Chapter 1: Wow... my <Brainwashing> skill is too strong...?
A month had passed since I left the Pnocis domain, and at long last, I set foot in the royal capital.
Man, the capital is way too far!
Exactly thirty days ago, on my birthday, my father instructed me to head to the capital. The very next day, I set out as ordered, but the journey proved far more grueling than I’d ever imagined.
It began with traveling on foot. No cars, trains, or planes existed in this world, unlike my previous life. Worse, the roads were barely maintained. The only path out of the Pnocis domain was an unpaved, neglected trail. I lost count of how many times I mistook it for a beast track and nearly wandered off course.
It wasn’t that my father refused to lend me a carriage—the roads were so poor that a carriage would’ve broken down, leaving me stranded. A horse might’ve fared better, but I’m no good at riding. Walking was the lesser hassle.
After a week trudging along a “road” that barely deserved the name, I reached the largest town in the neighboring noble’s domain. From there, I hopped between thirteen shared carriages, moving from town to town.
That’s how remote the Pnocis domain is from the capital. Assuming an average of 35 kilometers a day by carriage, it took roughly 22 days of travel—about 770 kilometers.
In short, it was an absurdly long journey. In nearly forty years across both lives, it was the greatest adventure I’d ever undertaken.
So why endure such a grueling trek to the capital? It all stemmed from a certain obligation imposed on the nobles of the Leith Kingdom:
“If a skill granted by the gods is deemed potentially useful in war, the children of royalty and nobility must study at the Royal Academy for three years.”
Long ago, during a massive war that engulfed the continent, the king sought to harness the immense power of skills for battle. He gathered the children of royalty and nobility with combat-oriented skills and subjected them to military training.
That was the origin of the Leith Royal Training School, the predecessor to the Royal Academy, over a century ago.
Nowadays, the Leith Kingdom enjoys peace, and war feels like a distant memory. Still, I couldn’t help but find it absurd that a royal decree from a hundred years ago still held sway. Complaining, however, changed nothing.
The 〈Ignition〉 skill I’d blurted out as a lie was precisely the kind of combat-oriented skill that qualified. As they say, the tongue is the root of all trouble—my slip-up had landed me eligibility for the Royal Academy.
Ignoring a royal decree meant execution, no exceptions. I had no choice but to make the journey.
The silver lining? The Royal Academy required an entrance exam.
About a decade ago, they began admitting commoners with exceptional skills, and the number of eligible candidates started exceeding the academy’s capacity. Thus, the entrance exam was established to screen applicants.
For someone like me, carrying the ticking time bomb of the 〈Brainwashing〉 skill, spending three years surrounded by people at the academy was far too risky.
So, I had to fail this entrance exam…!
“Oh, crap, I need to hurry!”
The entrance exam was today, and I’d barely made it in time.
Being late could be seen as defying a royal decree, which meant execution. I hurriedly dashed toward the Royal Academy on the northern outskirts of the capital.
◇
“So this is the Leith Royal Academy…!”
Passing through the majestic gates, I entered a vast garden, beyond which stood a magnificent white school building—not as grand as the royal castle, but impressive nonetheless. As expected of the kingdom’s premier institution. Though I had no intention of enrolling, I couldn’t help feeling a spark of excitement.
“Look at that guy.”
“What’s with those filthy clothes? A commoner?”
“I can’t believe His Majesty allows commoners into the prestigious Royal Academy.”
Scornful voices reached my ears. At first, I tensed, thinking they were aimed at me, but it seemed I wasn’t the target.
Glancing around, I noticed a girl walking cautiously a little ahead. She wore a tattered, patched-up gray dress, her light blue hair reaching her shoulders, dull and unkempt from neglect. She was about as tall as my shoulder, slightly petite for a girl my age.
A commoner, likely from the slums. Her appearance, so stark against the polished surroundings, made her stand out painfully.
“Hey, you filthy commoner!”
Like moths to a flame, a pompous-looking boy blocked her path, dressed in gaudy clothes with an ostentatious red cape. Clearly a noble’s spoiled son, he had five lackeys—boys and girls—trailing behind. He must hail from a high-ranking noble family.
The blue-haired girl, suddenly confronted and intimidated by his overbearing attitude, shrank back in fear.
