Boom Boom Explosion Bang Bang.

‘Explosions go boom!’

Now you may be wondering what I’m on about, but to be honest, I also have no clue.

Anyway, now that I have your attention…

Wait, why am I talking to myself?—then again, it doesn’t matter. It’s not like anybody was spying on my thoughts…

Alright then. Back to doing handstand push-ups. My shoulders are going to cry after—.

“Wow! How are you doing that!”

‘Ah, this fucker is back.’

“Magic,” I snarked as I dropped back down.

“Can you do it again?”

“No.”

I checked my watch and sure enough, it was time.

Come to think of it, after today would be the end of the first week. I’ve been going at it for three days in a row now, haven’t I? It’s kind of stupid how my body is so lively when I haven’t slept for four days. You hear me? FOUR DAYS!!! But I’m not complaining. I’ll leave that part to the doctor.

And in the span of these past few days, I feel ashamed to say that I couldn’t fast. It was in part because the food came straight from heaven, as well as the fact that there was a pesky bug who wouldn’t stop forcing me to eat with her.

Enough said, I admit that I gave in to the temptation. No need to rub it in. I am well aware of my weak-mindedness, though it still amazes me that I don’t feel a hint of drowsiness or lethargy. I guess humans are built differently in this world—or it was just me... I should probably see a doctor, right?

“…that’s not how you do it…” I watched in patience as she fell hard on her back. I doubt that fall could hurt her. The girl in question had skin as hard as steel which was contrary to its smooth and milky appearance that showed no signs of hardship at all. That was far from the truth though since she still did practice swordsmanship—I just don’t get why she did it in my room. It made even less sense when I found out she was a member of that club Professor Eigenvalue was creating. The training facility was perfectly available to her, but she followed me regardless. I just didn’t understand what was wrong with her head; though I never told her off so part of the issue could be my leniency.

“Let’s go.”

When we arrived at the “classroom” that wasn’t really a classroom, Professor Eigenvalue wasn’t there to greet us. Like the other students, the two of us took a seat as we stared at the waxed arena.

“Hey, did you hear the news?” I overheard someone speaking.

“Eric turned himself in for killing someone!”

“Eric? Do you mean Blanche?”

“No, I heard it was Evergreene that did it.”

“That Eric? He killed someone?”

“Yeah, at least that’s what I hear…”

After some time, Melissa had arrived and sat beside Sam as they engaged in some chitchat.

With a few more minutes passing, I couldn’t help but notice that the number of students had increased—like a lot. By a lot, I meant that half the seats have been filled. For context, normally only about an eighth of the seats were occupied in Combat Magic class; which was a stupid name yet somehow the most interesting class.

This “classroom” was really just a miniature Colosseum; or in modern terms, a sports field. You know what? Calling it a classroom is stupid. I will henceforth refer to it as the Gym.

It only took a few more minutes until a line of professors walked in. Some of whom I recognized; while others, not at all. Either way, Scarlet was leading all of the professors as she walked up to the middle of the field along with…

‘Is that… her?’

Her ears looked human, but I could have sworn they were longer like an elf’s. She was wearing the same black suit and with her blonde hair let loose—the same as our first encounter.

Her natured eyes spotted me immediately upon entering the giant classroom.

I nudged it off as coincidence, but when I saw Sam’s strange demeanor, I knew it was anything but that.

The other students’ reactions were also quite abnormal—star-struck if I were to say. And it made sense. Out of everyone gathered in this place, that woman outshined everyone in appearance alone. She was the literal definition of an angel. But an angel in appearance only. Someone who can kidnap a child without remorse is anything but an angel, though I’ve already gotten over it. I didn’t have much of an attachment to anything or body in this world so being kidnapped was no issue for me. While the act of kidnapping me did inadvertently bring me to this school, I did not mind all too much for the consequences. I never liked the idea of schools in the first place, so it wasn’t like I had gratitude for someone who kidnapped me.

As for Sam’s side of things, I don’t know. I can imagine she valued her parents which made sense why she would hold hostility toward the woman who kidnapped her… Except those eyes weren’t filled with hatred. I guess there really was a screw loose in her. Was it Stockholm Syndrome? She got kidnapped too, didn’t she? That would explain how she magically appeared in this school as well… Did that woman want us to be here?

I stared at her from the corner of my eyes, making sure she didn’t catch me, before confirming nothing at all.

‘I’m overthinking it, aren’t I?’

Scarlet and the woman took center stage while the professors stood behind the two in a neat line. I could make out Professor Eigenvalue amongst them with his casual walking stick and wizard’s hat. He was basically the oddball.

“It’s good to see everyone here today. I’m sure you all know or have heard what this is about, so I will keep the explanations short.”

Even though Scarlet was speaking to an arena of people, her voice was amplified enough for me to hear her loud and clear.

“Next week is when official classes start for all grades. If you have a sibling that is in the upper grades, you should know what I am talking about. But for those who don’t already know, we have a tradition of hosting diagnostic exams for freshmen on the day before official classes start for all grades. That day is two days from now. But since there are no classes on the weekends, we will be hosting the exams today.” She paused, trying to create some suspense.

