"Th-that's impossible...! To think they took down a berserk Gigantes with just the two of them, and so effortlessly...!"
"Professor Neila, this is no time to be dazed. We have a mountain of tasks ahead—confirming the students' safety, lifting the barrier around the practice ground, and more. As the person in charge here, please start issuing instructions."
"Y-yes... well, Professor Castle? If—if word of this incident gets out, it will tarnish the academy's reputation. Let's keep this a secret among those of us present here—"
"If you have time to worry about that, then move. I just said there's a mountain of work to do. Was I unclear?"
Lamy, the coordinator of this exam and the one who had summoned the berserk monster in the first place, seemed entirely consumed by self-preservation.
Uno found her behavior pathetic beyond words and rebuked her. Lamy looked slightly miffed for a second before her face twisted in frustration.
She stormed away with heavy strides and began barking orders at the other faculty members.
As Uno considered how he might get inside the practice ground himself, Setsuna called out to stop him.
"Professor Castle, wasn't it? My apologies for the poor timing, but could I have a moment of your time?"
"Is it necessary to speak right now? Given the uncertainty of the situation, I'd prefer you prioritized evacuating with the others..."
"My apologies, but if possible, I'd like to settle this before any 'interference' arrives. It won't take long, so please, just a moment."
As she spoke, Setsuna glanced toward Lamy, who was busy directing the staff.
Realizing that the "interference" she referred to was Lamy, Uno looked at Setsuna and gave a small, silent nod.
"Understood. What did you wish to discuss?"
"That male student in the black armor who took down the Gigantes alongside Ryuga Renjou... could you tell me more about him? I want as much detail as possible—his name, his profile, his academic records, the magic items he uses... everything."
It seemed Setsuna had taken a keen interest in Yugo.
If Lamy, who was desperate to promote the Hero Candidates, learned of this, it would cause unnecessary trouble. That was likely why Setsuna wanted to gather information in secret.
"Understood. I'll provide you with the documents later."
"Thank you for your cooperation. It seems you're far more reliable than the other professor over there."
A faint, satisfied smile touched Setsuna's refined features. Her eyes had clearly seen through the rigging Lamy had orchestrated throughout the exam.
Uno couldn't tell if it was her keen archer's intuition or simply a naturally sharp mind, but there was no denying she possessed the exceptional qualities expected of an exchange student.
Deciding to leave the matter of Yugo to Setsuna's discretion, Uno watched her depart before turning to deal with Lamy, who was approaching him hysterically.
"Professor Castle! What were you just discussing with the student from Yamato?!"
"It was nothing of importance. I was simply confirming she hadn't been injured. More importantly... Professor Neila, you want to handle this matter internally, don't you? If so, I have a proposal for you—"
Experience had taught him that the best way to handle such tiresome questioning was to change the subject. As Uno smoothly transitioned into a negotiation-masked-as-a-proposal, Raiha remained rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on Ryuga.
"I thought him spineless... How naive of me. That was a magnificent display of skill, truly worthy of the title of the strongest swordsman."
"That man's... that power..."
Sakura, having witnessed the true extent of the man known as one of Yamato's preeminent sword masters, murmured in a voice that had finally regained its calm. Raiha listened to her friend's voice while staring at Ryuga in the distance. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but then fell silent once more.
No one else knew the emotions swirling within her wavering, downcast eyes. As Sakura looked between Raiha's small frame and Ryuga's distant figure, her own expression darkened with concern.