/Maria's Perspective/
---Let's go back a few hours---
After settling the commotion at my family's home, and with the start of a new academy term, I returned to the academy and found myself staring up at the sky in the corner of the classroom lost in thought.
I wondered who the black knight Phantom-sama really was. He was so cool. Will I ever get to see him again? I want to express my gratitude and convey my "feelings" to him.
He was like a prince charming straight out of a fairy tale.
"He shouldn't even be in this country," I thought to myself.
I loved the songs sung by the minstrels and enjoyed reading romantic novels with a classic storyline. Even though I knew it was just fiction, I always longed for a prince charming that I had yet to meet.
That's why when that gentleman appeared in real life, he captured my heart.
"Sigh." I couldn't help but let out a sigh. Ever since that day, all I can think about is him.
I was fascinated by his superior combat skills. His beautiful face, even hidden behind his mask, was impossible to look away from. He was skilled in using all kinds of weapons and using five-element magic simultaneously, something even the elite knights of the kingdom couldn't do.
If there was someone like him, there was no way the country would have left him alone. I thought it was divine art.
I wondered how much time he spent training.
Of course, there were many formidable students at the academy. There were geniuses that come around once in a hundred years. Especially among the current student council members, there are several exceptional talents.
Maybe they are stronger than that knight.
No, it's frustrating, but they must be stronger.
However, the black knight was special to me. I thought above all else, his soul was beautiful. I felt destiny. I saw an unwavering will in his eyes, even beneath his mask. I glimpsed a belief that could not be given up to anyone.
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"Maria, would you like to grab a meal together later?" a man I didn't recognize spoke to me.
The morning homeroom seemed to have ended as my classmates were leaving the classroom one after another.
I let out a sigh in my mind.
"How about preparing for the mock battle in the afternoon? Well then, have a good day," I said as I stood up and left the place.
The guy was clearly trying to hit on me, but he had no appeal to me whatsoever.
I had no interest in any of the male students at this academy.
Apparently, there were two transfer students in our class, but honestly, I didn't care.
Anyone who showed up late on their transfer day couldn't be a worthwhile person.
I didn't even need to think about it.
After seeing that guy, all the other guys around here looked like mere chicks.
"It's so noisy, I can't take it," I said as I took out my favorite mace and polished it.
"Anyway, the mock battle. I need to think a little."
The mock battle is an exercise where upperclassmen demonstrate their abilities to the new students.
Since I'm not currently in any party, I'll be participating in the individual battle.
The individual battle is a battle royale of multiple people divided into four blocks.
One person will be chosen as the winner from each block.
On the second day, the remaining four people in each block will each have a one-on-one fight, and the two winners will have the final battle to determine the winner of the individual battle in the spring semester.
Of course, I have no intention of losing, but I'm not without anxiety.
The mock battle takes place in a virtual space, so even if my neck is snapped, I won't die.
However, the fear is immeasurable.
Above all, there's a question of how far I can go with my abilities.
In this mock battle, the student council members won't be participating since they'll be managing the event.
The purpose is to discover the talent for the next generation before the midterm exams.
There's also an aspect of scouting for the next student council candidate.
Currently, there are only 3rd and 4th year students serving as student council members, so there is also a purpose to search for exceptional talents from other grades.
Being a member of the student council at Mahoro Academy, one of the world's leading magic academies, is already a brand in itself.
Especially in the current generation, the student council members are said to be the most talented individuals among the talented.
Despite being from a great noble family and being descended from the oldest witch, I wonder how much I can actually accomplish.
At times like this, I regret being born into a big house.
I am expected by those around me.
I was hailed as a prodigy of divine talent in the principality, but upon entering this academy, I realized I was a small frog in a well.
In the world, there are always those who are above.
To dispel such anxieties, I put my hand into my pocket and clutched the "Sealing Magic Crystal".
"Heheh..."
I felt slightly relieved.
This crystal stone preserves residual magical power of the knight.
With this, I can eventually meet him.
I have a feeling like that.
I have to fight a battle that I won't be ashamed of in front of the knight.
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My entry is in Block C.
The game schedule starts in the evening.
During the free time, everyone is free to do as they please.
I thought about training during my free time.
However, the training ground was overcrowded and I couldn't concentrate, so I came to watch the game instead.
And I had a little bit of confidence.
I haven't neglected my training for the past few months.
I've been growing a little bit since that incident.
Before the game, I thought it would be better for me to calm my mind slowly.
I also wanted to avoid using up my magical power and concentration during training.
This was also a big reason.
Block A and Block B were being played at the same time, and I was watching it.
Even those who are not members of the student council can be strong.
I thought it was a good opportunity to learn.
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I couldn't believe my eyes.
The crystal was faintly flickering.
This is a valuable item that glows when the owner of the stored magical power activates magic.
The closer it is, the stronger the reaction.
In other words, it's here.
"No way...Is he there in that venue?"
I leaned forward in the spectator seat.
I checked on the live broadcast monitor on my smartphone.
There are more than 300 cameras.
I frantically manipulate my smartphone, channeling the cameras that are broadcasting the live coverage.
"Maria, you seem really upset. I have some herbal tea from my village that can help calm you down. Just wait a moment," said Claire, my best friend who was sitting next to me.
"No, it's okay," I tried to protest, but Claire was already preparing the tea.
Once she started, there was no stopping her.
Meanwhile, my mind was elsewhere.
"I can't believe it. He's in there," I thought to myself, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
The blinking of the crystal gradually became weaker and weaker until it stopped completely.
"I...I can't believe it," I stammered, unable to hide my agitation.
"I'm sorry, what's going on?" Claire asked, looking at me with a puzzled expression.
"It's nothing," I replied quickly, trying to brush it off.
But Claire was persistent, and soon I found myself sipping on her calming tea.
"I hope I can see him again," I whispered to myself, as I looked off into the distance.