---
The afternoon sky began to be covered by thin clouds. After the excitement of the previous magic test, the atmosphere had now become more tense and serious.
In the middle of the main training field, a twenty-meter-diameter circular arena was formed with a transparent magic barrier. Around it, hundreds of students sat in a row, watching each other's turn. Each participant would face one instructor in a sword duel.
A proctor stood in the middle of the arena, his voice echoing with amplification magic:
"The second test is a sword combat test. Each participant will be tested against one senior instructor. Maximum duration: 2 minutes. If you can survive, or knock down the examiner's weapon, you pass."
The participants gulped. The gaze of the senior examiner in the middle of the arena was like an eagle waiting for its prey.
The first turn began.
Contestant number 1. A small boy with a two-handed grip on his sword. He looked nervous.
"Begin!"
As soon as the command was given, the examiner only took one step, then…
Clang—!
The contestant's sword flew far back and fell to the ground. The boy sat down, his eyes wide with fear. In just three seconds.
"Failed."
Several students began to mutter in panic. Not a few began to retreat orderly from the line.
Contestant number 2. A girl carrying a rapier-shaped magic sword. She tried to jump forward with a light jump, stabbing quickly.
However, the examiner calmly turned her body and parried the attack from the left side. In an instant, the examiner's leg swept across the girl's body, making her fall flat on her back.
"Failed."
Contestant number 3. … Failed.
Contestant number 4. … Failed.
In one hour, out of 30 contestants, only five managed to survive for two minutes.
Cheers were only heard occasionally. The students began to bite their nails, staring at the arena as if staring at a real battlefield.
"Participant number 41, Shiromiko Ayaka."
The students turned their heads. The silver-haired, light-blue-eyed girl walked calmly, holding her magic staff that could also transform into a thin sword of ice.
The examiner this time was a female swordswoman, wearing light armor and short swords in both hands.
"You may begin at any time."
Shiromiko simply nodded, then raised her staff slowly. The surrounding temperature suddenly dropped.
"Frozen Edge."
Her staff transformed into a thin sword of transparent bluish ice.
In the next instant, Shiromiko stepped forward, agile but graceful. She did not attack directly. She waited.
The examiner charged first with a quick step and a double swing. Shiromiko tilted her body slightly, then retaliated with a stab from below.
Cling!
One of the examiner's swords managed to block her thrust, but the other moved towards her shoulder.
However—
"Mist Step."
Shiromiko's body vanished into thin mist just before being attacked.
She reappeared behind the examiner and slid forward, the tip of her sword touching the opponent's neck armor.
The examiner stopped. Stared at her. Then smiled faintly.
"Stop. Pass."
A cheer erupted from several students. Shiromiko's eyes remained calm. She lowered her head, then returned to her seat among the students.
▣
"Contestant number 47, Kuromine Lurie."
The dark-haired girl with a cold aura walked slowly, carrying a long, heavy-looking ice sword. Her face showed no trace of nervousness.
The examiner this time was a large man, carrying a greatsword.
"Ready."
Lurie stood up straight. Her eyes locked onto her opponent.
"Absolute Freeze."
As soon as the signal was given, Lurie stabbed her sword into the ground. From beneath her feet, snow and ice spread like crystal roots, enveloping the arena.
The examiner tried to break through, but his movements were drastically slowed.
Lurie grinned faintly.
"Ice Fang—Form Two."
She shot out like a bullet from the right side, slamming the blunt side of her sword into the examiner's waist. A loud bang rang out.
The examiner took three steps back.
One second. Two seconds. Lurie regained her stance. But the examiner suddenly dropped his own sword with a chuckle.
"I give up. You pass."
Cheers rang out again.
"Amazing… a long-range attack and locking the opponent's movements in one move? That's a military technique!"
"Lurie-san is always amazing!"
Lurie didn't answer the compliment. She simply sat back down and glanced at Luciel.
"...Your turn."
▣
"Contestant number 56, Hoshizura Luciel."
