Akira and Yui were thoroughly tired by the time they realized how far they had walked.
At last Akira spotted the exam ground.
— The exam site… we finally made it.
Yui looked surprised.
— But… what are we doing in a place like this? We've gone so far from the capital.
Akira thought for a moment.
— We followed the signs, but… they've never taken us somewhere like this before.
— What, never before?
Akira nodded.
— Definitely not… They must be planning something different this time.
— It was supposed to be a team fight, but… if they've brought us out here, it must be a large-scale battle.
Akira tensed.
— Hearing you say that makes me a little nervous.
Yui smiled.
— If we end up as a team, I'll protect you.
Akira answered seriously.
— Thank you for that… but I don't want to be protected. If I'm always protected, I'll never become king.
Yui agreed.
— True. But sometimes it helps to accept help.
When they finally arrived at the exam site a little later, they were stunned. Ahead of them stretched a lush valley surrounded by towering mountains.
— Wow… what a huge place!
— Yeah… I guess they're not just testing our combat strength, but our strategy as well.
They looked around; hundreds of people had already gathered in the field.
Akira scanned the scene.
— I think we're among the last to arrive.
Yui pointed to the top of a mountain.
— Hey! Look over there… twelve people are sitting up there, watching us.
Akira was surprised.
— …Could they be… the Council members?
— I think so, yes. I can see them clearly.
— Your vision's really good… I can't see them.
Yui glanced at the eye patch over Akira's right eye.
— If your right eye weren't closed, you could see too… By the way… what happened to your right eye?
After a short pause, Akira lowered his head.
— It's always been like this.
Yui realized it was a lie, but he didn't press him for the truth. He just smiled.
— I see.
About twenty minutes later, once everyone had gathered, the announcer spoke loudly.
— Welcome, everyone! I'm sure you're wondering why we've brought you to a place like this. Let me explain.
— As you can see, we've set fences between the two mountains. Anyone who crosses these fences will be eliminated without question. The battles will take place between the mountains. Even though the ground is flat, the trees and obstacles placed here are meant to test your strategic thinking.
Each team will consist of three people. Winning teams will advance in order. The five teams with the most victories will pass directly. Of the remaining teams, two will be evaluated based on their scores from the first and second stages. Finally, two teams will be selected by the Council. So only nine teams will advance from this stage.
And of course… as you can see on the neighboring mountain, the Council members will watch this battle in person!
The crowd roared with excitement.
Akira began calculating in his head.
— My math isn't great, but if we beat a few teams, we can make it into those five!
Yui shouted excitedly.
— We can do it!
Akira felt his excitement rise.
— Absolutely… I'll pass this exam this time!
— It was smart that we picked our own team. You and I are already a team. But who will the third member be?
Akira answered.
— Let's get someone with the best scores.
Yui agreed.
— Makes sense.
At that moment the announcer spoke again to quiet the crowd's excitement.
— This exam will be very different from those held before. Because this time… the rules are strict.
To win a fight, you must… kill your opponents.
The crowd froze for a beat. Then shouts of anger and fear erupted:
— Are you joking with us?!
— This is insane!!
— Kill them?! This is barbaric!!
— You tricked us! Scoundrels!
Akira whispered in shock.
— This… what kind of exam is this?!
Yui murmured.
— This can't be…
The announcer resumed.
— Everyone calm down! Those who feel unable to continue may withdraw. Withdrawers will receive a certain sum for having reached this point. If you want to leave, apply to the staff at the exit.
The crowd suddenly dispersed. Most people began turning away, refusing the exam and leaving.
Akira's hands trembled.
— Damn it… What should I do? If I enter, I'll probably die… I don't want to die! It'd be better to take the money and leave…
He was about to turn and walk away when Yui grabbed his arm.
— Don't leave me, Yui… I don't want to die!
Yui shouted.
— Hey, Akira! Snap out of it! Weren't you going to be king?!
— But at this rate…
Yui continued.
— If you don't take the exam, you give up on your dream. A dream doesn't remain a dream unless you put your life on the line for it.
Akira was frightened.
— …But even if I go in, I can't do anything. I could go back, get stronger, and try again in four months.
Yui smiled.
— Sometimes getting help is good. I'll help you. We won't lose.
Akira hesitated, then clenched his fist with shaking hands and shut his eyes tight. Then, with all his strength, he shouted:
— I will definitely survive… and one day I will be king!
Yui smiled and nodded.
— That's the Akira I know.
Most of the hall had emptied. Yui counted the crowd.
— Only 150 people remain.
Akira was surprised.
— I didn't expect so many to leave…
— If I hadn't reminded you of your dream, you would have left too.
Akira shouted.
