Chapter 5 The Pitfalls of Victory

Several documents were lined up in front of Ginion.

They were records of backroom deals from when he held a teaching position at Tritonis Academy. Checking the contents, Ginion slowly looked up and stared at the person who brought the documents.

Laurier Tritonis.

The Second Princess of the noble Royal Family that Ginion, born as a noble of the Tritonis Kingdom, should serve.

"...Your Highness Laurier. Where did you obtain this?"

"That does not matter. I have this information in my hands. Isn't that fact sufficient?"

At Laurier's words, keeping hidden that she obtained the information from Conrad, Ginion returned silence.

"Ginion. You have done quite as you pleased. If I appeal with this evidence, how do you think our proud motherland will punish you?"

"That, is..."

At Laurier's interrogation, Ginion was at a loss for words. Betrayal against the Royal Academy run by the Royal Family. If acts of this magnitude were brought to light, Ginion could face stripping of peerage or other imprisonment.

"Accept the counter-battle, Ginion Ponelea. If you do not, you will lose the country to return to without even being able to compete."

"...If I accept the Duel, you will not report these, you say?"

Hearing Ginion's struggle, Laurier, convinced of her advantage, lifted the corners of her mouth.

"I would like to make the condition that the counter-battle is a prerequisite and if we lose I withdraw the accusation—but, out of consideration for the you of the past who certainly possessed loyalty, I shall grant you exemption."

If there was no escape route, there was a possibility Ginion would become desperate. Following the standard theory that when besieging an enemy, one should leave one path open to guide them, Laurier made a concession.

"I promise that if you accept the match, I will not make this scandal public at that point. Upon that, I apply for a counter-battle staking the full rights of each other's schools."

What was important for the survival of Tritonis Academy was making him accept the Duel. Laurier used Ginion's weakness strictly to establish the counter-battle.

From Ginion's perspective, if he won, he took everything. If he lost, he would be exiled from the Academy Archipelago, but his place in his motherland would remain. He was presented with options where the worst was avoided, and the best result was possible.

"I will make no further concessions. If you refuse the Duel, I will simply make this public."

"...Understood. I humbly accept the Duel."

There was no move for Ginion other than accepting Laurier's proposal.

Having concluded his negotiations with Laurier, Ginion sat still, his eyes closed in quiet contemplation.

On his desk lay the documents Laurier had brought. These were copies; the originals were likely kept safely within the halls of Tritonis Academy. With Haruhana stationed there, infiltrating the school to destroy the evidence would be an impossible feat.

After organizing the details of their talk in his mind, Ginion slowly opened his eyes.

"She is young, after all."

Extraordinarily talented, yes, but a fourteen-year-old nonetheless. She lacked the depth for true negotiation and the foresight to see through a layered conspiracy.

Ginion stood up and left the room. He had a duty to report the results to his superior.

As he walked down the corridor toward his destination, he ran into someone he hadn’t expected to see so soon.

"Oh, Ginion-san."

"Ah, Karane-san."

It was Watarase Karane, the girl he had found arguing with a Gobot on the street earlier. She gave him a polite little bow.

"Thank you for letting me stay in that vacant dorm room last night. It was a huge help."

"Think nothing of it. Extending a hand to those in need is only natural."

As Ginion offered her a charming, gentlemanly smile, he saw her shoulders relax with relief.

"So, um... have you found Kuro yet?"

"Actually, I was just in negotiations with the representative of the school that kidnapped Kuro-kun."

"What?!"

"They’ve demanded a Counter-Battle in exchange for his return. It seems they intend to use him as a hostage to force us into repeated duels, extorting money from us indefinitely..."

"How... how could they do something so horrible?!"

Karane’s body trembled with righteous fury. Ginion lowered his head, feigning a look of profound sorrow.

"Sadly, there are 'criminal schools' in the Academy Archipelago that have no sense of morality. Though they are few in number, they possess enough combat power that our school struggles to oppose them. Karane-san... I know it is a lot to ask of a traveler, but... would you lend us your strength?"

"You can count on me! When it comes to facing magicians, I’m confident I’ll never lose!"

Karane nodded firmly and hurried off. Ginion watched her go, and only once she was out of sight did he let his pleasant facade vanish.

He didn't mind the effort required to bring Karane to his side. Her ability was far too valuable to ignore. If a bit of acting was all it took to lead her exactly where he wanted her, it was a bargain. He continued down the hall, lost in thought.

Stopping before a specific door, Ginion checked to ensure no one was around before slipping inside.

As soon as he entered, he dropped to one knee to show his utmost respect to the person waiting within.

"I have come to deliver my report."

"I’ve been waiting, Ginion."

A single woman stood in the unlit room.

Though the darkness obscured her face, her straight, unwavering posture hinted at a powerful core—a beauty that commanded the eyes of any who looked upon her. Even the simple grace with which she stood to greet him exuded the refined dignity of true nobility.

