Exactly six months had passed since they first entered the Officers' Academy. In that time, the three of them had successfully navigated every part of the curriculum assigned to them.
Naturally, some within the military's upper brass had remained skeptical of the trio. They insisted it was impossible to complete the Officers' Academy's curriculum in such a short window.
However, since the remaining six months of the year were dedicated to field training, they had effectively finished their formal schooling in a single semester.
Academics, physical ability, and magic—across all three categories, the trio had far exceeded the graduation standards.
"...I see. It looks like all three will finish their time here at the Officers' Academy without a single hitch."
Henrick Fahrenheit sat in his study, leafing through the records that had just been delivered. His secretary stood beside him as usual, though her expression was one of profound shock.
"I’m stunned, sir. Are these really their grades?"
"Yes. I’ve spoken with the instructors personally; there’s no mistake."
It was no wonder she was surprised. The three girls had achieved results that defied all expectations. In Lydia Ainsworth's case, nearly every entry was recorded as a perfect score.
It was almost too much to believe.
"Academics, physical tests, and especially magic... her scores are absolutely flawless. Is such a thing even possible?"
The secretary was a graduate of the Officers' Academy herself, which was how she had reached her current position. Because of that experience, she understood exactly how abnormal Lydia truly was.
A mere fifteen years old. At that age, simply keeping up with the academy’s training would have been exceptional. Instead, she had claimed the top spot in the entire school. It was likely a first since the Kingdom’s founding.
"Personally, I find it somewhat expected," Henrick said. "Lydia Ainsworth is exactly what we anticipated: a genius of the highest order. Furthermore, the other two are more than capable. I have no doubt all three will eventually join the ranks of the Seven Grand Sorcerers."
While Abby Garnet and Carol trailed slightly behind Lydia, they had still achieved grades well above the requirements. Though they were often overshadowed by Lydia’s overwhelming presence, they were undeniably geniuses in their own right.
"To be honest, I’m not surprised by Abby Garnet. She is serious by nature and possesses a true military temperament. However, Carol Caroline is..."
The secretary trailed off.
Carol’s reputation was well-known throughout the academy. While most female students cut their hair short to maintain military discipline, she kept hers tied up in high twin-tails.
Furthermore, she wore light makeup during training, and rumor had it she even did her nails on occasion.
It was only natural for such a free-spirited girl to draw resentment, but the instructors had long since given up on disciplining her. No matter how many times she was cautioned, she never changed her attitude.
Ultimately, Carol’s results were enough to silence any critics. Her academic performance was particularly impressive; her scores were nearly perfect, occasionally even surpassing Lydia’s.
"Caroline has some issues with her conduct, but she is brilliant. In the future, I intend to entrust her with operational command."
"Is that for the new unit, sir?"
"Yes. The personnel have already been gathered. They’ll be joining up soon, aiming for a formal launch in six months."
"The roster is certainly impressive... but are you not worried about friction between them?"
"Well, I’ll be there to manage that. I am a Major, after all."
Henrick offered a thin smile. While the task had been pushed onto him for convenience, he was actually looking forward to it.
He wanted to see what would happen when Lydia's trio merged with the other elites to form the new unit.
And so, at last, Lydia and her friends prepared to begin their field training.
◇
"I can't believe our time here is already over... It went by faster than I thought."
"Agreed. However, it was a meaningful experience in terms of building a foundation."
Lydia and Abby were in their dormitory, packing their belongings. Their work here was done. Having cleared every training exercise assigned to them, they were now transitioning to the field.
As for Carol, she was tucked away in a corner of the room, busy with her makeup.
"Hey, Idiot Pink. Stop messing with your face and help us out a little."
"Ehh! But we're having a farewell party today, you know? I have to look my best!"
She was right. The students who admired Lydia had insisted on throwing a send-off party for them.
Lydia had told them it wasn't necessary, but they had refused to take no for an answer.
Naturally, Abby and Carol were invited as well. Given how often they were seen with Lydia, they had both become quite well-acquainted with the group.
"Sigh... Is your makeup really going to take this long? It’s already been thirty minutes."
"I might need another thirty minutes~☆ I’ll help out once I’m finished, I promise! ☆"
Carol spoke in a wheedling tone, prompting another heavy sigh from Lydia.
Had it been their first meeting, Lydia would have snapped and started a fight. Now, however, she was simply exhausted by the antics. Even arguing felt like too much effort.
"Sigh... Abby. Is there really no way to fix her?"
"Likely not. She's been like this for as long as I've known her."
"I suppose you're right..."
Lydia thought back to their first meeting. Upon hearing that Carol had also skipped several grades, Lydia had reached out to her immediately. At the time, Carol’s appearance had been so flashy that Lydia couldn't believe she was actually a talented sorcerer.
Now that they were walking the same path as career soldiers, Lydia realized just how unpredictable life could be.
"By the way, Lydia, how is that coming along?"
"Ah. You mean that?"
Lydia’s lips curled into a smirk.
Abby was asking about the Ice Sword—the new magic Lydia had been developing.
"Regarding the Ice Sword... well, I’d say it’s nearly complete."
"Is the 'Lock' code working as intended?"
"Yes. I’m very close to achieving the result I’m looking for."
"...I think this often, but you really are a genius."
Abby’s praise was sincere. She had never once considered herself a genius; she believed her successes were built entirely on a foundation of grueling effort.
Because of that, she recognized that a true genius was someone like Lydia.
Lydia could invent a new code from scratch and then use it to create an entirely new form of magic. While many researchers approached magic by improving existing spells, creating something from nothing was a different matter entirely.
And yet, Lydia continued to produce one revolutionary spell after another. Her track record was so impressive that she had already attained the status of a Grand Rank sorcerer despite still being a student.
The new magic she was currently chasing—in her own words—would be the ultimate spell.
"A genius? Fufu. That’s right! I am a certified, grade-A genius!"
Lydia grinned, looking genuinely pleased. She was well aware of her own talent.
It was a simple fact of her existence, and she didn't let it make her arrogant. She simply accepted it and used it to forge the path she wanted to walk.
That was the essence of Lydia Ainsworth.
"I heard the new unit is going to be packed with elites," Lydia noted.
"I’ve heard the same. They’ve headhunted some very capable people," Abby replied.
"Hoh... then I’m really looking forward to this..."
Watching Lydia’s expression, Abby felt a sense of certainty. Something told her that a repeat of their first chaotic days at the Officers' Academy was about to unfold.