"Mr. Balen ...... was very strong.

　After the fight over the wargames was over.
　After the wargame was over, Mize and I were talking again in a secluded place to discuss our future plans.

"Oh. I'm sure you're not even fifty percent serious yet.

"What?　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

There was a lot of room for error when using the belt. Perhaps you can use higher-ranked magic and wear more magic than .......

　Especially, how many spells you can hold at one time is an important status for a belt wearer. In particular, how many spells you can hold at once is an important status for a belt wearer, like the compression ratio for a compressor.

Mize, have you finished practicing Exodus yet?

"Yes. I'm free today, so I can concentrate on dismantling the bomb.

Okay. If you're at ......, should we meet up with Elysia and the others soon?

　The sun will be setting soon, and the students will start to leave.
　We can move more seriously from here. We headed for the meeting place as we had planned.

"Here you go.

　Elysia called out to us, who had already arrived at the rendezvous point. Gran was right behind her.

"Elysia, did you find the bomb?

Yes. Yes, we found a few.

　It seems that not only the tools of the hawk group, but also those of the lion group were planted.

The students are getting fewer and fewer. I'm sorry to say that you're all tired from the competition practice, but we're going to start dismantling.

　When I told them that, all three of them nodded their heads, full of motivation.
　We really have ...... reliable friends.



　It's getting late.



It's getting late, isn't it?

　At the entrance of the warehouse.
　Elysia muttered, looking up at the darkening sky.

We're looking suspicious if we're sneaking around at this time of night. Shouldn't we just cut it short?

If I could, I would, but ...... I'd like to dismantle what we find today.

　I answered Gran's question thoughtfully.
　We've just investigated a bombed tool, but tomorrow it might be moved to another location. I don't want to have to do it twice.

"......?

　At that time, he felt the presence of people in the vicinity.
　I stopped the dismantling of the bomb and looked in the direction where I felt the presence. Next to her, Elysia was also looking in the same direction with sharp eyes.

"...... to eight.

Oh. All ...... of you need to stop your work. Someone's coming.

　I call out to Gran and Mize in the warehouse.
　If they can see you at this distance, they're probably not very important. But maybe--maybe an Imperial agent.

"Are you practicing this late at night?

　Eventually, a girl with short black hair appeared in front of us. 　

"Mira?

　When we called out her name, she bowed her head and said, "Good evening.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

You must be Tuite and Mize. I remember that you two are students of the lion's group.

I'm not sure if you've ever heard of ....... I wonder if the student council remembers the faces of all the students?

　Elysia asked jokingly.
　Mira replied with her usual serious expression.

Yes. I remember at least all the students in my year.

　That was completely unexpected. Elysia, who had asked the question, was also at a loss.
　As the silence lingered, I quickly remembered my original purpose.

So much for practicing for the festival, let's go home now.

"What ......?　But, Mr. Toate, it's .......

　I looked at Mize, who implied that I should continue with the dismantling, and told him to follow me.

　Unfortunately, once the student council has taken notice of us, we should disband for the day. From now on, we should probably leave around this time.

"Take care, everyone.

　With Mira's words, we bowed our heads again and left the school.
　But Mira's gaze was on our backs the whole time.



　The next day after school.



　The next day after school.
　On the way to the ground, I ran into Mira.

"Mr. Toate. Do you have a minute?



I'm going to attend the hawk group's practice. ......

I was wondering if you could give me a moment of your time first.

　Mira continued.

"Please come to the student council room. ...... along with the three other people you usually work with.

　Mira says with a mysterious look on her face.
　This is - have you noticed?