This woman was the very person he served—the one for whom he had been willing to abandon his own motherland.

"Just a moment ago, my foolish younger brother, who lost the Counter-Battle, leaked information to Princess Laurier. Conrad has already been expelled and is currently being processed for deportation back to our home country."

"I see. A pity about your brother."

"Not at all... Even he might have had the potential to grow if he had overcome his inferiority complex, but he failed to reach that stage in the end."

"Self-mastery is a difficult path. More so for the young... But more importantly, Ginion."

Conrad’s defeat had already been factored into their plans. Moving past the preamble, the woman cut straight to the heart of the matter.

"How did Laurier react?"

"Just as planned. Princess Laurier requested a Counter-Battle moments ago."

"...She really is a child who can only act exactly as predicted."

There was no hint of panic in the woman’s voice as she learned of Tritonis Academy's declaration of war.

In terms of pure combat power, there was no chance that 107 Branch School, led by Ginion, could defeat Tritonis. Haruhana alone would be enough to trample them.

Despite knowing the overwhelming gap in strength, the woman’s voice was tinged only with disappointment toward Laurier.

"Ginion. You accepted, of course?"

"Naturally. I pride myself on having played the underdog perfectly so as not to betray our true intentions."

People convinced of their own victory tend to think linearly. They stop looking at anything other than the single path they believe leads to triumph.

Just like Laurier was doing now.

"The fact that she can only view a Counter-Battle as a Counter-Battle... that is her limit."

"Yes... Princess Laurier is still quite young, after all..."

"I don't need consolations. To enter a fight lured by immediate rewards and judge that victory is certain simply because one's combat power is superior... it is the height of shallowness."

After her scathing evaluation of Laurier, the woman turned her gaze toward Ginion.

"I am counting on you, Ginion Ponelea."

"I am unworthy of such an honor."

For Ginion, there was no greater joy than being recognized by her. Shivering with emotion, he gave a deep, respectful bow.

"Even so, to prepare for any eventuality... please, I beg of you. Grant me your power."

"...You understand the weight of those words, I assume?"

"To confirm the truth of 'that' matter, someone must be bitten. If that is the case, let that role fall to me. Please... make this body, every drop of my blood, every fragment of my soul, yours."

Ginion remained bowed during the ensuing silence.

After a long pause, the woman approached him. Her lips parted, revealing sharp fangs.

Those fangs—longer and sharper than any human's—were a hallmark of the natural enemy of humanity that had emerged from the Hevean Disc World.

"Offer me your neck."

On the eve of the Counter-Battle, a [Vampire] who had secretly infiltrated the Academy Archipelago quietly bared her fangs.

"Now then, once more!"

The afternoon of the following day—Kuro’s third day in the Academy Archipelago. Inside the Principal’s office, where the four members of Tritonis were gathered, Laurier made her announcement with a beaming smile.

"I’ve finalized the arrangements for the Counter-Battle with Ginion! The battle against 107 Branch School begins this afternoon!"

"You did it, Laurier-chan! You’re so amazing! So cute! The most wonderful princess ever!"

"Impressive work, Laurier! It is exactly as Pina says—you are incredible!"

"Naturally! I am the sister of the great Claudia-sama, after all!"

They had gone through a similar exchange the night before, but the three girls celebrated once again. As Kuro watched the circle of cheering girls from a distance, a visibly delighted Laurier trotted over to him.

"What do you think, Kuro-sama? Don’t you think you could... I don't know, praise me for settling these negotiations so perfectly?"

Laurier puffed out her chest with a smug look. It was that same mysterious demand for praise she’d made after the fight with Conrad.

"Sorry, Laurier. I’m not gonna cave to weird demands that easily every time. Right, Pina?"

Yesterday, he had succumbed to Laurier’s begging, but the situation was different now. Pina was here. Kuro looked toward her, hoping she would step in and stop Laurier.

Pina simply gave a light shrug at his plea for help.

"Laurier-chan is the youngest child, so she’s actually a huge attention-seeker."

"Her need for coddling has only accelerated since Claudia-dono gave her the cold shoulder."

"I—I haven't been given the cold shoulder! My sister was just... a little angry with me for skipping my studies. ...Though it has been over a year since she last patted my head."

It seemed Laurier’s peculiar need for affection stemmed from her family circumstances. As Laurier looked down sadly, Pina reached out and patted her head.

"There, there. I know you’re lonely. Though I think we should be careful about who we let you get attached to."

"If you're picking someone, I’m a bad choice. It’s weird for a guy like me to stand in for her sister, isn't it?"

"Well, Haruhana and I do it too. Besides, Kuro, you're a cuuuute boy. It’s fine, it’s fine."

"More importantly, why are you so concerned about it, Kuro-dono?"

"See? Even Pina and Haruhana say so! Therefore, Kuro-sama, it is your duty to praise me!"

