The seasons shifted more easily than I’d expected.
The commotion of the attack, the summons to the student council, the magic measurement—everything had been bundled together and, before I knew it, submerged into the depths of daily life.
The trees had changed color, the air grew chilly, and then...
"The end-of-year exam is approaching."
Those words... they were naturally repulsive.
A stir of unease rippled through the classroom. This was the exam where we had to apply everything we’d learned in practical magic and theory to hunt down monsters in groups. It was the grand finale of our first year.
After class, I slumped at my desk, chin resting on my palm.
"It's already that time..."
Time was flying. I’d practically shaved years off my life during the last test.
"Luka-sama, how are your preparations coming along?" a quiet voice asked from beside me.
Yuka stood there with her back straight as always, hovering close to my side.
"They aren't."
If they were, I wouldn't be wearing a face that screamed "end of the world."
"I thought as much."
Ouch. A little sympathy wouldn’t hurt, would it?
Then Allen, who was in the seat next to mine, joined the fray.
"Luka-sama, what are you planning for your group? If you’d like—"
"Ah, well, I'm basically a non-combatant."
If you team up with me, your grades will plummet into the abyss. Don't underestimate my weakness, okay?
Despite my warning, Allen looked dead serious.
"You aren't a non-combatant! You were incredible during the last exercise!"
"...That was just pure luck."
I really didn't want to remember that. See, during the last individual practice, the teacher had kindly allowed Yuka to accompany me. When she tried to support my magic, it caused a massive explosion. It killed the goblin-thing, sure, but it also nearly blew my arm off.
It was terrifying. Just thinking about it gave me goosebumps.
Caiel, who was sitting nearby with his arms crossed, spared me a glance. He didn't say anything, but his gaze was piercing. What now? Don't tell me he’s going to start talking about catching up to me again.
A few seats away, Elysia was quietly taking notes. Even though she sat next to me during lectures, she hadn't been talking much lately. It felt like a distance had opened up between us. I didn't think she hated me, but it made me a bit uneasy.
However, the one whose relationship with me had changed the most was Selena. Our eyes happened to meet, and she immediately looked away. This happened all the time. I knew it was probably rude to stare, but her reaction was so amusing I couldn't help myself.
"...I’ll do my best," she murmured softly.
I shrugged. "I’ll try not to be a total drag."
The air in the classroom was taut. Over the past year, everyone had grown—in magic, in skill, and in confidence.
Except for me, of course!
My magical power was as pathetic as ever, and I had zero confidence in my ability to stand on the front lines.
Yet, the way people looked at me had changed. Despite my frequent blunders, no one really looked down on me anymore, and the number of people putting me on a pedestal had dwindled. I was glad; it felt like people were finally starting to understand who I actually was.
After school, the details of the exam were posted on the bulletin board.
It was a group-based mock battle format. Low-level magic was permitted, and there was a time limit.
"Luka-sama, the notice is up," Yuka said flatly.
"Is it person-to-person?"
"Yes, it appears so."
"I'm officially cooked." I let out a heavy sigh.
To think our opponents wouldn't be dungeon monsters but other students. Whoever drew me as an opponent was lucky; I was a total freebie.
Wait... but since it was a team battle, maybe there was a chance.
"I’d like to win, if possible," I muttered.
Yuka’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Please don't overexert yourself."
"I'll be fine. I'm just more of a sore loser than I look."
I was still bitter about failing the reincarnation talent gacha, after all.
"Alright, let's do this!" Allen shouted from across the room, psyching himself up.
Caiel was already poring over the documents. Elysia had her eyes closed, seemingly deep in thought. Selena was staring at the board with a mix of anxiety and hope.
The first year had been long, yet short. And now, the final exam of the Elementary Division was about to begin.
I looked up at the board.
"Okay... so how am I supposed to win this?"
I couldn't fight. But I could think. At the very least, I could still do that much.
