Chapter 20

The Pursuit Ring.

This item, despite its rather uncool name, is an extremely powerful accessory.

Its effect is simple: "After casting a spell, there is a 10% chance of an additional attack." However, this can bring significant benefits.

For example, imagine a situation where you have to cast a large number of spells against a boss with very high HP. If you need to cast over 1,000 spells, 10% of those 1,000 spells will result in a "double spell attack," meaning you effectively get about 100 extra attacks.

You might think, "That's not a big deal" or "Such a situation hardly ever happens." But you'd be wrong.

In fact, this accessory can be enhanced in three stages. Once you have a high-level Blacksmith as a companion and can enhance equipment, the Pursuit Ring will evolve into a monstrous accessory.

Specifically, after the third enhancement, the additional attack rate increases from 10% to 25%. That's one in every four attacks. If you cast 1,000 spells, you get about 250 extra attacks. It's an incredible effect. It's like having smooth skin and healthy blood.

However, an item with such high performance can't be common.

The price is a staggering 1.5 billion CL. It comes with three low-rebound pillows.

It was that expensive even in the Mevion era. Who knows how much it costs in this world.

...I want it.

I absolutely have to get it here.

No matter what it takes.

With this resolve, I asked to participate in the Magic Tournament.

Fortunately, the Magic Tournament is held on the last day of my study abroad. While some people might suspect me for using the Second and Third Forms when I said magic books were rare, I can probably just run away and it will be fine.

I hope it will be fine.

Actually, even if I'm suspected a little, I want the Pursuit Ring.

"Mine, are you going to participate in the Magic Tournament?"

The day before the Magic Tournament. During lunch, I casually asked, and Mine's expression froze.

"...Is Second going to participate?"

"Yeah, I am."

"Wha—!?"

Sylvia, sitting next to me, spat out her drink in surprise.

"I didn't know that!?"

"I didn't say anything."

It's a common occurrence. This time, her reaction was perfect.

"Hey, Mine, is there something you don't like about the Magic Tournament?"

I asked, concerned. Mine's expression darkened as she replied.

"Tomorrow... my older brother will be here..."

"The First Prince? Do you dislike him?"

"It's not that, but... I'm not good with him..."

So, she doesn't like him.

"My older brother is a talent supremacist. I only have talent in magic, so he looks down on me, calling me weak. Also, even though I don't intend to, we are in a position to compete for the throne, which makes our relationship tense. He's coming to inspect as the commander of the First Knight Regiment, but I think his real purpose is to humiliate me in front of everyone."

He sounds like a real jerk.

However, the First Prince is the commander of the First Knight Regiment.

"..."

I glanced at Sylvia, who had a bitter expression on her face.

I see. The top of the "upper echelon" of the knight regiment that tormented Sylvia is the First Prince.

"Can't you skip the Magic Tournament?"

"It's impossible! I'm the Second Prince!"

"Ah, you could pretend to be sick."

"My older brother would say, 'That weak and foolish younger brother can't even participate in the Magic Tournament despite attending the magic school!'"

Given that I'm already suspected of bribery and grade tampering just because I'm the Second Prince, if the First Prince says something like that, I'll have no place left in the school.

But if I participate, I'll be insulted in front of everyone and have to argue back every time. Being a prince is tough...

"I'm sorry."

"...It's okay, Second. It can't be helped."

Mine seemed to have given up, saying this with a resigned expression.

Watching Eco eat her meal enthusiastically next to me, completely oblivious to this sad reality, was oddly comforting.

"By the way, Second."

"Hm, what is it?"

"I've learned the Third Form. Three days ago."

"Really? Three days ago!? You didn't tell me!?"

"I didn't say anything."

Damn, I got payback...

The day of the Magic Tournament.

The field was filled with a large number of spectators.

I parted ways with Sylvia and Eco and waited in the contestant's waiting room alone.

A few other students who were participating were also there, chatting noisily. There were about ten of them.

"But this ring as the grand prize... I've never even heard of it."

"Last year was the 50th anniversary, but it wasn't much of a deal. The scale seems to be shrinking every year."

"The number of participants is decreasing, and the rules have changed. It's definitely on the decline."

They're quick to blame the students for becoming less skilled.

Still, are these aspiring mages really unaware of the value of the Pursuit Ring? They might think that 10% additional attacks without enhancement is a minor effect, but they should know about the potential of enhancement...

"But this year, Lord Claus is supposed to be inspecting."

"Of course, you know, in Class A."

"Oh, right. The Second Prince."

"They say he and the First Prince don't get along. Why is that?"

"Maybe he'll beat him up in an exhibition match?"

"Haha! That would be great."

Then they started gossiping about Mine. They were saying whatever they wanted because she wasn't there.

However, wherever I go in this school, the "First Prince > Second Prince" hierarchy is firmly established. It's quite unnatural. I don't think it's entirely due to Mine's faults. The First Prince's side is likely manipulating perceptions. Does he really hate Mine that much? This Claus guy.

"Excuse me..."

Saying this, Mine entered the waiting room with a blank expression. The room fell silent instantly. Of course, they had just been talking about her.

"Hey, are you a seed?"

"Yeah, I'm in the quarterfinals."

"Really? So we won't face each other until the final."

"Hehe, let's meet in the final."

