312: An Atmosphere on Edge

I’ve always had a soft spot for the tense atmosphere that precedes an exam.

Everyone was brimming with mana and fighting spirit, itching to prove the worth of the training they’d endured up to this point. The intermediate-year students, in particular, had already survived a gauntlet of trials. I was sure many of them had been crushed by the upperclassmen in the past, failing to land even a single blow before being knocked out of contention.

That was exactly why they were so desperate to make this time different.

But if anyone is feeling that way, it’s me.

Allen had gone and stolen my thunder. I could maintain a cool exterior if I had to, but I couldn't stop the restless aching in my limbs.

Teacher Milk, Darius, Coco, Chloe... I didn't care who I was up against. I was going to give them everything I had.

"Once we’ve cleared out, the Magic Bird will announce the start of the match. That will be the signal."

Teacher Milk gave us that final word of instruction. Apparently, Chloe was saving her Teleportation Magic for the actual fight; she took off on foot at a terrifying speed.

I see. So the faculty is playing for keeps, too. I appreciate the sentiment, but...

I could’ve sworn she was wearing a faint smirk as she vanished.

...How terrifying.

"Senior Weiss!"

"...What is it?"

"Let’s do this! I’m gonna be moving like a madman, so just give me the word!"

Belk was as annoyingly energetic as ever. Still, I supposed I could count on him in a pinch.

"Just follow Cecil’s lead. Your job is to keep the lowerclassmen organized."

"Yessir! Ah, but Meryl is actually way better at that than I am..."

He looked a bit sheepish as he glanced over. Meryl—our resident honor student—was already busy barking orders at the lowerclassmen. I guess he still wasn't quite on her level.

"Just do your best."

"Right! I’m gonna be the MVP this time! And if you like what you see, do you think... maybe you’d spar with me again sometime?"

"Show me some results first. Then we’ll talk."

"YES, SIR!"

His voice was loud enough to make my ears ring, but I didn't exactly hate the enthusiasm. He hopped over to bother Meryl, looking far too excited, only to get smacked upside the head with everything she had.

Hah. If he’s still getting his tail tucked between his legs by a girl like that, he still has a long way to go—

"Weiss, it looks like Lady Luna really appreciated your gift."

"Indeed. She appeared to be quite gratified."

"Why are you being so formal all of a sudden?"

"...No reason."

"Lord Weiss is such a ladies' man!"

"Not now, Lilith."

"Yes, sir!"

Well, I certainly had enough fire in my belly now.

Debi, the time to show them your power is drawing near.

Are you looking forward to it?