The Magics War has finally come to a close. In the end, the victors were us—Team Algren.
It was a battle that truly went down to the wire.
During that final exchange, as I weathered Lucas Forst’s onslaught, I was so consumed with protecting Ariane that I didn't even have the luxury of tracking the clock. Apparently, only two seconds had remained.
If Ariane hadn't managed to drag herself forward and plant the flag at that exact moment—if she had been even two seconds slower—the championship would have slipped through our fingers. To be honest, when she reached her limit and collapsed, I had braced myself.
I had prepared for the very real possibility that we would face defeat.
I wondered for a fleeting moment if I should have taken the flag myself. Instead of leaving it to Ariane, should I have forced my way through to plant it?
But then, Ariane had entered my field of vision. She had taken the flag in her mouth and was inching forward, dragging her body across the ground.
She was focused, desperate, and staring straight at the goal.
She hadn't given up.
Even in that state, her indomitable will to win was palpable.
The sight of her gave me conviction. No matter the outcome of the final exchange, I would protect her until the end. Witnessing her sheer determination, I resolved to face Lucas Forst with everything I had.
And then, she planted the flag by her own strength just as the siren wailed across the field.
"Haa... haa... haa... haa... ugh... cough..."
I dropped to my knees. It seemed that thanks to Ariane’s Origin Magic, Lucas Forst had been significantly drained.
However, the swordplay fueled by his final tenacity had been so overwhelming that it hadn't felt like he was weakened at all.
Even though I was battered, my Magic Area was still intact. Because of that, I was able to deploy multiple Ice Swords to form a desperate defense. Had he been at his peak, he surely would have broken through.
This victory was won through a complex tapestry of factors.
I also saw Amelia where she had collapsed earlier. She had likely used her Butterfly Effect far beyond her limits to seal Lucas Forst’s Secret Swords, exactly as we had planned.
This championship was won through her efforts as well.
It was only because of everyone's combined hard work that we managed to reach the top.
"...It’s my loss."
He approached me slowly. Despite his defeat, his expression was strangely clear and refreshed.
"It was a truly great match," I said.
The words came from the bottom of my heart.
"Indeed. I fought with everything I had until the very end... but it seems your side was one step ahead. You have a truly wonderful team, Ray—yourself included."
"I’m honored. But I believe the same is true of yours. Evi and Albert were both remarkably well-trained. And Albert’s Origin Magic was quite a surprise."
"On our end, we hoped to use that to incapacitate you, though I knew it would be difficult. Those two understood that as well and gave everything they had just to buy time. I have nothing but gratitude for them."
My impression of him until now had been of a mechanical, cold, and collected individual. However, as he spoke of Evi and Albert, his voice carried a sense of genuine, heartfelt appreciation.
With a kind smile, he reached his hand out to me.
"Thank you. Fighting as a team was a valuable experience."
"Likewise."
We exchanged a handshake. His hand wasn't particularly large, but it was thick and calloused—a moment that allowed me to understand the depth of his hard work.
"However, I still desire a true one-on-one duel. I’ll be looking forward to next year's Magics Chevalier."
"Yes. I’ll be looking forward to it as well."
With that, he galloped away with an air of elegance.
Medical teams were already rushing into the castle, so there was no need for me to return to where the others had fallen. Instead, I made my way to where Ariane lay.
"Ariane."
I called her name. She was already weeping, her face filled with joy and relief.
"Ray... we won... we actually did it..."
As she struggled to sit up, I gently pulled her into an embrace. She had fought so hard at the very end, all on her own.
I was truly grateful for her perseverance.
"Yeah. Thank you. Truly, thank you for giving it your all until the very end."
"Yes...! Yes...! I really did my best...!"
"I know. You did great."
"Uu, uu... waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!"
I held Ariane tightly as she sobbed. The path to this point must have been incredibly grueling for her.
During that final struggle, she had crawled through the dirt just to deliver the flag.
I’m sure it was painful. There must have been moments when she wanted to quit.
But Ariane saw it through. She fought because she believed in me. She moved forward without ever giving up.
That made me happier than anything else.
This championship was a victory achieved by the three of us together.
The closing ceremony. All the teams that had participated in the tournament were lined up. After the runners-up, Team Forst, were honored, our winning team finally ascended the stage.
Amelia’s injuries were lighter than they had appeared, and she was able to walk firmly on her own. Ariane, however, had truly spent every ounce of her strength and couldn't stand unaided.
