Chapter 2: Entrance Exam War
"Wow... It's such a big city... but there are even more people..."
It had been about a month since we left Almeria. Heading northeast, we finally arrived at the Academic City of Regan. Unlike Ike’s time, Zeke and the guards didn't accompany us; it was just the three of us. We didn't need guards, after all.
The road leading to the center of the city, which was more than twice as wide as the Naka-dori in Marunouchi, was lined with orderly street trees and magnificent stone paving. Each stone was engraved with a book mark. This book mark was the crest of the Regan Duke family, the lord of this city and one of the Twelve Dukes of the Lister Federation.
People were coming and going on those cobblestones in numbers that made me think, Is this some kind of theme park?
But the atmosphere wasn't fun like a theme park. The people passing by, adults and children alike, all wore somewhat anxious expressions. Some looked like they had resigned themselves to fate, but everyone was worried about tomorrow's exam.
And then there was me, probably more nervous than anyone else.
Having failed university entrance exams twice, if I failed here, it would be three consecutive losses... I didn't want to see the sad faces of my parents like I made my previous parents wear. If I failed and Clarice and Ellie passed, the two of them would be hit on by cool guys at academy and...
No, no, no! I can't be this weak-spirited! Where there's a will, there's a way! Everything has gone well since I came to this world, hasn't it?!
I slapped my cheeks as if to persuade myself.
"Mars, it's okay. If you were to fail, Mars, then naturally Ellie and I wouldn't pass either, so in that case, let's all have a pity party together."
Clarice, sensing my inner turmoil, snuggled up to me. Hearing that, Ellie also spoke up strongly to encourage me.
"...Mars... Number one... Will pass... No doubt!"
"Yeah. Thank you, both of you. Okay, let's find an inn for today."
Pushed forward by their kindness, we merged into the crowd to search for an inn.
"Isn't that the Fire Crest of the Fressbald Duke family?"
Walking toward the center of the city, we saw a curtain with a Fire Crest hanging from the roof of a building that clearly screamed 'luxury hotel.'
Clarice knowing this was a result of her exam studies. The crests of the Twelve Duke families of the Lister Federation are taught first, so even I recognized it.
"You're right. Maybe someone related to them is staying there."
In front of the building, knights equipped with armor engraved with the Fire Crest were visible. Looking closely, a man with the Book Crest engraved on him was also standing guard. A significant VIP must be staying there.
We walked about a kilometer south from the city center and found an inn that somehow appealed to us. We entered without hesitation and asked for the price.
"Six gold coins for two rooms for one night!?"
My voice involuntarily grew loud at the owner's words.
"Sorry 'bout that. This season is peak time for us, too. Until three years ago, it was about half that, but since the year before last, the number of examinees increased. Apparently, someone who passed three years ago became popular, and the already high competition for Lister National academy heated up even more..."
What a troublesome guy... Clarice and Ellie looked at me with eyes asking, What should we do?
"Understood. Then, six gold coins, please."
It was quite expensive, but not an amount I couldn't pay. In Japanese yen, it was six hundred thousand yen, but my coin purse was still quite heavy. Since I didn't bring companions, Zeke had given me a considerable amount of money.
Sharing one room for three people might have been an option, but the exam was tomorrow. This wasn't the time to be having fun.
Wait, don't misunderstand, okay? I'm inexperienced. Nay, I haven't even kissed anyone.
We were shown to our rooms, unloaded our luggage, took baths immediately, and ate at the inn's dining hall.
I actually wanted to go see the academy, but the girls didn't want to go out in this crowd.
It wasn't unreasonable. Wherever we went, men would almost inevitably call out to them. Even though I was standing right next to them. Most would back down when told they were the fiancées of the second son of a Count of the Kingdom of Barcus, but there were some scumbags who still wanted to make them their women. Especially for those from other countries, that title didn't hold weight. Since such types would resort to force, it was a set pattern that I would have to take them on.
I learned the hard way that power is necessary to protect them.
Well, I didn't think people with exams tomorrow would call out to them, but there were also the examinees' servants and guards. It was probably better not to go out.
I invited Clarice and Ellie to my room for a final cram session before crawling into bed.
