Mikie Measurement
“Ahhh… I feel so nervous!”
Okamine Mikie curled her petite body in an effort to both make herself look smaller and less noticeable and to stop the trembling.
This sort of reaction was understandable because there were several wizards in front of her.
—She was at the Japan Ground Self Defense Force base in the corner of Tengu City.
The JGSDF base was the usual place for the Anti-Spirit Team: AST so it made sense for many wizards to gather there. However, there seemed to be more of them present in the halls today than usual. It was a scene that Mikie had never seen before.
She looked around uneasily, her twin-tailed hair twitching.
Suddenly, she felt something hit her head.
“Ow!”
“Don’t curl up like that! Stand up straight! Don’t flinch!”
Immediately afterward, she heard a crisp voice from somewhere above her. Mikie tenderly rubbed her face before looking up at the speaker.
The speaker was a tall woman wearing a wiring suit similar to the one that Mikie was wearing. Her black hair was tied back in a ponytail. She was the captain who led Mikie’s unit: Captain Kusakabe Ryouko.
“B-But, captain…”
“Don’t do that. If this is how you act now, what will you do in an actual fight?”
“Yeah… that’s true. But ever since I was a kid, I would always get terribly nervous whenever I had to take a quiz or an exam.”
Mikie crossed her arms and sighed.
That’s right. Right now, there was a group of wizards gathered in the training grounds of the JGSDF base not to fight or to participate in a rally—but to take the wizard ability exam.
Just from a single glance, it was clear that it wasn’t just the AST members who were participating today.
There were many wizards gathered in the training fields. Each of them wore wiring suits that had different styles from the ones that Mikie was familiar with. Sometimes, talented wizards were allowed specialized equipment, but the number of wizards present today was too high for that. It was as if all of these people were from different units than Mikie.
“Who are those people? Are they from other bases…?”
“What are you talking about? Those are DEM wizards.”
Ryouko shrugged helplessly while Mikie gasped in realization, eyes widening.
The organization called DEM was a military company headquartered in the United Kingdom. This company was responsible for inventing the Realizer Manifestation Device that Mikie and the AST used in addition to other weapons.
Although DEM is a private enterprise that makes combat Realizers, it also has many wizards as part of the company to test the weapons or help create new ones. They also have non-wizard staff to work with other military companies within their groups. Everyone’s training level is the same as, or greater than, the Anti-Spirit Teams of various countries.
“B-But what are DEM wizards doing here…?!”
After Mikie asked the question, Ryouko exhaled.
“Remember that the wizards of DEM will also need to take the test on a regular basis. Unfortunately, we can’t just measure everyone’s strength and call it a day. We have to find a place that has all the equipment we need and is secret. After all, we can’t have the public finding out if something goes wrong. In this way, there’s only one place in this area—even in countries outside of Japan, if they don’t have the dedicated training facilities near the branch office, it will borrow the facilities of the army or police.”
“S-So it’s like that…”
Mikie nodded in understanding while Ryouko’s expression became bored as she folded her arms.
“But it’s not just that.”
“W-What do you mean…”
“Well…”
Ryouko sighed softly before glancing to the left. Mikie followed her gaze and noticed that the AST members all wore tense expressions on their faces. Admittedly they didn’t appear nearly as nervous as Mikie did.
“…As I’m sure you know, DEM’s wizards are all elite and use the very latest CR unit technology. They are, of course, powerful in their own right.”
After listening to what Ryouko said, Mikie’s eyes widened.
“Are they here to motivate us… or something?”
Whether it was education or athletics, it’s often said that people compare themselves to other people in the hopes to improve more quickly. Maybe they wanted to increase awareness of the nations of the anti-pirit teams by seeing such elite wizards up close.
However, Ryouko frowned when she heard what Mikie said.
“Hmm… I can’t rule out that possibility for sure. But would DEM really act on such goodwill?”
“Wait… isn’t it? That’s…”
“It allows us to see the difference in strength and ensure we truly understand who is truly strong in this exhibition.”
Ryouko narrowed her eyes as she sighed helplessly.
“J-Just for such a reason…?”
“Do you really think that it’s not possible?”
Ryouko asked with a deep frown. Mikie didn’t know how to answer her.
It’s true that DEM Industries had a lot to offer. Without them, there’s no way that Mikie and the others would be able to fight against the Spirits that caused the spatial quakes.
However, under this premise, there are still plenty of people out there who are disgusted by DEM’s attitude.
Ryouko wore an impatient expression upon spotting them. Mikie soon mimicked her.
Plus, DEM commanded a lot of the AST’s resources. They sent wizards to join the AST, organized an independent army, ordering them to participate in a battle to defend the Japanese branch of their company… and even started a riot with one of their new weapons. The reason for all of this was because of DEM. Mikie remembered this all too well and couldn’t help but groan.
“…”
“Anyway… that’s probably it.”
Ryouko seemed to be aware of Mikie’s thoughts and gently stroked her head in encouragement. She then loudly declared to the surrounding AST members:
“Everyone! Let’s improve troop morale! Although this is only a test, treat it like a real battle! Don’t lose to DEM’s wizards!”
