Looks like the student council has a lot on its plate.

　A few minutes after leaving the student council room.
　A few minutes after leaving the student council room, Elysia muttered to herself as she walked down the hallway.

I mean, they didn't ask me anything about the bomb.

"Well, yes. To be honest, that was my biggest worry. ......

　Gran and Mize patted their chest in relief as they talked.
　In the end, the student council did not seem suspicious of us - but in any case, we were still on their radar.

All of you, just listen to me for a moment.

　I decided to share the suspicions in my head, thinking that now that I had gotten involved with the student council, I should tell everyone about it.

"Regarding the fact that I instructed the student council to keep quiet about the bombing, ...... it may actually be the student council that is behind this.

"What?

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not.
　In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find out more about it here.

It's not just the student council, to be exact. ...... The security of this school is advanced. It's not something that an agent from another country can easily and repeatedly get past. It's natural to assume that someone is guiding them.

"...... I see. So the candidate for that someone is the student council.

　I nodded my head in agreement with Elysia's words.

There are other candidates. In any case, the organization that is in charge of the security of the school and its surroundings is suspicious.

　The mastermind has not been determined to be the student council.
　It's more likely that it's the Knights or the Royal Army, which have easier connections with foreign countries. However, the student council is the most knowledgeable about the school's security.

So, the reason you didn't tell us about the bomb was so that we wouldn't find out what we were doing?

That's the idea. Sooner or later, they'll find out, but now that we haven't completely dismantled the bomb, we want to stall the leak as long as possible.

　By using the bomb, the Empire is executing a risky strategy. I don't think they can take any more aggressive measures, but if they switch to another strategy, the kingdom might not be able to respond in time. But it will take time to switch operations. In order to shave off some of that time, it's best to keep our moves secret.

"Each of you, please keep this matter to yourselves.

　And with that, they each shook their heads vigorously.
　As I walked down the corridor, I heard the shouts of the students outside the window.
　As I walked down the corridor, I heard the shouts of students outside the window.

It's the halfway point of the day, isn't it?

Well... I guess I'll just practice on my own instead of participating in practice today.

　If I join the practice now, I might get into trouble.
　I think I'll just practice on my own this time.

"Oh, right. I have to go buy a weapon for the competition, if you want to go with me?

　Elysia suggested.

"Is this a competition that requires a weapon?

"Well, yes. It seems that magic tools of B rank and above are not allowed in the competition, so we need to buy new ones.

　The sword that Elysia usually uses is a high rank magic tool that strengthens the power of slashing. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

"...... just right. I'll buy a weapon too.

"You too, Two-Eight?

Yeah.

　From now on, you'll be fighting more and more as a student, not as a former soldier of the institution.
　I'm going to need a new partner.



　Yeah.



Wow, I didn't know this place existed.

　After leaving the school, we followed Elysia's lead and visited a weapons shop in the capital. It was a little off the beaten path, and the store was modest, so it seemed to be a lonely place with few customers, but contrary to our expectations, the store was crowded. Apparently, it was a well-known store among those in the know.

It's one of the few stores that also sells magic tools. It's one of the few shops that also sells magic tools.

　Elysia's choice of store was based on her knowledge of the knights.

I'm going to buy a C-rank or lower magic tool that can be used in the competition, what are you going to buy?

"I'm going to buy a 'sniper's staff. I'm going to buy a 'sniper wand', preferably one that can be used in all situations, not just competitions.

　Elysia's eyes narrowed.
　The reason I want a new weapon is so I can fight the enemy as a student. Elysia must have sensed this.

I'll take you to . I'll show you .......

Thank you.

　Elysia, who seemed to have used this store many times before, led the way.
　But on the way, we spotted a blond man we recognized.

"Zeke?

"...... to eight.

　Zeke noticed our presence and gave us an awkward look.
　Zeke, who was checking out the products on the shelves, interrupted him and turned to leave the store in silence.

What? You don't have to ignore me so blatantly.



　Elysia called out to Zeke as he walked away.
　Then Zeke stopped and looked at me.

He stopped and looked at me. "......, that guy's got you pegged.

　I nodded my head in response.

"Nail ......?

"......, you're forgetting something, aren't you?

　Zeke looked at me as if he could not believe what he was seeing.

You said it yourself during the duel. You told us at the duel to stay out of your business.

　I think that was the last time I said that.
　Don't ever associate with us again. I think I blackmailed him that way.

"...... Oh, that.

You're lying. ...... Did you forget?　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I've been very diligent in keeping my word .......

　Zeke's eyes widen.
　Looking back, Zeke hasn't contacted us since then. The only exception was when we encountered him in the labyrinth.

　Threats like that were commonplace on the battlefield. I've threatened countless people, and I've been threatened countless times. It's not something I'm obsessed with.

You can forget about it now that some time has passed.

What's that .................. What's that ......... .........

　Zeke sagged.

Don't get me wrong, I meant what I said at the time. But seeing Zeke these days, I don't think he's going to go off the rails like he did back then.

"....... I've done a lot of thinking on my part since then.

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

You guys, I'm sorry about before.

　You guys, I'm sorry about before," Zeke said, looking straight at us with eyes lit with sincerity.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it. ...... I swear I'll never do anything like that again. I feel ashamed of my immature behavior at that time.

　Each of them were surprised to lose their voice at the change.
　The only one who opened her mouth was Elysia, who had known about Zeke's change for a long time because they were in the same hero family.

It's not like we're mad at him now, but ...... he's changed his mind a lot.

It's mostly this guy's fault.

　Zeke points at me and says.

"Ever since he defeated me in a duel, I've been honing my strength to make sure I beat him next time. But the more I trained, the more I came face to face with my own weaknesses. ...... Now that I know my immaturity, I can't act as arrogantly as before. I've got my hands full with myself right now.

　Zeke says, looking somewhat refreshed.
　In fact, Zeke has grown remarkably in recent years. Even after school yesterday, he was able to keep up with his opponent Baren in the fight. He used to be just a thug who owed his family prestige, but now he's a man of distinction.

"Two-eight. It's a good time to ask Zeke to help you choose a weapon.　I'm sure Zeke is also a magic wand user, right?

　Zeke responded to Elysia's suggestion with a smile.

Zeke smiled and replied, "Fine. I'll choose for you.

　I can't help but smile at his words.

The tone is still arrogant.

"...... Forgive me, it's a habit.

　Zeke said with a complicated expression.
　It's a habit.