The Morning of the Fated Exam
"T-There are this many people?"
"This is making me people-sick..."
"..."
We left the inn to head to the exam venue, but there were so many people that we hesitated to enter the wave of humanity. It was no exaggeration to say it was like a packed train during the morning commuter rush. And this continued for several kilometers.
Today, December 26th, going out into the city was prohibited for anyone other than examinees and authorized personnel. Yet, as far as the eye could see, people. Just how popular is the Lister National academy?
Resolving myself, I boarded the packed train and surrendered my body to the flow. Naturally, my hands were up.
I didn't want any weird misunderstandings... but by keeping my hands up, I, who was already taller than everyone else, attracted attention.
"Hey, look at that big guy. This might be his last chance this year."
"There are always guys like that who can't give up."
While there were voices like that, there were also:
"Isn't that blond guy with his hands up kinda cool?"
"Oh god, I made eye contact. He might be my soulmate."
Hearing pleasing words here and there. Unable to overlook that, Clarice puffed out her cheeks a little.
"Hey, stop raising your hands, you're attracting attention."
"Yeah. But it's like a packed train, right? I don't want any weird misunderstandings."
Clarice burst out laughing at my words.
"It certainly is a packed train, just as Mars says. Then Mars, stand behind me and place your hands on my shoulders. That way there won't be any misunderstandings, right? Ellie, go in front of me. So nothing weird happens to you."
Ellie walked in front of Clarice, and I placed my hands on Clarice’s slender, small shoulders, surrendering to the flow.
Several hours later, we finally arrived at the city center where the Fressbald Duke family's curtain hung, which we saw yesterday.
How many hours is it going to take just to take the test...? And how many hours will we be detained for it? If things went poorly, the exam might not end until we crossed into the next day. Other examinees couldn't hide their fatigue; some were even slumped against the street trees.
I told the two girls that this might also be part of the test to keep them alert.
Walking north from the center for tens of minutes, everyone’s pace clearly slowed down. In the distance was a ridiculously huge gate, presumably the academy's main gate. Beyond that stood a magnificent building resembling the Palace of Versailles.
Those seeing it for the first time stopped in their tracks, captivated by the spectacular view. Of course, we were the same.
"Beautiful... Seeing this makes you think you absolutely have to pass, doesn't it!"
Clarice fired herself up again upon seeing the Lister National academy. Ellie also clenched her fist, fully motivated.
As everyone stopped, we started walking. Before we knew it, those about to take the exam were walking on the right side of the road, while those heading back to the city center with slumped shoulders were on the left.
Results were already out?
"Hey!? Did you hear? Apparently, even Level 12s are failing this year!?"
"Until three years ago it was 10, and last year 11, but raising the level this much is too much, isn't it!?"
"This is all Glenn's fault... There are too many guys admiring Glenn... me included."
The examinees were making a commotion about something. Failing at 12? What was that about?
"Examinees to the right! Form three lines! Three lines!"
Walking a bit further, a academy official shouted for us to form three lines on the right. The three of us lined up in the far-right lane, and after walking for a while, another instruction came.
"Examinees! Hold the exam fee, a gold coin, in your right hand! Nothing but gold coins will be accepted!"
The exam fee was one gold coin. Just the fee alone was a hundred thousand Japanese yen; that's quite something.
After clutching the gold coin in my right hand for several minutes, the full view of the Lister National academy's main gate finally appeared.
The silver gate was luxuriously decorated, and the Book Crest was carved into the center of the left and right doors. The gate was built to the width of the road; at this size, carriages could pass each other with ease. The center had a divider separating those entering the academy from those leaving.
Those leaving the academy all had slumped shoulders, and not a few were crying. The people coming out from there were undoubtedly those who had failed the exam. There were academy staff members consoling those who had failed.
After psyching myself up not to end up like that, a few minutes later:
"Once you pass through the main gate, hand over the gold coin you are holding in your right hand immediately!"
Following instructions, I handed the coin to the staff member collecting them. The staff dropped the coins into something like a bucket. Around the staff, buckets emitting a golden glow were lined up in rows. Just how much were they earning with this?
