The day after we learned about the new magic from Professor Sylphia.
　We, the students of the regular course, changed into our sportswear and were taking a class called Basic Combat.

"In today's basic combat class, you will be practicing close combat using the Tough Body.

　Farnese, the teacher in charge of basic combat, looked at the students and said.

Most of the time, the magic that starts a fight is either close combat or remote fire. These are the two types of magic that regular students should learn to some extent. They can also be used as self-defense techniques in case of emergency. ...... So, we'll split into pairs and have a mock battle.

　The students quickly split into pairs.
　Basic combat is literally a lesson in basic combat skills. This class will be taken separately by the regular and heroic classes. This is because there is a big difference in the abilities between the students of the heroic course who are skilled in fighting and the students of the normal course.

　In the basic combat of the normal course, it is assumed that there are cases where fighting is unavoidable.
　Even though the Demon King has been defeated and peace has ostensibly been restored, the social situation is still unstable. The Builders' Academy may have taken this into consideration.

"To Eight, let's play!

　When I was wondering who to pair up with, Gran called out to me.
　There was no reason to refuse, so I nodded.

　The students who were paired first started the mock battle in order.
　This is not the first time we have had a mock battle in a basic combat class. The ground was divided into four sections, and one-on-one mock battles began in each section.

Next pair, move into the field.

　Following Mr. Farnese's instructions, Gran and I faced each other.

No hard feelings, no matter who wins.

Oh.

　Gran smiled fearlessly, and I took my stance.
　Dr. Farnese gives the start signal, and Gran and I both move at the same time.

"There!

　In a flash, Gran, who had activated her close-combat magic, "Tough Body," dove into my pocket and threw a fist bump.

　It was a small test blow. The trajectory is straightforward and the power is low. On the other hand, he was ready to make his next move at any time, so even if I countered quickly, it would not be a decisive blow.

　The outstretched arm is flung to the side.
　Then, Gran spun on his axis and kicked from the opposite side.

　The attack switched quickly. Unlike the previous blow, this kick would be painful if it struck directly.

　I bent down to avoid Gran's kick, and at the same time, I kicked Gran's ankle with a low kick.

"Whoa!

　Gran leaps to avoid my kick.
　He grabbed Gran's chest while she was in midair and tried to throw her, but...

"Chi!

　I stepped back from the sudden attack.
　You're quick to react. I'm not sure if he knew I was coming.

As usual, your close combat skills are top-notch.

Yeah. Well, I'm not like Twight...

　I'm not like Twight," Gran said, quickly closing in on him.

"Because this is all I can do!

　A fist comes out sharply.
　A number of fists and kicks were thrown, with a speed that could barely be avoided. But Gran's real strength is not his speed, but his physical strength. It was a sharp blow, but if it struck directly, the entire guard would collapse. The pressure to not take even a single blow will wear down our spirit as the battle drags on.

　But I'm used to the pressure, having done many missions where I must not fail.

　Immediately after dodging a kick that came at me from the side, I crossed my gaze with Gran.
　For a moment, I looked away to my right. Then Gran looks away, too, as if there's something there.

"Sweet.

　I brush away Gran's foot that was caught in my gaze.
　I slammed my palm into Gran's stomach as she slumped.

"What?

　With the breath in his lungs, Gran let out a moan.
　Farnese sensei, who was watching the mock battle nearby, said, "That's enough! I'm not sure what to say.

You're not very good at bargaining, as usual.

　He said as he reached out to Gran, who was falling on her buttocks.

"...... You're really strong. I'm sure you'll be fine.

　I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it.

"Hey, Twight. Are you free after school today?

I'm free at .......

I'm available at .　I have something to tell you.

　I nodded to Gran, who looked more serious than ever, though I wondered why.

All right.



　"Okay.



　After school.
　I met up with Gran in the backyard, where there was no sign of anyone.

"Sorry to have you come when you're busy.

I guess it's mutual. So, what's the story?



"Will you make me your apprentice?

　I was momentarily slow to react to Gran's straightforward statement.

"I want you to make me your disciple.

　Gran said again.
　I don't understand ...... his intentions.
　When I was silent, he explained.

"There's a situation. I really want to participate in the wargame on the last day. But the lion's group has selected only heroic students to participate in the wargame. ...... I want to be good enough to drag them down.

"...... Are you sure?　I'm not sure what to do.

That's secondary to me right now.

　He was more serious than ever.
　Gran is a muscular and strong man who is often misunderstood, but he is a kind man who understands the feelings of others. For such a man to say that the feelings of the students, who are all working together for the festival, are secondary to his own, he must be in a very difficult situation.

　It must not be for the simple reason that he wants to be conspicuous by participating in the wargame, which is the final event of the festival. ...... He is not such a frivolous man.

　There were three events on the final day: Arrow Rain, a remote-shooting magic competition, the Parade, a magic performance, and the War Games, a serious five-on-five competition. Of these, the only one in which Gran can participate is the wargames.

　Rather than wanting to participate in the wargames, I think he wants to participate in the last day's event.
　What are the elements that exist only on the last day, but not on the first and second days?

　On the final day, the leaders of the Kingdom of Terraria and the Kingdom of Varrival will come to observe.

"Gran. Are you from the Kingdom of Varrival?

"...... You're too smart for your own good, Twight.

　If Gran is involved with the leaders of the Kingdom of Terraria, then I, who worked in the dark side of the Kingdom of Terraria, must have heard about it. If not, I thought it might be someone from the other kingdom of Varrival, but ...... I was right.