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"Students! Please settle down!" Mr. Rune holds his hand up high, signaling for silence. When nothing but the sound of the blowing wind could be heard, he looks to the other teachers and nods. "I shall be refereeing the matches. I thank the other teachers here for allowing me to do so."

He falls into a slight bow before continuing. "If anything I deem far too dangerous is to happen, I shall stop the test immediately. Otherwise, if you feel endangered and I have not stepped in, please verbally surrender. The match, which is also a test, will end as soon one forfeits. Only one person on a team needs to say it, whether or not the other agrees. The time limit will be ten minutes, no other teacher will step in before me."

Flashing all of the students with a charming smile, he announces the name of the first participants. I take a deep breath, a slight pain is present in my chest.

"Dulrak and Lilith, first years! Please come down to face your opponents, Fernando, and Gwen, second years."

Not hearing my name, I let out the breath of air I held for so long. Like being inside of a frozen cave or lake, an icy puff of air leaves my mouth. How cold is it in here?

Checking those closest to me, Iris and Elis, I focus on their noses. Both are pale, not a single tinge of red that would come with Winter weather. As their chests heave, not a single particle is visible. Strange. It must be cold only on my side then. Looking at those to my left, I spot no frosty breaths.

Elis, immediately on my right, shivers and pulls her left hand close to her chest where she vigorously rubs it.

"Oooo. You guys feel that chill?" she asks, slipping her hand under the pit of her arm. Glad that I'm not the only person who felt it.

"No. It might just be you." Iris responds, staring at the door entryways. In particular, she's carefully watching the doors opposite of us. So she's interested in the second years. I kinda assumed she knew about almost everyone already, except for Rainen.

"Any clue on who they are?" I ask, trying to test her knowledge.

"Not much on Gwen, but I do know a bit about Fernando. He's the son of a knight actually, not a noble. If I'm remembering correctly, my father once took me to meet them. He was proficient with the sword at the time. His father must've wanted to capitalize on his magic abilities before sending him to become a knight."

"How does someone become a knight."

"Of this empire?" she asks.

I nod. Not much interest in other kingdoms, not that they'd be something I'd never learn about. If possible, I'd like to explore them once or if I become an adventurer. That's still a ways away, though.

"Exemplary deeds are a way for someone who's not a noble to become one. Fighting off a dragon or slaying a Navack."

I widen my eyes and perk up my ears. Fighting legendary monsters sounds scary, but brave. I might not have the strength or heart to stand up to them, but I can dream at the least.

"I'm exaggerating a bit there El. There are hardly any dragon attacks these days and Navacks tend to hide away in their mountain caves."

For some reason, I find my shoulders drop. Was I really that excited about it?

"Sorry El." Iris has her hand out as if to catch me.

"It's all right. C-Continue." I say dejectedly.

"Where was I? Ah! Basically, outstanding work and achievements are needed for a commoner to become a knight. For nobles, the path is much wider and far easier. Talent in swordplay is still needed, but there are other factors like leadership, strategy, and of course, magic. Magic isn't needed to become a knight yet many have it. Going to a specialized school, one much like ours, in the capital will almost guarantee they become one."

So there's an easy way for the nobles. I don't feel too strongly on this, since I don't have any aspirations to become a knight, but it's certainly unfair. Those who were born into rich, powerful, loving families have much nicer lives. No need to be locked away, no need to be shut out.

"El?" Elis asks, her concern shining through. "What's with that serious face?"

"Huh?" As soon as her voice breaks into my thoughts, the field of view around me broadens. The once darker spots in my vision disappear, light and color take their place. "N-Nothing." Was I acting strange?

"The match is starting guys," Iris says, pressing her finger against her lips. "quiet down. I need to get all the information I can out of this." Filling with excitement and determination, Iris pulls out a notepad from the pocket of the uniform along with her pencil.

Like her, Elis and I focus our attention on the match.

As usual, they exchange greetings in the middle of the field.

Taking their stances, the battle starts.

Silently, Dulrak, a lizardman who more closely resembles a human aside from the scaly green skin, unleashes a series of fireballs.

Lilith, his partner, breaks off on her own and casts [Wind Blade]. It's a basic level spell, just like [Stone Bullet], [Fireball], [Ice Spike], and [Lightning bolt].

The second years act in response.

Fernando charges Lilith, dodging under her attack. Gwen focuses on defending against the fireballs.

Surprised by Fernando's actions, Lilith takes a step back.