After handing over the gold coin and proceeding, on the right side were five adults staring at us examinees as if appraising us, muttering in low voices. Each of the five adults was supported by an assistant who wrote down the adult's words on a piece of paper and handed it to the examinee passing in front.
I understood immediately what they were doing.
Those five adults were using Appraisal!
The assistants wrote it down and handed it to the examinee. That was the test. No wonder the results came out so fast.
"Receive a paper one by one! From all five members! Understood?!"
To ensure there were no mistakes in the Appraisal results, five people were appraising one person. If it were just one appraiser, they might be able to cheat if they liked a kid.
As soon as we finished handing over the gold coins, it was Ellie’s turn, walking at the front of our trio.
The first man who appraised Ellie showed a surprised expression and followed Ellie with his eyes for a moment. Even the assistant, while writing the paper, widened his eyes asking, "Is this really correct?" The appraiser nodded, and the paper was handed to Ellie.
Ellie moved forward to be appraised by the second person, and Clarice passed in front of the man who had just appraised Ellie.
Clarice was using a Bracelet of Disguise to halve her stats and was hiding her Titles, Holy Magic, and tentatively her Barrier Magic. Unique Abilities aren't displayed on Appraisal Crystals, but just in case.
A paper was handed to Clarice just like Ellie, but what happened next was different. The man who did the appraisal and the man who handed the paper followed Clarice with their eyes without looking away. Even though I was preparing to be appraised.
Clarice captivated the next man she was appraised by as well.
When the man finally returned his gaze from Clarice and appraised me, he made a very sour face.
What? Did I hide too much with the Bracelet of Disguise?
With the bracelet, I concealed everything except Swordsmanship, Fire Magic, and Wind Magic, and halved all my stats. Still, I made sure my stats would be around that of a C-Rank adventurer.
Thinking Maybe it was still too high?, the assistant asked me a question.
"You, what is your name?"
The surrounding examinees were surprised that the assistant spoke for the first time. Being asked your name might be an honor.
"It's Mars. Nice to meet you."
When I answered clearly, the assistant wrote something on the paper and handed it to me.
『Mars. O, O, O, O, O, X, X』
What is this? Is the appraisal a Circle/Cross format? Does two X's mean skills? Maybe I hid too much.
In the end, all five assistants asked for my name, and the papers handed to me had no consistency regarding the first five items.
『Mars. O, O, O, O, O, X, X』
『Mars. -, -. -, -, -, X, X』
『Mars. ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, X, X』
『Mars. O, O, O, O, O, X, X』
『Mars. O, O, O, O, O, X, X』
I tried to chase after Clarice and Ellie, who had finished their appraisals quickly, but because the male appraisers had all had their hearts stolen by Clarice, and more importantly, because I was asked for my name by everyone, I lost a considerable amount of time.
During that time, people who had been appraised in other lines cut in between me and Clarice, creating a large gap.
I wanted to show each other our results, but then two staff members took the hands of two girls walking ahead of me and pulled them out of the line.
Those two girls... were Clarice and Ellie.
The staff seemed to be saying something to them. Clarice bowed saying, "Thank you very much," while Ellie showed absolutely no interest in what the staff was saying, simply staring intently at me.
So if you pass, you get pulled out of the line like that. Everyone was looking at Clarice and Ellie with envy.
Alright, me too! I thought as I walked, but nobody called out to me.
Naturally, I wasn't the only one thinking that. Everyone walking here was looking down at the papers they were handed, or looking around restlessly like me. Some even tried to appeal to the surrounding staff, acting like, "I'm right here!"
One of those appealing dropped the paper he was handed, and it flew to my feet.
Trying to pick it up and return it, I accidentally saw the characters written on the paper.
『Jakrif. 4, 3, 0, 1, 4, F, F』
Eh? What is this? Is the evaluation method different from mine?
I returned the paper to Jakrif and peeked at another examinee's paper, revealing a shocking result.
『Lakomil. 2, 2, 3, 3, 1, E, F』
I understood everything.
These were the tens digit values for Strength, Agility, Magic, Dexterity, and Endurance. Presumably, the alphabet below that was Special Abilities, and the bottom alphabet was the Overall Evaluation.
In other words, my 'O' wasn't a circle for 'pass'... it was a zero. Does 'X' mean out of range or something...? But why? I appraised my own status, but three-digit numbers were lined up there.
