How did the hawk group do?

　The next day at lunch time, after the first day's event review meeting.
　As we were having lunch in the courtyard as usual, Elysia, sitting opposite me, asked me.

The student council members in charge of the event are excellent, so it's running pretty smoothly.

"Mira-san, you're working very hard, aren't you?

　Mize agreed with my statement.

"What about the Lion's group?

　It was Gran who answered my question.

"Well, we're pretty much the same. We're doing well for now, following the orders of the student council.

"I don't know how long that will last, though. I don't know how long it'll last, but there are a lot of noblemen's daughters at the Builders' Academy, and I hope their frustrations don't explode at some point.

　Elysia said worriedly.
　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The student council of the hawk group had nailed it to the hero department. It's important to work as a team, so it's not good to get out of step. ......

　Mize said, taking a break from eating.

"Yeah, that happened to the Lion's group too. You're doing something similar.

　Gran says with a laugh.
　In the meantime, Elysia and I exchanged silent glances and gave each other small nods.

...... Hmm. I'm sure that's what it was.

"Sounds like .......

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

Well, what did you find out?

It was a setup.

"What?

　I explained to the surprised Mize.

"As Elysia said earlier. There are many aristocrats in the Heroic Department, so even if the other party is the student council, they might complain sooner or later. That's why I took the opportunity to nail them down before that happens. ...... The student from the hero department who spoke up at that time was a setup.

So that's it?

　Mize is impressed.
　This is a bit risky, whether it's to increase centripetal force or to avoid trouble later on. However, Mira did not show the slightest fear of the risk and played it perfectly until the end. As a result, the morale of the hawk group was very high from the first day, and I guess the same is true for the lion group.

"You're good, Student Council.

"Well, it's an organization that supports such a huge school. I'm sure they have strict criteria for selecting officers.

　The student council seems to be a powerful organization in the school.
　It is extremely troublesome when corrupt people have power, but there is no sign of that in the student council. At least, it seems that money and power are not enough to get a seat on the student council. Elysia is right, the student council is good at what they do. For now, we can trust them.



　After school.



　After school.
　The students of the hawk group, following Mira's instructions as they did the other day, discussed the events for the second day.

The three events for the second day are Drive Race, Exodus, and Gladius. If you have the aptitude for each, please prepare.

　Mize and I have been judged to have aptitude for the second day's events as well.
　I'll be in the Drive Race, Mize in the Exodus.

"The Drive Race is the counterpart to the Physical Race. This is a race using vehicle magic tools. The ...... course is the same as the physical race, but there are no magic restrictions.

　I nodded at Mira's explanation.
　The group of people gathered was almost the same as for the physical race. Both of these events are called races. I guess similar aptitudes are required.

Here's the vehicle: ...... 'Wingboard'.

　It looked like a boomerang big enough to hold a person, with a handle attached. The boomerang-shaped scaffolding and the handlebars are connected by a steel thread.

The "Wingboard" was developed four years ago in the Kingdom of Terraria, but due to the turmoil of the Great War, it has yet to be popularized. In the past, we held a demonstration at the Builders' Academy to raise the profile of this vehicle, and it was so well received that it has now been adopted as an official competition.

　The events at the festival also seem to have a history of their own.

The drive race is also a relay race, but instead of a baton, it's a 'wing board' that is passed to the next runner. For today's practice, the first priority is to get used to flying the wing board. After dividing into teams, each of you will first run two laps of the course.

　After dividing into seven teams as before, we began to fly the wing board.

Oh, .......

　He rode with his body facing sideways to the front and held the handle connected to the steel thread.
　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your time with your family.

　The operation is much easier than I thought. This way, you can drive and interfere with other players at the same time. I don't know if there is a speed limit, but the speed is forcibly reduced when you approach the ground or a building. This is also a safety feature.

　I've had a lot of unusual experiences when I was part of an institution, but this was my first time flying in such a vehicle. To avoid colliding with other students in the air, I steer and react.

Finally, let's have a little competition.

　Carry the 'wing board' to the starting position and get on top of it.



"Good to see you again, Twight.

　The student next to me calls out.
　It was the same guy who had approached me the other day as the first runner.

He said, "I lost the physical race yesterday, but I'm going to win this time.

　This time I'm going to win." With that, the man focused his attention on the race ahead.
　So who the hell are you?



　.



　The practice for the drive race ended without a hitch.
　In the last simple race, my team came in fourth place.

"Mr. Toate, how did you like the 'wing board'?

