Lunch break.
　The usually crowded classroom was deserted today.

Everyone seems to have gone to check on their teams.

"Looks like it.

　I nodded to Elysia's murmur.
　It seems that the magic competition is an event that the students are looking forward to more than I imagined. It's more than just something to look forward to ......, it's an event that will benefit them in the future.

　Builders Academy is not just the best educational institution in the kingdom.
　The aspirations of the students who belong here are real. In particular, since there are many noblemen among the students of the Heroic Department, they have to do their best to live up to their family's name at the magic competition festival where there are many spectators. It seems that this pressure is giving them a lot of energy, and all of the school's training grounds are already fully booked. Inspired by their movements, the students of the regular course are also getting motivated.

The team is not going to be divided by class, right?

　In response to Gran's question, Elysia shook her head.

That's right. So it's possible that we'll be enemies.

I'm getting nervous. ......

　I'm getting nervous. " Mize chuckles as she clutches her chest.
　I'm getting nervous." Mize chuckles, clutching her chest.

I'm looking forward to it.　I'm looking forward to it.

"Nice try, Berserker.

That's rude. I'm just a little more belligerent than most.

　You're a berserker.
　I look at Elysia with a wry smile.

The announcement of the teams was on the bulletin board downstairs. It should be open by now, so we'll go check it out.

　I headed to the first floor of the school building with my usual group of friends, Elysia, Mize and Gran.
　The location of the bulletin board was easy to find because of the crowd of students. With the large Gran leading the way, we were able to break through the crowd and get right in front of the bulletin board.

　Our team division was--



　.



We split up nicely.

　Elysia muttered as she ate her lunch in the courtyard.
　I chewed on a loaf of bread from the store and opened my mouth, remembering the team split I had just confirmed.

"Me and Mize are on the hawk team. Elysia and Gran are on the lion team.

　In the middle of next month, the students of the first year of high school will be divided into two teams to compete in the Magic Competition Festival. The teams will be called the Eagle Team and the Lion Team, respectively.

Twait-san, it's nice to meet you.

Oh.

　Me and Mize are on the same team.
　Elysia, on the other hand, is on the same team as Gran.

　Elysia's comment before we confirmed our team assignment came true.
　We'll be enemies for about a month from today.

It looks like we're going to start practicing in separate teams after school today, so we won't be together after school for a while.

I guess so. ...... What do you do on your lunch break?

What about lunch break? Let's meet like this at least for lunch. We're in the same classroom anyway, so as long as we don't leak any secret plans or anything, it shouldn't be a problem to meet like this.

　While listening to Elysia's comment, Mize frequently shook her head.
　Mize seemed to feel that the opportunity to have lunch with the four of us like this was precious.
　And so do I. I don't want to be separated from the everyday life we've just acquired because of a mere event.

　Everyone agrees with Elysia.
　We'll probably split up into teams after school, and maybe during lunch, but other than that, we'll try to stay together.

But why are we divided into teams of eagles and lions?

"It's like an old king had a hawk and a lion. It's a sign of the philosophy of ......, which is to rule over the whole of heaven and earth.

　It was Gran who answered my question.
　Next to me, Elysia also showed interest, saying, "Hmm.

"You know a lot, Gran.

"I did some research on the Kingdom of Terraria before I joined the academy. That's where I got my knowledge.

Oh. ...... That's an auspicious gesture for Gran.

What's that supposed to mean?

　I'm sorry, but I felt the same way as Elysia.
　I'm sorry, but I felt the same way as Elysia. Mise-en-scène seemed to feel the same way, and gently averted her gaze.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

　If he was born and raised in this country, there's no need for him to look into it.
　I wonder if he's from another country like Mize.

"Oh no, it's almost time for the next class.

　Gran said, looking at his watch.
　He had stopped by the bulletin board, and before he knew it, more time had passed than he expected.

I haven't fought a Toate since the entrance exam for the Heroic Department.

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

We haven't decided which event we're going to compete in yet. It doesn't mean we'll be fighting.

That's boring. Why don't we show each other which event we are going to compete in?



"Don't match.

　Why do I have to go through all that trouble?
　I'm not sure what to do.

"...... are you running away?

It's a cheap provocation.

　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

...... You're done avenging your father. You don't need to be obsessed with me now.

That's true, but ......

　Elysia seems to be choosing her words.

...... I have an offer from the Order of the Phosphorus.

　When I heard the words, I was momentarily at a loss for a response.

"You mean you've been recruited?

"Yes. They want you to join after you graduate from the school.

　The Seirin Knights of the Dukes of Tergante are a highly respected order backed by a fierce meritocracy. You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life.

　It is extremely rare for a student to be recruited by a prestigious knightly order, even as a freshman. There is even a possibility that Elysia is the first ever. It is a great honor.

As for me, I'm willing to accept. But if I don't, people will think I'm just a product of my parents. ...... Above all, I'm not confident in myself. I'm not sure if it's okay for me to be chosen like this.

I'm not sure what you're thinking about when you say "......", but Elysia is already a force to be reckoned with in the school. You can be proud of that.

"I relied on you for all my help with Roberto?

　I averted my eyes from the stares.

I don't know what you're talking about.

"Yeah.

　I don't know what you're talking about," she said, her lips pursed in anticipation of my response.

I have a feeling that beating you will boost my confidence.

That's an annoying premonition.

That's fine. Just promise me something.

　Then Elysia turns her body toward me.

We don't have to agree on the event. But if you compete in the same event as me, you will fight me with all your might. Is that clear?

　Elysia's face was serious, but if you looked closely, you could see that it had hardened slightly.
　I think she's nervous. I neither confirm nor deny, but it seems that Elysia recognizes me as a superior being. It's a very brave thing for her to ask for a match.

　Elysia was bare of her sincerity and ambition.
　To her, I replied.

I'll do my best.

I'll take care of it." "You have to agree to that, even if it's a lie.

　I ignored Elysia's gaze as if she wanted to say something.
　I'm not one to make promises I might not be able to keep.