“Finally, the finals!”
Two young fighters met at the training ground.
Ulan and Ivella. Looking at the two greenhorns, Ethan smiled. His eyes sparkled with considerable expectation.
“Ulan, you’re up first.”
It was Ivella’s way of saying, “Choose a weapon.”
Ulan silently headed towards the armory.
A moment later, he returned with a longsword.
It looked ordinary at first glance, but it had been chosen with care. It was just the right size for Ivella.
“I’d recommend this one.”
A thoughtful gesture to allow her to show off her skills.
After receiving the sword from Ulan, Ivella slashed the air a few times. Then, a faint smile appeared on her face. She seemed pleased with the sword.
“Ivella, it’s your turn now.”
“I’ll choose this one.”
Ivella also opted for a longsword.
However, it was slightly larger than the one Ulan had picked. That was considering Ulan’s stature.
‘Since the first time we met, Ulan has never wielded a sword.’
Not that he lacked the ability to handle one.
In the past, Ulan had even advised Ivella when she was struggling with the sword.
‘So…’
I wanted to see Ulan’s swordsmanship.
I wanted to engrave his swings into my memory. I was also curious about the level of a high-ranking knight.
“Surprisingly, both chose swords.”
Ethan looked intrigued.
It seemed like they were both choosing their weapons carefully since it was likely to be their last duel. Finishing his speculation, he started rummaging through his pocket.
“I suppose I don’t need to explain the rules again?”
No answer came back.
Ethan chuckled as he pulled out a coin. Without hesitation, he flicked it with his finger.
Clink!
The coin spun in the air.
The students’ gazes followed the coin while Ulan and Ivella’s eyes locked onto each other.
And before long—
There was the sound of the coin hitting the ground.
In that moment, Ulan and Ivella dashed at each other without waiting for a signal.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The swords collided loudly. The blue blades bared their ‘teeth’ at one another.
However, the strength struggle was brief.
‘Wise decision.’
Ulan’s strength was monstrous, on par with a giant.
Engaging in a strength struggle with him would have been insane. As soon as Ivella felt the weight of his strike, she quickly made a withdrawal.
‘If it were anyone else…’
They would have typically stepped back at this point.
After gathering themselves, they would look for an opening to attack once again.
On the other hand, Ivella was different.
She closed the distance instead. If there was no opening, she would create one and thrust forward.
Stab! Stab! Stab!
Each jab was aimed at the vital points.
Ulan’s eyes sparkled at her clean and precise assaults.
‘Definitely different from last time.’
The swordsmanship I had seen in the forest previously could not traverse the proper sword path, but now, she moved steadily along it.
Her swordplay had improved significantly.
Claiming she had surpassed the wall was no exaggeration.
‘But still, it’s not quite mature yet.’
Ulan narrowed his eyes.
To him, Ivella seemed trapped in the confines of conventional swordplay. She struggled to unleash her true talents due to her fixation on sword forms.
‘In contrast, the swordmaster from her past…’
She had abandoned all the sword styles she once mastered.
Instead, in each situation, she crafted a totally new form of swordplay that had never existed before.
Creating martial prowess from nothing.
This was the true talent of a swordmaster.
‘Could it be due to a lack of real combat experience?’
I pondered, but I couldn’t find an answer.
Finding answers was not my role. Thus, I resolved to stop my worries, deciding not to rush things.
‘Even if she’s immature, Ivella is still Ivella.’
One day, she would undoubtedly become a swordmaster.
That’s why I wouldn’t make reckless assumptions about her future. Instead, a new concern welled up in my mind.
‘I ought to wrap up the duel soon.’
What appeared to be a fierce battle was merely what Ulan intended for appearances’ sake. He could end the duel at any moment if he wished.
‘But…’
If I went too far, I might extinguish Ivella’s fighting spirit due to the enormous difference in our skills.
So, I found myself troubled.
Meanwhile, did Ivella notice this? Suddenly, she retreated.
“…Ulan.”
Her voice was calm.
Her eyes flashed fiercely.
“Don’t hold back; face me earnestly.”
“Earnestly?”
“Yes. I want to see all of you.”
Her gaze shimmered with desire.
