3 × 4 = Useless

After going over a few more instructions about the upcoming dungeon trip, we returned to our usual lessons. First on the schedule? Magic Combat, taught by the ever-blunt Supervisor Shin himself.

We found ourselves standing in the academy’s large training grounds under a cloudy sky that dimmed the morning sun—giving us just the right kind of atmosphere.

Training under this weather… actually doesn’t sound too bad.

Interrupting my moment of appreciation, supervisor Shin stepped forward and began explaining what the lesson would cover.

“Magic Combat, as the name suggests, refers to battles where magic plays a vital role. Without it, you’ll lose. In this class, you’ll learn how to utilize your elements in ways that ensure your victory.”

Straightforward and efficient, just like always.

“In this session, you’ll be fighting one another one-on-one. You’re not restricted to just elements or skills. You may fight using your own techniques—within the rules I’ll now explain.”

He scanned the group, likely picking two students at random for the first match.

After picking a pair I didn’t recognize—as usual— supervisor Shin began listing the combat rules, his tone sending chills.

“No killing. No high-tier spells. No overpowered skills. No personal weapons. Instead, you’ll use the equipment over there.”

He gestured behind us.

There, laid out neatly, were rows of weapons—swords, staves, spears—all of them clearly… real?

Wait—what?! Are we seriously supposed to fight using those?

Just as that panic started to set in across the group—those weapons did look sharp as hell—Supervisor Shin walked over, picked one up, and answered our unspoken question.

“These aren’t ordinary weapons. Yes, they can pierce skin. But once a significant injury is dealt… like this...”

And then… he did something that nearly made my heart stop.

“!!!”

He stabbed a student. Right in the chest. No illusions. The blade went through him. It even popped out his back.

Everyone froze. Mouths shut. Minds blank.

“AAAAAAAGHHH!!!”

Only after a long, painful second did the student scream—his voice slicing through our eardrums.

Just as I was teetering on the edge of insanity, supervisor Shin casually pulled the sword out of the student’s chest.

And then…

“Huh…?”

The wound—it vanished.

“As you can see, it feels real. Just like getting stabbed with an actual weapon. But the pain isn’t real. The wound disappears shortly after. Now, go arm yourselves if you don’t have any questions and wait for your turn.”

He said all that without flinching, completely unfazed by the student’s screaming or the looks of sheer horror around him.

“This guy… is not normal,”

Leo whispered beside me, smiling nervously like he’d just seen death and wasn’t ready to meet him yet.

If you ask me, based on what I just witnessed, I’d bet my soul that this man has killed more than a few people in his lifetime.

Even if you know the weapon won’t kill anyone, staying that calm after doing that? No. No way.

“He’s definitely killed people…”

I muttered under my breath, turning toward the weapon rack as the first match kicked off behind me—my suspicions digging deeper into my thoughts with every step.

Most of the students kept watching the first match, while a handful of others moved around—either trying to shake off the trauma of what they just witnessed, or searching for a suitable weapon like I was doing now.

“So you are human after all, huh…”

I muttered to myself, thinking back to how they reacted to the announcement of the suicide mission to the dungeon… and now, how they just watched one of their classmates get stabbed in cold blood.

“Yeah… this’ll do.”

Shoving that fake murder to the back of my mind, I picked out a fairly standard sword and made my way back, only to find the first battle already over. supervisor Shin had called up the next pair.

“C’mon! C’mon! Pick me already!”

Leo, clapping his hands like an excited child, was practically bouncing on his feet. Was he seriously trying to get supervisor Shin’s attention like that?

“Are you gonna fight barehanded, Leo?”

I walked over and asked.

“Hm? Oh, hey, Shiro! Yup! I don’t really know how to use any weapons, and I didn’t see any proper combat gloves lying around—so I’ll just stick to my fists!”

…That sounds really dangerous.

Sure, the weapons weren’t real—technically—but the pain sure as hell was.

I remembered his fight with Alice, sure. But right now he wasn’t even wearing anything to protect his hands. And for some reason, I just knew this idiot wasn’t planning to dodge a single blow.