"Wha?" her voice is easily heard from the ring.

The earth rises from beneath her, a smile playing on Gwen's lips. Fernando returns it happily and throws up his thumb in a silent exchange of thanks. No longer with any balance, Lilith easily allows her legs to be swept from under. She falls flat on the ground and is hit by a [Stun].

As if the whole thing had happened out of his vision, Dulrak doesn't stop for a moment and launches fireballs one after another. At this rate, his mana is going to be depleted before Fernando reaches him.

"[Paralyze]!"

Reacting to the shout infused with magic, Dulrak instantly throws up a barrier around himself. Inside, he's like a child trying to hide himself from the world. Anxiously, he glances back and forth between the two mages that grow closer with each second.

Like a cornered adventurer, he decides to go on the offensive, forcing them to react to his actions. Spreading his palms wide, he shouts, "[Magic Missile]!" Emerging from the palm of his hands, two missiles fly towards their own targets, one for each enemy of his.

Fernando, fully expecting a desperate attack, dashes over towards Gwen, faster than any- almost any other mage I've seen, second only to Rainen. The missile homes in on him, curving and leaving a winding line of light. He steps in front of Gwen and activates his barrier.

Both hit, one in the front while the other came from the side. Hundreds of thousands of blue particles are thrown in the air, blocking all view, showing nothing more than would a snowstorm.

Dulrak stares ahead breathing heavily. He stands like an unfit mage made to run a mile without rest. His shoulders droop and the head atop those shoulders hangs backward. Like a puppet hanging from strings, he doesn't check the status of the second years.

"GUH!"

The seemingly sturdy frame of the lizardman locks up. He had let out a yelp as the spell pushed through the dispersed missiles and hit him squarely on the chest. Like the first few seconds of the stun or paralyze spell, he remains stiffer than a tree for a moment before turning into jelly and collapsing.

"The match is over!" Mr. Rune hurriedly announces.

And just like that, almost as soon as it started, the match ends. Hundreds of the students present break into applause. Hardly a minute had passed and it's already over. The first years might not have had much coordination or trust in each other, but they were still taken out like they were unable to use magic. That's how bad it was, that's how fast it had finished.

What's it going to be like when I go down there?

The best result would be being excused, not having to go, but the second, more realistic happening, is facing off against another first year group. Rainen and I were able to mix our magic, we were able to trust each other enough, or our magic was compatible enough, to make it work.

I don't fear losing, in fact, sometimes it might be better than winning. My partner and I aren't being looked upon too kindly as it stands now. Winning would only make us more exposed than we already are.

"Next will be...."

I hold my breath in anticipation. Please not me, please not me, please not me.

"Mordin Narlock and Cassandra Malzbur of third year against Rainen Weaver and Ellar Wholehart of first year!"

A familiar pit took over my stomach. Second? We were rolled on the second match, against third years? My worst fears, all of them are coming true. I haven't been able to talk to my partner, we're going to match up against third years on the second match, and everyone's looking at me right now.

Iris bites her lip, reaching over Elis in the seat between us, she reassuringly rubs my arm. Not being able to find the words to speak, she doesn't say anything. Instead, it's replaced with a sympathetic look.

Elis, also aware of my worries, pats me on the back.

"Hey El," Elis says, "You're up. I-I know you can do it," she hesitates. "Just do your best out there. We'll be rooting for you. If you need any help, or if you're scared, you can forfeit anytime. Don't forget that Mr. Rune will step in as soon as you do."

Strangely enough, this time, Elis is the one who finds the words to say. With increasing pressure, Elis eventually helps me out of my seat, giving my body the boost my legs couldn't provide. Unsteadily, I make my way to the stairs, just a little ways away from the seats, right next to the exit....

I shake my head. No. I shouldn't be thinking like that. If I did leave, I'd get in trouble and I'd ruin my partner's score. If someone else got into trouble because of me, I'd be very... disturbed. Much more so than if even thousands of eyes were on me.

"Are you ready?"

By the time I realize what's going on, I'm face to face with the two third years. Standing in between us is Mr. Rune, and to my side is Rainen.

"Yes." the three say.

Mr. Rune stares expectantly at me.

"Are you ready?"

I fiddle with my hands, thumbs pushing against index fingers. My sweaty palms are able to serve as a distraction for only a moment.

Turning my eyes towards my partner I ask him, "D-Do you want to win?"