But because she was adamant about attending the ceremony, Amelia and I stood on either side of her, supporting her weight.
Wrapped in bandages and looking quite battered, she nevertheless wore a triumphant, radiant smile.
"The winner of the Magics War is Team Algren. Once again, congratulations on your victory."
Abby-san smiled warmly as she presented each of us with the badges that served as proof of our victory. Then, it was time to accept the trophy.
As the team leader, Ariane was the one to receive it.
"I accept this with the utmost gratitude."
She managed to raise her arms just enough to take the trophy. As she held it high toward the heavens, a thunderous roar of applause erupted from the spectators.
"Congratulations!"
"That was incredible!"
"Well done! You were amazing!"
"That was the best match I've ever seen! Thank you!"
Hearing the cheers, Ariane teared up slightly, but she blinked the moisture away and waved to the crowd. Amelia and I waved back, acknowledging the support.
"Now then. Today's tournament was our first attempt at this format, and I’m sure there were many challenges. However, I am truly glad that it concluded safely. Every team that participated demonstrated exceptional skill. I hope you all continue to push one another toward greater heights. That is all from me."
With those final words from Abby-san, the Magics War officially came to a successful close.
"That’s..."
As I headed out of the Colosseum, I saw Evi and Albert waiting for me. Ariane was heading to the hospital for an examination, and Amelia had gone with her.
I had offered to go as well, but Amelia told me, "I’ll be fine alone. Ray, you still have people you need to talk to, don’t you?" So I had come to find these two.
Despite being covered in bandages, both were standing tall on their own feet.
"Ray. Thanks, that was a great match. We lost, but I have no regrets."
"Albert. I see... Likewise, thank you so much. It was an honor."
We shook hands. Next, Evi grinned, flashing his usual white teeth, and offered his large, thick hand.
"Ray! Man, you really are something else... That was insane! I really thought Albert and I might pull it off this time... but I guess we’ve still got work to do! Next time, I’m gonna pack on even more muscle before we face off!"
"Yeah. I agree. Both of you had magnificent muscles."
I firmly gripped his hand. Evi’s physique was as impressive as ever. But to think he’s already aiming even higher... his drive for self-improvement never ceased to amaze me.
Then, I spoke from the heart.
"Allow me to thank you both again. I’m truly glad we could fight in the finals. Opportunities to compete like this with friends were something I never had before. That’s why this tournament was so special. My heart was racing the whole time. I am truly glad I was able to become friends with you two. Thank you. Evi, Albert."
Until now, I had always been surrounded by comrades-in-arms rather than peers. While my comrades were precious to me, striving alongside friends of the same age was something truly irreplaceable. I wanted them to know how much it meant to me.
"No, I should be the one... saying thanks."
Albert looked down slightly as he spoke.
"The only reason I was able to make it this far is because I met you, Ray. No, not just you. Because I met all of you... I was finally able to look at myself and move forward. Thank you both."
His expression was clear. Our first meeting hadn't been pleasant, but he had truly reflected on his actions and grown significantly. I had seen that growth firsthand in the way he fought so desperately.
We would surely continue to push each other to greater heights.
"That goes for me too! My muscles got even bigger because I met you two! Hehe, it’s a bit embarrassing to say, but thanks!"
Indeed. None of us can live entirely alone. It’s because we have precious people and friends that we can find the strength to move forward.
"Alright! Then let's all get back to the weights later! Let's go, Ray! Albert!"
"Right!"
"Yeah!"
As we left the venue together, I realized that this might have been the first time I laughed so genuinely from the bottom of my soul.
"Amelia. Thank you for going out of your way to stay with me."
"Don't worry about it. I was planning on coming to the hospital anyway."
I was currently lying in a hospital bed, having been admitted for observation. I was truly happy that Amelia stayed by my side... but if I were to be greedy—
"You were just thinking you wanted Ray to be here too, weren't you?"
Amelia spoke as if she were reading my mind. Since she was exactly right, I became completely flustered. I tried to hide it, but now that I’ve finally acknowledged my feelings, keeping them under wraps is far more difficult.
"Eh...!? N-Not particularly! Th-th-that is not the case at all!!"
"Hmm. Well... if you say so. I’ve known for a long time that you were attracted to Ray, Ariane."
"What...!!?"
