Chapter 60

Having obtained the qualification to take the promotion exam from Hengel, I subsequently passed the exam without any issues.

"Ah, you can join my laboratory if you like?"

For some reason, Hengel said something like that, but I told him I would "think about it" and left it at that. Anyway, with this, I have now achieved promotion to Second Grade at both the Red Academy and the Blue Academy.

Of course, I intend to promote as soon as possible at the other academies if possible. So, when I went to talk to the instructor at the Green Academy,

"That would be difficult. The promotion exam is only held once a year, at the end of the academic year. It's impossible to take the exam and promote during the term."

It seems the Green Academy doesn't have a similar system.

"In the past, there were students who promoted from first year to Second Grade, but it was a very special case. I believe the principal gave direct permission."

"Hmm. So, if the principal approves, it's possible?"

"…Unless something extraordinary happens, I don't think it's possible… Besides, the principal is very busy. If a student wants to meet him, it would take at least two to three months."

"Is that so?"

It seems an appointment is necessary. No, if I try to meet him forcefully—

"Please don't do anything reckless. You might end up being expelled."

It seems he read my mind and warned me.

"That's true… There is one method, but…"

"There is?"

"It's almost impossible."

Stop being so mysterious and tell me quickly.

"The flying magic race is about to start, right? The principal will be watching the race, and the winner will be personally awarded by him."

"So, if I win, I can talk to the principal?"

Moreover, winning the race would also prove my strength. The subsequent conversation would be smoother.

"But, you couldn't use flying magic properly, right? Even if you register, if your performance is too poor, you might be disqualified."

"Don't worry. I've already mastered it. Want to see a demonstration?"

I lightly flew in the air, making sharp turns, performing somersaults, and even spinning while flying.

"Like this."

After demonstrating, I landed, and the instructor was speechless.

"Y-You're kidding… How did you get this good in such a short time? W-What kind of training did you do…?"

"I trained while sleeping every night."

"While sleeping!? What do you mean…?"

"Exactly as it sounds."

I tried to explain my sleep training briefly, but for some reason, he didn't understand at all.

"…Every magician has their secret training method, and if you don't want to share, I won't force you."

He seems to think I'm lying. But it's the truth.

Well, I've secured my entry, so it's fine.

Thus, the race day arrived. The starting point is the outdoor training ground of the Green Academy.

Students from the participating academies are warming up in various places. It seems about a hundred people are participating.

The training ground is surrounded by spectator stands, where students and faculty who are not participating in the race, as well as spectators from outside the academy, are watching.

"Master! Good luck!"

Among them were the usual trio.

"Isn't Colette participating?"

"A-Ah, it's still too difficult for me…"

"That's the principal of the Green Academy."

In the center of the spectator stands, there is a special seat that is clearly more luxurious than the others, where an elderly man with a dignified presence is sitting. I recognize his face from portraits, so it must be him. He has come to watch the race.

"Hey, you're really going to participate?"

A small boy I recognized from somewhere approached me.

"Who are you?"

"D-Don't forget! We're in the same practical class!"

"Is that so? Unfortunately, I haven't attended many of them."

I searched my memory. I consciously store unnecessary memories in the back of my mind.

"I remember. You're the one who showed off your flying magic and mocked the beginners."

"You have a really bad attitude, don't you!?"

"It's the truth, so what can I do?"

And you were boasting about winning this race.

"I'm Skyk. I'm going to be the world's best user of flying magic! Of course, I can't lose here!"

"Unfortunately, I'm going to win."

"Hah, you're pretty confident, aren't you? It seems you've done some training?"

"Yeah. I never missed my sleep training."

"???"

The boy—Skyk—showed a "I don't understand" expression for a moment,

"Whatever, even if you improved in such a short time, it's not much. Just try not to embarrass yourself in the actual race."

He said that and left.

"…Sleep training is really convenient."