From Akira's perspective:

At Miravenia Magic School, there are three tiers: the elite Dragon class, the average Phoenix class, and the Kirin class, which is for underachievers expected to show future potential.

In the second year, students not selected for the Dragon or Phoenix classes and left in the Kirin class are automatically expelled. Similarly, only the elite from the Dragon class advance in the third year, while Phoenix students are also expelled.

Naturally, Elise and I were in the Kirin class.

Therefore, the atmosphere in our class was quite challenging.

"Seriously, weren’t you from a prestigious family? If I knew you were this weak, I wouldn’t have teamed up with you."

"What are you talking about? You were the one who insisted on pairing with me. What’s with that tacky mascara? It doesn’t suit you at all."

"How dare you! I'm so ticked off!"

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Hearing such hellish arguments was distressing, even though it was none of my business.

Perhaps it was just the incompatible pairs who were loud, and the harmonious ones remained quietly together.

After all, everyone was still trying to figure out their relationships having just met.

But still, I wondered why anyone would want to attend such a contentious school.

Was the future really so guaranteed here, and was graduating such an honor?

Being raised in Japan, I tried to equate this school’s prestige with that of top national or international universities, but something still didn’t quite click for me.

As for Elise next to me, she seemed indifferent.

"Well, isn’t this just typical of your capabilities? Just muddle through and drop out when it suits you. I have no expectations of you anyway."

She lounged back, looking uninterested.

Being criticized by a girl so full of ambition was tough, but being neglected felt even emptier.

Yet, curiously, she didn’t seem entirely disinterested in her studies.

For some reason, she was fervently reading a text on male voice magic, not female, and desperately trying to learn ancient languages.

She was so engrossed in her reading that she didn’t even notice when spoken to.

"It’s so frustrating… I will rise above this," she muttered to herself, clearly harboring both a complex and a desire to improve.

Regardless of the tension, I thought we might still manage to lead a relatively peaceful student life.

However, war was quietly yet assuredly creeping into our daily lives.