After hearing her voice, the originally tense AST members looked up at her suddenly. The same was true of Mikie. She and the other AST members looked at each other and nodded in response:
“Yes!”
“Very well, that puts me a little at ease.”
Ryouko raised the corners of her mouth into a smile after she finished speaking.
At that moment, three wizards stepped forward immediately.
“Oh… Captain, it looks like it’s our turn.”
“Yeah. It looks like we have a wizard from DEM Industries as our opponent.”
“Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill!”
“Y-You are!”
After Mikie shouted, the three women smiled fiercely, flashing a pose at them.
“We’re the 4th division AST, the blue child of the magic bullet!”
“We’re the strongest members of the 4th division of the AST!”
“… Kill! Kill! Kill… kill chaos! Kill! Kill…!”
“Those girls are crazy!”
Mikie wailed. Ryouko narrowed her eyes and said helplessly.
“Is this your first time meeting them? The members of the 4th division are a little weird.”
“Was there something in their coffee that made them act like this?”
“Well, it’s a personality feature more than anything. Actually, I’m pretty sure they’ve never killed anyone… probably.”
“Probably?!”
Mikie exclaimed with a tone of alarm. Then there was a giggling laughter from somewhere nearby.
Ryouko followed the laughter—and frowned slightly.
“What’s so funny, DEM wizard?”
She spoke in a stern voice to several wizards standing nearby. One of them, a woman with several braids, stepped forwards. Europeans and Americans have a deep understanding of the five senses and the muscles they have exercised. Even from a glance, Mikie could tell that this wizard was strong.
“Oh, if you are offended, please bear with me. We didn’t intend to laugh at you. Whoever is teaching you what to say is just so cute.”
“Cute?”
“Yeah. We didn’t even look at you but you already regarded us as enemies unilaterally. Think about it: If a child who does not know the difference in strength takes the initiative to challenge us, wouldn’t it make them a laughing stock? That’s the feeling.”
“Y-yeah…?”
Ryouko’s cheeks kept twitching uncontrollably and her forehead looked like it was turning blue.
“Well, DEM’s wizards are really mature so it’s best no to degrade our opponents when they’re being provocative.”
“Oh, is it possible that the weight of jealousy or rebellion outweighs us?”
“No. I’m just worried that you won’t be able to come up with an excuse when we beat you.”
“…Oh?”
Hearing what Ryouko said, for the first time, a look different from a smile appeared on her face. Their eyes met before looking around. There was an intense pressure as sparks flew from their eyes as they glared at each other.
The atmosphere was so intense that it was as if they were about to fight a duel right there and then. Mikie was quick to grab Ryouko’s hand to hold her back. The other wizards behind them could also sense the atmosphere would be filled with the scent of gunpowder and their expressions changed as well.
However, at that moment—
“What are you doing?”
A loud voice cut through the tense atmosphere, echoing all around the base.
“…!”
The DEM wizards, along with Mikie and the others, shook in unison and looked to the source of the sound.
There was a woman walking down the hall.
“What—”
Mikie’s eyes widened as she took in the woman’s appearance.
She was a young woman with light Nordic blond hair draped over her shoulders. Judging by her wiring suit, she had to be a wizard. However, her appearance didn’t look like a warrior on the battlefield but instead an elegant woman who belonged in a boudoir or a beautiful doll.
She looked younger than her subordinates much like Mikie who was in the AST. However, the way she spoke and how she held herself, the DEM wizards were clearly nervous and dared not say a word against her.
“…Chief Executive Mathers…”
A few seconds prior, the wizard who was having an argument with Ryouko fell silent with a frown as she looked at the other woman.
The hostility was plain on her expression. Ryouko stared back with equal dislike instead of awe like the surrounding wizards.
However, it seemed that only Mikie had noticed the change. Ryouko was more concerned about the new wizard before them rather than changes in the wizards’ expressions.
“Ellen Mathers…?! Why did she have to end up here…?”
“…? Captain, are you saying you know that person?”
After Mikie asked the question, Ryouko glanced at Ellen and said:
“Yeah… she’s the first executive director of DEM industries: Ellen Mira Mathers. The world’s strongest wizard.”
“S-She’s the strongest wizard?!”
Listening to Ryouko’s words, Mikie’s expression turned into one of astonishment as she glanced back at Ellen’s face again.
Given her lovely appearance, Mikie would have never guessed she held such a dangerous title. However, Ellen’s relaxed attitude was a major contrast when compared to the surrounding wizards. It was her persuasiveness that highlighted her uniqueness among wizards.
“…”
Ellen didn’t notice Mikie’s gaze on her as her attention was directed toward the wizard who’d been arguing with Ryouko.
“—You seem to be the first executive…”
“Suningham Dominique.”
The woman, Dominique, responded in a sour mood. Nonetheless, Ellen nodded slightly and then said:
“Dominique, combat isn’t a bad thing but take your hostility out on the Spirits. Moreover, we are borrowing the facilities of the AST. Don’t forget to show your respect to them for hosting us.
Ellen finished. Dominique showed sharp eyes as she sighed.
“… I see. But I have to remind you of something.”
