil’s brow twitched at the boy’s retort.

“Oi… Insulting our god, El-Rad, is a sin you’ll pay for with your life.”

With an eerie calm, Adil’s hand rested on the hilt of the blade at his waist.

“…You’re the one who insulted the Old Faith first, heretic.”

The robed boy opened his scripture.

This was the power of the world’s top young mages.

A torrent of murderous intent and pressure surged between them, plunging the room’s temperature to subzero.

—They were dead serious. In the next instant, these two would genuinely try to kill each other.

From her experience surviving countless battlefields, Sistine sensed it immediately.

(Sistine-san!)

(Yes, we have to stop them—!)

Exchanging a glance, Sakuya drew a talisman, and Sistine began chanting a spell.

It was a hair-trigger moment.

“Stop this.”

Somehow, unnoticed…

Truly, without anyone noticing—a priest had stepped between Adil and the robed boy, grabbing their arms to halt them.

“…Yare yare.”

Seeing this, Glenn relaxed the tension in his legs, and Eve lowered the right arm she’d begun to raise.

(Wha—!? This person… When did they—!? Not even a hint of their presence—!)

As Sistine reeled in confusion, unable to process what had happened…

“Markov. The Magic Festival is a celebration of peace. Such personal conflicts are utterly counterproductive. ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’… Have you forgotten the Lord’s teachings?”

“…His Eminence Cardinal Fais!?”

The robed boy—Markov—glared at the priest with a look of reproach.

(Fais… One of the Rezalia Kingdom’s attendees at the Imperial-Kingdom Summit. Why is he here?)

Ignoring Glenn’s silent question, Fais bowed deeply to Adil.

“…It seems we were discourteous. My sincere apologies.”

“N-No… I, uh… I let my temper get the better of me. Sorry.”

The room buzzed with murmurs.

It was an unthinkable sight. A cardinal of the Old Faith of St. Elizares, bowing to a follower of another faith—and a child, no less.

(Oi, Eve… Did you see that…?)

(Y-Yeah… Unbelievable…)

Glenn and Eve could only gape at the scene.

“Your Eminence!? Why!? Why lower yourself to these foolish heretics!? Our god’s justice—!”

Markov’s voice rose in condemnation, but…

“Silence.”

Fais’s commanding rebuke, brimming with authority, forced Markov to swallow his frustration.

Surveying the still-shaken and bewildered crowd, Fais spoke calmly.

“Now, to all the gifted young mages gathered here. Thank you for traveling from afar to participate in this Magic Festival. I pray that your efforts and valor will lay the foundation for a better world. Without further ado—”

And so…

Fais’s composed, mature handling of the situation dispelled the tension gripping the room.

The briefing and preparations for the opening ceremony began.

(Tch, talk about a close call… Good thing there’s at least one sane person on the Old Faith’s side.)

As Glenn wiped the sweat from his brow…

“Huh…? That person…”

Maria, standing a short distance away, muttered something that caught Glenn’s ear.

Glancing over, he saw her staring at Fais, who was explaining the ceremony to the group, with a dazed expression.

“……”

She continued to gaze, as if her mind were elsewhere, lost in a trance.

And so, the pre-ceremony briefing concluded without incident.

Soon after, the Magic Festival officially commenced.

The elliptical field was encircled by stands packed with tourists from around the world, buzzing with excitement and fervor. Fireworks exploded ceaselessly in the sky, their booms drowned out by the deafening roars of the crowd—a deluge of sound.

After all, it had been decades since the last Magic Festival.

Though this iteration was scaled back, the people’s anticipation was immeasurable.

Soon, the show began on the field.

Hundreds of dancers and circus performers took turns showcasing their talents.

Once their performances ended, a parade ushered in the delegations of each nation’s representatives, sending the crowd’s excitement to new heights.

Sistine and her group could be seen in the distance, walking with formal poise.

Francine, perhaps overwhelmed by the unprecedented stage, tripped and took Colette down with her, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Despite such minor mishaps…

The delegations circled the field to show themselves to the spectators before lining up in the center.

The ceremony began, with speeches and opening declarations from the Magic Festival Organizing Committee Chairman, the Mayor of the Free City of Milano, and various international dignitaries.

