The teams were gathered. Aside from Lina, I didn't know anyone. We were the ones who would capture the yellow flag. The event was simple: we were expected to discover our abilities by pushing our limits. When we reached the entrance of the forest, our class teacher was waiting for us.

• "Alright, kids, as I've explained, you've been divided into groups, and each of you has a zone to defend. Your flag will be planted in the center of your zone. If the opposing team gets hold of it, you lose. Simple. Detailed information will be given after the event in class. Any questions?"

Someone randomly asked:

• "I had a question about the creatures in the forest..."

• "Great, so no questions. Let's begin."

Our class teacher was really annoying. We were told we'd hear a sound in about half an hour, and after that, the flag capture game would begin. Once we got into position in the forest, we chose a team leader amongst ourselves, and he quickly laid out his plans:

• "Guys, we'll need more people to protect the flag. I think it's better to have a strong defense. So, 9 people will guard the flag, and the rest will form two small teams of 3 each to try and capture the opponent's flag. Each team of 3 needs a healer..."

After this speech, we took our places. In our group of 3, there was me, Lina, and a shy girl.

• "Hello, I'm Kaito."

• "And I'm Lina."

• "Lina is a fire mage, and I'm a healer. I can't use my abilities, so we should be careful."

• "Hi, I'm Anya. I'm supposedly an ice mage, but I can't use my abilities either."

Only Lina could use her spells. I hoped the opposing team was like us... Of course, since we weren't going to be fighting hand-to-hand, we were given swords, shields, and armor.

Finally, the moment came. After hearing a loud noise, the two teams of 3 split up and ventured into the forest to search for the enemy's flag.

• "It was said that the creatures would be low-level. I hope we don't get hurt.""Don't you remember what the class teacher said, Lina? He told us to fear the people more than the creatures."

After walking for a bit, we noticed something on a tree.

• "Is that jelly dripping from that branch?"

• "It shows that slimes are nearby. Simple creatures, but we need to be careful since they spit acid. With a bit of caution, they shouldn't be too much trouble."

Despite her shy nature, Anya seemed knowledgeable about the creatures. Having her on the team gave me some confidence. After walking a bit more, we encountered a group of slimes.

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• "There they are. Our swords won't have much effect on them. The only way to kill them is by using our magic or targeting their cores. It's going to be tricky, though, as they can move their cores around..."

• "Lina, use your fire magic to distract them. Anya and I will try to strike at the cores."

• "Wait... Lina can use her magic?"

• "Yes, they're coming, and now's not the time for this!"

Though it wasn't easy, we managed to get past the slimes, which weren't resistant to fire. However, their acid had melted our armor and splattered onto our clothes. This cheap armor... I still had some energy left. With only minor scratches, we continued on our way. Then, suddenly, two people appeared in front of us. They were from the opposing team. They didn't seem confident, but after seeing our state, they seemed emboldened. One was skinny, the other short. They didn't look like they could give us much trouble, and the short one spoke up:

• "Oh man, I didn't think we'd run into anyone this quickly. I think you should let us pass. You guys look exhausted."

I was getting tired of being ridiculed. If I let this slide, I'd never be able to advance in class, no matter the situation. I whispered to Lina:

• "How about a little show with your magic? If we scare them, they might run."

Lina conjured a fireball in her hand and threw threats at them:

• "Don't be fooled by how we look. I can still use my magic. You'd better run before I burn you."

They were clearly taken aback. Seeing a mage activate their magic so quickly had them spooked. They weren't confident in themselves anyway, and the fact that there were three of us scared them further. They ran back the way they came, and we all relaxed. Then, we resumed our journey, until we saw our team.

• "You... Hey, I'm talking to you. I think we're lost. It's better if we regroup and keep moving."

This seemed like a good idea to us. Cutting through the creatures in our path, we finally spotted the enemy's flag. They were seven, guarding their flag. They had split their group into pairs to scout the forest. Clearly, their setup wasn't much different from ours; the only difference was that fewer were guarding the flag. We huddled together to discuss.

• "Your group goes ahead and distracts them. Seeing fewer of you will make them relax. After that, we'll attack from behind."

This plan seemed both smart and risky. I didn't feel completely comfortable, but we agreed on it anyway. We rushed ahead, and they saw us, but it was like they were expecting us. Instead of surprise, they wore smiles on their faces. I was confused. Suddenly, Anya screamed. When I turned around, one of the second group had stabbed her from behind. Lina and I immediately turned back, but it was too late. We had been betrayed. Now what? Anya was writhing in pain. I tried to put my hand on her back to heal her, but... I still couldn't activate my magic. I yelled in frustration:

• "YOU BASTARDS! WE WERE ON THE SAME TEAM, WHY DID YOU BETRAY US?!"

They had also captured Lina. The feeling of helplessness overwhelmed me. I was the only one left. My hand trembled with anger. I grabbed my sword and tried to swing it at the one holding Lina, but my mind wouldn't let me. WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME? WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?!

Someone from the red team:

• "It's my spell, idiot! Did you think you were the only ones who could use magic? HAHAHAHA!"

The opposing team and those who betrayed us were... LAUGHING.

• "Yellow team, take these guys and dispose of them in a secluded spot. The boy can't move. We need to guard the flag. I don't want our deal to be discovered."

I couldn't hold back my tears. Helplessness gnawed at me. As they dragged us away, Anya was losing blood. Was she going to die? MY VISION WAS FADING... Suddenly, we stopped. I still couldn't move. Helplessness had now given way to rage. I HEARD THE SOUND OF THAT STEAM TRYING TO ESCAPE THE KETTLE AGAIN...

• "Why are you laughing, you idiot? Have you gone crazy? Do you not realize the situation you're in? You're about to die in a few moments. No one worries about insignificant people."

• "IS THAT WHAT YOU THINK?"