Chapter 36 The Grudge Of The Wings
- Selection Test 'Hiiro Merifar'
Test Venue 'Training Room 3-G'
Opponent List, below.
'First Match' Shouk Shateiya
'Second Match' Sherbet Rikolmeiza
'Third Match' Photom Chopper
"........."
Yeah.
No.
Yeah.........huh?
".........the heck?"
Wait. Huh? Where's Shura?
I see Shou, but I can't find Shu anywhere. Is this a bug? This scenario better not be broken, right, God?
"Hey, why are you just standing there?"
"Shu, it's Shura."
And suddenly, Shura is talking to me.
But if you're right there, why aren't you listed as my opponent?
What's going on? Is my brain finally glitching out?
"Why aren't you my opponent, damn it?"
"Ah, I saw that too. I thought you were finally going to prove you're not just all talk... but it looks like that chance will have to wait."
"Oh. Cool."
She looks a bit disappointed. But isn't she taking this pretty easily? No, no, no.
Calm down, me. Let's take a breath.
Oh, wait. Maybe I jumped to conclusions.
Wow. So that's how it is.
(.........Lately, I've been a total mess, haven't I?)
Let's be real. This is super embarrassing.
I keep remembering it at night and rolling around in bed. What was I so sure about?
I want to die. If there was a hole, I'd want to crawl in and hide until it rains and fills it up.
But if I think about it, I can also see it as I'm not at the level to fight Shura yet.
I've been working hard on my magic training, but honestly, Quollio still says I'm not handling my magic well.
I probably jumped the gun. Yeah. I might be so embarrassed I could explode, but I need to hold it together. I can do this.
"Well, at least it's good that I have someone like you to take my frustrations out on."
"What's that supposed to mean, punk?"
"Nothing."
While my heart was in turmoil, my rival smiled meaningfully in front of me.
It was a beautiful smile that felt intimidating, like she was showing off her rivalry with someone else.
"Just focus on your own opponent. Just make sure you don't trip over your own feet."
"Tch, right back at you."
"You're ten years too early to say that... see you."
Without revealing what she meant, Shura casually walked away.
She's probably heading to her assigned training area.
It sounded a bit like she was talking about a rival, but it's not me.
So who is Shura's opponent?
As I wondered this and watched her leave, I noticed something.
".........!"
Her long, silver-gray hair flowed like a curtain at the side of the stage.
From the gaps in Shura's hair, I caught a glimpse of a figure.
It looked familiar, a small silhouette.
(.........Shouk)
"Kihih."
Right now, Shouk is just as much of a rival as Shura.
His sharp nose and nasty grin were mocking me with his murky eyes.
* * *
"You guy really gets on my nerves."
".........Huh?"
As soon as I arrived at the training area, he suddenly started talking trash.
Even without a warning, it seemed like he had a lot of pent-up feelings. He shrugged his shoulders like he was flipping through an invisible calendar.
"You've always been a slowpoke, but lately, you've been especially annoying. You're such a loser, but now you act all high and mighty."
Shouk kicked the wet floor, showing no sign of hiding his annoyance. But he didn't show any jealousy or envy, just a nasty look. It was like a group of delinquents who couldn't stand to see one of their own improve.
"More than that loudmouth Ruzure. If you try to stand above me, I'll settle this right here."
It was a strong declaration, almost impressive.
But, but seriously.
(.........Shouk is my opponent?)
I felt a huge sense of disappointment.
I mean, even if this is a rivalry match, the situation just doesn't feel right.
This setup is basically the main character (who used to be a sidekick) against the current sidekick, right? Honestly, doesn't that seem kind of lame? It feels like a grudge that should be settled somewhere else, doesn't it?
At least with Ruzure, there was some real rivalry, but this matchup feels really disappointing.
"Just watch. I'm gonna make you crawl again, just like that skinny guy with glasses you started hanging out with recently!"
"..."
Well, it's not like I'm completely unmotivated.
"It's Quollio, you moron."
"Huh?"
Honestly, I want to say that I'm the one who's annoyed with you.
You act all humble in front of Ruzure, but you're super tough on anyone weaker than you, and I can't stand that. The whole thing with Quollio is the same.
Even if it's not my place to step in, I feel like I need to settle things somehow.
"That's not a skinny guy with glasses. Call my friend by his name, you big-nosed punk, not some lame-ass nickname."
"O-Oh, you...!"
No matter who the opponent is, this is a fight I can't lose, and it's important for the future.
I still remember how bitter that hot water tasted when I was forced to drink it.
It's a good chance to let out all the grudges I've been holding.
"Now, we will start the first round of the selection test. Hiiro Merifar. Shouk Shateiya. Get ready!"
Ah, this is just perfect.
It's finally time to show what I've got.
It's also a chance to show the results of the training I did with that skinny guy with glasses, as Shouk said.
"...Begin!!"
So, as soon as the examiner gave the signal to start, I confidently shouted.
"With my arm, I call forth the red strength of the belt──[Earth Meging]!"
"!"
One white support magic, 'Earth Meging (Megingjörð)'.
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