Two days after the tumultuous Great 5th Holy Festival, around noon.

　An urgent meeting of the chancellors was held on the top floor of the "Five Academy Hall" that stands tall in the center of Orestes, the capital of this country.

　The area around this building, where the chancellors of the five academies gathered, was under strict traffic control, and the number of holy knights on guard was enormous, and their quality was of the highest standard.

　The number of Holy Knights guarding the building was enormous, and their quality was of the highest standard.

　The five people gathered in the VIP room on the top floor were all prominent figures of this country.

　Leia Rusnaught of the Thousand Blade Academy.
　Ferris-Dorahine of the Academy of the Ice King.
　And the chancellors of the other three academies.

　The topic of discussion was the second match of the Great Five Holy Festival - the battle between Allen-Rhoddle and Sidor-Euclius.

　The topic of discussion was the punishment for the two clear violations of the rules seen there.

　The man in charge of this meeting was an old gentleman from the government side who had no interest in the five academies.

　He announced the result of the vote in a clear and stern voice.

In the event you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

「「「「「 No objections: 」」」」」

　All of the chancellors, including Leia, were in complete agreement with this.

　For ignoring the referees' restraint and executing a lethal attack on an opponent.

　Although Allen defended himself and the fight ended in an unsuccessful attempt, it was a clear violation of the rules, and punishment was inevitable.

　The discussion on Sido's punishment was quickly settled, and the meeting finally moved on to the main topic of the day.

The meeting finally moved on to the main topic of the day: "Now then, I would like to discuss the punishment of Allen-Rhoddle of the Thousand Blade Academy. The first question is whether or not he should be expelled, the most serious punishment. You have thirty minutes to speak with me.

　As soon as the old gentleman said this, the chancellors began to express their opinions one by one.

"You'll be expelled, of course!

Same as on the right. I'd rather hand him over to the holy knights for attempted murder.

Well, I'm ...... wondering if I should be expelled.

I'm not sure if I should be expelled from ...... school, considering what she did to my Shidou.

Wait!　Allen was in a state of complete insanity at the time!　I don't think he's capable of taking responsibility!

　One against four.
　In terms of numbers, Leia was at a complete disadvantage.

I don't think he's insane. ...... Isn't that just because he's immature?

It's the same as on the right. As a student of the Fifth Academy, you must always be disciplined.

Well, let's see. ...... I guess it's not good to lose sight of yourself. ......

Hmmm ....... I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll do fine. Isn't that a bit painful, Leia?

".......

　I'm not sure what to say.

(Gosh ......)

　She bit her bottom lip and tried to think of a way to turn the board around.

　But Leia is not very good at brainwork, and she's not very good at talking either.

　It was objectively impossible for her to persuade the crooked board chairmen.

　Instinctively realizing this, she quickly gave up on verbal persuasion and appealed using the simplest and most primitive method.

If--if you're going to expel Allen here...

　A tremendous amount of pressure came from Leia, and everyone in the room gasped.

You're going to have to deal with me here, is that okay?

　It was a poor, childish, not even a plan, but in fact it was the most effective move of all.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how you can get it.

......

"Nuh .......

"Heeeeaaahhh ......?

"Oh, my God!

　The individual Leia Rathnought, even if she were to take on one of the five academies, would be able to fight for more than five minutes.

　Common sense would tell you that this is just a threat - a child's bluff.
　Because even if it were feasible, it would be impossible to make enemies of the five academies in order to protect a single student.

　There is no balance between profit and loss.

　However, "Leia could do it" - such a thought crossed the minds of the four chancellors.

　In fact, once upon a time, when she was still young.

When she was still young, a large criminal organization called the Red Rain had seriously injured Leia's best friend, a swordsman.

　When she heard the news, she was outraged and, overcoming the objections of those around her, she charged into the organization's headquarters alone.

　As a result, the Red Rain, which the Holy Knights had been struggling with for years, was destroyed in just one night.

　This is one of Leia's most famous feats of valor.

　In this world, there are many different kinds of power, but in the end, it is military power that counts.

　Then, just as everyone had stopped talking, the timer beeped.

　The old gentleman quietly stops the timer and clears his throat.

I'm not sure what to make of that. In the event that you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

　Thus began a vote that would greatly affect Allen's fate.

"I'm firmly against it!