Could it be that three digits are considered cheating or something, so I'm being failed...? No, Ellie wasn't failed, and Ike's Strength value was already in the triple digits before he left Almeria three years ago.
Is the Bracelet of Disguise broken and outputting weird numbers? I appraised the bracelet, but there was nothing unusual about it.
As I walked thinking about such things, a decisive event occurred.
An examinee walking behind me was pulled out by staff and left the line.
Which meant I had already failed?
It seemed I wasn't the only one who thought so; those walking near me all went pale. Some even broke down crying.
I failed—
Even though I tried so hard... flashbacks of failing my exams in my previous life hit me simultaneously.
Am I going to go through those feelings again...? I’ll end up causing pain to Zeke and Maria too.
Not just my parents. Clarice and Ellie too... maybe they’ll lose affection for me.
Thinking that, I was too scared to look back at the two of them, and a sense of emptiness assaulted me. I simply surrendered myself to the flow of people, making a U-turn toward the exit of the main gate as if being pushed out.
There were staff on the opposite side of the main gate where we entered, speaking gently to the examinees with slumped shoulders. Some examinees, dissatisfied with the results, turned violent and were restrained by staff.
The voice of one such staff member echoed around.
"You bastard! Behave yourself! Use that frustration as a spring and work hard! Until you can satisfy yourself! Even then, sometimes you won't be rewarded! But that's normal! If it wasn't, everyone in this world would be an A-Rank adventurer! Effort doesn't always bear fruit! But you have no choice but to keep doing it!"
It felt like he was speaking to me. That's right... if I fail, I just have to try hard again.
His language was quite rough, but he said something good. I felt like I became a little more positive.
Let's do my best again with those words in my heart! All I can do is make an effort!
Just as I decided that, I suddenly heard a woman's voice calling me.
"Mars!? You're Mars, right!?"
Looking toward the voice, there stood Sasha, looking exactly the same as three years ago.
Why is B-Rank adventurer Sasha at the Lister National academy?
That question arose, but I had just failed the exam. I had become a little more positive, but right now I wanted to be alone.
I gave a light bow and tried to leave, but suddenly my right arm was grabbed by someone.
"Mars!? Why the hell did a guy I acknowledged fail the exam!?"
Immediately turning toward the guy who grabbed my right arm, I found Cyrus—the man with a visage like a lethal weapon whom I had fought in the town of Ganal—glaring at me from point-blank range.
Why is Cyrus here...?
My brain screamed at the appearance of the person least suited for this place.
"L-Long time no see. Cyrus-san."
I was desperate to feign calmness at the sudden turn of events.
"You bastard! Did you slack off for three years!?"
Slack off!? Me!? No way!
It's true that the days spent with Clarice and Ellie were fun, but there wasn't a single day I slacked off!
"I haven't slacked off! In my own way, I continued to make an effort!"
"Like hell you did! A guy who could compete with me at eight years old wouldn't fail the exam! Come here! I'll beat your guts back into shape!"
Cyrus got irritated and raised his voice. The examinees were frightened by his appearance, and some even started crying.
"Wait, Cyrus!? Stop it right here! Anyway, Mars, come here."
Pushing through the failed examinees, Sasha ran up to me. While the surrounding examinees buzzed, she took my hand, led me out of the line, and took me to a place where the examinees couldn't see us.
"Mars? You were handed a paper, right? Show it to me."
Doing as told, I handed the paper full of zeros to Sasha.
"What is this!? Does this mean all your stats are under 10!?"
Cyrus, who had followed us, also couldn't believe the result, widening his narrow, sharp eyes.
"Mars? Could it be that you did something very bad in these past three years?"
I was being suspected of something absurd by Sasha.
"I don't think I've done anything like that, but..."
Cyrus interrupted my denial.
"You bastard! So you did fall to the dark side back then, didn't you!? The only explanation is that Duke Regan sniffed that out and failed you!"
Even if told that, proving my innocence was difficult. Besides, I didn't know the extent of the "bad things" they were talking about. Obviously, I haven't committed murder, but I have punished scumbags who messed with Clarice and Ellie many times. Among those, there might have been instances considered excessive.
