Chapter 12 Moka's Flower Path
"Th-This is ridiculous. It can't be true. Who is that girl... how can someone like her be so strong... This must be a mistake, a setup, a scam!"
"Calm down, Sir Ruzure..."
Ridiculous, huh? That's my line.
Shura won. It was such a complete victory that no one can complain.
This means that she will be my rival from now on.
(There's no doubt about it. She's my rival.)
A strong enemy is read as "tomo (friend)."
In a classic story, there's usually one or 2 competitors for the main character. They always compete and sometimes become enemies or allies, standing as a strong wall against the protagonist.
To show the conflict with the main character, they often have a cold demeanor or an unapproachable vibe, and they are usually designed to be very strong characters at the beginning.
See? It's exactly like that.
Shura. With her unmatched strength and that impressive presence. There's no doubt. She's definitely my rival.
"H-Hiiro?"
"...Huh?"
"Are you out of your mind?"
"What the hell do you mean?"
"Because you... why are you smiling so happily?"
"──Ha!"
Well, hust think about it.
Shura is strong. Really, really strong.
But if my rival is that strong, then the main character has to be strong too for the story to work.
So, if that's the case, it's like the story guarantees that "you (the hero) will also get there."
If there's a 'someday' where I will reach that point and eventually surpass it.
"Of course I'm happy about that!"
I'm going to become incredibly strong. No doubt about it.
So, it's only natural that a smile would slip out.
* * *
"Oh my, I can't compete with that. Ruzure Senegal. Passed!"
"Hehe, of course."
"Oh no, I got defeated! Shouk Shateiya, passed!"
"Kuku... well, that's how it goes, hehe..."
Wow, this is so obvious.
Having the guts to pull off a setup in front of everyone is impressive, but still.
Even if they are 2 people with a connection, I didn't feel like celebrating at all.
"Tch, this is why nobles are annoying."
"Why do we have to watch this farce?"
"I can't accept this, damn it."
"...It seems like things aren't going well, Examiner Howts."
"I'm embarrassed to say it. The candidates are quite skilled. Haha, we all have days like this."
"..."
"Don't you think so, Instructor Shidou? After all, they're going against someone pretty tough right from the start, right? Let's get along since we're both having a rough time."
"...Hmph."
The examiner's easy defeat made some people suspicious. But Ruzure's charm was such that even the eyepatch-wearing instructor was easily fooled.
In that sense, Ruzure has a good eye for talent. I don't feel any respect for that, though.
"...Next. Hiiro Merifar, step forward."
Called by the flat, emotionless voice, I finally stepped up.
(Wow!)
At the same time, I felt an invisible arrow stab into my back.
What is this? I turned around to see a bunch of cold, piercing stares.
Bad news. I'm completely seen as one of Ruzure's group.
Well, it's obvious after spending so much time together. But this is not good; it's a total disaster for me.
"Now, choose your examiner."
(I've been underestimated, huh?)
Ah, I'm really getting angry. Not just at Ruzure.
I'm frustrated with the way this world is set up. Seriously, are they making fun of me?
I don't need all this help, you know.
"Huh?"
"What?"
"Hey, hey."
"W-What are you thinking, Hiiro?!"
Ruzure's voice cut through the confusion around me.
What am I thinking?
I've only been thinking about one thing from the start.
I've been a believer in heroes my whole life.
Even without being led, I already know who I should choose.
"Hiiro Merifar. You're not making a mistake, right?"
"Of course not. A man doesn't go back on his word."
"Alright then."
The target I pointed at smiled.
His eye that wasn't covered was looking very happy and was raised up.
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