The War Begins

“As previously stated, this Joint Exam will be a clash between the Upperclassmen and the Intermediate-year students.”

Chloe delivered the explanation in her usual detached, businesslike tone.

This followed the script of the Original Story, but honestly, it wasn’t supposed to be a major plot point—just another joint training session.

Usually, we weren’t expected to put our lives on the line for “absolute victory.” In a way, it was supposed to be a low-stakes affair, much like that snowball fight we’d had. Being the younger students, we were at a natural disadvantage, meaning there weren't many points for us to actually scavenge.

But today, the air felt electric. Tense.

I suppose people can’t help but be influenced by the sheer intensity of those treating this like a life-or-death struggle. After all, the mana radiating from me, Allen, Cynthia, and Shari was practically overflowing.

“It seems Allen-san did team up with Shari-san after all,” Cynthia noted.

“Yeah. I just hope he doesn’t get so fired up that he starts spinning his wheels.”

Just as she said, Allen was paired with Shari. Beside them stood Duke, and to my surprise, his partner was Cecil.

Muscle and brains. Chicken breast and a cerebellum. Now that’s an interesting combo.

Carta was with Olynn, and Tura was paired with—oh, ho. So he went with that guy, did he?

“The ‘country’ has already been enchanted with restoration magic,” Teacher Milk announced. “No matter how many buildings you level, they will return to their original state over time. In other words... go wild.”

The students erupted into cheers at her words.

We had been transported to a small nation a short distance away from Noblesse. No one actually lived here; it was essentially an ‘uninhabited country.’ It was a training facility built in cooperation with other nations, designed as a massive, large-scale venue for practical combat exams.

In the Original Story, the location was randomized—sometimes a forest, sometimes an uninhabited island. Each had its pros and cons, but for me, a place with good footing wasn't a bad draw.

I caught Teacher Milk’s eye. She didn't say it aloud, but her gaze spoke for her: “Win.”

I offered a silent prayer of thanks and steadied my breath. This match was vital to me. It was for Lilith’s sake, but more than that, it was about avoiding my own impending ruin. I had to sharpen my focus. I had spent every waking moment in this world moving toward this goal.

I need to carve that into my brain.

Neil’s expression was as unreadable as ever. Priscilla was the same; they looked like they were just here for a routine test. But I knew better. Even a guy like him wouldn’t think he could cruise to an easy win while we were breathing down his neck.

And, of course, he had his entourage. Those who had sworn their absolute loyalty to Neil would undoubtedly try to block our path.

I’ll just have to mow them all down.

“Weiss Fancent. Cynthia Violetta. Please step forward.”

The Upperclassmen had already been deployed; we were in the second wave. Until the match officially started, we were all under Recognition Obstruction, rendering us unable to move. The moment the timer hit zero, Mana Sense and every other ability would be fair game.

Just as Chloe’s Teleportation Magic began to glow, she leaned in and whispered, “I’m rooting for you.”

Heh. So she knows what’s going on? Still, it’s rare for her to say something like that.

“Cynthia.”

“Yes?”

“...We’re winning this.”

The place we were warped to looked exactly like a setting out of a fantasy story I knew well. They called it a “small country,” but it didn't feel small at all. They’d even gone through the trouble of leaving a Royal Castle in the center. It looked so lived-in that I half-expected people to come strolling out of the houses.

Teleportation was supposed to be random, but I assumed the groups were somewhat segregated by school year. The Upperclassmen would likely prioritize regrouping first. They wouldn't want to waste stamina on useless skirmishes right out of the gate.

I took a firm stance, scanning for an opening. I wouldn't let a single chance at victory slip through my fingers. I had to stay vigilant and crush any enemy that dared show their face.

“Cynthia, we’re going with the plan.”

“Understood. I am ready when you are.”

Teleportation effects began flickering across the sky like falling stars. Just as Cecil had predicted, we had been dropped outside the city gates. That meant the Upperclassmen were likely clustered near the Royal Castle.

Whether that was an advantage or disadvantage depended entirely on one’s Gift. Some were better at sieges, others at defense. There were probably trap specialists like Shari lurking about, too.