The Magic Tournament is held in a knockout format. There are 15 participants. Mine is on the far left, and I'm on the far right. Mine needs to win two matches to reach the final, while I need to win three.

I see, I see.

This is getting interesting.

However, there is one thing I don't understand.

That is—

"By the way, Mine. What exactly do you do in the Magic Tournament?"

The sound of people falling over echoed throughout the waiting room.

"You don't know that and you're participating!?"

"Sorry. I guess it's probably... a battle to the death with magic, right?"

"Totally wrong!"

"Then, is it a regular battle to the death?"

"Magic? Where did the magic go!?"

"I see. So it's a battle to the death with magic..."

"No! It's not a battle to the death! Stop thinking about battles to the death!"

"I don't understand what you're saying."

"Why don't you understand!?"

The frozen atmosphere in the waiting room thawed a bit with this comedy routine. Mine also seemed to relax a little.

"Really, Second..."

Mine sighed and began to explain.

"The Magic Tournament is conducted using a 'Match Crown.' So it's not life-threatening."

The Match Crown is a PvP (Player vs. Player) item. Unlike regular "anything goes" duels, it has detailed rules for item and skill usage, allowing for risk-free duels. In other words, it's a "chicken" item.

Why is it risk-free? Because everything in a match using the Match Crown is virtual. Your HP and MP are virtual, and the damage you deal and receive is also virtual. So even if your HP drops to zero, the match just ends, and you return to normal. That's why it's a "chicken" item. However, some gamers are captivated by the freedom to set rules in matches and have developed and popularized various interesting match formats, different from regular duels...

"Attacks must be with magic. That's the rule for this tournament. Got it?"

Hearing Mine's words, I was certain.

...It's a terrible game.

"Seventh match! Second from Class 1-A vs. Dean from Class 1-F!"

When my name was called, I stepped onto the field and saw Sylvia and Eco behind me.

I waved, and Eco waved back enthusiastically, accidentally hitting Sylvia's nose and causing her to faint.

"Put on the Match Crown."

Following the referee's instructions, a large circular array appeared around me and Dean. The field was a 50-meter radius circle. Stepping outside means losing.

"Both contestants, take your positions... Begin!"

As soon as the command was given, Dean started chanting.

The magic array at his feet indicated a "Wind Attribute - Second Form."

...This guy is an idiot.

First Form is a regular attack. Second Form is a ranged attack. Third Form is a powerful single-target attack. Fourth Form is a powerful area attack. Fifth Form is a very powerful area attack.

The casting time increases in the order of First → Third → Second → Fourth → Fifth.

If you are attacked during the casting time, the spell is canceled. Therefore, in a match, casting spells with a longer casting time than the Second Form is almost meaningless. This is common knowledge.

...

Dean, you're underestimating me, aren't you? You must have heard somewhere that "Second can't use magic properly."

I was furious.

Being underestimated... by the world's number one... by a kid like this!!

I could end it in an instant by advancing and casting the First Form before his casting finishes. But that would be boring. I can't vent my frustration from being insulted in this sacred match.

"Be prepared."

I took two steps forward and cast the "Wind Attribute - First Form" in front of me. Almost simultaneously, Dean cast the "Wind Attribute - Second Form."

Spells of the same attribute have a "clashing" characteristic. This is a simple defensive method. You take a bit of damage, but the difference in the post-casting cooldown between the First Form and the Second Form is more than double, creating a significant "advantage."

"What!?"

Dean was surprised. "This is not what I expected!" "This guy is really good at magic!"

The worst part is that he's in a daze during the critical moment of the match and isn't taking his next move. Being underestimated by such a fool. I'm beyond angry; I'm disappointed.

"Choose to be toyed with or beg for your life and die miserably."

While saying this, I began casting the "Fire Attribute - Third Form," finishing the incantation by the time I finished speaking.

The rank is five. The casting time reduction is at the second level, and the spell attack power is 300% of the INT-based magic attack. Considering that the bow skill at the ninth rank is 600%, it might not seem very powerful, but with over 20 types of magic skills compared to about 9 types of bow skills, the INT increase is more efficient, making the firepower quite significant.

"Th, Third—!"

"Ah! There's something in my eye!"

Just as Dean was about to surrender, I cast the Third Form.

A huge, sun-like fireball rushed towards Dean with a loud roar. At this point, Dean had no way to defend or dodge.

"Aaaaah!"

Dean screamed as he was hit, and his HP was instantly depleted. Damn, the power was too strong. I intended to leave about 10% and toy with him...

"...Winner, Second!"

When the match ended, the field returned to normal. The rules seem to be the same in this world.

I glanced at Dean, whose crotch was wet. Even if it's virtual, the physiological response of the body is not virtual, or did he just wet himself?

"Hey, I won."

On my way back to the waiting room, I passed Sylvia and Eco and exchanged words.

"Second, you're so strong!"

"Of course, the倾斜者 (tilted one)."

"You went too far! Is that okay?"

"It's fine. I'll eventually become the world's number one. Besides, I'm leaving today after grabbing the grand prize. I'll make a quick escape."

"Got it, but please don't go too far. Please!"

"Got it, got it! Are you my mom?"

"Second, do your best!"

"Okay."

"Mom..." Sylvia's voice was dejected, but I left with Eco's straightforward encouragement.

After that, I easily won the second match.

When it came to the semifinals, however, I faced an unusual opponent.

Thank you for reading.