　Leia declared loudly and clearly, and the turn went to the next chancellor.

I'm sure you'll agree. I'm not sure what you mean by that.

　She, who usually takes a neutral position, was wavering between approval and disapproval.

　It's a good idea to take a look at your own personal life.

I'm sure you'll agree with me.　I'm against it, hahaha, ......!

　She had been a member of the supporters until just now, but she gave in before Leia's force.

　When the supporters saw this, they all glared at her, "You traitor! I'm not sure what to do.



　And the two who followed...

"Of course I agree!

"Same as on the right. I'm with you.

　"I'm with you." "I'm with you, too," Allen said immediately, wanting him to leave.

　Two votes against.
　Two votes for.

　Two against, two for... In this completely split situation, the last person with a vote is Ferris-Dorahine.

　She was the victim in this case, and was also on bad terms with Leia due to their relationship as students.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but it's a good idea.

I'm not sure what to make of it.

　Leia clenched her teeth and the two supporters lifted the corners of their mouths.

　And the next moment.


"Yes, I disagree.


　Ferris smiled and voted against Allen's expulsion.

　The old steward immediately announced the result of the vote.

"Two votes for. Three votes against. --By a majority of votes against, Allen-Roddle's expulsion was rejected.

　At that moment, the two students who had been strongly in favor of Allen's expulsion became enraged and punched the desk.

"You idiot!

What the hell is this farce?

　They glared at the two who had changed their opinions at the last minute.

What are you talking about?

"That's not what you said(・・・・)!

　Yes.
　The two of them had contacted all the chancellors except Leia, and had convinced them to expel Allen.

　Furthermore, they had even given Ferris a large amount of money to get him to agree to Allen's expulsion.

　It was understandable that they were furious.

　Their faces turned red and they glared at the traitor with rage.

I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

Yes, I did hear what you said. It's just a matter of listening (・・・・). ....... No one said anything about "understanding".

　He said, his thin fox eyes narrowed further and he chuckled.

You're ....... I'm sure you've received your tea cakes ......!

　In this case, "tea cakes" is a secret word for "back taxes" that can only be used between the two of you.

　And then Ferris said.

I'm not sure.　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

　The only thing he had to say was a simple thank you, assuming he had received the tea cakes in their original meaning.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.　What the heck are you thinking?

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. I've been thinking about expelling Allen for a while now, but then my Sidoh ......

　She then began to tell me why she voted against it.

In the morning, when I told Shidou, who was still in the hospital, that I was going to expel Allen, he said, "Young lady, I will kill him in the next tournament, so please don't do it. ....... That prideful boy bowed and begged me.

　Ferris remembered his appearance at that time and smiled sloppily, "Nah," he said.

I'm not sure what to make of that.　I had no choice but to do him a favor.

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　Ferris took him into his care at the age of five, and although he grew up to be a bit naughty due to being left alone too much, Ferris really loved him.

　Sido also feels a strong debt of gratitude to Ferris for raising him, and calls her "Miss" and adores her.

　Sidor, who loves her like a child, asks her for a favor, and the old chancellor asks her to do something for him.

　There was no need to weigh the two.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it.

"Why can't you look ahead, ......? This is a big loss for the future, .......

　The reason why they want Allen to leave school is because they are afraid of his power that they saw in the video recording.

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　And to top it all off, there was the immensely powerful black sword.

　It easily penetrated the magnificent defensive technique deployed by Shidou, the Ice Fall Wall.

　There are several of them in the video.

(d*mn it .......) I'm not sure what to make of this.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

　They wanted Allen to leave the school for their own protection.

The position of "Chancellor of the Five Schools" is like a sweet honey.

　With their immense power and social influence, no one would dare to defy them outwardly.

　Therefore, there are many people who want to take this position (post).

　If you show even a moment's lapse - if you perform poorly in a competition like the Great 5th Holy Festival, you may be expelled for that reason.

　In fact, this year the chancellor of Senba Academy has just been ousted from his position.

　They have absolute confidence in the students they have raised.

　They don't think they can't beat Allen (・・・・・).

　--But it's best to nip the danger in the bud before it appears.

　Allowing the Senbei Academy to strengthen will lead to a relative weakening of themselves.

　That's why they wanted to somehow force the unknown threat Allen out of school.



　It was all for the sake of protecting the position of "Chancellor of the Five Schools".