“Who gave you permission to be here? This sacred institution is no place for a filthy commoner like you!”
“B-But… the priest told me, after hearing about the skill I received, to come here right away…”
Huh? Did she just receive her skill?
If someone receives a skill less than a month before the entrance exam, their obligation is deferred to the following year. I’d barely been caught by the deadline, which was why I had to rush to the capital.
No priest in the capital’s church would miss that rule. Her skill must be extraordinary.
“What’s that? You dare talk back to me, a member of the Hortness family!?”
“N-No, I didn’t mean…”
She wasn’t talking back, but the Hortness boy wasn’t listening. Coming from a backwater like the Pnocis domain, I had no clue about the Hortness family’s rank.
The girl looked around desperately for help, but everyone who stopped to watch averted their eyes the moment they met hers and walked away.
The Hortness family must wield significant influence. I should probably steer clear too… Sorry, girl, but with a dangerous skill like 〈Brainwashing〉, I can’t afford trouble.
As I tried to slip away quietly—
“Enough, Idiot Hortness.”
A clear, dignified voice rang out from behind.
Turning, I saw a girl with light reddish-brown hair tied in twin tails approaching. Her delicate, doll-like face was perfectly proportioned, her simple yet elegant dress exuding refinement. Every graceful step marked her as the daughter of a high-ranking noble, worlds apart from the posturing Hortness boy.
“Good day, backwater poor noble,” she said, tossing an insult my way as we passed.
It was all true, so I couldn’t argue back.
“Lilly Puridi…!”
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“Those with exceptional skills must study at the Royal Academy, whether noble or commoner. That’s the absolute rule set by royal decree. No exceptions.”
“B-But this filthy commoner is unworthy of this sacred academy!”
“That’s not for us to decide. Only the royal family can overturn a royal decree. Isn’t that right?”
For some reason, Lilly turned to me, seeking agreement.
Please, don’t drag me into this…
I wasn’t well-versed in noble society and hesitated on how to respond. Still, I could vaguely sense what Lilly wanted.
Guess I should back her up?
I didn’t want to get involved, but something tugged at me to help. If I was getting dragged in, I might as well go all in.
“Um, could it be that you’re royalty?”
“Oh? Why would you think that?” Lilly replied.
“Well, you keep saying that girl isn’t worthy of the academy. Only royalty can decide that, right? So I thought, maybe you’re royalty?”
“W-What!? How dare you! There’s no way I’m royalty!”
Idiot went pale, clearly flustered. Apparently, being mistaken for royalty was a misstep.
“Oh, sorry! I’m just a backwater poor noble, so I’ve never seen royalty before. I got excited thinking I’d met one… But to think someone would deny a royal decree in the middle of the Royal Academy’s grounds, and not even be royalty?”
“Y-You…!”
“That’s a bit harsh, even if it’s true,” Lilly interjected. “But you should watch your careless remarks, Idiot. Stand out too much, and you won’t brush it off as a misunderstanding or a joke.”
“…Tch! You’ll pay for this, commoner! And you, backwater poor noble!”
Idiot spun on his heel and stormed off with his lackeys, cutting through the crowd.
I’d definitely earned his grudge, but oh well. I planned to fail the entrance exam anyway. Once I returned to the Pnocis domain, I’d likely never see him again.
“Um, thank you so much for helping me!”
The blue-haired girl bowed deeply to Lilly and me. When she raised her head, I caught my breath.
“As expected, my judgment was spot-on,” Lilly said. “You’re a diamond in the rough, ready to shine with a little polishing.”
“Huh?”
The girl tilted her head, puzzled by Lilly’s words.
A diamond in the rough… That’s exactly it.
Though emaciated and unhealthy, her features were strikingly beautiful. A bath to wash away the grime and some proper meals, and she’d transform into a stunning beauty in no time.
“I’m Lilly Puridi. This is the spineless backwater poor noble.”
“Hey, who’re you calling spineless?” I protested.
“Oh, was I wrong?”
…It’s all true.
“I’m Hugh Pnocis. Nice to meet you.”
“Y-Yes! I’m Lecty. Um, are you two acquainted…?”
