In the hall where the practical test was being held, there was a great man who stood out from the crowd.
　Gazing intently at the candidates fighting in the martial arts arena.

　A sweet mask that gently praised his smile.
　His jaw is crisp and tight, and his gray eyes are kindly curved.
　Her flowing blonde hair was beautiful, and she had the beauty of a woman at first glance.

　But the muscles pressed into the armor were real.
　The shoulders were broad and muscular.
　Her chest was thick and her thighs, visible through her thigh pads, reminded me of the trunk of a large tree.

　And at his waist, he wore a sword decorated with ritual objects that seemed to be a treasure sword.

　The courageous atmosphere is undeniably eye-catching.
　It's especially pitiable for adolescent girls.
　The girls who found themselves taking the exam forgot that they were taking the exam and were fascinated by the man's appearance.

　He may think he's hiding behind a pillar, but it's clear that he's attracting the attention of those around him.

　There was one female knight approaching the man.
　Her azure-colored hair shining like amethysts.
　Her skin was white and her beautiful little face was unblemished.
　She was wearing light mail, shoulder armor and iron boots, and a slender sword was lowered at her waist.

　As he stood in front of the knightly man, a glint in his eye shone from his deep candy-colored eyes.

''You're here, Commander.''

Somewhat. You've been spotted, XO.

　The man who was said to be the leader of the group ruffled his blond hair again.
　He smiled sweetly.
　A normal woman would be melted down by that alone.
　But it doesn't get through to the female knight.
　What came back was a sharp, blade-sharp look in their eyes.

　They are the head and deputy head of the knightly order, the pride of the Villa Amst Kingdom.

　Commander Rebelier Shuha Sardaj. Reverie of [Iron Castle].
　The Deputy Commander Amage Gerhanis. Amage of [Fast Lightning].

　The two of them were the two biggest forces in the kingdom, leading the knights after Luxor retired.

''It looks like you're having a lot of fun.''

Do I look like that, XO?

'Yes..... Much more so than when I was training.

Hahaha.... I'm sorry. I apologize for skipping the training. It's just... I just thought I'd take a look. The future of chicks.

　Amage let out a sigh once.
　She also looked down at the martial arts field.

'So you had some interesting personnel?'

'Oh..... They should be out soon.

　Lacelle Singh Stark is.


　◆◇◇◇◇◇


　The rumors of a duel between me and the nobleman Luvirg Guillel Semsur soon reached the ears of the other candidates.

　It seems that the Countess Semsur's family has been famous for 100 years.
　In contrast, it's a country noble who shows overwhelming strength in the entrance exam.
　If you look at the profession alone, it's 【Mage (Wizard)】 vs. 【Villager】.......

　Whether you like it or not, all eyes were on you, and the bleachers were packed with students and school officials.

　However, despite this level of attention, Luvirg said this as soon as he faced me.

'Examiner, I will abstain.

　The audience buzzed at the unearthly declaration.

　I slap my eyes at the man in front of me.

'You're running away?'

Running away?　You're an idiot. You just don't have to fight.

You don't have to fight?

I mean every word. I've fought two fights and won two already. I've won two fights, and I'm sure the examiners will be happy with the results. That's good enough for me. And you know what?

　Luvirg pulls his face towards me.
　He blew a dirty breath into my ear.
　But the words he spits out are even dirtier.

'I am. I'm not a country aristocrat like you. I come from a great family. As long as you get a few good looking grades, the rest can be done by the family.''

　Then Luvirg whispers to me with an even dirtier mouth.

'I knew right away that that woman had an injured leg. Silly girl. If you had just said one word to you, 'help me', you could have helped me recover my leg. Hey, [villager]

　I was reflexively paying off Luvirg with my hands.
　But he dodged it by backstepping.
　The aristocrat smiled more ugly without being offended at all.

''Kuhahaha........ I'm not like that woman. I'm not as smart as her. I don't want to fight with you and get hurt badly. You should be flattered, country bumpkin. I'm the one who bought your power.

　With that, Luvirg turned on his heel.

　He tried to leave the martial arts arena.

''Wait........''

Huh?

Then I don't use magic. I'll beat you on my own physical strength alone.

What did you say?

It's a handicap. And you're still going to run away with your tail between your legs?

'You've got to be kidding me!　Do you really think you can beat me without magic?

I do. That's what I was going to do in the first place. There's too much of a gap between you and me.

　I cower my shoulders in an exaggerated manner.

　Finally, Luvirg turns to me.
　A blue streak appears on his forehead.
　I thought it was a rather cheap provocation, but the effect seems to be immediate.
　I'm not sure if I'm used to being provoked, but maybe I'm not used to being provoked.

"Do you have a guarantee that you won't use magic?

'Suppose I use my magic, I'll lose at that point. If you're still not satisfied, you can reject me. With the power of your house, there's nothing you can't do, is there?

No, Mr. Racel!

　Sarasa's voice came from the bleachers behind her.

'You can't be rejected!　Lasell-kun is just about to pass the test. You can't just throw it away!　Cecil wouldn't want that to happen either!

　Sarasa's screams echoed through the martial arena.