　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

(In any case, thank God for that. ......)

　As she took a deep breath, the old gentleman opened his mouth.

This is the first time I've ever seen such a thing. You have thirty minutes to speak with me.

　Although he was not expelled from school, Allen was punished in some way for breaking the rules of the Great 5th Holy Festival.

　After that, Leia tries to lessen Allen's punishment somehow.

　The two protesters want a more severe punishment.

　One timid neutral is caught between the two.

　Ferris scratching the board in an amusing way.

　The debate between the five chancellors was fierce. 　

The debate between the five chairmen was fierce.

　The regular beeping sound of the machine brought me back to consciousness.

(......)

　The stench of disinfectant.
　An artificial, blinding light.
　The white ceiling stretched out in front of me.

　It seems I'm lying on my back.

Ugh. ....... What is this place ......?

　You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life.

　They were sitting in a chair with their upper bodies on my bed, sleeping soundly and regularly.

　Finding a familiar friend calmed me down a bit.

　I slowly raised myself up so as not to wake them and leaned against the bedboard.

"So, a hospital. ......

　Electrodes were attached to my chest, and there was an electrocardiograph next to the bed.

　The beeping sound was that of a horizontal line moving up and down in time with my heartbeat.

I wonder what happened to me after that. ......

　To be honest, I don't remember much ...... after Mr. Shidou's thrust into my neck.

　The only thing I remember is that the "nanaka" inside me was happily running wild.

　At that time, I was submerged in deep, dark water.

　I remember that I wanted to sleep very, very badly.

　But for some reason, I felt that I must not fall asleep.

　As I was slumbering and fighting desperately against sleepiness, I heard Leah's voice.

　I turned my head in the direction of the voice and saw that I was pointing my sword at her.

　I struggled desperately.

　I struggled and struggled in the water, and when I came to, I was back in the world.

(What the heck was that? ......?)

　And as I think back on that moment.

As I was thinking back on that moment, I thought to myself, "Ummm, .......

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

Good morning, Leah.

"What?　Oh, Allen!　You've regained consciousness!

　She opened her eyes wide and hugged me tightly.

I'm in pain, Leah .......

I'm so glad. ...... I'm so glad. ......

　She whispered this over and over in a shaky voice.

(You worried me, right? ......)

　It's a little bit of a mixed bag of guilt for worrying her and happiness that she cared so much about you.

　But ...... I have to say this for now.

"Well, well, well... ....... Oh, you're right (・・・・・), but .......

"...... is right?　......?

When she realized exactly what she had hit, her cheeks flushed red and she pulled away.

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it, but I'm going to try.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

"No, that's not fair .......

　And as I chuckled.

"......... ...... Allen?

　Rose rubbed her eyes and woke up, swaying her upper body.

　I'm not sure what to make of this.

　In addition, there was a strand of stupid hair standing up from the top of his head.

　It was really an art of bad sleeping habits.

"Good morning, Rose.

"...... Good morning. ...... Are you okay now?

　She was a little lispy and concerned for my well being.

Yeah, maybe, but I'm fine.

　Strangely enough, despite the massive amount of wounds I had sustained, there was no sign of them anywhere on my body.

(Is this also the power of ...... that guy(......?)?

　(Is this also the power of him?) The "something" that took over my body and ran rampant with all its might.

(Really, who the heck is that? ......?)

　I put my hand on my chest and was thinking about this, when suddenly the door to the hospital room opened.

"Oh, you're conscious again, Allen!

　"Oh, you're conscious again, Allen!" Dr. Leia appeared, dressed in her usual black suit.

"Here's a gift for you. Here's a gift for you. Eat it when you get an appetite.



　The teacher then handed me a plastic bag hanging from her right hand.

　When I glanced at the contents, I saw that it contained three bunches of bananas.

(Hey, I hear they're good for your health, but ......)

　To be honest, I don't need that many.

　But feelings are important in these things.

"Thank you very much. I'll have some later.

　When I thanked him honestly, he smiled.

　And then.

Leia!　What happened to Allen in the end?

Tell me now!

　The two of them stood up and came to the teacher.

"......?

　What the hell is he doing rushing them?

　I was the only one who didn't understand what was going on, so I tilted my head.

"Well, calm down. I'll have to explain to Allen what happened first.

　The teacher then told me about the events of the Great 5th Holy Festival.