Amidst it all, an astonishing moment unfolded: Queen Alicia VII of the Alzano Empire and His Holiness Funeral Hauser, Pope of the St. Elizares Church of the Rezalia Kingdom, shook hands publicly.

It was, in a way, expected.

Yet, it was also an utterly unbelievable sight.

The crowd erupted, sensing a turning point in history.

“Phew… Looks like it’s gonna go off without a hitch. Thank goodness it didn’t get canceled over some pre-ceremony brawl among the competitors…”

In a corner of the raucous, jam-packed stands…

Glenn slouched in his seat, idly watching the ceremony unfold.

“You’re right…”

Rumia, seated to Glenn’s left, let out a relieved sigh, her eyes fixed on her mother—Queen Alicia VII—delivering a solemn speech from afar.

Right now, Glenn and Rumia were alone.

Eve and Ellen were off handling various procedural matters.

Grateful for the unexpected chance to be alone with Glenn, Rumia sat by his side, watching the ceremony.

“I hope… everything goes well.”

“Yeah.”

This grand festival had been organized in a limited time with limited funds.

Even Glenn, who was clueless about politics, could feel the blood, sweat, and soul that Queen Alicia VII and countless others had poured into making this day a reality.

All for the sake of peace. For the people of their beloved Alzano.

(As expected, Your Majesty… You’re the only one who can lead the Empire.)

As Glenn reflected on this with quiet admiration…

“Excuse me… Is the seat next to you free? May I sit?”

A voice suddenly came from his right.

Looking up, Glenn saw a nun clad entirely in white robes standing nearby.

Her hood was pulled low over her eyes, obscuring her face… yet somehow, he could tell she was an otherworldly beauty.

(…Huh? The seat’s free?)

Blinking, Glenn glanced to his right… and indeed, the seat was empty.

(…What? Why? In a crowd this packed, why is that seat open? Didn’t someone else—a spectator—occupy it just a moment ago…?)

But an empty seat was an empty seat. That was undeniable.

“…Sure, go ahead.”

“Hehe, thank you.”

The nun bowed politely and settled into the seat to Glenn’s right.

“What a splendid and grand festival. Don’t you think it’ll serve as a cornerstone for the Kingdom and Empire to join hands for peace moving forward?”

As she watched the ceremony, the nun struck up a conversation with Glenn.

“Well… yeah. There’s been a lot of bad blood in the past, but that’s ancient history. Peace is the way to go, no doubt.”

Glenn responded with polite, empty small talk…

“Yes, truly—it makes my skin crawl.”

Suddenly, without changing her tone, the nun spat words laced with disgust.

“!”

“Those who twist the Lord’s words to suit their needs, clinging to rotten faith for gold… Servants of demons, blinded by greed. To join hands with such people is unthinkable. To aim for peace together? Utterly impossible. Don’t you agree?”

“…Who are you?”

“It’s high time you repented, you depraved heretics of the Empire.”

The nun’s vehement condemnation sent a chill of tension through Glenn and Rumia.

“Oh, but indeed, the great Lord in Heaven is merciful. Even heretics like you may be forgiven by His boundless grace. However—”

With a rustle, the nun cast off her hood.

Golden hair, radiant as if burning away the darkness and bathed in divine light, spilled free.

A girl, not much older than Glenn, emerged.

Her icy blue eyes blazed with absolute zero, cold and unyielding.

Her face, angelic in its divine transparency, was chillingly beautiful.

“Even if God forgives you… I will not. Not I, Luna Flare, of the St. Elizares Church’s Temple Knights, the Thirteenth Holy Execution Squad—the Last Crusaders.”

The moment she declared her name…

Though she merely sat there, unarmed and relaxed…

An overwhelming wave of murderous intent and killing aura erupted from her, slicing through Glenn’s entire being.

The sheer pressure of her killing intent made his soul scream, mistaking it for death—a superhuman, otherworldly menace.

(The Thirteenth Holy Execution Squad—the Last Crusaders!?)

Glenn had heard the rumors.

The St. Elizares Church’s Temple Knights’ ultimate trump card—the most fearsome and formidable force.

A merciless machine that eradicated heretics, demons, and immortals who opposed the Church.

Their unparalleled martial prowess was said to surpass even the Alzano Empire’s Imperial Court Mage Corps’ Special Missions Annex.

(Why are they here, of all places—!?)

