episode_0106

Regia Filers.

The protagonist of the original work, ‘The World Seen by the Little Prince,’ and a girl who held a spot in Class A with top-tier grades.

She was also considered the greatest talent in modern times as a Summoner.

However, just as a good seed does not always blossom, the greatest talent also requires time to mature.

As she was still immature, the protagonist had many problems.

Her recent worries, in particular, were profound.

– What should I do…?

The origin of her worries lay in her ability.

It was the protagonist’s persistent homework, ever since she first began to communicate with her summoned beasts:

She could not freely activate her power.

The miracle of a dragon.

One might say it was a necessary side effect for manifesting such a being.

Indeed, an transcendent being could overturn natural law with a single breath, making it difficult for a fragile girl to fully contain such a miracle.

It was like trying to contain the ocean in a pot.

– I did it… I-It was scary, but I overcame it.

– I wanted to be of help to Young Master-nim, even just once.

Of course.

Regia had already overcome that limit.

She had learned how to blossom without wilting, even amidst the fear of walking on a blade.

It was thanks to a single, deep affection for someone precious.

However, if a new reaction emerged from such learning, it was that her heart had become overly reliant on that moment.

The girl felt her fear disappear only when that person was by her side.

In other words:

– I can’t do it when I’m alone…

All her emotions were being swayed by him.

It was difficult to properly control her ability.

The process leading up to a summon was always successful.

But even if a transcendent being was called forth, how long it could be held in the present world depended entirely on the summoner’s capability.

Often, they would disappear in less than 10 seconds.

In the girl’s case, it was like a dice roll.

Sometimes it would last a long time depending on her condition that day, and other times it would vanish before she could even exhale once.

It was an ability that fluctuated as unstable as the summoner’s inner self.

However.

When she was beside the Serpent, it was different.

– I believe without a doubt.

– If it’s you, Regia, you will become a star brighter than anyone.

– Of course, until then, I will protect you.

Was it because that moment remained too vivid a memory?

The Serpent’s side was uniquely comforting.

It felt as if all worries in the world vanished.

When all anxieties scattered into dust, and only the breathing of the person she relied on remained, Regia could activate her ability without any flaw.

It was possible to maintain her summoned beast in peak condition.

‘Because you were there.’

The only person who believed in her, despite her humble self.

And the person who made her forget her weakness.

That was why the protagonist couldn’t help but give her heart to the Serpent.

The two characters of ‘reliance.’

“Uhm, excuse me… Young Master-nim.”

“Regia?”

“Regarding the practical exam, I-I have a request.”

“A request?”

This final exam was important to the girl.

As the semester’s conclusion, watched by the entire student body, it was an opportunity to proudly prove herself to those who had scorned her.

For that, she needed to show an overwhelming score.

Although.

Since she had been admitted on the dean’s recommendation, she wouldn’t be expelled, but she didn’t want to remain ambiguously clinging to Class A like this.

She wanted to assert her qualifications proudly in front of those who subtly ignored her.

And by doing so, she wanted to stand by the boy’s side.

She wanted to contribute, however little, to that brilliant light.

Therefore, the girl made her request.

“Could you perhaps… come watch my match during tomorrow’s practical exam?”

A step forward.

It was a plea for him to watch over her immature self.

***

On the day of the practical exam.

A large crowd gathered at the public arena where the test was held.

Even excluding those merely waiting for their turn, students from other grades and faculty members packed the seats tightly.

The wide stands buzzed with noise.

All of them were people who had come to spectate.

Every single gaze was filled with anticipation.

Everyone watched the circular arena.

Perhaps because it was one of the academy’s most notable events, people of all grades seemed to be watching with interest.

Especially the first day’s exams had matches that drew attention in many ways.

《The 6th examination will begin shortly.》

《Students taking this examination, please follow the announcement and move to your designated locations.》

It was the 6th examination.

The match Regia was participating in.

[6th Examination]

[Regia Filers vs. Britton Bladers]

As always.

Tests conducted as duels clearly illustrate the disparity between those who compete.

They show who is stronger and who is weaker.

Especially this matchup, where Regia, the last-ranked student in Class A, was pitted against Britton, the first-ranked in Class B, was bound to draw the audience’s attention.

The results of this exam could even change the class assignments for the second semester.

– If Britton does well this time, he might advance a grade, huh?