“That’s what I was wondering,” I said. “You’ve been talking like you know me this whole time. We’ve never met, right?”
“…Of course,” Lilly replied. “I only know your family name. Your Pnocis barony is a distant relative of my Puridi marquisate. There’s barely any blood connection left, though.”
“So, super distant relatives…?”
This was the first I’d heard of ties to a marquis family in the capital… Wait, she’s a marquis’s daughter?
“Exactly. I only knew because of the crest boldly embroidered on your cloak.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I saw the Pnocis family crest prominently stitched on my travel cloak. That’s how she pegged me as a backwater poor noble.
…This cloak is suddenly really embarrassing to wear.
“No need to worry,” Lilly said. “Hardly anyone knows about a minor frontier noble family like Pnocis. I only knew because we’re distantly related.”
“Could you stop insulting my family while trying to reassure me?”
“It’s the truth, isn’t it? Anyway, we’ll be late for the entrance exam if we keep chatting. Let’s go, Lecty.”
With that, Lilly took Lecty’s hand and started walking.
“W-Wait, I can come with you!?”
“Of course. Why else would I take your hand? Watch your step.”
“Y-Yes!”
Lilly escorted Lecty toward the school building like a princess.
…Wait, they left me behind!?
I thought we’d bonded a bit through that exchange, but apparently, I was mistaken.
Chasing after Lilly and Lecty, I reached the school building, where several lines stretched from the entrance inward. Exam candidates had to join one of the queues.
Lilly and Lecty were at the back of one line, so I lined up behind them.
“Um, Lilly-sama, what’s this line for…?” Lecty asked, a question I was also curious about.
“Lecty, no need for ‘-sama,’” Lilly replied. “We’ll be classmates in this academy, so call me whatever you like—Lilly or Lilly-chan, your choice.”
“Th-Then, Lilly-chan…?”
“Pfft!”
Hey, that’s a creepy laugh!
Lilly wiped her mouth and composed herself. Lecty tilted her head, puzzled.
“Back to your question,” Lilly continued. “I’ll explain for the eavesdropping backwater poor noble too.”
“Thanks for that,” I muttered.
“At the front of this line, they use a special magical device to check candidates’ skills. It confirms whether you have a skill worthy of the Royal Academy. This is the first screening, determining if you can proceed to the next exam.”
“S-Skill screening…” Lecty murmured.
That’s really bad news…!
I knew about the magical device that reveals skills, normally visible only to the holder. But I hadn’t expected to face it so soon.
At this rate, everyone would discover my 〈Brainwashing〉 skill!
“D-Do we have to show our skill…?” I asked.
“Of course,” Lilly replied. “If they allowed self-reporting, anyone could take the exam. Some skills granted by the gods are so dangerous that even the holder can’t control them. This checkpoint assesses that risk.”
“Y-Yeah, makes sense…”
Her logic was airtight, leaving no room to argue. As Lilly said, this measure was likely designed to catch dangerous skills like my 〈Brainwashing〉.
“Could it be your skill is…” Lilly began.
“Oh, crap! Sorry, sudden stomachache! Gotta hit the bathroom!” I blurted.
“Hey, wait a second!”
Ignoring Lilly’s attempt to stop me, I bolted into the nearest boys’ restroom. Peeking out, I saw her sigh, hands on her hips.
That was close. She might suspect something, but it was better than being interrogated on the spot.
More importantly, this situation was really bad. If I did nothing, my 〈Brainwashing〉 skill would be exposed—a one-way ticket to the guillotine.
Leaning on the sink, I racked my brain.
What do I do? If this keeps up, my life is over. Should I just run away…?
…No, that’s tough. Going against the flow of people to escape would draw attention. If a guard stopped me, I’d be done for.
Even if I got out, I didn’t know my way around the capital. If Lilly or Lecty reported my disappearance, I’d be hunted down. Escaping the capital would be nearly impossible.
And if, by some miracle, I escaped, where would I go? The Pnocis domain would be the first place they’d send pursuers. A fugitive life with nowhere to go sounded like pure despair.
Could I use the 〈Brainwashing〉 skill to get out of this…?
