The spectator's seats are on the second floor, and he was looking around at the whole game from there. There was an aspect of scouting the opposing academy, but it would be more accurate to say that he was watching the game in a different sense.
　The neat and tidy auditorium was enveloped in an unprecedented heat once the game started. It's only the first match, and some of them are already thirsty.

I guess it's just an average success.

　And that's how he assessed it after one game.
　It's a good thing that you can see the issues at the same time.

''I suppose Alice will have a challenge against spatial interference in the future.

　The first game also included the implications of making the AWR as a test run. Needless to say, I'm not worried about any malfunctions as I've passed all the experimental tests. It's because Arus himself did a thorough check of the flow of magic power and other detailed operations.
　The only thing that can be done is to test the light system, which is impossible for Ars to do, so we had no choice but to ask Alice to actually use it. Theoretically, there should be no problem, but even so, this is nothing more than a desk calculation.
　After the match was taken care of, Ars let out a sigh of relief at the satisfactory result.

''Hee~, Alpha is on a high level~''

　A voice that could be taken as both admiration and stupidity escaped from next to him.
　It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get a good look at them, or at least try to ignore them, but it's Loki who follows suit.

''Those two are under the guidance of Ars-sama.
'What!　Seriously?

　Jean, a man who reminded me of a blond-haired, cool, good-looking young man, was frightened with a generous dose of Gairen flavor.

''Then that golden spear was by Ars?''

　I don't need to answer that, but I'll affirm it with my eyes in case you're wondering.
　That said, the nature of the AWR I did to Alice is a bit similar to Jean's pebble-type AWR.

'You're as high spec as ever, Taku!　And with spit.
You're welcome to come along for the ride, though.
No, I won't. I'm afraid of the consequences.

　Jean glanced at Loki as he leaned his elbows on the fence, his mouth agape in a huff.
　The first meeting between Jean and Loki has already been done. However, is it still a concern? In reality, Ars has an image as a solitary magician - although that's not necessarily wrong.


I'm not sure if I'm going to be a good fit. I've got to make sure I don't catch up with them too.
''There's no such thing as annihilation. Master Jean is a wizard who will be crowned third...
'It's not such a whiz-bang change. How many years have you been doing this?

　Loki's words are interrupted by a muttering that resembles a swear word from Ars. In fact, including Jean, the one who sits in the singles position has been unchanged for more than two years now. Only Jean has been in the position of third place for more than three years.

'I told you, we have Hope,'
And what's this Hope character?
I'll introduce you.

　Ars clicks his tongue inwardly. It means that he won't tell me that easily. It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what to expect when you're in a position to do it.
　I've been thinking about the fact that I'm not going to be able to find a way to make it work.

''Arus-sama, it looks like it's time to go.

　If you drop your gaze to the front, the second game of the three blocks was settled earlier than expected.
　Tesfia had entered the game shortly after Alice's match ended. I won't be able to see the end, but it can't be helped. She takes a glance at the red-haired girl, saying that she wouldn't even struggle against that opponent in any case. If we're talking about the strength of the opponent, Alice's opponent was still stronger than her. Well, it was only a difference of a taller degree.

　Ars let out various things together as a sigh along with the hassle.

''Fine, if you're going to be absent, we're very welcome!
You tell me ... but there's a good chance you'll miss it.
..........

　How Jean received it, he turned his divine eyes to Ars for about a blink of an eye and immediately patted him on the back with a soft face.

''That's good to hear, but it's not going to be fashionable to miss the first game, is it?

　In a joking tone, he gave Loki a "gone, gone" look as well.
　Ars waved behind him as he toddled along.
　I don't know how Jean returned the wave because I don't have eyes on my back, but I wonder if he has a dumbfounded look on his face.

　When Ars and Loki disappeared from the bleachers, Jean also tried to return to the private room where his own head was, but his feet stopped - I guess it was a mistake to freeze, to be precise.
　There were longing eyes on the bleachers looking at Jean as far as the eye could see. Was it because they were in conversation, or was he being reserved? Of course, Jean noticed, but he did not do anything as much as possible, so he ignored it, but now that he was alone, he was bombarded with the relentless eyes of admiration.
　The gentle, handsome face coupled with the singles is popular enough to attract a rabid fan base, and it seems it wasn't just within Rusalka.
　The match was also a distraction. A murmur of whispers sprang up, mostly female voices, "It's Master Jean, isn't it?" "Yes, it is," "I'm sure," "I'm sure of it," and so on, but they rose to their feet in a straw, as if they were something fanatical. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　A cold drop ran down Jean's cheek and scratched his cheek, "Do I also want to start a match?", he took out a pen containing alchemical paint from his pocket while spinning it around. It's a cheeky thing that uses magic power as its medium to keep the ink from running out, but it was a good decision to bring it with you, and you open your mouth with full service spirit.

