After my conversation with Evi, I headed toward our meeting place.
The Main Tournament was set to take place in an Ancient Castle that was no longer in use. There had been a proposal to demolish it some time ago, but it seemed the decision was made to repurpose it for this Magics War.
The Ancient Castle was located further north of Arnold Magic Academy. Since we had earned a seed, we were set to begin our run in the second round. Consequently, today’s schedule consisted only of spectating at the Colosseum.
As I waited at the Academy’s main gate, I spotted a woman with golden hair sitting in a wheelchair. Behind her stood a second woman dressed in a maid’s uniform.
I couldn’t be certain from this distance, but... I had a feeling. As I got closer, I saw that it was indeed Master, just as I had suspected.
"Master. What brings you here?"
"Ray. I just had something I wanted to discuss with you."
Master gazed at me intently before getting straight to the point.
"The Main Tournament begins today."
"Yes. We're only a few steps away from victory."
"I came this early because I wanted to see how you were faring."
"I see..."
It seemed Master had gone out of her way to visit because she was concerned about my condition.
In the matches so far, I had been able to win without ever having to go all out. However, the matches from here on would likely be far more grueling.
Regarding my current state, I had completely transferred the Chronos Lock to Rebecca-senpai. Because of that, I could use magic without immediate restriction... but the ever-present threat of Overheat still loomed over me.
I had competed under those conditions until now, but there was no telling what would happen in the trials ahead.
Master had likely come out of concern that something might go wrong.
"As for my condition... well, it’s not bad."
"I see. From what I’ve observed of your matches, you seem to be using magic without any trouble."
"Yes. Nothing feels out of place."
"Is that so? Then I’m glad. However, do not use that, all right? Even if you find yourself in a one-on-one duel with the Absolute Blade."
"I understand. I know I’m not ready for it yet."
"Good."
That seemed to be the crux of what Master wanted to say. I still possessed a hidden ability—one I had obtained during the final battle of the Far East Campaign.
That power was truly a double-edged sword.
Ruled by emotion and surrendering to the chaos, I had literally become what was likely the strongest sorcerer in the world at that moment. I was, in all probability, the first sorcerer in history to reach beyond Code Theory.
However, there were repercussions.
The aftereffects still lingered in my brain, even now. Nearly four years had passed, yet the damage remained.
"Well then, I shall take my leave. Ray, I’m looking forward to your matches."
"Thank you. I’ll make sure to win, for your sake as well, Master. Please watch over me."
"Heh. Yes. I’m sure you will."
Wearing a gentle smile, Master was pushed away from the gates by Carla-san. I stood there, watching her until her back was no longer visible.
It was my fault Master was confined to a wheelchair.
If I had made better decisions during that final battle... things wouldn't have turned out that way.
Furthermore, Master's leg treatment was stalled because of a certain Covenant. Once a little more time passed, that Covenant could be voided. When that day came, Master would surely be able to stand on her own two feet again.
If she recovered, I wanted us to take a walk through the forest together, just the two of us, like we used to.
I wanted to share that simple happiness with her—the joy of enjoying an ordinary, peaceful life.
Lost in those thoughts, I waited for Amelia and Ariane to arrive.
◇
"Ray! Good morning!"
"Good morning, Amelia. How are you feeling?"
"Perfect!"
"That’s good. The Main Tournament finally starts today. Let's stay focused."
"Right!"
Amelia seemed even more energetic than usual. Her complexion was bright; it looked like she had gotten plenty of rest.
As we talked, I saw Ariane approaching us with quick, graceful steps.
"Good morning to you both!"
"Morning, Ariane!"
"Good morning. You seem to be in high spirits as well, Ariane."
"But of course! As a maiden, I take my physical health very seriously!"
Ariane also appeared to be perfectly prepared.
The three of us began walking toward the Colosseum. We planned to hold our meeting on the move.
"Well, at last, we have reached the Main Tournament."
"Yes. The strategy remains the same as we discussed, right?"
"Yeah. Generally, I want Amelia and Ariane to act as a pair. One on attack, one on defense. Regardless of the situation, I’ll take the front lines. Also, I’m granting limited permission for the use of Origin Magic. Use your own discretion, but please do not push yourselves too far."
"Understood. Of course."
"We shall keep that in mind."
Origin Magic.
Amelia's Butterfly Effect placed a massive burden on her body, and the magic Ariane had acquired was no different.
If they overused it, they would inevitably hit Overheat. If that happened, not only would they be unable to use magic properly, but they would be tormented by hellish agony.
It was a pain only those who had experienced it could truly understand.
I never wanted either of them to go through that. That was why I had made it clear that even if they felt they could push through to victory, they must not overextend.
"On another note, do you expect Team Forst to advance as predicted?"
Since Ariane asked, I shared my assessment of the coming brackets.
"It might sound harsh, but the other teams won't stand a chance. It’s not just Lucas Forst. Evi and Albert have refined their skills to an incredible level. Plus, like us, they have clearly defined roles. They will most likely advance to the finals without any trouble."
"I see... Well, that is only to be expected."
"Lucas Forst, huh... Can you handle him, Ray?" Amelia asked.
I had already worked out countermeasures. I had even run through scenarios for a one-on-one encounter.
However, if Lucas was thinking the same way I was, he wouldn’t want a duel with me either.
To be blunt, if it came down to a fight between me and Lucas Forst, the outcome was a toss-up. I might lose, or I might win.
On the other hand, in a match between Amelia and Ariane against Evi and Albert, the advantage leaned toward us. Evi and Albert were talented, but my teammates had Origin Magic.
In particular, Amelia's Butterfly Effect was so potent that even a member of the Seven Grand Sorcerers might struggle against it.
I suspected that only three people—myself, Carol, and Lise-san—could truly stand against that overwhelming Origin Magic.
That was the caliber of power Amelia possessed.
I honestly believed that within a few years, Amelia would become one of the Seven Grand Sorcerers herself. The timing for a generational shift was about right. My prediction was that she would eventually take the seat vacated by Lise-san when she retired.
But I hadn't told her that yet. Knowing her, it would likely just become an unnecessary burden.
Returning to the topic at hand, given that background, it was highly probable that I would be tasked with handling Evi and Albert while Lucas Forst took on Amelia and Ariane.
If the opposition was seeking a guaranteed victory, that was the most logical path for them to take.
I could try to force a confrontation with Lucas Forst, but he surely understood that as well. He likely wouldn't allow the situation to develop that way.
With that in mind, I had Amelia and Ariane undergo training for various scenarios specifically designed to counter Lucas Forst.
Now, all that remained was to put it into practice.
"If it's just me, I can manage Lucas Forst somehow. However, as we discussed, I’ll likely have to leave him to you two. Just fight the way we practiced during training, and everything will be fine."
"I guess it really will come down to that."
"To face the great Lucas Forst... My maiden's blood is boiling!"
With our resolve steeled, we finally headed into the Main Tournament.