While I was feeling anxious about their suspicion, Clarice and Ellie came running toward us, chased by staff members.
" "Mars!" "
Clarice stood on my right and Ellie on my left. Sasha’s eyes went wide.
"Y-You're Clarice, right...? I was surprised by Mars's growth, but you're already about the same size as me... that's just too much..."
Sasha started to say something but hurriedly shut her mouth.
"Long time no see, Sasha-san. Why are you here? And even Cyrus... san? Why?"
Clarice asked what I wanted to ask. Sasha answered with shocking words.
"Yes. Starting this year, I became a staff member of the Lister National academy. Cyrus was already a staff member here when he met you. For reasons, he was wandering various places, though."
This Face Weapon is a teacher!? I involuntarily exchanged looks with Clarice.
Then, the staff member who chased Clarice and Ellie asked Sasha.
"Sasha-sensei, are you an acquaintance of these two?"
"Yes. I know Clarice, but I met the other girl for the first time today."
"Is that so. In that case, Ellie-sama is confirmed for S-Class. Clarice will likely be either S-Class or A-Class."
Sasha tilted her head at the staff's report.
"Wait a minute? Ellie-sama...? Is this child a young lady from somewhere? I think she's past the age to take the exam?"
Eh? Does Lister National academy have an age limit for exams? That means if I fail this year, I can't leisurely say I'll try next year or the year after.
"Yes. Actually, regarding Ellie-sama: her appearance is Human, but the Appraisal result shows Beastman, and she is likely the next head of the Seleance Duke family. The person who appraised her happened to know about Ellie-sama, so there should be no mistake."
" "Eh!?" "
At those words, not just Sasha, but even Cyrus raised his voice in surprise.
"Ellie. These two are the ones who saved me and Clarice before we met you. Remember how Clarice and I were exchanging letters with a girl named Misha? Sasha-san is Misha's mother. Ellie, introduce yourself."
I briefly explained about Sasha and Cyrus to Ellie, then urged her to introduce herself.
"...Ellie Leo... Eleven years old... Mars... Fiancée..."
She likely mentioned her age to say she was old enough to take the exam.
"F-Fiancée... does that mean Clarice is also, naturally...?"
When Sasha threw that natural question, Clarice smiled and answered.
"Yes. Just like Ellie, I was able to get engaged to Mars."
Sasha muttered something while putting a hand to her forehead at Clarice's words. I couldn't hear it well, but I felt like I heard the phrase "Misha is in trouble."
"Umm... it's hard to ask, but what is the status of my exam result?"
Even if I failed, I didn't want to fail ambiguously. If they told me clearly, I might feel a little better.
But following my words, Ellie and Clarice continued.
"...Mars... fail... I... won't go..."
"Since I have no reason to go either, I will decline."
Sasha and the staff panicked at their words. Apparently, the academy would be in quite a bind if Ellie didn't enroll.
However, even if I could enroll because of that, I wouldn't be happy. I wanted to enroll on my own merit.
"Clarice, Ellie. I'm very happy about your feelings, but no matter the result, please enroll. If I got in because you two threw a fit, I wouldn't be happy, and I couldn't forgive myself."
The staff sighed in relief at my words, but Clarice and Ellie didn't look convinced.
To us, Sasha made a proposal.
"Mars. Unfortunately, the moment you made a U-turn, the Appraisal exam was a fail. But, if we can sense something shining within those who U-turned, the staff present here can recommend them to take the exam one more time. That exam involves practical skills, but most years there are zero passing candidates. And even if you enroll, you’d be at the very bottom of the lowest class, albeit a provisional one. Is that acceptable?"
The first one to react to Sasha's words wasn't me, but Cyrus.
"Oh! There was that method! If you haven't slacked off, or haven't gotten weaker, you'll definitely pass! Do it! Right!? Right!?"
It seemed Cyrus wanted me to enroll, as his gloomy expression brightened. Come to think of it, Cyrus was the first one to recommend the Lister National academy to me. For me, if it’s practical skills, there’s no problem.
"Yes! Please let me do it!"
