[Err... The duel between supervisor Aurora and class 1-B Scarlett Heisenberg will now officially begin.]
The old professor's voice sounds from the speaker.
''We're at it again, huh?'' Scarlett stretches out with a grin.
''Well, you started all of them.'' I reply.
After all the duels for group three ended, this idiot went straight to 'I challenge you to a duel!', so here we are.
''This is what, the sixth time?'' Scarlett grabs her practice spear.
''Yes. And you never won even once.'' I pull out my sword with a sigh.
''Probably not roast me that much?''
''You never learn anyway.''
''I do learn, mind you.''
''I don't see it in your face.''
''See what?''
''Learning.''
''...You do know everyone can hear us, right?''
''Oh.''
'''' ... ''''
Well. Chloe is laughing, so probably nothing serious will happen from this. Why are there so many people watching though...?
''Phew...''
Regardless, this girl will probably continue to pester me no matter what, so the best thing I can do here is to end this fast. To be completely honest though, I don't exactly hate her approach. This way, I can have a decent opponent to exercise once in a while.
She does stalk me, but she never crosses the line. Just a cute hot-headed young girl, I suppose. Not that I'm much older.
''Start?''
Scarlett readies her spear with the same grin.
''Mhm.''
I respond with a nod.
With that, Scarlett immediately enters her battle mode. Just like her aunt, Scarlett's eyes do get a bit brighter when they fight seriously. I wonder if this runs in their blood.
Rapidly approaching me with a dimly glowing spear, Scarlett seems cautious. Through many defeats, she seems to have learned that reckless plays won't work against me.
Pretty good, I see.
The practice sword that I'm holding bursts out an icy cold aura as I keep my eyes on the opponent. After circling me for a while, Scarlett decides to go in anyway, seeing that I'm not moving.
A triple thrust is thrown straight at my head.
KENG—!
I quickly dodge all of them and decisively slash my sword down, forcing Scarlett to block it with the shaft of her spear.
''Ugh... How the hell are you still stronger than me?!''
''It's your imagination.''
The icy aura of my sword clashes with the fire aura of her spear. Gradually, I can see myself getting an advantage in both raw strength and magic infuse, evident by how much Scarlett is struggling.
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I have to give it to her though, this is the maximum power I can push out from this body. If she were to face this body back when the joint practical class hadn't started, the result would've been unclear. She has grown fast.
But this match is far from over. She hasn't used her trump card yet.
Just as I'm thinking about that, Scarlett swiftly maneuvers herself out of my sword's reach before ramping up her magic.
Let's see... Her [Prediction] has a five-second cooldown. Probably best not to delay my attacks too much.
So just like Claire did with her opponent, I crank up the speed of my movements and go for the quick win.
KENG—!
Ice and fire collide again. This time, however, Scarlett is actually dodging and parrying my strikes quite well, even managing to make some counterstrikes by utilizing her signature skill.
''Hup!''
''Tch.''
That almost hit me for real. This is pretty annoying.
''Ahah! What's wrong now!?''
Scarlett laughs wildly while dishing out attack after attack.
''...Stop being so cheeky.''
I've thought about it before—I should be able to get rid of her if I just lose. But now I know. My pride won't allow it.
No more playing.
[Acceleration].
With a final push, the practice sword that I'm holding turns into a giant claymore.
''That's so big...?!''
Let's see how you dodge this, young girl.
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''Ouch... Damn you.''
Walking back to our dorm with Scarlett and Chloe, the former casually curses while hugging her side.
''Didn't they heal you already?'' I reply.
''Just thinking about it makes it hurt again.''
''See? This is why I told you to go to the doctor before. Your brain has a problem.''
''...You know, I'm not sure if I'll tolerate somebody other than you roasting me constantly like this.''
''Because I'm stronger than you?''
''That. And you're pretty.''
The three of us stop at the same time. I immediately grab Chloe's hand to prevent her from doing something stupid like murdering this young innocent girl.
''I see. Thank you.'' I tell Scarlett.
''First time heard that.'' Scarlett looks genuinely surprised.
We continue walking again.
Well, at least we confirmed Claire's strength today.
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''Hey, give me some~''
''No. Please buy it on your own.''
I'm not giving you slight salts. Give up.
''Pwease~?''
''Nope.''
I grab a piece of the chips and bite half of it off. Mhm... Good flavor needs to be enjoyed slowly.
''Boo~!''
The twin-tailed pink-haired girl beside me pouts. She looks at me intently for a moment before—
nom—!
''Ah?''
Who told you to eat it from my hand?!
Once again, I grab Chloe's hand on the other side to prevent her from murdering the saintess. The culprit herself squints her eyes at Chloe while chuckling, covering her mouth.
''Nyahahah~ This is pretty good~''
''Hah...''
Today is finally group four's turn. The duels today are mostly between the top students of class B and all of class A. Skipping the irrelevant people, Scarlett is going to duel class A top five, Aaron Apollo. Then, the transfer student and the crown princess will fight each other, followed by the final duel of the test between the two people sitting beside me.
I was asked to supervise the previous half of this session, which went pretty smoothly, so now I'm just here to watch the rest.
[Err... Student Scarlett Heisenberg and Aaron Apollo, please step up.]
Following the old professor's call, the whole arena quiets down. There are lots of people today, including upperclassmen. It seems they're curious about the top performers of this year.
[The duel will start... Now!]
Hm... Scarlett is doing better than expected. Chloe did say that my stalker was able to rise to class A fairly early in the game, so this is not surprising, I suppose.
Eventually, the match still ends in Aaron's victory, although it is close. His swordsmanship skills are something to admire for sure. Can I somehow steal it?
[Student Rokkaku Ryuji and Sierra Alaina Astra, please step up.]
This match is between a martial artist and a mage, should be interesting to watch.
''Woah, that's some serious spells.'' Luxia exclaims and throws a piece of potato chips into her mouth.
Wait, when did you get my chips?!
Okay, well. Nevertheless, the crown princess is a formidable mage. The might of her earth magic in particular is impressive, able to defend against a fierce martial artist like Ryuji. Although her fire magic can't be compared to Chloe's, it is decent enough.
The match ends in her victory. Ryuji couldn't break through the thick defense after all.
''Alright... Wish me luck.'' Chloe stands up and hovers her fist before me.
''Good luck.'' I bump my fist against hers.
''Hey~ Don't leave me out?''
Suddenly, the saintess grabs my wrist and bumps her fist against mine, and then Chloe's as well.
My thoughts drift away as I watch the two going up the stage. I know Chloe is going to win, that's for sure. Not only are her stats and skills better in the first place, but she also received some slight stat bonuses for becoming my follower recently.
With the successful conquest of North Zircon two weeks ago, my army has been growing fast. I never thought I would be doing this in another world, but I'm happy as it is.
I even got a new home as well. A very, very spacious home...