When the first part of the evaluation ended, we were given a short break.
I sat down at one of the tables with Rei, Senna, and Saya. We talked for a while, but I could feel every curious gaze fixed on me. Even the instructors were whispering among themselves.
I tried to act like I didn't notice but the tension was so heavy, so suffocating, that I finally stood up and walked away, looking for a quiet place where no one could see me.
It bothered me. In those stares, I could feel it envy… and hate.
I thought that if I proved how strong I was, people would respect me, like in my past life.
But this world didn't work that way. Here, rank mattered more than strength.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm down and focus on the next part of the test. My eyes wandered to the sky endless blue, only a few clouds breaking its stillness.
Then Yuren's voice echoed from the arena, calling everyone back. I started walking toward the others as they headed to the stands.
A hand landed on my shoulder.
"Where are you going? We're up next," Rei said, pointing at the result board.
Our names were side by side.
"We're fighting each other? You're kidding," I asked, stunned.
Rei laughed. "Yeah, surprised me too. But it's been a while since we fought, right? Kinda excited."
His grin said it all he wasn't bothered.
"What are the rules? Can we use mana?"
"No mana. No enhancement magic. Just a straight fight. If one of us can't move, or if things go too far, the instructors will step in."
"I see." I met his eyes, and both of us felt the same fire burn there.
"In that case… good luck, Rei. Let's show them what we can really do."
He nodded once, and we both walked to the center of the arena.
I drew my sword and looked at Rei ready, steady, confident.
The instructor repeated the rules, then raised his hand.
"Begin."
I moved first. My slash was fast and strong enough to knock Rei back several steps.
The crowd fell silent. Every move we made was being watched by students, teachers, and even the kings in their royal seats.
I kept the pace under control maybe too much.
"You're not fighting seriously, are you?" I asked, gauging his movements.
Rei wiped the sweat from his brow. "Since when did you get this strong? I can barely follow your attacks!"
Each of my strikes landed clean. Rei stumbled again and again, struggling to stay on his feet.
"This is too one-sided. They should stop it before that boy gets hurt," said Eldora's king, his tone filled with concern.
"Let them continue," replied Asterin's king calmly. "This is a perfect moment to witness the birth of a new diamond… and a rivalry."
Yuren crossed his arms, watching me closely. "I wonder how the others will react, seeing a commoner this far above everyone else."
"Luna could match him," said the Asterin king confidently. "She's been trained by my best warriors Asterin's greatest hope."
"We'll see soon enough," Yuren said quietly, though worry crept into his voice. "I have a feeling we'll witness that match today."
Back in the arena, Rei could barely stand. Every time he rose, he fell again.
Please, I thought. Don't get up again.
Worry and guilt twisted inside me. I didn't want to hurt him.
"Rei, stop. Please. Don't fight anymore." My voice cracked, it sounded more like begging.
He charged one last time, using every bit of strength he had left, but he was too slow. I sidestepped easily, and he hit the ground again.
This time, he couldn't rise. The instructor stepped forward. "Enough."
"The winner is Narihu Mizuhara."
The crowd murmured, whispering between themselves.
"Wasn't he supposed to have one of the strongest mana levels? I expected more of a fight…"
Their words cut deep, even though they weren't aimed at me. But a few people those who'd seen the battle closely understood. They saw Rei's strength… and how much stronger I was.
After that, Saya's match was next. She fought Eiden and won, though Senna later told me it wasn't easy.
Then came Senna's turn against Luna.
"Good luck," I told her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Show her she can't look down on you."
Senna nodded, eyes fixed on Luna like a predator studying its prey.
"How kind of you," Luna said mockingly. "I'll give you a chance to surrender after a few strikes."
"Here's a bit of advice, Princess," Senna said, voice low and steady. "Don't look down on someone who's worked for every bit of strength they have."
Luna smiled coldly. "Please. Commoners will never stand equal to nobles." She pointed toward me. "That one might be a monster, but I'll figure out his secret."
Senna sighed. "Can we start?" There was no point arguing. Words wouldn't change anything only her blade could.
Their fight was… beautiful. Like a dance elegant and deadly. Both of them fought with refined technique, but neither had the experience of real battle. Luna's precision began to show, she read Senna's moves and struck the weak points one by one.
In the end Luna Arashi won.
Senna fell to her knees, exhausted. Luna herself could barely stand, but she walked to Senna and offered her hand.
Senna stared at her in disbelief.
"You're strong," Luna said quietly. "You've earned my respect." She pulled Senna to her feet.
"May I know your name?"
"Senna Lee," she answered softly, still catching her breath.
Luna bowed her head slightly. "I'm sorry for looking down on you. You're strong. I was foolish and arrogant. But during our fight… I felt something I never have before."
She smiled faintly. "I actually had fun."
Senna didn't reply. But a small, genuine smile crept across her face.
Later, I went to the infirmary to see Rei and Senna.
When I walked in, they were both laughing. Rei was lying on a bed, while an attendant bandaged Senna's arm.
"I was just telling her what happened," Senna said, grinning. "She doesn't believe me."
"If I hadn't seen it myself, I wouldn't either," I said, joining their laughter.
"Are you alright, Rei?" I asked.
"Yeah, just a few bruises." He jumped lightly to prove it, then frowned. "I thought improving my mana would be enough… but that fight showed me how far behind I really am."
"You're strong, Rei. Everyone was shocked at how long you kept up with me." I tried to comfort him, but I could see the doubt in his eyes.
"If I want to reach my goal… I need to be at your level." he said quietly, sinking deeper into thought.
Before I could answer, someone burst into the room.
"Narihu! They're looking for you. Come quickly the final match is about to start."
It was an upperclassman, out of breath.
"But I already fought. There's a second round?" I asked, confused and honestly, I didn't want to leave Rei like this.
"There's only one round," the boy explained. "But they're making an exception. Everyone wants to see you fight Luna."
I froze. "Can't I refuse?"
He shook his head. "No. Please, come. The headmaster's about to speak."
I looked at Rei and Senna.
"Go, Narihu," Rei said, forcing a grin. "Show them your strength."
"Yeah," Senna added softly. "Make her see what you're capable of."
Rei laughed faintly. "Beat her, man. Maybe then she'll understand what I went through."
My chest ached leaving them behind but I had no choice.
"I'll be back soon," I said, heading for the door. "I'm going to win."