"Understood. As Cyrus says, if you've maintained your old strength, there should be no problem. Come to the main gate tomorrow at twelve o'clock. Clarice and Ellie, follow me into the academy."
The two looked at each other, wondering what to do at Sasha's words.
"If you can't trust Mars, you can return to the inn with him, you know?"
Clarice and Ellie immediately denied the testing tone of her voice.
"I believe in Mars! The one I can't believe is the exam result!"
"...Mars stronger... than me... believe..."
I was saved by Sasha's words, too. I wanted to avoid them declining a hard-earned acceptance because of me.
"Alright! Then it's decided! Here tomorrow at twelve! Definitely come!"
Leaving those words, Cyrus hurried toward the main gate.
"Right. Clarice, Ellie, you two come with me. You'll be separated from Mars for a while, so if you have anything to say, tell him now."
Receiving Sasha's words, Clarice and Ellie each grabbed my hand and said one thing.
"Because it's Mars, you'll definitely pass!"
"...Mars number one..."
"Thanks. I'll definitely pass, so you two go on ahead!"
Parting from everyone, I passed through the Lister National academy's main gate alongside the failed examinees and returned to the inn. Deciding in my heart to face the exam as my last chance, I rested my body.
The Next Day
Arriving at the main gate before twelve, I saw figures of people my age who were likely taking the staff recommendation exam just like me.
There were about a hundred of them.
Are we fighting over a seat that might not even exist?
Psyching myself up again, six staff members appeared at the main gate. Among them were Sasha and Cyrus.
One of the six staff members spoke up.
"We will now begin the explanation of the practical exam! You examinees will now engage in a mock battle with a staff member!"
A mock battle with staff? I thought we would be doing it between examinees, so it was a bit unexpected. I wasn't the only one who thought so; the other examinees buzzed with noise.
Perhaps anticipating our reaction, the examiner ignored it and continued the explanation.
"Choose a weapon from what is here! If you use a special weapon not present here, declare it beforehand! Now, take a weapon and line up in front of any staff member other than me!"
When the examiner finished speaking, the examinees all grabbed weapons and ran to their desired staff member.
I also chose a wooden sword prepared by the academy and tried to line up in front of Sasha, but a long line had already formed in front of her. Perhaps they thought that since Sasha was the only woman among the staff, she would be easy to handle.
Incidentally, the reason I tried to choose Sasha was that she looked the most like a mage in this group. Most likely, Sasha is the strongest person here. If I could defeat Sasha, my probability of passing would rise.
While I hesitated about whether to join that line, a nomination came from the only man among the five staff members who had no one lined up for him.
"Hey! Mars! Fight me! I'll judge whether you really haven't been slacking off!"
Geh!? I got entangled with the most troublesome guy.
But refusing here felt wrong too.
Resigning myself, I stood in front of Cyrus, and voices of pity came from other examinees.
"That guy's finished."
"Poor thing."
"One dropout confirmed."
"Please go easy on me."
"What nonsense are you spouting! I've been waiting for this moment! I'll put more power into it than last time, so brace yourself!"
Shouldering his wooden sword, Cyrus grinned. He really seemed to have been looking forward to this.
When the staff and students readied their respective weapons:
"Begin!"
The signal to start came from the examiner.
Along with that voice, footsteps approached—Cyrus.
I knew that intercepting with magic would increase my winning rate. But doing that to Cyrus, who had waited this much for me, felt wrong. Besides, I had kept swinging my sword for this day. I also wanted to test my power as a vanguard.
So, without even using Wind Clad: Sylphid, I intercepted Cyrus's wooden sword with just my wooden sword.
"Kuh!?"
His sword was as heavy and powerful as ever. My hand holding the wooden sword went numb in a single blow, and the impact traveled from my body to the ground.
"Seems it wasn't a lie that you didn't slack off! I'll praise you for not getting blown away by that! Here comes more!"
I somehow endured Cyrus's attacks, the momentum of his sword increasing with every strike.
Strength, Agility, Swordsmanship Level—Cyrus was higher than me in all of them.
I knew that without using Wind Clad: Sylphid, it would be a one-sided defense. However, I could still endure.
While I can endure, it's swordsmanship training. Using magic is for when I'm about to lose.
How long did we exchange sword blows?
