Chapter 5

In addition to the main school building, there is a library and an adjacent cafeteria.

Basically, the students who live in the dormitory should not have any trouble with their daily lives.

The place I arrived at with the students was called the training ground.

It is used for practicing swordsmanship and magic.

Under Odds' guidance, I faced off against twenty students.

Even though I am called the "Sword Saint Maiden," there doesn't seem to be a special class for that.

From my assessment, the ones who stand out in terms of ability are Iris and the girl with a lazy expression standing next to her.

...I think her name was Aria. I did look at the students' names and grades before coming here. Compared to the excellent Iris, Aria's academic performance is below average, but her magic and swordsmanship levels are high.

On the other hand, even in a mock battle, Iris doesn't seem to let her guard down; it's clear she is focused.

Although I am younger, the serious look on her face might be a sign that she wants to get rid of me quickly.

Well, that works out for me.

"Then, I'll ask Mr. Odds to be the referee."

"Ah, yeah."

Odds nods, looking confused. He might be nervous inside because of my unexpected proposal.

I feel a bit guilty about that.

"I'll go first."

Suddenly, a young man stepped forward.

He is tall and well-built, and I remember he has higher grades in swordsmanship than in magic.

He was also the one who interrupted Mr. Odds earlier.

"Before that, we need to set the rules for the mock battle—"

"We don't need any rules. The one who falls loses... that's fine, right?"

As he said this, the tall student threw a practice sword to me. It can reproduce the blade part with magic and simulate the sensation of being cut.

The pain is weaker compared to reality, but it is still clear when you are cut.

The tall student infused magic to create the blade. Iris and the other students don't seem to have any intention of moving.

"If you're going to be the teacher, you should be able to use that. Let's go."

Before I could answer, the tall student ran towards me.

The sword he wielded was a simple straight sword. The practice sword can change the type of sword you can create, but he seems to excel at simplicity.

He didn't make any feinting movements. The tall student came straight at me, and our paths crossed—then he fell to the ground.

"...What?"

All the students present were surprised. The fallen student was even more shocked.

He seemed to not understand what had happened.

I just lightly tripped him.

"Well, the one who falls loses. So, let's start over—"

"Shut up!"

The tall student stood up and tried to come at me again.

I placed the tip of the practice sword under his chin.

"..."

"If that was a real battle, you would have died twice. Don't judge people by their appearance—this is the first lesson I can teach you, so remember it."

The first time, I cut his back as he fell—surely he realized he was cut. The second time, I could have easily cut off his head.

I spun around to face the students.

I could see that the students were holding their breath and looking at me. I intended to make it more dramatic and clear, but it couldn't be helped.

"Alright, let's get back to the rules. If you can land a hit on me, you win—also, I don't plan to face each of you individually, as that would be too much trouble."

I held the practice sword and looked at the students. Then,

"Come at me all at once. That would be just right."

—That's what I said.