A battle spirit erupted like flames.
Faced with this, Ulan finally realized he had misunderstood.
‘I see.’
His worries were unfounded from the start.
The girl before him was a swordmaster.
The warrior he had once acknowledged in a past life, who would one day slay an Abyssal Monster.
No way her fighting spirit would be quenched by a mere duel. Ulan broke into a smile.
“Understood.”
Nodding silently, his crimson eyes gleamed intensely.
“Then, let me show you.”
With utmost respect.
The realm I’ve attained.
Resolutely resolved, he activated his entire Spirit.
Sure, using mana was technically a foul, but Ulan didn’t care about such rules.
What mattered now was something else.
‘For my future comrade.’
For the warrior longing for strength.
Showing everything he had built up until now.
That was all that mattered.
Woosh! Crackle!
The Spirit spread throughout his body.
Soon, his physique was enhanced to its limits.
‘Next…’
He stoked his impetus.
From his past life’s experiences—
The fighting spirit, struggle, murderous intent, and more.
As various strengths condensed brilliantly, Ulan’s unique aura fully materialized. This was directly channeled into his sword.
With all preparations completed, Ulan stepped forward.
Thud!
The area ahead was now the Master’s Domain.
No one who hadn’t reached this level could dare to even lay eyes on it.
And now, at this place.
No one saw Ulan’s movements.
Not a single person.
“…!”
Ethan, who was observing the duel, widened his eyes.
Not just him; every other student was equally astonished.
A silence blanketed the training ground.
Time almost felt like it had come to a standstill.
Ethan stammered to find his voice.
“What’s… happening…”
His recollection was hazy.
He hadn’t glanced away, steadfastly fixating on Ulan.
‘…But then, why is Ulan over there now?’
Just a second ago, they had been eight paces apart!
But that wasn’t all.
Clang!
A piece of sword fell to the ground.
Ivella’s longsword.
The broken blade had a clean cut, as if sliced by a sword.
‘That means…’
Ulan had swung his sword.
But Ethan had seen nothing.
He hadn’t seen Ulan approach Ivella. He hadn’t seen him swing his sword. He hadn’t seen Ulan slice through Ivella’s sword. Nothing at all.
His gaze trembled wildly.
Swallowing hard, Ethan’s expression turned to stone.
Movements so swift that even an Expert could not track; the implication of this astonishing result was clear.
‘…The Master’s Domain.’
Realization hit him with disbelief.
Whispers buzzed among the students.
“What’s going on? Why’s everyone quiet?”
“So who won?”
Ivella, holding the broken sword.
Ulan, silently placing his own sword down.
In this bizarre situation, everyone tilted their heads in confusion as Ulan finally spoke.
“She fainted.”
“Wh-What?”
“It seems Ivella lost consciousness.”
As corroborative as his words were, Ivella stood straight, unresponsive. A gentle nudge revealed her to be falling limp.
‘Looks like…’
She wasn’t quite ready to handle a master’s sword after all. Ulan, supporting the collapsing Ivella, turned to Ethan.
“I’ll take her to the infirmary.”
“Uh? O-Okay.”
Ethan nodded dazedly.
But a moment later, he hurriedly corrected himself.
“No! You don’t need to come back! Today’s lecture is ended here anyway.”
“Got it.”
Nodding, Ulan walked off.
The same went for Ethan.
Hastily wrapping up the lecture, he turned with a still-stunned expression, heading towards the Military Department’s main building.
‘I need to report to the Excellency right away.’
Also, extensive updates on existing information had to be made.
He was no mere Barbarian successor but a monster who reached the Master’s Domain at the age of seventeen!
And that evening, the Imperial Military was thrown into chaos.
13.
In the central headquarters of the Rubens Empire.
In this very heart, where generals couldn’t dare enter, there was a place that was absolutely guarded: the Central Commander’s office.
Here resided the Empire’s sole five-star general, the pinnacle of the military, wielding command over the Empire’s forces—a major figure.
General Barkha Erkazhan.
Being the current head of the Erkazhan Duke family, he hummed to himself with a cheerful expression.
“Hmm, mmm hmm.”
For two reasons.
One was that closing time was near.
