The Magics Chevalier had come to an end.
In the final match of the Main Tournament, Rebecca had fought differently than Lucas Forst’s previous opponents. She hadn’t been defeated by a single swing of his blade.
And yet... even she had not been able to grasp victory.
I had known for some time that she possessed the Future Prediction Magic Eye. It was easy enough to discern by watching her previous matches. I had fought many sorcerers with Magic Eyes in the past—including those who could see into the future. By that standard, Rebecca’s ability was exceptionally high... but Lucas Forst had simply been better.
Seeing the sword technique he displayed at the very end brought everything into focus. I’d had my suspicions. The possibility had been lingering in the back of my mind. But that technique... the fact that he could use that specific Secret Sword confirmed it.
"You are... the current generation’s Ice Sword, aren’t you?"
"..."
After the final match, I was cleaning the waiting room alone when Lucas Forst appeared. I’d had a premonition that he would come to find me.
"I didn't expect the title of Absolute Blade Sorcerer to have been passed down as well," I said.
I stated the fact plainly.
The true identity of Lucas Forst was one of the Seven Grand Sorcerers: the Absolute Blade Sorcerer. Although the title included the word "sorcerer," it was little more than a formality. His true essence lay in his overwhelming sword skills. The Absolute Blade Sorcerer was defined by the mastery of ten specific, specialized techniques known as Secret Swords.
They were a shadow figure who rarely appeared on the public stage; likely only high-ranking sorcerers even knew of their existence. I had met the previous Absolute Blade once before—a man in his fifties who shared Lucas's distaste for social interaction and his habit of tying back his long black hair. I had seen several of his Secret Swords then, and they were undoubtedly the same techniques Lucas had unleashed during the finals.
Lucas gave a bold, fearless smirk, a faint trace of bloodlust flickering in his eyes. "So, you can tell?"
"Yeah. There's no way I wouldn't recognize that Secret Sword."
"Hehe... I knew it. I figured you would be the one to notice."
"Why did you enter the tournament? If you're the Absolute Blade Sorcerer, you should have no business with the Magics Chevalier."
"I wanted to show you."
"What do you mean?"
His beautiful face—a visage so striking it could be mistaken for a woman's—suddenly turned cold and expressionless.
"I want to fight the Ice Sword," he stated flatly.
"..."
"I want to prove that the Absolute Blade is the strongest sorcerer."
"Is that all?"
"Yes. That is all. That is why I claimed the top of the Magics Chevalier this year."
"Are you saying I should enter next year?"
"I am. But your Magic Area Overheat... make sure you heal it properly."
"..."
"Otherwise, I won't be able to fight you at your best."
Having said his piece, the Absolute Blade turned on his heel.
"Until next year, then. I'll be waiting for you here at the Magics Chevalier."
I watched him go, my gaze fixed on his departing back.
The Absolute Blade Sorcerer. His power was often described as the pinnacle of close-quarters combat. And yet... the Ice Sword was still widely considered the strongest among the Seven Grand Sorcerers. The legacy my master built was beyond reproach.
I wouldn't let that legacy go to waste. I would not surrender the seat of the strongest.
"Next year, huh..." I muttered.
I didn't even know what state my Magic Area Overheat would be in by then. But deep down, I felt a spark of hope. I wanted to fight here in this tournament, just like everyone else.
That was the wish I made.
◇
The closing ceremony took place the following day.
We watched from the stands as Amelia was honored. Magical treatment hadn't been enough to fully heal her injuries; she was covered in bandages, but her expression was radiant.
The winners, runners-up, and third-place finishers were all awarded their prizes. Officially, Albert was listed as having withdrawn due to injuries sustained in his match against Ariane. In reality, he had been a prisoner of the Grim Reaper, but that situation had already been dealt with.
The previous night, Abby had called me to her office to explain the outcome. Curiously, Carol and Master were nowhere to be found. Abby mentioned something about them being "in reflection."
"Ray, sorry to call you in so suddenly again," Abby said.
"Abby, since you’ve brought me here... is it over?"
"Yes. Everything was handled successfully. I’m sorry we had to trouble you so much."
"No, that's fine. But the students who were taken...?"
"All safe. Their goal was kidnapping, not murder. There wasn't a scratch on any of them."
"I see. That’s a relief."
"Carol’s ability actually proved useful for once."