　After that, I lost consciousness and Shidou and I were immediately taken to the hospital.

　Both of us were seriously injured, but we managed to survive.

　Due to serious violations of the rules by both sides, the match between Senbei Academy and Iou Academy was disqualified.

　And today, a board meeting was held to decide the punishment of the two.

　As soon as the teacher finished speaking.

"So what happened to Allen?

Tell us now.

　Leah and Rose immediately demanded answers.

　I guess he's asking about the board's punishment of me.

　The doctor cleared his throat once and opened his mouth.

"Allen has been suspended from school for one month.

"...... Suspension?　You're not expelling me, you're suspending me!

Are you kidding me?

Yeah, I managed to get it down to a suspension. ...... It was pretty close, to be honest.

Good for you .......

　Leah and Rose were as relieved as if it were their own.

It's just that it's a little hard to say. ....... As a joint responsibility, Leah and Rose were also suspended from school for a month.

"Isn't that strange?

　They were not involved in that game at all.

　On the contrary, they didn't even participate in the Daigo Seisai game.

　This is too unfair a punishment.

That's fine. I don't mind.

"No problem.

　They said that, but I couldn't accept it.

Why are Leah and Rose being suspended?　Please tell me why!

　Then the teacher scratched her cheek and gave me an explanation.

It's literally called 'joint and several responsibility'. The reason for this is that we are all representatives of the same school, but we couldn't stop Allen's outburst.

　She continues.

But there is no doubt that the aim is to reduce the strength of the Senbei Academy (our). In the event that you're not sure what to do, you'll be able to ask your doctor. The goal is to kill that entire period. I think they want to weaken Leah and Rose - our future main players.

The teacher cowered, "They're very clever, .......

"Leah, Rose ......, I'm sorry.

　I apologized to them for the trouble I had caused them.

It's not a problem!　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not expelled.　We're celebrating today. We're celebrating!

"Don't worry about it. Don't worry about anything.

　Then, in a rare moment of clarity, Ms. Leia said she was sorry.

No, to be honest, this was not Allen's fault. ...... It was completely my fault. The suspension of the two students could have been prevented if I had been a little more skilled in my arguments. ......

　Then she clenched her fists tightly.

　Apparently, she had something on her mind.

The only excuse I can give you is that those two stubborn old men were really persistent. They persistently pursued me for my gaffe. ....... In the end, it turned into a brawl and they took the conversation in their stride. ....... I'm embarrassed to say that I lost my mind and don't even remember what I said to him. ....... The only thing I remember is that I swore to myself, "I'm going to make these two guys' faces cave in like potatoes one day! That's all I remember. ......

　And then the teacher told the whole story in detail as if he were repenting.

(......It seems that Ms. Leia is also responsible for Leah and Rose being suspended from school.

　I could easily imagine her yelling at me during the meeting.

　And then.

"Well, that's not joint and several liability, is it ......?

Yeah. To be frank, the teacher just got the better of me.

　Leah and Rose's merciless criticism hit the teacher.



"Ha, ha, ....... That's a tough one.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　This is a great way to make sure you are getting the most out of your vacation.

But if I'm suspended for a month, does that mean I'll have to stay in the dormitory the whole time?

I'm not sure if that's a good idea, but it's a good idea. ......

　It is true that ...... one month in the dormitory will definitely slow down your body.

Don't worry. I've already had eighteen think about that, so no problem.

You didn't think of that, did you ......?

"Huh, of course not. I can't do brainwork!

　I can't do brainwork!" The teacher said this confidently and without any hesitation.

I'm sure you'll agree with me.

"Well, a Mage ......?

　Mages are people who accept commissions from citizens and merchants and make a living off of it.

　In the past, they were discriminated against as lowly professions because they were using sacred swordsmanship as a tool to make money.

　In recent years, however, the situation has changed and such discrimination has almost disappeared.

　In fact, it is said that as many as 30% of the students who graduate from high school end up becoming mages.

Oh. But as a Mage, you don't earn money, you accept requests for 'free'. In other words, it's like volunteering. You might want to choose something that requires a little rough work, such as exterminating vermin or escorting dignitaries. If you're as good as you are, it won't be too dangerous, and more importantly, the experience will definitely be an asset to you in the future.

But wouldn't it be a problem if we were suspended from school and walked out with our heads held high?