Yes. Please stand in line.

　He shows his skills as an experienced hand and takes control.

Needless to say, you'll be shocked to find that you can't see the end of the queue (I'll disguise myself next time!).

　♢ ♢


　Ars's footsteps are heavy. Is it because of the impatience that Loki, who can't see it, pulls back his hand? Although I feel that his cheeks are a little loose.
　His name has already been called out by the announcement. Considering the start time, Ars's calculations show that they will be able to make it just in time, but the people around them will not be able to overlook such calculations.
　When we reach the waiting room, Loki is the first to return with a jet black case from inside.
　He's carrying it with a heavy look, but that's because Loki, who is small in stature, is holding it like he's holding a larger case. No, it might be really heavy.
　As it is, Loki takes you by the hand as you head towards the fight venue. It's because of the height difference between them that they are in the middle of the pack.

　When you arrive at the venue, passing through the fighters, you find two girls standing in front of the entrance as if they were Niou.

You're too late!

　There's Tesfia there too, the game must have ended too soon. It's hard to imagine them losing, and it's the way they said it. It's annoying that he doesn't have the attitude of a loser, but it can't be helped.
　Alice greets him with a bitter smile while holding the AWR wrapped in a circle.

'You're in time, so you can't complain!
"Don't make me worry.

　It's hard to find a rebuttal once they say.

'A........Al, more importantly, check with the attendant.
I'm watching the game.

　Was that why he was waiting here?
　Arus checked his identity and headed for the entrance gate. The sound of Loki's resolute voice, "Welcome," pushes back, but Ars returns with a cool hand gesture.

'Looks like it's empty over there.'

　The place where Tesfia found the place was cracked by a human wall in good condition.
　However, it's a common sight to see a human wall if three beautiful girls pass through, even at the academy. There seems to be no exceptions here, especially the boys, who were attracted to the pretty figure and stopped it.
　This is the moment when the flower bloomed. However, there is no one strong enough to act on their thoughts here. Since we can only watch them from afar, it may be a feast for the eyes. The more I look at it, the more the petals called courage fall away. But even so, there is no man who will not leave this place, so it is a useless creature.

　Unlike such a floral space - and that's a tall order - this is a VIP spectator's room, where tensions can build up. There were the governor general and heads of state waiting there with barely a look on their faces.
　The names of the players are projected on the screen as the match-up pairs are played.
　An atmosphere of tension prevails in each room, but of course there is no price tagging in sight. Can I say simple curiosity? There's also the thought that it's not something you can see very often, such as single combat.
　It's even more so when it comes to the number one spot, whose identity has never been made clear until now. He is undoubtedly the most successful Alpha fighter of the seven nations. This is the common goal of all those gathered here.

　The three of them didn't do anything particularly hurried, as they weren't that far away from each other. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
　In the meantime, the buzzer sounded and I headed for the spectator area.

''Guaaaah!

　The screams of a man I've never heard of ring nearby. I reflexively look around, but I can't find anyone who looks like that.

'What was that?'

　It sounded like an extraordinary scream to mishear.
　As I continued to scurry around, Loki stopped walking towards the space.

'What's going on?　We have to hurry.
No....

　I looked back at him.

'What!　Why?　What's going on?

　Tesfia is blindsided by a familiar man coming out of the doorway.
　Alice has a similar expression and assumes the worst and rushes over to him and asks fearfully.　

''Could it be that I didn't make it in time!

　Seeing Alice's expression that made her pale, Tesfia also said, "Lies! I shouted.

'No way, of course it's over and I'm out.

　He points to one of the screens lowered into the hollow. It displays the victory of the second wizarding academy, but that's not the point, there's a timer on the bottom right that says "Did we have such a display?
The astonishing time of the game, '00:05', floats quietly in the air.
　There is no cheers.
　It could be said that the end of the game betrayed the expectations of the spectators. It's a battle at the edge of the fray that heats up. All they heard was the screams of the players, which blew up as soon as the game started.
　To tell the truth, they were at a loss for a response. The only reason they calmed down was because they felt out of control.
　As a spectator, it was easy to get carried away by the heat. Someone spilled the words, "Gosh, five seconds........ It was small, but came through well. It was followed by, "Oooh, what's five seconds?! And when you start emphasizing time as if to inspire, the rest only begins to propagate gradually for an avalanche.
　That's when I heard the whistle. The cheering that resembles standing up and cursing goes up - it can't be helped that there is no unity and clutter due to the ataxia.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what to expect from the single's power in a place like this," the governor and others concluded.
　A high-ranking mage on guard interjected with astonishment as an explanation.

It's not a magic bullet. It's not magic, is it?

