127 37"Epilogue: Strength"





 A few minutes after the battle had been settled.
 As I was cooling my overheated body in the night breeze after reporting to Chris, I heard a moan from a figure lying at my feet.

"You're awake.

"...... Ah.

 I'm not sure if I've ever seen anything like it.

You're strong. ...... I never thought I'd lose to a student like you.

 As he slowly raised his body, Baren said.

"If you're so strong, you don't know what I'm thinking.

...... You're strong enough.

I'm stronger now. I've been strong(er) since I lost something important to me. ......

 You'll be able to see that the important thing is Frau Delight.

 That's why this man values a sense of crisis.
 With the sense of crisis of losing something important, this man was finally able to gain the strength to survive on the battlefield. But even if he gains it now, it will not bring back what he has lost. This man is trying to spread a sense of crisis among the people of his country so that fewer people will suffer the same fate as he did. --The next time, he would be there in time.

...... You don't understand.

What?

I'll take your word for it.

 I sigh, and I tell him.

"Balen. You're so strong, you don't understand how weak people think. ...... Don't think anyone in this country can keep fighting like you do. Only a handful of people can swear off the constant battlefield. Most will be exhausted and eventually crushed.

 It's not just strength of arms.
 Strength of mind. Or strength of mind. Whatever it is, do not impose your strength on others.

That's why we need peace. Even if it's just the beginning, ...... there are people who need it.

 It could be an ordinary person from anywhere, a classmate, or even ...... me.

 I, too, felt a sense of emptiness in the endless battle. If the war had gone on like that, I might have gone crazy by now. If I hadn't attended the school and had continued to fight with Chris as a "behind-the-scenes" person, I would have turned into a weapon like Oz, killing enemies without a care in the world.

I'm not convinced yet.

 I'm not sure I'm convinced yet," Baren says in a small voice, as if muttering.

But ......, I'll give it some serious thought.

 It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
 I'm not sure what to make of this.

 However, there is something that worries me...

 --How much does the student council president know about this?

 The president seemed to be aware of Balen's frustration. He even encouraged me and Balen to fight.

 That man may still be somewhere watching us.



 I'm not sure.



"It looks like ...... is over.

 Ix, who had been watching the fight between the two on the school rooftop, muttered to himself.
 It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

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

"Almost nothing. But I'm sure he understands.

I don't think that's a very good idea. I don't think it's a good idea to have a shiny new student venting a mad dog. ......

I don't have a choice. Baren doesn't listen to me at all. I really needed someone else to go toe to toe with him.

 Ix said, staring blankly at the two in the schoolyard.
 Baren was lying on the ground with a peaceful expression on his face. It's been a long time since I've seen a face like that.

It's been a long time since I've seen a face like that, and I'm afraid of what might happen if I don't vent at this point.

"Well, it's certainly better than getting into a rage during the actual competition!

 Ix smiled at Sheria, who agreed.

I'm off then.

Where are we going?

The Knights' garrison. I have to restore the security that I had relaxed.

 I also have to tell Mira, who was waiting for me in front of the school gate, that my mission is over. I remembered that there were several figures gathered in front of the school gate as well.

But it seems that the remnants of the operatives are still in the school~......

Hmm? Oh, I forgot to take care of that. Uh, where did I put it, ......?

 Ix put his finger between his eyes and sensed the presence of the enemy.
 While Twait and Balen were fighting, the agents had invaded the school again. There were ten of them. They were dispersed among the school's multiple warehouses and guards at various locations.

 Ix grasped the location of the operatives and lightly lifted his right hand.
 A small magic circle lights up on his thumb and forefinger. He rubbed them together quickly and snapped his fingers.



"Yes, we're all dead now.

 The traps that had been set in advance were activated, and the ten agents all fainted at once.
 Ix descended the stairs without a single change in color.



 Two weeks have passed since the battle with Balen.



 Two weeks had passed since the battle with Balen.
 At last, the magic competition festival began.