The Rebellion in the School District
We finally emerged onto the upper level of the School District, where sunlight bathed us. What I found was a hive of activity.
— "Reinforce the defense committee against the Guild!"
— "Hold out until the end! Orichalcum is the pride of the School District! We will never give it up!"
— "No negotiations with those Guild pigs! We want Ouranus at the negotiating table!"
— "Contact the allied cities of the School District! We'll pressure them from outside!"
Everything I saw confirmed my suspicions. The School District was on the brink of war.
In every corner, groups of students shouted, ran around, and organized committees. Weapons and tools were stacked on makeshift shelves as if preparing for a real battle.
— "Are they really gearing up for war...?"
— "Willpower in the sword! Knowledge in the staff! And failures as the crown!"
── "Defend the district! Along with the chalice and the spring of knowledge!"
── "Along with the chalice and the spring of knowledge!"
I stopped and turned around. There were the students, forming a circle and raising their hands, joining their voices in a shout that echoed through the sky.
It was a phrase I had never heard before. But it seemed Hermes-sama had mentioned something similar before we infiltrated the district.
── "That battle cry..."
── "Yes, it's the district's motto, a phrase that exalts the garden of knowledge and wisdom..."
Hearing Nina's explanation, I understood and almost groaned.
The students were trying to protect the district's rights, even abandoning their classes to fight for knowledge and wisdom. Even the teachers were joining them.
Things had really gotten serious. Maybe peaceful reconciliation was no longer possible...I felt overwhelmed by the various scenarios spreading throughout the school district level,
With a growing sense of concern, we headed to an empty classroom — the same one where I first introduced myself to Nina and the others from the "Combat Technique Department" — to have a secret conversation and organize the situation.
── "Ah!"
I recognized three very familiar faces.
A dwarf, a dark elf, and a pallum.
Iglin, Regi, Chris... all from the "Third Squad!"
"Y-You...!"
"An undercover spy?"
"No, no, it's not that! Ah, well... maybe something like that, but..."
Iglin pointed at me with a surprised face, while Regi, in his usual calm and straightforward tone, asked a brief question.
I instinctively denied it, but instantly realized that what I was doing wasn't much different from being an undercover spy, so my expression turned awkward.
Nina was also frozen by the sudden situation, and as the atmosphere started to get weird...
"Hey, why is everyone so awkward? We should be happy about this reunion!"
"…Chris…"
Chris, from the small Pallum village, stood in the center of our group and, with his tiny chest puffed up with pride, said:
"Even if Rapi's true identity is an adventurer, even if his ears and tail are fake, that doesn't change the fact that he's one of us! Because Rapi's heart is soft and warm like a stuffed animal!"
We were left speechless at Chris's absurd but confident logic, if only for a moment.
First, Nina let out a small laugh.
Then Iglin relaxed his shoulders and smiled, and even I ended up smiling too.
I even noticed Regi's lips curl beneath his black mask.
"We are the most pathetic squad in history, the worst of all. Having a 'fake adventurer' be another problematic case is nothing new."
"But you disappearing all of a sudden was wrong. I felt... a little lonely."
"…Sorry, Iglin, Regi, Chris. Being found out like that was really awkward."
"Don't worry! I asked Nina, who was on her faction experience, to keep an eye on Rapi. Even though it all ended up like this!"
"…Thanks."
The truth was, I had always felt guilty.
Since I became "Rapi," the fact that I lied to them had been weighing on a corner of my heart.
That thing about "taking distance and time to clear my mind" was just an excuse. Maybe I was simply running away from them.
That's why being able to return to the "Third Squad" made me indescribably happy.
In the hostile atmosphere surrounding the "District," this classroom, where we were all together, felt warm.
"Alright? Why did you come? If you're with Nina, that means it's not another dirty trick from Orario, right?"
"Yes, I was worried about what was happening in the 'District'... How do you all feel about it?"
"Just like you see it. Everyone's in full-on 'Angry Dark Elf' mode..."
"Although student revolts aren't rare in the 'District,' this is the biggest since that time they tried to take Professor León. Seems like everyone hates Orario!"
After answering Iglin's question, Regi and Chris don't hesitate to share their opinions. Chris even says what he feels from the bottom of his heart:
"I also dislike Orario as it is now! I'm almost starting to hate it a little!"
"I agree..."
"I'm not convinced either. If the 'City of Heroes,' Orario, is as tyrannical as any other kingdom or city, I can only feel disappointment."
Hearing their feelings, I remain silent.
Nina also lowers her gaze, ashamed.
Although they want to join the Hestia Familia, there remains a resentment they can't ignore. And I understand them. This time, even I can't defend Orario.
