"A-A magic test?!" I said and panicked.

"Don't worry, I know you'll pass."

"I appreciate it, Brea, but where the hell is Larisa?!"

"She ran off to talk to the guards that were standing by the gate this morning."

Her expression was of a person who'd say, "F*ck! What the f*ck do I say in a situation like this!?"

Also, author, please censor some of those words, and dear readers, don't swear occasionally. I know that's rich coming from me, but we all have our ups and downs.

"LARISA!"

I acted furiously and attempted to run, but Brea quickly grabbed me from behind, making sure I wasn't about to commit murder. She thinks that I'm about to go "kill" Larisa, but really I want to go do my quests! Wait, do they have games here? I must ask!

"Yaeko, please calm down. How about we go get some food and relax for the day?"

Oh yeah, Larisa left us hanging, and Brea reassured me, like, "There's nothing to worry about! and also "It's just a test!" but it's a big deal for me. My plans are almost ruined. Killing more bandits is what I need! Getting more money is what I want! Anyway, asking if they have games in this world wouldn't hurt.

"Do they have games here?"

"Games? If you mean like ping pong or-"

"ARCADES?!"

"Ar...What?"

"Ah, never mind."

"No, it's fine! We have tables for ping pong, and the academy even holds tournaments every now and then."

Interesting! Table tennis originated in England in 1883. Now looking at it, the Ophelia Kingdom really does look very much like England between the 15th and 18th centuries.

We went on our way to the central part of the city, and oh god, does it look packed? It is way too crowded here.

Me and Brea got some food at another fast food place that looks like RFC. It even tastes similar—delicious. After eating, we went on our way to walk around the city, and a young woman had been robbed, but since I was there, I just used earth magic to subdue him and give back the stolen goods.

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"Today was a fine day," I said.

I stretched my arms and gave a weary sigh. I do feel refreshed in a way, but it just isn't efficient enough, as eventually it will become stale.

"Unusually, I feel like you're exhausted in a pleasing way," said Brea.

I mean, she is not wrong. Her seeing through my disguise like that is a bit worrying, some.

"I have to go this way to reach my house. I'll see you tomorrow at school."

"Yeah, see ya!"

Brea chuckled, "What's with the weird language?"

Stop teasing me.

We then parted ways.

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You might wonder what exactly happened in my classes. It's just as me and Brea discussed—a magic test.

In the classes, the teacher just explained the basics—really all I know of already. Since I'm a first-year, it makes sense.

Man, these hallways are quite crowded.

"Unlike you, I actually won last year's tournament. I'm not weak like you."

Also, remember when I said, "It is said that a fight between the different sides is bound to happen because of this."?

"Huh? Showing off your pride and arrogance will only lead to doom. Unlike you, I have diligence and am humble."

Yeah, it is happening right now. A magic student and a swordstress fighting over god-knows-what. This is exciting!

"Talk all you want. Words are cheap like your magic, but if you really say what is true, then let's have a duel."

The diligent and "humble" one clenched her teeth as she took that insult right to her bone, but no doubt that she is pretty. Her stunning light azure hair is catching much attention, and even wearing the academy's uniform, her body still shows. Damn, now that's a potential idol.

"Don't back down later."

They walked away from each other. Well, at least they're not pulling each other's hair; they have dignity. Regardless, seeing that fight after school would be a fun movie to watch.

Mm, I'm not sure though.

"Yo! What's going on? I was trying to find those handsome guys from before, but I...heard something."

Larisa came up to see what was going on, but it already ended.

I looked at her and said, "A fight might happen after school; you wanna go see it, all three of us?"

"Eh? A fight? Like a duel?"

"Yep. I'm going, and maybe Brea too."

"Okay, now that's over, let's head to class."

"Wait, are you seriously going? Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it. I-I have a few things to do myself, i-if you know. Also, where's Brea?"

"She went to class early."

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"F-Fight! It's been so long since I watched people fighting! I'm so excited, like I really, really am!"

Oh, one thing I forgot to say about Brea is that she loves watching tournaments, or should I say fighting in general? In other words, not only is she a school junkie but also has, uh, fight-thrill?

"You really seem different! It's like you're a completely diffo person. What happened?" said Larisa.

Yeah, even I want to know, and did she just say diffo?

"Where's your glasses, Brea?"

"Oh, I just left them at home. I can see alright without them. Okay, maybe a little blurry, but it's fine."

Damn, she's a bit too expressive when you push her right buttons.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

"A bit too expressive, mm?"

