“Morgan.”

On the Pandemic continent, Udic Academy.

A student with brown curly hair called out to a male student sitting on a bench, taking a break after training.

The dazzling blond hair swayed as the head turned. The student, although slightly taken aback by the beautiful face, had become somewhat accustomed to it after six years. However, encountering the face unexpectedly still made his heart pound.

“Hamad. What brings you here?”

The student, addressed as Morgan, greeted warmly but with a questioning look.

Since Hamad was in the Department of Mechanics, it was rare for him to come to the Department of Swordsmanship and Buildings.

“Remember I said I’d like a small weapon to carry? I wanted to show you the prototype.”

“Already? That’s fast. Thanks.”

Morgan expressed gratitude as he received the weapon from Hamad.

It was a size that could be gripped in one hand. After a brief explanation of how it worked, Hamad demonstrated extending the wire of the weapon in Morgan’s hand.

“Before you go to Cexelphone, you need to make a finished product. I worked a bit harder than usual.”

As if to prove his words, Hamad’s eyes were intense. It seemed like he hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep for a few days.

Seeing Morgan’s apologetic face, Hamad waved it off, saying he had gotten used to it.

Meanwhile, Hamad pulled out an item from the pocket of his work clothes, twice the size of a coin.

“The decoration you asked for is also complete.”

It was a decoration made by connecting two pieces of black glass and fixing them with a transparent liquid that solidified.

Morgan’s face brightened more than when he saw the weapon Hamad had stayed up for several nights to make.

‘Compared to the effort, the response doesn’t match.’

He was more pleased with the decoration, which was not even suitable for loosening his hands, than the weapon he had made staying up for several nights.

‘Both have already been paid for with money.’

Shrugging his shoulders, Hamad took a seat next to Morgan on the bench.

During that time, Morgan started tying a leather strap to the decorative link and hanging it on his scabbard.

“I thought it was special glass.”

Hamad commented while watching Morgan’s actions.

“Because it was the first time you asked me to make something with materials you brought. I thought it could be any kind of magical stone. But it turned out to be just ordinary glass?”

Morgan chuckled.

While saying it was ordinary glass, what was with that gleam in his eyes?

‘I may have an outsider’s life with only machines, but I think I can figure out Morgan’s reaction.’

Hamad asked, sharpening his eyes as if deducing.

“Is it a lover?”

“No.”

Oh well, was I wrong?
Hamad scratched his neck awkwardly, and Morgan spoke while fidgeting with the decoration.

“Something more precious than that.”

Geez, something more precious than a lover. People say they would die for their lovers, but what could be more precious?

‘Not a lover, but something precious. Could it be unrequited love?’

However, Hamad quickly withdrew his thoughts.

With that face, calling it unrequited love. It was as unreliable as the fact that a machine speaks human language.

Feeling an itch on his nose, Hamad thought about what to say to Morgan.

“Morgan, they say you might not win this time.”

“Why?”

“A famous person from the Loxa Empire is participating.”

It was a story heard in the practice room in the morning.

Even Hamad, who was only interested in technical matters related to machines, knew about that figure.

“That one. A famous family of abilities in the Loxa Empire.”

“…Abilities?”

“Yeah, didn’t you know? Beings beyond human abilities. They can turn into animals while being human, stop breathing without physical force, freeze objects in an instant, and see through a person’s with their eyes.”

“I see. Hamad.”

“You know?”

You should have told me earlier. You explained it painfully. Hamad glanced at Morgan. Seeing him silent, it seemed like he really didn’t know this time. Then I should tell him what I know.

“They say she’s a genius from the Loxa Imperial Academy. They claim she’s an incredible genius. Her magic affinity level is reported to be ninety-eight. Is that even possible?”

Hamad massaged his chin, expressing doubt about what he said.

Maybe it’s a plot from the Loxa Imperial Academy.

Since she has a plausible status as a noble lady, they might have attached an unusual figure to promote her as a kind of hero. Documents can be manipulated as much as you want if you set your mind to it.

Although he thought so, looking at Morgan, who remained silent, it seemed that he believed it as it was.

Seeing Morgan’s broad back, who seemed lost in thought, Hamad poked him, exclaiming.

“Morgan, I said it, but don’t believe it too much. It might be a made-up story from the Loxa Imperial Academy. The victory will be ours, the Udic Academy, as always. Because you’re here.”

“Well…”

“Really.”

Morgan Dayle of Udic Academy.

Their hero was not originally a type full of enthusiasm, but now he seemed even less enthusiastic.

Hamad tapped Morgan’s back again, speaking with determination.

“That so-called genius magician. Crush her, Morgan.”

The Cexelphone Advancement of the Magic and Triche Loxa Ludwig

“…”

Liche looked at the banner hanging in front of the main building with an embarrassed expression.

As the procession headed for Cexelphone, the headmaster approached Liche and shook hands.

“I knew this day would come someday.”

What kind of day is this?

It’s the day our Imperial Academy surpasses the Udic Academy.

Overwhelmed by emotion, the headmaster involuntarily tightened his grip on both hands and quickly let go of Liche’s hand.

What did I do to our treasure?

While the magic and triche professors, who were watching for the timing to cheer, rushed forward to Liche, Liche was still looking at the banner with an embarrassed expression.