The other was that his youngest daughter, who had been stationed on the eastern front as an officer last year, was returning home for her first leave.
“Only thirty minutes left.”
He wanted to go home at once.
But Barkha held back; urgent reports could come through in those last thirty minutes.
Though, realistically, that was unlikely.
But then, something caught Barkha off guard.
“What is this…?”
Barkha’s eyebrows furrowed.
In his hand was a report—specifically, one regarding a Level One Control Target from the Arsen Academy.
After reading it thoroughly, he crumpled the report in frustration.
“What a ridiculous joke.”
Letting out a scoff, Barkha glared at his lieutenant.
“So you’re telling me a Barbarian, who was just designated a Level One Control Target last week, has actually reached the Master’s Domain? You expect me to believe this?”
“I shared the same thoughts as you, Your Excellency,”
the lieutenant replied calmly.
He pointed to the end of the report.
“That is, until I saw the seal.”
“…?”
The azure seal stamped on the report.
Signifying approval from the former Supreme Commander, now Dean of the Military Department at Arsen Academy, Berge Erkazhan.
In other words, the existence of this seal significantly bolstered the report’s credibility.
Barkha let out a low groan.
“Ugh, it is indeed my father’s seal, but still, a seventeen year old Master…?”
It was still hard for him to believe.
At present, only five Masters were affiliated with the Empire. Moreover, the youngest among them was already well over thirty.
Now, a Barbarian from the fringes had somehow climbed to the youngest Master in the Empire’s history?
Barkha couldn’t accept it.
Then, the lieutenant spoke.
“Furthermore, additional proof has been attached regarding this report from Arsen.”
“Proof?”
“Yes, should I read it out loud?”
If they had such proof, they should have mentioned it straight away.
Barkha nodded. Soon, the details flowed from the lieutenant’s mouth.
“First, on the day of the Entrance Ceremony, the subject delivered a speech as the representative of the new students and caused serious injuries to over a hundred students and faculty with just a shout.”
“…What?”
“And that was just from a simple cheer.”
What on earth was this nonsense?
Barkha blinked, stunned. Meanwhile, the lieutenant droned on in a monotone voice.
“Next, on the same day, the subject went missing alongside two classmates while touring the Source of Magic, swept away by a torrent.”
“M-Missing?”
“Correct. The subject reportedly passed through an ancient ruin called ‘Trial of the Hero’ hidden within the Source of Magic to escape. And encountered a ‘Blood Golem’ there.”
Blood Golem.
The moment Barkha heard this term, his expression hardened like stone. A moment later, he rubbed his deeply furrowed brow and asked.
“The Blood Golem you just mentioned… is it the one I’m thinking of?”
“If you’re picturing the weapon crafted by the Desert Cultists, then yes. The subject reportedly defeated that Golem single-handedly.”
“…”
Barkha sealed his lips shut.
Having once fought in the desert, he knew all too well how dreadful and formidable a Blood Golem could be.
“Lastly, testimonies from Professor Stella Natalia and Professor Ethan Arnoff were also appended.”
Stella and Ethan.
Both once capable soldiers.
Especially Ethan, who was the top-notch talent Barkha once coveted himself. Such an individual couldn’t possibly misjudge the subject’s prowess.
After compiling all this evidence, the answer was nearly evident.
“…He seems to be the real deal.”
Barkha’s eyes sharpened.
Shortly thereafter, he unfolded the crumpled report again. Then, he immediately focused on the last sentence.
“In light of the previously attached proof, the Military Department requests an upgrade of Ulan Bator’s management level based on his entry into the Master’s Domain.”
The subject’s management level was currently Level One.
And a Level One Control Target was monitored closely by agents dispatched from the Empire’s military and intelligence, with every single action documented.
“However, if the subject’s combat ability is deemed beyond a certain threshold…”
The levels could be increased, from Level One to Level Zero.
Level Zero Control Target.
From this point, all monitoring of the subject would cease. Because only another Master could oversee a Master.
“That means instead of him, the focus shifts to those who interacted with him.”
In other words, it meant indirect information collection.
Thus, monitoring a Level One Control Target would require far more personnel since they’d have to investigate everyone who had any contact with him.