— Stop joking around!
Teams began to form quickly. But because of Akira and Yui's low scores, they couldn't attract anyone to join them. Those with the best grades had already joined strong teams. They looked for half an hour and found no one left. After the others walked off to the exam grounds, only one person remained behind.
— Only one person left!
Akira thought.
— Did we end up with the one who stayed? Their scores must be terrible…
— We can't know until we see.
They approached the boy. Akira tapped him on the shoulder. The boy turned around.
Akira stared in surprise.
— You! That stupid meathead!
Yui didn't understand.
— "Stupid meathead"?
The boy, seeing Akira, was a little surprised too.
— Heh… What are you doing here? And who are you calling an idiot, idiot!
Yui stepped in.
— Stop fighting. Do you want to join our team?
The boy replied with a mocking expression.
— Why would I join with losers like you?
Akira grew angry.
— What?! Losers?! You're the one who stayed until the end saying that?!
The boy grinned sarcastically.
— I stayed because I didn't like anyone.
Akira ground his teeth. The two exchanged challenging glares. Yui intervened.
— I understand… But unfortunately there's no one else left to form a team. Even if you don't want to, officially we're a team. You can act independently if you wish.
The boy thought for a moment, then nodded.
— Hmm… sensible. At least you can think. Unlike that idiot over there.
Akira lunged at him in fury, but Yui spread her arms and separated them.
— At least act like you get along. Try to look a bit like a team.
Akira shouted.
— There's no way I'll be teamed with that idiot!
— Idiot!
Both grumbled as they turned away in opposite directions. Yui walked between them helplessly as the trio headed toward the exam area.
As Akira, Yui, and the big-built boy walked toward the field, the tense silence was broken by Yui.
— I'm Yui Volt. This is Akira Valen. What's your name?
The boy furrowed his brow and grunted.
— Why should I tell you?
Akira jumped in immediately, wearing a provocative grin.
— If you don't want me to keep calling you "idiot," tell us your name, idiot.
Yui sighed.
— I need to know your name at least so we can make battle plans during the fight.
The boy was silent for a while, then answered sharply.
— Raiga Draven.
Yui smiled.
— Nice to meet you, Raiga. Do you like fighting?
A crude grin spread across Raiga's face.
— Of course! I enjoy beating people up.
Akira shouted in disbelief.
— You're a total psychopath!
Yui kept her composure.
— So… what kind of abilities do you have?
Raiga crossed his arms and boasted.
— Unlike you two, I'm actually talented. I have a physique more powerful than you can imagine.
Akira shouted back.
— We can see that, idiot.
— Nobody asked you, idiot.
As they stared each other down again, Yui interjected.
— So… how do you use your energy?
Raiga opened his palm and concentrated his energy. Suddenly a flame ignited, flickering in his hand.
Akira and Yui both stepped back in shock.
Yui was impressed.
— Wow… that's really something.
Raiga grinned proudly.
— Naturally.
Akira asked sarcastically.
— Is that the best you can do?
Raiga narrowed his eyes and turned to him.
— If you want, I can try that on you! So, what technique do you use?
Akira fell silent.
Yui turned to Akira and explained.
— Akira can't use energy… at least not yet.
Raiga laughed.
— What?! You can't use energy? What kind of idiot are you?!
Akira gritted his teeth.
— Shut up! I'll be able to use it soon.
Raiga shook his head contemptuously.
— That's impossible. Energy ability is evident from childhood. Didn't anyone teach you?
Yui intervened.
— Akira's situation is a little different.
Akira spoke proudly.
— Today I was able to use a little energy.
Raiga approached with a mocking look.
— Are you serious?
Akira lifted his hand.
— Yes, you musclehead! I can make red sparks fly from my hand.
Raiga's eyes widened.
— Wait… fire?
Yui shook her head.
— No, I saw it. It didn't look like fire. Something I've never seen before.
Akira puffed his chest up with pride.
— I'm definitely special! Hahaha!
Raiga's expression turned serious.
— But… you still can't properly use energy. Tell me, what use will you be in battle?
Akira answered at once.
— I'll handle the strategy. Unlike you, I can think!
Raiga shouted in fury.
— Strategy is for the weak! I can kill three people by myself!
— I think strategy is crucial. A weak person can defeat a strong one with the right strategy.
Raiga clenched his fist angrily.
— That's impossible!
Yui and Akira fell silent in astonishment.
Yui glanced at Raiga.
— Maybe there's some backstory to him?
Then, in a softer voice he asked.
— By the way, how's your family? Do you have any siblings?
Raiga didn't answer. A long silence fell.
This time Akira spoke up.
— Yui, I never told you before… my mother and father died in the war.