　He didn't miss popping something with his finger as soon as it started, but he knows that's not a trick anyone can do, even if it's as easy to pull off as playing a pebble.
　It was so terrifyingly fast that it made his opponent feel sorry for him, and he rolled his eyes, but even if he noticed, he wouldn't know what he had done.

'More importantly, the first match, Alpha's...'
Yeah, you don't look like a freshman. Very promising. I'm ashamed to say that I was much younger when I was that age.

　He says to himself with a self-mocking smile, which is certainly promising considering his rank as a double-digit mage.

''Well, then I should probably say hello.
It's better that way.


　Ars didn't go straight back to the anteroom, but instead watched the game while he scouted until Loki's game time. It would look like diligence if I said that, but in reality it's nothing but boredom.

'Al, I'll be off then,'
Yeah, let's get this done early and get back to the green room. I just want to check in on things a little bit.
Yes, sir.

　Something flashed through my mind.
　Everyone must have been dazzled for a moment.
　A thunderclap sounded once, and it never sounded again.
　Ars regretted it a bit. He wondered if he should have let his opponent have a flourish. Maybe it was too pitiful to kill them instantly in the first game. It's not so much a heartbreak, but I guess it's ironic that he did something wrong and apologized.
　At the very least, he'll win the championship, so he'll have to break it off that he had no choice.

　After about the same amount of game time as Ars, they went back to the waiting room.
　Inside, they were getting ready for the next sophomore game, which was close. The praise for their victory was surprisingly not dawned on the two of them.
　As for Ars, it was a bit awkward, but it seems that a win is a win.
　There was an LCD screen in the waiting room where you could watch the entire match.

''Good work,''

　Ars and Loki, who were greeted with a big smile of joy, lightly lowered their eyes.
　The victory of the two of them must have been calculated even by Ferrinella, so does that mean a happy result in the first year overall? It shouldn't be all over yet.

'Our freshmen have done such a good job of getting such a good result. If we follow them, we are not in a good position as seniors if we don't perform well. Let's brace ourselves and get on with it.

　Rather than pressure, their faces are filled with a fighting spirit that they are close to winning.
　It's a snake pit, but Alice is watching the Tesfia and is gathering information.

''We managed to win~''

　Is the sound of a loose voice that could relax the air due to fatigue?
　A female student entered the waiting room using a stick AWR as a staff.

''Good work, Ciel-san,''
What's the big deal?

　Scratching his cheeks with an uncanny smile, Ciel slumped back in his chair, "Hahaha.

"I was too nervous to manifest my magic and once I got used to it in close quarters I was able to do what I normally do, but it was a close call!

　It's not a laughing matter. It's an inexperienced blunder of not being able to manifest magic well, but who can say for sure that it's not there at all? It was nothing but luck that Ciel was able to win.
　Many of the senior students who received such a warning wrote something on their hands and swallowed it.

''So, in one year, five out of ten so far have gone on to win?

　As far as Ars knew, though, he had deliberately mentioned it to confirm it.
　He guessed it was a good idea.

'No Mr. Ars, the first year has eight wins with one game left to play.
'Oh!'

　Such admiration leaked out of nowhere. It was such a scene that made me feel a sense of unity.
　It's a good thing that you're able to get the most out of your clothes.
　I'm not sure if it's because I heard the sound of men's throats being rasped.

''Ciel-san, go take a shower first to wash off your sweat.
'What!　Oh, yes!

　Ferrinella recommended to the underclassmen in a chiding tone of voice in disgust. It probably goes without saying that there was an unmended look on the upperclassmen's face as they giggled.
　He then refreshes the air, "Players with a match coming up, please start moving," he says.
　Ars turned to Ferinella as the number of players in the waiting room dwindled.

'So, were you there?'

　Felinella almost frowned at the respectful language. However, since she understood that it was a dialect with a TPO, she was quick to switch over.

''No, for now........''
So you're saving your seed spot.

　Ars swallowed his desire to swear at the blonde single mage, saying, "You've blown an afterthought.
　As a rule, a strong mage is supposed to step on as many matches as possible to get points. It is best to address a player who has a slim chance of winning, as well as a seeded slot for Rusalka as the last time he won, as he will automatically receive five points for his unbeaten run.
　The problem is, if you know Ars is there, this is preserved in the seeded slot so it doesn't get crushed too early. If the number of slots narrows, it's inevitable, but I wouldn't put him in a combination with the second wizarding academy as much as possible.
　However, the only way for the second school of magic to beat them is to put Arus in the first school of magic at Rusalka.

　After all, the First Academy of Magic is aware of the existence of a single magician named Arus, so they have made a combination that is designed to avoid a match with Hope.
　The opponent of the first game was also the first magic academy.

''It can't be helped; they should come out after the second round.
Please.