“And what’s that?”
“The chief wizard for our first executive department is not you but Executive Secretary Crowley. Remember that.”
“…!”
After Dominique finished speaking, the DEM wizards started a commotion. The reason for their attitude was obvious: none of them could believe that Dominique dared to talk back to Ellen.
Ellen herself didn’t seem to care and nodded in response:
“Oh, I know. That’s why you have to pay more attention. Your careless behavior will reflect poorly on Crowley.”
“…!”
After hearing what Ellen said, Dominique could only clench her fist angrily. However, Ellen paid it no mind as she turned her gaze on Ryouko.
“Please excuse me. You must be the captain of the AST.”
“…My name is Kusakabe Ryouko, and I’m the captain, yes.”
“I am the second chief executive of DEM Industries, Ellen Mathers. Captain Kusakabe, thank you for providing this venue. Let us learn from each other so that we can defeat the Spirits.”
After speaking, Ellen stretched out a hand to Ryouko.
“O-Okay…”
Sweat ran down Ryouko’s face as she shook hands with Ellen. Ellen nodded slightly as she left the scene.
It wasn’t until they could see her back that the surrounding atmosphere relaxed. The feeling was similar to being able to breathe after holding your breath for a long time. Mikie exhaled while looking in the direction that Ellen left.
“Huh… she was really amazing. She’s the youngest wizard but she was also the most polite… It turns out that DEM also has that kind of person.”
“Be polite… Oh…”
Ryouko wiped the sweat off her face with the back of hand, revealing a dry smile.
“Honestly, I can feel my hair standing. I didn’t know whether she would treat us like people or not. In this case, it’s better to keep quiet rather than lose your temper.”
“What…”
After Ryouko finished speaking, Mikie looked up and immediately noticed that there was still one person still in sight.
“Captain, please don’t say such words that will provoke people into a fight.”
Fortunately, Mikie’s fears were unfounded. Dominique, who was standing beside her, had ignored what Ryouko had said and was instead glaring in the direction that Ellen had left.
“…Come on.”
Dominique sighed in disappointment and then led the wizards who were suspected to be her subordinates away.
“Ah… she’s gone…”
“Yeah. Just ignore her. She probably has her own strength but after seeing that kind of power, she looks like a puppy by comparison.”
“Anyway, get yourselves motivated. No matter the opponent, don’t flinch!”
“YES!”
Inspired by Ryouko’s words, Mikie and the other AST members answered in unison.
◇◇◇
This was it, the wizard test has begun.
In the training fields separated by divisions, dozens of wizards gathered in each district to test their abilities and proficiency as a wizard were up to par.
Although it is summarized as a “wizard’s ability”, it involves many items such as quickly starting the Realizer, the strength and scope of the random field, the time required for its attribute change, and simply generating magic values.
The area where Mikie found herself was for the power test. A sturdy target was set on a field similar to a shooting range, and several hundred meters of equipment like pistols were prepared in front of the target at 500 meters.
Additionally, she also noticed a blonde girl who looked like a scientist. She wore a long lab coat with the sleeves rolled up. She wore glasses on her face and thick goggles over her head.
“Huh…?”
When she spotted the girl, Mikie’s eyes widened; the girl happened to lift her head at that moment and waved her hand.
“Oh, if it isn’t Mikie!”
“Mily! What are you doing here?”
Mikie called out the girl’s name and raced toward her: this was Mildred F Fujimara: a mechanic responsible for repairing Mikie’s AST gear.
“Oh, I was caught short of manpower!”
Mily laughed as she picked up the equipment next to her and passed it to Mikie.
“That’s the case. Hurry up and test it! Use this gun to shoot the target there. Of course, fire with full fire.”
“Okay, well… what kind of gun is this?”
“It’s a low-power laser gun meant for testing. If you really plan to release all of your power, make sure you don’t destroy the training ground. Long story short, just think of it as representing 1% of the usual power.”
“S-So that’s how it works…”
Mikie held the handle of the gun at Mily’s urging and stood out in the shooting range and pointed the muzzle at the target in front of her.
She concentrated on activating the Realizer to generate magic. Unlike an actual fight, there was no need to allocate power to defend herself. Mikie poured all her magical power into the pistol and then pulled the trigger.
“—Fire!”
With a sharp, cracking burst, the magical light flew from the muzzle, hitting the target, and released more sparks.
There were only a few traces of the attack on the target and no decent damage could be seen. Because she thought the power was too weak, Mikie couldn’t help but burst out into a cold sweat.
“What should I say… I know my power was a bit limited but I’m still surprised…”
Mildred glanced down at the terminal screen in her hand and said aloud:
“What do you think? A 62 is a pretty high score for Mikie’s unit. People who aren’t used to generating magic power, sometimes the magic bullet won’t be able to hit anything much less strike the target.”
“I-Is that really true…?”
“Yeah. You see, the group over there couldn’t hit the target.”
Mikie looked in the direction that Mildred pointed, and she could see the blue children of the magic bullets, the flowers of the strong jail, and the chaos of slaughter squatting desperately.