She's a witch-!

"The duel is soon to be ready! Make sure to grab your seats quickly, as there's not many slots left!"

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We barely made it to the seats of the stadium because of that long queue just to get inside.

"How! How come you're not tired?"

"Exactly, it's not fair!"

"I just have good endurance."

Me, Brea, and Larisa finally sat down. Exhausted but relieved, we made it.

"And today's duel is commencing soon with the magic student Elisa, ranked second, and upcoming imperial officer Talisa!" said the announcer.

The crowd's cheering, almost breaking the atmosphere, can be heard from miles away.

"Ma-gic! Ma-gic! Cast! Imagine! And hit her with a blast!"

Since we're all magic students, we all shouted along, but in our own style. The funny poses we're doing while chanting really make it more fun.

"Ma-gic! Ma-gic! Cast! Imagine! And hit her with a blast!"

"Catch her off guard with your vitality and craft!"

"Fast, great, mighty, and so wisely! Tell her how magic is so highly finely!"

"Beat her and win! Show her how magic can be closer than your kin!"

"Can't we just say something other than "closer than your kin"? Like...B*tching?"

"No! No can do!" said me and Brea.

I don't care who wins; just make it enjoyable, please!

Oh! The crowd got even louder. I guess these tournaments really are amazing!

"Is there anything you want to say to you two before you start?"

"You heard the announcer, Talisa. Or are you too deaf to hear?"

Ouch, magic may be fine, but her self-proclaimed humbleness sure ain't.

"Silence, and let's just begin. As an elder, I must teach you a lesson."

"Your only a year older."

It reminds me of the good old days—sister rivalry at its finest.

And so Elisa, who uses ice magic, which is a variant of water, also meaning she can use water magic, gets ready in her position. With her superior and effective mage stance, she stands out and can use the terrain to her advantage, which I can tell. They say for a mage, it is unrealistic to pull this off, let alone try since it will just lead to humiliation, but I don't think it's true, and Elisa is living proof. A prodigy who surpasses her jealous older sister.

On the other side lays Talisa, the older sister of Elisa and upcoming imperial officer, who are the big dogs in this kingdom and age. All that ego and inner arrogance will all be crushed regardless of how her sister behaves.

Only the strongest survive; it's how the world works. Contrastingly, it is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change. It's quite funny how the world works. Whoever put me here must know the world's fate is in my hands. Amusingly as that sounds, regardless, there is always something you can't control.

"Begin!"

Anyways, Elisa will start off with a Water Bullet, and Talisa will use her speed to go for one strike that will bring her dominant sister down.

"Water Surge!"

Elisa summoned a sudden and fast rush of water waves.

"Tch!"

Talisa's fast and agile movement made her as swift as lightning.

The area got bombarded by mana, exploding the inside terrain and the atmosphere turning into fog.

Wait, this is not how it's supposed to go!

I mean, yeah, Talisa went for one strike, but also her sister?! Not how I predicted!

After the pure dust and fog got in everyone's faces, the fog cleared up slowly until it was visible to see the inside. Elisa and Talisa both stood completely still, with Talisa in stance behind.

A dramatic pause remains. Everything and everyone quiet but an unseeing thud.

Yeah, she just dropped and fainted. How dramatic. All that hype for nothing. She didn't even use ice magic, which is expected as they literally went for their most powerful attack in their arsenal.

Everyone then cheered after processing what just happened, except for me. Talisa, the elder, fainted from her younger sister's ultimate attack. They both gave their best even if the inferior one lost.

----------------------------------------

"Ah, where were you?"

"I was having a conversation with someone; shall we go now?"

"Yaeko, seriously, don't go wondering off without notice. We were worried."

"First Larisa, now you? Can't I ever catch a break from you both?"

"I was going anyway. Worrying isn't stopping me from"

"Cake!!" we all said.

We treated ourselves after that exhausting long queue we were in at the beginning. I'd say we deserve it very, very much!

It's turning dark.

We all walked our way home after hanging out a little more. Today was not bad. Though I haven't killed any bandits in a long time.

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Since yesterday was a Friday, I can now finally spend time killing bandits!

"My lady, we should go shopping and spend the day out," said Rin.

...

"Aw!"

I literally spend all my carefree civilian points already!

----------------------------------------

... And eventually I am back again, but with Rin this time. Give me a rest.

Rin looked at me and said, "

Sure! Why not go around on a spending spree with my nonexistent money? I ain't using my hard-earned gold!

"Don't worry about the cost; I got everything covered."