Silence immediately enveloped the arena.
All the students who had previously only been observing now began to exclaim softly. They wanted to know... after what Luciel did in the magic test, would he also show something crazy in the sword test?
—
Luciel stood up from his chair, his eyes as calm as the windless sky.
Without saying much, he stepped into the center of the arena. Each step was steady, yet light. As if he didn't carry the slightest burden on his shoulders.
Seeing that, Rudein Arvendale grinned faintly.
"Yes, show me again... that you are different."
The first examiner was ready. An instructor with a fairly high reputation, wearing leather armor and carrying a two-handed wooden sword. His eyes were full of experience, but not belittling.
"Bring your sword," he said calmly.
Luciel drew the sword from his back. A slender, golden-red weapon, looking light yet sturdy. When he held it, a faint light enveloped it. Not excessive. Not showing off. But it was enough to make everyone realize—this was no ordinary weapon.
The examiner gave the signal.
"Begin."
But then—time like froze for Luciel.
His eyes slowly narrowed. His vision blurred for a moment. The world seemed to fade to white.
In a small field surrounded by pine trees, a nine-year-old boy held a short wooden sword with both hands.
In front of him stood a grown man with long, black hair tied neatly—his father, Luika.
"Luciel. Listen carefully," Luika said, looking down at her son straight in the eye. "A strong enemy is not determined by their size, but by how they hold their will to live."
Little Luciel nodded.
"Don't look at their weapons. Look at their breath. Look at their shoulders. See when they will move."
Luika stepped forward. In an instant, she was in front of Luciel and pressed the tip of the knife to her son's neck without Luciel even seeing it coming.
Luciel was shocked. His eyes widened.
"Focus, and cut them before they have a chance to think," Luika said softly.
—
Back to the arena.
Luciel took a deep breath.
"Done."
In one step.
One movement.
One slash.
His sword whizzed. There were no sparks. There was no loud jolt. But in a gust of wind, the examiner's sword was thrown out of his grasp, and his body was pushed back two meters before he fell to the ground.
Everyone was speechless.
The examiner's eyes widened. He hadn't even had time to move.
"I… I lost…?"
"What happened?"
The students immediately stood up. Whispers spread like electricity:
"WHAT?! One attack?"
"He didn't even show any magical aura…"
"No… That wasn't just a sword technique. That was… a perfect reading of the movements!"
Several examiners began to rise from their seats, exchanging glances. The head of the magic supervisor sitting in the VIP seat narrowed his eyes.
"Stop the fight."
An supervisor stood up.
"Because the results were beyond expectations, the duel will continue with a re-evaluation. We will be changing the examiner."
Luciel turned his head, slightly confused.
"Eh? Changed?"
Suddenly a deep voice echoed from behind the arena.
"Interesting. It's been a long time since I was asked to intervene."
A tall man with gray hair and a long black robe stepped into the arena. On his back, two swords were crossed. A golden crystal emblem glowed faintly on his chest—an A-class emblem.
"My name is Wargen. The main combat technique examiner. If you want a stronger opponent, I will entertain you."
Luciel looked at the man. And for the first time—he smiled broadly.
"Good. I want to fight a strong examiner."
Hisses of amazement rang out among the audience.
"He… is happy…?"
The duel began.
Wargen drew one of his swords. A blue aura enveloped the weapon.
Luciel also took a stance. His body leaned forward, one hand holding the sword, feet slightly together—like a dancer waiting for his music to play.
Wargen attacked first.
Clang—!!
The first collision made the arena tremble. The students watching held onto the magic barrier fence.
Luciel blocked the attack with one hand. Then he twisted his body and counterattacked with irregular movements—like the current of water.
Wargen smiled.
"Your movements are strange… but efficient."
Luciel chuckled. "My father said, don't give the enemy time to think."
Attack after attack was exchanged. Swords clashed. Red flames and blue auras collided in the air. Ripples of magic circled, forming small vortices around the arena. They fought at speeds that surpassed the speed of sound.
