-1458- The ending peace

Rozen dedicated a portion of each day to providing basic tactical training and fundamental formation drills to the E601 Squad. His goal was to enhance their teamwork and overall squad capability, and this process proceeded quite smoothly.

As Rozen had previously mentioned, among the three members, Rico was the smartest and most adaptable. After training, she quickly absorbed all the knowledge Rozen imparted and was even able to apply it creatively. She was undoubtedly a promising talent.

On the other hand, Misora and Lecty were somewhat lacking in these areas. However, they were relatively good at cooperation and had a clear understanding of their respective roles. Lecty, in particular, had a naturally compliant personality due to her timid nature, and as a master of Eisenach-style Twin Magic Swords, her combat intuition was exceptional. Once she grasped the essentials of team combat, her progress was evident.

As a result, it was Misora, the squad leader, who struggled the most. Not only was her intellect lacking, but she was also the weakest in terms of combat ability, leading to her being the slowest to improve during training, which was a significant blow to her morale.

"Mi... Misora, please keep your spirits up. Let's work hard together," Lecty would often console Misora.

"Pathetic. Are you really worthy of being a squad leader?" Rico, on the other hand, would constantly challenge her.

Yet, this combination of comfort and provocation proved surprisingly effective, as Misora would always manage to pull herself together after feeling down.

"I will never give up!" Misora would exclaim, throwing herself into the training with even more determination.

Thus, the E601 Squad's fatal weaknesses were gradually mitigated.

Although the trio still lacked the experience and judgment needed for adaptive combat, their current performance exceeded the typical standards of an E-class squad.

With this newfound teamwork and battle coordination, they no longer dragged each other down as they had during their last ranking match.

Given that the trio already possessed considerable individual strength, the E601 Squad could not help but improve significantly after addressing their most glaring deficiencies.

To put it bluntly...

"You should now be capable of competing with C-class squads. If you execute your tactics and strategies effectively, you might even take down B-class or A-class squads. If you lose your next ranking match, then there's no hope for you."

This was Rozen's assessment of the E601 Squad on the eve of their next ranking match.

With this in mind, the next day, during the final ranking match of the season, the E601 Squad finally performed at a level far above what was expected of an E-class squad.

Upon witnessing the E601 Squad's transformation, those who had been critical of their previous poor performance began to change their opinions.

"Finally, they look like a proper squad."

"Rozen-senpai's guidance wasn't in vain after all."

"It seems that the mockery of them being an F-class squad will be a thing of the past from today."

People started offering positive evaluations of the E601 Squad.

Of course, not everyone was pleased.

"They're really lucky to have caught Rozen-senpai's attention."

"If only we could have received Rozen-senpai's guidance."

"Being cute really does have its advantages."

"Exactly."

Many believed that the E601 Squad had simply gotten lucky by aligning themselves with a powerful mentor, with some even maliciously speculating that they had used underhanded means to gain Rozen's favor.

In short, the opinions were mixed, and the E601 Squad found themselves the subject of much discussion.

However, this was still a significant improvement from their previous situation, where they were only met with scorn and ridicule.

Even Freon, after watching the ranking match, muttered to herself, "I hope you give me a surprise."

Leaving behind these words, Freon left the scene.

"Impressive. For a preparatory class, this level of performance is promising."

Kanata offered this evaluation.

"It looks like Mistgun might soon see the rise of another strong squad."

Chloe smiled with satisfaction.

"..."

Yuri, however, watched the E601 Squad's performance with a complex expression, aware of the surrounding reactions.

In any case, the E601 Squad had finally undergone a complete transformation by this point.

This ranking match saw them achieve an overwhelming victory with no suspense.

Watching the girls celebrate joyously in the arena, Rozen smiled slightly before leaving the area.

Soon after, a piece of news spread throughout all of Mistgun.

"Starting today, Rorelai Arneet, a second-year student in the Sky Wizard Division, will officially become the instructor of the E601 Squad."

With this announcement, Rozen officially became the instructor of the E601 Squad.

How many people would discuss this development with envy and jealousy was a matter for another time.

...

"In conclusion, starting today, I will officially take on the role of this squad's instructor."

In the E601 Squad's team room, Rozen stood on the podium, gazing at the girls below as he made this announcement.

"Though I still have research to conduct in the Alchemist Division, so I won't be able to train with you every day, I will draft your training plans and provide guidance as needed. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask."

In response, the girls below all spoke up in unison.

"No problem, instructor!"

"I... I have no issues either, instructor!"

"You can be trusted, so please fulfill your duties well, instructor."

Misora responded with excitement, Lecty nodded earnestly, and even Rico, though maintaining an arrogant demeanor, respectfully addressed Rozen as "instructor."

Seeing these three unique girls, Rozen smiled warmly.

"Just call me Rozen," he suggested.

"And since this is a special occasion, let me treat you all today. Afterward, you'll need to train hard, as the first season's ranking matches are over, and the second season's matches will be upon us soon. Remember, your current record is still two wins and ten losses—more losses than wins. Your first goal should be to compete with D-class squads."

The three girls immediately agreed to this.

Unfortunately, Rozen might have miscalculated this time.

Because soon, there would be no opportunity for his squad to participate in any more ranking matches.

A notice was sent from Vebel to all the floating academy cities around the world, bringing startling news to each one.

"Following the unanimous decision of the Floating City Alliance, this year, the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival will be held again. Each floating academy city is to select a representative squad to participate in the competition in Vebel at a later date. The winning squad will be granted an audience with His Holiness the Pope, who will personally reveal the truth of the world's creation."

When this news reached the various floating academy cities, it caused a stir worldwide.

No one knew that this would be the beginning of a massive war between humanity and the Armored Beetles.

The era of peace was coming to an end.