"No problem at all. I'll take the form of 'forcing you to do volunteer work as punishment'. It is a 'punishment' that I, the president of Senba Academy, gave to the students. Any objection to this will be an interference with the government's "chancellor's authority" and will be punished severely by the Holy Knights under the jurisdiction of the government. --Yeah, yeah, that's the 18th. It was a good decision to pick up that guy after all!

　The teacher nodded in satisfaction.

(I'm sure Mr. Eighteen is working all the time, even now, while he's doing this. ......)

　(I'm sure Mr. 18 is working all the time, even now, without sleep. ......) The criminal act (peeping) he committed was never forgivable, but ...... I felt a little pity for him.

Hmmm, a mage. ....... I've always been a little curious about that.

I've always been a little curious about mage fighting.

　Leah and Rose seemed to be interested in working as mages.

　It was a little bit of a relief to see that.

　As if to put a nail in the coffin of such a buoyant atmosphere, the teacher cleared his throat.

As I said, you will be working outside the academy as mages, but be careful of the Kuro Organization.

　The Kuro Organization. It is a large-scale criminal organization that has been making headlines in Japan in recent years.
　They are involved in a variety of criminal activities such as drug manufacturing and smuggling, human trafficking, and assassination of important people.

　The Holy Knight is proudly working to eradicate the organization, but ...... the results are not good.

　The fact is that we have absolutely no information about the ringleaders, their headquarters, or even their goals.

"Yes, I understand.

I certainly don't want anything to do with that place. ......

It's okay, I understand.

　When everyone had heeded his advice, the doctor punched his hand.

In the meantime, as soon as Aren is fully recovered. I'm going to have him start working as a mage as soon as he's fully recovered. ...... Do you have any objections?

Yes.

Of course!

I've missed being a Mage.

　And so my new life as a Mage was about to begin.

...

　There is a large city called Drestia, just east of the country's capital Orestes.

　It is also called the "City of Merchants," where many wealthy merchants reside, and the streets are lined with many stalls with gaudy signs.

　The street is constantly crowded with people, day and night, and the sound of lively touts is constantly heard.

　It was after 2 am.
　In a back alley, one of the least crowded places in Dresstier, a man was laughing like a madman and kicking "Nanika" in the leg.

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

"......

　It was once the strongest of the New Currents style.
　However, it is already in a state of rags, and even when kicked, it only makes a slight groan.

　Then, one of his seniors, who had finished his work, called his attention.

"Oh, hey, new guy!　That's enough! That's too much!　Let's get the hell out of here!

　The man's feet stopped and he smiled friendly.

I'm sorry, ........ I was just having fun. ......

　The man who had committed such a heinous act was surprisingly straightforward in his apology.
　His mouth was twisted in delight, but with his black hood pulled up tightly over his eyes, it was hard to tell exactly what expression he was wearing.

This way, hurry up ......!

　And so he and his ten companions, all dressed in black, ran to the carriage that he had prepared in advance.

　In the furoshiki (wrapping cloth) that they held carefully, there was a lot of gold and silver treasures that shone with dazzling brilliance.

　The black-clad group was the end of the Kuro Organization.

　They dispose of those who are instructed by their superiors, and do their jobs as instructed - a disposable existence like a flashlight.

　However, there was one excellent gunslinger who kept coming back to his place.



"Haha ......, it's a good night .......

　This is the man who was happily laughing and stomping on the stuck lump of meat earlier.

　No one at the end of the line knows who he is.

　But the only thing they knew was that he was terribly strong.

　In the underworld, that's all that mattered.
　That alone gave him a certain amount of credibility.

　He took out a flower that he had picked before getting into the carriage and began to tear off the petals one by one.

I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you ......!

　Satisfied with the result of his divination, he writhed in agony, holding himself with both hands.

　A gust of wind blew and the black hood came off.

　His distinctive blue hair was pulled back, and his bare face, illuminated by the moonlight, had a large sword wound.

　Aside from the wound, her eyes and nose were neatly arranged.
　She was popular among the female students of the Academy of Swordsmanship because of her good looks and good birth.

　He took a petal-less flower into his mouth and lovingly stroked the large scar on his face with a look of ecstasy on his face.

I'm not sure what to say.　We have always been connected by the red thread of fate,......!　Hey, don't you think so too ...... Alleen (・・・・)?