episode_0053

Before long, the sparring exam that had been held for a week finally concludes today.

Despite reaching this final day, today was still the same as the first day the sparring exam began, with countless people flocking to the academy entrance.

No, perhaps precisely because it was the final day, their numbers had swelled to an incomparable degree compared to the first day.

This is because the remaining matches are only between the skilled individuals who have won throughout the previous matches, in other words, the ‘real deal’.

And undoubtedly, the most prominent among them was Mark Visus, who, despite being a newcomer to the academy this year, had already earned the moniker ‘Pride of Dandelion’.

As everyone predicted and expected, he has maintained an undefeated winning streak up to today.

Especially yesterday, during the sparring match against Sad Yasatora, who had declared he would “finish it in 2 minutes”, when Mark finished him in a single blow, the cheers of the crowd filled the academy and the surrounding city.

Today, the crowd’s interest turned to who would face Mark Visus.

Conversely, there was no discussion about who would win.

Naturally, it was practically certain that the final winner of this sparring exam would be Mark Visus.

Since it was clear who would be 1st place, the conversation revolved around who would claim 2nd place.

“Who do you think will face Mark Visus in the end?”

“You should say it correctly! It’s not about facing Mark Visus, but about who will be the last to lose to Mark Visus, isn’t it?”

“Ah, isn’t it the same thing?”

“I think it’ll be Madarame Ikkaku from the East. Should I say I like his refreshing bald head? Ah, his weapon that splits into multiple branches is also attractive. It’s just a shame that it lacks durability and breaks easily.”

“Speaking of bald heads, that reminds me, was it Uji Dokubo? I think it will be that person. He’s the largest in physique, and his face with the eyepatch is impressive. Especially, I hope he shows that strange stance he used to defend against attacks again.”

“Wasn’t there also a guy wearing unique sunglasses and a pink fur coat? Right! Doflamingo Sancho! The way he fights with magic-infused threads is flashy. I think it will be that person.”

Amidst the crowd, who were engaged in a heated discussion about who could potentially take 2nd place, a traveler approached.

“…Isn’t there one more, a famous person?”

“Huh? Who are you talking about now?”

“Seraphina, isn’t Seraphina Serion also quite famous? From what I saw, I believe she also made it this far today.”

At the traveler’s words, the spectators all looked at each other’s faces.

Then, they soon burst into hearty laughter and lightly poked the traveler’s arm.

“Hahaha, oh my. Looks like you came from a village where news travels slow? If you’re mentioning that name in this tournament, that is.”

“Yeah, well, I guess. True, when they said the future sword saint candidate entered the academy early this year, it was quite a commotion, even with Seraphina Serion.”

“But isn’t that woman past her prime now?”

“Exactly! Regulus Serion, the strict and haughty head of the Serion family, passed her over and designated Mark Visus, someone not even of their bloodline, as the successor. Doesn’t that say it all? Well, I guess it also means Mark Visus is just that strong.”

“Still, it’s impressive that she hasn’t lost and is still alive. Is it just because she’s from the Serion family?”

“I guess you could say that. No matter how far behind she is and how much of a has-been she’s become, isn’t it like she’s proving the value of her blood?”

“Anyway, buddy, you think Seraphina Serion might come in 2nd? Ha! Let me explain that to you clearly.”

The spectator with a boisterous voice thrust the paper he was holding forward.

It was the bracket for this sparring exam, detailing the times and opponents for today’s matches.

And the format was a tournament bracket, where the winners would eventually face each other at the end.

“The very first match today is Mark Visus vs Seraphina Serion. That woman will meet Mark in the very first match, so of course, she can’t get 2nd place. Well, it’s bad luck, but what can you do?”

“I heard she was already defeated by Mark several times even before the sparring exam? Oh dear, I’m worried she might be too embarrassed to even show up to the arena today and just run away!”

“Well, anyway, that’s how it is, buddy. If you bet on her name in some gambling den, run away now! You won’t even dream of getting your principal back, haha!”

“…Is that so… Thank you for letting me know.”

Leaving behind the spectators who were heartily mocking Seraphina Serion, the traveler soon moved towards somewhere.

. . .

“As expected, is that the only way it can be seen?”