“Hey! Wait a minute! Aren’t you strong… or rather, isn’t your title “Magic Bullet”?”
“…Huh? That’s not a title. It’s my surname. My name is Madanno (Note: Japanese pronunciation is the same as “Magic Bomb”) Aiko. Please take care of me…”
Aiko explained with a somber expression. Mikie’s cheeks shed sweat… Was it really possible for the other two names to also be surnames? She’d never met anyone with the last name “exterminates”…
Just as Mikie thought about it, a magic bullet much more powerful than before struck the target in front of the shooting range. A part of the target was smashed and smoke drifted out. The shot appeared to have been done by the next wizard. Mikie glanced at the firing line and spotted the wizard was the same one that quarreled with Ryouko: Dominique.
“O-Oh…”
“So this is the sort of power I have. What’s my score, miss tester?”
“O-Okay let me see… whoa, 152 points which is well above the average.”
After hearing what Midred said, Dominique snorted twice, shrugged her shoulders and looked triumphantly at Mikie.
“How was that, shorty? This is the power of DEM’s wizards—”
The next moment, there was a loud noise close by and a dazzling light flashed.
“Ah…!”
“What…?!
A shockwave hit Mikie and the others. Sand went flying and the ground shook slightly, causing Mildred to fall on her butt.
“What the hell was that…”
Faced with a sudden impact, Mikie quickly covered her head with her hands for a moment. She then cautiously raised her head as she finally understood what just happened.
Dominique was standing behind Ellen who fired the measuring gun.
That’s right. The flashes, loud noises, and the shockwave that occured just now were because Ellen fired the measuring gun.
“…!”
Mikie swallowed her saliva as she looked in the direction of the target, her eyes widening.
Such a reaction was normal: because the seemingly solid target that previously existed is no longer visible—moreover, the power of the magic bullets couldn’t be dissipated in this way, and the ground of the shooting range now had a large crater.”
“Whoa…”
Ellen exhaled softly and looked at the black grip-like object in her hand. When Ellen let go of the gun, Mikie realized it was because the handle of the measuring gun had been heavily damaged.
“Sorry, I broke the equipment. I thought that one percent should be able to handle it. I will, of course, pay for the damage, so please send the bill to DEM later.”
Ellen lifted Mildred who’d fallen to the ground from the shockwave. Mildred’s eyes were wide with panic and then looked from Ellen to the target and back again.
“N-No, that… you are way too fierce.”
“Yes. After all, I hold the title of Strongest Wizard.”
Ellen explained this plainly.
However, Mikie and others did not have any objection to this. Because if she showed a more humble attitude at this time, Mikie would feel even worse about her own performance otherwise.
“—I’ll be heading to the next area for the exam. Goodbye.”
Ellen told them briefly, leaving the stunned Mikie and the other wizards behind.
“Well…!”
After watching Ellen leave, Dominique suddenly recovered, her shoulders twitching before striding forward at a heavy, slow pace.
Mikie and Mildred looked at each other, sighing in unison.
“Really, she’s way too powerful, Mildred. That kind of power turned out to be only one percent… No, the gun burned out halfway, so her magic power had to be stronger!”
“Yeah… it was incredible.”
Mikie looked at the shooting range that Ellen inadvertently destroyed. She then muttered:
“The Strongest Wizard in the world.”
◇◇◇
“Ugh, that lady Mathers, her power makes it uncomfortable to move around.”
After finishing her exam, she was allowed time to rest before starting the next test, Dominique growled angrily, clenching her sports drink tightly in her hand.
Then, the wizard sitting next to her, Ann, panicked and looked around.
“D-Dominique, please be careful when you speak so that you won’t be overheard.”
At Ann’s timid voice, Dominique frowned angrily.
“What’s wrong with being heard, Ann? You’re a wizard of the First Executive Department, so let’s be proud of it.”
That’s right. Dominica and Ann both belong to the First Executive Department. Although they have been sent to Japan where the appearance of Spirits is extremely high in recent years, they were originally the elites serving in the head office of DEM.
When it came to “the wizards of DEM” everyone always talked about the second executive department led by Ellen, but the first executive department is the regular combat unit of DEM. The second executive department was mainly dealing with unseen tasks under the table.
They didn’t perform their normal duties but still claimed to be the strongest department. It was this fact that frustrated Dominique more than anything else.
“Which human is really the strongest? The people behind the scenes are so popular…! Why does Master Westcott insist on relying on that kind of woman!”
“I think it’s because… she’s really strong.”
“I don’t need you to tell me that! I already know that!”
Dominique roared loudly as she threw the crushed drink can while her shoulders shook anxiously.
“Ahh… that was too domineering…”
Ann burst into tears. However, Dominique ignored as she wrinkled her face resentfully, biting her thumbnails in frustration.
“It really does look like nothing can bother her. Is there really no way to rattle her spirit?”
“It’s impossible. If there’s anything that you’re better at than her, it is height and being heartbroken.”
“Don’t tell me things I already know!”
Dominique clenched her fist and knocked on Ann’s head. Ann murmured again: “Too overbearing.”
Ann was right, of course. Ellen was very powerful and it can be said that their levels are very different. There was probably no one who could stand against her, and she would likely be famous for a long time.