After all, it's like they had a flower they carefully nurtured, or a treasure they painstakingly accumulated, taken away from them.
(This doesn't seem like something that will be resolved soon… I don't even know if anyone can fix it…)
Hearing the intentions of the "District" again through Nina and the others, I'm left wondering what I should do… or rather, what I want to do. Then—
The classroom door, which only we occupied, suddenly swung open.
"So this is where you were, Rapi."
"Ah…! Professor León?"
With the upright posture of a sword and a mane of blonde hair, dressed in his black professor uniform, Professor León enters the room.
While Nina and the others watch in shock, surprised by his sudden appearance, he says to me:
"I heard from Lord Baldr that you had arrived. I left the Orario strategy meeting in charge of my colleagues Malik and company, and came to find you."
To find me…?
Confused, I look at Professor León, who, like a true knight, extends his hand to me.
"Come with me. Lord Baldr wants to speak with you privately."
Of course, Chris and Regi protested with a "We want to come with you!" — which was perfectly understandable.
However, after apologizing many times and with the words of thanks and persuasion from Professor León, Nina and Iglin finally saw me off with a "Be careful!"
They even asked me to tell them later what we talked about, though I couldn't promise. I replied with an ironic smile.
In the office on the top floor of the "Breidablik Temple Tower," the tallest building and the central command bridge of the "District," I meet Lord Baldr.
"Thank you for coming, Rapi. Or should I call you 'Bell' now?"
"Ah, no, 'Rapi' is fine…"
Next to us was Professor Leon, who seriously said,
"The current situation is bad for both the School District and Orario. Both sides depend on each other, but Orario's actions have been rushed, and now the students are furious…"
"And the teachers are upset too?"
"That's right. This time, even we teachers share the students' doubts."
Hesitating, I finally dared to ask, somewhat nervously:
"Professor Leon... what do you think?"
Although I haven't spent much time with him, hearing bad criticism and rumors about Orario come from Master Leon's mouth—someone I want to become like as an adult—was painful. It's hard to be disappointed or let down by someone you respect, and even though it's not directed at me personally, being looked down on still hurts in the heart. Maybe it's a selfish wish, but I don't want to see a teacher who is always respectable, just, and kind in such a condition."
Just like Nina did a moment ago, I timidly lifted my gaze, full of fear... and Professor Leon, resting his chin on one hand, responded without changing his expression even a bit.
—As a member of the "School District," I should feel outraged too… but it's complicated.
—Huh?
—I have my opinions on this, but it's not pure anger… I'd rather call it "anxiety." It's like I feel we shouldn't be wasting time on this. Especially now, when "The Valley" is in such turmoil.
"Anxiety"?
"We shouldn't be wasting time on this"?
And besides… "The Valley is in turmoil"?
—"Is Ottar still absorbed in his training? Has Finn resigned himself to prioritizing his own ambitions?"
Professor Leon's words, sounding almost like a monologue, only left me confused.
Why did he bring up Ottar and Finn now?
What is he saying?
What is he seeing?
What has he been watching all this time with those leonine eyes that seemed to be staring into some distant place?
—"It's true that everyone has their own worries, but at least for us gods, and for Leon, our goal is the same: to resolve this situation as soon as possible and return Orario and the "School District" to a healthy state."
At that moment, Mr. Baldr calmly intervened.
The director of the "School District," sitting on the other side of the ash wood desk, said this with such tranquility that I finally felt some relief. Although he surely has his own thoughts about it, it comforts me to know that both the gods and Professor Leon are worried about the current situation.
—"However, the problem here is that the cause supported by the Guild is being questioned. Is the so-called "Vertical Well Project" really necessary? It's said they may be blinded by wealth and fame, heading toward their own ruin."
—"Th-the Vertical Well Project…?"
—"It's an ambitious plan devised by the Guild. The collection of orichalcum, the hardest metal in the "School District," is just the tip of the iceberg of this project."
As I staggered at those unfamiliar words, Professor Leon clearly explained: the project involves driving a gigantic "pillar" made of orichalcum into the Dungeon, thereby constructing an elevator that would allow rapid access to the lower, deeper layers.
Hearing the explanation, I was stunned.
—"That would definitely provoke opposition from many!" —I murmured, my face slightly twisted. Just the idea of making a "hole" in the Dungeon was terrifying…
If Eina-san also heard it at the Guild headquarters, I'm sure she thought the same thing.
—The more I hear, the harder it seems for them to reconcile…
If the Guild simply apologized and returned the orichalcum, everything would be easier, but if they have such an ambitious plan, they can't just turn back and pretend nothing happened.
As I felt desolate, Mr. Baldr, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, smiled.
—"Don't worry. Things won't stay like this."
—"Huh?"