‘Plus, I have to report this to the Imperial Family…’
What a bothersome task it all was.
As Barkha’s expression steadily crumpled, the lieutenant cautiously asked,
“Your Excellency, what will you do?”
“What time is it now?”
“5:50 PM.”
So much for a quick exit.
Barkha sighed before immediately rising from his seat. While meeting his beloved youngest daughter was wonderful, duty came first.
After all, he was the Empire’s General.
“From this time onwards, I’ll raise the subject’s management level from One to Zero. Inform the related departments of the changes.”
“Yes! Understood.”
“Additionally, inform the intelligence department as well. Their compiled data has all become invalid, and they need to start over for proper investigation.”
“I’ll relay that right away.”
Having completed his salute, the lieutenant exited the room.
Just ten minutes before the end of regular working hours, the intelligence department’s all-nighters had now been decided.
Meanwhile, a silent banquet was underway.
1.
Right after leaving the armory.
Ulan carried the unconscious Ivella toward the infirmary. After a brief examination, the results soon followed.
“Breathing and pulse are normal. Oh, and just to be sure, her eardrums are intact too.”
The doctor, dressed in a white gown, looked tired while scanning the medical report. Then, with a yawn, she casually declared it was nothing serious.
“Yawn! To sum it up, she just fainted, so don’t worry too much.”
“That’s a relief.”
Ulan expressed his genuine relief.
Having received the full brunt of a Master’s spirit, he was anxious something might be wrong.
While he sighed in silence, the doctor suddenly spoke up.
“By the way…”
She approached him with a peculiar smile.
“You’re Ulan, right?”
“That’s me. How do you know?”
“Of course. You’re quite the well-known one.”
A smile hung on her lips.
“The terror who fainted over a hundred people during the Entrance Ceremony.”
“That was never my intention.”
“I know. I heard the reasoning too. You just wanted to greet everyone, right?”
“That’s correct.”
Nodding silently, he felt a bit wronged.
Ulan merely aimed to make a friendly introduction, yet windows shattered and people collapsed left and right.
“Hehe, it seems just as I’ve heard!”
Who might have told her such stories?
The doctor chuckled again.
“Anyway, next time, could you greet a little more gently? When patients swarm in like last time, it’s a bit troublesome.”
“Understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Great. Let’s meet again later.”
After exchanging farewells, she turned away.
As Ulan stared at her fluttering white gown, he suddenly noticed a clock on the wall.
5:45 PM.
As he realized the current time,
“Oh!”
He remembered a forgotten promise.
He had agreed to dine with Delia.
Imagining thanking Ivella if she woke up, he turned back to her, but there wasn’t a glimmer of her coming to.
“I guess it can’t be helped.”
He had no choice but to leave a note.
It would be nice if there was something to write on, but unfortunately, there was neither paper nor a pen in the room.
Then he noticed the wall.
It seemed it’d be readily visible when Ivella opened her eyes.
“This spot looks good.”
Ulan extended a finger, concentrating the Spirit on his index and pushing it into the wall.
Swish!
His finger slid in seamlessly.
A bit later, Ulan’s note appeared on the wall.
『I’m leaving first. (Ulan)』
This should suffice.
Ulan smiled with satisfaction and then turned with a lighter heart.
He was headed toward the dining hall.
2.
Meanwhile, while Ulan was at the infirmary.
Noa returned to the dormitory, weary. She had reached her physical limits after moving around for classes.
She soon arrived in front of her door.
“Hmm?”
Noa tilted her head.
There was a note stuck to her door.
It stated that a letter awaited her at the dorm supervisor’s office and to come retrieve it.
‘A letter? For me?’
She had no particular sender in mind. Who could it be?
Suddenly, as if in anticipation…
“Juheuh came to mind, but she’s not the type to write letters.”
My curiosity was incrementally rising.
Noa headed straight for the dormitory office. A short while later, the identity of the letter’s sender was revealed.
‘D’muehl Ron Dermore’
Commonly known as Count Dermore.
He was the one who provided a recommendation letter for Ulan and Noa to Arsen Academy.
The contents of the letter were nothing remarkable.
It was just a congratulatory note on getting into the academy and a wish to maintain a friendly relationship going forward.