In fact, she has scored exceptionally good results in all of the ability exams done so far. Of the 15 total items, in 10 of them she managed to break the upper limit and the remaining five items were for measuring machine damage and a result was not even recorded.
Dominique also finished with top ranking scores in all the exams so far but it was still not as good as Ellen. Dominique realized this again and frowned angrily.
“…Eh!”
“You should just give it up. There are people out there. Besides, the remaining tests are only basic physical exams so you won’t have a chance against her. No matter how you look at it, she’s still our superior and so you don’t want to get on her bad side. Your salary might get cut.”
“Do you know—”
After Dominique raised her fist threateningly, Ann shuddered and promptly fell silently.
However—Dominique stopped in the middle of the movement and was silent for a moment.
“…? Dominique? What happened to you? You’re not being overbearing anymore…”
“Ann, what did you just say?”
“Huh? Did you take the wrong medicine?”
“You didn’t say this just now!”
Dominique aimed a punch at Ann’s head while Ann shouted with relief: “it really is Dominique!”
“I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about the remaining tests. Did you just say it’s just a basic fitness test? In other words, we’re not using the Realizer?”
“Y-Yeah… if I remember correctly, next we have to go to the swimming pool and complete a 50 meter freestyle test… Dominique, you’re not going to use this test to try to beat her? You shouldn’t! You’ll only end up hurting yourself!”
Dominique poked Ann’s head and placed a hand on her chin.
“…At the head office, I heard a rumor.”
“R-Rumors? No, I never said anything about you not being able to get out of the bathroom without taking off all your clothes.”
“What that, this is the first I’m hearing about it!”
Dominique grabbed Ann’s front flap and shook it aggressively. She planned to teach her a lesson later. For now, she raised her own spirit and said:
“I’m talking about the rumors about Mathers. I heard that woman—”
After Dominique finished speaking, Ann’s eyes widened in disbelief.
◇◇◇
“Ugh…”
Mikie sighed in the rest area after finishing the last of the tests with the Realizer unit. Her sigh was split between 30% fatigue, 10% relief that it would soon be over, and 60% frustration.
Her results so far had been slightly below average. Her tester said that given her age and class, her results were good. Mikie hadn’t meant to overestimate her abilities… but after seeing “that”, she felt more powerless than ever.
“The World’s strongest wizard… Ellen Mathers…”
Her power was overwhelming. Mikie had also witnessed the power of the Spirits, but Ellen’s strength was comparable. Rather than longing or envy, what she was feeling now was more like fear or worship. In fact, even the other team members and the rest of DEM members also looked gloomy.
“…N-No.”
Mikie slapped her cheeks to cheer herself up.
“I’m sure Origami would scold me about this if she were here…”
She said the name as though she was persuading herself.
Sergeant Tobiichi Origami. She was a former member of the AST and the wizard that Mikie looked up to the most. No matter what predicament she was in, she never gave up. If she was on the scene, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that she had combat power close to Ellen. It was fortunate that humanity had such a powerful force to provide them with hope.
“—Origami?”
As Mikie was thinking about this sort of thing, someone else’s voice came from behind her.
“Huh…?”
Mikie heard this call and turned back, shoulders trembling.
However, this wasn’t a surprise, of course. This was because the most powerful wizard of all humanity, Ellen Mathers, was standing before her.
“A-Ah, E-Ellen—”
“Do you know Tobiichi Origami?”
“…! Do you know Origami-senpai?”
She heard what Ellen said, and Mikie even forgot her surprise and spoke loudly. Ellen, in turn, made the movement of rubbing her abdomen while nodding in the affirmative.
“Yeah, I’ve met her before. As for the current situation, I am sorry—and pleased. A Spirit as powerful as her…”
“Huh?”
Mikie heard the words and tilted her head to express her doubt. Surely she meant Origami since she quit the AST but why was she happy? And why did she mention the Spirits?
“…No, it’s nothing. I mean to say that she was a very talented wizard.”
“T-This way…”
Although she was a little skeptical of what Ellen had said, Mikie decided not to pursue it further. On one hand, she still feared Ellen. On the other hand, Mikie felt a measure of excitement somewhere in her heart that threatened to overwhelm her.
Origami, the person that Mikie looked up to, had been acknowledged by the strongest wizard, Ellen Mathers. This, to Mikie, made her much happier and proud than being praised herself.
She guessed what Mikie was thinking and added:
“Of course, she’s not as good as I am.”
“Ah ha ha…”
Mikie couldn’t help but smile despite herself. Ellen, who always seemed to compete with Origami, always found it eminent.
However, Ellen frowned at her behavior.
“Why are you laughing? Are you saying that I’m not as good as Tobiichi Origami?”
“N-No, it’s nothing…”
Mikie smiled bitterly and shook her head to deny it. In fact, even Origami wouldn’t be able to beat Ellen in a duel.
After realizing this, Mikie seemed to make up her mind and stared into Ellen’s face.
“S-So then… Ellen-san.”
“What is it?”
