Elaris, the student council president, Rank 5 of the first year, the hidden elven princess, Serenya's greatest hater, and the Three Idiots' greatest hater.
'At least that's how she was supposed to be, instead of smiling like that around us. That smile is the fakest one I've ever seen in my life.'
Elaris sat beside Enrico, maintaining an elegant smile as she watched the arena. Beside her, Serenya remained silent, following every movement of the student council president without taking her eyes off her for even a single moment.
Enrico had accepted her participation after receiving Serenya's permission, although it was obvious that she still didn't trust Elaris in the slightest.
Turning his attention back to the arena, Enrico saw the three of them finishing their warm-up for a quick fight. Meanwhile, the four knights were training in another arena nearby, but at the moment Enrico was only interested in the arena in front of him.
Elian, Caelan, and Tolen possessed no unique abilities that could awaken like the other characters, nor did they have a system like Enrico's that might grant them one. Even so, all of them would be extremely useful in the future. Tolen, especially, would play an important role in helping the protagonist during the battle against one of the Evil Gods.
'I'm glad they agreed to train.'
Tolen — Rank 126
Elian — Rank 123
Caelan — Rank 124
All of them were very close to reaching Class C. The only one who stood out was the original Enrico, who had cheated his way to Rank 125.
'If I judged only by my current strength... I'd probably be somewhere between Ranks 139 and 142.'
A few moments later, the three of them finished warming up. Since it would be a free-for-all battle, Enrico simply raised his hand and, after a few seconds, gave the signal.
"Begin."
"Let's finish this quickly."
As soon as he finished speaking, Elian propelled his body with wind magic and charged forward like a gust, disappearing from in front of the other two.
Tolen's eyes widened when he noticed that speed, and almost by reflex, he activated his magic.
"Crimson Eyes."
Mana rapidly flowed into his eyes, causing his pupils to glow a deep crimson.
'Fire Eyes... a spell that consumes three mana points per second. Since it's still a Zero Circle technique, its consumption is low, but it increases with each Circle along with its perception ability. I really want to learn that spell.'
As he analyzed the spell, Enrico was already thinking about asking Tolen to teach it to him later.
"Explosion!"
Tolen extended his hand, and a small fire explosion erupted from the ground directly in Elian's path.
The shockwave forced the boy to change direction immediately. Using the wind to propel himself, Elian spun through the air and barely escaped the explosion. However, the movement was too exaggerated, causing him to almost lose his balance the moment he landed.
"Tsk... that was close."
Caelan didn't waste that small opening. Bringing both hands together in front of his body, he concentrated his mana for a brief moment.
"Cutting Water!"
A thin stream of silver-blue water shot across the arena at incredible speed.
Tolen reacted immediately, creating another explosion beneath his feet to propel himself sideways.
Even so, he wasn't fast enough.
The edge of the attack grazed his leg, tearing the fabric of his pants and opening a shallow cut. The compressed water was so sharp that the edge of the wound released a faint trail of steam due to the friction and the mana concentrated within the attack.
'Damn... I'm already close to half my mana.'
Elaris watched the battle attentively, analyzing every movement of the three.
"They're very good for the Ranks they have."
"Of course they are. Two of them are my subordinates. And just so you know, Enrico is too."
Serenya answered with her nose held high, making no effort to hide her pride. At the same time, she kept part of her attention focused on Elaris.
'I'm sure she came here to try to steal my subordinates.'
A small smile appeared on her face.
'My subordinates won't fall for that pretty face of hers.'
In the arena, Elian took advantage of a brief moment of Caelan's distraction and appeared behind him, propelled by wind magic. Both daggers were wrapped in a cutting current of air.
"Wind Slash!"
At that exact moment, Caelan activated his Water Barrier.
The daggers collided with the liquid barrier, making its entire surface ripple violently. The defense withstood the impact, but Caelan was still pushed several steps backward. Drops of water scattered across the field as Elian spun through the air and charged once more, determined not to give him a moment to breathe.
Caelan gritted his teeth and activated a second Water Barrier around the first. Now protected by two defensive layers, he began concentrating mana in his hands to prepare another attack.
Since much of the arena was already covered in water, his magic was becoming increasingly effective.
Meanwhile, Tolen dropped to one knee in one corner of the arena, breathing heavily.
'I can't win in a direct fight... so I only have one option left.'
Gathering the little mana he still possessed, he discreetly spread it across the ground.
Tiny explosive charges, almost impossible to notice, were hidden at several points throughout the arena.
Without noticing the trap, Elian charged forward once again using Wind Step.
The very moment he stepped on the chosen spot...
Tolen activated the first explosion.
The shockwave sent Elian's body spinning through the air, completely throwing off his balance for a brief instant.
It was all Caelan needed.
"Cutting Water!"
The stream of water shot across the arena at high speed and collided with the airflow created by the explosion. The clash between the two spells produced a thick cloud of steam, completely hiding all three fighters.