—"The situation will start to move soon. The gods won't let something this "interesting" go by."
As if he had everything figured out, he said that with absolute confidence. And to confirm his premonition, an amplified voice thundered loudly.
—"This conflict is now in the hands of the gods!"
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!"
A deafening shout echoed from the direction of the city.
I wasn't the only one startled and jolted; the murmur that immediately spread told me that Nina, Iglin, and the other students of the "School District" were also in shock.
I'm sure that in Orario, everyone must have covered their ears—a prelude signaling a frenzy.
—"Th-That voice... Hermes-sama?"
Mr. Baldr, who had somehow already stood up, opened a window, and I, startled, ran toward the balcony that jutted out from the director's office.
—"We are deeply concerned! Why must the Guild and the School District be at odds? Both originate from the same City of Heroes! Surely, the heroes of the past must also be lamenting this from the seas of the sky!"
A blatantly theatrical—no, rather suspicious—performance began to unfold.
I couldn't help but frown, imagining the exasperated faces of Lili and the others in Orario. I pictured Asfi-san and the rest of the Hermes Familia looking exhausted.
And, of course, I clearly imagined Hermes-sama, smiling without hiding it, shouting at full force into the magical stone loudspeaker.
—"That's why! To put an end to this conflict, I propose a showdown between Orario and the School District! A representatives' competition!"
—"Whaaaaat?!!"
The students' shocked screams under the balcony and my own shout of disbelief echoed in unison.
This isn't a "War Game" between two individual Familias, but a battle between the city of Orario, with multiple Familias, and the "Union of Familias" from the School District.
I don't know what kind of competition it will be, but… that sounds like a "Great Familia War"!
—"There will be five different types of matches! Whoever wins three of them will be the victor! The winning organization can impose any condition on the other! They can keep the orichalcum, recover it, or even demand eternal obedience if they wish! Show your strength and let's settle this once and for all!"
In the distance, I felt as if the entire walled city of Orario trembled.
As if Eina-san and the Guild were confused, thinking: "What the hell are they talking about?!"
—"This competition is sacred! It is final! In the name of the gods, I swear everything said will be fulfilled! Under the supervision of the Council of Gods, we will make this an epic, exciting, and easy-to-understand festival!"
The pinnacle of the gods' wit, hungry for entertainment.
"The annoying ability of Deusdea, the transcendental entity, to turn our worries into a mere 'festival.'
'Let the Orario Urban Competitions Festival begin—Oooooooohhhh!'"
After that thunderous announcement echoed beneath the clear sky, there was a moment of absolute silence. But then, from two different points—Orario and the School District—a deafening roar rose up.
"Oooooooohhhhhhh!"
It was a shout mixing confusion, excitement, disdain, and fervor. A kind of collective cheer combining all those emotions.
Looking toward the balcony, I saw the students raising their fists and shouting enthusiastically. Even though they despised such a wild declaration of war, there was a defiant attitude in them, as if saying, "If you want a fight, you'll get one!"
Is this... really going to happen? A serious showdown between Orario and the School District?
"Well, it looks like it's going to be an immediate clash," Baldr commented, while Leon-sensei murmured beside him, "It was inevitable. This is the trademark style of the city of heroes, Orario."
Both spoke with absolute calm, contrasting sharply with my state of bewilderment. I turned to them, still in shock, and noticed Baldr shaking slightly with laughter at the sight of my expression.
—"Since the duel seems inevitable, can I ask which side you'll be on?"
—"Eh...?"
"You're officially an adventurer of Orario, but you've also recently become a student of the School District. It wouldn't be strange if you fought on the District's side."
My eyes widened like saucers hearing this, and I felt the blood drain from my face at an alarming speed. It was as if I had been pushed to the edge of an abyss!
—"You won't join the School District's side, Rapi?"
—"Wait, wait, wait! You can't ask me that out of the blue!"
"If they knew you had abandoned them, your comrades from the Third Company would be devastated."
—"That's a low blow!"
Baldr's comment, as he calmly stepped onto the balcony, made me cry out in desperation. At first, I thought he was a good god, a "god of light." But no, he turned out to be just as mischievous as any other! His innocent smile hid a mischievous air that never failed to unsettle me.
I can't betray Hestia-sama or Orario. But I don't want to turn my back on my comrades from the District either. What should I do?
—"Stop teasing, Lord Báldr. Rapi looks like a rabbit that just got hit by an arrow."
—"Hehe, sorry. I just can't help it—he's too adorable."
Leon-sensei stepped in to stop Báldr, who finally backed off with an apologetic smile. I appreciated it, though it didn't exactly save me, since he kept calling me "Rapi" anyway.
Wouldn't it be better if I just stayed out of all this and watched from the sidelines like a regular spectator?