“S-Sensei!?”

“Stay back, Rumia—!”

The killing intent and battle aura screamed, louder than words, “I will kill you here and now.”

Instinctively sensing that combat was unavoidable, Glenn leaped to his feet, drawing his pistol with whirlwind speed.

It was one of the fastest draws of his entire life.

But—

“Too slow. And too weak.”

Luna, who had somehow unsheathed her sword, pressed its edge against Glenn’s gun-wielding hand, stopping him cold.

The slender longsword bore ornate decorations on its swept hilt and crossguard.

A divine aura of holy light emanated from its blade—a legendary holy sword, no doubt.

If Luna had been serious, Glenn’s arm would have been severed without question.

“Wha—!?”

“Hmph… Is this all you’ve got? Or is this the true extent of the vaunted Special Missions Annex?”

Luna’s eyes dripped with disdain as she looked at Glenn.

“I had you thoroughly investigated before this event.”

“…What?”

“You, a mere human, have achieved feats that defy belief. During your military days and even as a teacher, you’ve triumphed in situations that would drive most to despair, protecting what mattered.

In terms of turning hopeless odds into stunning victories, you surpass even Albert Frazer. A mere human, a mere mortal like you. …It’s infuriating.”

“…?”

Glenn noticed a shift in Luna’s tone. Beyond her hatred for heretics and enemy nations, there was a different kind of irritation creeping in, leaving him puzzled.

“But now I’m certain. You’re nothing but an ordinary man. Glenn Radars, former Executive Number 0 of the Imperial Court Mage Corps’ Special Missions Annex,《The Fool》. Your past victories? Mere flukes. Sheer luck. That’s how it has to be. Understand?”

With a chilling smile, Luna shot Glenn a cold, piercing glance.

Though her reasons for targeting him were unclear, one thing was certain.

(This woman—)

Strong. That’s the only way to describe her.

The strength she exuded was utterly different in nature from the cunning tricks of the three idiots from the Special Missions Annex they’d fought before.

She was simply, fundamentally, strong because she was strong—a girl who could only be described as a monster.

Her martial prowess, which seemed to transcend human limits, somehow resonated with the likes of the Demon Generals.

“Just so you know, screaming won’t do you any good.”

What in the world was this girl doing? Despite the overwhelming presence of danger she and Glenn were radiating, not a single person around them seemed to notice the situation.

It was as if Glenn and the others were completely invisible to them.

(A perception-altering barrier!? But one this powerful—it’s on the level of Zayd, the《Demon’s Right Hand》…!)

Glenn could only tremble in sheer terror, overwhelmed by dread.

—And then, at that moment.

“Sorry, but could you stay still as well?”

“!?”

The sudden new voice struck Glenn with such shock it felt like his heart had been ripped out.

In this dire situation, Rumia had instinctively begun chanting a spell to help Glenn.

But behind her stood a young man.

Hair the color of burnt ash, pale bluish skin devoid of vitality, crimson eyes, and a dark coat enveloping him—a youth dressed entirely in black, touching the back of Rumia’s head with a single fingertip.

“~~~ !? —!”

Whatever arcane principle was at play, that single touch was enough to paralyze Rumia as if bound by invisible chains, rendering her speechless.

“Oh, Chase! Nice work! As expected of my partner!”

Seeing the youth, Luna beamed with delight…

(This guy—!? No way—!? It can’t be!)

Glenn could only reel in dizzying despair, utterly stunned.

His hard-earned instincts, honed through countless life-or-death battles, screamed a warning.

—Equal. This youth’s strength was on par with Luna’s.

How could two such monstrously overpowered beings exist at the same time?

The feeling of being a frog stared down by a snake must be exactly what Glenn was experiencing now.

Two unprecedented monsters, against whom victory seemed utterly impossible.

In this dire, life-or-death predicament—

“Tch… What’s your goal…? What do you want with us…!?”

Drenched in cold sweat, Glenn could only force the words out from the depths of his throat.

“Oh, my apologies. Did I scare you a bit too much?”

Luna sneered coldly.

“For someone like me, taking the head of a man like you would be easier than slicing sacramental bread at Mass. But you see, no matter how irredeemable a heretic you are, we don’t have any intention of dealing with you directly right now… You should thank the merciful grace of our generous Lord, no?”

