A dry wind blew gently across the sparring field.
Two groups stood facing each other. The distance between them was considerable, but the tension was already palpable—even before the battle began.
On one side, the marksman group.
Their stances were stable, feet planted wide, weapons ready in hand. Some took slow breaths to calm their heartbeats, while others had already fixed their gaze on vital points ahead.
On the other side, the mage group.
There were… seven of them.
One more than usual, different from when they normally trained or sparred.
Because Rena was there.
The ponytailed teacher's voice echoed as she scratched her head.
Pre-formation!
Both groups moved immediately.
The mages formed a semicircle, distances between members neatly measured. Hands began to rise, mana began to gather—the air around them felt slightly heavier.
But there was one who didn't fully follow that pattern. Very noticeable.
Rena.
Rena stood at the front.
Slightly to the side.
And… outside the main formation line.
Her position was strange.
Not far enough to be considered separate,
but clearly not within the protection of the mage circle.
Some team members glanced at her, whispering.
Are we going to win??
And she's actually a knight??
In the middle of those whispers, suddenly—
The ponytailed teacher spoke, her brows sharply furrowed.
Formation!
The second command came down.
The mages immediately locked into position.
Some mages were a little worried, still whispering.
Can we really win???
What do we do??
Will that knight even be useful??
Then one of the students—the one whose large robe had been taken earlier, with long hair reaching down to her waist—spoke loudly, sticking out her pointed nose. Her cheeks lifted as she said firmly.
Everyone, calm down!!
Did you forget who I am??
Hearing that, the students turned their gazes and finally realized something. They whispered, staring with sparkling eyes.
Ah, that's right, Rose!!
The noble girl with high-quality, abundant mana!!!
If that's the case, we'll definitely win!!
With that, the morale of the mage students finally rose. The ponytailed teacher's mage group—all wearing robes—then created a defensive layer.
Then Rose, sticking out her pointed nose, said with her cheeks lifted, pointing at the marksman's armor.
Everyone, relax. We're mages!!
We don't need to wear armor.
We can protect ourselves with magic.
Then, loudly, still sticking out her pointed nose, Rose declared firmly.
So strengthen our defense!!
And attack like we always do in sparring!!!
Hearing that, the students' eyes grew sharper as they stared at the marksmen, answering in unison.
Yes!!!!
The ponytailed teacher—her hair half tied up, half loose—was now the referee for this match. She just smiled from the edge of the sparring field, scratching her head with her cheeks lifted, and thought to herself.
Wow… as usual…
And Rose seems to be leading this time.
This fits the fighting philosophy I taught them.
Then, magical energy connected with one another, as if chemistry had already formed. Rose nodded, giving a signal with several sideways nods to the right.
Seeing that, the students understood the code.
Then they quickly chanted spells to launch consecutive attacks… as long as the formation remained unbroken.
Meanwhile—
On the marksman side,
they didn't form a circle.
Instead, they spread out in a horizontal line.
Their target was clear.
The mages… and the weakest point among them.
Then one of the marksmen—about to give a signal—wore armor different from the others. Silver armor, with hair sticking out in all directions like an explosion of arrows. He gave a thumbs down toward the mage group.
Everyone, relax!!
Do it like usual!!!
Remember our group's philosophy!!!
Hearing that, the marksmen shouted in unison.
Yes, Commander Lawo!!
Then, readying their arrows, the marksmen spoke together, reciting the philosophy they had been taught.
Shoot faster before the enemy starts!!!
Meanwhile—
Rena took a slow breath. She tucked her left hand into the pocket of Rose's large robe, her brows arched as she muttered.
Hmm…
I don't really understand complex mana.
Then Rena, with sharp eyes, moved her gaze around. She pulled both hands out of the pockets.
Hmm!!!
I really can't do it!!
I can't analyze mana like the Headmaster taught me!!
Then Rena grinned, her cheeks lifted. She started pointing with her right hand—holding the rusty sword—clearly at one of the marksmen, muttering.
In my old life, the weak ones were always the ones with stronger equipment, right??
Right… that arrogant silver armor guy!!
Even if my judgment turns out wrong,
at least I also have mana!!
Seeing Rena pointing her sword at him, Lawo just smiled cheerfully, looking down at Rena. He thought to himself.
Ahh… that crazy kid who wants to be a knight, huh…
Not bad, she's got guts!!
Then Lawo spoke loudly, returning Rena's gesture by giving a thumbs down, his jaw tensed, and he said to his group.
Everyone!!
Don't be afraid of curse magic—I'll handle that!!
And one more thing, that kid holding the sword… leave her to me!!
Hearing that, the marksmen answered in unison.
Yes, Commander Lawo!!!
Meanwhile, Rena was in a ready stance.
Her hand gripped the sword.
Her position remained at the very front.
Slightly to the side.
And… alone.
Her eyes sparkled as her left hand clenched tightly.
Alright!!!
Now, the entertainment begins!!