Although… can I really look away from all this, even as a Level One?
—"Are you in trouble, Rapi?"
—"Hiiik! Y-yeah, a lot!"
Leon-sensei, who had been observing me closely, asked while stroking his chin in thought. Despite my nerves, I nodded eagerly, hoping he had a way out of this.
—"If I can come up with a way to settle this mess without you taking sides… would you cooperate with me?"
—"Huh? Is that even possible?"
At his question, I nodded enthusiastically.
—"I'll cooperate! Please, let me help!"
Leon-sensei smiled at my response—but something in his gaze made me feel like I'd just made a mistake by answering so quickly.
—Did I act too rashly?
As beads of sweat trickled down my neck, Lord Báldr stood quietly beside us, watching with a calm expression, like a father who understands his children.
Finally, Leon-sensei, his golden hair shining under the sun, spoke the words that would seal my fate:
—"Then… it's time to fulfill that promise of 'adventure.' I need your help, Bell."
After leaving the School District, I changed clothes discreetly in a corner of the Melen port. When I returned to the city, Orario had already descended into utter chaos.
—"A 'Festival of Urban Competitions Orario-Piade'?! Who the hell do they think they are?!"
—"That's the gods for you. Always doing whatever they want."
—"We just got done fighting Freya Familia, and now this?!"
While some people grumbled about the commotion, others seemed downright excited:
—"That's more like it! Someone finally put those arrogant students in their place!"
—"Let's show them who's boss—and take their riches while we're at it!"
The enthusiasm among the familias of Orario was palpable, even as ordinary citizens looked on with growing confusion.
At the same time, there was a strange sense of familiarity with the chaos, as if this kind of thing were simply part of life—yet another reminder of why Orario is called "the center of the world."
If only I could just be a spectator… But I'm not that lucky, am I? What's going to happen to me, to Orario, and to the School District?
As excited as I had been to become a First Tier adventurer, now that very title felt like a burden pressing down on me.
There was no way I could remain on the sidelines of this event.
As I remembered Báldr-sama teasing me, something else surfaced in my mind—someone once called me "a bat." That image haunted me now, making me dread what might happen if people discovered I was siding with both factions.
I have a bad feeling I'll end up disappointed again… and probably beaten up, too—especially by Mord and the others, with plenty of complaints and boos thrown in for good measure.
Even though Professor Leon seems to have something planned, he never really explained what he was going to do. What is actually going to happen?
(What's got me a little scared... is that Professor Leon never said he wouldn't participate in the "Orario Urban Competition Festival." Am I suspecting this because of Lili's influence... or Hermes-sama's?)
I'm not sure if this kind of thinking means I've grown... or if I'm just becoming more twisted.
With my heart racing, I carry a bag with my school uniform—which I desperately hope won't be discovered—as I slip through a main street more crowded than usual, trying to blend into the crowd.
Turning onto the southwestern avenue that leads toward the Sixth District, where the Hearthfire Mansion is located, I walk at a slow, uncertain pace.
That's when I notice a woman up ahead, also walking with her head down.
"Walking slowly..." I mutter.
It surprises me to see someone whose mood mirrors my own.
She was a beautiful woman, with golden hair so radiant it seemed to mesmerize. She looked dazzling… far more than someone like me.
…Wait!
"Ais-san?!"
"Ah."
I let out a high-pitched cry, like I'd just been struck by a shooting star falling straight from the heavens.
Ais-san, with her golden hair and golden eyes, turned to look at me with a slightly surprised expression. But in the blink of an eye, the slow-walking figure vanished—she broke into a light trot toward me, her movements graceful, befitting Orario's greatest adventurer.
My face turned red in an instant, and I instinctively took a small step back.
"G-Good morning… I mean, good afternoon!"
"Hello, Bell… Though, I suppose it is afternoon by now, isn't it?"
"Y-Yes! Good afternoon!"
My brain couldn't keep up, and I ended up stumbling through a clumsy exchange.
Calm down, calm down!
Everyone's been telling me lately that I seem more confident—that I've changed. I've trained hard under my master, so I should be able to stay composed in front of Ais-san… right?
With some effort, I managed to keep the conversation going.
"W-What are you doing here? Do you have some kind of business?"
"Yes. I went to your home..."
"Huh?"
Her answer caught me completely off guard.
Why would Ais-san go to my home?
"My throat's better now, and Lefiya's doing well too… so I thought this would be a good time to visit you."
She must have misread the stunned look on my face, because Ais-san blushed slightly as she explained herself.
So adorable—! No, wait!
That's right—after the "War Game between the Familias," Tiona-san did mention that Ais had lost her voice.
But… "visit us?" Who exactly was she trying to visit?