“I… I want to get stronger. I want to be much stronger than I am now. I want to be strong enough that when Origami-senpai comes back, I can raise my chest and take pride in myself. What do you think I should do so that I can become as strong as you?”
“…”
Faced with Mikie’s problem, Ellen’s eyes narrowed suddenly.
This reaction caught Mikie by surprise. It was only then that she realized just how rash speech sounded.
—It was probably too big of a stretch to ask how to get as strong as Ellen. Although she felt more approachable compared to when they first met earlier, the other party was still the strongest wizard. It was only natural that a wizard at Mikie’s level would say something so verbose that would end up upsetting her…”
“When I said, ‘like you’, I meant it as an analogy!”
“—Talent and effort.”
“Huh…?”
Ellen spoke lightly and Mikie’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Both of them together are very important. Neither on their own can make you a first-rate wizard. However, the next bottleneck for someone who has both of those is faith.”
“Faith…”
After listening to what Ellen said, Mikie repeated it quietly.
“Yes. It’s good to be persistent. The reason why a wizard can become a wizard is because they can manipulate the Realizer, and the most critical thing needed to control the Realizer is a strong will. If you go in with faith burning bright like fire, that will manifest as strength.”
Ellen turned away from her as she explained.
“—If you want to become stronger, think about what’s driving you to want it so much. Then stay committed to it. I truly believe that faith is the most honorable and powerful force in the world.”
“Y-Yeah, it is!”
Mikie made a neat gesture of salute and answered loudly. Ellen glanced at her with a small measure of satisfaction as she intended to turn on her heel to leave.
It was then—
“Ah, I found you, I found you! I’ve been looking for you for such a long time, Chief Executive Mathers!”
When Dominique emerged from the other side of the door with her subordinates, she immediately blocked Ellen’s path.
“Suningham? What do you need from me?”
Ellen asked while Dominique raised the corners of her mouth and said with an ugly smile.
“Nothing. I just wanted to say that your streak of outstanding test results ends now. It shouldn’t be so boring, after all. If it’s convenient for you, would you like to play against me?”
“Oh, is it a simulation battle? If you dare to challenge me then we will go to the simulation field immediately—”
“Wait, wait.”
Dominique sweated on her forehead, her face paled as she was quick to stop Ellen. The calm and confident attitude from a few seconds ago was nowhere to be seen.
“No, it’s nothing like that. I want to see who swims the fastest in the next test…”
She was fighting against the others but the momentum was inexplicably weak. It was the same situation with the other wizards standing behind her as she whispered.
“Sorry, Dominique-san.”
“…Hmph!”
“That hurts!”
Dominique grabbed onto her subordinate’s head until she eventually let go. She pressed her head while glaring resentfully at Dominique.
“…Chief Executive, what is your decision? As the strongest wizard… shouldn’t you escape?”
“…!”
Somehow. Some of the surrounding DEM wizards shivered after hearing her words.
Ellen didn’t know whether they’d noticed the reaction of those people but nonetheless, she fluffed her hair casually.
“—Of course, I will not escape or hide.”
“! You’ve accepted, then! It’s too late to back out now!”
“Well, of course.”
“No matter what the test is, the winner will be the winner. If I win, you have to declare to the entire company that you have lost to a wizard of the First Executive Department.”
“What…!”
When they heard this, there was shouting from a nearby DEM wizard who insisted that such a title belonged to the Second Executive Department.
“Do not talk.”
Stopped by Ellen, the DEM wizard fell silent, nodding quietly.
“Whoever wins will be declared the strongest. A declaration of defeat will not be necessary. If I lose, I will immediately resign from DEM Industries.”
“…!”
Ellen uttered those words so casually, causing both the DEM members present and Mikie’s eyes to widen in surprise.
Not only that, but even Dominique, who’d made the declaration of war against her, was stunned. However, Dominique immediately shook her head and she ecstatically bent the corners of her mouth into a confident smile.
“Haha… hahahaha! Now that you’ve agreed to the terms, you can’t take it back!!”
“Of course.”
“I’ll be waiting for you at the venue first! Ellen Mathers!”
After pointing at Ellen, Dominique smiled and walked away. Her subordinates respectfully saluted her and left after her.
Afterward, the remaining DEM wizards immediately gathered around Ellen.
“Chief Executive! Please cancel this competition now!”
“Plus, the next test is swimming!”
“Calm down. Who do you think you’re talking to?”
“…!”
They were all on the receiving end of Ellen’s glare and they immediately fell silent.
However, they still looked particularly anxious and sweat dripped down Mikie’s cheeks as she trembled:
“T-Then, Ellen-san, can you… can you really win?”
“Of course. She said that the next test is swimming—oh, her ignorance is really terrible. It seems that Suningham doesn’t know that swimming is my strong suit.”
“Ah! Is that true?”
After Mikie asked that, Ellen nodded confidently.
◇◇◇
After the break period ended, Ryouko removed the wiring unit and put on the swimsuit and headed to the swimming pool with Mily who was also wearing a bathing suit.
“Hmm… Looks like the results of the magic test are quite unsatisfactory. The next phase is the basic physical test. It’s very unpleasant to be provoked by the DEM wizards, soon it’ll be our chance to show our true skill.”
