Half a year has passed since the Stardust Festival incident.

  Since then, based on the information Argus gives me, I have been crushing the limbs of the masked group together with Inea-sensei. At first, I was quite resistant, but now I've become able to cut people down reluctantly if necessary.

  No, should I say I had no choice but to become so...

  When I killed an enemy for the first time due to unavoidable circumstances, it was really terrible. I vomited violently and it was tough enough that I couldn't sleep for a while. There were many things that made me realize anew that this is not peaceful Japan.

  However, although we have been crushing the limbs smoothly, there has been no notable progress regarding their crucial head. We still haven't been able to grasp the true identity lurking behind the mask.

  Even while we were at a loss, their unidentified plan seemed to be proceeding steadily. Having grown impatient with us interfering so much, they were about to extend their serious demonic hand towards us, with the completion of the plan just around the corner.

  Triggered by that, the situation starts to move greatly. A tumultuous week begins. We didn't know that yet.

  It starts from the annual event for second-year students, the Great Orir Forest Magic Training. The enemy had carefully timed this moment when Inea-sensei and Argus were absent due to the school event—.

  The last class before the training was History of Magic. Tor Guief-sensei is standing in front of the blackboard continuing his explanation. Today's content is about the Mibdic War, which is a key point in modern history.

  "—is. Thus the Mibdic War occurred, but why on earth did this war happen? Does anyone know?"

  Looking around, no one is raising their hand. I don't know if everyone is shy or if it's really difficult.

  Then, to proceed with the class smoothly, shall I answer? I raise my hand quickly. Guief-sensei smiled, crinkling his eyes slightly, and called on me in his usual gentle tone.

  "Go ahead. Yu-kun."

  "Yes."

  I stood up and stated.

  "Externally, they propagated the pacification of the civil war region, but its reality was a war for magic interests. Triggered by the magic embargo policy by Duke Bolkbits, the prime minister at the time of the magic advanced country Koren Republic, the magic industry of the Niekelua Empire suffered great damage."

  I paused for a breath before continuing.

  "For the Empire, which was trying to extend its influence to neighboring countries at that time, the Republic's embargo policy was extremely inconvenient. Therefore, the Empire decided to start the war with the aim of lifting the embargo policy and, if possible, making them abandon tariff autonomy."

  When I answered fluently up to there, Guief-sensei nodded satisfiedly.

  "Correct answer. A perfect score."

  When I sat down, Alice next to me poked my shoulder chon chon and whispered in a low voice.

  "As expected, you're smart."

  "Well, about this much."

  "I'm completely hopeless at history. After all, isn't magic all about using it?"

  "I think so too. But if you want to become a magic teacher in the future, don't you have to study these things properly too? If I recall, this area is a frequent topic in the teacher's license exam."

  "That's riiight. Well, I'll do my best."

  In her who said it nonchalantly, no sense of crisis or impatience can be seen at all. This optimistic part was her characteristic. She also calls out to the silver-haired girl sitting on the opposite side of me, Milia.

  Milia seems to be writing something silently.

  "What are you doing?"

  "This? Fufu. It's a plan for the fun magic training starting the day after tomorrow."

  "Skipping class openly, you've become quite bold too."

  "Do you think so?"

  The one who changed the most in this half year is probably Milia. She became brighter than before, and her habit of speaking stutteringly disappeared.

  In exchange, the slight blackness of her hidden personality became known, and now she has established herself as a black-hearted beautiful girl character.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  Now then. The Great Orir Forest Magic Training is a practical magic exercise conducted over four days. Several fourth-year students are supposed to accompany us as supervisors.

  Well, even though it's practical training, it's not that strict, and camping training, so-called sleepover, becomes the main part. As Milia says, it's a fun event like a school trip.

  Finally, the class ended. Just as I stood up and stretched greatly, Alice called out to me smilingly.

  "Finally over. Departing for Orclock tomorrow."

  "Orclock, huh. I'm looking forward to it."

  The Great Orir Forest spreads deep in Orclock, the nearest town half a day away from Sacris by magic train. We were supposed to move to the site individually. We had decided to go together as a trio, of course.

  "Come to think of it, isn't this the first time for Yu to leave Sacris except for training with Inea-san?"

  "Now that you mention it, that's right. Because I was busy."

  If I close my eyelids, memories of daily training and fighting revive everywhere. There were also life-threatening situations many times. I think we've managed to come this far safely.

  "Me and Milia helped sometimes too, but you've been fighting the masked group constantly lately. You'll get exhausted if you don't rest your wings a little."

  That's true. It's not necessarily good to be tense all the time. I should rest properly around here and cultivate my energy.

  "Yeah. Since it's a good opportunity, I'll enjoy myself to the fullest."

  "Then, my plan will be useful." Milia spoke from the side.

