#39. Exchange (3)

Most people probably felt the same.

『Pellett will win again anyway.』

As the foremost elite group, such certainty was somewhat natural.

But people didn’t know.

Of the changes that had recently taken place in the academic world.

“What…?”

So much had happened.

Two long-standing problems in magic were solved, and a new concept emerged in magical engineering.

In alchemy, even a ‘supreme remedy’ had been created.

However, most of these achievements remained hidden from the world.

The reason?

It was the wish of the very person who accomplished it all.

So, what was he doing?

“Le, Leine Ortiz, correct!”

The first event, which was expected to be a clean sweep by Fellit Academy, was headed in an entirely different direction.

A black-haired man, answering correctly before the questions were even fully spoken.

*He* was solving the problems.

“Regarding the interactions that occur when interpreting this equation──”

“Correct, explosion magic via the individual friction of mana particles.”

“…Correct.”

I had added a rather lengthy, bustling explanation, but in short, I’d stepped up.

“Next question.”

The problems were surprisingly easy; there was no need to call upon ChatGPT. Most were variations and applications, so anyone could solve them if they had a solid grasp of the basic concepts.

They had apparently lowered the difficulty this year, after the complaints about the previous years’ difficulty.

“The hallucination snail mucus that is newly added to the recently released ‘Golden Recovery Potion’ is…”

“Correct, a neutralization reaction that occurs when clear slime liquid and crescent flower extract are mixed.”

“…Yes, correct.”

There were a few familiar questions as well.

Charlotte was staring at me from the side, as if amazed.

“How are you so fast?”

“You keep dropping honorifics.”

“…How are you so fast, *sir*?”

“I’ve always been quick with calculations.”

It was the same in my past life. Once I learned a concept, I didn’t easily forget it, so I spent less time than others solving math problems and the like.

Anyway.

If things continued like this, it looked like a smooth victory.

*Bang.*

“This is absurd!”

Of course, it wasn’t going to be a smooth ride.

“Are you kidding me? How can someone answer correctly before you even finish reading the question?!”

It was the blond man I had met earlier who was shouting.

I could see his hand trembling as it struck the desk.

That must hurt.

“W-Well, that is also a puzzling aspect for us…”

“The questions must have been leaked.”

Making quite the interesting claim.

I immediately retorted from my seat.

“Do you have any proof?”

Honorifics in public.

People are inclined to listen to the more courteous voice.

“Proof? What need have I of proof? Is this entire situation not proof enough?”

“So, only conjecture, then.”

He sighs, a small sound. What to say that will get through?

If I’ve learned anything from living a second time, it’s that arguing logically with the illogical is the hardest task of all.

“Then, let’s do this.”

Fortunately, a perfectly suitable solution exists at this moment.

“Pose me a problem. I will solve it at a similar pace.”

“What cheap trick are you pulling…!”

“What other tricks could I possibly pull here? Unless your very thoughts have been leaked, that would be quite difficult.”

Clearly, this is the sort of man whose entire being is fortified by self-importance.

If you don’t force him to face reality directly, he’ll never admit defeat.

I could feel the audience murmur, stirred up. This sudden turn of events has them flustered.

Though, a more careful listen reveals a different truth.

“This could be interesting.”

“If it truly has been leaked… the reputations of the Imperial Family and Lunea will plummet.”

“If not, Pelite’s reputation will be the one to falter.”

The audience is feeling both confusion and a sense of excitement.

It’s only natural, as this is a novel event at an exchange that is usually so predictable.

The Master of Ceremonies exchanged a few quick words with the Imperial Family, then informed me that I had their approval.

At that, the blond man gave a tight smile and nodded.

“You’ll regret this, Rain Ortiz.”

“Ah, yes. But, what was your name again?”

The blond man’s eyebrow twitched.

He seems displeased, but I genuinely have no idea what that guy’s name is.

“Fine. I’ll give you a problem.”

The ruffled blond man sat back down and spoke.

“In magical formulas, the most important thing is –“

“The construction of the magic structure, of course.”

“…I wasn’t finished with the problem yet.”

“Ah.”

I decided to wait a bit for him.

“From now on, turn the structure I describe into a formula.”

“If you insist.”

“A flame extending in a straight line, then exploding and turning to water, before transforming all of the mana spreading in every direction into sand.”

Is this guy insane?

What kind of problem is that?

Even for a professional mage, that’s a complex issue.

“…”

“Five seconds, starting now.”

I mentioned before that calculation formulas were similar to molecular formulas.

This problem was akin to being instructed to list different molecular formulas and then make them interact on their own.

Not difficult, but…

Time-consuming. Quite. That was his intention.

[Conversion Complete.]

Well, it doesn’t work on me, though.

I recited the calculation formula GPT presented within five seconds.

Silence fell around me.

The blonde-haired guy froze with his arms crossed. A signal of the correct answer.

“I-it’s a coincidence.”