Ryouko rolled her arms sharply as she spoke.
“Oh!” Mily shouted loudly who hadn’t gone in the water but was nonetheless wearing frog shaped floaties while holding a kickboard in her hands.
“Ryouko-san! Your swimming skills are really superb!”
“Yeah. There are very few people who can beat me when it comes to swimming. Uh, by the way, why are you even wearing a swimsuit if you’re not getting in the water?”
“Because this test doesn’t require the Realizer manifestation device, I’d like to test my skill.”
Mily finished and patted her chest confidently. The plump breasts that didn’t match her height shook slightly.
“…I’m not going to stop you but aren’t you bad at swimming? Try not to swim too slowly and slow everyone else down.”
“Hey, you’re underestimating me a bit? I have a trick up my sleeve today. If anything, I am more worried that no one will be able to catch up with me.”
She picked up the kickboard and said, “Check it out!” while running around the corridor. Her childish behavior made Ryouko smile bitterly.
“You say that with this kickboard, others are not going to catch you but I’m still not convinced. In any case, you shouldn’t be running around the pool, it’s dangerous!”
At the moment Ryouko said that Mily, who was running around the corridor, hit a figure emerging from the intersection and fell to the ground.
“Ah!”
“…!”
“See, what did I tell you.”
Ryouko quickly approached Mily and lifted her back to her feet. Then she also reached out a hand to the passers-by who’d accidently knocked Mily over.
“Sorry, are you okay? I’ll lecture this child later…”
As she finished speaking, Ryouko paused suddenly.
This made sense because the person sitting on the ground in a slump was Ellen Mathers clad in a swimsuit of her own.
“…!”
“—I’m fine. It’s not an issue.”
Ellen ignored Ryouko’s surprise as she stood up without help, picked up the items that she fell when she crashed into Mily and hurried towards the pool.
Ryouko put her hands on her chin as she sorted out her confused thoughts while staring intently at Ellen’s back: Ellen was the strongest wizard in the world, there was no doubt about that. The so-called wizard has to be capable of being physically and mentally strong.
Admittedly, it had been a sudden occurrence but it was a small girl like Mily who was hit and fell to the ground. It was certainly surprising. The point is—
“Why even she…”
Ryouko couldn’t believe what she saw just then and pinched her cheeks.
—The fifty meter swimming pool built in the training facility was where the wizards were now gathered. Everyone had already finished the magic portion of the exam and had changed out of the wiring suits and into swimwear.
Nonetheless, everyone’s expressions were still tense with anxiety, tension, or maybe a little bit of excitement.
Ellen Mathers, the world’s strongest wizard, had wagered that if she lost against Dominique of the First Executive Department, she would immediately resign from her position at DEM. News of the contest spread like wildfire and everyone had long forgotten about their own tests and couldn’t wait to watch the duel between the two wizards. Some of them even went so far as to open a betting market to predict who would win or lose.
Dominique, the challenger, had already warmed and was waiting by the side of the pool.
After putting on her swimsuit, her physical body was fully visible. The swollen trapezius and upper arm biceps were clearly defined, which alone were a testament to her impressive strength.
“…It’s an okay fit…”
Mikie and her AST teammates were standing next to each other by the pool while taking sips of water while watching her figure with fascination. That was the incomprehensible physical difference between her and Mikie’s petite body. It seemed that no matter how hard she pushed herself with her physical fitness, she would never be able to sculpt such a figure.
Mikie shook her head vigorously. It is not the physical difference that determines a wizard’s strength but a strong will. The strongest wizard had just told her this fact herself.
If Mikie couldn’t reach her level, it wasn’t because of the difference in qualifications but because she was feeling desperate and gave up on her dreams. She gritted her teeth and waited for Ellen to make her appearance.
At that moment, the door swung open and Ellen slowly emerged from it. Seeing her appearance, all of the wizards exclaimed at the same time—a commotion immediately followed.
However, that wasn’t a surprise: Ellen’s body in swimwear was so slender that it couldn’t compare to Dominique’s muscular physique. It looked like a breeze could knock her over if it was strong enough. However, her appearance was eclipsed by what she was holding.
“…A kickboard…?”
Mikie’s eyes were glued to the board as she made a sound. That’s right, because Ellen was going to swim with a swimming aid in her hands.
“Pfft…!”
Aftering witnessing this scene, Dominique couldn’t help but smile.
“It seems that the rumors are true… Hehehe, let’s get started, Chief Executive.”
“Okay, we can start whenever you’re ready—it’ll take more than this to sacrifice my <Prydwen>.
Ellen answered in a detached manner and walked to the water lane next to Dominique.
She ignored Dominique standing on the diving platform and instead settled into the swimming pool, grabbing the kickboard and planting her feet against the wall.
Hmm… it looks like she’s not going to dive. Dominique saw this as she twisted her body with a smile on her face.
“Oh, uh… let’s get started. Could you please count us down?”
Dominique asked the measuring staff standing nearby. As a result, one of the testers held up a hand despite a look of confusion.
“Then let’s do it then. Ready? Begin!”