A swarm of Magic Birds was released into the air. While they were worth points if shot down, that wasn't the main event. What made this interesting was the "War" theme—each year had a designated [King].

If the [King] fell, the match was over. It didn't matter how many other players were still standing. There was no time limit, either. Naturally, the duo that took down the King would be showered with points.

As for our King...

『No need to even think about it, right?』 『Yeah, we’re all in agreement.』 『Weiss, we’re counting on you to be the King.』

It wasn’t even a discussion. Heh. To think they’d trust a guy like me with the crown.

The Upperclassmen’s King was undoubtedly Neil. He’d be protected by Priscilla and a literal army of seniors. He’d dig in, surround himself with knights, and wait. It was exactly like a match of [Battle Universe]. Eva Avery was here too, but she was just spectating from on high today.

Fine by me. I’ll just do what I always do.

Then, the match officially started.

The moment the Mana Obstruction vanished, it felt like the world suddenly populated with enemies. I had to hit Neil before his forces could fully consolidate. I lunged forward, and almost immediately, four Upperclassmen intercepted us.

“—It’s Weiss!”

“Don’t panic! There’s only two of them! This is our chance!”

“Surround them! Channel everything into the Barrier Magic!”

“We can actually win this!”

I sensed the mana of Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind. I see. They’ve teamed up to cover each other’s elemental weaknesses.

Magic circles flared to life on the ground, and a barrier resembling iron bars manifested around us. This wasn’t a pre-existing trap; they were applying magic formulas remotely with high-speed chanting. It wasn't the work of one person, but a coordinated quadruple-effort.

And they pulled it off the second we met?

Heh. Impressive. I’d expect nothing less from Noblesse seniors.

“Now! All at once—fire!”

In the next heartbeat, a barrage of spells rained down on us. High-density mana, launched with zero restraint.

Ah... yeah. That’s more like it.

My goal today was different than usual, but that didn't mean I couldn't enjoy myself. I would destroy everything, overcome every obstacle, and take back what was mine.

Lilith belongs to me.

I won't let you have her, Neil.

“W-we did it! With that, they should be—Wait, gyaaaaaaaaaaaah?!”

“Get lost.”

I took the first one down with a single strike to the neck. The training uniform’s mana calculation registered a lethal blow, and he vanished in a flash of teleportation light before his mana could even begin to leak.

“H-how? How did he shrug off that magic attack?!”

“Sorry. I’m just... built different.”

I had wings on my back now. But unlike before, they weren't just for show. This was the near-perfected form I’d developed with Cynthia.

By combining Ice and Darkness, we created the [Dark Wings].

By projecting a force that defied gravity, the wings multiplied my physical speed several times over. Furthermore, if I stayed at a low altitude, I could maintain flight without needing to constantly chant formulas.

“Dammit, that’s just cheating—!”

“That’s two.”

But of course, I wasn't the only one who had leveled up.

“Fall back for now!”

“Right!”

“—Oh, I don’t think so.”

As the Upperclassmen tried to flee using flight magic, Cynthia unleashed her [Ice Lance]. I remotely applied an enchantment to her projectile mid-flight. The moment it pierced a senior’s leg, their flight magic short-circuited.

“W-what is this?!”

“Three.”

By imbuing Cynthia’s magic with [Time Lapse], her [Ice Lance] became a projectile that was nearly impossible to track or defend against. It could punch through average defenses like they were wet paper.

These seniors... I’m sure they’ve coughed up their fair share of blood to get here. I’m sure they’ve stepped over their own friends to keep winning. But the number of life-and-death thresholds I’ve crossed is on another level.

Our goals, our mindsets—everything was different!

“This is impossible... You’re only Intermediate students...!”

“And four.”

[Address Milli, Tritia Lili: Eliminated. Points awarded to Weiss Fancent and Cynthia Violetta.] [Orus Muu, Eres Trinis: Eliminated. Points awarded to Weiss Fancent and Cynthia Violetta.]

I am the King.

But I won’t sit on a throne and wait, nor will I run or hide. I will charge the front lines and take every head myself.

Neil... I’m going to show you what a real villain looks like.