Maybe I could brainwash the examiner and alter the records… No, that’d eventually fall apart. If there were two examiners, I’d be screwed, since my 〈Brainwashing〉 skill only targets one person at a time.
Who could I brainwash to get through this? Someone with authority. The academy’s headmaster or deputy headmaster… Yeah, right. Where even are they? I don’t have time to search.
Someone powerful nearby… Lilly?
If I brainwashed Lilly, a marquis’s daughter, maybe her family’s influence could… No, that won’t work either. She’s just an exam candidate like me. No matter her status, she can’t pull strings here.
Am I really doomed!?
Damn it, stupid gods! Giving me a troublesome skill like 〈Brainwashing〉! If it could at least target more than one person, I could figure something out!
What am I supposed to do with a skill that only brainwashes one person?
Who could I possibly brainwash to get out of this—
Raising my head, I saw a mirror in front of me.
Reflected in it was me, clutching my head.
—What would happen if I brainwashed him?
The thought crossed my mind.
Brainwash myself.
Convince myself.
Make myself believe my skill isn’t 〈Brainwashing〉 but 〈Ignition〉. Could that maybe, just maybe, trick the skill display?
“…No way, that’s too…”
It’s hopeless. I know it is. A desperate, half-baked idea. It’s bound to fail.
But trying it was simple enough.
If it didn’t work, no harm done—I had no better ideas anyway.
“Alright… Skill 〈Brainwashing〉.”
I felt the skill activate, but nothing seemed to change. A failure, huh… or so I thought, until I noticed the words 〈Brainwashing Active〉 floating above my head in the mirror.
I could actually brainwash myself using the mirror!
In that case, next—
“Hugh Pnocis, your skill isn’t 〈Brainwashing〉—it’s 〈Ignition〉!”
Click. Something snapped into place in my mind.
I felt with certainty that the brainwashing had taken effect.
“S-Status!”
A translucent panel appeared in my vision:
───
Hugh Pnocis
Skill: 〈Ignition〉 Lv. Max … Manifests fire on a designated target
───
The word 〈Brainwashing〉 had vanished from the skill section.
“No way, did I actually trick the display…!?”
I rubbed my eyes and looked again, but the skill remained 〈Ignition〉. Not a trace of “brainwashing” lingered.
Yet, in the mirror, the words 〈Brainwashing Active〉 still floated above my head.
Come to think of it, I didn’t feel the dulled consciousness I’d noticed when I brainwashed Servas… I clearly remembered my true skill was 〈Brainwashing〉. Was brainwashing myself different from brainwashing others…?
“…〈Brainwashing〉 deactivate.”
I deactivated the skill and checked my status again. It reverted to 〈Brainwashing〉. Activating 〈Brainwashing〉 once more, I switched it back to 〈Ignition〉.
The status panel showed 〈Ignition〉, but was this really enough? It might just be an illusion visible only to me… If the magical device revealed 〈Brainwashing〉, I was done for.
Still, there was no way to confirm…
I couldn’t hide in the bathroom forever. If I took too long, Lilly would grow suspicious. It was do-or-die—a gamble where I had to throw myself in and hope for the best.
Steeling myself, I stepped out, only to find the school building in an uproar.
“Did you hear that!?”
“The skill 〈Saintess〉? That’s something out of a fairy tale!”
“That filthy commoner…”
“It’s got to be some kind of mistake…!”
Shock, envy, and jealousy swirled in a chaotic mix of voices around me.
At the center was the light blue-haired girl. Lecty, looking bewildered, glanced nervously at the reactions.
It didn’t seem like Idiot was harassing her again.
Unable to grasp the situation, I approached Lilly, who stood near Lecty, deep in thought with her arms crossed and her fist pressed to her lips.
“What happened?” I asked.
“Oh, is your stomach feeling better, backwater poor diarrhea noble?”
“It’s not exactly smooth sailing, but I’m at the point of ‘whatever happens, happens.’”
“Could you stop with the worst kind of resignation? You didn’t actually leak, did you?”
“I’ll leave that to your imagination.”
Lilly silently took a step away from me.
Apparently, in her imagination, I did leak a little.
“So, what’s going on with Lecty? It’s quite the commotion.”
“Her skill is… well, not just a little—extremely unique.”
“Unique?”