　I thought for a moment before answering Mize's question.

"It was interesting. It was a valuable experience.

"So, the event you'll be competing in is also a drive race, ......?

"No, I think I'll do a physical race.

　I explained to Mize, who rolled her eyes.

The wing board is interesting, but I'm not used to using it, so I'm afraid I'll get ripped off when the time comes.

"Rags?" ......

　It's not very nice, but Mize knows a certain amount about my past, so it's easier to talk to her.
　The word "rags" means that my true identity might be exposed.

Is there anyone in the audience who will be able to tell who Mr. Toate really is?

"There will be, for sure. So to be honest, I don't want to stand out too much at the competition.

　The Builders Academy has produced many of the core players of the Kingdom of Terraria. The magic competition festival is the perfect place to evaluate the talents of the kingdom. Therefore, we must be wary of visitors from other countries. I don't have a close relationship with any agency or bureau, but it would be troublesome if they contacted me every time.

　In the first place, if you're talking about an audience that knows who I am, that audience would be His Majesty the King.
　I want to live a peaceful life as a mere student, so I don't want to get involved with such an extreme authority figure for a while. I'll have to be very careful when I compete.

We will now begin Exodus practice.

　Mira said in a loud, clear voice to the students who had paused.

Exodus will be performed in a special environment, so please follow me.

　Following her instructions, the students of the hawk group left the ground.
　At the end of the maze, there were two vast mazes.

This is a huge maze made by connecting the field training grounds. This is the environment we will use for the actual event.

　At a cursory glance, the maze seemed to be based on the motif of a labyrinth.
　Unlike a labyrinth, there are no upper and lower levels, but this structure, a collection of passages and rooms, will be able to utilize the know-how of labyrinth exploration.

Exodus will be divided into two teams, the trick team and the escape team.

　Mira begins to explain the competition.

First, the trap team will set traps in the maze, and then the other team's escape team will try to break through the maze. Each team will have five members, and the winner will be determined by the number of people who can escape. The trick team is allowed to use only fixed-point magic. There are no restrictions for the escape team.

　As I listened to the explanation, I whispered a question to Mize next to me.

"You were chosen for Exodus, right?　Do you know why?

I think it was because he did well in his classroom lectures. From what you've just told me, it seems that the amount of knowledge you have about magic determines whether you win or lose in this competition.

Were your grades that good?

No, it was ...... my power.

　"No, it's my power," said Mize with a hint of guilt.
　I was convinced by his attitude and words.

　--The Wisdom Road.

　It's a special spell that allows the owner's memories to be passed on one after another. It's a special spell that allows the owner to pass on their memories one after another. Mize, the heir to this spell, has a vast store of knowledge in her head.
　Mize is a serious person. He may feel as if he is cheating, but magic is originally a field that is greatly influenced by one's natural talent. You don't need to worry too much about it.

Which team do you want to be in?

Escape team. I've explored the labyrinth with you before, and I think I can make use of that experience. ...... Oh, but you haven't experienced disarming traps yet, have you?

　There are also traps in the labyrinth.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

You should be wary of the center of the ...... floor, but you should also be careful right after you turn a corner or at a change in terrain.

　I said, checking the structure of the maze in front of me.

Also, you should be careful near the exit of that intricate passage.

"The exit area?　Not in the corridors.

Everyone is wary in the corridor. There's a pattern of people getting trapped just as they're getting out of there and feeling safe. Depends on how good the other team's trapper is, but we'd better be careful.

"Understood.

　Then came the Exodus practice.
　As announced, Mize went into the maze of traps as the escape team. He was overly cautious and it took him a long time to get through the maze, but once he got used to it, he would be able to save time. At first, the traps were difficult, but once you know what to look out for, it becomes a simple task.

It's amazing!　I was able to avoid all the traps if I paid attention to the places Twait-san mentioned!



　After the practice, Mize said with a twinkle in his eye.

I heard that the structure of the maze will be hidden in the real thing, but ...... in any case, it might be a good idea to learn the conditions under which traps are likely to be set.

"Yes!

　I ask Mize, who seems to be enjoying the conversation.

Is Mize going to be in Exodus?

Yes, I am. I think I'm suited for it.

　I'm sure I'll be good at it.

You're really good at ...... this sport, aren't you, Twight?

"...... maybe.

I'm sure you'll be able to do it.　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

　I took some time to think about the answer to that question.
　To tell the truth, I was considering participating in Exodus.
　But when I saw Mize's happy face just now...

"...... What makes you think you're suited for this competition?