　The combination of the first year students interacting with Felinella has Ars interjecting as well.
　The one who turns a quizzical glance at the two of them as they talk openly. It is a second year student standing next to Felinella. As I recall, she's also a member of the selection committee and vice president, and she's the sub-leader as it were, checking on the war situation. He was always next to her, but never once interrupted her. It was unclear if it was simply because he had Loki in tow, or if he was perceived as a friend of Felinella's.
　Ars had no choice but to leave to make the most of his free time. To put it simply, he has a place to stop by.

　It's a good idea to go up two floors, considering that the waiting room is exactly in the basement. It's a bit large for a private room. There is a door at the front of the passage on the way to the room, and beside it are two wizard guards who are probably hands and feet, as well as other guards who have slipped into the audience.
　As expected, I don't expect to be able to get in with a face pass. Ars pulled out his license and showed it to them before he was approached with Loki.

'Come in.'

　His voice quivered with trepidation.
　This may be the difference in the treatment of the other singles. Still, I've heard that Letty is the target of admiration. So maybe that's just a story limited to Ars.
　With a slight wave of the hand, Loki followed suit.
　A little further up the stairs, yet another sturdy, rather than massive, door stands in the way. I add a similar hassle there as well. I hope it's a face pass next time.

　I knock, and a taut voice comes from inside, granting me entry.
　The door that opens is not glittering, but it's a red carpeted, glassed-in room for anti-magic, pressure-resistant, etc. You can see all the matches from there, but you're probably watching them on a giant screen set directly in front of you.
　The air is clear and refreshing. It doesn't have a scent to it, but it's a far cry from the stale air downstairs.
　Four maids stood ready by the wall, while two high-ranking mages stood tall and upright. A familiar face, Ars reminded himself, someone's man.
　And a leather chair with a tripod in front of the glass.
　 Thin pigtails hung down from the chair.

'I knew you were here.'

　His stern, snarky voice shows his age.
　He is the reason Ars came here. It's also an unnatural point for a woman who comes to watch a game, but she's alone in her sleep.

'You're not here to watch a game, are you?
"Sticks out of the bushes, I came here to see how brave you are...
You don't have time for this, but if he's in here too, that's unusual.

　Ars kicks the chair away with a thud and takes a deco pin to the woman's forehead that still doesn't wake her up.

'Whoa!　What?!

　I rubbed my forehead, which had turned a little red as if I was complaining about the pain in my forehead, and my eyes moistened, as if it was on purpose.

It's terrible. It's terrible,
Wow!

　The motions were natural, reminiscent of a small animal, until he stood up with a bang, folding his knees and rubbing his face against Ars's belly. A little bit bigger, though.

'That's disgusting, Letty,'
What's wrong with that? It's been a while.

　Letty Kultunka. One of Alpha's proudest single mages. He looked pathetic, whether it was from happiness or pain.
　Loki was silent as the flames of jealousy burned him. He puts his hands behind his back and opens his legs only shoulder-width apart, a waiting posture befitting a military officer. He is a partner, but here he is with the Governor as well as Letty....

'Hello, Ars. It's rare that you come to see me.

　A dark-haired, immensely beautiful woman. Cicernia hides her mouth with a pitch-black fan, but her eyes are thin and narrowed. Even though it is hidden, the mouth is still a lone figure.
　Unlike Ars's expectations, it's actually a pleasingly colored lone that's not backwards and forwards.

''Al-kun came to see me, didn't he?
No!

　This is exactly the face that deserves the onomatopoeia of a garn. The two subordinate magicians who were waiting at the entrance seem to be holding back their laughter. However, they hurriedly correct their posture at Letty's crisp and cold gaze.

''Oh?　Ooh, this little guy is the girl who says she got Al-kun's partner.
Ha, it's nice to meet you, Miss Letty. My name is Loki Rabehel.

　Although his expression hasn't changed for Loki, it's clear that he's nervous.

I'm not sure if it's Loki-chan. It's cute, isn't it? It's a cute little thing that makes you do bad things to your uncle. It's not a good idea to get upset, Governor.
'He's almost as old as my grandson. Don't be so weird.
Loki, you don't have to kiss this guy.
Ew!　That's not true, Al-kun. I'm now a big sister too!　There's something about dignity~

　He threw back the pigtails that were hanging in front of him and pompously held up his five fingers in front of his chest.　
　Again, two of his subordinates shook their shoulders at such a Letty--'

''Yeah. Let's go outside for a moment Sajik and Mugel........

　He gives a thumbs up and sends a quick gesture.
　He performed an upright, grateful upright, as if his face was about to fly off the face with a buzz.
　I let out a sigh and jokingly cut the thumbs up to the side in front of my neck. It was a warning to me that if I did it next time. I don't know if he was serious or not, but it seemed to work.

'So much for the farce, Letty.