“Skills granted by the gods can be categorized into several types. For example, 〈Thunderstrike〉—a skill that lets you attack with lightning. Skills that manipulate natural phenomena like fire, water, or wind are collectively called 〈Natural Skills〉.”
“So 〈Ignition〉 is one of those 〈Natural Skills〉?”
“Yes. Is 〈Ignition〉 your skill, by the way?”
“Yeah, sort of. What about skills like 〈Hunter〉 or 〈Chef〉?”
“Those are classified as 〈Occupational Skills〉. They’re rare—about one in three thousand.”
“No way.”
So my father’s and mother’s skills were super rare?
“The defining trait of 〈Occupational Skills〉 is that they grant multiple abilities. For example, someone with the 〈Knight〉 skill might gain benefits equivalent to 〈Swordsmanship〉, 〈Body Enhancement〉, 〈Spear Mastery〉, and 〈Horsemanship〉.”
“That’s an insanely powerful skill…”
Now that I thought about it, my father’s 〈Hunter〉 skill was like having both 〈Tracking〉 and 〈Archery〉. I wasn’t sure about my mother’s 〈Chef〉, though.
“So, this commotion is because Lecty was granted an ultra-rare and powerful 〈Occupational Skill〉?”
“Exactly. ──Skill 〈Saintess〉. A mythical skill thought to be a mere fairy tale… I sensed something special about her, but to think she held such incredible potential. Truly a diamond in the rough, worth polishing.”
“Skill 〈Saintess〉, huh…”
Ignoring Lilly’s enraptured expression, I pondered.
The term “Saintess” brought to mind Joan of Arc from my previous world, but what was its significance here? The Pnocis domain was so rural that books were scarce, and I was starting to realize how much I lacked in common knowledge.
“U-Um, Lilly-chan, Hugh-san, did I do something wrong again…?”
Lecty approached with a worried look, clearly thinking she’d messed up based on the crowd’s reaction.
“No, Lecty, you didn’t do anything wrong,” Lilly assured her.
If anything, you could say her luck was bad, but it wasn’t her fault. There was no point in feeling guilty.
“Lecty, you’ve been granted an incredible skill by the gods,” Lilly continued. “It’s so remarkable that everyone here is shocked or jealous.”
“Is that… what it is?”
“You don’t need to feel anxious. Hold your head high and take pride. The skill you’ve been granted is yours alone.”
“Y-Yes!”
Encouraged by Lilly, Lecty seemed to regain her composure.
The commotion was eventually calmed by the examiners, and Lecty was escorted by Lilly and an examiner to a separate room. I was asked if I wanted to join, but since I hadn’t had my skill checked yet, I stayed behind.
“See you later,” Lilly said.
“Hugh-san, see you soon!” Lecty added.
“Yeah, later.”
I bid farewell to Lilly and Lecty as they left. If things went poorly, I might never see them again. It was a brief acquaintance, but the thought left me a little lonely.
───
“Next, please step this way.”
Prompted by an examiner, I entered a small room sectioned off by curtains. Inside stood a large crystal, about 30 centimeters in diameter—the magical device that revealed skills.
“Please state your name and skill.”
“Hugh Pnocis. My skill is 〈Ignition〉.”
“Place your right hand on the crystal.”
Touching it would reveal my skill. My hand trembled with nerves, but I forced myself to reach out.
Here goes nothing!
The moment my right hand touched the crystal, it glowed faintly, and words appeared within:
Hugh Pnocis
Skill: 〈Ignition〉
“Confirmed. Please follow the staff’s instructions to proceed to the practical exam.”
“Thank you.”
I bowed to the examiner and stepped out of the room.
Following the staff’s guidance toward the exam venue, I let out a sigh of relief.
Somehow, I’d cleared the first hurdle…
“Next is the practical exam. Hugh Pnocis, you have a 〈Natural Skill〉, so please head to the Second Ground. It’s straight down this path, then left at the end.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
I bowed to the staff member and headed outside.
Once I confirmed no one was around, I crouched down and exhaled deeply.
“Phew… I made it through.”
I couldn’t believe I’d actually altered the skill display with 〈Brainwashing〉. It was a long shot, but it paid off. I had no idea how it worked, though…
“That said, there’s no way I’ll pass the practical exam.”