"I really don't think that's how 'duty' works...!"

Despite his protests against the girls' logic, Kuro realized no help was coming. He gave up and reached out toward Laurier’s fluffy blonde hair. Since he had already done it once before, the psychological resistance wasn't as strong this time.

"I mean, settling a negotiation with an adult like that is a big deal. You did great. Really great."

"Ehehe. I am the sister of the great Claudia-sama, after all!"

As her head was patted, Laurier giggled, her twin-tails swaying.

"Now then, back to business. The rule for today's Counter-Battle is the All-Out Decisive Battle format. Both schools will compete to capture each other’s school flag using their entire student bodies."

The "youngest sister princess," now fully satisfied from all the praise, returned to the principal’s desk to resume the briefing.

"No matter how many students you defeat, if your flag is taken, you lose. Conversely, you can win without defeating a single person if you manage to seize the flag. The routes between our schools have been restricted by the Gobots to a single designated path. Please be aware that leaving the designated zone will result in disqualification."

While explaining the simple rules, she pulled out a tablet to display a map of the Academy Archipelago.

"107 Branch School is located about five kilometers from Tritonis Academy. This single road is the route designated by the Gobot Administration Bureau. Since it’s an 'all-out' battle, the entire student body of the opposing school—nearly three hundred people—will be our enemies... though only about two hundred of them should be magicians capable of actually participating in a Counter-Battle."

Counter-Battles were fights between magicians. Even in an all-out battle, those who didn't meet the criteria couldn't participate.

Still, that was two hundred people.

"And on our side?"

"Just the four of us. But it will be an easy win."

Laurier smiled brightly at Kuro’s question. It was a smile of absolute certainty.

"Haruhana will be our attacker. Pina and Kuro-sama, you will help me guard our school flag."

"Understood!"

"Got it~"

The plan was to send their strongest, Haruhana, to attack while the other three focused on defense.

However, the distribution of personnel seemed a bit extreme.

"Is it really okay for Haruhana to attack alone? Are you sure me or Pina shouldn't support her?"

"Haruhana alone is overkill. The flag’s position is fixed on their roof, so the match should be settled in about twenty minutes."

"Twenty minutes... Given the distance, more than half of that is just travel time. You're incredible, Haruhana."

"Is that so? All-out battles are quite simple since they end as soon as you take the flag."

Haruhana didn't seem tense at all. To her, turning two hundred magicians into enemies was something she could handle as easily as breathing, provided she just 'took the flag.'

There was a massive difference in numbers, but a total disparity in the quality of their combat power. The enemy didn't have the defensive strength to stop Haruhana, and the route was a single path. From the moment this Counter-Battle was established, the advantage was so great that complex tactics weren't even necessary.

"Still, hearing that it’s an 'easy win' actually makes me nervous. We aren't gonna have a repeat of what happened with Conrad, right, Laurier?"

"Of course not! I have properly confirmed the rules with the Administration Bureau. There are no loopholes!"

Laurier emphasized her point with a clenched fist.

If the preparations were solid, there was nothing to worry about. Just as the atmosphere was settling into a wait for the start time, a car pulled up in front of the school gates.

Haruhana put a hand to her forehead and leaned out the window.

"Oryo? It is rare for a Gobot to visit the school."

"That is a Public Morals Gobot. I wonder what they want."

Despite her doubts, Laurier stood up. She headed out as the school representative to meet the Gobot.

"Public Morals Gobot? ...Um, I’m gonna go hide."

"What's wrong, Kuro?"

"No... just, you know, being careful. Just in case."

He felt guilty because he had a prior record of shooting down a flying Public Morals Gobot when he first arrived in the Academy Archipelago. Evading Pina’s question, he hid under the desk just as Laurier returned with the Gobot.

"Now then, what is this about? Our school is about to begin a Counter-Battle..."

"We are here following a report from a traveler. Our business today concerns the person of Haruhana Bacchus."

"Me?"

Haruhana pointed to herself, looking confused. Kuro, eavesdropping from under the desk, breathed a sigh of relief that they weren't after him—but it was short-lived.

"Haruhana Bacchus. You are under suspicion for the kidnapping of a traveler."

"Pardon?"

"We will be questioning you regarding the matter. Please entrust your Mana Crystal to us for safekeeping and accompany us to the nearest Public Morals branch."

"Eh? Um..."

Haruhana looked toward Laurier and Pina, feeling uneasy.

It was right before the Counter-Battle. Being taken away from Tritonis Academy for questioning was a major problem.

However, Haruhana was also a law-abiding, good student at heart.

"U-Understood... ."

Yielding to the request of a public institution, she removed the Mana Crystal from her hair clip and handed it over.

Laurier was the one who panicked.

"Wait, just a moment! What is the meaning of this?!"

"A missing person report was filed with the Gobot Administration Bureau by a traveler from the Earth world. It states that a male acquaintance fell into the 'Hole' from the Umihotaru terminal area of the Earth world."