A few seconds later, Elian staggered out of the mist. Several cuts covered his body, and his breathing was completely unsteady.
On the other side, Tolen managed to stand with difficulty, though the crimson glow had already vanished from his Crimson Eyes.
His mana was completely exhausted.
Caelan slowly walked toward him, keeping water circulating around his body while another attack began taking shape in his hands.
"Give up, Tolen."
"No... there's... still... one... more..."
It was a lie.
In reality, he could barely remain standing.
Caelan raised his hands, ready to end the battle, while Elian prepared to charge toward the two of them, but then a shadow appeared between them.
"That's enough."
Enrico's voice echoed calmly between the two of them, making all three stop their movements immediately.
Even completely out of mana, Tolen nearly collapsed to his knees again. This time, however, it wasn't from exhaustion—it was from relief.
"The training ends here. If you get seriously injured, it'll only cause problems for Lady Serenya."
"That's right. Rest, my subordinates."
'I'm not her subordinate.'
Tolen was the one who had that thought, but he chose to remain silent.
The three of them were drenched in sweat, covered in small wounds, and breathing heavily. Caelan wiped the blood running down his forehead. Elian simply sat down on the ground and let out a long sigh. Taking two attacks at the same time had been difficult.
As for Tolen, he gave up trying to stay on his feet. He simply lay down in the arena and stared at the sky.
Enrico then turned his gaze toward Serenya and Elaris.
"Now it's our turn."
"No. I'll fight her alone, subordinate."
Enrico raised an eyebrow slightly when he heard Serenya's answer.
"But..."
"I want that too."
Elaris replied, maintaining the same calm smile as always.
Enrico shifted his gaze between the two of them. The tension was so obvious that any attempt to convince them would be pointless.
'Right... in the original story, they really hated each other. I know I'd lose to Elaris, so I just wanted to use this opportunity to see the difference in power between us.'
He simply let out a small sigh and stepped back.
"Very well. But don't get too hurt, Lady Serenya."
"She's the one who's going to get hurt."
"Idio... I mean, Lady Serenya, don't forget that Lady Elaris is Rank 5 of the first year."
Serenya pouted in dissatisfaction, while Enrico lowered his head in a quick apology before she could start complaining.
Without saying anything else, the two walked to the center of the arena and stopped face to face. The atmosphere around them changed completely, causing even the four knights who had already finished training to turn their attention back to the neighboring arena.
Meanwhile, Elian, Caelan, and Tolen went to sit in the stands to watch the match. Enrico walked over to them and sat down as well, keeping his eyes fixed on the two girls.
'At the very least, this might make Serenya want to become even stronger.'
The two remained standing face to face for a few moments, holding each other's gaze without showing any intention of backing down. Tension filled the arena, making even Elian, Caelan, and Tolen forget their exhaustion as they watched the fight. Sitting in the stands, Enrico observed attentively. After all, this would be the first time he would witness the true strength of the fifth-ranked student of the first year.
"Begin."
The very instant the signal was given, Serenya made the first move.
"Control Concentration."
Her mana spread rapidly across the arena floor. In an instant, the ground beneath Elaris's feet cracked and twisted, making her lose her balance for a fraction of a second.
Elaris merely whistled, showing a hint of interest.
Without wasting that small opening, Serenya used her magic to strengthen her body and propel herself forward at high speed.
The moment she reached her opponent, she twisted her hips and unleashed a double kick.
Elaris crossed her arms in front of her body to block the attack, but the force of the impact still sent her flying several meters backward. Even as she slid across the arena, she managed to regain her balance before falling.
Serenya gave her no time to recover. She raised her hand toward her opponent and activated her control magic.
Elaris's body stopped in midair for a brief moment.
The next instant, she was violently pulled back toward Serenya.
Taking advantage of the forced approach, Serenya concentrated her magic into her arm and prepared a punch empowered by her control magic.
Just as her fist was about to strike Elaris's face, a small smile appeared on Elaris's lips.
A thick wall of ice instantly rose between them.
The punch shattered part of the barrier, but the impact against the ice split Serenya's hand open with several small cuts. Blood ran between her fingers, forcing her to grimace briefly in pain.
Before she could retreat, a thick pillar of ice erupted beneath her feet and struck her squarely in the stomach, launching her into the air.
She was still airborne when a second pillar appeared above her head and crashed into her back, crushing her and completely changing the direction of her fall.
'Too fast... I can't defend myself.'
For a few moments, Serenya tried to use her control magic to grab one of the ice pillars and stop her fall. However, the structure couldn't withstand the force she applied and immediately shattered, causing her to continue falling.
Then Elaris appeared in front of her.
Her foot, completely coated in ice, struck Serenya squarely on the chin.
Immediately afterward, a gigantic hand of ice formed above Elaris. Its fingers closed like the claws of a beast and grabbed Serenya by the face before she could recover her balance.
With a single motion, Elaris hurled her into the ground.
The impact created a small crater in the arena, sending cracks spreading several meters in every direction.