– And the other one drops to Class B?

– It’s not that simple, but… there’s still a possibility, isn’t there? If she absolutely crushes him, maybe.

– It’s definitely possible, isn’t it? Her opponent is so weak.

Regia Filers.

There was much talk about her.

Although she had proven her abilities by commanding a dragon, that had only happened in the desert, a different world.

Most of the academy still didn’t know about the girl.

The Regia students remembered was only the pitiful sight of her being trampled horribly by the villainess during the class placement exam at the beginning of the semester.

She remained regarded as a fraud who couldn’t even properly handle her own abilities.

– What about this time? Who are you betting on to win?

– Britton, without a doubt.

– The other one hasn’t shown anything at all. On the other hand, Britton hasn’t lost his top spot in Class B all semester.

– She doesn’t have that overwhelming feeling like other Class A students…

– I really can’t figure it out, no matter how much I think about it. How did she even pass the entrance exam?

– How would we know?

Perhaps it was only natural.

Gallimard Academy, filled with fierce competition.

She was simply too easy a target.

There were also many rumors that she didn’t know her place and tried to associate with nobles.

Despite being a commoner whose origins weren’t even known, the opinion was that she tried to cling to the children of prestigious families like Yuda and Emilia.

Naturally, those perceived as easy prey were mercilessly torn apart by those in higher positions.

– I heard she summons something incredible?

– A Wyvern? Wasn’t that just a rumor?

– Opinions on that vary. Some say it’s made-up nonsense, others say she can summon a dragon but her skill is terrible.

– Either way, it seems like a foregone conclusion that Britton will win.

– You’re right.

Some students even believed her abilities were fake.

Since there were no training exchanges between different classes as a rule, it was impossible to ascertain the truth of the rumors unless they were in the same class.

At the very least, opportunities to demonstrate her abilities had long since passed.

It wouldn’t be strange if some didn’t believe her.

– Shall we watch how badly she gets beaten?

– I bet on a 5-minute knockout.

– 5 minutes? Then I’m going for 3 minutes.

– I just hope she doesn’t do anything that lowers the standards.

The students whispered amongst themselves.

Most of them saw the girl as a broken flower on the roadside.

But they didn’t know.

That even as the dark dawn cast its shadows between the leaves, the protagonist had ultimately borne beautiful fruit.

It didn’t take long for public opinion to turn.

《Contestants, please stand by in your respective positions.》

《The examination will proceed as a duel. The test will conclude when one opponent is incapacitated or rendered unable to fight.》

《Additionally, the test will conclude if one party withdraws.》

It began with the first sentence announcing the start of the match.

Immediately after the announcement rang out.

《Ready… Begin!》

Before her opponent could even attempt anything, the girl’s lips softly recited a faint call.

A silence that echoed as if barely audible.

A voice that, though fleeting, overwhelmed the surrounding air.

“Lend me your strength.”

Transcending.

“Efre.”

The next moment.

A cry like the collapse of the world was heard from the sky.

Sweeping away the white clouds with a single flap of its wings, a colossal creature landed precisely in the center of the circular arena.

Its presence made the cool autumn air grow warm.

The stands echoed only with startled screams.

But, as if to erase even that noise, it let out a monstrous bellow.

It was a dragon’s roar.

A thunderous roar!

A majesty that delivered a shattering terror throughout the entire arena.

Before the dragon, which bowed its head as if in submission, stood a pink-haired girl gently stroking its nose.

Her pupils gleamed, perhaps due to the flickering flames.

The atmosphere, changed in an instant, captivated the audience.

Regia extended her hand.

“All of it.”

Then came the command, executed.

Annihilation by fire.

“Burn it all.”

A rumbling growl!

Incandescent flames gathered within the massive maw, followed by a blinding white flash that engulfed the entire arena.

It was a dazzling spectacle that fooled the midday sun into thinking it was two.

***

Just 10 seconds.

That was the time it took for the exam to end.

– Burn… it all.

In truth, by the time that incantation was murmured, the opponent had already lost consciousness and collapsed.

It was not a pressure a student could endure.

Even after just a brief eye contact, the boy, who was ranked first in Class B, couldn’t help but foam at the mouth and collapse.

The same went for the other students sitting in the stands.

Thanks to the barrier surrounding the arena, they were safe, but children everywhere were complaining of dizziness.

