More than a century had passed since magic had taken root in the world.
Before then, all supernatural phenomena were simply described as thaumaturgy. However, once the progenitor of magic discovered Code Theory and systematized the practice, progress moved at a breakneck pace. Magic was quickly applied to every facet of daily life.
It permeated infrastructure, household goods, and even the basic necessities of food, clothing, and shelter, until it became indispensable to humanity.
The birthplace of this modern magic was the Arnold Kingdom. Situated on a massive continent in the west, it was a traditional nation with a long history, yet even it had been transformed by the power of magic.
The Kingdom went on to establish three magic academies.
To this day, they continue to produce a multitude of elite sorcerers... and that remains the current state of the realm.
"Hmm..."
"What’s the matter, Ray? Aren’t you going to sleep?"
"Sorry. I want to read just a little more."
"Suit yourself. I'm hitting the sack, then."
"Yeah."
Inside our dormitory room, I was poring over a book on world history. It wasn't that I was ignorant of the subject, but I had borrowed this from the Royal Library to refresh my memory. I could have used the academy library, but I had picked this up while I was out with Elisa.
"I see..."
I scanned the pages again.
Arnold Magic Academy, Diom Magic Academy, and Mercrose Magic Academy.
These three were hailed as the World's Three Great Magic Academies, and all of them were located within the Arnold Kingdom.
Arnold Magic Academy excelled in overall balance. It provided high-level education in both academic research and the practical magic used by magic swordsmen, earning it a reputation as the finest magic academy in the world.
Diom Magic Academy was an institution specialized in practical combat. While it trailed our academy in overall academic standing, its training of magic swordsmen and its emphasis on combat capability reportedly surpassed ours in certain areas.
Mercrose Magic Academy was a school specialized in academic research. Most students who enrolled there were destined to become researchers or pursue similar career paths... or so the book said. That being said, they had produced their fair share of winners in the Magics Chevalier.
Each academy had its own distinct flavor, and none of the three were overwhelmingly dominant; they existed in a state of tense equilibrium.
Now, the Magics Chevalier—the tournament where these three academies clashed—was drawing near.
◇
"Hiiii, everyone! Good morning! It’s Caro-caro here! Today, I’ve got an announcement about the Magics Chevalier!"
To be honest, I truly hated the sight of Carol... but I had already resigned myself to her presence.
It was true that she hadn't caused any real trouble yet. If she would just do something about her garish clothes, neon hair, and bizarre behavior, I wouldn't have any complaints.
"I’m sure you all know the drill, but let me explain it again! The Magics Chevalier is a tournament where the three magic academies compete! And, um... all you first-years will be participating in the Newcomers' Tournament! We’ll be selecting representatives from each academy... for a total of sixteen combatants! Since our academy produced last year's winner, we get to send six students to the tournament! The other academies get five each, making sixteen in total! Kyapi☆"
Whether the students had already grown used to her antics or were simply too intimidated by her status as one of the Seven Grand Sorcerers, no one spoke up to challenge her.
I see. The academy that produced the previous winner received an extra slot. Since Rebecca-senpai had also won last year, there would be six slots for the main tournament as well.
Incidentally, Arnold Magic Academy held the record for the most winners. Diom Magic Academy followed closely behind, with Mercrose Magic Academy coming in third, though every academy had produced a respectable number of champions.
While some looked down on Mercrose as the weakest, history showed that several of their students had won the tournament by relying on exceptional magic rather than sword skills.
"So, anyone who wants to compete needs to finish their paperwork after school today! A-n-d, this is voluntary, but is anyone interested in joining the Management Committee? We need people to help run the School Preliminaries and cooperate with the other academies during the main event! Is there no one? No one at all? I only need one person! Caro-chan will be so sad if no one helps! Anyone?"
Carol peered around the room, searching for a volunteer.
No one raised a hand. Almost every student looked down, desperately trying to avoid eye contact with her.
Hmm... the Management Committee. I didn't know exactly what the job entailed. However, Amelia had said she was going to compete. Knowing her, she would surely breeze through the School Preliminaries and make it to the Newcomers' Tournament.
In that case... it wouldn't be so bad to support her from behind the scenes.
I calmly raised my hand.
"Oh! Ray-chan, you’ll do it?"
"Yes. I shall take the position."
"Thank you! I’ll be sure to give you a special reward later, okay?"
"No, thank you. Your sentiment is enough, Instructor Caroline."
"Boo! Ray-chan is so cold!"
For the record, my history with Carol hadn't been exposed yet. Or rather, I desperately wanted to keep it that way. This idiot tried to pester me in the classroom at every opportunity, but I managed by maintaining a professional distance. Truthfully, it pained me even to call her "Instructor," but calling her "Carol" without a title would only lead to more trouble, so I endured.
"...Alright."
With my mind made up, I vowed to put my all into my duties on the committee.
◇
"I have to say, it was unexpected. Seeing Ray volunteer for the Management Committee."
"I thought so too!"
"I... I was also wondering... who would step up..."
It was lunch break.
The four of us eating together had become a daily routine. Incidentally, the rumors about me had settled down considerably. Ordinary. Withered Wizard.
Those had taken root as my derogatory nicknames, but the tide of opinion had shifted since I crossed swords with Mr. Alium and Amelia.
Apparently, there were now whispers that my practical combat ability was among the best in the academy... or so Evi had told me.
"Yeah. I wasn't sure what to do at first, but I knew Amelia was participating, and I wanted to be of some help."
"Wait, that was your reason?"
"Yeah. Besides, since I can't participate as a contestant, I suppose I wanted to be involved in some other way."
"Ray, are you really not going to enter? The deadline for sign-ups is after school today, you know."
It wasn't just Amelia; Evi and Elisa were also staring intently at me.
Certainly, if I could use my powers as the Ice Sword Sorcerer without issue, I might have entered. But as it stood, I was using everything I had just to suppress my Magic Area Overheat.
One match might be possible, but a series of consecutive battles was out of the question.
"Unfortunately, it’s just not possible. I haven't fully recovered yet. But I hope I can compete at some point during my four years here."
"Ugh... if you entered, the winner would be a foregone conclusion."
"I don't know about that. I’m still a work in progress myself. Besides, you never know how a match will turn out until the end, right?"
"I suppose, but..."
Amelia looked unconvinced, but she quickly changed the subject.
"By the way, what are the specific rules? I haven't grasped all the details yet."
"You either... scatter the rose on their chest... or knock them out of bounds, right?"
"Exactly, Elisa. Generally, scattering the rose is the most efficient way to win. The teachers intervene if things get too dangerous. There are injuries every year, but there hasn't been a single death."
"I see... Certainly, if people fought until they were incapacitated, it would turn into a bloodbath."
"I watched the tournament last year," Evi added. "And believe me, it gets pretty intense."
"Is that so, Evi?"
"Yeah. Everyone's carrying the reputation of their academy on their backs. Rivalries flare up and the whole place gets incredibly heated."
"...That sounds like something to look forward to."
And so, I joined the Management Committee for the Magics Chevalier, and the School Preliminaries officially began.