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“Alright, let’s get started today!” With the class competition against Class A approaching, Vannabelle led an enthusiastic strategy meeting.

“Shall we head back, Hom?”
“Of course, Master.”

At first, we stayed in the classroom, but feeling sidelined and catching the anxious glances from Alfe, Farah, Lili-Lulu, Isaac, Romeo, and Gide made me and Hom decide to return to the dorms.

“There are three days until the mock battle. So today, let’s check each other’s weapons!” Vannabelle’s booming voice echoed not only in the classroom but also into the hallway.

The practical-style mock battle, while labeled “mock,” meant that anyone who received damage from the opposing class would be eliminated, and the victor would be determined when one side was either completely wiped out or surrendered.

“Does Master’s Ars Magna count as a weapon?”
“Yeah, I hear Lili-Lulu are bringing magic staffs that amplify their magical power, so it seems there are no specific restrictions¹.”

The magic staffs, passed down through generations in the dark elf village, were akin to my Ars Magna in terms of historical significance. Moreover, the fact that even high-lethality weapons like Numelin’s battle axe were permitted suggested that there truly weren’t any restrictions.

“Still, I’ll have to be careful, so I don’t plan to use it unless necessary,” I replied.

For the mock battle, the medical team, including Ms. Matilda, would be on standby, ensuring that even if someone lost an arm or leg, they could be restored to normal. However, since they couldn’t revive the dead, anyone who targeted critical areas like the head or heart would be disqualified.

I doubted anyone would resort to seriously injuring their opponent during their first mock battle, but it might be wise to review my defensive magic just in case.

“Oh, if it isn’t Leafa and Hom. Heading back early again?”

While walking down the hall, mulling over how I should act in the upcoming mock battle, I heard Mr. Tanutanu call out to us.

“Yes. For now, it seems that my presence as a mere number is enough.”

I chose my words carefully, aiming to avoid any tension. After all, I wasn’t particularly keen on being heavily involved, so Vannabelle’s treatment wasn’t exactly uncomfortable for me.

“You might have some physical limitations due to your condition, but you’re one of my prized students. I’d be thrilled if you could move with confidence when the time comes.”
“I plan to act to ensure that Alfe and Hom remain unhurt,” I replied.
“Even if it costs me my life, I will protect Master,” Hom added.

Our voices overlapped, responding in unison to Mr. Tanutanu’s encouragement.

“Haha! That’s the spirit! There’s plenty of time in a match, after all. Youngsters tend to rush to attack, but the real game starts once you’ve assessed the whole situation.”

Mr. Tanutanu’s hearty laugh felt accompanied by valuable advice. As a military man, he clearly understood well the art of group combat. Though I only knew bits and pieces of Vannabelle’s strategies, it sounded like Mr. Tanutanu was well aware of her charge-ahead approach.

“Yes, that’s true. Vannabelle does tend to charge in without much thought, so I plan to step back a few paces and observe the entire field. Thank you very much.”

Thanks to Mr. Tanutanu, I’d found clarity in how I should approach the battle.

“Vannabelle is hot-blooded and quick-tempered. She acts confident, but she’s probably been deeply shaken by the discrimination she’s faced, the likes of which she’s never experienced before. I sincerely hope that this victory will bring the class closer together.”

Mr. Tanutanu squinted down at me.

“Unafraid of isolation, always maintaining your composure… you may very well be the key to achieving that unity.”

His dark eyes seemed to peer right through me, as if he could see my true strength. Despite my being an average student based on physical and magic study results, he spoke to me with this weight of expectation, almost as if he saw past the surface.

Not fearing isolation was a remnant of my past life, a life where I trusted no one, was loved by no one, and embraced solitude without a second thought.

“…Thank you. Your words are far more than I deserve,” I replied, feeling a knot of complex emotions. Then, with Hom, I made my way back to my dorm room.

1. Robinxen: Of course… because surely the upstanding nobles wouldn’t try to sabotage or copy anything right?

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