Many of the other students were amazed and astonished because they couldn't see the fight that was so fast.
Luciel jumped into the air and attacked from above.
Wargen blocked and swept down.
Luciel landed and stabbed at lightning speed.
Wargen stepped back, then raised his left hand.
"Gravity Layer!"
A B-class magic was released. The ground around Luciel cracked and gravity pressed his body down.
But Luciel just gritted his teeth, then pushed himself out of the pressure.
"RAAAH—!!"
He slashed forward with all his strength.
A whirlpool of flames shot forward. Wargen quickly erected a magic wall, then detonated it with release magic.
Dust rose.
When the smoke began to clear, Luciel stood up, still in a battle-ready position. His face was sweaty, but his eyes… were shining.
Wargen put away his sword. He smiled in satisfaction.
"…Pass."
"Aahh? Hey, isn't this fight over yet?" Luciel grinned.
"Idiot. If I had seriously used a A-class spell, you probably would have been killed".
"Is that so?"
The arena erupted in applause and cheers.
"CRAZY! That's B-class magic!"
"He's… a new student, isn't he? Really?!"
"He actually blocked that magic with his physical body?!"
Meanwhile, Rudein Arvendale stood up. His eyes were burning. But not because of fear.
But… because his pride as a noble was being severely damaged.
"Wait for our duel, Luciel. I'll… destroy you."
Luciel simply sat back down, wiping off his sweat.
"Yosh… that was fun."
Shiromiko looked at him, this time with a faint smile.
"Then… I won't lose either."
Lurie closed her eyes.
"…This exam is no longer about getting into the academy."
"…This is the beginning—"
---
—
The evening sky looked calm—painted golden red by the sun that was about to set. However, Rudein who saw Luciel's fight earlier felt jealousy and resentment towards him.
The red light from the sky seemed to burn his eyes. The air felt dry and heavy, as if pressing his chest to explode.
Rudein walked, paying attention to his surroundings as he walked towards his test location with an overflowing emotion that burned like a burning building.
As he walked, his emotions overflowed even more when he heard the other students there chatting, praising and admiring Luciel who was very great on the first day of this test.
"The new kid named Luciel is really great huh. On his first day he made many seniors and even the examiners amazed by his magic and sword techniques"
"That's right. Maybe he will be the strongest in our class"
Rudein who heard that suddenly could not hold back his emotions. He kicked the table and chairs near the students who were chatting.
Craaaaak!!
The sound of a table breaking and sending cups and papers flying because Rudein kicked it. Several students were shocked and stepped back reflexively.
"What? The strongest in our year you say?! Luciel? That country bumpkin? Don't joke around!! Seriously!
"The one who will be the strongest student in this school is me, Rudein Arvendale."
Suddenly from a table further away, a casual yet sharp voice was heard.
"The strongest in this school?"
A senior student stood up, carrying his teacup. His hair was neatly combed, and behind his smile was a terrifying pressure.
"You mean... you'll be stronger than us too?"
A thin yet piercing magical aura began to emanate from his body. The waves spread smoothly, making the hair of several students stand on end.
Rudein reflexively took a half step back, his eyes narrowed. But he quickly changed his expression, smiling stiffly.
"N-no, that's not it. I mean... among my year. Not the seniors."
The senior just chuckled, then sat back down.
Rudein clenched his fists behind his back. His body was shaking... not because of fear, but because he was intimidated and his self-esteem seemed to be torn in public.
Unable to resist, he walked quickly towards the corridor where he was taking the test.
Time continued to pass, names were called, one by one they went up to the exam stage. Rudein stood in line, anxious.
"Tch, it's taking so long…" he muttered, his breathing rough.
—Participant number 50, please come forward.
A thin student with blond hair stepped forward.
But before he could take a full step—
THUD!
Rudein nudged him hard until the student fell.
"Move aside."
The student was shocked. "H-Hey! It's my turn!"
Rudein bent down and grabbed their collar, pulling their faces just an inch away.