Sadness crossed Yui's face.
— I'm sorry… I feel for you. Now I understand why you want to become king.
Raiga turned his head in surprise.
— What? You… want to be king?
Akira nodded stubbornly, the stubborn light in his eyes.
— Yes. I will become king.
Raiga laughed mockingly.
— No matter how hard you try, you can't. People's abilities are determined at birth. The weak… are doomed to die.
Yui shot Raiga a hard look.
— That's a terrible way to think.
Akira spoke excitedly.
— But I can grow stronger! Watch, I'll show you now!
Akira clenched his hands, strained… and red sparks burst from his palms.
There it was! Lo—
But Raiga's frozen eyes stayed fixed on the sparks. They noticed his hands trembling.
Akira and Yui saw Raiga strangely shaken.
Akira immediately stopped the spark. A few seconds later Raiga came to himself.
— …Interesting.
Yui asked,
— What happened to you just now?
Raiga turned his head with a harsh expression.
— Nothing.
Akira shouted angrily.
— What do you mean "nothing"? You were clearly shaking! Ha! You were scared of my power!
— Shut up, idiot!
For several hours the trio watched other teams fight. Blood, screams, and savagery hung in the air. Finally the announcer's voice rang out:
— Everyone, take your places for the final team battle!
Yui stood up.
— It's our turn.
Akira spoke excitedly.
— Come on! First let's get to the mountaintop and make a plan.
Raiga stopped them.
— Wait. It hasn't started yet. It'd be good to talk to our opponents.
Yui nodded.
— You're right.
Akira shouted toward their opponents.
— Heya! Look over here! What kinds of techniques do you use?
Yui raised an eyebrow.
— Akira, if you ask like that—
One of the opponents replied arrogantly.
— You peasants will never beat us. You should have given up.
Raiga clenched his fist.
— Oh yeah? You… filthy nobles!
The opponent grinned.
— I see you get it. Yes, all three of us are nobles.
Yui's face tensed.
— …That's bad.
Akira nodded.
— Hah… that's really bad.
Raiga roared.
— I'll slaughter you for sure!
After a brief silence, the announcer's voice rose like thunder.
— Final team fight! Everyone, to your positions!
Both teams climbed the mountains. The atmosphere froze.
The battlefield fell into silence. The announcer's voice echoed:
— Everyone, take your places for the final team fight!
Each team took position on the opposite slopes. More than a hundred meters separated them. No one moved yet; everyone held their breath.
The Council members watched the scene from above.
Daigo Homura folded his arms and grinned with delight.
— So this is the final match of the day, right?
Noa Yukishiro's voice cut cold as a blade.
— Yes. And you haven't watched any match properly.
Daigo snapped back.
— What are you saying! I watched all the matches. Some were just boring…
Noa curled his lips.
— We didn't come here for entertainment.
At that moment Arisawa slowly opened his eyes and spoke in a tired voice.
— Noa is right. We're not here to be entertained; we're here to select the strong candidates.
Daigo raised an eyebrow.
— You're the one saying that? You've been asleep all morning!
Arisawa straightened calmly.
— Maybe… but I'm awake now. Because someone caught my attention.
Noa frowned.
— One of the nobles?
Arisawa shook his head.
— No… one of the peasants.
Noa laughed mockingly.
— A peasant? Hahaha… ridiculous!
Arisawa's gaze turned to Akira.
— He couldn't use energy… but there's something different about him.
Daigo narrowed his eyes.
— So that brat, huh… interesting.
Arisawa fell silent.
At that moment Akabane Hikari snapped his fingers.
— Quiet now. Let's watch the match.
Fumika Hoshigaki leaned forward eagerly.
— I think this match will be good, Lady Akabane.
Akabane's voice was ice-cold.
— I said I don't care about the kids.
— B-but I'm eighteen—
— Shut up.
Natsuhara Kjin rolled his eyes.
— Aren't you going a bit hard on Hoshigaki?
— I think so too… Hoshigaki murmured timidly.
Akabane's voice thundered.
— Enough! Focus on the match.
Miyako Sorane bit her lip, voice trembling.
— I-I… I don't think anything will happen…
Tsubone Arata laughed as he leaned in.
— Speak louder!
Sorane stammered.
— S-sorry…
Daigo snorted.
— Pipe down!
Arata laughed on.
— What did you say, little dragon? I can't hear you!
Daigo's voice echoed.
— You're an idiot! I said!
Makise Yura closed his eyes and murmured.
— You're making too much noise…
Noa nodded.
— Indeed. It would be better to talk about the students.
Kuronuma Reiji spoke without uncrossing his arms.