Okay, that's one problem solved. She's not using my... No, not my stol! I mean, had-earned gold!

We went from shop to shop, dressing and experimenting with different fashion styles, and now we ended up in a cafe.

"Can I get green tea? Rin, what do you want?"

"M-Me too."

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I sighed. And I still haven't found what my signature outfit will be.

"Hm? It seems like something is wrong. Is everything alright?"

"Nah, it's nothing."

We were seated down outside by a cafe. Sipping my tea, I noticed Rin staring at me.

Rin had her notebook and pen in hand, like she was ready for something.

"I'm going to tell you something that no one has ever seen before in this world."

Rin's eyes lit up, and she said, "Not even the cult?"

Huh? All I know is bandits. Let's just forget that for now and proceed. I gotta keep acting cool!

"...That's right, even them."

"This knowledge is very secretive and cannot be shared with anyone else, understood?"

"Yes, my lady."

I turned 45 degrees and crossed my legs with my jaw laying on my right fist. It's time to create the first product of my organisation!

"Arcade Machines."

"...Huh? Arcade Machines?"

"Yes. Arcade machines are coin-operated game machines found in public places like arcades, malls, restaurants, and amusement parks. They are designed for quick, fun gameplay sessions. Arcade machines are usually set up in tall cabinets with screens and controls like joysticks, buttons, or wheels."

"Write! Sketch! Write! Sketch!"

Rin was more excited than ever, swiftly wrote than everything I said, and doodled prototypes.

"Does it look like this, my lady?"

She turned her notebook towards me, and I looked at the doodle and WHAT! That's a whole entire art piece! How the hell did she get so good at drawing?!

"Ahem, that's right."

"My lady, your knowledge is beyond the ability of human invention!"

"Hm!"

Uh, I think that was a compliment.

"So, my lady, what are your other upcoming plans?"

Oh, now mentioning it, I haven't told her anything about the organisation I want to create. I think now is the right time.

"Listen carefully; I'm going to create an organisation to help others with the right decisions and avoid the wrong ones that would create problems."

"Oh, and how would you do that?"

"Selling products not from this world!"

...

"Selling products that haven't been invented yet!"

"My lady, amazing! You truly are wonderful."

"My lady has divine knowledge," thought Rin.

"But it's only an undercover named Estra, which is a market company, and the real one used to defeat the bad guys is named Kira."

"How does that sound?"

"Intriguing. I never thought of that before. It's a big but solid plan."

"I know right! This organisation will-!"

"Be successful?"

It's the purple-haired young woman with no armour pieces! What's she doing here?

"It would be intriguing to hear," she smiled.

"Is it alright if I sit down?"

"Sure," I said.

----------------------------------------

The princess saw us and decided to sit down and have a small chat. Me, being overly cautious when secret knowledge is revealed, almost leaked myself.

She has guards by her side, and they don't look like they're enjoying their princess sitting with us low nobles.

Rin quickly pulled her notebook back, and the princess noticed and said, "Aha, don't worry, I wasn't going to look."

"Shall we introduce ourselves? I'll go first; my name is Reyna van Ophelia, the third and youngest daughter of the Ophelia kingdom."

"Yaeko at your service."

One of the guards clenched his fists and teeth.

"Rin."

He looks like he's about to explode. Impressive discipline.

"So what's your deal coming here? Don't you have important duties to attend?" i said.

"No, today is my day off, so I have guards in stance until I come back."

Wow, now that's authority. It's strong but won't last long. If the kingdom goes in trample, then she and her two older sisters sure will lose status. Nothing you can do; it's just how the world works.

"About your business idea, Yaeko. How will you do it and manage?"

"Usually I would go with the professional and effective strategies, but in this case there's no need. It will be popular, and my products will get sales regardless."

"How confident of you, but know that the current number one is Mastros Corp., and they are very competitive."

"Well, other than that, good luck on your business. It will be of value to you and society. Will you need me to help with anything?"

That might anger the guards a bit.

"Princess!"

"I kindly refuse your offer, Reyna."

"Oh my, how bold of you. Very well then. I hope you have a nice day. I enjoyed the tea."

"Same to you, and I also enjoyed the tea."

She and her guards left to do whatever. I feel tired and really wanna go home now.

"Who is Reyna as a person, my lady?"

"She's nice and elegant; she doesn't hold grudges and forgives, but in battle she is fearsome and won't hold back to protect her people and kingdom."

Or they say.

"How do you know all that?"

"Just knew from first glance."