"I said move aside. Now it's my turn. Do you know who I am? I am Rudein Arvendale, a distinguished noble. Born to lead, not to queue with trash like you."
The student's face was pale. He immediately ran away, bowing his head in fear.
"I-I see… please…"
Rudein straightened up and looked towards the arena.
"Alright, now it's my turn."
An examiner walked over. His face was calm, wearing thin leather armor and carrying a wooden sword.
"Alright. Please open—"
But before he could finish his sentence, Rudein was already in an attacking position. His sword was already drawn. His gaze was sharp like a wild animal that had escaped its cage.
"Don't talk too much. Just start!"
A magical aura surrounded his body.
> [Physical Enhancement]
His body was coated in a thin red light. His physical strength and speed increased drastically.
The examiner raised an eyebrow. "Full of spirit huh? Alright, let's begin."
The fight began.
Rudein immediately attacked like lightning, charging without giving any space.
CLANG!
His wooden sword struck the examiner's shield. The attack was powerful enough to shake the instructor's stance.
"How dare you underestimate me earlier… I will prove to you—a true noble never loses!"
He launched a series of attacks. His movements were rough but carried a high pressure. The magical aura around his body radiated strongly, making the surrounding students pay attention.
However, his technique was not perfect. Each slash relied on strength, not accuracy.
The examiner took a few steps back, then blocked the next two attacks and retaliated with a quick swipe that barely touched Rudein's shoulder.
Rudein jumped back and grinned.
"Not bad for a mere examiner."
Then with heavy steps, he ran back with a roar.
---
Rudein's body was enveloped in a thin red light. His physical magic aura flared intensely, causing the floor beneath his feet to crack slightly from the magical pressure. His muscles tensed, his pupils shrank.
His physical strength and speed soared.
The examiner raised an eyebrow. Calm… but still focused.
"Full of spirit, huh?" he muttered. "Alright. Let's begin."
But that voice had barely fallen, when Rudein disappeared from his spot.
BUZZ!!
A loud crash echoed through the arena.
Rudein's wooden sword struck the examiner's wooden shield. The attack wasn't just powerful—it was like an explosion. The examiner was pushed back a step, his eyes narrowing.
"How dare you underestimate me just now…" Rudein hissed, his breath burning with anger. "I'll prove to you… that true nobles never lose!"
He attacked again. A series of slashes came one after another—fast and violent, like a wild animal that had escaped its cage. The magical aura around him rumbled, making the spectators' hair stand on end from the magical pressure.
However… his technique was not refined.
He relied on strength—not precision. His slashes were wild, but effective.
The examiner stepped back, parried the next two attacks, and retaliated with a single swift swing. The tip of his sword narrowly missed Rudein's shoulder. Rudein leapt back quickly, then grinned wickedly.
"Not bad… for a mere examiner."
---
Rudein's body was enveloped in a thin red light. His physical magic aura flared intensely, causing the floor beneath his feet to crack slightly from the magical pressure. His muscles tensed, his pupils shrank.
His physical strength and speed soared.
The examiner raised an eyebrow. Calm… but still focused.
"Full of spirit, huh?" he muttered. "Alright. Let's begin."
But that voice had barely fallen, when Rudein disappeared from his spot.
BUZZ!!
A loud crash echoed through the arena.
Rudein's wooden sword struck the examiner's wooden shield. The attack wasn't just powerful—it was like an explosion. The examiner was pushed back a step, his eyes narrowing.
"How dare you underestimate me just now…" Rudein hissed, his breath burning with anger. "I'll prove to you… that true nobles never lose!"
He attacked again. A series of slashes came one after another—fast and violent, like a wild animal that had escaped its cage. The magical aura around him rumbled, making the spectators' hair stand on end from the magical pressure.
However… his technique was not refined.
He relied on strength—not precision. His slashes were wild, but effective.
The examiner stepped back, parried the next two attacks, and retaliated with a single swift swing. The tip of his sword narrowly missed Rudein's shoulder. Rudein jumped back quickly, then grinned slyly.