"W-Who were you planning to visit?"
"You."
"Me?"
"Yes, Bell."
"Me, Bell?"
…What?
"But you weren't home. Goddess Hestia told me so and asked me to leave… so I ended up wandering around aimlessly. But I'm glad I ran into you now."
Oblivious to my dumbfounded expression, Ais-san smiled softly.
That smile—like a flower blooming high on a mountaintop beneath a vast blue sky—completely overwhelmed me. My face burned red with embarrassment.
"Hey, Bell."
"Y-Yes?"
I was so stunned I couldn't take my eyes off her lips, waiting for what she would say next.
The person I've always admired said:
"Shall we train?"
Oh no!
"Could you teach me how to fight again?"
After the battle in Daedalus against the Xenós, I was the one who asked her.
I had lost to that formidable enemy and wished with all my heart to win in a rematch.
I wanted to become stronger, and I promised Ais-san that I would.
Ais-san remembered that promise.
"A lot has happened, and it took me longer than I expected..."
"It's okay. I've heard the Loki Familia has been very busy. We've had our own problems too..."
We were now at the northern edge of the massive wall, in an area that had practically become our personal training ground. I set my bag with the school uniform aside and spoke honestly.
The Loki Familia—including Ais-san—was the largest in the city, far busier than us.
As for us, we'd been through expeditions, festivals, and the 'War of the Families.' We had recently returned to the school district. I'd been away from home so long that I felt a bit guilty.
But that guilt was nothing compared to the happiness and excitement I felt at that moment.
The joy that Ais-san still remembered our promise.
The thrill of facing her once again.
Since that dawn when I started running again, I'd wondered how much I'd grown, how close I was to catching up to Ais-san… or if I'd fallen further behind.
And now, I was eager to find out.
"A practice fight, like before?"
"Yes!"
"I'll just use my sword's sheath, but you can use your dagger."
No words were needed.
She placed her sword, still sheathed, against the wall.
I firmly gripped the Goddess's Dagger in my hand.
I wouldn't make naive comments about whether the blade was dull—Ais-san didn't need that.
We both readied ourselves, facing each other in the middle of the corridor.
Our eyes met.
As we studied each other, we searched for weaknesses in stance and signs of where the other was focusing their strength.
I was no longer intimidated or overwhelmed like the first time we trained.
That alone was a huge step forward.
But my goal was beyond that.
I wanted to close the distance to this person.
Not to watch her back, but to walk shoulder to shoulder with her.
I wanted to reach that admiration, that aspiration.
(…The "right" is open.)
Ais-san's left side—or from my perspective, her right side.
There, barely visible, was a small "gap."
(But… I feel like it's a "trap.")
It's such a tiny opening that even an expert adventurer might not notice it.
But when it comes to Ais-san, she wouldn't show even the slightest carelessness.
That's why this must be a "test."
A test to see if I can detect that opening and, even if I do, whether I can avoid falling for the bait and attack decisively.
As if confirming my intuition, Ais-san gives no sign of attacking first.
She remains still, waiting. Her stance is entirely defensive.
With a calm gaze, she watches my movements, assessing my response.
We've already started this mental game.
She's measuring my current level, testing me.
(What should I do?)
Maybe I've already passed the first test. So, what's the second?
Should I pretend to fall for the bait on the right and attack from the left? Or strike head-on?
Maybe a low attack from a deeply crouched stance? Or try to surprise her from above?
Or even something reckless like casting a Firebolt?
But I feel like she's already anticipated everything…
— "..."
— "..."
— ...Alright.
I've made up my mind.
(It'll be the "right" side.)
I'm going to bite the bait with all my might.
I trust that Ais-san thinks I've passed the first test.
I'll use that confidence against her to deceive her.
This is the best "mind game" I can play as the first-level adventurer I am now, Bell Cranel.
It's a simple, straightforward strategy, but I'll maximize my speed—my greatest weapon.
Four seconds.
That was all the time I needed to make up my mind.
If I took any longer, she would have become suspicious.
My rapidly spinning thoughts cleared completely. All my energy now focused on my body.
And the moment my compressed inner timer ran out, without any prior move, I simply...
Ran.
"────clang!"
I poured all my strength into this attack.
I put my entire soul into the strike aimed at the "right," as if I wanted not only to bite the bait but to completely smash it.
Aiz-san's eyes opened wide.
"Eh!!"
I approached the edge as fast as possible and swung the Goddess's Dagger.
The sharp, scraping sound of metal clashing rang out. It was a dry impact, no sparks.
The sword sheath Aiz-san used to block my attack completely stopped my strike.
But── there was no "counterattack."
I managed to put the great Swordwoman in a purely defensive stance!