However, there was something I realized from this.
“I must be a candidate too.”
A cynical smile formed on Noa’s lips.
Count Dermore had a purpose.
His goal was to revive the daughter he lost to an unknown illness about three years ago. Of course, normal methods were impossible, so he had ultimately resorted to taboos.
And the result?
He successfully secured a soul.
But ‘just having a soul isn’t enough…’
It can’t last long.
The human body serves as a vessel that prevents the soul from deteriorating. So he planned to find a suitable vessel, namely a body, to transfer his daughter’s soul.
This was the Count’s objective and plan.
“So, he builds connections with mages around the same age as his daughter, posing as a sponsor.”
The Count’s daughter was a mage.
Thus, the body had to be a mage or at least someone who could handle mana.
In any case, these candidates receive regular support funds alongside Count Dermore’s letters.
Just like Noa right now.
Thud!
Gold coin rolled out of the envelope.
Snatching it up as fast as the wind, Noa slipped the coin into her pocket.
‘Even if it’s money from someone with ulterior motives, money itself hasn’t done anything wrong.’
Above all, having more money is always better.
Noa gazed back at the Count’s letter.
‘What the Count needs can be boiled down to two things.’
One: a candidate body to serve as a vessel.
The other: materials to use in the process of transferring the soul into the body. Some of these materials exist in the ‘Source of Magic.’
‘So, I’ll need to borrow Professor Dirck’s power.’
As a professor in the Magic Department, he can access the Source of Magic at any time under the pretense of research.
Receiving research funds from the Count, Professor Dirck can’t refuse his orders, thus ending up fetching the needed materials from the Source of Magic.
‘And…’
This was just around midterms.
So, the underlying reason for Professor Dirck being consumed by magical power and turning into a monster is, in fact, due to Count Dermore’s orders.
Recalling the story from the original.
Noa’s gaze turned icy.
‘I have no intention of being used.’
She was well aware of the Count’s intentions.
What the Count was aiming for and how a sliver of the Gate of the Abyss would very subtly open during the course of his plans was something she understood as well.
‘So, I’ll just keep pocketing the gold coins handed out monthly and ignore the rest.’
As I mentioned before, money hasn’t done anything wrong.
After setting her course of action.
Noa crumpled the letter. Just as she was about to toss it into the trash can.
“E-Excuse me…!”
An unexpected figure appeared.
A girl with grey hair and glasses.
It was ‘Silfi Rudrik,’ who was in the same class as Noa.
She pointed at the letter in Noa’s hand and spoke cautiously.
“I’m sorry, but… could that letter be addressed to me…?”
Uh? No way.
Because the letter clearly started with ‘To my dear Noa Darshen.’ It seemed she must have been mistaken, and just as Noa was about to respond.
“Are you perhaps Silfi?”
A staff member from the dormitory office suddenly approached.
Holding a letter envelope in hand.
“Here’s a letter arrived for you.”
“…!?”
Silfi’s eyes widened.
Surprised, she fumbled for the letter before bowing repeatedly to Noa.
“I-I’m sorry!”
She then hurriedly ran away.
Watching her retreating figure quickly disappear,
Noa narrowed her eyes.
Just before Silfi left the scene, it was because of the letter envelope she held.
‘If I’m not mistaken, that must be…’
The seal of the Dermore family.
Before the staff member handed over the actual letter, she must have mistaken Noa’s letter for her own.
So what exactly made her think the letter was for her? There was only one answer.
‘Silfi is also a candidate for the vessel.’
Noa’s blue eyes darkened.
Along with that, various questions surged.
When had Silfi built a connection with Count Dermore, a name never mentioned in the original story?
‘And Silfi…’
She passed the regular department exams to get in.
However, what the Count wanted was a mage or someone who could manage mana.
‘The more I know, the fishier it gets.’
Just as her eyes squinted at that thought.
Suddenly, an old question buried deep resurfaced.
‘Kazan Rudrik.’
The great warrior of the ancient desert kingdom.
The original owner of the enchantment etched on Ulan’s back.
He and Silfi shared the same surname.
Sparking the long-forgotten question, Noa’s eyes glimmered with curiosity.