What?　It's because I know ...... a lot of magic and I can handle a lot of traps. Also, I thought it would be good training for my career as an ...... adventurer.

That's what I meant.

　When Mize answered as I expected, I continued.

The school is a place where you can decide your future path and get as close to it as possible. I'm not aiming to be an adventurer, so I thought it would be more useful to give my seat to someone else.

...... I see.

　Mize is depressed.
　Most likely, you're wondering if it's okay for you to fill that seat when there are other people who can do it better than you. Mize is a man of action for his own convenience, but he can become timid when others are involved. Personally, I think Mize could be a little more brazen.

　After a short rest, the last event of the second day, gladius, was practiced.
　Gladius is a one-on-one winner-takes-all game. Since the only magic available is "toughness," it is a purely physical battle. The students who were judged to have the aptitude were all martial artists. It is inevitable that a large percentage of them are from the Heroic Department, due to the nature of the competition.

It's getting a little late, isn't it? Let's break up for today.

　Mira tells the students after all the practice is over.
　The sun is setting, and it's time to call it a night. The students return to their dormitories, looking tired.

Let's go home, too.

　Mize says, patting the dirt off her sportswear.
　But I couldn't reply and looked around the school gate in silence for a while.

　--Who's that?

　I remember a figure that I saw for a moment and then disappeared like a blur.
　I have no idea. From the way he carried himself, I don't think he was a student. .......

"Mr. Toate?

　Next to me, Mize tilted her head.

"Mize. I'll drive you to your dorm today.

"...... Huh?

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

"Yeah, well, that's ...... fine, but... What's wrong with you all of a sudden?

I'm just in the mood.

"You're in the mood, ......?

　Although I was somewhat confused, Mize accepted my request.
　Yesterday we were left alone at the fork in the road between the boys' and girls' dorms, but today I'm taking Mize back to the girls' dorm.

Speaking of which, what happened to that black bracelet you bought last month?

"I still have it.

　"I still have it." Mize takes the black bracelet out of her uniform pocket.
　It's an accessory that I bought last month in a village we stopped in during our getaway. The reason Mize bought it was because it matched my BF28 in its miniaturized form.

I keep it as a good luck charm. I use it as a good luck charm so that I don't forget the memories of that time.

I'm sorry you had to go through so much pain to have those memories.

It was painful at times, but it's a precious memory. I'll never forget the time I spent with you, Mr. Toate.

　Mize held the bracelet as if it were a precious treasure.
　The bracelet itself is not an expensive item, but when you say so much, it makes me glad I bought it.

I was wondering if ...... such memories can be inherited in the Path of Wisdom?

"...... Yes. I'm sorry, I know this is uncomfortable for you, Twight. It must be uncomfortable for you, Mr. Toate, to have a stranger know who you are.

I don't care, it's not something I feel. What about the mise-en-scene?　What about the mise-en-scene? If it's only useful knowledge, there are some memories you don't want to see.

That's true. But there are also good memories, you know?　For example, the owner of my house two generations ago was imprisoned in a small tower, but every night a knight close to his age came to see him in secret. They were very sincere and loved each other.

　Mize says with an enraptured expression.


　Try to visualize the story of Mize in your mind. In short, it's--

"You mean you have memories of the affair?

"Jo----?

　Mize's face turned bright red.

I'm sorry.　It's not a problem!　I've got it under control.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with this. ...... So you're only looking at it when you want to.

No, I'm not!　I don't watch that much!　I'm not looking at it that much! It's just a little bit ......, just a little bit, and sometimes ............!

　The reddish-eared mise-en-scène insists.
　It looks like you've been watching a lot.

I'm sorry, but I'll be going now.

　When you arrive in front of the girls' dormitory, Mize says.

Thank you for the ride. Thank you for giving me a ride. ...... I've really only seen a little of it.

Let's talk about it another time.

"No, absolutely not!

　I'm not going to do it!" Mize yelled and went back inside the girls' dormitory.
　When Mize's back was out of sight, she took a breath.
　You can find no suspicious people around you, even if you look around briefly.

...... didn't make contact with you.

　So they didn't attack you because I was there?
　No, they weren't tracking us in the first place. They probably didn't want to attack us in the first place.

　--So the goal wasn't the mise-en-scene?

　That's more natural. The problems surrounding the Mize were just solved last month. We don't have the kind of aftercare that would rekindle problems in less than a month.

　Let's remain vigilant for a while.
　However, this time, ...... I feel that something is going on that has nothing to do with me.