“What about you? You’re gonna fight with that sword?”

“Yeah, it’s the only thing I know how to use… kind of.”

“Oho~ Then let’s hope Shin picks the two of us to fight!”

“No thanks. I’d only be down if we were teaming up—not fighting each other.”

“Aww, scared are we? Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you! We are friends, after all!”

“…‘Because we’re friends,’ huh…”

I sighed, giving him a smile—one that faded quickly as that annoying thought wormed its way back into my head.

Should I fight normally and show them my skills? Or should I just throw the match?

Honestly, the second option was way more appealing. But after a few seconds of hesitation… I made up my mind.

“…How long am I gonna keep doing this…”

Alice was right, after all—I was overthinking it. I just needed to take it easy.

Okay, maybe she didn’t say those exact words, but the meaning’s the same.

I could show a bit of what I can do now, and come up with a decent excuse they’d actually buy.

If I waited too long and got even stronger, it’d be way harder to explain later when the truth eventually came out.

Besides, we’re a team now. We might not always fight side by side, but sooner or later, we’ll need to rely on each other. And when that time comes, I don’t want to pretend to be dead weight or hide my power when I could be helping—just because I was trying to keep a secret.

Yeah. My decision was made.

“But man, there’s a lot of crazy strong people in this class… It’s making me want to transfer.”

“…You? Transfer to another class?”

I blinked. Leo, of all people, saying something like that? The guy’s like a mountain—unshakable. And now he was basically admitting defeat?

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“What’s up, Shiro? Haven’t you met some of the others yet?”

“…No.”

I was too busy with that book yesterday. And I slept like a rock before that. So yeah—no socializing.

Leo, on the other hand? I bet he’s already best friends with half the class and probably even some upperclassmen too. The guy has top-tier people skills, no doubt.

“No way, seriously?! Come on, even if you haven’t met them, you should at least know who they are, right? Look over there—see that girl with the long crimson hair? You recognize her?”

He motioned with his eyes toward a girl standing a little ways off, surrounded by four other students.

I vaguely remembered seeing that group. They were the only ones who didn’t look tired at all during yesterday’s physical training with Leonhart.

But that didn’t mean I knew her.

" No...I don't think so."

“What?!”

Leo’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.

“…There are limits to ignorance, Shiro.”

“I mean… sorry, but… why are you even lecturing me about this…”

I suddenly felt the urge to apologize—especially with the way he was looking at me like I’d committed a cardinal sin.

“Haaah… And here I thought you were just joking, but no. You’re dead serious…look, That’s Luna Bildora, the princess of Linderia. Surely you’ve heard of that kingdom, right? And those people around her are her cousins—well, some of them anyway.”

“…Princess.”

“And that guy over there? The one with the dark skin sitting down? That’s Benjamin—he’s from one of the high-ranking noble families in Luthiria. And that girl? Agasa, from the Amaterasu clan. Those two are Ryo and Lain, both from Sarutahikoclan. And that guy there…”

Leo kept going, name after name, all from ridiculously powerful families I hadn’t even heard of.

And that’s when it hit me. Out of the thirty-two students in our class… twenty-eight of them came from royal or elite noble families across various kingdoms.

And me? I was the only commoner here—while Leo was walking around telling everyone he was from Wysperia.

After learning all that, I suddenly felt a heavy weight settle on my shoulders.

“…Leo.”

“Hmm? Wh-What’s wrong? You’re looking kinda pale…”

“…I want to transfer to another class.”

“…Ah. Yeah… You’ll get used to it. Don’t worry.”

He gave me a pat on the back and an awkward smile.

“But that’s not all, Shiro…”

“What now? Don’t tell me there’s an assassin hiding among us or something.”

“…Worse.”

A chill ran down my spine as I braced for whatever Leo was about to say.

“See that guy over there—the one with the golden hair?”

I followed his gaze and spotted a tall boy with striking blonde hair and equally radiant golden eyes. His body was lean, muscular—clearly well-trained. The kind of guy every girl would fall for at first glance.