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

He immediately nods, "I do."

He wants to win.... I open my mouth, and finally, the words come out. "R-Ready."

His arm goes to the air and stays there for what seems like an eternity. My heart pounds against my chest, like a person trapped in a cage. It's rattling, it has to be rattling since I'm shaking.

One of them notices and grins. She waves at me, I don't return the gesture.

"Start!"

The world around me is motionless, as I focus on the girl, Cassandra, staring back right at me, the grin still on her face. Defenselessly, she walks towards me. She's moving at a snail's pace like the world wasn't still but slowed. Nevertheless, her grin never faded.

*BOOM*

My senses come back to me. A fireball exploded, smoke surrounds Mordin, Cassandra's partner. A hand suddenly grabs onto my arm and pulls, sending me on a safe path, away from the stone bullet that just flew by.

"Pay attention!" Rainen yells.

"S-Sorry."

A flash of annoyance crosses his face.

He sets me back on both feet and shields us with a barrier. Another stone bullet flies at us. It smashes itself against the solid form of mana and shatters it. Luckily, the barrier's just strong enough to stop any damage.

That was only a stone bullet and it destroyed his defense. What'll he do if he can't get close enough to them to fight, use magic? Mr. Rune suspects that he might be far more skilled than anyone thought, but his power so far... it has to be real. Against third years, he'd have no chance.

If he leaves me behind then I can protect myself with a barrier. He'll be able to take them down at close range. I'm not sure how well I'll handle a third year's attacks, but he'll be distracting at least one of them. Mustering whatever courage I have I say to him, "Y-You need to get close. They shouldn't be good at fighting without magic."

Narrowing his eyes, he asks, "What about you then? What'll you do? Can you take on one of them by yourself?"

I don't know. Honestly, I just don't know. How strong is my magic? Is it more powerful than normal or am I terrible at controlling it? I have no idea if it's my fault, I have no idea how I'll fight back against someone more experienced, I have no clue if I even want to continue this battle. It's only been a few seconds, but it's already getting to me.

"I-I'll be okay... don't worry about it." seeing something out of the corner of my eye, I throw up a barrier just in time to block a spell.

For a moment, one that we can't spare, he stares at me in either disbelief or concern. Who am I kidding? It's probably the former. We're partners, but it's not like he was willing to be mine and he wasn't very worried the last time when we were fighting here.

"...All right," he says. I had a feeling he would, however, his next words surprise me. "If you think you're in danger and Mr. Rune hasn't stepped in, forfeit," he rubs his right hand, "I-I'd be troubled if you got hurt again...."

I am... unable to say anything. Not because I'm too nervous to, that's one factor, but because of the unexpectedness in what he said. Unlike before, I don't sense anything fake behind his voice, in fact, there's a real sadness there.

My thoughts are interrupted by the shattering of the barrier. Pushing me away, Rainen shouts, "Protect yourself!" while he dashes towards Mordin.

That leaves me with Cassandra.

She focuses all her attention on me, ignoring the person running straight towards her partner. "Hello," she says. "do you perhaps have a clue as to who I am?"

Should I? Her face now that I look at it is a little familiar.

"I'm a Malzbur. You might've fought against my cousin, Jack Malzbur before. He's in the swords classes."

I freeze. Is she here for revenge?

"Contrary to what you may be thinking, I'm not here to get revenge. We were paired against each other by accident, there was no way of knowing that I would face the person who defeated my cousin. No hard feelings. Prepare yourself. As the person who beat Jack, I won't be holding back. I'll be sure to make you surrender."

She raises her arms. She summons a white ball and sends it at me. Instinctively, my first thought is to throw a barrier around myself.

No use.

The white orb stops midway and expands, larger and larger it grows until it explodes in a bright flash. I stumble backward disorientated by the light and cover my eyes as they attempt to recover. Protect yourself. The words resonate in my head once more and I unsteadily raise one hand to erect another barrier.

*Booom*

The ground vibrates slightly and my barrier shatters from the impact of what I assume to be a spell. Trying to open my eyes, I'm forced to blink several times. The light's still too bright.

"Dodge!" it's Elis's voice.

Hearing the shout, I throw myself to the side. I turn around to see what was cast, a yellowish light disperses after colliding with the wall. A lightning bolt. By the time I return my attention to the battle, a fireball is already headed towards me. Closing my eyes, I protect myself with a barrier, this time, though, it withstands the attack.

