We arrived at the Kitral Forest by carriage.
At the entrance of the forest stood myself, Brother Zeros, Instructor Kahel, Her Royal Highness, and the soldiers. Mr. Burns, wielding an axe, had already ventured into the woods. He was to oversee the examination.
“The goal is on the other side of the forest. You will need to run there,” Her Royal Highness announced.
“…Are you serious?” I asked, slightly incredulous.
“Yes, it is for both Zeros and Yuuki. Please use these.”
Her Royal Highness produced two bracelets.
“These are replicas of Ancient Artifacts developed by the Magic Guild after the recent war.”
“Oh my goodness! What an honor!” Instructor Kahel exclaimed.
“Ancient Artifacts are the legacy of the Ancient Magic Civilization, beyond human comprehension. Even though they are replicas, it is a great honor to use them for this examination. I, Kahel, can hardly contain my tears of joy!!”
“I-I am honored, Your Royal Highness.”
“…It is indeed an honor.”
Following Brother Zeros, I bowed my head as well.
“Even after two hundred years, sorcerers have only managed to create items of this caliber. Their precision is inferior to that of genuine Ancient Artifacts, and they will lose their magical power after a single use. However, they represent the pinnacle of the Magic Guild’s technology. Please do not forget that.”
At Her Royal Highness’s words, both Brother Zeros and I bowed in acknowledgment.
So this bracelet is a replica of an Ancient Artifact. Back in my time, there were Holy Swords and Holy Spears that the Sacred Domain Church used extensively. The originals must have been lost, and now humans have created similar items. That’s impressive.
“You two will pass through the forest while in a Boosted state. However, along the way, Burns will obstruct you, so you must navigate past him and run to the outside of the forest.”
“May I ask a question, Your Royal Highness?”
“Of course, Yuuki.”
“I don’t understand why I have to run alongside you.”
“Think of it as a way to compare the differences between someone accustomed to Ancient Magic, like Zeros, and an ordinary person.”
“Differences, you say?”
“Running through the forest in a Boosted state is terrifying, even for those used to it. Branches, roots, slippery ground, and wet grass… they all come at you much faster than usual.”
Her Royal Highness wore a confident smile.
“If Zeros were to run alone, his excellence would not be apparent. Only by comparing him to someone unaccustomed to Boosting can we truly see his superiority.”
“I understand.”
I wanted to talk to Brother Zeros, away from Instructor Kahel. If my brother despised me, I wouldn’t mind leaving home. But… if I tried to bring him down… that thought made no sense. I needed to clarify my feelings; otherwise, it would be unsettling. If I left and something happened to Lumia and Martha afterward—
I would have to hate Brother Zeros.
“Thank you for this precious opportunity, Princess Iris.”
I received the golden bracelet from Her Royal Highness. As I slipped it onto my wrist, a surge of power coursed through me. It felt just like when I used Boosting myself.
Brother Zeros and I took our positions at the starting line. Instructor Kahel stepped back. Finally, he was out of the way. Once we entered the forest, I would try to talk to my brother.
“Are you ready? Then, on your marks. Get set.”
Her Royal Highness raised her arm. Clara—no, Princess Iris Restia—really did resemble Alice. Alice had Lyle’s eyes, but her hair color and mouth were very much like our mother, Remilia. Princess Iris had inherited those features.
Was it just a coincidence? Or—
No, I should focus on the exam for now. It was obvious that Brother Zeros would clear it, so I would follow him without getting in the way. I wanted to speak to him like a human being. After he went to the Magic Guild to learn magic, I wouldn’t have another chance.
“Exam start!!”
“──Here I go,” “Yes!”
Brother Zeros and I took off running simultaneously, straight into the forest.
After the exam began, near the edge of the forest—
“I must speak to Her Royal Highness.”
Suddenly, Instructor Kahel knelt and spoke.
“Why did you allow the illegitimate Yuuki to participate in the exam?”
“That is quite rude, Kahel Miegen.”
“I have no obligation to take orders from a soldier!!”
Instructor Kahel shouted at the soldier who interjected.
“Zeros Grossaria is someone I have drawn out talent from. His magical capacity is astonishing, even to me. To compare him to an illegitimate child is an insult!”
“…Kahel Miegen.”
Princess Iris spoke in a calm voice.
“What do you think this exam is for?”
“I believe it is to showcase the results of my education to you, Princess Iris.”
“Results?”
“Indeed. The Zeros Grossaria I have taught is exceptional and strong. Even if powerful monsters await, he will break through, even if injured. I see this as an opportunity to show you, Princess, the caliber of the individual I have nurtured.”
“Is that why you recommended a dangerous mountain as the exam venue?”
“…Dangerous? Who said such a thing?”
“Those who went to scout reported it.”
“That is merely a reflection of their weakness! Sorcerers are all about power! Just like that Sacred Domain Church!!”
Instructor Kahel shouted. The air froze. Princess Iris and the soldiers around her stared at him with tense expressions.
“Oh, that was a slip of the tongue. The Sacred Domain Church is a taboo, isn’t it? But I don’t think it matters to speak of it.”
“The Sacred Domain Church has perished, Kahel Miegen.”
Princess Iris took a few steps away from him. This man, who spoke so boldly, suddenly looked like a different person.
“They squandered the legacy of the great Ancient Magic Civilization and fell into ruin. The Lindbell Magic Guild was established with the ideal of learning from that organization and not succumbing to the intoxication of power. Have you forgotten that, Kahel Miegen?”
“I understand. If my words have offended you, I apologize.”
With his head bowed, Instructor Kahel’s eyes glinted.
“However, I was merely pondering. If I had that much power, what would I do…?”
“You are here as Zeros Grossaria’s instructor, are you not?”
“Yes, of course.”
Instructor Kahel shrugged.
“Yes, of course. I dedicate everything to properly educating Zeros. That is the very purpose of my existence, Kahel Miegen.”
“…Is that so?”
Princess Iris nodded. And as she gazed into the depths of the forest, she thought about how she hoped the exam would end without incident and that they would return safely. She felt an unsettling aura from Kahel Miegen, who was staring into the forest in the same way.
Today, I will update twice. Therefore, the sixteenth chapter is scheduled to be updated this evening.