“You’ve got to be kidding me!!”

“The leader of Class B lost! A coup d'état!!”

“What’s going on with Class B, internal conflicts already in just over a week…”

The training grounds erupted into murmurs. Just moments ago, Weiss had slashed open the stomach of the steward—or whatever title he had—who led Class B.

A timid boy had taken down the head of Class B in an instant. For the onlookers who had been quietly observing, it was an unexpected and astonishing outcome. However, they were more shocked by something else than Weiss's victory.

“What was that magic…?”

“Light… Was it fire attribute?”

“No, it didn’t seem like that…”

Some of the students who had witnessed the duel were speculating about the magic Weiss had used. It didn’t align with any known magic attributes, making their confusion understandable.

── That magic was last confirmed around three hundred years ago, in the era of the hero.

Bloodline magic, by its nature, is highly secretive. Without contemporary records, the details of past magics remain uncertain. Even among those aware of its existence, such knowledge is typically restricted to a select few—royalty or high-ranking nobles.

“That brilliant light… Gil, have you ever seen anything like it?”

“No, it’s the first time I’ve witnessed such magic…”

Even Gil, one of the finest knights, and a member of the Seven Peerless Swords, was unaware of it. This magic was rare to the point of obscurity.

── Or rather, it’s a magic that has fallen into obscurity.

This magic has been swallowed by the tides of history and faded from existence. However, thanks to the memories of my first life, I know exactly what this magic is.

A bloodline magic, wieldable only by those who carry the pure lineage of the hero who existed centuries ago──

“[Radiant Magic: Bright Arts].”

“You know about it, Clay?”

“It’s one of the eight Primal Magics, used by the hero said to have lived centuries ago. Weiss is a descendant of the hero.”

“A hero?! From the ancient legends… He’s from that line?!”

Gilflare reacted with astonishment at my explanation. Though numerous texts about heroes exist, few are verified as credible. Many stories carry a fictional air, and skepticism is not uncommon. I feigned agreement.

“I was just as shocked when I first learned of it… but it appears to be true.”

I spoke as though I had only recently discovered this, but that was a lie. However, it is true that I only learned of its specifics recently.

Even from a fresh perspective, that magic’s power is absurd. Until now, Weiss lacked the mana capacity and control skills to use the magic effectively. However, in just one week, he has transformed.

[Radiant Magic: Bright Arts], as its name implies, manipulates light. From blades and shields to blinding flashes, its uses are incredibly versatile. Some applications involve scattering thousands of intense flashes randomly to annihilate large groups. The destruction it can cause is unparalleled, but it demands immense mana and advanced control techniques.

Currently, Weiss can only manage a blinding flash, but even that is formidable. Dealing with that light on first encounter is nearly impossible, and even with preparation, it’s challenging.

── And there are still countless ridiculous spells to follow.

In my first life, I nearly died countless times to those spells, including that flash of light, Brilliance. Moreover, Weiss’s physical enhancement techniques were also beyond comprehension.

“How was that just now, Clay?!”

Weiss, noticing me, approached with an innocent grin, but I couldn’t let my guard down. Behind that cheerful smile lay boundless talent, and he was certain to grow into someone capable of matching dragons.

── Truly, he’s terrifying.

There’s always someone stronger. For me, Weiss exemplifies this truth. But for now, as his mentor, I’ll sincerely celebrate his victory.

“No complaints. It was splendid, Weiss.”

“────! Really?!”

“Yeah.”

“────!!”

When I praised him earnestly, his face lit up with joy. That radiant expression could make one momentarily forget he was a man.

── But he is, indeed, a man.

“You there! What kind of magic was that?!”

“Please, tell us more!!”

“Eh?! W-Wait!”

Resolutely reminding myself of this, I maintained composure. The so-called hero was now surrounded by Gilflare, Prince Chronos, and other students, all bombarding him with questions.

Watching this scene from afar, I suddenly felt something soft enveloping me from behind. …There was no need to check; it was Glass.

“Well, I had high hopes, but Weiss exceeded expectations~”

“Please step away.”

“And he couldn’t even fight a week ago? What kind of training did you put him through?”

“This shameless knight doesn’t listen…”

Despite my resistance, Glass showed no signs of letting go. Resigned, I reluctantly answered.

“────Nothing special. I just gave him the same training my grand uncle used on me.”

“Wait… That insane training regimen? You had him do that?”

“Yes.”

“Haha, Clay, you’re as crazy as ever~”

“I’ll knock you out.”

Her sudden mockery prompted my reflexive retort. Of course, this would only encourage her. Like her sister, this woman──

“Oh! Sounds great~ How about a sparring match?”

──is an insatiable battle maniac. Regretting my slip of tongue, I shook my head firmly.

“No. Sparring with you isn’t sparring. Besides, I’m restraining myself right now.”

“From what?”

“I went too far in a duel recently, so I’ve decided to keep things low-key for a while.”

“Heh~ Seems like a waste of effort, though.”

“……”

This woman clearly thought I’d give in if provoked. But today, I wouldn’t bite. Fighting her would only escalate, and the training grounds would turn to rubble within minutes, spawning new rumors.

However, all my resolve was shattered in an instant by her next words.

“You’re unusually stubborn. And here I thought you’d want to hear the info I brought about the Shadow Dragon~”

“…What?”

With just a few words, my focus was completely seized. Smirking, she added teasingly:

“It’d be boring to just tell you, so how about you spar with me? Then I’ll share it.”

“……”

It was a blatant provocation, an obvious ploy. Yet, when it came to dragons—especially the Shadow Dragon—I couldn’t ignore it.

Driven by that compulsion, my answer was decided without hesitation.

“You’re not lying, are you?”

“Of course. I always keep promises with adorable Clay~”

“Good. Let’s get this over with.”

“Now we’re talking!”

And thus, succumbing to my impulses, I ended up agreeing to a sparring match with one of the Seven Peerless Swords.