Each student in the Golden Dragon Class took pride in being one of the chosen few. In fact, La Bala was a military academy that had continued to produce talents who have even been scouted by the Rave Empire. Now, that reputation had changed to “the Rave Empire had continued to exploit its talents,” but Noin thought it had nothing to do with ability.

However, on the day of the competition, when Gunther—the homeroom teacher and principal—handed him a small flute, Noin wondered if it were all just a fantasy.

“Noin, just to be on the safe side, take it with you.”

“Mr. Gunther, I already refused. We won’t lose even without such a thing.”

“Such a thing? Watch your mouth, Noin. This is to protect the students from the dragons.”

It was difficult to argue when he said that. Noin clenched his teeth and lowered his gaze.

“—I’m sorry, but I can control the green dragon without the flute, so I don’t need it. The same goes for the other students. Besides, the Blue Dragon Class hasn’t been provided with dragons. It isn’t even a challenge, do we really need to go any further than this?”

“Like I said, just in case. Your sincerity is a virtue, but this is just a tool. The other students have them, too. Don’t be so stubborn.”

Noin clenched his fist.

He’d heard about this small flute. The principal had one on his desk, a flute called a Dragon-Controlling Flute. It had been developed in Leyca to control dragons, and was apperantly circulating in large numbers around the school. Originally the flute warded off dragons. Gunther’s research, which had been focused on ensuring student safety by distracting dragons or momentarily halting their movements, had somehow changed.

The most recent version, as the name suggested, was rumored to be able to control dragons of green rank and below. He’d also heard that they were just one step away from being able to control all dragons.

The flute being offered to Noin was something that could force simple actions like “mount,” “fly,” and “land.” Noin didn’t need it—he had already bonded with a green dragon. However, he’d heard that the student of the Golden and Purple Dragon Class were using the flute. He had also vaguely noticed that thanks to it, there were many students in the Golden Dragon Class this year who could control the green dragon.

“This one has been further improved. You might be able to ride a yellow dragon, or even a red dragon. Give it a try.”

Noin’s tone hardened at the alluring tone of his voice.

“There’s no need! I’ll fight and win with my own strength.”

“Ha! You sound as if this flute is something despicable.”

“That’s not what I’m saying…”

Dragons were messengers of Dragon God, so humans couldn’t defeat them. It wasn’t despicable for humans to think of ways to repel them. Nevertheless, Noin thought it was wrong to use it here, albeit he couldn’t explain it well.

“But Teacher, if you force other students—”

“—‘Force’? What are you trying to say here?”

‘Don’t you understand what will happen to the Golden Dragon Class?’

Suddenly remembering that advice, Noin dug his nails into his palms.

“I don’t mean to undermine your guidance, Teacher. But I’m not confident about using it in a live performance, so I’m better off doing it as usual.”

“…Hmph. Okay, then go and get ready.”

“Yes. Excuse me.”

“In the end, are you a traitor trying to curry favor with the home country—just like your father?”

Pretending not to hear what Gunther spat out, he bowed his head and left the principal’s office. Wanting to get away from the place, he briskly walked down the hallway.

Since the morning, the school was already crowded with townspeople and visitors who’d come to watch the match. This time, it was especially lively. Some students had even been interviewed by newspapers. That was how much attention they were getting.

In particular, most of the articles equated Lutiya with the Rave Empire as they tried to stir up the outcome of the match. Everyone wanted the Golden Dragon Class to win. They hoped that victory would symbolize triumph over the Rave Empire and act as a beacon of hope for the future.

Something big was moving somewhere outside of his reach and the students had been swept up in it too. More and more people were talking about the independence for Leyca and the liberation movement. It was like they were in a fever. Undoubtedly, there were problems with the behavior of the Empire, Noin too had his grievances and issues with them.

But this school and the dragons, weren’t they all only possible because of the Rave Empire? It was just like how Noin was able to attend this school thanks to his father, who bowed his head to the Empire.

Noin didn’t know what was right. Yet, he didn’t want to run away using the excuse that he didn’t know any better because he was a student. That would just be to half-hearted. Sometimes, Lutiya, who outright said all adults were enemies, seemed dazzling.

How is Lutiya so brave? To shoulder the responsibility of leading everyone into the future like that…

To challenge and oppose the adults who were supposed to show them the way.

“Class leader, you’re late! The dragons have already left the stables and entered the arena!”

As he left the school building, he was called out and looked up in surprise. The clock on the spire was about to pass the scheduled time. There was still some time until the opening ceremony, but considering the preliminary match would be right after it, he should have an early lunch.

He hurried to the tents near the venue. They had been set up as waiting rooms for each class.

“Sorry, is everyone ready?”

“Yes! Today, everyone can ride the green dragon! It’s all thanks to this flute!”  Noin gasped as his classmate clutched the small flute hanging from his chest with delight.  “With this, I won’t drag the rest of our class down!  We’ll show those sewer rates— the Rave Empire is no longer a threat!”

—How do I respond to this? I wish the adults had taught me things like this.

“—That’s why I told you not to lower your altitude!”

Suddenly, a light exploded in the sky, along with the familiar shout of an instructor.

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