It was a test, but somehow I passed it. My "strategy" had, even if only for a moment, outmatched Aiz-san.
"Haahhh!"
Having overcome the second test, I kept up my momentum.
In a fraction of a second, I launched a flurry of consecutive strikes that seemed to cut through the very instant.
I faced head-on the "sword duel" she mastered better than anyone.
I showed all my current strength without hesitation.
"──Mmmm!!"
Aiz-san accepted my challenge head-on.
With a slight breath, she began an overwhelming response, blocking each of my attacks with divine technique.
However, she couldn't go on the offensive.
My relentless assault kept her from taking the initiative.
For a moment, her golden eyes reflected surprise.
"Keep attacking!
Don't defend! Don't hesitate! Keep the pressure on!"
My initial strategy was a success. But the difference in technique was clear.
I only have one chance. And in this single moment, I'm giving everything I am, everything I've built as Bell Cranel up to now, to challenge this figure I admire so much.
──"Ah!!"
──"Ah!!"
Aiz-san managed to deflect my dagger to the side, making it spin around me.
I planted my left foot as a pivot, turning my right hand into an accelerator with centrifugal force, creating a whirlwind.
Aiz-san responded with a similar move.
We both launched a spinning kick from above.
──"Eh!"
Our heels collided.
"I poured everything into speed to attack, but in the end, it all comes down to the difference in our pure skills. My level 5 'power' is still behind Aiz's level 6!"
The sound of her breath, disrupted by surprise, was clear to me. Aiz-san lost her balance and retreated acrobatically, avoiding any follow-up attack from me.
A wide space opened between us.
Once again, the wind reminded us of its presence, whistling high above.
Aiz-san landed on the city wall. Her golden eyes still reflected astonishment as she looked at me intensely.
(Did I actually beat her, even if just by luck… Aiz-san?)
Even being modest, I can say yes.
Sure, she was caught off guard. Also, she used her scabbard instead of her real weapon.
But still, all my effort reached Aiz Wallenstein.
I'm getting closer!
Much closer than I ever imagined to this unattainable flower.
"…Impressive."
Unconsciously, I tightened my grip on the 'Goddess Dagger,' and joy and excitement slipped from my lips.
I thought I heard Aiz murmur something.
A small smile appeared on her lips.
"..."
Then, Aiz, who had maintained a landing stance with bent knees, stretched her legs and stood up on the parapet. As she glanced lightly toward the blue sky, she began to think.
A mischievous breeze made her long golden hair and skirt flutter. From the edge of the swaying skirt, her dazzling thighs peeked out, and suddenly I felt uncomfortable.
Standing on a parapet higher than the ground—which meant my line of sight was nearly at Aiz-san's waist level—I couldn't help but let my gaze wander and… yes, end up looking under her skirt.
Although she wore sky-blue shorts underneath, I couldn't shake the overwhelming feeling of guilt and sin.
My face inevitably flushed hot, and I struggled with all my might to look away. For a few seconds, as I awkwardly looked off to the side, Aiz-san gazed thoughtfully at the sky.
"Bell."
She called me, turning her gaze toward me after finishing her thoughts.
"Can I get a little more 'serious'?"
"Huh?"
She proposed something that took me by surprise.
—"Ah, yes... yes, that's fine!"
She must have been acknowledging my current strength. That's why she asked permission to hold back a little less.
Understanding what her words meant, I leaned forward and nodded enthusiastically.
The real seriousness of Aiz-san!
Not during training eight months ago, nor while preparing for the war game against the Apollo Familia, nor even in the battle at Daedalus to protect Wiene—Aiz-san had never fought at full power. But now, she was willing to do so against me.
I felt my spirit soar once again. It was as if the back I had been chasing all this time finally turned around to look at me directly.
Hiding my smile with difficulty, I prepared myself dramatically with the Divine Knife held reversed in my hand. Aiz-san, on her part, smiled faintly as if something felt endearing, then closed her eyes.
Focusing her mind, she transformed from a girl into an adventurer as she spoke those words.
—"Awaken, Tempest."
The name of her magic echoed.
—"Ariel."
"!!"
Wind!
A visible whirlwind formed around her, enveloping her completely. My white bangs were pushed back.
The air pressed against my body, forcing me to step back.
My scarlet eyes widened.
(A wind enchantment magic...)
Enchantment magic imbues the body or weapon with an element like wind or fire, granting protection, boosting attack power, and enhancing speed.
Even Ryuu-san, during the Faction War, had used a fire enchantment magic borrowed from Alice-san. But that magic only covered her limbs and weapons.
Aiz-san's wind, however, wrapped around her entire body.
Although the elements were different, its reach reminded me of the lightning blessing my master Laurus Hildr had bestowed upon me.