I was enjoying the ensuing wails.

“Stop! Match over!”

It was none other than the supervisor who ended the situation.

Had he realized that it was dangerous to continue?

The professor observing the exam rushed in and blocked the flames spewed by Efre with a massive shield.

Though he had clearly coated it with magic to minimize damage.

The surface of the shield was already molten and warped from the intense heat.

“What is this…?”

The professor was flustered.

It was fortunate that the attacker had adjusted her power belatedly; if it had been a full-power sweep, he couldn’t have guaranteed his defense.

A cold sweat seemed to run down his back at the thought that he might have been swallowed.

Even then, the dragon continued to roar.

A thunderous roar!

“Ahem.”

I watched silently.

As the head assistant, tasked with assisting the exam, I was closest to Regia’s match.

It was to grant the girl’s request.

– Could you perhaps… come watch my match during tomorrow’s practical exam?

At the time, I was a little surprised.

That a request, made after such long deliberation, was merely for that.

Should I say my inflated expectations deflated into emptiness?

Of course, since I had intended to watch from the start, I readily agreed to the girl’s request.

Thanks to that, I could pass the time with an interesting spectacle.

《Britton Bladers’ decision loss. The winner is Regia Filers.》

The urgent announcement rang out.

The rarely agitated voice contained the news of the protagonist’s victory.

Behind it followed the astonishment of the supporting characters.

– W-What, what did I just see?

– A Wyvern…?

– She really could summon one?! I thought it was all nonsense until now…!

– I told you it was real!

– Even just hearing its scream, I felt a fear that crushed my whole body…

– ……I think I wet my pants.

– You crazy bastard.

Reactions flipped in an instant.

The words that had mocked the girl moments before vanished, and only expressions of admiration filled the stands.

Derision shattered in an instant when faced with overwhelming power.

Not even bothering to enjoy that thrill, our protagonist rushed toward me as soon as the match ended.

Her green eyes sparkled brightly.

“I did it! Young Master-nim!”

With a forceful embrace!

The girl clung to me with all her might.

It was a rather sudden skinship, but I decided not to point it out.

In this situation, praise should come first.

“Well done. You were truly magnificent.”

“Hehe…!”

“I suppose you truly deliver when it matters.”

“Th-That’s… because Young Master-nim was by my side.”

“To think you’ve even mastered modesty.”

I embraced her slender back.

Her body warmth filled my arms.

While that warmth heated the autumn air, my hand gently stroked her soft hair.

It was an affectionate embrace, as if hinting at lovers.

We remained like that for a few minutes.

“……Ah.”

The girl stiffened belatedly.

Had she become self-aware?

On the large screen displayed above the arena, the two of us, embracing each other, were being broadcast.

Such a bold display of affection in front of the entire student body.

“Oh, uh, ah…?”

Her pale face instantly flushed crimson.

She had turned into a hot tomato.

Soon after, the protagonist awkwardly tried to pull away.

I deliberately teased her, holding her tightly and trapping her between my arms so she couldn’t escape the screen.

Her flustered flapping was quite entertaining to watch.

“Y-Young Master-nim…?!”

“Oh dear… You’ve expended a lot of energy, so you must rest. Please lean on me and relax.”

“No, th-this isn’t the situation for that…!”

A slight commotion.

With that warmth behind us, the practical exam concluded.

It was a successfully completed schedule.

***

Meanwhile.

After all the practical exams were finished.

“Hmph… So it’s you, then? The person who’s supposedly my personal physician’s lover.”

Rose asked, looking down at the shrunken pilot.

Despite leaning on her wheelchair, her leaf-like eyes shone piercingly.

A cold gaze fixed on Regia.

“G-Gasp…”

The girl flinched, utterly terrified.

She tried hard to shake her head, but all that returned were harsh thorns.

“N-No, it’s not like that… I-I just, without realizing it, was happy.”

“So what?”

“……”

“I didn’t ask for a reason, did I?”

“Sniffle…”

“Why are you trying to cry? I haven’t even said anything yet. Do I look like such a shrew?”

“N-No, you don’t…!”

“Then?”

“Ah, ugh… Y-Young Master-nim, please help me…”

A desperate cry for help.

The vulnerable protagonist remained suppressed by the princess’s aura for some time.