I got the qualifications to take the advancement exam from Hengel, and I successfully passed the exam afterwards.

Oh, can I let you into my lab?

　For some reason, Hengel said that to me, but I said that I would think about it and put it on hold.
　Anyway, this means that following the red academy, I've been able to advance to the second grade at the blue academy as well.

　Of course, I'm going to advance to the second grade at the other academies as well, if possible, right away.
　So, at the green academy, I went to talk to the instructor.

It's difficult. It's difficult to do that because the exam is held only once a year at the end of the school year. There is no way you can take an exam and advance to a higher grade during this period.

　Apparently, the Green Academy doesn't have a similar system.

''I heard that in the past, there were students who were advanced from first grade to second grade, but it was quite an exception. As I recall, the head of the academy was given permission to do so in person.
''Hmm. So that means you just need to be approved by the dean?
''........I don't think that's possible unless there's something very wrong.... Besides, the dean is extremely busy. If one student wanted to meet with him, I'm sure it would take at least two or three months.
Really?

　They need an appointment.
　No, if we can somehow force him to meet--

'Please don't do anything rash?　If you're not good, you could be expelled from school at one point.

　I guess he knew what I was going through inside and he nailed it.

'Well.......... There's one thing I'm not without a way to do........
Do you have one?
It would be nearly impossible to do.

　'Don't be a pussy and tell me soon.

'There's going to be a flying magic race soon, isn't there?　The race will be observed by the headmaster and the winner will be awarded in person by the headmaster.
So, the point is, if we win, I get to talk to the Dean.

　And if he wins the race, in other words, he's proven himself at the same time.
　The story after that would be quicker.

''But you couldn't use flying magic properly in the first place, could you?　Even if you're registered to compete, if it's too much, you could have your entry withdrawn.
Don't worry. I've already got it. Can I show you now if you want?

　I tried flying lightly through the air.
　I tried to change direction violently, do a somersault, or just spin around and fly.

'That's about it,'

　When I came down after demonstrating one way, my supervisor was stunned.

''Ugh, lie........so much in such a short period of time.......?　What the hell kind of practice...
I've been training in my sleep every night.
'In your sleep!　What do you mean...?
Is it true what you say?

　Then I tried to lightly explain about my sleep training, but for some reason they didn't understand me at all.

''Well every wizard has a secret training method, and if you don't want to tell me, I won't force you to ask.

　They think I'm lying.
　It's true.

　Well, I got the assurance that I would be able to participate in the race, so that's good.





　Then the day of the race arrived.
　The starting point is the Green Academy's outdoor training ground.

　The students of the academy, who have entered the race, are starting to upload here and there.
　A total of about a hundred people are said to be participating in the race.

　The perimeter of the training ground is used as a spectator area, but students and faculty members who don't participate in the race have come to watch the race.
　There also seemed to be spectators from outside the academy.

''Master!　Good luck!
Is Colette not on the list?
Oh, I can't do that yet...

　Among them was the usual trio of people.

''That's the Dean of the Green Academy?''

　There was a special seat in the middle of the auditorium that was obviously more luxurious than the rest of the seats, and there sat a primitive man who looked very dignified.
　I've seen his face in portraits before, so there's no doubt about it.
　He seemed to have come to watch the game.

"Hey, hey, you're not really going to leave, are you?

　The man who called out to me was a small boy I'd seen somewhere before.

'Who's that?'
"Wah, don't you forget!　You're taking the same practical skills class!
Is that right?　Hate to say it, but I hardly ever take it.

　I search my memory.
　I try to keep unnecessary memories in the back of my mind.

I just remembered. The one where you were proudly showing off your flying magic and making fun of the novice students.
You're acting like a total f*ckin' a**h*le, aren't you?
It's true, so what can you do about it?

　And I remember thinking, "I'm going to win this race.

I'm Skye and I'm going to be the best magician in the world! I'm going to be the best user of flying magic in the world!　Of course I can't lose here!
I'm sorry, but I'll take the win.
Ha, that's a lot of confidence, isn't it?　Apparently you've had some training in your own right?
Yeah. And I didn't miss my sleep training every night.
?

　The boy - Skyke had a momentary "I don't know what that means" look on his face, and then

There's not much point in improving in such a short period of time anyway. Well, at best, you won't be embarrassed in the show.

　He said that and left.

''Well that's handy, sleep training.''