Since the skill I “rewrote” couldn’t actually be used, I should start thinking of excuses now. Maybe a stomachache affecting my performance? With the immediate crisis of my 〈Brainwashing〉 skill being exposed averted, I felt a bit more at ease.
That’s why I let my guard down a little.
“Are you okay?”
“Wah!?”
Startled by the sudden voice, I lost my balance and fell backward from my crouch.
Looking up, I saw a girl (?...) peering at me with concern.
“Ugh, sorry! I startled you by calling out so suddenly, didn’t I!?”
“N-No, it’s fine. My bad.”
“Can you stand?”
The girl (?...) extended a hand to me.
The reason I wasn’t sure of her gender was her clothing.
Her short silver hair glimmered in the sunlight. Her youthful face, with large, sapphire-blue eyes, emphasized her childlike charm.
From the neck up, she looked like a girl.
But her petite frame was dressed in a nobleman’s shirt and coat.
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“Thanks, you saved me.”
“Hehe, you’re welcome.”
I took her hand and stood, and she smiled shyly.
…Ugh, she’s cute. A different kind of beauty from Lilly or Lecty.
She is a girl, right…?
“Uh, I’m Hugh. Hugh Pnocis. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, Hugh. I’m… er, I mean, I’m Lugue. Lugue Becto.”
“Lugue… so you’re a guy?”
“Muuu! Hugh, do I look like a girl to you?”
Lugue puffed out his cheeks indignantly. The gesture was adorable, but was he really a guy…? He’d almost said “I” in a feminine way just now, hadn’t he?
Well, if he’s a girl pretending to be a boy, there’s probably a reason. Prying could stir up trouble, so I’ll play along for now.
“Sorry if I offended you. I was lying on the ground, so the light made it hard to see your face clearly. Your voice is a bit high for a guy, so I got confused about your gender.”
“Oh, I see. That makes sense. Sorry for getting mad… Oh, by the way, you were crouching earlier—are you okay? I thought you might be feeling unwell.”
“Nah, just a bit of a stomachache.”
“Ehh!? You should go to the infirmary! Want me to come with you if you’re nervous?”
“No, it’s fine now.”
“Fine now…? Oh, uh, want me to grab you a change of clothes?”
“I didn’t leak, okay?”
Why does everyone assume I soiled myself?
“I’m really fine, so don’t worry. By the way, are you heading to the practical exam too?”
“Yup. I was told to go to the Second Ground for my exam.”
“Wanna go together? I’m headed there too.”
“Really? I was feeling a bit lonely, so I’m glad!”
Lugue flashed a bright, carefree smile.
She’s way too cute. There’s no way this kid’s a guy, seriously.
We walked side by side toward the Second Ground. Lugue’s height barely reached my shoulder, making him even shorter than Lecty.
“Hugh, you’re really tall, huh? I was a little surprised when you stood up.”
“My father’s pretty tall, so I take after him.”
If anything, Lugue’s the short one, but saying that might upset him again.
“I’m jealous. I want to grow taller too. Maybe then people won’t mistake me for a girl.”
“…Not sure about that.”
It’s his face and voice that make him seem like a girl. Growing taller probably won’t change much.
“Hugh, are you thinking something rude?”
“Nope, nope. Look, isn’t that the Second Ground?”
We’d reached the end of the path. To the left, a wide field stretched out below a slope, where exam candidates were launching fire, water, and other elements at human-shaped targets.
A practical exam feels just like this, huh? Exactly as I imagined.
“Let’s go, Hugh!”
Lugue tugged at my arm, his grip firm as he pulled me toward the Second Ground.
Even the 〈Brainwashing〉 skill, I doubted, could save me this time.
It was a pity to part with Lugue so soon after meeting her…
At the Second Ground, we joined the line, only five people ahead of us. The practical exam seemed straightforward—just demonstrating your skill a few times—so our turn would come quickly.
“Wow, everyone’s skills are incredible!” Lugue exclaimed, his eyes wide as he watched from the line.
Indeed, the bursts of fire and water aimed at three sets of targets were a captivating sight.
Still, it felt a bit lackluster.
