My breathing was uncontrollable. My body was heavy, and my mind was cloudy. I didn't know what to think or do. 

Since I gained power, I had never felt this weak before.

Was this just a dream? My body felt sluggish. If it's all just a dream, then I could wake up and go back to my normal life.

Voices came from all directions. I could barely make out what they said. 

Some voices called my name. Some called out the name of the girl, whose condition wasn't any better, standing across from me. It sounded like a chorus of angels were trying to reach us.

'How long has it been?'

Two years? Or three years? Or just a short one year?

Clashing and fighting against the one dubbed as the genius among geniuses. The battle between me and Sibyl never seemed to end.

Everything ended in either her victory or a draw. For once, I wanted to win against her.

“You... Can still exert your Psion once more, right?”

“Heh! I should be the one saying that.” 

I didn't know how she managed to say that while looking like a broken doll. Speaking must be painful enough in her condition. 

“You haven't had any time to recuperate yet!”

I could only laugh dryly. It was true that I hadn't had a chance to rest, but I couldn't afford to lose this fight. Reaching this point was arduous and I didn’t want to lose my chance.

Two and half years since I entered this novel world where I only read the prologue and the ending, oblivious of the story and plot. Heck, I didn’t even know the main character’s appearance or name.

One thing I knew was that I had to be strong to survive in Academy City Cypherion. 

This was from an experience after living in this world, not some meta knowledge.

In this tournament, I had faced all sorts of opponents. There was no telling who would come out on top. That's why I needed to put up a good fight, no matter who my opponent was.

I couldn't let anyone beat or underestimate me.

Not even in this final against his rival.

“Ready your Psion, Sibyl.”

“You too, Ciel.”

We readied themselves for the next clash. My mind was prepared and my body responded to my thoughts. I was ready to unleash my last Psion attack.

Sibyl's Psion circled her body, turning into a bright red color similar to her hair, forming a fiery halo on top of her head. Her eyes were sharp and focused. She looked like a demon ready for battle.

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Meanwhile, my Psion wrapped around me. A withish golden halo should’ve formed behind my head, as I could feel its warm presence. 

I stood tall and proud, showing no fear or hesitation. Showing a weakness at times like this would put me in a disadvantage.

Wind formed in the arena. My hair refused to calm down and fluttered wildly.

As we locked gazes, I felt a sense of rivalry and respect. We had fought countless times, knowing each other’s skill well. That was why I respected her.

Talented but a hard worker. I admired that part about her.

And now I wanted to prove myself by defeating her. I wanted to show the world that I was strong. So people wouldn’t bother me.

With a deep breath, I controlled my Psion. Like water, it flowed in my body and manifested by my imagination. It gathered around my palm, creating a spiral of golden light.

Sibyl also formed a vortex of Psion on her palm. She grinned mischievously after managing to copy my technique.

Without any warning or agreement, we released our attack at the same time.

A brilliant red light and a spiraling golden light collided, creating a spectacular display of colors. The energy was so powerful that it sent shockwaves throughout the arena, shaking the ground and knocking down anyone who stood too close.

The spectators’ breath hitched. Dust rose in the arena, preventing anyone from seeing anything.

In the end, the battle had to end with one person standing victorious.

Sibyl, my rival and a fellow Psion Master, fell to the ground in defeat. She had used all of her Psion and left nothing left to keep standing.

Meanwhile, I still stood on his ground. My lips were upturned in a smile, ignoring my battered body that was on the verge of collapsing. I had won the battle.

With this, I could finally fade into the back of the story. I would be known as the Esper who beat Sibyl, the genius among geniuses.

Despite the victory, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and regret. I didn't know why I felt this way, but it was like a hole had been created inside. 

Maybe I regretted my decision? Should I continue standing beside Sibyl?

I will be in my second year soon. I thought as I raised my head. 

The clouds swimming in the blue sky looked so free yet so sad.

The announcer's voice was fading in my ears. 

Ah, I ruptured my ears. 

Everything was silent and only a loud ringing sound remained.

I couldn't hear what people were saying around me or feel the touch of the health officer that checked my condition. It was like I was in a bubble, detached from the world around me.

Maybe I will study more. Or just live a normal daily life. I remembered this novel's genre is romance. There will be many sweet things so it's better to just fade into the background, just as planned. It's just a light novel, after all.

I had done enough fighting and struggling. I felt like I had fulfilled his purpose in this world and didn't need to do anything else. 

Being the strongest student would bring me trouble. But I couldn’t help it. When I had power, I wanted to prove to myself that I could be the strongest if I tried.

Not for anyone, but for myself.

I will let Sibyl take the title of the strongest after this. 

It wasn't worth it for me to be the strongest student. I was better suited to be a helper, standing in the background and supporting the main actor.

I had achieved his dream of being a Psion Master and proved my worth. My future would be secured with this.

Also, I was ready to move on with my life and become a regular student at the Academy City Cypherion. My objective in this fight had been fulfilled.

“The winner is Ciel from [Rakuen Academy]!”

"I... Won." 

Feeling exhausted, I slowly closed my eyes and let exhaustion take over my body.

Finally, the novel's main story would start without me. I didn't need to interfere anymore.

When my presence was forgotten by everyone, I would slowly interact with the world again and blend in as a normal person. 

Or so I hoped.