The Gobot explained fluently to the frantic Laurier.

"There is no record of a human corpse being discovered within the Academy Archipelago on that day. Furthermore, the area where Haruhana-sama captured a Roc coincides with the predicted fall zone, and there are records of large-scale combat activities taking place during that same timeframe. Given the circumstances, there is a high probability that Haruhana-sama is involved in the disappearance of said male, and the traveler has reported suspicions of kidnapping. We will hear the details at the branch."

"Th-That’s ridiculous!"

Laurier was momentarily speechless, but she quickly found her voice.

"Even you must know of Haruhana's track record! She has captured many criminals and contributed to the public order of the Academy Archipelago! There is no way she would kidnap a traveler!"

"Haaaah... This is exactly why humans are such a chore."

Upon hearing Laurier’s argument, the Gobot let out a deep sighing sound, despite not actually breathing.

"It is the nature of humans for yesterday's saint to become today’s sinner. It is unthinkable to overlook a crime based on past achievements. Whether one is a great hero or a good person, it is only natural to investigate them equally when suspected of a crime, is it not?"

"That... that is true, but..."

"But what? We Gobots are an intellectual race, unlike humans who cannot do the obvious due to social hierarchies, favoritism, or personal biases. Perhaps you humans should recognize the sheer folly of your own history before spinning pointless counterarguments?"

The Gobot’s logical, yet condescending, tone made a vein pop in Laurier’s temple.

"Also, do you happen to know the whereabouts of the victim? It would be intolerable if the world 'outside' got the wrong impression that the security of the Academy Archipelago, governed by us Gobots, is poor. The protection of travelers is absolute."

Victim → Protecting Kuro → Violation of Counter-Battle regulations → Forfeit of the match → Closure of the school.

The sequence of events flashed vividly through Laurier’s mind.

"I-I wonder? I wouldn't know."

"I see. Incidentally, there is a record of a person with the same name as the missing individual submitting enrollment documents to Tritonis Academy on that very day. Even so, you have no idea?"

"Could it not be someone with the same name? It is a thing that happens rarely, yet often!"

"...Tsk. You should be grateful this isn't a forced search, you crap-human."

The Gobot’s audible tongue-click was merely an electronic sound designed to provoke. Pina firmly held down Laurier’s hand as it reached for the Mana Crystal at her chest.

"Well, no matter. Haruhana-sama, this way. Unfortunately, humans have those bothersome things called 'human rights.' Even while in custody of the Administration Bureau, you have the right to remain silent—"

As the Gobot droned on, Haruhana, looking miserable, was led away and into the car parked in front of the school gate.

In the stunned silence that followed, Kuro tentatively crawled out from under the desk.

"Uh... is this my fault?"

"It’s not your fault, but... Laurier-chan, what are we going to do? Even for a coincidence, this is too much."

"There’s no way this is a coincidence! This is definitely Ginion’s doing!!"

Laurier shouted in rage, her blonde hair swaying.

Somehow, Ginion had gotten wind of Kuro’s situation and moved the Gobots through official channels to force Haruhana into a position where she couldn't participate in the Counter-Battle.

But knowing the culprit didn't change the situation.

"...If I, the supposed kidnapping victim, go and complain to the Administration Bureau, do you think the Gobots would release Haruhana before the battle?"

"Impossible. Gobots do not take a student's personal circumstances into account. You would just be detained for questioning under the guise of 'protection,' and we’d end up forfeiting due to regulation violations."

"Wow. So if that was his goal, this Ginion guy is pretty smart."

He had crippled Tritonis Academy's greatest combat power without even fighting. If Kuro hadn't hidden to avoid the Public Morals Gobot, their defeat might have been decided then and there.

"I-In that case... the three of us will just have to win. Kuro-sama and Pina will guard the flag! I will be the one to charge the enemy school!"

"You’re going alone, Laurier?! Maybe you should rethink splitting our numbers—"

"No! I can do this!"

Their greatest asset was gone. Kuro worried they should rethink their tactics, but Laurier answered instantly.

"I haven't had the chance to mention it to you, Kuro-sama, but I do take pride in being a fairly capable magician even within the Academy Archipelago! I may not be on Haruhana's level, but I can certainly scatter two hundred magicians who haven't even reached [Mysterion]!"

Perhaps to psych herself up, Laurier spoke with more force than necessary.

"...Hey, Pina. Don't you think we should stop her?"

"Eh? Ah, come to think of it, you haven't seen Laurier-chan fight yet, have you? Don't worry about it."

As Kuro and Pina whispered together, Laurier placed a hand on the brooch at her chest with a look of grim determination.

"[Mysterion]."

Thunder roared.

Kuro’s eyes widened at the brilliant flash of lightning.