“The diagnostic exam for this year is a little different from usual. This year, Grimphon University will finally have a Combative Squadron which will represent us in the upcoming tournament between the three kingdoms.”

A bunch of students started whispering upon mention of this tournament.

“Isn’t that where all the strongest people gather? I heard that you have a higher chance of being chosen by the church as a hero if you perform well there.”

To which another student replied, “Becoming heroes? But the chosen Hero hasn’t even been declared yet!”

“Well, it’s about time isn’t it? A prophecy is always sent down every couple of decades and if you add the numbers, it should be around now.”

“I guess… But then again, it’s not like either of us have a chance at becoming heroes alongside the great Hero.”

‘Heroes, huh?’

I had a feeling this was something I should remember. The church and heroes… Was it a title of sorts?

“Don’t pin your shortcomings on me. I bet you haven’t even seen my magic if you’re saying it like that!”

“Yeah yeah, you think you’re so great just because you broke into the Mage realm. Wake me up when you become a Sage.”

“I’ll have you know that my—” Before I could finish eavesdropping, Scarlet’s overarching voice clogged my ears.

“By becoming a member, you will be granted exclusive benefits. Questions and information should be directed toward Professor Eigenvalue who is the manager of the squadron. The coach of the squadron will be a trusted friend of mine over here, Melithear.” The woman waved her hands, seemingly in my direction. The paranoia was catching up.

“Anyway, you all must be wondering how you can get into the university’s squadron. The answer is simple: the diagnostic exam today will measure your combative abilities and the professors will be the judge to see who is worthy of a recommendation. Keep in mind that there are a limited number of spots.”

“Say, can’t we just sit out…” whispered someone.

“It’s only a diagnostic for people who fight, so maybe? It’s not like we’ll get in trouble if we don’t try, right?”

“The examination will consist of groups competing against each other. Everyone will be assigned teams created by professors. Once you have all gotten into groups, head outside and the exam will begin.” With that, she gave a clap to finish her speech as the row of professors lined up behind her started moving.

“Did you hear what the exam was?” someone muttered amongst the crowd.

“It was something about teams, right?”

“No, I know that. I’m talking about the actual exam.”

“I don’t think she said anything in particular.”

“I see… Hey, shouldn’t we get a move on?”

“Yeah…”

I looked on as everyone moved toward the professors. There were a couple other students who were stationary for the same reason as I was. It would be much too crowded if I were to get out of my seat.

“Wao!” A muffled shriek came from a nearby seat.

When I looked to see what it was, my attention was captured by the sudden appearance of that woman. The more I looked, the stranger it was to see her with human ears instead of long elf ones. I just couldn’t forget that supernatural aesthetic back from our first counter.

As I stared, I soon realized that she didn’t give off the same creepy aura which disgusted me back then.

“You two will be in a team,” she said toward Sam and me. Her voice had a natural charisma to it.

My vision went back and forth between the background and the woman, before determining that it would be impossible to walk through the crowd. It would have been the same as swimming against a river current. Was it teleportation? I knew she could fly, but it couldn’t have been so fast that I didn’t see her do it, right?

Before I could think anymore, she grabbed Sam and me by the arm.

“Wait! Let me join!” screamed from below just as the both of us were about to be flown away without consent.

“Why?” replied the woman.

I looked down to see what was going on, but I was suddenly assailed with nausea from the bird’s-eye view.

“Please!” screamed the poor heterochromia girl who was holding on for her life. I wonder who gave her the bright idea to latch onto this lunatic woman’s leg.

“Hmm…”

After thinking about it for some time, she decided to let Melissa cling to her leg and went on.

The ceiling windows at the very top were open, and we were put down once we got to the gym’s roof.

“Come,” she motioned for us to follow her to the edge of the roof.

I first noticed a blue transparent dome, then a couple buildings all linked together by bridges, and finally a bunch of trees in another area. I don’t recall any of those things being there before.

“There are 100 coins hidden within that area. The goal is to get as many as you can in under an hour. The only two rules are to not leave the area and to not kill anyone,” she told us straightforwardly.

“Here, stick these onto yourselves.” She handed the three of us black stickers.

I analyzed the sticky side a bit before slapping it on my neck. The glue was some adhesive I wasn’t familiar with.

Melissa stuck it to the back of her hand while Sam copied me, hiding half of the sticker with her hair.

“Alright, go.” Before Melissa could say anything…

“Waaah!” She was pushed off the ledge.

Did I just see someone get murdered in front of me?

‘Damn, this person really was messed up.’

This was definitely the same insane woman who kidnapped me a couple weeks ago.

“The exam is pretty meaningless,” she seemed to mutter.

“I’ll talk to you two later, now go have fun.” One of her hands came to pat my head.

‘Did she say fun?’

I took a brief millisecond to ponder what she meant by “fun,” before coming to a fatal realization.

‘Wait a damn min—’

Before I could react, I was tossed off the roof.

Fuck