‘I need to drop by the library later.’
To gather information about Kazan Rudrik. She figured that delving into this might reveal some insights.
As she wrapped up her thoughts.
Grrrr!
Suddenly, a sound erupted from her stomach.
It was as if it protested for food. Rubbing her flat belly, Noa muttered.
“…Let’s eat first.”
The library’s opening hours go until 10 PM.
Meanwhile, the dining hall closes at 8.
So, heading to the dining hall.
She ran into a familiar face.
“Oh? Ulan?”
Ulan, walking confidently down the path, stopped as he spotted Noa.
“Where are you headed?”
“To the dining hall.”
“Oh, really? Then let’s go together. I was just about to eat too.”
Noa beamed.
Eating alone was rather lonely, so this worked out perfectly.
Meanwhile, Ulan looked at Noa thoughtfully and mumbled quietly.
“One extra person wouldn’t matter.”
“Huh? One extra person?”
“Forget it, let’s go.”
Ulan quickened his pace again.
After a while.
Upon arriving at the dining hall, Noa realized what Ulan had meant by his earlier mumblings.
3.
The new student dining hall at Arsen Academy.
There exists a separate space called the ‘Special Room,’ distinct from the student dining hall.
A space capable of accommodating up to twenty people.
Originally, it was prepared for visitors or guests coming to the academy from the outside.
However, during times when visits aren’t allowed, it occasionally opens up for students.
‘Of course, it’s more like a pie in the sky.’
Because the fee to use the special room is outrageously expensive. Even per hour, it rivals the staying cost of a decent hotel.
But today.
Noa entered the special room for the first time.
Upon visiting the dining hall with Ulan, the staff rushed out immediately to escort them to the reserved space.
From that moment on, she felt like something was off.
‘Looking at the current situation…’
It felt like someone had a prior appointment.
However, did Ulan have anyone around him with enough money to book the special room? Just as she pondered, they soon arrived at their destination.
After a moment, the door opened, and Noa’s eyes widened.
“…!”
It was only natural.
Because an unexpected figure was there.
━━━
[Name]: Delia Arpen
[Age]: 17
[Rank]: SS
[Trait]: Blessing of Mana
━━━
The person there was one of the seven heroes.
A great warrior, bound to become the pinnacle of magic, and the very figure Noa had promised to befriend.
It was none other than the ‘Witch of the Stars.’
Simultaneously, as the door opened, Delia’s expression brightened.
“Ulan.”
She welcomed the person she had been expecting.
But that was short-lived.
Her expression rapidly hardened upon spotting an uninvited guest.
Her golden eyes darkened coldly.
Then, a dry voice slipped out.
“…Who’s next to you?”
“It’s Noa. Noa Darshen.”
“I didn’t ask for your name.”
She wasn’t even curious.
Delia narrowed her eyes.
“What’s your relationship with him?”
“We’re fellow alumni.”
“Fellow alumni?”
Delia tilted her tiny head.
Surprised by their unexpected connection. At that moment, Noa swiftly hopped into the conversation.
“Ulan and I learned from the same mentor. That’s why I said we’re alumni.”
“So, you’re also…?”
“Yes! I’m from the Prairie Tribe.”
Noa replied with a cheerful smile.
Oh? So we’re from the same tribe?
Delia’s gaze softened somewhat.
She seemed to grasp the situation.
However, her expression remained grumpy. Quick-witted Noa immediately figured out why.
‘Perhaps she had something important to discuss with Ulan alone.’
Judging by the fact that they had reserved the special room, it was clear. This place was well soundproofed.
‘Ideally, I should step aside this time but…’
This was an opportunity.
A chance to build rapport with Delia and engage in conversation. So, she decided to keep the conversation going somehow.
Just then.
“Your meal has arrived.”
The door opened, and a variety of dishes came in.
All sorts of meals were being arranged on the table. Perhaps considering Ulan, a majority of them were meat dishes.
“I see many new things.”
“These are dishes famous in our country.”
Traditional dishes of the Arpen Duchy.
Among them was one dish that caught everyone’s eye – bug dishes.
‘Uh? That looks like a stew with pupae?’
A soup filled with pupae.