It was the same torrent of mana he had seen with Haruhana. A declaration of the Name that elevated the use of magic through a Mana Crystal to a whole new stage—proof that a magician had reached the deepest core of their own power.

"[Lord Regalia]!"

The Mana Crystal at Laurier’s chest was pulled out, transforming into a lance.

The manifestation of a Mana Crystal into a unique weapon: [Mysterion]. Even in the Academy Archipelago, home to over a million students, this was a high-level skill that fewer than a thousand magicians could perform.

"Haruhana is so strong that it overshadows her, but Laurier-chan is much stronger than you think, Kuro."

Pina spoke with a smile as Kuro looked on in shock. In fact, the sheer heat of the lightning dwelling in the lance Laurier held was enough to make Kuro fear for his life.

Furthermore, Laurier was not just any magician capable of activating [Mysterion].

"Rank Seventeen in the Academy Archipelago—Laurier Tritonis."

Out of a million students, she was the seventeenth.

Though she fell short of Haruhana, her shockingly high rank was a testament to her magical genius. With a sharp gaze, Laurier opened the window, leaned out, and leaped into the air.

"I’m off!"

Despite the loss of their greatest fighter, Laurier flew out from the school building, convinced that they still held the advantage in power.

A woman sat in a dark room.

A chessboard sat before her. Judging by the number of pieces arranged on it, it wasn't a standard game. With the school flags representing the Kings and other pieces standing in for the participants, she was recreating the ongoing Counter-Battle on the board.

"First, one."

A white Rook, representing a chariot, was plucked from the board by the woman’s fingers.

The strongest piece on the white side. The ultimate combat power, capable of crushing any opposing black piece or even smashing the board itself, had vanished without ever touching another piece.

Yet, the advantage still leaned toward the white side.

"Next... this child, I suppose?"

The woman picked up the white Queen.

With the formidable Rook gone, the Queen bearing the banner of lightning had bravely charged from her territory, scattering Pawns as she aimed to strike down the black King—the enemy flag.

"I wonder how long this child intends to remain a piece on the board."

Casting a cold glance at the empty seat across from her, the woman placed the white Queen in the center of the board.

The white Queen could not be stopped by any Pawn. If left alone, she had the power to defeat the black Knights and end the game single-handedly.

"This is a bit too much good fortune for my taste, but... there is no reason not to use it."

Muttering quietly, the woman pulled a black Queen from outside the board.

A section of the city had been isolated.

This was a measure for the Counter-Battle between Tritonis Academy and 107 Branch School. Since the Gobots were the ones handling the economic activities of the archipelago, preparations for a battle staged in the city were carried out smoothly.

Only when it came to Counter-Battles were the Gobots cooperative with humanity. To the magic-less Gobots, watching magicians fight was a form of entertainment, as well as a way to analyze human magical warfare.

Laurier, clad in purple lightning, sprinted down the path the Gobots had created toward the enemy school.

The constant electrical discharges from the lance she held flickered like a banner.

The essence of the [Lord Regalia] that Laurier had manifested through [Mysterion] was not its function as a lance.

It was a standard—a flag meant to show national prestige. The radiance shining in all directions was the true nature of her unique weapon.

The flag, composed of lightning, emitted a brilliance that demanded the eyes of all around. Students from 107 Branch School were drawn to the shining national flag and attacked, but they were no match for her. Bolts of lightning from the flag struck them down one after another as she passed, leaving them kneeling in her wake.

But suddenly, the lightning Laurier was emitting vanished.

"What?!"

Startled, she came to a sudden halt. In front of her stood a single girl.

"[Bolt]!"

Treating anyone who stood in her way as an enemy, Laurier cast her spell without hesitation.

Massive purple lightning, far more powerful than what she had used against Conrad, spread out from her flag. But the result was no different from before. The electricity that filled the main street vanished into mist just before reaching the girl blocking her path.

"This is..."

Frowning, Laurier swung her lance to test a theory, slicing through a nearby sign. Before it could fall, she struck it with the butt of the lance, sending it flying. The iron pipe that was part of the sign didn't vanish or get deflected; it flew straight toward the girl, who knocked it down with the katana she held.

The pipe hit the ground with a metallic clang and rolled back to Laurier’s feet.

Since a simple physical object had gone through, the force that had dissipated Laurier’s lightning wasn't a [Barrier]. She had somehow erased Laurier’s magic itself.

"Who are you? You don't look like a student of 107 Branch School."

There was no answer to her sharp question. The girl in plain clothes glared at Laurier with a grim expression.

"I heard the story. You're the ones who kidnapped Kuro, aren't you?"

"Pardon?"

Caught off guard by an accusation she only half-understood, Laurier tentatively asked, "Are you... an acquaintance of Kuro-sama? Um, I think there has been some kind of misunderstanding...?"

"Don't try to sweet-talk me, you villain. I heard Tritonis Academy is a terrible criminal school."

"I knew there was a misunderstanding!"

