We came to the Forest of Kittoral in a carriage.

　At the entrance of the forest are me and my brother Xellos, our teacher Kachel, His Highness the Princess and some soldiers.
　Mr. Barnes, the axe bearer, is already inside the forest. He's going to oversee the examinations.

The goal is on the other side of the forest. You are going to run to it.
Are you...?
Xellos-sama and Yuki. Please use this.

　Her Royal Highness took out two bangles.

''These are 'replicas of ancient artifacts' that were developed by the 'Magic Guild' after the last war.
'Whoa, whoa!　What an honor!

　The teacher Kachel shouted.

The Ancient Artifacts is the legacy of the Ancient Magical Civilization (Elysian) and is something beyond human understanding. What an honor it is to be used for the test, even if it is a replica. This Kachel, I can't bear the tears of emotion!
You honor me. Your Royal Highness.
This is Kouei.

　Following Brother Xellos, I bow my head.

''Even if I spent 200 years, a sorcerer could only make something of this level. Compared to the real 'Ancient Artifacts', they are less accurate, and they are only things that will run out of magic once used. However, it is also the culmination of the techniques of the Magic Guild. Please do not forget that.

　At the words of the princess's highness, Brother Xellos and I bow to her.

　This bracelet is an "ancient artifact" - a replica of it, huh?
　In my era, there were various things like holy swords and holy spears, and the sanctuary churches used them all the time.
　The real ones were scattered and the people of today made similar ones? That's amazing.

The two of you will be passing through the forest with this 'body strengthened'. However, on the way, Barnes will be in your way, so you'll have to cut through it and run to the outside of the forest.
May I ask you a question? Your Royal Highness.
Come in, Yuki.
I don't know why I'm running with you.
''Think of it as a way to see the difference between Master Xellos, who is accustomed to using 'ancient magic', and the average person.
The difference?
"Running through the woods at 'body-strengthening' speeds is terrifying, even if you're used to it. Branches, roots, slippery ground and wet grass - that's where you come in much faster than usual.

　Her Royal Highness smiled wryly.

''Xellos-sama, you won't understand your excellence if you run by yourself. I believe that only by comparing it to someone who is not used to 'body strengthening' will we be able to understand its excellence.
I understand.

　I'd like to talk to Brother Xelloss. And I'd like to be away from Mr. Kachel.
　If he doesn't like me, he can leave the house.
　But me trying to get rid of him doesn't make any sense. I think you're making me uncomfortable until we get to the bottom of this.
　If I'm not there and something happens to Lumia and Martha when I'm gone...


　I'm going to have to hate Brother Xelloss.


"Thank you for this rare opportunity, Your Highness. Princess Iris, Your Highness.

　I received a golden bracelet from Her Highness.
　When I put it on my wrist, my body gets stronger.
　It's the same feeling as when I used the "body strengthening" on myself.

　My brother and I take our places at the start.
　The teacher, Kachel, has separated from me. He finally leaves us.
　When we're in the forest, we'll have a little chat with my brother.

Is that alright with you? Now, let's get into position. Ready.

　Her Royal Highness raises her arms.
　Clara-san - no, Her Highness Iris-Lestia is still just like Alice. Alice had Lyle's eyes, and her hair color and mouth were very similar to her mother Remilia's. Princess Iris has inherited that trait.
　It's just a stranger's look alike?　Or...

　No, let's just focus on the test now.
　Brother Xellos will clear the test, of course, and I'll follow him as far as I can without interfering.
　Let's talk about this like human beings. After your brother went to study magic in the Magic Guild, you won't have that opportunity anymore.

''Let the examination begin!
I'm coming, sir.

　Me and my brother started running at the same time.
　Straight into the forest.




　When the tests began, we went into the woods.



"I would like to address Her Royal Highness.

　Suddenly, the teacher, Kachel, knelt down and announced: "Why did you allow the bastard Yuki to take part in the exam?

'Why did you allow the bastard Yuki to participate in the exam?
'Excuse me. Kachel-Megen.
"I don't need a soldier to tell me what to do!

　Kachel blackmailed the soldier who had interrupted his voice.

''Xellos-Grossaria-sama is the one from whom I drew my talent. That person's magical capacity is astonishing even to this me. Isn't it an insult to compare him with a bastard?
"...Kachel-Megen.

　Princess Iris announced in a calm voice.

'What do you think this test is about?
I believe it is to allow His Highness Iris to see the fruits of my education.
Results?
'Yes. The Xellos-Grossaria I educated are excellent and strong. Even if a powerful demon is waiting for them, they will break through even if they get hurt. I know in my heart that this is an opportunity for Your Highness to see that I have raised someone of that caliber.
Is that why you recommended a dangerous mountain as a test site?
"...dangerous?　Who told you that?
I went down to check it out.
That's just him being weak!　A sorcerer is all about power!　Just like that 'Sanctuary Church (Sanctuary Church)'!

　The teacher Kachel shouted.
　The air froze.
　Princess Iris and the soldiers around her also stared at Teacher Kachel with stiff expressions.

''Oh. Gaffe. The Sanctuary Church is a taboo subject. But it's not so bad that I wouldn't mind saying it out loud.
'The "Sanctuary Church" has been destroyed. Kachel-Megen.

　Princess Iris took a few steps away from Kachel.
　Because for a moment, this man who spoke so loudly looked like a different person.

''The legacy of the great 'Ancient Magical Civilization (Elysian)' has been used up and the 'Sanctuary Church' has been destroyed. The 'Lindbergh Magic Guild' was founded with the ideal of taking a lesson from that organization and not to be drowned in power. Have you forgotten that?　Kachel-Megen.
'I understand, sir. I apologize if you were offended by what I said.

　With his face down, the teacher, Kachel, kept his eyes on the ground.

''I was just thinking. If I had that much power, what would I do...?''
You are here as a teacher for Lady Xellos-Grossalia, are you not?
Yes, of course.

　The teacher Kachel shrugged.

'Yes, of course. I have devoted myself entirely to educating Master Xellos correctly. That's what Kachel-Megen lives for, if that's what he's doing.
Well, goodbye.

　Princess Iris nodded.
　And as she looked deep into the forest, she thought.

　And as she looks deep into the forest, she thinks, "This trial is over without incident, and they'll be back.
　She sees Kachel-Megen, who is also staring at the forest, with an eerie look on her face.