  "What is that plan you've been talking about since earlier?"

  "Fufu. That is a secret until we go."

  To Alice asking, she put her finger on her mouth and floated her usual slightly black smile.

  At night, as usual, there was training with Inea-sensei. Sensei beckons choi choi with her left hand while emitting a Qi sword from her right hand.

  "Come at me."

  "Here I go."

  I emitted a Qi sword from my left hand and jumped at her boldly. When I swung the sword down, her figure disappeared pat before reaching Sensei.

  Fast as expected. If it were the previous me, just losing sight of her suddenly would have made me panic and swing the sword blindly. But now, without rushing, calmly, I turned the sword to the back. Sensei's sword approaching from behind stops abruptly.

  "Hoh. You stopped that one. Your movement has become much better too."

  "After being trained this much, I should become a little stronger at least."

  Now that my movement has become several steps faster, if the opponent were Vester at that time, I'm confident I could slip into his guard before he deployed blast magic.

  I have been training with the goal of being able to win against him one hundred percent without transformation first. Because that defeat was really frustrating.

  After that, although I could defend against attacks or make her defend many times, a blow from me didn't land easily.

  "Still one step short of my level. Well, from now on."

  Sensei said so and concluded the practice. The difference between Sensei and me. This wall seemed thin but was thick.

  Sensei is already in a realm that can be called superhuman. In contrast, although I became quite strong, I still remain in a position where an ordinary person can reach.

  But, I have a big weapon. A unique power possessed only by me.

  "I'll do my best using two bodies well there."

  "Is that so. But surpass me eventually without relying on such a thing."

  "Yes. I will devote myself."

  For me, Sensei was a high wall and a goal I should surpass someday.

  "That’s right."

  And there, Sensei nodded as if remembering. While wondering what it was, Sensei disappears into the back room. After a while, she came back holding something in her hand. Looking closely, it was a waist pouch made of brown leather.

  "A new knife. Take it just in case."

  "This, to me?"

  I accept it and open it immediately. There were several places to insert small blades inside, and a total of ten throwing knives were inserted. When I raised my face and returned my gaze, Sensei nodded.

  "I told you before, but you can wrap Qi around objects to strengthen them. If you do that, it won't dissipate into the atmosphere."

  "So this?"

  "Umu. However, this is an emergency measure when you absolutely can't get close to the opponent. It's not that strong. Keep in mind that the main weapon is strictly the Qi sword created directly from the hand."

  "Understood."

  When I replied brightly, Sensei sighed kohon once and added in an intentionally curt tone.

  "Ah. Also, that pouch is handmade. Use it carefully."

  Finishing saying, Sensei turned her face away looking a little embarrassed.

  I see. She made it especially for me.

  Sensei was surprisingly good at sewing. Actually, these clothes I'm wearing now. It's a convenient item that changes according to transformation, but it seems it was handmade from scratch.

  Although she has a very manly and frank personality, I faintly feel Sensei's femininity from around there.

  "Thank you very much. I'll definitely treasure it."

  When I stared into Sensei's eyes and smiled beamingly, Sensei blushed even more visibly. But that face seemed somewhat relieved and also looked happy. Mostly, she must have been worrying about how I would receive this present.

  Haha. Not honest. Sensei too.

  "Umu. Training starts tomorrow, right. Be careful and enjoy yourself."

  "Yes. I'm off."

  I replied energetically with gratitude.

  The next day. We headed not to Sacris Station where the magic train for Orclock is, but to Alice's aunt's house.

  "Long time no see. Aln."

  Alice is calling out immediately. Aln purred happily at the return of his master after a long time.

  Yes. The aim was her beloved bird, Aln. Aln boasts a large and magnificent physique enough to carry a few people easily.

  Due to her proposal "Since it's a good opportunity, why don't we enjoy a trip in the sky?", we decided to go riding Aln. According to her, he flies at a speed not losing to trains around there.

  "I heard about it in stories, but he's really big."

  Milia had her eyes wide open. Well, seeing this size for the first time is surprising. One might think they'd be eaten if attacked. Although this child doesn't do such things.

  I also call out to Aln.

  "Thanks for that time. If you weren't there, I wouldn't have been saved."

  This bird with high intelligence understanding human language cried proudly. We sit on the crouching Aln. Alice is at the very front. Behind her, me and Milia follow.

  I didn't know because I was unconscious at that time, but the fur was fluffy and soft, and the body was warm. It feels like sitting on a fluffy blanket, and the ride is very comfortable.

  When everyone held onto Aln firmly, Alice represented us and thrust her fist up vigorously.

  "Alriiight. Departure!"

  "Ohh!"

  "Kueee!"

  Riding Aln. We leave Sacris and fly straight to Orclock. With the sound of the clock tower bell announcing the fixed time of the morning on our backs.