"What misunderstanding? I've heard from people in completely different positions that you're the bad guys here."

Her sources were the Kaldi siblings and Ginion. Faced with Karane, whose information was biased to a miraculous degree, Laurier began to panic.

"Anyway, let me explain—ah! Wait, were you the one who accused Haruhana of kidnapping?!"

"Yeah, that's right. I got information that a girl named Haruhana was the kidnapper, so I had Ginion-san help me report it. I didn't think Kuro would be kidnapped that easily, but if the kidnapper is the Fifth Rank of the archipelago, then it makes sense."

"Kidnapping... Look, I'm willing to talk, so could you please withdraw the report?! We are in a lot of trouble because of these baseless suspicions!"

"Demanding I withdraw the report without releasing the hostage... Is that a threat now? You really think little of me."

After a completely circular conversation, Karane’s gaze grew sharp.

"[Unreal]."

The moment the cold incantation reached Laurier’s ears, her [Lord Regalia] dissolved into mist and returned to its Mana Crystal form. Not only was her [Mysterion] forcibly deactivated, she couldn't even use a basic [Barrier]. Only her [Telepass] was barely functioning.

"What?! This... did you just erase my mana?!"

"That's right. Don't think you can use magic in front of a Mana Crystal user of the Watarase family."

"Family...?"

Laurier’s voice wavered with confusion.

The transparent Mana Crystal in the hilt of the Japanese sword Karane held—that must be what was deploying the [Unreal] magic that erased hers. However, there was something about Karane's statement that didn't make sense.

"Unique magical abilities are fundamentally tied to the individual. One cannot use a Mana Crystal adapted to another, and while there is some genetic influence, the exact same ability shouldn't be passed down...?"

"The world changes, and so do the rules."

Karane flatly dismissed the common sense of Laurier, who hailed from the Hevean Disc World, the heartland of magicians.

"I suggest you just surrender. Magicians who can't use magic are a pretty frail bunch."

"...I’m sorry, but I’m not very good at giving up."

Laurier picked up the iron pipe at her feet.

It was the one she had sliced and thrown earlier. The grip was a bit thick, but it would suffice. She took a stance.

"Our Tritonis Royal Family was founded by heroes who charged through battlefields swinging lances. I possess the martial skills to fight even without magic."

"I see. I admire your courage."

Seeing Laurier’s stance, Karane focused her mind on her sword.

Karane and Laurier.

The sword and lance techniques forged in different worlds finally clashed.

The woman looked down at the board, where the white and black Queens were now facing off.

In chess, the one who moves first can take the opponent, but it doesn't always work that way on a real battlefield. In her estimation, the two would likely be locked in a stalemate.

There were now only two pieces left on the white side that could move. In contrast, the black side had barely changed from its initial setup.

"This is the price of being arrogant about one's strength and neglecting to increase one's options."

The students of Tritonis Academy were individually strong, but their side had far too few pieces. Looking at Laurier’s camp, it was easy to predict that they would only rely on brute force.

That was their downfall.

By slowly cornering them with elements other than violence, while still leaving them the hope that they could win a Counter-Battle, she had easily baited them into a trap of their own making.

They hadn't even noticed that the King had been in check for a long time.

"Truly a foolish child."

The woman muttered softly as she swapped the Bishop next to the white Knight for the black Bishop.

She looked down at the finished board. She had already predicted the moves of the major pieces until the very end. This "All-Out Decisive Battle" had been decided long before it even began.

If there was one uncertain element, it was only one.

The woman placed her finger on the head of the single white Knight remaining on the board and tilted it slightly.

"Under normal circumstances, this isn't a situation a newly-enrolled student from Earth could do anything about... but if that girl from the Watarase family was looking for him, then perhaps he has something as well."

The Knight, a piece with a unique movement pattern. He was the only person on this board whose nature remained unknown to her.

The school flag fluttered on the roof of the quiet, empty Tritonis Academy.

"Even if it’s an 'all-out' battle, it’s nice that we can win just by waiting."

Five minutes had passed since Laurier’s departure, but there was no tension in Pina’s voice as she leaned against the fence. Contrary to her relaxed attitude, Kuro was fidgety and restless.

"I guess... but the possibility of the enemy coming isn't zero, right?"

"True."

Pina gave a strained laugh. Seeing her, Kuro scratched the back of his head, wondering if he was being too wound up.

"...Oh. By the way, Pina. After this Counter-Battle is over—it can wait until then—but you should check if there's someone leaking info about you guys."

"Um, what do you mean?"

He was warning her about the possibility of a traitor. Pina’s puzzled expression was understandable.

"Remember the Kaldi siblings? The ones we fought in the park."

"Oh... the ones from Branch School 666 who blew up the crepes?"

"Yeah, them. You see, when they stole that big bird, they were doing it for a criminal job."

"Really? Well, it is Branch School 666."