She’s known for a long time!!?
Are you saying Amelia knew even before I realized these feelings myself!!?
"Just as I thought. But it seems you’ve finally realized it for yourself."
"Th-That is..."
A part of me wanted to deny it. Because I knew Amelia liked Ray. For me to fall for him as well... somehow, it feels like I’m intruding.
But even so... I love Ray. The fact that I am attracted to him is undeniable. Therefore, I decided to be honest with her.
"That... is correct. I love Ray. Of that much, I am certain."
"I see. Then I guess we’re rivals in love."
"Rivals...?"
"Yeah. Since we like the same person."
"Amelia, you..."
She smiled gently and reached out toward me. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was okay to take her hand, but she pulled my hand into hers, bridging the gap.
"Ariane. You don't have to feel guilty. Ray is an incredibly charming person. I knew this would happen eventually. He touched your heart too, didn't he?"
"It seems... you see right through me. Yes. I admit it. And you’re right. From now on, as your rival in love, I intend to compete with you, Amelia!"
"Fufu. It wouldn't be like you otherwise, Ariane."
As we shared a laugh, a voice drifted in from the doorway.
"—Oh my. You’re having a very interesting conversation."
It was none other than... Rebecca-senpai. I already knew she also liked Ray. And more than anything, her level of intensity was equal to Amelia's... no, it felt as though her obsession ran even deeper.
I was mortified that she had overheard us, but...
"I thought as much. I figured that if you were as close to Ray-san as you’ve been, it would turn out like this sooner or later."
"Yeah, yeah. I thought so the whole time too."
The two of them seemed to be in complete agreement and immediately hit it off.
"So, on that note, would you mind telling us the details about your trip to Ray-san’s family home?"
I’ve known Rebecca-senpai for a long time. Even though she’s two years my senior, she’s like a childhood friend. She was as lovely as ever, wearing a beautiful smile. That hadn't changed for as long as I could remember.
B-But... why?
That smile is terrifying right now!
She was smiling, certainly. Her eyes were narrowed into a grin. However, her eyes were definitely not laughing. It was as if I were staring into an abyss...
—H-Hiiiiiiiiieeee!
While I was trembling in sheer terror, Amelia launched a follow-up attack.
"Oh, that’s right! I need to hear about it properly too! Ariane, you’d better tell us everything!"
"A-Ahaha..."
Well, come what may. I suppose I have no choice but to confess.
Afterward, the three of us talked harmoniously, just like in the old days. We talked about what makes Ray so charming, and how he’s so incredibly dense that things never seem to progress. We talked about so many things.
Ah. It’s just as I thought.
We were able to grow because of Ray. Because he was by our side, we are able to laugh together like this once again. His presence doesn't just affect me. He has changed so many people.
"I-am-telling-you! Ray-san cares for me! I won't lose to you, Amelia-san!"
"Hmph! As for me, I’m going to live with Ray! We’re practically a married couple already!"
"That story again!? How long are you going to keep saying that!?"
"I’ll keep saying it forever!"
Before I knew it, Amelia and Rebecca-senpai were bickering like children. They really have both changed. Until now, we were trapped by the destiny of our noble blood. We accepted it as if it were a curse.
But how are things now?
The situation hasn't changed. No matter what, we remain the daughters of the Three Great Noble Families. However, just having Ray in our lives makes the world look so vivid and beautiful.
He truly is an extraordinary man.
"Fufu..."
I couldn't help but smile. It’s strange. Why were we unable to enjoy such simple, daily moments until now? To think things could change this much just because he is here.
It really is quite a story.
"Wait... Ariane, you have quite a smug smile there!"
"Mumumu! Could it be that you have some kind of lead that Amelia-san and I don't know about!?"
"Fufu. Actually, he cooked for me, right before my very eyes..."
—Details! Now!
Well then. I suppose I should tell them. We should talk more and more, touching each other's hearts like this. We are friends—irreplaceable friends.
What lies at the end of this friendship? Surely, I will find out in the future that lies ahead.
Glancing through the window, I saw the snow falling silently.
The world was being painted white, as if applying a coat of makeup. The Carol Festival is drawing near.
What will I think within this pure white world? Will I be able to move forward alongside Ray?
No. There is no doubt about it. Some kind of commotion is bound to occur. But I suppose that is simply a part of youth.
Let us move forward. From now on, together with those I hold dear—