NOVEL NEXT Chapter 54.1
Stage 2-23. Big Match
After each headmaster’s lengthy but appreciated speech, the Academy Magic Battle finally commenced.
While the Magic Department and Magic Games Division were ongoing, we made our final preparations.
Surprisingly, some of the students who had already competed came over to cheer us on.
Not only were there barely any complaints about the chosen representatives—was there some sense of guilt?
Even Mashiro was greeted, which proves guilt really does push people to action.
But thanks to that, Mashiro’s motivation rose as well.
And now, the battle that will decide our future begins.
[Which academy will claim the title of the strongest!? The Magic Battle Division between elite representatives from each academy is about to begin!!]
“”“Whoooooa!!”””
[Is this a twist of fate? The first match is already a headliner!! An incredible clash between top contenders!]
The audience roared in response to the announcer’s words.
It’s a shame they’re so excited because they’re about to witness a one-sided massacre.
I almost feel bad for those looking forward to this matchup.
[Last year’s champions are back stronger than ever! Show us the skill that led to last year’s stunning upset! Representing Misosona Magic Academy: Sherba Anthem! Boden Holly! Maruka Mighty!]
Sherba and the others appeared from the opposite side as their names were announced.
Seeing their relaxed expressions as they waved to the cheering audience, I was convinced.
—Our victory was now certain.
[And for Rishberg Magic Academy, Reina Milfonty has chosen her teammates—what!? A team of first-years! What kind of power will they show us!? Representing Rishberg: Reina Milfonty! Ouga Vellet! Mashiro Riche!!]
“Let’s go, you two.”
“Yeah! We’re going to win this for sure!”
“Hehe, you’re both fired up.”
Leading the way, I stepped onto the stage where we would battle.
This was a glorious first public appearance for me and Mashiro.
Surely, those watching this match would feel lucky.
They’d be witnessing the first steps of people who would go down in history.
“Ouga—!!”
There was no mistaking it. Looking toward Karen’s voice, I saw her in a red dress, waving from the front row.
She was leaning forward, causing her chest to press against the railing in quite a noticeable way.
Since she didn’t often get a chance to wear dresses, the cleavage was a bit more than expected, and it was more than enough to capture my attention.
…Thank you, Karen. Now I can give it my all.
I pumped my fist in her direction with that meaning in mind, and she beamed back at me.
And one more thing caught my attention.
Looking to the side, there was an interesting group.
Ladies were waving flags with my name and a caricature of me on them, led by Alice, who was directing them.
“”“Victory! Dominance! The world’s shining Vellet-sama!”””
“Your voices are too quiet! Make sure the whole world hears Vellet-sama’s name!”
“”“Victory!! Dominance!! The world’s shining Vellet-sama!!”””
Aaahhhh!! Alice is at it again!!
I wish she’d stop—it’s so embarrassing! Look, everyone’s staring!!
And this time, she’s not alone. She’s dragging others into it…!
Isn’t that… Satia, the girl who challenged me to a duel? What’s she doing here?
If she hated me, she wouldn’t be cheering so passionately…
Feeling a bit bad for Alice involving her, I gave them a small wave.
“Huh?! Vellet-sama waved back at me…?! Is… is this a dream…?”
“Satia-sama!? Pull yourself together!! The match is about to start!!”
For some reason, Satia fainted, and someone else had to support her.
What’s with her…? She’s interesting; I like her. I’ll ask Alice about her later.
Anyway, I’ll put that aside and focus on the match.
“You look confident, Vellet.”
Sherba smirked with an almost villainous grin.
I’m honestly a little envious he can make that expression so naturally.
“Of course. In a match with zero chance of losing, I can’t help but look like this.”
“Nice, I like it. I’m a fan of fools like you. But the biggest fool here is the person who chose you as their representative.”
Sherba shifted his target from me to Reina.
“Hey, [God-Blessed] Milfonty. If I beat you, tell Professor Florne Milfonty to take me on as a disciple. Better to have a talented student, right?”
“Oh, sure. The professor loves capable students. If you defeat me twice, you’d certainly catch her eye.”
“…Tch. She still doesn’t get sarcasm, does she?”
Reina just responded to Sherba’s sneer with a practiced smile, unfazed.
That was impressive, honestly.
“…The tension’s so high, Ouga. Is this tournament always this intense?”
“No, just this time. Don’t let it bother you, Mashiro.”
“Got it! I’ll give it everything!”
So cute. With her smile, even the hostility around us felt lighter.
[Now, all competitors, please take your positions!]
We lined up in the designated formation, following the announcement.
I took the front. With Mashiro and Reina positioned to stay hidden behind me, we formed a triangle.
In contrast, our opponents lined up in a straight line.
[Who will the goddess of victory smile upon? The first round of the Academy Magic Battle, Magic Battle Division, is about to begin!]
“”“[Thunder]!”””
The moment the match began, the enemy fired off a lightning spell, [Thunder].
It’s a speed-focused spell that, if it hits directly, causes a paralyzing stun.
It’s an effective spell for battles between mages.
A borderline illegal surprise attack—but that just shows their skill.
I see. They’re not all talk.
But even so, they won’t reach us.
“What!?”
“They dodged!?”
I’d been tracking their magical energy, so I caught the activation at its source.
Once you know the timing and direction, dodging it isn’t hard.
It’s like a handgun; if you watch the barrel and pull, you can dodge.
We had planned for this, with me predicting the initial strike and Mashiro and Reina following behind to make their magic fizzle.
Now that they dodged [Thunder], it was our turn to counter.
“Get them, Reina!”
“[Thunder]!”
“So fast!?”