"I’d like to call it a day here, but... I’ve decided to try something a little different for the remainder of the period."
Instructor Light made the announcement in the middle of our Magic Sword Arts class.
We had just finished reviewing our forms for Quick Magic and sword techniques. Everyone in the class was currently studying the Arnold Style, which consisted of fundamental sword forms. These served as the foundation for all other techniques; starting from the second year, students could choose to either branch out into different schools or continue mastering the Arnold Style.
The Arnold Style was the progenitor of many derivative schools, and because its compatibility with sorcery was so high, it remained the mainstream style adopted by various magic academies. Consequently, this academy prioritized it, ensuring every student began by learning its basics.
Since the entire first year was dedicated to mastering these forms, we were currently in the midst of practicing the Arnold Style.
"It’s already June, which means the Magics Chevalier is drawing near. The school's internal preliminaries will begin in July, and the representative contestants will be selected by the end of the month. As first-years, you will compete in the Newcomers' Tournament, meaning you will only face other first-years. Naturally, you will be competing against students from other schools. For the record, the brackets are arranged so that students from the same academy won’t face each other in the early stages. With that in mind... I’d like to hold a mock battle. Does anyone want to volunteer? I’ll accept self-nominations or recommendations."
The Magics Chevalier, huh.
Master had mentioned it to me as well. First-years participate in the Newcomers' Tournament, while those in their second year and above enter the main event. Based on my conversation with Master, it didn't seem likely that I could participate, so I had intended to stay on the sidelines this time... however, the conversation took an unexpected turn.
"Yes. Please, let me do it."
"Oh, Albert Alium. You have good instincts, so I have high expectations for you. Now then, as for his opponent..."
"Ray White. Step forward."
"Hm? Me?"
"Yeah."
His eyes were fixed on me. I couldn't tell if they were burning with anger or pure competitive fire, but they were certainly seething with intensity. It felt strange... no matter how much he looked down on me as an Ordinary, was it enough to warrant this level of provocation?
No, if someone told me it was simply the nature of the nobility, I might believe them... but I couldn't shake the feeling that some other will was involved.
"White. You’ve shown yourself to be an excellent swordsman as well... do you accept?"
"If I have been nominated, then very well... I shall accept."
In an instant, a stir went through the surrounding students.
"A noble against the Withered Wizard, huh..."
"But he’s got good moves, doesn't he?"
"Yeah, yeah. He's not great at sorcery, but his sword skills are something else."
"Even an Ordinary can be surprisingly capable..."
Surprisingly, I heard several favorable opinions. Amidst the chatter, Amelia and Evi approached me.
"Ray, good luck."
"I'm counting on you, man!"
"Yes. I shall do my best."
Under the supervision of Instructor Light, I took my position opposite Mr. Alium.
"I'm going to prove that what happened the other day was nothing more than a fluke."
"What happened the other day...? Ah. You mean at Kafka Forest."
"I could have done it too! And I am stronger than you. There is no way a noble would lose to an Ordinary!!"
"Hmm... I see. Well, one never knows the outcome of a match until the end. Let us have a fair fight."
When I said that, his gaze sharpened further, turning cold and severe.
He placed immense value on bloodline. However, I couldn't help but feel that his environment, rather than his own character, had made him that way. I believe the temperament of the nobility is largely shaped by environmental factors. From a young age, they are taught to value lineage and talent above all else. I cannot say that is entirely wrong, but that alone is... insufficient.
I understood this now precisely because I had reached the rank of the Seven Grand Sorcerers... but that was surely a perspective only available to those who had arrived at that point. I realized it was futile to try and explain it in words.
If that was the case, I should settle this with the sword.
Well... it was only a wooden sword this time.
"The rules are limited to wooden swords and the use of Physical Reinforcement only. No Quick Magic allowed today, as you all aren't accustomed to handling it yet. The match ends when one side admits defeat or when I make a judgment. I will intervene if things get dangerous."
"Understood."
"Hmph. Understood."
We took our distance.
The other students formed a ring around us in the training area. I faced him head-on.
