Declaration of War

Poh called out, “Hey, Terran!”

Reval said, “There you are.”

While I was talking to Enuma, Poh and Reval seemed to notice me and came over. I greeted them, “Yeah, it’s been a long time.”

Poh said, “It’s been too long Terran! Well, you haven’t changed much, have you?”

I replied, “I guess I’ve grown a little, right?”

I know he doesn’t mean much with the sarcasm but starting our chat by say I haven’t changed felt like he was saying I’m not growing. Still, I just laughed and let it go.

Reval said, “Hey, even after all this time they’re still so noisy.”

Poh then said, "Oh right, we’ll give out souvenirs afterward, be sure to take it home.”

Poh tends to snuggle up to people with such a childish smile like a little kid, while Reval won’t even approach unless he deems it necessary. Well, Poh aside, Reval has always been like this. He’s not a bad guy, but he’s always cold.

I asked, “So, how was studying abroad?”

Poh said, “Yes, it was a great learning experience! I was exposed to various magic, learned about those and about myself. It wasn’t easy, though. I also experienced an actual battle a little earlier.”

Reval said, “It certainly was a hassle. Suddenly, a flock of wildfire dragons attacked where they were studying abroad, and we fought as temporary warriors.”

Somehow, I feel like they’re a little bit more boastful. Sure enough, the people gathered around us and saying, “I want to hear, I want to hear!”.

I moved the topic by saying, “Well, that’s right. But I didn’t think you would be back at this time. I thought you guys would return closer to the graduation ceremony.”

Poh and Reval turned to me with eyes glaring at my question.

Poh said, “I’m going to play in the games.”

Reval said, “I as well, to prove my strength.”

Poh then said, “Terran’s going to come out, too, right? I might be as good, if not better than Terran or the princess.”

Reval also added, “I’m sorry but be prepared. We’ve gone through a real battle, and we’re already leagues ahead of you.”

I thought it would be decided a competition facing the princess. Now these guys had to show up.

Both of them will participate in the Graduation Commemorative Match. The classmates are excited about it.

“It’s amazing! Then, Poh and Reval are participating.”

“The next match is a battle of the Seven Heroes!”

“Wow, I’ve been fired up!”

“The Imperial Capital, no, the world will be shocked when four children of the Heroes clash!”

There’s an aura about them which convinced everyone that they could win.

Then, the classmates get anxious to see it.

“Oh ho, Poh. Come on, show us the power you’ve acquired in studying abroad! “

“Yes, I wanna see, wanna seeee!”

If you have this much confidence, naturally you have something worthy.

“Eh, here? Hmm, eh, so embarrassing.”

That was a little annoying to me. Though Poh continues to run his mouth, he seems to be in favor of showing off. 

Poh announced, “Yeah, you wanna see? Bit Fire!“

Saying that, Poh, who is trying to show power to everyone in some way, sets fire to a tree at the edge of the exercise field. Bit Fire. It is elementary magic of the beginner level. Among the magic ranks, it starts at low level of Bit, then Kilo, and then Mega. 

At that moment, the entire training ground was engulfed in flames. It seemed as if it had all gone ablaze for a flash. It left the crowd agaped.

“””””Eh?”””””

“Wh-What!?”

“Hnnn”

The blaze of fire is a non-standard flame comparable to the Mega-class magic that instructors and others have shown in demonstrations before. I was trembling at the scale and power.

Poh trying to look cool said, “Sorry. It wasn’t too big a deal, so I guess it was disappointing.“

It’s the first time I’ve ever been furious enough at Poh to want to hit him. The crowd in glee cried out in excitement,

“”””I’m so surprised!! “””””

To release the basic class spells and make it look as if it was highest-level magic. It seems that he has grown while abroad. Leaving people to wonder if he did that using Mega class… 

Reval spoke up, “Terran. In the past year, both Poh and I have returned with absolute power. We’re on our next level. You can’t beat us now.”

Reval asserts that by my side who is at a loss for words. I don’t have anything to say back.

“I’ll win the championship this time and take the victory. I’ll dedicate it to a certain person.”

The victory declaration to be clear, this is the first time that cool guy has said anything hot.

Then, the princess appeared in such a thrilling exercise field. saying, “Poh! And it’s Reval! You are back!“

Poh and Reval ran to the princess as if they had been surprised, and on one knee bowed their heads. both saying, “It’s been a long time, Princess.”

The princess replied, “Well, you look good and all. Also, this is a reunion of childhood friends, call me Uriko like you used to.”

Yes, even to the princess, they were childhood friends. So, she smiled happily and put her hand on their shoulders.

Reval said, “Lady Uriko… No, Uriko.”

Uriko said, “Oh, Reval. You’re as handsome as ever. We both have heard rumors. You took the initiative to confront the fire dragon that struck the Kingdom of Mokomo, got hailed as heroes, and even got the title of Dragon Slayer. I’m proud a citizen of the Empire.”

Poh shows a smile at the princess’s mention of their labor. On the other hand, Reval has a stiff expression, but as if he had decided to do something….

Reval declared, “Uriko. I’ll win the next match. Poh and you and Terran as well, I won’t lose you.”

“Huh!?”

Reval continued, “When I win, I will announce my candidacy as a prospect for your hand in marriage.” 

