"All right! Training concludes as of today!"
Ranger!!
Two days before the tournament.
Finally, their training had reached its end.
Amelia and Ariane both offered me a crisp, beautiful salute despite their battered appearance.
Though fatigue clearly still weighed on them, their expressions were full of life. It had been a brief two months, but I truly felt they had both given it their all.
"You two. You did a great job."
When I praised them honestly, Amelia beamed.
"Compared to the Magics Chevalier, I was actually able to hold my own! And having Ariane with me this time made all the difference!"
Amelia lunged forward to give her a tight hug, but Ariane looked slightly put off.
"Wait! I am filthy right now, so please do not hug me!"
"Ehehe... Come on, it’s fine~"
The distance between them had shrunk considerably. It wasn't as if they had been cold to each other at the start, but it was fair to say they had become much closer friends.
Their coordination as a team had also reached its peak. All that was left was to ensure they got plenty of rest before the tournament began in two days.
"Amelia. Ariane. Let's definitely win this. I know we can do it."
"Yeah! Definitely!"
"I agree. We shall most certainly win!"
The three of us placed our hands together. Then, we made our final vow.
"We’re going to win it all!"
Yeah!!
I had successfully bolstered both Amelia’s and Ariane’s capabilities. These must have been grueling days for them, yet they had followed my lead faithfully.
That was why I needed to ensure their efforts were rewarded.
Suddenly, I found myself staring at my own hands.
Until now, I had believed these hands were only meant to be stained with blood. But perhaps I, too, was becoming someone capable of giving something to others.
The past will never disappear. But the future can be seized with one's own hands. I recognized that simple truth once again.
"..."
I looked up at the sky.
Winter had fully arrived. In two days, the Magics War would begin. My heart danced at the thought of participating in such an event.
Accomplishing something alongside friends. I had tasted that same feeling during the Cultural Festival, and no matter how many times I experienced it, it was a wonderful thing.
A gust of wind blew—a cold, wintry draft. Yet right now, it felt oddly pleasant.
The tournament would undoubtedly be fierce. I knew that much after researching the other participants. League A, where we were placed, was one thing, but many powerful rivals surely awaited us in the Main Tournament beyond that.
I see. I really was enjoying myself. I was savoring the current situation to the utmost.
In that case, I would make this a tournament to remember. For everyone’s sake, and... for my own as well.
◇
The sun had completely set, and since it was dangerous for a young woman to walk alone, I was escorting Ariane back to the academy.
After she had taken a shower in Amelia’s room, the two of us were now walking along the night road. Amelia had intended to come along, but she had apparently fallen asleep on the sofa before we left. Ariane told me she had quietly tucked her into bed before slipping out of the room.
Thinking back, Amelia had probably just been riding an adrenaline high after training; in reality, she must have been exhausted.
"Ariane. How are you feeling?"
The streetlights cast a glow over us as we walked. Ariane spoke composedly about her current state.
"Well... let me see. I believe I am in good form. However, I am feeling quite nervous."
"I didn't think you were the type to get nervous, Ariane. Was I wrong?"
"Hmm. I was fine during the Magics Chevalier, but this feels different. More than anything, I am worried about my new ability..."
It was true. Ariane had awakened a new Origin Magic on the final day of our three-day intensive training camp. We had spent the remaining time trying to get it under control, but in the end, she hadn't achieved perfect mastery.
That was the nature of Origin Magic. Almost no sorcerer could perfectly control it from the moment it manifested. In fact, there were even sorcerers who were consumed by their own overwhelming magic the moment it activated.
Power that is too great comes with corresponding risks. Magic isn't just about output; any spell is dictated by the sorcerer’s own caliber.
"Thinking back, Amelia has become quite adept at controlling hers, hasn't she?"
"Yeah. Compared to when it first manifested, she's like a different person."
The Butterfly Effect. Even among existing magics, it was likely one of the most powerful in the top class—at least, as far as I knew. I hadn't heard the details of what Lise had taught her, mainly because Amelia herself didn't seem to fully understand it. However, the precision of her Butterfly Effect had improved significantly.
When it came to the tournament, I wasn't particularly worried about Amelia.
"I am lagging behind again, aren't I...?"
"Ariane. That's not true."
I stopped walking. I turned to look at her face in the streetlight's glow. Our gazes met.
"Comparing yourself to others won't get you anywhere. Everyone has their own pace. I think your current rate of growth is more than enough. No, honestly, you're growing much faster than I expected."
"Is that true...?"
She looked up at me with an anxious, searching gaze. I wasn't about to lie to her. I told her exactly what I felt.
"It's the truth. You are making steady progress. The fact that you manifested an Origin Magic at all is the greatest proof of that. I’ll say it again: over these past two months, you have worked incredibly hard."
Ariane clenched her hands tightly against her chest. Her voice trembled slightly.
"Ray. I am truly... truly indebted to you."
"No, I learned a lot myself. Besides, I've found that I enjoy teaching people."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. In the future, I think I'd like to become a teacher."
"Eh..."
She stared at me blankly, as if I had said something bizarre. People usually told me it was an unexpected choice, so she was likely no different. While I had discussed my past before, I realized I hadn't talked much about my future until now.
I wonder why I felt so comfortable saying it out loud today.
"Was it that unexpected?"
"Eh... Yes. I did not expect to hear such a dream from you, Ray... But I think it suits you well."
"I'm glad to hear that."
I cracked a smile. I hadn't fully decided on my future yet. While I wanted to be a teacher, there was always the possibility I might return to the military.
In fact, I had already been scouted. They told me that once my Overheat was completely cured, they wanted me back. They even promised me a position with a significant rank—likely one that would put me on the fast track to becoming a Field Officer.
The offer had come through Master, but she told me to decide for myself.
—Because you should live by your own will now... she had said.
I was conflicted. If I wanted to utilize my abilities to their fullest, it was obvious that returning to the military was the logical choice. I knew the immense power I held could do much for national defense. Yet, it was also true that I wanted to lead people as a teacher.
The time to choose my path would surely come one day.
"Hey, Ray."
"What is it?"
"The stars are beautiful tonight."
"Yeah... they certainly are."
The two of us looked up at the night sky. It was a clear, cloudless night. The stars twinkled brilliantly, and under their light, we began walking once again.
"Well then, this is where we part ways."
"Right. I'll see you the day after tomorrow, at the tournament."
"Yes. A-And... lastly, would it be all right if we shook hands?"
"Hm? I don't mind."
I didn't quite understand the request, but I held out my hand. Ariane reached out and gently enveloped my right hand with both of hers. It was a small hand, but very warm.
"Ray. Let us definitely win."
"Yeah."
"Well then, good night."
"Good night, Ariane."
She gave a polite bow and headed toward the dormitory. I stood there, watching until she disappeared from sight.
Once she was gone, I began walking again under the star-studded sky. The stars looked exceptionally beautiful today.
No, it was probably my own perspective that had changed. Back then, I never had the luxury of looking at the sky or soaking in the atmosphere.
The world changes. It changes alongside your own heart.
Ah. If only... I truly hope the world remains as beautiful as this.
With that thought, I continued alone down the quiet night road.