—A magic circle was a circular formula drawn by a mage’s mana, which, when infused with magical energy, transformed into a spell.
 
A spell’s power wasn’t strictly tied to the circle’s size, but larger circles required exponentially more mana.
 
Even among A-rank mages, the maximum size varied widely—but for most top-tier A-ranks, their circles rarely exceeded their own height.
 
In fact, very few students in the audience had ever seen a magic circle larger than the caster.… Read more

Chapter 7: The Vanguard Battle
 

The Crawford Magic Academy and the Alvarez Knight Academy’s head-to-head tournament would be decided when one side secured three victories first.
 
While every match was important in securing a win, the vanguard battle—the first match—was especially crucial, as its outcome could dictate the momentum of the following battles.
 
For students with little real combat experience, the atmosphere of the arena heavily influenced their mentality and performance.
 
In a serious match, a charged atmosphere of “We can do this!”… Read more

The circular arena where the tournament would be held. When viewed from the semicircular spectator side, there were two entrance and exit gates facing each other on the left and right sides of the field. And on the opposite semicircle from the spectator seats, there was a special glass-walled VIP viewing area for the principals of both academies and invited guests.
 
Inside the building, invisible from the spectator seats due to walls, there were two contestant waiting rooms separated at a distance to the left and right, where the tournament representatives from the magic academy and knight academy respectively had gathered.… Read more

Episode 6: Academy Tournament Begins

One day, in the royal palace of the Gilbert Kingdom, in the private chamber of the Third Princess…

“–Excuse me. Ojou-sama, may I have a moment of your time?”

“I’m exhausted from riding practice right now… What is it, Irene…”

Luna-Lindeza-Gilbert, the Third Princess of the kingdom, replied to the maid standing at the entrance while lying languidly on the sofa.

“I apologize for disturbing you while you’re tired. …Well, the thing is, Ojou-sama.… Read more

Shion was acutely aware of his own skill in reading people一his ability to discern truths through conversation and insight surpassed most.
 
That was precisely why he avoided using it on family, friends, and mentors.
 
Unless unintentional, digging into someone’s hidden feelings against their will was, to him, a vulgar breach of trust and respect.
 
(…Damn it. Idiot…)
 
But this time, he’d done it almost unconsciously一prodding Restia, testing her reaction to confirm his suspicions.… Read more

Chapter 5: Powerlessness
 

 
…One day, in the headmaster’s office at Crawford Magic Academy.
 
Amidst the stifling air, Lina Restia was given an informal notice by Headmaster Rudolf.
 
“一Dismissal… you say…?”
 
For a moment, Restia couldn’t comprehend the meaning of Rudolf’s words.
 
“It’s not yet final… but I want you to prepare yourself for the possibility…”
 
Rudolf lowered his gaze, speaking in an apologetic tone.
 
“But… why… so suddenly…?”… Read more

“(Tch, he’s still not getting hit…!?)”
 
As expected, Lloyd’s attacks failed to land on Shion. As his mana rapidly dwindled, Lloyd began to panic—
 
“—Hey, you’d better watch out.”
 
“Hah!?”
 
“Look down at your feet. …Your shoelace is untied.”
 
“What the—!?”
 
Just like the plate earlier, Lloyd reflexively glanced down, thinking his shoelace had been undone without him noticing.
 
…But Lloyd’s shoes used buckle-fastened straps—there were no laces to begin with.… Read more

 
 The magic tome that should have been in Alphonse’s hands had somehow found its way into Lloyd’s grasp.
 
 “……Hey…… Can I have that back, Lloyd?”
 
 “Oh, sure. It’s yours, right? I’ll give it back. Here—come and take it.”
 
 With a mocking grin, Lloyd held the book forward. Alphonse stepped closer, reaching for it.
 
 …Or at least, he tried to.
 
 The moment Alphonse’s fingers were about to close around the book, they sliced through empty air.
 
 “What’s wrong?… Read more

Chapter 4: The Feud with the Branch Family
 
 
 
 ……A week had passed since Alphonse first spent lunchtime with Sion and the others.
 
 Though their differing class schedules often made it hard to meet, this past week had aligned perfectly, allowing Alphonse to eat in the cafeteria every day with Sion and Yufia—and occasionally Eliza.
 
 Every time their conversations turned to magic, Alphonse couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer depth of Sion’s knowledge.
 
 Having been homeschooled and drilled in advanced magical studies since childhood, Alphonse had always prided himself on possessing more arcane knowledge than most of his peers.… Read more

Unfortunately, Yufia seemed convinced.
 
“Alphonse… you really love bread, huh…”
 
As she spoke, she tore off a bite-sized piece of her own bread and plop一placed it on Alphonse’s plate.
 
Being outright mocked would’ve been easier to bear. This understanding sympathy was far more painful.
 
(But… at this point, I have no choice but to commit! He saved my life…! If it’s for his sake…!!)
 
Alphonse steeled himself to play along.
 
“Y-Yeah… I really love bread… If I can’t have it, I throw huge tantrums… Haha…”
 
“O-Oh… I see…”
 
“Y-You can even call me ‘Bread Boy’ from now on if you want!… Read more