Unfortunately for me, it doesn't end there. Underneath my sitting person, the ground rumbles. Large chunks of the ground rise up from the inside of the barrier and nicks my leg. Carrying me up a little ways, the weight of the upper half of my body wins out and pulls me back to the floor.

I land on my stomach and lie on the floor. My barrier's down, the only thing protecting me is the pillar of earth.

The earth pillar isn't long for this world. A stone bullet immediately crashes into it, sending it crumbling down. I push myself to the side, just in time to avoid the rubble and saving myself from being crushed.

Somehow, I've been able to make it this far. I'm not doing so well but all I have to do is hold out for my partner to take them down. If it's him, then he can do it.

Weakly, I start to get back on my feet. Then I hear Cassandra's voice.

"Give up!" she yells. "It's only going to get worse from here! As a first year you did well but everyone needs to know their limits. We already know about you and your partner. Forfeit and I'll stop. Your partner can't do anything to Mordin."

I glance over at where the two are. Rainen keeps rushing relentlessly and Mordin continues to back away. Rainen's faster than the backtracking third year but every time he gets close, he seems to lose his balance and Mordin attacks. He'll be a few feet away from Mordin and then suddenly, his whole body will falter, almost sending him to the ground.

Maybe he can't do it after all? Did I put too much faith in him? I don't even know what his special ability is. Even if we are fighting against magicians, if he can't get close then he can't do anything to them.

Maybe I should give up. Ever since the start of the battle, I've had a bad feeling. Besides, going against third years? That's crazy. No one would blame us if we lost, we're only two first years, two strangers battling two friends, two partners.

However, I don't say anything.

"Not giving up huh?"

That's when I got the wind knocked out of me.

I'm somewhere in the sky, somewhere up high. The world is again moving slowly, and I'm rising towards the ceiling. It's strange to feel weightless. If I had to describe the feeling, it's closest to being asleep, just on the border of reality and dream. It's white, but I see a bunch of black spots everywhere and I start to fall.

I land on my side, and pain shoots through my body. Yet, I have a hard time reacting to it. Each breath I take is shallow and raspy, sometimes I even cough. My vision is blurred and the world is spinning. I'm almost entirely paralyzed by the pain.

Doubling over, I do the only thing I can do with my hands and put pressure against the spot that hurts the most. Why won't she just cast stun on me and be done with it? She says no hard feelings, but I'm only being punished because I hurt her cousin without even meaning to... like I always do.

 I want to quit, it hurts so much. I just want to quit. If we gave up now, then no one would hold grudges against us anymore. There are some people who already don't like me just because of my race but they can, at least, ignore me if I don't do well.

And for Rainen, people already make fun of him enough as it is. I don't see the problem with being good at close combat fighting like he is. If he wants to become a mage, if he wants to study it, just let him be. I think it's amazing that he's good at that and he's choosing to learn magic along with it.

It's like he has two paths.

I've never had one.

I never even wanted to come to this school in the first place. I was content, content after what I did to stay in my room for the rest of eternity. I could read books while occasionally getting food, even if I was to be deprived of human contact, I was happy enough to stay in that place. That place where I could ignore the pain, where I wouldn't have had to have gotten hurt.

Here, everyone, except for a few, stares at me with cold eyes. Even my partner sometimes does. Even here, among so many with the ability to use magic, I'm not welcomed. Here, I get hurt. Here, I relived those terrible memories. Here, I was banished.

For the pain to stop, all I have to do is say the words, "I give up."

"It'll only get worse!" she calls out again. "Surrender now or I won't be stopping next time!"

All I want is for it to all stop.

I open my mouth, and nothing but weak moans come out. Cassandra doesn't attack, instead, she moves in closer, waiting patiently as if she knew I couldn't speak.

"....mm...." I grumble.

"I can't hear you."

I mumble it again, this time, she hears it.

"I think I misheard you. Say it again."

"N-No."

"What?" she sounds angry.

Again, I repeat myself. "No."

"You think that you can win? To protect my house name, I have to beat you. I'm giving you a chance here, an out! You surrender, and I don't have to thrash you around. Now, I'll give you another chanc-"

I say it louder, "No."

I can't see her, but I can tell she's trying to find the right words to say.

"Why?" she asks, holding back her anger.

I say the single word once again, "No."

Finally, she loses it and unleashes her magic on me. My consciousness slowly starts to fade. There's a faint scream in the background, just before the weightless feeling takes over.