Still in denial, I gave him a second chance.

I tilted my head, as if to tell him to give me another problem.

“…This time, it’s the opposite. I’ll recite the calculation formula, and you explain the magical structure.”

The blonde borrowed paper in a hurry and began to write something diligently. He was creating a calculation formula, it seemed.

He must be trying to make it incredibly complicated, as the problem creation took a good ten minutes or more.

“Are we alone here?”

“Shut up, it’s done.”

The blonde recited the calculation formula.

[Analyzing Calculation Formula.]

[A sprout emerges. The generated sprout instantly grows into a towering tree, transforming into black soil and causing another 79 sprouts to grow.]

Judging by the bullshit he cooked up, I seem to have interpreted it correctly.

“It starts with plant magic. You create a sprout, then use growth magic to turn it into a towering tree. After that, you use transformation magic on the tree to turn it into soil that’s good for growing plants, and then you make exactly 79 sprouts grow from there.”

Admiration rippled through the audience. I felt my shoulders broadening.

“Is that proof enough now?”

I saw a flustered expression.

Quite the unsightly sight.

I smiled leisurely and rose from my seat.

“The standards of Felit Academy are nothing special, either.”

It was almost time for my first schedule to end. I must never break my promise to leave work on time.

I began to walk to leave the arena.

“Wait, my name is Ivan Ward.”

“So?”

“…Tomorrow’s schedule is a duel between students. You’re coming out first, Rain Ortiz.”

I didn’t answer.

I simply stared at Ivan.

“Duel me. I specialize in practical magic in the first place.”

A strange thing.

The eyes that had been filled with arrogance just a moment ago were now filled with inferiority.

I chuckled. It was just funny.

I didn’t particularly intend to ridicule him, but I couldn’t know how it would appear to the other person.

I will offer no reply. I quietly left my seat.

Behind me, voices rose. Not Yvan’s, but one that sounded a touch older.

“Ah…! Now I remember!”

“What is it?”

“That student, Reine Ortiz, I recall seeing her during the midterm exam at Runia!”

I quickened my pace.

I have no desire to overhear what others are saying about me.

*

The second day.

The dormitories of the Felite Academy were truly agreeable. The bed embraced my form with comfort, and the blankets were immensely soft.

I awoke with a clarity unmarred by the usual morning haziness.

“Reine Ortiz, I saw your little outburst.”

For such a refreshing awakening, the first face I encountered was less than welcome.

In the dormitory lobby.

Professor Cecil awaited me.

“Well, it was well done. I won’t interfere with embarrassing an insufferable lout.”

That she didn’t scold me was surprising, but still, she’s not the type to become a professor.

“However, such actions are not always beneficial. I suggest you refrain from them in the future.”

“Understood.”

I concur.

Yesterday’s actions were taken because the circumstances aligned favorably.

I am not without discernment; I have no intention of creating more complicated situations than necessary.

“…And, when you turn in, please report that.”

Hm?

Ah.

Immediately after leaving the arena, I’d headed straight to the dormitory.

I changed clothes, lay down, closed my eyes, and fell asleep. I was tired, after all.

It occurred to me that Professor Cecil might have knocked on the door several times.

“Understood.”

The conversation ended there.

I swiftly made my exit before an awkwardness could settle. Lingering wordlessly is not my style.

“I suppose I should start preparing…”

Regrettably, there was little time to savor the morning.

The second event would begin promptly at noon.

I began to inspect my equipment. There was new gear this time, requiring a more meticulous check.

Time flowed onward, and before I knew it, the start was imminent.

“Kevin, nervous?”

“W-what nonsense. I don’t get nervous.”

“Seems like a lie to me.”

The ‘sparring’ will proceed simply.

Three students established their order amongst themselves, and in that sequence, stepped into the arena to fight.

Defeat was declared by surrender or incapacitation. The victor would then continue the duel against the next student in line.

Every academy would clash at least once, and the finest healing mages stood ready in the arena at all times.

“Everyone is familiar with the rules, yes?”

Magic with high lethality was prohibited. Deliberate use would result in a significant point deduction.

Real swords were, naturally, also forbidden. The Empire would provide suitable practice blades.

Excessive suppression was likewise forbidden. Employing force beyond what was necessary would also incur a penalty.

“Then, let’s decide the order.”

Charlotte raised her hand eagerly.

“I’ll go second. Voilà.”

Kevin affirmed with a nod.

“Then I’ll take the third spot.”

Puzzled, I questioned them.

“Aren’t you going to hear my opinion?”

Why are you deciding this on your own?

“Ehh. But didn’t we assume you were going first, Rain-nim? I thought that was already settled.”

“I, too, thought that was the arrangement.”

A surge of dissatisfaction welled up, but I quickly understood the reason.

Ivan had told me, hadn’t he?

To go out first.

I stated with a casual tone.

“Well, I’m not going to listen to him, am I?”