At some point, the other staff and students had stopped their mock battles and were directing their gazes at us.
The sound of wooden sword clashing against wooden sword grew more intense, and gradually the smile disappeared from Cyrus's expression.
"Seriously, beyond my expectations! But I'm taking the win here!"
Cyrus unleashed a blow that seemed to be serious. That single blow had more than enough power to deflect my sword.
My sword was knocked wide, and as my stance broke, Cyrus raised his sword overhead.
Bad! At this rate, I'll lose! Losing is the one thing not allowed!
(Wind Cu—)
It happened just as I was about to chant magic chantlessly.
"That's enough!"
Sasha's voice echoed around, and Cyrus's movement stopped just as he was about to swing the wooden sword down.
"Hey! Sasha! Why'd you stop it!"
To the protesting Cyrus, Sasha answered:
"You don't want to be embarrassed in a place like this, do you?"
"Hah!? What are you saying... wait, could it be... no way!?"
"Who knows. But this match is a draw. You're both fine with that, right? Lorenz-sensei also says there is no need for a particular outcome of these two, correct?"
Lorenz seemed to be the examiner who had been managing this place since earlier. When Lorenz nodded, Cyrus reluctantly backed down.
If I hadn't lost, then there was still a chance.
"Understood. Then should I challenge another staff member?"
Then, a word from Lorenz.
"Mars, was it? You don't need to fight anymore."
Eh? Was winning absolutely necessary after all!?
Perhaps sensing my expression, Lorenz continued.
"Your opponent is B-Rank adventurer Cyrus-sensei. Among those here, he is the second strongest after Sasha-sensei, who is also a B-Rank adventurer. Do you think I would fail you, who could exchange blows on equal footing with such a Cyrus-sensei?"
"...Does that mean?"
"Congratulations. You pass. Normally, I would have you take a secondary exam starting tomorrow, but there is no need for you to take that either."
At those unexpected words, I involuntarily pumped my fist.
"Thank you very much! I will work as hard as I can, so I look forward to your guidance!"
Lorenz nodded in satisfaction.
Watching over us with a smile, Sasha bowed to Lorenz.
"Lorenz-sensei. I will excuse myself with this. I apologize. For acting out of turn when I'm not even an examiner."
When Sasha bowed to Lorenz, Cyrus followed suit.
"Then I'll scram too. Mars! Next time we settle this properly!"
Could it be that the two of them came to watch the exam specifically because they were worried about me?
"No, no, if Sasha-sensei and Cyrus-sensei hadn't recommended Mars, we might have regretted it in the near future. Thank you very much. Can I leave Mars to you, Sasha-sensei?"
As Lorenz tried to entrust me to Sasha while watching Cyrus leave toward the academy building:
"Understood. Mars, come with me."
Sasha beckoned to me. Running to Sasha's side while receiving looks of envy from the examinees, I thanked her for this incident.
"Sasha-san. Thank you so much. If not for you, I might have been at a loss right about now."
"It's fine. I owe Mars a huge debt, after all."
She was surely talking about Misha.
"Then with this, we'll call it even..."
"What are you saying? As if this could be equal to Misha's life!?"
Sasha puffed out her cheeks.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that..."
That was certainly a slip of the tongue just now.
As I hurriedly tried to smooth things over, Sasha showed a soft smile and pointed toward the academy building.
"Look, those two came because they were worried about Mars. Report to them properly."
From the direction Sasha pointed, Clarice and Ellie were running toward us.
"Mars! Umm... that..."
Clarice trailed off, perhaps scared to hear the exam results. Ellie was also gauging my expression.
"Sorry to make you two worry, this time I passed. They said I don't even need to take the secondary exam."
" "—!?" "
Receiving the report of my passing, Clarice jumped into my chest, her shoulders trembling. Ellie followed Clarice, showing a beaming smile.
"Congratulations on passing. We have to celebrate with the three of us."
"...Believed... Congratuladions..."
The two blessed me.
"Thank you. I'll be counting on you from now on."
I mustn't be satisfied with just passing; I have to keep working hard.
Putting my hands on their shoulders, I vowed in my heart to make an effort once again.
Unaware of the existence staring at us besides Sasha—
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