DUMBW 08

Chapter 8

Mock Battle Pair
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The students gathered in the academy’s training grounds.
Today was the annual tradition — the Magical Mock Battle.

“ This year, teachers will also be joining the team battles,”
announced the instructor in charge.

The arena instantly erupted in chatter.

And then—
“Pairs will be decided by lottery!”

When I looked at the name written on the card I drew, I froze in despair.

“…Professor Saphir.”
“My my♡ Isn’t this fate’s red string tying us together?”

“It’s NOT!!”

Of all people — why him!?
I wanted to cry out to the heavens.

At the signal, the mock battle began.
Our opponents were two upperclassmen — skilled, confident, and merciless with both weapons and magic.

“Professor, from the right—!”
“I know, darling♡ Leave it to me.”

A dazzling magic circle flared open, and flaming arrows rained down.
…Way too flashy!

The teachers were supposed to have restrictions as a handicap — so what on earth was he thinking?
The enemies dodged the flames and charged straight at me instead.

“Hey, they’re coming this way now!”
“Oh my♡ But you’ll be fine, won’t you?”

Apparently, this was the price of being paired with him.
The opponents naturally targeted the student, and the professor seemed to encourage that.
Other students got partners who shouted things like,
“I’ll cover you!”
—but in my case, he was clearly enjoying himself.

I was getting furious.

But this wasn’t the time to be angry.

“Kh— haaah!”
I reinforced my body with mana and swung my sword with all my might, barely deflecting the incoming attack.

Sweat stung my eyes.
The professor was just playing around—
At this rate, there was no way we could win—

“My lady.”
A calm voice came from behind me.
“Let’s synchronize for the next move. Combine your strike with my spell.”

When I turned, his eyes were sharp and serious.
Not the teasing smile he always wore.

“…Got it.”
I drew in a deep breath.

The next instant, the professor unleashed a massive spear of ice.
As the enemy desperately tried to block it—

“Haaaah!”
I poured all my mana into my blade and struck with everything I had.

With a thunderous crash, the opponents were slammed into the ground.

The referee’s voice rang out:
“Winners — Saphir Rogiere and—”
After a brief pause, my name was called.

Cheers erupted around us.
I rested my hands on my knees, gasping for breath.
“Haa… haa…”