Black Iron Magician

「Kiel, look. That’s Knight Leader Nell. I heard she’s so strong that it’s hard to believe she’s from this world.」

「Yeah, I know. I see her every year after all. Well, I’m sure she’s strong, but isn’t that too exaggerated? Just how strong is she? Is she stronger than Weerel?」

「How could I know? I don’t care who it is, if it’s going to be my enemy, I’m just going to defeat it.」

「…… Prince, you are sometimes stupid, huh.」

「I’m not stupid. This is my nature.」

We are struggling to overcome this place by having such a stupid conversation. It would be different if there’s a person I admired among them just like Muno-senpai who graduated last year, but my goal is to win the graduation festival, not to flatter the big shots.

However, during this time when the only thing I could look at was the beauty and breasts of Knight Leader Nell, there was one thing that piqued my interest. That was when it was the principal’s turn to give his speech. I was complaining inside that the speech was still continuing, but then he began to talk about something different than I expected.

「I have an announcement to the students who are decided to participate in this graduation festival. That is there are some differences in this year’s graduation from the usual year. First is the level of the students. As you know, this year’s graduates are so talented that they are called the Golden Generation. They are by far the best in my experience of serving as the principal for many years. I would like to honor these students for their hard work and dedication to their studies from the time they entered the academy until the time they graduated. Also, I would like to say my gratitude to their families for raising them this far.」

Applause broke out at the venue. Well, even though the principal’s speech was long, it doesn’t feel bad to be praised. This was the only time I listened to the speech.

「To the next one. At this year’s graduation festival, I will use two of the principal’s recommendation slots in my name for the first time. Just what is this recommendation slot? I would like to explain from there. It was issued by the King two generations ago――」

Therefore, his speech went into my head. The principal stated various reasons, such as the origin, its meaning, and his expectations for this year’s graduates. But for me, any reason or reasoning sounded the same. However, I share a common feeling with Solte. I will beat whoever my opponent is! ……It seems that I was stupid too.

「――Then, I would like to introduce the selected students who will participate in this year’s graduation festival. Their names will be called in the order of the overall grades, such as academic results and achievements, which are examined fairly. The students whose names are called out should come to the stage. Let’s start from the top. …… 1st place, Weerel Joshua!」

「Yes….」

Weerel, who replied with a spiritless voice, goes up to the stage. With Weerel standing beside the principal, the people make a big stir on their seats. They are saying something like she’s the rumored prodigy and I can also hear admiration. Still, Weerel doesn’t seem to care and she remains silent.

Next are Prince, Karua, Dry, and President Therese. I feel restless being left behind when all the people I know are called before me. Solte is next to me, but with what happened this morning, it’s hard to talk to her.

「15th place, Kiel Brown!」

It’s finally my turn. I give Solte a look that I’m going first and then go up to the stage. Both of my parents had passed away, so the only one who would be here to see me would be my grandfather. Because I’m from the last group, I don’t get as much attention as Weerel. Still, it’s fine. The less attention I get, the more interesting the reaction will be when I win.

……? Is it my imagination? I feel like Knight Leader Nell is watching me from the main guest seat. Ahh, it seems that I’m nervous. There’s no way that she would pay attention to such a low-ranking guy like me.

「16th place, Solte Machete! ――These are the students who will participate in the graduation festival. Let’s give them big applause!」

――――Clap clap clap!

Even though the graduation festival hasn’t started yet, I don’t think I can suppress this hot thing that I feel in my heart. Ahh, can they just start it already?

「Next, let me introduce the recommended students. Temporary 17th place, Haruna Katsuragi! Similarly, temporary 17th place, Chinatsu Rokusai!」

Those are unfamiliar and unusual names. When the principal read the name aloud, two girls were walking toward the stage from a corner different from where we were. One is a girl with a cute face who is small like Weerel and has long hair with a ponytail. She’s probably younger than me. The other one is a dignified pretty girl that gives an impression of a cool beauty. They both have unusual black hair. They are also wearing our uniform, which probably means that they are temporary students. After all, the principal called them students just now.

「Strange names and black hair, huh… They are not born around here, right?」

In a different turmoil than when Weerel was called, I muttered so. Looking at them, Solte opens her mouth with a meek expression next to me.

「Kiel-kun.」

「Hm?」

「I’ve said it many times before, but don’t lose in the first match, okay? Don’t let your guard down and don’t let your pride get the better of you.」

「Y-Yeah, I know…」

I felt a little uncomfortable with the way she spoke as if she knew those two, but I didn’t say anything more. No matter who the opponent is, I will fight to win.

「I would like to welcome these girls and make them members of this year’s graduation festival. However, many of you may be wondering if they really have the ability to do so. Therefore, before we draw the tournament table, we would like to have the girls fight against the 15th and 16th ranked students of our academy and whoever wins will be recognized as the true participant. Kiel, Solte, Haruna, and Chinatsu, step forward.」

We were called forward and two boxes for the lottery were presented to us. They are for the students of the academy and for those who were recommended. I guess this is how they want us to decide who our first opponent will be.

「Each box contains two pieces of paper with a number that determines your opponent. Now, take it.」

I did as I was told, put my hand in the box, and grabbed what seemed to be a piece of paper that touched my fingertips. The other three did the same and showed it to the staff.

「Fumu. The lottery has been decided. The first match, Solte Machete versus Haruna Katsuragi! The second match, Kiel Brown versus Chinatsu Rokusai!」