Do You Have a Grudge Against Him?

"I think you've already done quite well. At the very least, your strength is already far beyond what should be expected of a high school student."

A hint of bitterness touched the corners of Saegusa Mayumi's mouth. She had always been confident in her abilities. Even when facing long-established A-rank magicians, she would still have dared to say with complete confidence that she could win.

Ever since she had enrolled, she and Jumonji Katsuto, the rising star of the Jumonji House, had been evenly matched, each winning their share.

But ever since she met Kudo Mitsunobu, she had felt her confidence being chipped away, little by little, by the boy before her.

Of course, this wasn't just about magical strength. It was about every area.

For example, Mayumi was more skilled in practical magic. She was good in engineering and technology, too, but still couldn't match Ichihara Suzune and Nakajo Azusa, who specialized in those fields.

Using A-rank magic was no trouble for Mayumi, either, but that was beside the point.

But what about Kudo Mitsunobu? He was powerful, could already design excellent CADs, and could even create new A-rank magic. That was practically beyond the bounds of humanity!

"It's not that impressive."

Kudo accepted Mayumi's praise as though it were only natural.

"But Mayumi, shouldn't you be practicing for the Nine Schools Competition?"

"If you're not prepared and someone else takes your chance at a third consecutive championship, don't come crying to me!"

Kudo spoke to Mayumi in a teasing tone.

"Is that so? Then would you like to find out whether my skills have really diminished?"

They both preferred this sort of interaction—or perhaps it was simply that their personalities were very similar.

"I'll have to respectfully decline."

Kudo hurriedly shook his head. He didn't want to get pelted with dry-ice bullets for no reason. If he could fight back, that would be one thing, but he didn't dare retaliate, so he'd only end up taking a beating.

"Hmph!"

Mayumi gave a soft snort, then continued.

"But from now on, don't use that magic when you practice Ice Pillar Break. It's a pain having to ask the director to repair the arena every time."

"The director already told me that if you damage the arena that badly again, you'll have to pay for the repairs yourself."

As she spoke, Mayumi imitated the voice of the head instructor, who had only just passed fifty yet already had barely any hair left.

"Is that so!"

Kudo nodded indifferently. After all, the school wasn't the only place he could practice. And even if he had to pay for the repairs, the cost was nothing to him.

Despite the fact that this training never made Kudo break a sweat, he still took a quick shower.

"Have you decided to enter Ice Pillar Break and Speed Shooting?"

"Actually, Monolith Code is the more eye-catching event for the boys."

Mayumi asked as they made their way to the Student Council room. She still remembered that Kudo had been tasked with making a splash at the Nine Schools Competition!

"I can't help it. If Monolith Code were a solo event, I'd choose to enter. Among the Course 1 Students, I think only Jumonji Takeshi could work with me."

Kudo was troubled by the situation, too. The boys among this year's Course 1 Students were simply nowhere near as strong as the girls.

Monolith Code was also a three-person team event. Other than Jumonji Takeshi, Kudo couldn't think of anyone who could keep up with him.

"Besides, Third High has the Bloody Prince of the Ichijo Family this year. Even I couldn't quickly take him down while high-lethality magic is restricted."

"And if it's three against two, I don't think winning would make me look overwhelmingly superior."

As Kudo spoke, he noticed Mayumi covering her mouth and giggling. Her shoulders shook as she struggled to keep from laughing out loud.

"What's so funny?"

Mayumi shook her head. Her long eyelashes lowered over her eyes, and a trace of amusement lingered at the corners of her mouth.

"Hmm, Koushu, you're really confident in your own abilities! The prince of the Ichijo Family would be furious if he heard you say that."

"I can't help it. The Ichijo Family's magic, Baryon Lance, manipulates the fluids inside the human body. But even if I stood right in front of him, he'd basically be unable to locate me."

"That's just a matter of magical compatibility."

"As for other countermeasures, I don't think Ichijo Masaki knows more counter-magic than I do."

Kudo wasn't speaking out of blind arrogance. His words were based on a rational assessment.

He had already learned so many spells that even two general-purpose CADs couldn't hold them all. [A general-purpose CAD can store about 99 Magic Formulas.]

That was why he always carried three CADs.

"But if you don't enter Monolith Code, won't people think you're avoiding Ichijo Masaki?"

Mayumi had a point. Compared with Ichijo Masaki, who had already made a name for himself, Kudo had attracted little attention before entering high school, apart from his excellent performance at school.

After all, to people who didn't know the truth, Ichijo Masaki would surely seem stronger. Kudo's refusal to enter Monolith Code, the most competitive event, would look like fear.

"That won't happen. I think that besides Monolith Code, Ichijo Masaki will also enter Ice Pillar Break."

"Ah!"

Kudo's hint made Mayumi understand at once.

"Because Baryon Lance is well suited to Ice Pillar Break!"

"Exactly!"