The fact that she accepted it so easily suggested that school's reputation was well-known.

"You guys are short on money, so you'd naturally try to catch any criminals you see, right? I think they were planning to have the students from 666 cause trouble around there, get the Roc and travelers involved, and then pile more compensation onto Tritonis Academy."

"...Isn't that a bit of a stretch?"

Pina’s skepticism was natural, but Kuro had a reason.

"The only people who should have seen me with those siblings before I enrolled at Tritonis were you guys. But the person who hired them apparently added a reward for 'kidnapping a traveler.'"

Pina’s expression became serious as she listened.

Given the circumstances, it seemed likely that information about Kuro was leaking from the circle around the three Tritonis girls. They must have social circles Kuro didn't know about. There was a chance that unintentional information leaks were happening through casual conversations or social media posts.

"...Kuro, lean in for a second."

Did she have an idea? Seeing Pina’s grave face, Kuro leaned down.

Pina brought her lips close to his ear.

"You see, Kuro..."

Pina’s sweet breath tickled his ear.

"—[Flare]."

Flames erupted from the Mana Crystal ring on Pina’s finger.

It was a perfect sneak attack at point-blank range, one he hadn't expected at all. Struck by the fire before he could even process his shock, Kuro was blown back.

"Aha♡"

As Kuro tumbled across the roof, Pina’s laughter rang out just as the flames cleared.

"Even with a direct hit from a surprise attack, you're almost unscathed. I thought I could get you before you powered up, but I guess your body reflexively deploys defense?"

"Pina... you..."

Kuro had survived the fire by reflexively reinforcing himself, but he was still stunned.

"You... you betrayed Laurier?!"

"That’s mean. I’m on Laurier-chan's side."

Pina’s ring glowed again. Seeing the sign of an attack, Kuro decided to put aside his questions and charged.

He had seen Pina’s ability during the fight with the Kaldi siblings. Her fire magic was clearly suited for mid-range combat. If he could close the distance, he could suppress her instantly.

That thought was far too naive.

"[Bomb]."

At Pina’s signal, the ground at Kuro’s feet exploded.

Before he could even wonder how, the roof floor gave way, and he fell without any chance to resist. In the classroom where he landed, numerous spheres of fire were floating. One of them had detonated, causing the floor to collapse.

"Traps and detection are my specialties, so don't think you can fight me head-on. —[Bomb]."

The fireballs near him exploded all at once.

The shockwave roared, shaking the school building. As smoke billowed up, Pina looked down into the hole where Kuro had fallen.

"I guess that wasn't enough. My problem really is a lack of firepower."

"Calling yourself an ally after doing that..."

The red patterns that had appeared across Kuro’s body vanished. He had endured the explosion by reinforcing himself at the moment of impact.

"How about you tell me what the hell is going on?"

"It’s a simple reason. I want to liberate Laurier-chan from this school as soon as possible."

"Liberate? How does destroying Tritonis Academy help Laurier?"

"Laurier-chan is a princess of a nation, you know? If the school is just destroyed, she can recover. She can just say she failed a little. Besides, the cause of the financial trouble happened before she even took office. She isn't in a position where one failure would ruin her. ...But."

Pina paused, her voice dropping lower.

"Transferring to St. Guinness... joining the 'Church of the Sacred Heart' is something she can't take back."

The condition for the debt—where Laurier herself, not the school organization, was the collateral. Pina’s firm resolve was clear in her voice as she spoke of preventing that at all costs.

"If she betrays the state religion, Laurier-chan's position as a royal will be completely gone. I can't let her be sold off to a place like St. Guinness."

"That doesn't mean you have to betray her to destroy the school. If we win, we can get the funds and students back, right? We’ll have a way to pay back the debt to St. Guinness and she won't have to transfer. Isn't that right?"

"It’s no use. Students from the two major schools have already infiltrated 107 Branch School. Even if we win and take over their school, we’ll just be inviting spies inside."

Pina immediately pointed out the naive thinking of Kuro—and Laurier.

The methods of the two major schools were thorough. Whether Tritonis won or lost, they had already set up their next move. It was no longer a matter of just winning a Counter-Battle.

Haruhana and Laurier were talents valuable enough to warrant such effort.

"That's why this school has to be destroyed. If Tritonis is gone, there’s no reason for Laurier-chan and Haruhana to stay in the Academy Archipelago. Those two will have roles to play if they go back to their own country."

"Then, hiring those siblings—sending the request to Branch School 666—was that your doing too, Pina?"

"That was Ginion-san. If he could successfully get a traveler involved, our funds would have been completely cut off. I’d heard about it, so I was just hanging out at the park, but Kuro coming here was a total miscalculation."

"I see..."

There had been the unexpected element of Kuro’s transfer, but even this Counter-Battle, sparked by Conrad’s defeat, was likely part of the plan for Ginion, who had gained Pina as an inside informant. In fact, if Kuro had been an ordinary person from Earth, the game would have been over the moment Pina turned against them.