Oh, oh… This guy has really changed in the past year. I mean, with all the girls heads over heels for the guy, far from confessing his feelings to someone, is he actually declaring it in front of everyone first? Also, the girls who like him respond.

“”””””””Kyaaaaaaaa, amazing!! Reval to the princess!? Lovely! “””””””

 I thought they would be shocked, they’re really making a lot of celebratory noise.  Now the princess responds “… Are you serious?”

Reval said, “I’m serious.”

Serious feelings. Then, the princess also shows a serious face.

Uriko said, “Reval, you are a childhood friend. A friend you can trust and respect. And you who make an effort with a desire to improve–“

Reval interrupts “If I win, I swear to love you more than anyone else in the world, and I pledge we will continue to protect the peace of the Empire together!” 

Taken aback, Uriko shows her shock, “Huh!?”

Reval said, “I know how you feel, Uriko. But I wish for a chance to be seen as a man.”

Reval conveys his feelings straight to the other party strongly, regardless of whether there are any people around him. The princess also seems to be puzzled after being hit with such a strong feeling.

Uriko stumbles with her words, “… Reval… I-I…umm.”

I don’t think I need to worry about it. They bonded well with the blood of the heroes, and everyone would agree. I wish happiness is my thoughts.

Suddenly Enuma pierced my thoughts, "Pathetic, this one to proclaim victory."

Enuma, who was watching the whole scene, spoke to me with a smile. It’s as if Reval was saying a slight against him.

I say to Enuma, "Hey, don’t say it so easily. You saw Poh’s magic earlier, didn’t you? That was awesome. Even Reval will have power of that level."

Enuma said, "Irrelevant. After all, both are still at a level that can be achieved. Genius? In comparison, after all, it might as well be child’s play. In two months, they will be overwhelmed."

I ask. "Hey! I can do that?"

Enuma explained, "This is possible. One year of study abroad and all he did was beat a wild dragon. It seems the privilege being able to receive my guidance for two months is comparable to a hundred years' worth of training. Once, I undoubtedly defeated the dragon king of the demon world." 

I replied "I-it’s doesn't see so easy when you say it."

Enuma then started to talk about Poh, "And then, that little one. Are you unaware he is merely pretending to use bit class magic to create a mega class output? Were I still alive, Giga class- No, I would demonstrate power on the Tera class."

Astonished I ask, "Wait a minute. What’s Giga or Tera?"

After understanding the extent of Poh and Reval’s power, Enuma asserts that I am better then these 2 sons of heroes. Enuma spoke in confidence, "Believe in me. Whose disciple do you think you are?"

Strangely, I felt the power in those words, and I felt my depression soothing immediately as my spirit was rising.  Enuma said, "Anyway, it is you who will win the championship. However, in order to do that, you will also take on some risks."

Risk. Is there a side effect or something? Certainly, if you beat that level in two months, it’ll be physically demanding or threatening to my lifespan. Asking, I say "Risk?"

Enuma said, "From now on, you must make your own declaration."

Confused I ask, "What? Declaration? Is that the risk?"

Uriko replied, “Reval, I’m happy and proud of your feelings. But I’m going to participate in the the same competition, and I have my own circumstances to gain victory. “

Reval said, “I know. That’s why I’m back! Before that declaration is made! “

While Enuma and I were talking, I felt a scene unfolding like a love story between a swordsman and a princess, but there is something still missing.

I speak up “Wait, Reval.”

Uriko feeling relieved said, “Terran…”

Reval said, “Eh, T-Terran”

Even though I knew I was in their way, I opened my mouth and carried out what Enuma said. Words with no basis now. However, I was convinced by Enuma’s words that the risk was necessary. 

We have the Master and Disciple relationship, so i believe him with his convincing speech about pushing myself. So, I agree, and declare it quite embarrassingly.

I declared, “I know you guys are strong, but I’m the one who will win! There’s something I can’t give up either!“

Reval was surprised, “Huh!?”

Uriko blushed, “Heh? T-Terran?“

Compared to Reval’s reason for fighting, I just want to show off my cool side with Sadie. So me adding a declaration feels out of place. However, since we decided to win the championship, Enuma said that we should not back down here. After such big talk, it’ll be humiliating if I lose. It was Enuma's idea to bear that level of risk.

Reval replied, “Oh I see, Terran. That’s how you feel. Is that what you’re talking about? “

I said “Ah. I guess I may not be able to compete with you now, but I have a reason to win the championship.”

Reval came in front of me are we stared at each other. Then the crowd and especially the girls cry out with excitement. 

“””””Kyaaa! Th-Th-This is it! Kyaaa!”””””

“A-Amazing! So that’s what it’s all about, that Terran. I don’t want Reval to win the championship.”

“What, that’s what it was, Terran. Umm, which one do I cheer for?”

 I thought I’d be criticized, but suddenly the girls were making a lot of noise, and the men were excited. 

What’s more, the princess who is in the way of the confession is saying something, “Eh, uh, wow, Terran. The way Terran declared victory...  I’m not going to give it to you. “

Enuma erupted with pleasure of the situation, "Fuhahawaha is getting interesting."

Enuma is my master, and while he made me declare it, he seemed very amused.