Even as another guy, I could feel it.

“…What about him?”

“Well… He’s a summoned hero from another world. Word is he’s got all four primary elements. Plus Light. And six top-tier skills. Wysperia brought him here specifically for training.”

“Four… elements?!”

And Light, too.

I had read about this kind of thing. Our world isn’t alone—there are countless others out there. Some even have humans like us, and all kinds of other creatures.

As for summoning a hero from one of those worlds—it’s possible through an advanced spell, but it requires all kinds of brutal conditions to succeed.

Failure usually means a horrible death—or worse. But success? You get a perfectly balanced fighter with massive mana reserves. And most importantly… pre-acquired skills.

I didn’t know what exactly those skills were. But they had to be powerful, no question.

As for why Wysperia summoned such a living weapon and sent him here… I honestly had no idea.

"Our class is terrifying, isn’t it…?"

"Yeah… no doubt about it…"

I agreed with Leo as we kept staring at that creature—one that looked like a king merely waiting for his throne to be delivered.

And just then, I heard it. My name, echoing loud and clear.

"Shiro Leonard and Arthur pendragon!"

I turned toward the voice and saw the supervisor calling us forward—to fight.

Looks like zero hour had arrived. I’m going to fight… Arthur?

I don’t recall Leo ever mentioning a name like that. Maybe he’s weak like me? Or just some low-ranked noble?

"Oh, it's your turn. Go on now, good luc—"

"Yeah. I’ll do my best."

I cut off Leo before he could finish, though he froze in place for some reason.

"No, Shiro… wait… it’s Arthur… Arthur…!"

Ignoring his voice behind me, I pushed through the crowd, weaving past the other students until I reached the designated area that looked like a mini arena. My opponent did the same, standing just across from me, and soon after, Supervisor Shin joined us.

"You’re both sword-users? Good. You remember the rules—I don’t need to repeat them, right?"

"Yes."

"..."

It was only then that I finally turned to look at my opponent—and saw those brilliant golden eyes locked right onto mine.

That golden hair.

That physique.

Arthur is…

The summoned hero…?!

My anxiety spiked so hard I went numb. Everything around me faded into silence.

"Do you understand the rules?"

The supervisor’s question snapped me back to reality.

"Ah—Yeah, I do!"

"Good. You may begin whenever you’re ready."

Wait, begin?! With that monster?! N-No no no wait, you’re joking, right?!

I shot a desperate look at the supervisor, silently pleading for him to get what I meant. In return, he just stared at me... and smiled.

"...Ha."

Shin just smiled.

And look, putting aside how freakishly rare that sight is—I’m sure he knows exactly what kind of person I’m up against. A human from another world. A literal monster from another world. Even if I wield three elements, he has four! And that’s not even a debate! Even if we had the same number, a gifted student can’t match up to someone blessed. There’s a huge gap, you know?!

While I was mentally spiraling about how unfair this matchup was, Arthur unsheathed his sword, narrowed his eyes—and vanished.

"..!!"

Zzhnnn!

I felt—no, I saw that blade as it swept past my head, aiming for my neck. I immediately activated Physical Reinforcement, enhancing my waist and dropping low, barely dodging the deadly strike.

I leapt back from my previous position, catching a brief glimpse of Arthur’s startled expression.

Yeah. I could see it.

---

The raw talent of a gifted student against the pure power of the blessed.

That was the perfect title for the duel now unfolding before everyone’s eyes.

Just as expected, Arthur’s attacks were incredibly fast—his sword carving through the air with a radiant golden trail, a unique aura that no one had ever witnessed before.

But Arthur wasn’t the only one showing off. Shiro, somehow, managed to dodge every attack. Each time Arthur thought he’d landed a slash or a stab, Shiro would twist away or jump back at the last second.

After several failed attempts, Arthur jumped back to reassess, those regal eyes fixed on his opponent, his mind racing to figure out how Shiro was dodging—and how to land a strike he couldn’t escape from.