Noa’s eyes sparkled.
Of course, it tasted different from the pupae stew she knew, but there were some similarities.
It brought back a sense of nostalgia.
So, while she was engrossed in devouring it,
Delia looked at Noa.
“You seem to… actually enjoy that?”
“Hehe, I’ve had a lot before.”
Noa smiled sheepishly.
Somehow, the mood felt good. It felt as if they could continue talking for a while.
But after that.
As if by some cruel twist of fate, all conversation abruptly ceased.
“…?”
“…?”
Both Ulan and Delia were silent.
Everyone was preoccupied with their meals.
It was truly a feast of silence.
‘Ugh, I feel like I might choke!’
The meal had ended, and even dessert was served, yet no one spoke. Unable to stand it any longer, Noa decided it was time to take the initiative.
‘Speaking of, there’s an event coming up soon.’
Arsen Academy’s annual event.
Thinking of that, Noa cleared her throat to break the tranquil atmosphere.
“Ahem! By the way, you two, are you all set for the selection match?”
“Selection match?”
“Yes, it starts in three days.”
“What’s that?”
Ulan tilted his head in confusion.
In response, it was Delia who answered.
“The annual event of Arsen Academy.”
“Right! It’s a test to select ten talented newcomers among the first-year students.”
“Is there anything good about being selected?”
“Of course! You get extra points, plus that gives you the eligibility to participate in the mock battle next month.”
Mock battle? What’s that?
Ulan had a befuddled expression.
Delia, who sat across from him, asked back with an air of confusion.
“Haven’t you read the guidebook?”
“I’m still reading it.”
“…Still?”
Delia asked, appearing flabbergasted.
At the same time, Noa responded.
“In short, the top ten first-year students selected from the selection match form a party to fight against the second-year seniors.”
Of course, the second-years participating at that time are also composed of the top ten powerful students. Essentially, it’s a competition between top-ranked students from each grade.
Yet, even after the explanation ended,
Ulan still didn’t seem to get it.
“Why do we have to fight?”
“Well, because the mock battle is an annual event of Arsen Academy just like the selection match. If we search for another reason…”
“To discover and invest in talent.”
“Invest?”
“Yes, nobles from various countries come to watch the mock battle. Just as Delia mentioned, they aim to secure talent through investment and sponsorship.”
Nobles benefit by securing promising talents in advance, and students receiving investments find themselves in a financially secure position.
‘Though that doesn’t apply to Delia.’
She was the Princess of the Arpen Duchy.
When it comes to money, she had more than enough. Just look at her renting out the special room.
“Also, regardless of victory or defeat, merely participating in the mock battle comes with numerous benefits. Participants receive various privileges and can leave a lasting impression on the watching nobles.”
“It’s an opportunity to make a name for oneself.”
Delia added to the explanation.
Getting a clear understanding, Ulan finally nodded. It was a sign that he somewhat understood.
As the conversation about the mock battle continued.
Knock knock!
A polite knocking sound was heard.
“Your time in the special room is about to end.”
“Please let us know if you wish to extend.”
It seemed their time was up before they knew it.
Just then, Delia glanced at Ulan, as if she had something important to say. Noa, witnessing this, abruptly stood up from her seat.
“Oh no! Is it really already this late?!”
She feigned a surprised face, then fixed her gaze on her watch, bowing her head towards Ulan and Delia.
“I’m sorry, but I’ll take my leave now. I have books to borrow from the library.”
She had accomplished her objective.
Having met Delia and engaged in conversation with her.
From now on, it was crucial to avoid upsetting Delia’s mood while trying to win her favor.
As expected.
The instant Noa stood, Delia’s expression brightened. Sensing she had made the right choice, Noa smiled brightly.
With a courteous farewell,
Noa swiftly exited the room.
A short while later, as her presence faded away, Ulan also stood up.
Having finished their meals and desserts, there was no more reason to stay, so he aimed to head back to the dormitory. However, at that moment, Delia suddenly dashed in front of him.
“…No.”
With arms wide open,
Delia said, with a frown.
“You said you had something to say.”
Ah, come to think of it, she did mention having something to say.
Ulan nodded.
“Go on then. I’ll listen.”