"She used Herrschaft?"
"Yes. For all her faults, she remains one of the world's finest sorcerers."
"I agree. I can't deny her talent."
"Well then... good luck on your summer vacation date."
"...That was a deal with a demon, but I intend to keep my promise."
"Lydia was worried about all sorts of things, but Ray, you’re of age now. You should take responsibility for your own actions. That woman loses all sense of reason when it comes to you. I spent yesterday lecturing both of them for their little rampage."
"Ha, hahaha... I see."
It seemed Master and Carol had been thoroughly dressed down by Abby. After a few more details regarding the cleanup of the Grim Reaper incident, the meeting concluded.
As I moved toward the door, Abby spoke again in a gentle voice. "Ray, did you enjoy the Magics Chevalier?"
"Yes. It’s become a precious memory. I hope to enjoy it with everyone again next year."
"I see. You’ve changed quite a bit from the old days."
Abby’s smile was genuinely warm.
"Have I?"
"Yes. You were always a good person, Ray, but you’ve become much kinder."
"...I think I have my friends to thank for that. And I plan to keep moving forward alongside them."
"I see. Then continue to enjoy your life here at the academy. It’s favoritism, I know, but if you ever have any trouble, come to me. I’ll help you."
"Thank you."
I bowed and took my leave.
With the events of the previous night concluded, I returned to the present, watching the closing ceremony with the others.
Next to Amelia stood Ariane, who looked even more battered. It had been suggested she skip the ceremony, but she had insisted on appearing with Amelia’s support. Both girls were wrapped in bandages—a painful sight to some.
But I didn't see it that way.
They were laughing together on the podium. I couldn't hear their conversation, but I could tell their smiles were sincere.
"Amelia, congratulations!"
"Amelia-chaaan! Congrats!"
"You did it, Amelia!"
The cheer squad shouted their praise. Noticing us, Amelia smiled and waved.
Once the awards for the Newcomers' Tournament were finished, they moved to the Main Tournament. Rebecca was honored for her runner-up finish. Despite her loss to Lucas, she had fought with everything she had. Her wounds were relatively light, and she stood on the stage with a dignified, composed air.
Lucas Forst stood beside her, his face a mask of indifference. The Absolute Blade Sorcerer accepted his award without a hint of a smile.
Finally, Abby brought the event to a close.
"The Magics Chevalier has officially concluded. Our Newcomers' Tournament champion is Amelia Rose. Our Main Tournament champion is Lucas Forst. Congratulations to you both. You both fought magnificently. But truly, every match was wonderful. Even as students, you showed us combat of the highest caliber. My thanks go to the participants, the organizers, and the spectators. This has been a truly remarkable tournament. I look forward to seeing you all here again next year."
And so, the Magics Chevalier ended.
Through this tournament, I had accomplished much and gained things far more precious than a trophy. I had enjoyed the competition with my friends, and I had decided to walk the same path as Amelia. By touching her heart, I had learned to accept my own weaknesses.
No one can live entirely alone. We live by supporting one another.
From this day forward, I would continue to move forward with the people I held dear.
◇
A Bird in a Cage.
There was no better way to describe Amelia Rose. I knew myself better than anyone. I was a bird that could never leave its cage, its wings torn away, destined to lie broken on the ground.
But I had finally flown out of that cage.
I did it because everyone was there for me. And because Ray had reached out to my heart. He had taught me the meaning of finding a reason to live for myself.
I am no longer a Bird in a Cage. I am not trapped in a prison of nobility. I will live with everyone else under this great sky, in this vast world.
I’m currently writing in my diary—a way to keep a record of who I was and who I’m becoming. I’m just finishing the entry about what happened after the tournament.
"Amelia, congratulations on your win!"
At a restaurant in town, everyone was celebrating my victory. The members of the Amelia Cheer Squad were making a festive racket with party crackers. Ray said the President of the Environmental Research Club had chartered the entire place for us.
"Come on, Amelia! Eat as much as you want!"
"Yeah! You were amazing, Amelia-chan!"
"Damn right! Your muscles were amazing, too, Amelia!"
"I... I don't think my muscles had much to do with it, but... thank you, everyone."
I smiled. It wasn't the fake, practiced smile I used to wear.
I’d learned from my talk with Ray that they all knew. They knew I had been faking it. But they hadn't said a word; they were just here now, celebrating for me.