"Now then... Begin!!"
The moment the command was given, we both lunged forward.
Of course, I didn't neglect to invoke sorcery as I ran.
"Prima Materia = Encoding = Material Code"
"Material Code = Decoding"
"Material Code = Processing"
"Embodiment = Inside Code"
I applied the codes throughout my body. Once our Physical Reinforcement was complete, he brought his wooden sword down in a heavy overhead strike with all his might.
"Oraaaaaaaaaa!!"
"Ngh...!"
I caught the blow.
It was heavy. A truly heavy sword.
His confidence in his own abilities wasn't entirely misplaced. Among the first-years, his skill likely ranked within the top ten. He showed promise as a Magic Swordsman, but... I couldn't afford to lose easily here, either.
After all, I have a bit of a competitive streak myself.
When competing, anyone would prefer to be the winner.
"Guh... What is going on?! For a mere Ordinary! For a mere Withered Wizard!"
"..."
He unleashed a frantic, relentless barrage of attacks.
Driven by his confidence, he swung his wooden sword wildly in every direction. But it was just that—swinging a weapon with brute force through Physical Reinforcement, leaving everything to his emotions.
There was no logic behind it. Sword techniques are the same as sorcery. Although they do not use Code Theory, one must execute them with a calm and logical mind.
"...Mr. Alium."
"Aah!!?"
"It is over."
"Ah...!"
The moment he prepared another wide overhead swing, I flicked my wooden sword against his wrist. His weapon spun through the air and fell to the ground with a dull clatter.
The match was decided.
"That's it. The winner is Ray White."
A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd.
"No way..."
"That was surprisingly quick."
"But... for an Ordinary to actually win..."
While everyone seemed stunned, I felt Amelia watching me intently. It wasn't exactly a look of celebration; it was a gaze that seemed to be searching for something. She walked toward us, bypassing me and heading straight for Instructor Light.
"Instructor."
"Hm? Rose? What is it?"
"May I be the next to face Ray?"
"If he consents, I don’t mind..."
"I do not mind."
I gave my consent immediately.
I see. Amelia wanted to test herself against me.
As a dazed Mr. Alium trudged back to the other students, Amelia and I took our positions.
"Ray. You are a mysterious person. You can't use sorcery well, yet your sword techniques are extraordinary. You were remarkably strong in actual combat back at Kafka Forest, too. I’ve wanted to fight you since then."
"I see... Those are gratifying words. Let us hone our skills together."
"Fufu... Yes, let's."
We both took our stances.
Once again, Instructor Light’s voice rang out.
"Now then... Begin!!"
I ran the codes to apply Physical Reinforcement just as before, but...
"Ngh...!?"
"Haaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"
She was fast.
Amelia's speed far surpassed Albert's. Part of it was likely her sorcery construction, but her code processing speed was clearly elite. Her Capacity was immense, and her processing was lightning-fast.
This was a matter of raw talent; I could only conclude that she possessed a magnificent gift.
I met her strikes head-on.
They weren't heavy... but they were fast!
The instant I blocked a strike, she was already transitioning to the next. I tried to find an opening to counter, but I was being pushed into a corner. Her swordsmanship was slightly, but surely, overwhelming my own.
—I can't win like this. However, if I...
For a fleeting moment, I felt the shackles on my abilities loosen. I had become caught up in the heat of the moment. Faced with her breathtakingly beautiful swordsmanship, I felt an urge to respond with my full strength.
"...Eh?"
Amelia’s stunned voice barely registered in my mind.
My blade felt as though it were being drawn toward her throat with unnatural precision, but then...
"Guh...!"
A sharp pain seared through my brain. My attack lost its momentum halfway through, and Amelia’s wooden sword sent my weapon flying from my hand.
"The winner is Amelia Rose. But White... you..."
"No. I simply lost."
I immediately forced the pain down and offered my hand to Amelia.
"Amelia. You are incredible."
"...That last move."
"Hm?"
"What was that? I... I couldn't see it..."
"No, that was..."
"Just who... are you...?"
I did not answer her question.