"Not bad… for a mere examiner."
Then he raised his sword high, and began chanting a spell.
"Lightning Magic…"
His smile flashed like lightning in a storm.
It turned out that the magic he was using was [Increase Lightning]. A variation of the lightning magic spell that could channel magic to a designated object. And he channeled it into his sword and body.
A blue aura began to surround his body and sword. Electricity coiled along the muscles and the wooden blade, sizzling and flashing. The flow of energy did more than just enhance his magic—it accelerated all of his movements beyond the limits of human speed.
Instantly—BOOM!
A blast of wind blew away from where he stood. The voices of the audience were muffled, the air split by the speed of Rudein's body that surged forward… approaching the speed of light.
"Hmph, take this… idiot teacher!"
Hiyaaa—!!
A flash of light flashed.
The examiner's face changed drastically.
"Too fast…!"
Without thinking, he raised his hand and immediately activated a layered defense spell.
"[Barrier• Layer Protection]"
Ten layers of energy barriers appeared at once, enveloping his body like a magical cocoon. Each layer trembled against the pressure of Rudein's surging magic.
But he knew that it wasn't enough.
Inside the barrier, the examiner immediately strengthened his body with another spell:
"[Physical Enhancement]!"
His muscles tensed, his bones hardened.
"[Wind Boost], [Lightning Agility]!"
He activated a series of speed-boosting spells. Wind and electricity merged, coating his legs.
ZWAASH!!
Rudein slashed the barrier with his sword
CRAAAAK!
The multi-layered barrier shattered
The examiner swiftly reacted to the speed of Rudein's continuous attacks.
The battle was fierce, and screams began to be heard from the audience.
But when the examiner let his guard down—
Rudein was already in front of him.
Because of his carelessness, he could only create a five-layered barrier due to his slow reaction.
CRAAAAK!
Of course, the five-layered barrier was too fragile to face Rudein's sword slash.
The slash destroyed the five-layered barrier in one swing.
The next slash absorbed some of the energy, but Rudein's momentum was too great—a second slash followed immediately. A loud bang echoed throughout the hall as the final barrier shattered like glass.
The examiner was thrown back and fell to his knees. His sword was thrown several meters away. One of his gloves was torn, and there was a scar on his right arm.
Silence.
Three seconds. Five seconds. All the students could only stare.
The examiner raised his hand slowly.
"…The match is over. Victory… for contestant Rudein Arvendale."
There was no cheering.
Laughter or applause? Nothing.
But whispers—whispers that began to grow like small flames spreading throughout the room.
"He… actually cut the examiner…"
"That speed is insane. Even professional magic couldn't stop him?"
"Oi oi oi… is he… stronger than Luciel…?"
"Well, of course. He's a noble from the Arvendale family. Their magic is passed down through the bloodline."
"Unlike Luciel, he's just a kid from the village…"
However, some didn't immediately agree.
"Luciel defeated two examiners. Even made them switch opponents. And he didn't use any spells…"
"Yeah, but Rudein… his speed was like lightning. That… wasn't a kid's magic."
In the audience seats, several senior students exchanged glances. One of them—a student with long hair and sharp eyes—whispered softly.
"This will be interesting. A battle of two young stars."
"Luciel from the village. Rudein from the blue blood. The world seems to want to witness the battle of two destinies."
Rudein stood in the middle of the arena. His breathing was heavy, but not from exhaustion. It was from satisfaction.
He looked toward Luciel's seat, which was currently empty. His lips curled into a small grin.
"Did you see that, Luciel?"
"You think you're the only one who can make the examiners panic? I can do it too."
"In the duel later… I will trample you, and prove who deserves to be the center of attention."
But deep within his burning eyes, there was a small spark—unseen by anyone.
Not hatred. Not arrogance.
But fear.
Because even though Rudein managed to defeat the examiner with all his magic power… he knew.
Luciel did not use any magic.
And for some reason… that made him uneasy.
---