　I didn't look back.
　I didn't even speak kindly to her.
　I just thanked him in my mind.

　Thanks, Sarasa.
　For looking out for me.

　But here's the thing. Don't worry.

　I'm not gonna lose.
　I'm not going to let this place beat me.
　I am determined to be the best.
　Even if they tie me up hand and foot, I will not suffer a single defeat in my life.

　I glare at Luvirg once more.

"She's right. It's not good enough. Not good enough.

What more do you want?

"If you lose, you will be my slave for life. If you agree to those terms, I'm willing to fight you.

I don't mind.

'Hey!　...Good. If you say so, I'll fight you on those terms.

　At last, Luvirg nodded.

　Once the conversation was settled, the exam room erupted in unison.
　The voltage in the bleachers, which had been as quiet as a calm sea, went up a notch.

　An unprecedented duel began in the exam room.
　It was the examiner who was in a panic.

''Both of you calm down. This is a test........


Wait.


　Suddenly, a light voice descended on the exam room.
　Someone was coming down from the bleachers.
　It was a knight in armor.
　His physique is rather large.
　It may be due to the fact that it's a full mail, but it appears to be one size larger than Luxor and Vernal.

　A sweet mask to match it.
　He smiled a smile that seemed to be popular with women and approached us.

''Commander Sardarji........''

　Commander!

　A Knight Commander.
　This guy?

I'll be in charge of that duel.

　He raised his hand briefly to greet the examiner and then said nonchalantly, "I'm sorry, but....

''But.........''

'I guess it's still better to proceed under our control than to contribute to the headlines of tomorrow morning's paper by having adventurer school candidates brawl outside the venue.... What do you think?

　The examiner shushed him.
　He thought silently, but perhaps this examiner alone would not be able to make a decision.

　But still, this guy.
　I'm not sure what kind of a man he is, since he is the head of a knight's order, but he seems to be quite glib.
　In the blink of an eye, he talked down the examiner.
　Maybe that quality is also one of the reasons why he is in the position of Commander.

　After discussion, our duel was approved.
　However, we can't let him get injured in the school.
　As a condition, we were to equip the magical jewels.

Both parties step forward.

　The well-voiced voice of Commander Sardarji echoed.
　We confronted each other in our respective positions.
　As I positioned myself closer to the center, Luvirg would get as far away from me as possible.
　Ten steps.........

''Hajime!''

　At the same time I ran.
　As if I had been expecting it, Luvirg prepared to cast magic.
　I began to formulate my magic.

Huh....

　I raise the corners of my mouth.

　The weakness of a [Mage (Wizard)] is really simple.
　The attack method is limited to magic.
　In order to use magic, you have to forge your magic power.
　Furthermore, 【Mage (Wizard)】 magic eats magic power.
　In other words, compared to other occupational magic, the time between kneading magic power and chanting is longer.

　Last time I was watching Cecil and Luvirg fight.

　The length of time between his chanting and magic activation was 1.5 seconds.

　With that much time, it's possible to close a distance of, say, 10 steps.

　In other words.........


　The winner between you and I had already been decided in a single battle with Cecil!


Fast!

　It was Sardarji, the judge, who snarled.
　I ran beside him like a light.
　I'm going to show off the full extent of my leg strength that I've trained by running through the fields and mountains since I was six years old.

　Luvirg......... This is the power of those country nobles you cursed!

What!

　Luvirg screams.
　I'm horrified by my speed.
　I lose focus. The magic power that I had concocted at the time has dissipated.

　Stupid.........

　I shot out Rubilg's jaw without hesitation.
　The nobleman's face bounces up like a ball.

''Geez........!

　A shock went through my brain.
　He spat out blood from his mouth.
　I must have bitten my tongue because I spoke before hitting him.

　I'm not going to relent.

　I won't do it!

　Without pause, he strikes his throat and takes away his voice.
　Followed by a heartbeat. The body stops moving.
　The fourth blow, as if it were flowing, strikes the midsection. I beat my body functions.

'Gehaha!

　I leaned forward.
　I writhe in agony and my body leans forward.
　A dirty aristocrat's head comes out in a good position.

　I shoot him in the side of the jaw like I'm punching him with a training sandbag.

　My head bobbed.
　Luvirg's vision is probably melting into mush.
　The evidence of this is staggered, as if he were inebriated.
　Then, Luvirg held out his hand.

''No, stop........ Stop, I surrender!''

　Already, Luvirg's face was distorted.
　Although there was no direct hit thanks to the magical gemstone, it was red and swollen from the impact.
　It was like crushed fruit.

　I put my arms down.

''There is a winner. The winner is Lacelle Singh Stark.

　Sardaraj wins and puts his name on the line.
　It would end in a stunningly one-sided victory for me.

　Luvirg takes a thud and falls on his butt.
　I let out a big breath and patted my chest.
　I couldn't even touch the [villager] who couldn't use magic.
　That result would have caused no small amount of mental damage to Luvirg.

　But I can't get my mind off of it.

　I turned to the examiner who was watching the duel from a little distance away.

'Sorry to keep you waiting, examiner. Please begin the examination.