The range of an enchantment doesn't necessarily define its power, but...
(I know this because I've felt my master's magic...)
That "wind" rivaled even my master's highest-level reinforcement magic.
My excitement and joy were swept away, replaced by a cold bead of sweat trailing down my cheek.
—"I'm coming."
Aiz's golden eyes slowly opened and locked onto me.
And then—she vanished.
Tap.
The first thing I heard was a light sound of her shoes pushing off the parapet.
Boom!
The second was the sound of the atmosphere tearing like a hurricane.
In an instant, Aiz was—behind me!
—"What...?!"
Pure reflex and instinct made me spin around and slash with my dagger.
I barely managed to deflect her attack with the sheath of her sword.
Cold sweat ran down my body as I realized that, in a single move, she had gotten behind me.
There was no time to think.
I barely survived the first strike, but my stance was left completely exposed.
—"Ugh!"
—"Not yet."
As my body staggered, caught in the chaos of the wind, Aiz unleashed a storm of strikes with the sheath of her sword.
I couldn't do anything except try to evade. No, not even that—I could barely endure.
Only the first three blows I managed to block properly.
After that, my defense crumbled. My shoulders, legs, sides, and arms were struck again and again by the wind, shallow cuts tearing across my skin.
Avoiding a direct hit was nothing short of a miracle—a fortunate mix of instinct and pure luck.
She appeared in front of me—then to my side, above me, and once again in front.
She was incomparably faster than before.
The wind swirling around Aiz had pushed her beyond any human limit.
(She's even faster than Ryuu…!)
In my mind, I compared Aiz's speed to that of Ryuu, known as the "Gale." But Aiz now was clearly superior.
As I stood there, completely overwhelmed, a downward strike came from above.
I managed to block it, but—for some reason—Aiz suddenly stopped her movement.
Her golden eyes narrowed slightly, almost as if in mild disapproval, and she looked straight at me.
—"Were you thinking about someone else just now?"
—"Eh? N-no, not at all! Why do you say that?!"
—"I just felt it. You need to focus… or this won't work."
We were so close I could feel her breath, with our weapons still crossed between us.
Even though I hadn't done anything wrong, the intensity of her gaze made me shrink inside.
It felt like I was being scolded by the very wind swirling around her, and I nodded repeatedly.
We parted, our weapons clashing as we stepped back, only to face each other again.
No matter how hard I tried, the outcome remained the same.
Caught within the wind of Aiz-san, all I could do was fight back uselessly as my body took the brunt of her attacks.
(And it's not just her speed! Every blow carries overwhelming power!)
The sheath, wrapped in swirling wind currents, held power and impact comparable to a dwarven war hammer—or maybe even something greater.
I couldn't cleanly deflect her strikes, nor could I alter the direction of a single slash.
The defensive technique I had learned from Aiz—the one where you hit the weapon from the side to divert it—was completely unusable now.
If I even tried it, the violent wind could drag my entire body away while I was still trying to defend.
Every blow, no matter how light, felt like that.
Compared to dodging or closing the distance, my ability to defend was so weak it was like a leaf tossed in a storm.
I couldn't imagine anyone besides Ottar, the strongest in the city, being able to withstand this kind of raging wind assault.
(And if this is just the sheath… I don't even want to imagine what would happen if it were her real sword!)
—"Ugh, aghh!"
Before long, my fears came true.
My body, no longer able to resist, was overwhelmed by the crushing force of her wind.
My feet left the cobblestone ground, and for a chilling moment, I felt weightless—
—before I was hurled off the wall...
—"Watch out!"
—"Eh…?"
Just before I fell—
Aiz, who was supposed to have sent me flying with that strike, reached me with absurd speed and extended her hand.
She caught my wrist and threw me back up toward the top of the city wall.
But in the process, we switched places—
And she was the one who passed over the parapet, falling from the enormous wall toward…
—"Aiz-san!"
I ran desperately to the parapet and leaned over, sticking my head out to look down.
Aiz had fallen to the outside of the city, to the opposite side from Orario.
I leaned out further to get a better look, and at that moment—
—"Ah!"
—"Ah...?"
A shadow suddenly shot up from below and struck me on the head.
It was Aiz.
Using the power of the wind, she had apparently kicked off the wall and returned effortlessly.
And upon seeing me leaning over, her instinctive reaction was to swing the sheath—
Landing a direct hit on my head.
With wide eyes full of surprise, Aiz had struck me with such precision…
That my consciousness quickly began to fade.
(...I'm nowhere near her... not even close...)
On a sunny day, like when Mikoto-san and Haruhime-san hang out the futons on the balcony—
That's how I ended up.
My strength completely drained, my body drooped over the parapet like laundry drying in the sun.
