137 - Rivalry

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Ending the lesson, the teacher proceeded to step out of the classroom. It was rather impressive for him resist the heat and teach as if he was in peak condition. Was summer perhaps approaching? With things like mana flowing around, there was a random chance a magic circle forms by itself in the air and cause fire. Of course, there exists counter-measures placed in the streets to prevent such thing from happening.

The school bell rings, carried by magical catalyst that act as speakers to carry forward messages, signalling the start of our break. They were frequently used in an old war that occurred a few years before I was supposedly born into this world. Communication was a privilege in war in the past as these magical catalysts used to be extremely expensive to purchase and maintain. Only with the rule of the new queen, production became much easier with a mysterious method introduced by the Queen, inflating the supply brought down the price of the various magic catalysts, and now they were used in such a manner. As an every-day use item.

Records of the war were erased by the queen, the only remaining information was that it occurred and finished in the same day due to an overwhelming power. One that could bend the great families' personal armies with raw strength and power.

It was in such a time where the personalities will show themselves and groups will start to form among the students.

Only one such student had approached me and asked to be my friend

"Is there anyone sitting here?" (Hisa Tsukimi)

A person from an Eastern kingdom. Since Ilnoa was right in the middle of the continent, the left side being demon territory, we were considered the Western side for the human kingdoms. To make things convenient, names were entered in the western format, with given name before family name. In this case, this individual's given name is Hisa.

"No, unfortunately there's no one accompanying me. You'll be my first friend, I guess!"

"Huhu, you're quite cute~" (Hisa)

"You aren't bad yourself?"

Certainly Cress had praised my looks before, however trusting that opinion isn't reliable. In any case, this individual was adorned with nice straight black hair and black irises with long eyelashes. She had the 'examplary student' look going, however she was actually quite relaxed. Evident from how she was the only one that didn't approach me with fear. Even a tinge of it could be observed in Sakase's eyes when he looks at me.

Hmm? Why is he looking at me? Wait.. Is he going to approach me...?!

Taking a deep breath, his expression was as serious as ever, his cheeks stiffen and his eye bore a resolute glow. What was he going to do? Stepping off his seat, he took big strides as he walked towards my seating area. Arriving, he stared straight into my eyes once again, hesitation forming in his expression.

"Can we talk where no one is around?" (Sakase)

Returning the favour, my eyelids relaxed as I looked back into his gaze. The dark red of his irises glisten like Hisa's jet black hair in the classroom light.

"Sure."

Arriving right outside the classroom, I erected a barrier of [demonic energy] to block out the sound.

"So what business do you have with me?"

"A declaration." (Sakase)

"Eh?!"

" You... You are my rival. I swear in one weeks time, I'll beat you in the start-of-year festival tournament." (Sakase)

"kyahhh~ you already have Valern, and now you're going after me too~?"

"Eh?" (Sakase)

"Eh?... Ah I see. "

"..." (Sakase)

"Well... Don't be quiet. I accept your challenge. It's a three way with Valern isn't it. Do you not recognise any other talents?"

"... Hmm, so you've seen me demand from Valern already. I do recognise some others who have potential, however potential takes time to cultivate. By the time they've cultivated that talent, I would also have moved forward. I have to keep moving forward if I want to achieve my goals. "(Sakase)

" Hmpf, well said. Is it because you're a noble? Or are you just mature for your age? "

"... I don't want to hear that from you. Miss-I-fought-sensei-to-the-death. Are you a wielder of reincarnation magic? "(Sakase)

Out of reflex, my eyelids had stiffen from the sudden atmosphere and widened, showing more of the whites in the sclera. I've heard of such a concept in books from fairytale, such things are popular at the public library. But if such a magic exist in reality... Wouldn't they be invincible?

"Unfortunately I wouldn't know. My memories start from the age of 6 for some reason. There's a possibility, but I wouldn't rely on fairy tales as a basis for reality. Are you perhaps one?"

"From your expression I thought you would be one, I see you've only heard of them from fairy tales. My answer is definite. I'm not one. I've checked with a professional, this magic definitely exists. Though no matter how you look at it, your anomalous aptitude is quite suspicious. No matter. Just know that the battle won't be easy. " (Sakase)

Returning to the classroom, I collapsed perfectly onto my seat. Catching my breath as sweat dripped down my neck. I had accidentally enforced the barrier too tight. In order to block out the sound, I completely air-locked it. By the time I realised, it was already over and we were both sweating.

"Damn, what did you guys do to get so sweaty?" (Hisa)

A cheeky smirk surfaced itself on her cute face as she stared at my neck in it's sweat layered state.

"He said he wanted me to be his rival, and that we would have a three way with Valern."

Catching my breath, I didn't stop to think about my choice of words.

"That kind of rivalry?! A thr-?!!!!!" (Hisa)

Along with Hisa-chan, the students seating in the vicinity overheard and were staring right at me in shock. Even Sakase was visibly agitated, adding to the misunderstandings.

"You promised not to say anything!" (Sakase)

"HUH? What's so embarrassing about challenging me to a fight in the tournament? There's nothing embarrassing about a rivalry to the death! Or do you have no honor and would want to back out now?"

"..." (Sakase)

" Oh, it's just a fight between meat-headed individuals. "(Hisa)

"Mea-!? That's just rude to say to a lady! Mouu~! "

The break ended on a somewhat high note, as the bell rang once more to signal the end. A few minutes later, the next teacher took a few steps in. It was physical combat class, hence why the students at very light meals during today's break time and spent the rest of the time chatting.

It had barely been around 20 minutes, our first match had already arrived so quickly that nobody expected it.

"This is just a test sparring. This wouldn't count." (Sakase)

"Wouldn't the one the reveals more lose?"

"Then have the resolution to lose while hiding your fangs. It'll still be a form of training. " (Sakase)

"I see. I'll start whenever you're ready. No skills. "

"Hmph." (Sakase)