What?　What are you talking about?　That was the test...

'What are you talking about?　That was a duel, right?　No one said it was a test.

　I would argue.
　It was Sardarji who agreed with me, who refereed the duel (I wish I hadn't).

　He nodded, stroking his shapely chin.

'He's right. I was only the referee in the duel. To begin with, it is the examiner's role to referee in the examinations.

Well, then...!　Whoa, whoa, I abstain!

　Luvirg stood up with a pion.
　But it was Sardaraj again who tilted his head.

Abstain?　Mr. Luvirg?　What are you confused about?

You!　I don't know if you're a Knight Commander or what!　Don't talk to me like that!　I am the Countess of Semsur.

'This is a test, your son, the Countess. It doesn't matter if you win or lose. It's a match to see how good you are. Unless you are injured or have some other special reason, you must take the test.

What are you talking...

Hmm......... From the looks of it, you're still in good health. There seems to be some bruising, but you seem to be able to move with no problems. After all, you're in good enough condition to do a private fight before the exam, so that's no surprise. I think you'll be able to participate in the exam without any problems, but what do you think, examiner-dono?

　I ask.
　Then the examiner nodded silently.

'Good. Now I'll go back to the bleachers. Good luck, both of you........

　Finally, Sardarji put his hand on Luvirg's shoulder.
　Gently, he tapped his ear.

'You shouldn't listen to me too rudely. 'You're a count. I am a Marquess. 'What do you mean?　I'm sure your wise son will understand that.

Heeeee...

　Luvirg's body played as if he had seen a ghost.
　With a nonchalant look on his face, Sardarji went back to the bleachers.

　It wasn't on his schedule, but apparently he owed the Knight Commander one.
　Honestly, I was confident that I could say it without him.
　However, it might have taken a little longer.

　Now..........

　Me and Luvirg turned around again.
　The examiner stood in between us.
　He looks at us.
　Eventually, he waved his hand up.

"Hajime!

　Luvirg did not move.
　All he did was shake.
　I also stare at the dirty stray dog.

"Hey, hey.... Please forgive me. ........well, it was his fault, wasn't it?　You're hurt, and you've gotten up so persistently over and over again...

'Sure..... I agree.

'Haha.......... Hahahahaha......... Duh, right. So--

"Cecil is a fool. He could have told me right then. But he didn't. He pushed through his injuries, stood up and fought on. You have no idea. But I do know something about it.

　Before the test started, I said to myself, "You know what?

　"We're going to be competitors from here on out.

　He thinks I'm a rival.
　That's why he didn't want me to help him.
　He wanted to do it on his own.
　And I'm going to do it on my own.

　He's an idiot.
　Not only is he an idiot, he's an idiot.
　A barbaric notion of a really old-fashioned spirituality.

　But you know what?

　I don't hate it.

　And then I'll formulate a spell.
　Flames erupt from the tips of my hands.
　It rises like a pillar, and the mass of fire dyes the martial arena with red lilies.
　It soon changed into the shape of a single beast.
　Large bared eyes.
　Sharp fangs.
　Flaming scales and a long tail.....

　The one that appeared was a dragon of fire.　

　It shone like the sun and looked down on the humans below.

''Ya, stop!　What's the magic of it!　Oh, you're going to kill me!

This is a test, Luvirg. I must show the examiner the best of my ability...

'No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!

　I activated my [Mage (Wizard)] magic.


　[Dragon Emperor Great Fire]!


　The flaming dragon opened its large mouth and attacked Luvirg.

''Gyaaahhhhhh!

　Luvirg's screams rang out.
　The nobleman is enveloped in the magic of fire.
　In the light of the red lotus, Luvirg disappeared.

　I put all my anger into the flames, and eventually I released my stance.

　There was a large hole in front of me, except for the bleachers.
　It continued to the outside, the heat burning around its edges.
　At the same time, the air outside, mixed with the heat, combed my hair.

　Underneath the gaping hole - a person was sitting there.
　A person was sitting there.

　No--.

　He was unconscious.

　His eyes had gone round and white, his crotch was watery, and he was incontinent.
　His face was crushed and his hair was obliterated by the heat of the flames.

　Luvirg had fallen, looking as hapless as a human could imagine.

　Among the advanced magic, the magic specialized for counter-annihilation was showing its power and fear to the fullest.

''Thank you Cecil. That guy is kind in spite of his looks. He wouldn't want you to die. But there will be no next time. Remember, nobleman.

　I spun around on my heels.
　I leave the martial arts arena.
　The examiner didn't say anything.
　He just told me that my fight was over.

　The first person to greet me in the bleachers was Sardaraj.　

'Is it good?　His family is a great family. You might turn the whole noble family against him.

I don't mind. If you stand in front of me, I will beat you down.

　Me and Sardarji often glared at each other.

　Eventually, he muttered, "You're strong, you....

　Then he takes my hand.
　I raised it to the ceiling.

'The winner, Lacel Singh Stark!

　Despite the fact that it was a test (I wish I could have been there), Sardarji came forward to win for the second time.

　At that moment, a furious cheer enveloped me.