A Great? First Step (3)

The classroom that Mari and I were guided to by Professor Elaine was neither in the center nor in a corner.

“Here we are.”

“Excuse me…?”

I secretly pinched my thigh, wondering if I was having a hallucination. It only hurt. This means I wasn’t seeing things.

“This isn’t the Milano Magic Tower, is it?”

“That’s correct.”

“Um, Professor… This is outside, isn’t it?”

As Mari cautiously asked, we were now standing outside, having left the Milano Magic Tower. We hadn’t gone far. Just a short walk and that’s it. I wasn’t expecting a luxurious S-class classroom, but I thought we’d at least have class in a proper classroom. But the place we were guided to wasn’t even a classroom, but outside.

Are we really supposed to have class here? Seriously?

“It’s fine. There’s a separate classroom for theory lessons.”

In the direction she pointed, there was indeed a small building that looked like a classroom. I couldn’t see it at all earlier, but now it’s clearly visible. Did they put some kind of illusion magic on it? No, that’s not the important thing.

“Are we not using the practice rooms inside the Magic Tower?”

“That’s right. Those are prepared for ordinary students. They don’t apply to you two.”

Something about the nuance feels off. It feels like Mari and I are being separated and isolated from other students, giving me an uneasy feeling.

There was nothing like this in the original story. While Ariel wasn’t such an outstanding student, Mari still shattered the examiner’s scarecrow during the entrance exam, yet she was moved around like other students.

Then why has it changed like this? In situations like this, when the content differs from the original story, it’s usually due to the actions of the person who’s been possessed.

Let’s think. What did I do? What did I do to cause this?

“You two entered as the top students of the Magic Department. And you’re also the top students of the entire year.”

“As such, you’re on a different level from other students in many ways. In fact, you two are the only ones who completely destroyed my scarecrow during the entrance exam.”

“Therefore, it was decided that ordinary classrooms wouldn’t be sufficient for your practical lessons, and I would personally supervise you.”

‘Ah…’

So, to summarize, Mari and I have enough power to destroy scarecrows, so ordinary classrooms won’t do. So the professor herself will stick with us to manage and supervise, right? Okay, I understand perfectly.

But it’s strange. This isn’t some neighborhood school, it’s the Milano Academy. No matter how strong Mari’s and my magic power is, it’s a bit odd that we have to have classes so far away. Wouldn’t they have put enough defenses in the practice rooms? When I voiced this opinion, Professor Elaine slowly nodded.

“Certainly, considering the defenses of the practice rooms, there’s nothing they couldn’t stop. However.”

“However?”

“The aftermath would disrupt other students’ practice.”

Ah. I didn’t think of that. I understand completely now. If it would disturb other students, there’s no helping it. It’s not like only Mari and I attend here.

“If there are no more questions, let’s move to the classroom and I’ll guide you through the upcoming classes.”

The classroom wasn’t as large as where everyone gathered earlier, but it was still quite sizeable. If I were to compare, it’s like the difference between a university and a high school? That’s how it feels.

“To put it simply, you’ll mostly attend theory classes together. Today we split up immediately for class guidance, but from tomorrow, classes will be held where we gathered.”

“There will be two theory classes in total, and the other two will mainly be practical lessons, so you’ll move separately for those classes. You two will have those here. Today, everyone was dispersed early because we explained the future schedule.”

Hmm, I see. As expected, this is how the first day of class usually goes. It was roughly like this in the original story too.

In the original story, from Mari’s perspective, she entered an appropriate group, had brief introductions, heard about the future academic schedule, and then it skipped. Then on the way back, she got into an argument with Ariel. Even with a different professor, it seems the main flow hasn’t changed much.

“Since it’s the first day, I won’t be conducting a separate class. However.”

However?

“I need to know your exact conditions. It will affect the classes going forward.”

Hmm, that makes sense. After all, Mari and I are special cases in many ways. Assessing our capabilities is important. But…

“How should we do that?”

It’s good to take measurements. But how are we going to do it? It’s not like we can output magic power as a numerical value like in a game, and the ability to handle magic can’t be quantified either. Magic is the most calculated of skills, but it’s just as incalculable as holy power or spirit arts.

When Mari asked the question instead of me, Professor Elaine lowered her pointer and said,

“Would you two have a duel for me?”

“Pardon?”

“What?”

Did I hear that wrong?

Having students fight on the first day. Looking at it this way, it seems like the actions of a terrible professor, but looking at the reasons, it’s not entirely incomprehensible.

First, as explained to both of them, there’s a need to clearly assess their levels. It’s no exaggeration to say that it will affect the classes going forward.

And the second reason, while I said I wouldn’t give them separate lessons, this is essentially part of the lesson. Ariel and Mari were separated from others for classes due to their exceptional abilities. Whether they like it or not, they’ll have many occasions to be entangled with each other from now on.

In the entrance exam, both of them uniquely proved their talents by destroying the scarecrow Elaine made. It’s not a boast, but Elaine’s scarecrows are famous for their powerful defense that’s considered sufficient even if the barrier is only slightly damaged. Until now, there have occasionally been those who inflicted some damage on the scarecrow, but only these two have completely destroyed it.

Then surely, they will be good rivals for each other. This is a stepping stone for that. Elaine began preparations, telling them to get ready.

‘I didn’t expect such an opportunity to come so suddenly…’

Meanwhile, Ariel was rejoicing that the opportunity she had been pondering over had come of its own accord. Now is the time. Now is the time to thoroughly act wickedly towards Mari. If this method succeeds, she can definitely push away Mari, who somehow seems to be getting closer.

‘Win overwhelmingly, and look down on her thoroughly.’

This is the basic outline. Ariel quickly checked her physical condition. There are no particular problems like being sick or in poor condition. Her magic power is also good. Thanks to having eaten and rested, she has enough energy, and even without that, Ariel has innately high magic power, so this much is no problem.

In short, it can be said that she’s in the best condition to show her skills. This means it’s a golden opportunity to show Mari her skills while taking a great first step as a villainess.

‘Then there’s no reason to hesitate.’

Ariel, having inwardly convinced herself, nodded and agreed to Elaine’s words.

“I understand. If it’s necessary, let’s do it.”

“I… I also… Yes. I understand.”

Seeing Ariel agree without much fuss, Mari seemed at a loss for words and just nodded. She’s not the type to enjoy fighting or competing with others from the start.

But this case is a bit different.

‘I want to experience it directly.’

Ariel Walpurgis. Her skills are clearly superior to her own. Even if they both shattered the scarecrow in the entrance exam, there’s a clear difference between herself, who hasn’t been learning magic for long and can only use a handful of spells, and Ariel, an elite born into a prestigious family who has honed her talents. It’s obvious who would win.

That’s why she became even more curious. Just how far apart are they?

“Then please prepare.”

As Elaine made a gesture, an opaque barrier covered the surroundings for a moment before disappearing.

“What was that?”

“A protective measure. Please do your best while maintaining the form of a duel.”

Isn’t that even more difficult? Mari barely swallowed the words that almost escaped her throat.

“I’m ready.”

Ariel lightly stretched and stood in a comfortable stance. There was even a sense of composure in her appearance.

“J-Just a moment…”

Mari also started stretching and took her stance. When both declared they were ready, Elaine guided them to appropriate positions and stepped far back.

“Then, both of you prepare and…”

She raised her hand,

“Begin.”

And lowered it.

Boom boom boom!