A heavy gust blew through the waiting area, flipping tents over.

Screams could be heard from the students as Noin covered his face.

The students of the Blue Dragon Class could be seen casting a barrier against the tremendous magic blast.

“Who said you could slack off just because it’s a warm-up?! Magical precision is a habit! Do you really think you’d be able to jump high enough to take down the dragon like that?!”

“Wait, Teacher Jill, training is finished! Today’s the day!”

“That’s right! We can’t waste magical power here!”

A small silhouette descended from the sky before the students of the Blue Dragon Class who had huddled together to maintain their barrier. A teddy bear and a black dragon-like magical beast appeared from the bag on her back. A chicken glided down beside her and landed on the ground. Within the blast, the girl’s amthyst eyes widened and she tilted her head with a serious expression.

“Wasting magical power…? You’re exhausting it after only using this much?”

The students of the Blue Dragon Class, along with everyone who was watching, froze. Despite her petite, adorable appearance, the overwhelming magical power radiating from the girl’s body was terrifying.

“Who said that? I don’t remember teaching such nonsense.”

“I-it was just a slip of the tongue, Teacher Jill! Right, everyone?”

“Yeah, exactly!Boys always exaggerate! This is no different than breathing, right?”

“More importantly, it’s time, Teacher Jill. We need to get changed into our uniforms.”

Lutiya stepped forward with a troubled expression on his face. With worn out and tattered, he addressed the little instructor floating in the air.

“It’ll soon be the time when homeroom teachers aren’t allowed to have contact with their students. Why don’t you go eat lunch, Teacher?”

“Oh, that’s right! My lunch!”

The little instructor’s face lit up as she lightly landed on the ground.

“Well, that’s all from me! Everyone, at attention!”

Her voice carried a heavy weight that resonated from the bottom of her stomach. In unison, the Blue Dragon Class straightened up and turned to face the little instructor, the black lizard, and chicken monster.

“Brown Rats! This concludes the training! It’s time for the real thing! You’ve held up well so far. I’d love to praise you, but I trust you’re aware it’s still too early for that.”

Everyone looked straight ahead and replied, “Yes!”

The little instructor grinned.

“Go win! Teach those snobby little kittens the harshness of life! That’s all!”

The Golden Dragon Class wasn’t the only team present, the Purple Dragon Class was also there. Although she was only trying to encourage them, it was no different than picking a fight with everyone else. What would the other teachers think? However, the little instructor calmly turned on her heels and walked away.

“Well then, Lutiya, I’ll leave the rest to you. I’m off to lunch!”

“Goodbye, Teacher! We’re free… at last!”

“We’re finally free from the demon instructor? Wait… I can’t stop crying?”

“—I can hear you! If you make fools of yourselves, I won’t forgive you! Understood?!”

““Yes!!””

“Good.”

The Blue Dragon Class, receiving that final reminded, stood straight as they saw their instructor depart.  Once she was gone, they exhaled deeply.

“We almost died before the match even began… Who was it that lowered the altitude?!”

“I was thinking of doing a cool landing… I never thought she’d find out…”

“Of course she would! This is Teacher Jill we’re talking about…”

Ridicule spread in an instant.

“What’s with them? They’re a complete mess.”

“I hadn’t seen them lately. Where have they been and what have they been up to?”

“What else would you expect from brown rats… They’re going to beat the Golden Dragon Class? I hope they don’t embarrass themselves after all that boasting.”

“Let’s praise them for not running away. The newspaper predicted that the Golden Dragon Class would win by forfeit.”

The Blue Dragon Class turned their eyes towards them. This isn’t good, Noin thought.

“Hey, cut it out. Instead of this, we should all focus on preparing—”

“I’m looking forward to today, Golden Dragon Class.”

Someone from the Blue Dragon Class spoke to them nonchalantly. A few people were annoyed, but those of the Blue Dragon Class seemed nonchalant. After saying a simple greeting, they walked away, chatting cheerfully while ignoring the surrounding tension.

This is different from the usual. 

Noin turned around and raised his head.

His eyes met Lutiya’s for a moment as he passed. However, nothing was said and he simply waked straight ahead. Normally, he’d have jumped in with a remark and made a scene.

“What’s with their attitude?”

The same classmate who reported they’d be able to ride a green dragon today muttered, disgruntled. The others had similar reactions, thrown off by the Blue Dragon Class’s change in behavior. But that wasn’t all.

Some of the students, particularly those sensitive to the magical power, noticed it—the Blue Dragon Class’s presence had undergone a distinct change.

“Who do you think you are? An Elite?” that small instructor said.

A smile tugged at Noin’s lips.  What is this feeling? It was a strange form of excitement, like the exhilaration before battle.

If he was truly mistaken, he would be judged and corrected. He would be guided. Justice would win— Like standing before the Dragon God of Reason himself.  He could feel a sense of expectation.

That’s right. There’s no need to go easy on your enemy. I mustn’t underestimate them—that’s the logic of an arrogant and overly confident strong person.

Noin smiled and patted his comrade on the shoulder.

“Don’t get distracted. Let’s do our best today.”

“Yes!”

Justice would prevail—it was such a childish idea, but perhaps the world is simple than we think.

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