“Hoo!”
At the tester’s command, Dominique dove into the pool and broke the water surface with a freestyle with beautiful posture.
“Where’s Ellen-san?”
Dominique was advancing at an incredible pace. Mikie looked away from her and looked toward the waterway next to hers.
She didn’t see Ellen. Looking at the starting point with suspicion, she spotted Ellen holding onto the kickboard with her hands while her feet seemed to be treading water rather than the impressive freestyle that Dominique was doing.
“What…?”
── So slow and exaggerated.
Everyone saw this scene. The wizards of the second executive department of DEM who were watching couldn’t bear to look at it.
During this period, Dominique continued forward smoothly. After more than twenty-five meters, she continued to accelerate and maintained a comfortable lead.
Ellen’s defeat was all but certain at this point. She might have had a chance with a Realizer unit but as it stood, the gap between them was so wide that even Olympic gold medal winners would be hard-pressed to try to beat her.
“Chief Executive…!”
“So I don’t want you to compare…!”
The wizards around them were frustrated and resorted to desperate sounds.
It was no wonder. After all, Ellen Mathers was the strongest wizard. Her fighting power and position would be lost due to this stage for the competition.
“…!”
Mikie couldn’t help standing on her toes on the spot.
—If she was being honest, she still had her doubts about DEM industries. If someone asked her whether she liked or hated the company, she would have definitely said that she hated them. If Ellen also participated in the cruel behavior that DEM was responsible for then Mikie had no intention of forgiving her.
But even Mikie could easily understand how much loss the frontline wizards suffer. Point being, Mikie didn’t want to see it happen if she could avoid it.
She doesn’t want the strongest wizard who acknowledged Origami’s talent to lose everything in such a ridiculous way.
“Ellen-san! What are you doing!”
Mikie clenched her fists and shouted at the top of her voice. The wizards around her looked at her in surprise.
“Didn’t you tell me that… a strong will is the key to determining the strength of a wizard?! Is your faith so weak?! Since you’re known to be the strongest—”
Mikie yelled so loudly that it felt like her throat would tear from the raw emotion.
“Just show the world your true strength! Ellen Mathers!”
—So, in the next moment.
As though echoing Mikie’s voice, bubbles formed on the water’s surface around Ellen followed by a giant splash.
At that moment, Ellen seemed to rush toward the finish line along the waterway of the fifty meter pool.
“What…!”
Mikie witnessed the unexpected situation and stared blankly at the scene.
Fortunately, the water flow subsided and she was able to make out what was happening in the swimming pool. She could see Dominique who was at the forty-five meter mark wore a look of astonishment on her face as Ellen reached the finish line.
“Whoa…”
Mikie along with the other wizards present were stunned, unable to understand what had happened at that moment.
“…”
They all then cheered in response to Ellen’s incredible comeback without so much as breaking a sweat.
“Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!”
This scene in the swimming pool set off a wave of enthusiasm from the wizards of the second executive department of DEM. Even the AST members who witnessed such an amazing comeback didn’t skimp out on applause.
“Miss Ellen!”
Mikie ran to the pool and rushed to Ellen’s side where she floated at the finish line.
“That was incredible! I didn’t expect you to—um, how did you do it?”
“It was nothing special. Just normal technique.”
Ellen responded with a smug tone as if nothing happened.
Dominique who was in the lane next to Ellen said incredulously:
“H-how is it possible… it’s impossible…”
“Hoo!”
Ellen faced her leisurely while curling her wet hair and said:
“Suningham, you don’t need to be upset. You lost to me for a single reason.”
“What, why…?”
“──Because I am the strongest.”
After Ellen finished speaking, Dominique sank into the swimming pool with a stunned face.
“…Huh? What’s with all the commotion! It’s way too loud in here!”
Ryouko came to the swimming pool with her knees next to Mily’s, both of them had their heads tilted in wonder.
Because of a scraped knee, Mily shouted that she could neither walk or swim so Ryouko simply treated her wounds and returned to the pool. What happened during this period?
“Hehehe, this is it. This cheering crowd is surely cheering for the entry of the swimming queen, Flying Fish Fujimura Mildred!”
“…But no one is even looking at you. Then you’ve been confident this whole time. What are you planning?”
After Ryouko asked, Mily grinned and waved the kickboard in her hand.
“I can’t say too much but let me tell you something just between the two of us. This kickboard is something I spent all night making. It has a built-in special motor that will create a jet of water and can let me swim at super high speed, which is a good thing!”
“Yeah… is this really the thing? It just looks like a normal kickboard to me.”
After Ryouko stared at the kickboard suspiciously, Mily shook her finger.
“That’s a problem for lay people. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary floating board but as long as you use it like this… uh… huh?”
Mily, who was playing with the kickboard, suddenly frowned, touching and flipping the kickboard.
“Huh? What’s wrong?”
“T-This is an ordinary kickboard! Why! How could this happen!”
“Really? You shouldn’t have made that mistake. Do you have another board?”
“This is impossible! I confirmed it when I left the lab! Where did my invention go…!”
Mily’s cries dissipated in the wild cheering of the swimming pool.
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