As I lost consciousness, I could feel the unreachable gap between my admiration and reality.
And the last thing I heard was Aiz's voice—
apologetic and concerned.
—"Are you okay?"
A soft, warm sensation spread across the back of my head.
It was something I hadn't felt in a long time—
so much so, it felt almost nostalgic.
Slender fingers gently combed through my bangs, tickling me slightly,
while a sweet, bell-like voice whispered beside me.
In my field of vision, the blue sky... and Aiz's worried face came into view.
Three seconds later, my consciousness fully returned.
—"Hyaaaaaaa?!"
I sprang up from Aiz's lap like a spring-loaded toy.
She had been letting me rest there.
—"Ah..." Aiz murmured.
I rolled away across the stone pavement, quickly putting distance between us,
and ended up kneeling at a fair distance.
My embarrassment exploded.
My face turned bright red like a tomato, and I was breathing heavily,
despite having just woken up.
It was just like before!
I fought, lost consciousness, and ended up resting in her lap!
Even though I'm now a first-class adventurer,
nothing's changed at all!
I haven't grown, not one bit!
—"…Hehe."
As I squirmed, clutching my head in emotional turmoil,
Aiz, who had been watching me intently, let out a soft laugh.
—"Even though you've gotten stronger, you're still the same, Bell."
Bullseye!
Her words, filled with admiration, pierced straight through my chest.
The part about "even though you've gotten stronger" felt especially meaningful,
which only made me twist in even more embarrassment.
In the end, I clutched at my chest, completely unable to deal with the storm of emotions,
while Aiz tilted her head, puzzled.
—"Shall we rest?"
—…
Aiz patted her knees.
I shook my head vigorously.
Then she patted the ground beside her instead.
Without saying a word, I slowly made my way over,
almost as if I were reenacting the exact same scene as before.
After training that sent me repeatedly between heaven and hell,
I sat down next to her, crossing my legs with a bit of a rebellious air,
as if trying at least to look more manly.
Aiz sat down as before, hugging her knees, and looked up at me
with a curious expression.
—…
—…
—"I-Is this…?"
—"What?"
—"D-Do I have something on my face?"
—"No."
—"T-Then why… are you looking at me so much…?"
—"I'm just looking at you."
Under the winter sky above us, Aiz said it simply.
There was something different in her voice, wrapped in a kindness I hadn't felt
under the spring sky when I first met her.
Her golden hair reflected the sunlight, and as she smiled gently at me,
I couldn't help but murmur:
— "Aiz-san..."
Aiz... has changed.
Those words didn't come out of my mouth. Maybe I haven't changed,
but somehow, Aiz has. I don't know what happened or why I think that,
but looking at her eyes and her smile, that was my impression.
— "Me? What?"
— "Hm?"
— "Oh, no... it's nothing."
Aiz looked at me curiously, wanting to know more, but before I could say anything,
I quickly changed the subject.
— "Ah, right! It looks like the Orario Urban Competition Festival is about to start!
Aiz-san, will you and the others from the Loki Familia participate too?"
— "I was surprised, but… I don't think we can."
— "Huh?"
Though the topic change was a bit abrupt, the answer I received left me speechless, eyes wide open.
— "The dates coincide with our expedition trip."
— "...The Loki Familia is going on an expedition?!"
— "Yes. We've been preparing everything for quite some time…"
I slightly widened my eyes in surprise, but after thinking it through, I understood it wasn't strange.
Just like us, the Hestia Familia, who have the obligation to complete forced missions,
the Loki Familia, the largest faction in the city, must also venture into the depths of the dungeon.
The last time the Loki Familia went on an expedition was about eight months ago,
right when I defeated the Minotaur and leveled up to level 2.
It's been a long time since then, and surely the captain, Finn, will want to complete the forced mission
before it's delayed any further.
(Although, if that's the case, won't the Orario Urban Competition Festival be in serious trouble...?)
While I was surprised by this unexpected information, I began to sense a shadow of worry looming over Orario.
— "And… even though the expedition is still a little ways off, I've already finished my preparations. So, I have some free time…"
Aiz-san, hesitating a bit and carefully choosing her words, looked at me shyly.
— "Just for two more days, but… do you want to train?"
— "!!...!!"
— "Would you like to?"
— "Yes, please!!"
Before Aiz-san could finish speaking, I answered instantly, almost interrupting her.
At that moment, I completely forgot about the situation in Orario, my promise to teacher Leon, and all the other important priorities, replying with my face fully flushed.
Aiz-san, a little surprised, squinted and said to me:
— "Alright… I hope we can train together."
With those words, she made the promise. I felt my face light up with a growing smile, wrapped in an indescribable happiness.