Unwelcome Victory
The conditions for victory in a ranking match were either taking the symbolic emblem hanging around the opposing squad leader's neck or shooting down the squad leader. Either would secure victory.
Thus, before the match began, both the E601 Squad leader and the E571 Squad leader put on the emblem symbolizing the Valkyrie around their necks before entering the arena.
Aside from those two victory conditions, none of the other actions counted as a win. Even if the squad members were shot down one after another, as long as the squad leader was still flying or the emblem around their neck had not been taken, they had not lost.
Then, at the referee's command, both squads immediately took to the sky and scattered in their respective directions.
However, that single move was enough to reveal the difference between the two squads.
The E571 Squad rapidly dispersed its members according to a prearranged mission plan, while its squad leader issued commands suited to the current situation, allowing the team to quickly form up.
For an E-rank squad, the maneuver was practically flawless.
By contrast, the three members of the E601 Squad simply scattered on their own, without the slightest hint of order.
As the vanguard, Lekti cast suggestion magic on herself almost the instant the match began. The ring on her finger flashed, and the expression on her face quickly faded, causing her timidity and weakness to vanish completely. In their place was a calm, expressionless look. After deploying her Magic Twin Swords, she charged forward without hesitation.
At that moment, Misora also deployed her Magic Cannon Sword and lit up the collar around her neck, empowering herself with psychokinesis. Her entire body shone as she charged forward. With a loud battle cry, she raised the Magic Cannon Sword