I was so full of gratitude that the tears started falling again. Goodness, I’ve been such a crybaby lately. But these were happy tears.
"Ugh... hic... thank you... everyone..."
As I sat there crying, Ray, who was sitting next to me, handed me a handkerchief.
"Amelia. Use this."
"Yeah... hic... thanks..."
Ray was talking to me the same way he always did, but I felt... a little shy. He was his usual self, but I had this strange, fluttering feeling in my chest. I can't quite explain it. I wonder what it is?
"Amelia-chan, you were so cool!" Elisa said, her eyes shining.
"Thanks, Elisa!"
I told them everything. I talked about the final match, how much it meant to fight Ariane, and how happy I was to have won. I opened up about everything.
I even apologized for not trusting them before. They just laughed and accepted it. I really do have the best friends in the world.
"Amelia. So this is where you were."
"Ray..."
Inside, the party had turned into chaos. Clarice had somehow gotten drunk, followed by Elisa, Evi, and the club members. When Elisa started stripping because she was "too hot," I internally cheered, but since there were boys around, I had to jump in to protect her.
Those breasts are mine! I’m not sharing them with anyone!
We’ve even been talking about a sleepover during summer vacation. I’m definitely going to get in the bath with her then. Guhehe...
Anyway, putting that aside.
I had stepped out onto the second-floor balcony to cool off in the breeze. That was when Ray found me.
"Amelia, congratulations again on your win."
"Thanks."
A moment of silence passed between us. It wasn't awkward; just being near him made me feel calm.
But then... when I thought back to that moment... I got so embarrassed. Looking back, it felt like... like a confession. Or even further than that, like a marriage proposal...
I know, I know. He meant it as a friend. Neither of us had those kinds of feelings. We were just promising to move forward together. But why does my face get so hot whenever I look at him now? It must be my imagination. Definitely.
I took a deep breath to stay calm—as calm as a friend should be. My face was only hot because of the heat from the party inside.
"So, Ray... did you know what my ability was?"
"No, not exactly. But during our training... I felt that you had an immense talent—a latent Origin Magic—sleeping inside you."
"I see... but, you know. That talent might have been there from the start, but... it was my hard work that brought it out, right?"
"Of course. Origin Magic isn't something you reach without effort. It’s proof of everything you've struggled for, Amelia. So, congratulations. Truly."
"Thank you, Ray. Really... thank you."
Without him, I would still be a Bird in a Cage. Because of him, I finally became myself. I could never thank him enough.
"Hey, Ray."
"Yeah?"
I naturally reached out and took his hand. I didn't need words, and he didn't pull away. We just stood there, feeling each other's warmth, confirming that we were both here. For a moment, I let myself sink into that happiness.
"Um, so..."
"What is it?"
"About summer vacation... do you want to come to my house?"
"To your family’s estate?"
"Yeah... I told my mother about you. I didn't mention the Ice Sword thing! But when I told her I’d made a close friend, she insisted I bring you home... and, well, I’d be happy if you came."
"Of course. My schedule is wide open. I’d love to go."
"Great!"
I’m not alone anymore. The thought filled me with warmth.
I looked up and saw the first star of the evening shining in the sky. I hoped that my life, too, could shine like that star.
"Amelia-chaaan!"
"Amelia!"
"Hey! Amelia! Let's go!"
I wanted to write more, but I think that’s enough for now.
A gust of wind blew through the window, fluttering the pages and snapping the diary shut. On the cover was an illustration of a great bird soaring through the sky. I’d bought it specifically for that design.
I am no longer a Bird in a Cage. I am a bird flying into the great blue yonder.
I looked out the window at the sky. It was a beautiful, clear summer day. The drone of the cicadas and the shimmering heat were all part of the season. I used to hate summer. I used to hate myself, too.
But now, I love this summer. I love myself. And I’ve come to love everyone else, too.
"Amelia! We're leaving you behind!" Ray called out.
We’d promised to spend the day together in town before everyone headed home for the break.
"Wait for me! I'm coming!"
I ran toward where everyone was waiting.
In that moment, I heard a bird cry. I looked back and saw a single bird dancing in the vast sky beyond the glass.
I’ll be just like that bird. I’m going to fly into that sky.
The Bird in a Cage had found the wings to be free, and she would fly higher and higher into the endless blue.