Take the ponytail girl in our line, for instance. She shot water from her hands, but the stream was so weak it barely reached the target—about as forceful as a cheap water gun from a 100-yen store in my past life.
The other candidates’ skills were similarly underwhelming. Only one in five managed to hit the target, and even then, the iron human-shaped targets didn’t so much as flinch.
Come to think of it, skills have levels, don’t they? Everyone here gained their skill within the past year, so most are likely still at Lv. 1. This must be what Lv. 1 looks like.
…Wait. Wasn’t my 〈Ignition〉 listed as Lv. Max?
What kind of power would a max-level skill unleash? Since it’s just a fake display, I couldn’t test it, but curiosity gnawed at me.
Lost in thought, I barely noticed the line moving until our turn arrived.
“Hugh, who’s going first?” Lugue asked, tilting his head.
“You go ahead,” I replied without hesitation.
I’d likely fail since I couldn’t actually use the skill, and I didn’t want to sour the mood for Lugue by going first.
“Thanks, Hugh. Here I go!” Lugue clenched his fists in front of his chest, psyching himself up. Adorable. His enthusiasm drew warm smiles from nearby examiners and candidates, some even cheering, “You got this!” in high-pitched voices.
Lugue, cheeks faintly flushed, raised his right arm toward the target. “Watch this, Hugh! Skill 〈Windstrike〉!”
A fierce gust erupted—not a gentle breeze, but a powerful blast that sent my cloak billowing wildly behind me. The wind surged forward, kicking up dust, and toppled the iron target with ease.
No one else had even budged a target. Lugue’s skill was exceptional. The crowd exploded into cheers and applause, shouting, “Whoa!”
Scratching his head shyly, Lugue returned to me with a bashful smile, striking a “V” pose.
This kid was just too cute!
“Your turn, Hugh! Show me something cool!” he urged, his eyes sparkling with expectation.
“Uh, yeah…” His eager gaze sent a cold sweat trickling down my back like a waterfall. The thought of turning his excitement to disappointment twisted my stomach.
I didn’t want to meet Lugue only to feel like this. I wanted to get along with him, to share something special.
If only I hadn’t been saddled with a skill like 〈Brainwashing〉.
If my skill had truly been 〈Ignition〉…
Maybe I could’ve looked forward to a fun academy life with Lugue, Lilly, and Lecty.
…Damn it. Just moments ago, I was resigned to failing, but now I was desperately wishing for a miracle to pass.
As if something that convenient would happen.
“Go for it, Hugh!” Lugue’s cheer rang out behind me.
With his encouragement at my back, I raised my right arm toward the target. “Sorry, Lugue,” I muttered under my breath. “I don’t think I can live up to your expectations. Skill 〈Ignition〉.”
Nothing’s going to come out of my arm—
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
A massive pillar of fire engulfed the iron target, melting it into nothing.
“…Huh?” A ridiculous sound escaped my lips, my mind struggling to process what had just happened.
What was that? A giant fire pillar just whooshed out of nowhere… Wait, what’s the melting point of iron again? Huh?
As I stood dumbfounded, a sudden impact hit my waist. Looking down, I found Lugue clinging to me, his arms wrapped around my side, a faint softness pressing against my ribs.
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“That was amazing, Hugh! So awesome! What was that!? The fire went whoosh! It was all whoosh!” he squealed, his voice bubbling with excitement.
“Y-Yeah, it was pretty whoosh, huh?” I managed, still dazed.
“It was so incredible, I was totally shocked!” Lugue’s eyes sparkled, his words slipping into a more feminine “I” in his excitement, unnoticed by him.
“Yeah, me too,” I admitted, my voice faint.
The examiners and candidates around us erupted into a commotion rivaling the uproar when Lecty’s 〈Saintess〉 skill was revealed.
That was definitely my skill, right…?
Skill 〈Ignition〉 Lv. Max.
Its power far surpassed anything I’d imagined.
…No, it wasn’t 〈Ignition〉 that exceeded my imagination—it was the 〈Brainwashing〉 skill!
I never dreamed a skill rewritten with 〈Brainwashing〉 could actually be used…
Isn’t my 〈Brainwashing〉 skill just way too powerful…?
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