“Alright. But…”
She looked around cautiously.
“…Let’s talk outside.”
Considering the usage time would end soon.
Ulan agreed, and the two exited the dining hall together.
4.
After leaving the dining hall, the two headed toward the woods.
Of course, the “woods” were merely the area behind the dining hall. Yet, perhaps due to the late hour, there wasn’t a trace of life around.
Whoosh!
The cool night breeze blew from beyond the trees.
Welcoming the chill lightly, Ulan waited silently for Delia’s mouth to open.
How long had it been?
The awaited voice finally broke the silence.
“…Ulan.”
“Yeah?”
“I’ve thought a lot about…”
Delia looked up at him.
With a serious expression.
Her golden eyes sparkled in the moonlight as she clenched her tiny fist tightly.
“Your sincerity.”
“Sincerity?”
Seeing Ulan look puzzled,
Delia nodded her head.
From their first meeting at the special skills exam,
Through the library and practical hunts,
Ulan had conveyed his sincerity time and again. Thus, Delia thought she had to respond in some way to this genuine and earnest confession.
“Honestly, it’s my first time.”
Hearing such words from someone of the opposite gender.
Experiencing pure sincerity for the first time.
It was all new to her. So she stayed awake at night, repeatedly contemplating.
“But…”
Delia let her words trailed off.
Hiding her fidgeting fingers behind her back, she looked back at Ulan.
“We still don’t know much about each other.”
Their first encounter was during the special skills exam.
They only got to know each other when they became a team. After that, they had met at the library and again at the practical hunts. In other words, they hadn’t known each other for very long.
“Of course, it’s not that I dislike you.”
Delia was awkward at expressing her feelings.
Since her early days, having been referred to as the hope of the duchy, she had been forced to behave maturely. Thus, she learned to hide her emotions before showing them.
Was it because she always maintained a blank expression?
No one had approached her.
No one had chosen to stay close.
‘But Ulan was different.’
As she recalled his straightforward expressions of sincerity, her pale cheeks started to blush slightly.
So if she had to choose—
Delia also had feelings for Ulan.
‘But…’
It was tricky to discern whether it was as a potential partner or just as a friend.
As she mentioned before,
She was not great at understanding her own feelings.
“So, that is to say…”
Delia’s small lips moved hesitantly.
As if she were caught in a dilemma over whether to let her thoughts escape or not. After a little while, she mustered her resolve and spoke.
“Is it alright if we start as friends?”
“Friends?”
“I-I’m not rejecting it!”
She yelled hastily.
Startled by her own loud voice, Delia’s eyes widened.
Then, with her face flushed crimson, she mumbled.
“But… just a little…”
Since she still didn’t quite grasp her own feelings, she wanted to take her time to understand them instead of rushing to a decision.
This was what she truly wanted to say.
Yet she had a tough time articulating her thoughts. After moments of struggling, Delia ultimately trailed off.
Meanwhile, at that time.
Ulan simply looked at Delia.
With a slightly surprised expression.
‘Friends, huh…’
He had come expecting some serious discussion, but never imagined it would be a proposition for friendship.
Ulan’s expression turned nostalgic.
‘It’s much faster than life before.’
Since returning from the brink of death, Ulan had only known Delia for about two weeks.
In his last life, it had taken a full three years before being acknowledged as a friend.
‘If this is change, then I suppose it is.’
Ulan smiled.
Though it felt slightly different from the future he remembered, it wasn’t a bad feeling.
So, without hesitation, he nodded.
“I understand. Let’s go with that.”
“Really? Is that okay?”
“Absolutely.”
They would eventually become comrades.
Getting close early on couldn’t hurt. Concluding his thoughts, Ulan extended his large hand.
“I look forward to working with you, Delia.”
“Um, me too, please take care of me.”
Delia, with a shy smile, took his hand.
Completing the somewhat awkward handshake.
A bright smile blossomed on her face as if a burden had been lifted off her chest.
On a night when a multitude of stars shone brightly in the night sky,
Delia made her first friend.
Three days later,
All first-year students congregated in one place.
To select the top ten strong candidates who would participate in the upcoming mock battle next month.
Chapter 14: What does it matter?
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")