A new sheet was posted next to the board. "Submit your group assignments by the end of the day. Groups are to be three people each."
Three people.
The classroom erupted as everyone scrambled to secure their teammates.
"Luka-sama! If you'll have me—"
Allen was the first one to my side. He’d been calling my name since the moment the word "group" was mentioned.
But...
"Allen, you should team up with someone else."
"But—!"
"I'll be nothing but dead weight in this exam."
Allen choked back his words. He probably didn't realize it since he hadn't seen my "magic" in action, but me being dead weight wasn't a joke. I really wished it were a joke...
Beside him, Caiel spoke up calmly. "Allen, why don't you team up with me?"
He’d been standing a bit further away, but now he was right there.
"You and I have good synergy. I’m certain we can achieve top marks." His eyes shifted to me. "I, for one, have no intention of losing."
Serious as ever, I see.
"Exactly. Go find someone else for your third."
With a small huff, Caiel turned and walked away. Allen followed him, looking back at me with lingering regret.
Throughout the room, trios were being formed. I tried to reach out to a few people myself, but they all said they were already set. Hey, I’m a Duke's son!
And before I knew it, the only ones left near me were Elysia and Selena.
An awkward silence hung in the air.
I broke it first. "...It’s rare to see you two left over."
"You’re mistaken."
Elysia responded instantly. Her face and voice were gentle, but her eyes... her eyes were a little terrifying.
"I intended to team up with you from the very beginning, Luka-sama."
Wait, really?!
The surrounding students started whispering. I saw Selena catch her breath.
"Uh, you know I can't actually fight, right?"
"I am well aware." She gave me a sweet smile.
Seriously, Elysia was scary.
Then Selena took a step forward, looking a bit hesitant.
"...I, um..." Her gaze wavered. "I want to be with Luka, too."
The classroom was once again swallowed by a wave of shock. I was stunned.
"Wait, why?" I asked, genuinely confused.
Selena’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she met my eyes. "Because you saved me."
Ah. She was still hung up on that.
"No, that was—"
"Furthermore," Elysia interjected smoothly, "I believe you will lead us, Luka-sama."
...Isn't their opinion of me way too high? I hadn't done anything that impressive.
Selena nodded in agreement. "I'm good at magic... but Luka can do anything."
What on earth had she seen in me to come to that conclusion?
The two of them stood their ground. All eyes were on us—gazes filled with curiosity and more than a little jealousy. I’m sure plenty of people wanted to team up with them. Suckers! I’ve got both the top-tier girls in my group!
Taking a deep breath to compose myself, I asked one last time, "I might literally just stand in the back and shout orders, you know?"
"That's fine," Elysia replied with a grin. "In fact, I'd prefer that."
Selena... well, even though I was happy about it, why were they so decisive?
I thought about it. These two were among the absolute best in the entire Magic Department, not just our class. They were basically the two strongest cards in the deck. I could just hang back and direct them—hell, it might be over before I even have time to say anything.
I’d seen them in action; despite their delicate looks, they were both total powerhouses.
...Is this a guaranteed win?
"It’s too late to complain once we submit this, okay?"
"I won't."
"Me neither."
Where did all this resolve come from?
I let out a small laugh. "Alright then. I'm looking forward to it, Elysia, Selena."
In that instant, Elysia’s gaze softened. Selena gave a relieved smile. Behind them, Yuka watched the scene unfold in silence.
The three of us wrote our names on the submission form.
Luka Noctear Elysia Gladio Selena Alphyria
It was official.
The final exam of the Elementary Division. Me, the boy who couldn't fight, and two of the department’s elite.
Now then, time for a strategy meeting. Since we were going up against other students in a team battle, we definitely needed a plan.
I looked at the two of them and grinned.
"Let's win this, girls."
Elysia nodded gracefully. Selena nodded back, looking a little bashful.
"Yes."
With these two, I have a feeling we can't lose.
Finally, my time has come!
With the year-end exam looming, I was practically giddy.