— So far I haven't seen a single noteworthy student. Council-level? Ridiculous.
Daiki Hanabusa shook his head.
— There are a few good candidates but… they'll never reach Council level.
Izumi Fuyutsuki objected softly.
— No… they can achieve it through hard work.
Akabane laughed harshly.
— Work? Nonsense! Energy level is innate.
Makise fixed his gaze on her.
— What? You have something to say?
Akabane's voice challenged.
Makise turned his head.
— No.
Noa raised an eyebrow.
— You scared the girl. Apologize.
Makise replied curtly.
— No need.
Akabane pursed her lips.
— I'll do as I please.
Hoshigaki whispered softly.
— Certainly, Lady—
— Shut up!
Silence followed.
Natsuhara Kjin chuckled lightly.
— This argument might never end.
Kuronuma shrugged.
— Actually, your quarrel is more exciting than the match.
Daigo snapped angrily.
— You're a nuisance!
Noa smiled in return.
— Look in the mirror, firehead.
Arisawa turned his eyes back to the battlefield.
— …The match has begun.
While the debate continued, tension rose on the battlefield.
Yui, Raiga, and Akira quickly hashed out a plan between themselves.
— Raiga, we need some strategy.
Raiga grumbled.
— Strategy?
Akira immediately jumped in.
— Yui, you seem smart. You make the plan.
Yui was surprised.
— What? And what will you do?!
Akira stretched where he stood.
— I'll watch the sky.
They argued the plan for a few minutes. Raiga finally grew impatient.
— That's enough! I have a brilliant idea. I'll go and crush all three of them myself!
Akira yelled angrily.
— Are you stupid?!
But Raiga had already surged forward.
In the Council, Daigo laughed.
— Look at him! Charging at three people alone. I admire his courage!
Arisawa narrowed his eyes.
— I think he actually believes he can win.
Raiga ran swiftly through the forest and found his opponents. Three youths stood in his way, emerging from the bushes.
— I'm Raito.
— I'm Akato.
— And I'm Arato.
Raiga frowned.
— You three look alike. Are you brothers?
Raito smiled.
— Cousins. But the real question is: are you really this stupid, or do you have a hidden plan?
Raiga clenched his fists.
— No plan. I'll crush all three of you here!
They laughed, and Raiga closed his eyes, gathering flame in his body. Within seconds his whole body was wrapped in crimson fire.
Daigo spoke excitedly.
— That's it! Exactly my taste!
Raiga attacked like an animal. With speed and power he shredded Raito's ice defenses one by one; the melting ice ran to the ground.
Raito was astonished.
— He doesn't tire… so fast… and his punches aren't from fire but raw physical strength! What kind of monstrous body is this?
But the other two cousins remained silent. They didn't act—they only watched.
Raito's strength was nearly spent. He created a huge ice wall one last time.
— This is my final struggle…
Raiga swung his fist and shattered the wall. Just as he was about to land the blow on Raito—
Chains of water suddenly appeared! Akato's magic wrapped around Raiga's arm. Then the chains bound his legs. His flames extinguished.
Raiga shouted.
— Damn it!
Arato stepped forward and drew symbols with his hands.
— And now… the end.
He pressed his hand to Raiga's chest. Raiga felt his muscles seize—he couldn't move.
Raito pulled an ice blade from the ice. He first drove it into Raiga's leg.
— Aaaahhh!!!
Then he raised the blade toward his head.
— Now you will die!
Daigo rose angrily.
— This is unfair! Three against one! Do they have no pride?!
Akabane curled her lips.
— The only thing that matters in war is victory.
Arisawa watched calmly.
— Don't worry. The teammates will arrive.
At that exact moment, the ice blade embedded in the ground shot forward with force. Raito flinched.
— What is this… soil?! …No, sand?!
Trees, stones, and grains of sand flew through the air and rained down on the three cousins.
Yui stepped forward, eyes hard with resolve.
— Akira, take Raiga! I'll hold them off!
Akira gritted his teeth.
— Okay! Come on then, you muscle idiot!
Raiga lay on the ground.
— I-I can't move… and my leg… ahhhh!
Raito shouted.
— Are you looking down on us, telekinetic?!
Yui's eyes flashed.
— Yes, I'm a telekinetic. And I'll bury you here.
Soil, sand, and splinters of wood attacked the trio.
Akira knelt and held Raiga's arm. Suddenly, with a flash of light, the curse broke.
Arato's eyes widened.
— What?! He broke my curse? Who is this kid?!
Akira stood, his eyes shining.
— Alright! Now we can fight!
He removed the eye patch and pressed on the wound in Raiga's leg.
— Come on, Raiga, Yui! Let's fight… and win!