I took off the robe that had a perception distortion placed on it.

I hadn’t really expected the public’s evaluation, but I still felt a slight sense of regret.

I was once the recipient of everyone’s attention and gaze.

But I guess I have reached a point where I no longer receive anyone’s expectations.

The place I moved to is a kind of waiting room for students who will participate in the next match.

Until now, subspatial formation magic was used because there were many students sparring, but today, the final day of the sparring exam, is different.

Since only a small number of students who have won several matches remain, the remaining matches will take place in this arena shaped like a coliseum.

No matter how developed observation magic is, it still cannot compare to seeing with one’s own eyes.

In any case, finally. Today has come.

The sparring match against Mark Visus.

Perhaps my life will be determined based on this day.

Will I become a mere puppet, following the path that might be predetermined, simply obeying the family?

Or will a miracle happen, allowing me to grasp my own direction?

Tension and an even greater sense of anxiety washed over me.

The negative feeling that I would ultimately fail and be unable to repay the one man who had sacrificed himself for me, rose again.

Amidst that, a familiar voice calling my name reached my ears.

“Seraphina, I knew you’d be here already.”

Ropel Teufel.

He, who was bandaged all over his body and leaning on crutches, found me somehow.

No, more importantly.

“…! You, why have you come here in such a state…!”

Worry for him preceded the joy of meeting him.

Perhaps because the injuries were caused by me, I couldn’t help but worry about the state of his body.

“It’s okay, the healers said I can move as long as I don’t overexert myself starting today.”

“Even so… wouldn’t resting be better for recovery?”

“Maybe so. But today, I felt like I had to come myself, on my own two feet. After all, it’s the final day of the sparring exam, and it might be the most important day of your life.”

“…! You… Does that perhaps mean…”

I hesitated a little, but I should probably open my mouth and ask.

“Ropel, do you… think I can win the match today?”

I know well that it is irresponsible to not trust myself and rely on others’ opinions.

But just for now… I was too curious about his opinion.

I cautiously looked up at his face.

Then, he instead made a rather puzzled expression.

“Haha… Sometimes you ask such foolish questions, Seraphina.”

Soon after, he silently and gently stroked my cheek.

After that, he continued to move his hand and caressed my hair, and then pulled it towards him, embracing me.

And finally, bringing his mouth close to my ear, he spoke in a voice that was almost sweet.

“Of course you can, Seraphina.

I guarantee it.

You will defeat that Mark today.”

It wasn’t within the realm of wishing she would win or hoping.

It wasn’t even a possibility, like she could win.

His words were simply close to certainty: she will win.

“…What’s the basis for that statement?”

“Huh? Ah, well, I mean, um… I don’t really know, but… I just feel like you will…?”

As expected, that answer again.

Seeing him like that, how should I describe it?

I couldn’t help but let out a little laugh and lightly smiled.

Truly, even having come this far, he hasn’t changed one bit.

His reaction was both familiar and also made me happy.

“Thank you, my dear. Thanks to you, I feel much more relaxed.”

Heh, despite having worried so much and trembled with anxiety, after finally meeting Ropel and hearing his last words, none of that matters anymore.

Therefore, I, too, must believe in myself, the one he believes in.

Ropel Teufel, he is guaranteeing my victory right now.

That alone seemed to fill my inner self with a peculiar sense of fulfillment and confidence.

The sound of music, vast and even magnificent beyond that of a simple band, could be heard.

It signified the start of the sparring exam.

“Yes everyone! The time has finally come! Today’s first match! Let’s staaaaart right now!”

Along with the voice of the commentator using amplification magic, which was so loud it hurt the ears, a staff member guided my entrance.

Mark also let go of me, whom he had been hugging.

“Go and deliver a blow to that Mark guy, and win with dignity.”

“Understood. My dear.”

Right.

Come to think of it, there’s no reason to be lost in thought anymore.

There’s no need to wander in shame and guilt, disappointed in myself for having burdened Ropel.

The only thing I need to focus on now is repaying his feelings.

To defeat Mark Visus, nothing else.

And Ropel, of all people, believes in me right now.

…

Why is that?

Surely I know that I am going into a reckless fight against a strong opponent.

Strangely enough, my steps feel lighter now than they ever have before.