Glenn clicked his tongue in frustration.

In a situation like this, there was nothing he could do.

“You see… I have a ‘request’ for you, Mr. Head Coach of the Imperial Team.”

It seemed she saw right through everything.

“…A request…?”

“Yes… The Magic Tournament starts tomorrow, doesn’t it?”

“So what…!?”

“We’d like you, the Imperial Team… to withdraw.”

Luna’s incomprehensible demand left Glenn dumbfounded.

“What did you say?”

“Honestly, it’s a problem for us… if you keep winning matches.”

With a chillingly cruel smile, Luna declared her threat.

“Don’t screw with me… you…!”

“Oh? Even after being cornered like this, you still talk back? You’re weaker than I thought, but surprisingly gutsy.”

Blinking in slight surprise,

Luna leaned close to Glenn’s ear, who was unable to move, and whispered.

“That student behind you… she’s cute, isn’t she? You wouldn’t want her to get… broken, would you?”

“You…!”

“Let me tell you something. That Chase over there? He’s a pervert who loves nothing more than slicing up cute girls like her and drinking their blood. How’s that? You wouldn’t want that, would you? …As for me, I couldn’t care less if one or a hundred of you heretical rags die, though. Heh heh…”

“You bastard…!”

Glenn’s soul, battered by fear and despair, was tempered by rage, boiling over and erupting in furious passion.

But—even in this hopeless situation, as Glenn ground his teeth in frustration—

Whoosh!

A sudden blaze roared to life, engulfing Glenn, Luna, and the surrounding spectators.

Yet, neither Glenn, Rumia, nor the spectators suffered a single burn.

What was that? The spectators blinked, looking around in confusion.

(This flame, controlled with such infuriating precision—!)

“Glenn, get ready! I’ll cover you!”

It was Eve. She appeared on the pathway cutting through the spectator stands, looking down at them.

Meanwhile, Luna and the black-clad youth called Chase had somehow moved above Glenn, now standing twenty meters ahead on the same pathway where Eve was.

“Hmph? That red-haired woman… So the Empire’s got someone competent after all.”

Luna, facing Eve and Glenn, casually readied her holy sword with an air of confidence.

“Fine by me. I’ll play with you. I’ll teach you pampered, soft Imperials what a real difference in class looks like…”

Tension immediately gripped Glenn, Eve, and Rumia’s faces—

“No, Luna. It’s time to go.”

Chase restrained her.

“The barrier won’t hold. That woman’s flames cracked it significantly. If we cause any more trouble, the spectators will notice.”

At that,

“…Fine, I get it. Hmph, what a shrewd woman.”

Though visibly displeased, Luna obediently sheathed her sword.

“Consider this your warning, Coach. If you don’t withdraw, I prophesy that misfortune will surely befall you all. …See you.”

With that,

Luna vanished, sinking into a shadowy marsh-like portal that Chase had conjured beneath her feet.

“…Haa…!”

Confirming that both presences were completely gone, Glenn let out a long-held breath.

At the same time, the distant roar of the crowd surged back, assaulting Glenn’s ears once more.

“Sensei! A-are you okay!?”

“Glenn, who were those people? They were clearly no ordinary foes.”

Rumia, her face pale, and Eve, her expression grim, hurried to Glenn’s side.

“…I’ll explain later. But one thing’s for damn sure…”

Holstering his gun, Glenn glared down at the arena with irritation.

The various ceremonies had just concluded, and the holy flame, carried by relay runners from the sacred land of Alkena, was about to be lit on the massive altar positioned at the northern edge of the stadium.

The climax of the opening ceremony.

“Here we go again with the trouble. The Kingdom and the Empire, with their long history of bad blood, finally holding a peace summit during this Magic Tournament… and behind the scenes, the Church’s ace inquisitors are moving to sabotage us for some reason. It’s all too damn suspicious.”

“…Aces? You don’t mean—?”

Ignoring Eve’s sharp intake of breath, Glenn spat out with conviction,

“Yeah, this Magic Tournament… Something’s gonna go down.”

His words were swept away and drowned out by the deafening flood of cheers—the loudest of the day—as the holy flame blazed brilliantly atop the altar, illuminating the surroundings.

Thus began the tumultuous and chaotic Magic Tournament—