But Kuro couldn't accept Pina’s logic of destroying the school to free Laurier.

"Even if the school is destroyed, the debt remains. Laurier herself is the collateral. This doesn't solve anything."

"I’ll sell myself instead."

Pina calmly announced a solution Kuro hadn't even considered.

"I’m a [Dampiel], so I’m an outcast. But on the flip side, I’m rare as a research subject. Transferring normally wouldn't get much of a transfer fee with my skills, but as a research subject... I’ve successfully secured ten million points from USE!"

USE.

It was the school that had been mentioned briefly when he was talking to the Kaldi siblings at the convenience station.

—I heard rumors they do technical development and even human experimentation that you can't do in the old world.

—Yeah, we get those kinds of requests quite often.

The casual conversation he’d had with those two flashed back in Kuro’s mind.

"Do you... do you know what kind of place USE is?!"

"Aha♡ Of course."

Pina laughed lightly at Kuro’s stifled voice.

"I know ten million points isn't a normal valuation for a student. I’m a research subject, so I probably won't be treated much like a human... but it’s fine. If it’s for Laurier-chan. I’m just going back to how I was before I met Laurier-chan and Haruhana. I’m used to not being treated like a person."

Kuro’s fists trembled.

Since coming to the Academy Archipelago, this was the third time he’d heard of someone treating themselves as a commodity.

There was Haruhana, who said she would sell herself; Laurier, who made herself collateral for a debt; and now Pina.

"That’s... so stupid."

"Hmm? What was that?"

"I said it’s stupid!!"

With a shout, Kuro slammed a red fist into the classroom wall. He leaped down to the schoolyard through the hole he’d smashed and glared up at Pina on the roof.

What welled up in his chest upon hearing of her self-sacrifice was pure, unadulterated rage.

"You think you can just throw away your own happiness like that and Laurier will be happy?! You think she'll be glad she was saved that way?!"

"Then what else am I supposed to do?"

Despite Kuro’s heat, Pina remained cold as she looked down from the roof.

"We fight, we win, we beat Ginion-san, we get through this emergency... and then what? There’s no future for this school. We're being targeted by Imperial Style and St. Guinness, the two major powers of the archipelago. Holding onto a dying school will only make Laurier-chan suffer."

It was precisely because she had the coolness to see reality and the intelligence to judge the future that Pina spoke as she did.

"So I’ll be the one to cut it off. I’ll do what the kind Laurier-chan can’t."

"Is it just about having a future?"

Kuro looked straight into Pina’s red eyes.

"Then I’ll show you. I’ll show you the future of this school!"

There was no immediate answer to his declaration.

"...You're too good for your own good."

A mumble drifted down from above.

"Too good, too good, too good! You really are just a soft-hearted idiot, Kuro!"

Pina gripped the roof fence so hard her knuckles turned white, shouting his nature at him like an insult.

"You talk about dreams so irresponsibly, giving people hope with just words! You reach out to someone who’s weak and show them a light, making them think 'maybe'! But listen! You can't save anyone with just kindness that has no guarantee!!"

"The soft-hearted idiot here is you, Pina."

Kuro calmly shot back at the excessively agitated Pina.

"If someone trying to save Laurier by sacrificing themselves isn't a 'soft-hearted idiot,' then what are they?"

"...Stop it."

"There isn't a single person in this school who could live with a smile after you sacrificed yourself like that."

"I told you to stop it!!"

Pina screamed.

It was a hysterical reaction, completely unlike her. The stress of betraying Laurier had clearly pushed her to her breaking point.

"I’m not stopping. I enrolled in Tritonis Academy to save you guys in the first place."

Pina seemed to lose her words as she remembered the circumstances of Kuro’s enrollment.

"So get ready, Pina. I’m gonna beat you here and save Tritonis Academy too."

"...You're from Earth, so you probably don't know the traits of a [Dampiel]."

Pina pulled a plastic pack from her pocket. She tore it open with her nails, and a red liquid spilled out.

Blood.

"My urge to drink blood is weak, and I can't turn others into my kind... but if I drink blood, my magic gets stronger."

Pina tilted her head back, letting the blood fall into her mouth.

Her white throat moved as she swallowed the dripping blood. Tossing the empty pack aside, Pina leaped from the roof.

"[Mysterion]."

Flames danced.

Fire swirled around Pina, converging and condensing. The manifestation of her Mana Crystal—the source of her power—was a pinnacle of magic that fewer than a thousand magicians in the entire archipelago had reached.

"[Witchcraft]!"

A metallic broom settled into Pina’s hand, and a crimson cloak fluttered behind her.

From the inside of the broom's head, which was made of overlapping cylindrical metal plates, a gout of crimson flame erupted.

"Kuro, you know too little. You don't know how much power is needed to save someone in these two worlds."