"Not bad," Arthur said with a grin. His voice carried nothing but genuine praise for Shiro’s evasiveness.

"Thanks… I guess."

Shiro replied with an awkward smile, clearly unsure how to take the compliment.

Arthur ignored it, taking a deep breath and locking eyes with his opponent again, his confidence in his sword restored.

"But this is the end for you…!"

He launched forward the moment those words left his mouth, and just as he got within a meter of Shiro—maybe even less—Shiro raised his hand and slammed it down hard against the ground. No one had any idea what he was trying to do.

"...!!"

Just when Arthur thought the hit was guaranteed, jagged ice spikes erupted from the ground beneath him, aiming straight for his body.

Reacting in the nick of time, Arthur let go of his sword with his left hand and thrust it forward, releasing a raging burst of flames that melted the ice instantly. And just as he thought he had neutralized Shiro’s surprise attack—

Shiro came flying through the flames.

He was insanely fast. Suddenly, he was airborne—right in front of Arthur’s face. Holding his sword tightly in his left hand, he slashed down hard. Arthur raised his own sword with his right hand just in time to block the overhead strike.

The clash sent Arthur flying back from the force, but just as he thought he’d be launched clear across the arena, he felt a firm grip yank him by the collar.

Shiro’s grip.

His eyes burned with a furious violet aura that made Arthur’s heart skip a beat.

Dropping his sword from his left hand, Shiro clenched that now-free fist and drew it back, ready to punch Arthur straight in the face—who had frozen up, just for a moment.

And just as Shiro was starting to taste victory—

"RAAAAAAAH!!!"

A burst of golden energy exploded out from Arthur like a tidal wave, knocking Shiro backward. With his eyes now glowing fiercely, Arthur grabbed his sword once more, channeled all his power into his legs, and jumped so hard the ground beneath him cracked.

He moved faster than the eye could track, sword raised high, golden aura trailing behind it in a shining arc. With a single flawless motion, he carved a golden crescent in the air—

And sliced Shiro’s neck mid-air.

But due to the sheer force of the move, Arthur’s body kept flying until he eventually lost momentum and crashed down far away.

---

....

I… lost.

"Haaah."

I sighed, lying flat on the ground and staring up at the cloudy sky.

"… he really flew far. I hope he’s still alive."

I turned my head slightly, the searing pain slowly ebbing away. Using my Thousand-Mile Vision, I saw Arthur in the distance, scratching his head as he struggled to sit up.

"He's… a real monster."

A monster who just sliced my neck mid-air.

I wonder if all my body parts are still attached? Because damn, this pain’s no joke. I don’t even want to move until it goes away.

"You alright?"

"...I think so."

I replied to Supervisor Shin in the most deadpan voice possible, still looking at his usual stone-faced expression.

Though, weirdly… he looked a bit surprised too.

"Don’t feel ashamed. That was a good match."

"..."

Honestly, those words did stir something in me. I felt a little happy—especially since it came from this man.

But man… so much for my plan. Things never go exactly the way I want them to, huh?

I kind of knew I’d lose. But in that moment—when I realized I could see his blade and even counter it—just in that one instant, I felt like victory was right there.

And those ice spikes? I didn’t even mean to stab him—just push him away. But I almost skewered him because I lost control. If they had hit him… yeah, I’d be on the chopping block. Literally.

Even if he survived somehow, I doubt getting expelled would be the only punishment.

Thinking back on it now… I really understand how important elemental control is.

Still, the way it all ended was so unexpected. That burst of power he unleashed hit me right in the gut and chest, knocked all the air out of my lungs, and wrecked my balance completely.

And just like that, Arthur turned my winning chance into his own victory.

A chance that got me so close to defeating a future legendary hero. And that’s why this loss stings so much.

I should be proud that I—Shiro—could keep up with someone like him. But no… right now, I’m just frustrated as hell.

Finally, the pain faded and I stood up. Supervisor Shin had gone off to check on Arthur.

That’s when I saw them—Leo, Hikaru, and Alice.

Running toward me.