Serenya coughed up blood and immediately tried to stand, but an icy pressure descended upon her body.
Elaris was already standing in front of her.
Her foot rested on Serenya's shoulder, pinning her to the ground while a large amount of mana began gathering in her right hand.
In the stands, Caelan and Elian's eyes widened.
"Th-this... is this really the difference between Rank 5 and Rank 122?"
Even Tolen remained silent.
'This isn't even a fight... she's being completely overwhelmed.'
Serenya gritted her teeth and tried to use her control magic once again. The ground beneath Elaris began to tremble, and several rocks rose to trap her.
However, before the spell could even be completed, a layer of ice covered every stone, freezing them solid.
With a simple wave of her hand, Elaris shattered the entire formation of ice and stone at the same time.
"Your control is good... but you're still lacking power."
An ice spear formed above Serenya, pointing directly at her chest.
"That's enough."
Before Elaris could complete the attack, Enrico leaped down from the stands and landed beside them with a serious expression. Right behind him came Elian, Caelan, and Tolen.
Without wasting any time, Enrico knelt beside Serenya and helped her sit up. As he held her by the shoulders, he noticed that her breathing was uneven and much heavier than normal.
"I'm sorry. I think I overdid it a little."
Elaris looked at Serenya for a few moments before turning her attention back to Enrico.
The smile she had worn throughout the entire fight had disappeared.
"But I wonder... is this really the person you serve?"
Without showing the slightest hesitation, Enrico answered immediately.
"Yes. She is."
For a brief moment, Elaris seemed genuinely surprised by that answer. However, she soon returned to her usual smile.
"How enviable. And... I'm sorry again. When she wakes up, I'll apologize to her personally."
"You'd better."
Elian and Caelan continued glaring at Elaris with obvious irritation, ready to argue if she said anything else. Even Tolen, who normally avoided getting involved, wore an unusually serious expression.
It was then that a tired voice broke the silence.
"Why are you all talking as if I were unconscious? I'm still awake."
Everyone turned to look at Serenya at the same time, and Enrico let out a small smile.
"Of course... I expected nothing less from our leader."
Elian nodded repeatedly.
"That's right! You're the best, milady!"
Caelan joined in as well, clapping his hands as if celebrating a great victory.
Tolen watched the scene for a few seconds.
For a moment, he almost smiled.
But only almost.
Elaris silently observed the four gathered around Serenya.
'So loyal...'
For a moment, she simply watched the scene. Then she clasped one hand behind her back, leaned forward slightly, and gave a respectful bow.
"My apologies, Lady Malquess. It was my fault."
Leaning against Enrico's shoulder, Serenya lifted her chin with her usual pride.
"Hmph... since I'm a mature person, I'll forgive you... but only this once."
Enrico and Elaris looked at her at the same time. Both of them were surprised to realize that Serenya was smiling.
'Those words...'
Enrico thought, remembering the conversation they had had weeks earlier.
"But don't think I'll give up. Next time, I'll be the winner."
The four people beside her smiled faintly upon hearing those words.
Elaris let out a quiet sigh. For the first time since she had arrived, her smile seemed much more genuine.
'If she were still the same as before... I wouldn't be feeling this way.'
"Very well. And, Enrico... I'm sorry for showing you such an embarrassing side of me. Next time, it won't be like this."
Enrico held her gaze for a few seconds before replying.
"Next time, show up with a real smile. Maybe then I'll be able to trust you a little more."
Elaris's eyes widened for an instant at the noble's words.
'He noticed?'
After a few seconds of silence, she simply smiled and shook her head.
"Very well, very well. The four of you win. I never imagined you'd all change this much."
As she walked past Enrico, she moved close enough that only he could hear her.
"All of you have caught my interest... but the one whose true power I really want to see is you."
Enrico remained motionless as she walked away.
'What did she mean by that? Hasn't she already seen everything I can do? I'm pretty weak right now...'
Before he could think any further about it, an indignant voice caught his attention. It sounded as though Serenya had overheard part of the conversation.
"I knew it! That elf came here to steal my subordinates! I'll never forgive her!"
A dark aura began to surround Serenya, causing Elian and Caelan to hurriedly try to calm her down. Tolen merely sighed, realizing that she had probably developed a rivalry with Elaris.
[What did I miss? I was gone for one second, and now everyone has that look on their faces... Enrico, answer me... hey...]
Noticing the System floating above him, Enrico decided to simply ignore the existence of that annoying thing for a few moments and enjoy the scene unfolding before his eyes.
Serenya kept grumbling, clearly indignant because she believed Elaris was trying to steal her subordinates.
'Like this... she's actually pretty cute.'
A small teasing smile appeared on Enrico's face. At the same time, a mischievous gleam appeared in his eyes, like that of a cat that had just found a new way to annoy someone.
'Once we become closer... I'm definitely going to use this to tease her.'
Meanwhile, the System continued waiting for an answer, completely ignored. As for the four knights, they simply remained silent, unwilling to interrupt the scene.