Albert was pushing himself through his training, just as he always did.
"Hah... hah... hngh!"
With Evi acting as his spotter, he was working up a sweat in the academy gym.
He had already heard the news.
The Magics War.
The rules, which allowed students to form teams across academy and grade lines, had caused quite a stir. Of course, it was also possible to form teams within the same academy, and at this stage, those seeking teammates from other schools were in the minority.
Under these circumstances, word had reached Albert’s ears.
Ray, Amelia, and Ariane would be entering as a team.
They were, without a doubt, the top candidates for victory. The trio included the winner and the runner-up of this year’s Magics Chevalier Newcomers' Tournament. Amelia in particular possessed magic capable of interfering with causality, which was a rule-breaking advantage in itself. And then there was the third member—Ray White, the Ice Sword Sorcerer.
In the context of the Magics War, his presence was beyond the need for explanation.
Those who knew, knew. Ray was already world-class. Even if he couldn't use his magic to its full potential, his close-quarters combat skills far exceeded the student level.
That was exactly why Albert felt the urge. He wanted to fight Ray... once more.
"Evi."
"What is it, Albert?"
"What do we need to do to win against Ray's team?"
"...If those three are together, we might be out of luck. To be honest, I'm stumped. However..."
"However?"
Evi hesitated for a moment. Then, he proposed a single possibility for victory.
"Lucas Forst, the winner of the Magics Chevalier main tournament. He's probably our only shot."
"...I see. You’re right about that."
Albert considered it. He hadn’t seen all of Lucas’s matches, but the man’s skill was guaranteed. If they wanted to stand a chance against Ray and the others, they needed a card of that caliber.
"Alright. Let's go negotiate."
"Are you sure? There are other strong people out there, right?"
Evi also planned to participate in the tournament. Albert and Evi—they just needed one more. They had been searching for that final member, but Evi’s suggestion helped Albert make up his mind.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. With that in mind, the two immediately headed for Mercrose Magic Academy.
"Is this the place?"
"Yeah. Word is he’s often training here."
Mercrose wasn't far from Arnold Magic Academy, so the two arrived in no time. Upon inquiry, they learned that Lucas often trained alone at the training grounds. Apparently, the place had practically become his personal domain.
"Oh, isn't that him?"
"...No mistake about it."
Reflected in their eyes was Lucas, holding a katana. His eyes were closed as he stood perfectly still, gripping the hilt. His stance was low, and sensing the refined aura radiating from him, both men realized they shouldn't call out to him lightly.
Then, in a single flash, his blade sliced through the empty air. Lucas calmly returned it to its scabbard.
He had an androgynous appearance, with long hair that might lead one to mistake him for a woman at first glance. Yet, he radiated a sharp intensity that was undeniably masculine—an aura like someone who had survived thousands of battlefields.
"So, what can I do for you?" Lucas asked, turning around.
He had already sensed them behind him.
"My name is Albert Alium."
"I'm Evi Armstrong."
They introduced themselves and gave a polite bow. They were his juniors, and they were the ones asking for a favor. Both understood the importance of proper etiquette.
Albert then addressed Lucas directly.
"We came because we have a request for you, Forst-senpai."
"Do you want to form a team with me too?"
"Yes."
"I see. Then let's have a match."
Lucas grabbed some wooden swords from the corner of the training grounds and tossed them to Albert and Evi.
"I've had plenty of requests like that already. Each time, I measure their strength like this. If I find you acceptable, I don't mind joining your team."
"...Understood."
The two took their stances with the wooden swords. Lucas, on the other hand, made no move to ready a weapon. The difference in skill was already obvious. Albert wondered what exactly Lucas was trying to measure.
The battle began the moment Albert and Evi kicked off the ground simultaneously.
"Haaaaaaaaaaaaah!!"
They dashed forward. Until recently, Albert had focused entirely on magic, believing it was the only thing that mattered for a noble. But now, thanks to his training, his basic physical abilities had improved considerably.
"...Not bad," Lucas muttered softly.
Albert's movements were still unrefined, but they were good enough for Lucas to take notice.
Then, with a single movement, Lucas avoided Albert's strike with a simple backstep. Evi was already closing in from behind him.
"Oraaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!" Evi roared, swinging down.
Despite his massive build, Evi possessed incredible agility. In that split second, he had taken Lucas's back and swung his wooden sword with everything he had.
Lucas was smiling.
Albert tried to follow up with another attack, but both of their strikes were stopped by Lucas’s bare hands.
"Wha...!?"
"Are you serious!? You stopped us barehanded!?"
Lucas had caught their attacks—both reinforced by Inside Code—without using any magic of his own. The two could tell for certain because there was no trace of Prima Materia.
"Good. You pass," Lucas announced calmly, taking their wooden swords.
"Eh...?"
"Huh...?"
Albert and Evi stood there dazed. It was only natural; they had suffered a complete defeat. They hadn't managed a single effective move. They had challenged him head-on and been utterly crushed.
Yet, Lucas seemed to be in a good mood.
"Impressive. I can tell how hard you've both been training. As for practical combat... well, I shall instruct you myself."
"I-Is it really okay?" Albert asked timidly.
The reality of passing his test hadn't quite sunk in yet.
"Of course. You're still unrefined, but you've worked hard. To be honest, I prefer melee combat to magical duels. You two are a good fit for me."
Lucas was known as a man of few words at his academy, but seeing their movements had made him uncharacteristically talkative.
"Besides... Ray White is entering, isn't he?"
Ray White—the opponent Lucas sought.
"Yes. That's the plan," Albert replied.
Lucas smiled faintly.
"My goal was to fight him at next year's Magics Chevalier... but it wouldn't hurt to see his progress for myself. Of course, I won't be the one fighting him this time. I want our battle to be one-on-one. More importantly, it’s you, isn't it? You’re the one who wants to face him."
"...Yes."
Lucas had seen through him. More than that, he had heard the rumors of a sorcerer who was growing rapidly after his battle with Ray.
"Ray White exists in a domain you might never reach in your entire life. Even so, do you have the resolve to aim for those heights?"
"I do."
"Even if what waits at the end of that path is nothing but frustration and agony?"
"I can afford to regret it later. Right now, I just want to chase that back with everything I have."
"...Fine. I like that. Albert, was it? And Evi. You can just call me Lucas."
Albert and Evi bowed their heads once more.
"We look forward to working with you, Lucas-senpai."
"Lucas-senpai, I've been wanting to go toe-to-toe with Ray myself. Please, give us your guidance."
Watching them, Lucas thought that having juniors wasn't such a bad thing after all.
"Well then, let's start training immediately. If you're going to win against him, you'll need to master at least the minimum combat techniques. Can you keep up?"
Yes!!
Their reply was loud and full of spirit.
Lucas Forst—the solitary, aloof figure famous for letting no one near him—had decided to team up with juniors from another academy. It was a rumor that would soon spread throughout the school.
And so, Albert and his companions took a significant step forward.