Chapter 10: Fire and Foolish Dreams

Five days had passed since the battle that nearly destroyed the Tokyo Magic Academy.
When Tendou Kanata finally opened his eyes, the world felt strangely quiet. The sunlight spilling through the window painted soft patterns across his face. He blinked once, twice—then turned his gaze to his right arm.

It was wrapped neatly in fresh bandages.
No pain. No numbness.
He flexed his fingers carefully—and for the first time in what felt like forever, he could move it freely.

“Heh… I can actually swing it again.”

He grinned to himself, standing up and stretching.

“Alright! First thing I’m doing after cheating death? Gaming.”

But the moment he reached for his console—

“Oh no, you’re not.”

A firm hand yanked his ear before he could even blink.

“Ow ow ow—Nagisa! What the hell?!”

“You’re not playing any games while your arm’s still recovering,” she scolded. “Do you have a death wish or what?”

“It’s just light gaming! Builds finger dexterity!”

“You’re unbelievable,” she sighed, tugging harder.

Then came another voice from behind her.

“She’s right, Onii-chan,” said Haqua, her green eyes calm but teasing. “Besides, you’ve got piles of homework waiting for you at the academy.”

Kanata froze.

“Wait… homework? Already?! I almost died!”

Haqua smiled sweetly.

“Then you should be grateful they’re still letting you study.”

Kanata groaned, dragging his feet dramatically.

“You two are cruel… I just woke up!”

The next day, Kanata returned to the academy. The gates of Tokyo Magic Academy loomed tall and familiar—but his goal hadn’t changed.

I’m getting out of this place. No matter what.

But as soon as he stepped inside, a familiar voice cut through the air.

“Kanata!”

He turned—and there stood Shiranui Itsuha, her red hair glinting under the sunlight, arms crossed, expression fiery as ever.

“We still have unfinished business.”

Kanata sighed, scratching his head.

“You again? I just wanted a nap.”

“The last time we fought, there was no winner. I won’t let it end like that.”

“I really don’t have time for this…” he muttered—but then remembered Celestine’s words about the Four Witch Stamps.
If he wanted to leave, he had to face them all.

He exhaled, resigned.

“Fine. Let’s finish this. But don’t cry if you lose, okay?”

The duel was held in a secluded section of the arena—no audience this time, only Rio and Celestine watching quietly from the stands.

Itsuha stood across from him, her expression serious.

“Last time, I held back. But not today.
If you’re really chasing that foolish dream of yours, show me you mean it.”

“Of course I mean it,” Kanata replied flatly. “Dream or not, I’m not backing down.”

Itsuha smirked, raising her hand.

“Then burn your resolve to ashes!”

Flames spiraled around her arm, condensing into a single shape—a blazing sword made entirely of pure mana.

“<Enjin no Ken> — Flame Edge of the Crimson Mage.”

The heat radiating from her weapon warped the air. Even Celestine shielded her face from the wave of warmth.

“That’s insane… that sword’s made of pure fire,” Rio whispered.

“Only top-tier fire mages can wield it,” Celestine murmured. “She’s taking this seriously.”

Kanata tightened the strap on his gauntlet, yawning lazily.

“Alright, come at me. I’ll make this quick.”

“Arrogant fool!”

The battle erupted in a storm of flame and smoke.

Itsuha slashed through the air, her fire blade cutting in long arcs that scorched the ground.
Kanata ducked, rolled, and weaved between each strike, his movements swift but calm—almost like he was dodging out of boredom.

“Flame Burst!”

A wave of fire exploded from her swing, forcing Kanata to leap backward.

“Tch—close one,” he muttered, patting his singed sleeve.
“Do you always fight like you’re trying to barbecue your opponent?”

“You’re still running your mouth?”

Their blades clashed again, a burst of sparks filling the air.
The sound of impact echoed across the empty field—
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

From the observation deck, Rio gripped the railing.

“They’re both serious this time.”

Celestine crossed her arms, a faint smile on her lips.

“That’s what I wanted to see. He’s finally fighting like himself.”

Itsuha swung downward, aiming for his shoulder.
Kanata sidestepped, grabbed the hilt of her burning blade with his gloved hand—and snatched it away.

“Got it.”

Even through the protective cloth, the heat bit into his skin. He grimaced, the gauntlet glowing red.

“You idiot! That’s pure fire—you’ll burn your hand off!”

“Then I’ll make it quick!”

Kanata twisted, turning her own weapon against her. In a single motion, he swung the flame sword toward her neck. Itsuha gasped, ducking just in time—but he kicked her mid-roll, sending her sprawling across the dirt.

THUD!

Rio’s jaw dropped.

“He… he actually beat her. Without magic.”

Celestine chuckled softly.

“That’s Kanata for you. The lazy fool who can’t be beaten.”

From afar, in their classrooms, the remaining Four Witches watched the live broadcast.
Nagisa clasped her hands together, whispering a quiet prayer.

“Come on, Kanata… don’t lose.”

The match ended decisively.
Itsuha, panting and covered in dust, lay defeated on the ground.
Kanata stood above her, extending his left hand.

“You okay?”

She stared at it for a moment before taking it hesitantly.

“You win…” she admitted, her tone reluctant. “But don’t think this means I’ll go easy next time.”

Kanata smiled faintly.

“I’ll hold you to that.”

From her pocket, Itsuha pulled out a small crimson seal—the Stamp of the Fire Witch.

“Here. You earned it.”

Kanata nodded, taking it with care.

“One down. Three to go.”

As he turned to leave, Itsuha’s voice stopped him.

“Hey, Kanata.”

He looked back.

“What?”

“What’s your real dream? What do you actually want?”

Kanata blinked, then shrugged.

“Nothing. I just want to leave this academy.”

For a moment, Itsuha said nothing.
Then her face turned red, and she jumped to her feet.

“WHAT KIND OF ANSWER IS THAT?!”

Before Kanata could react—

SLAAP!

The sound echoed across the empty arena.

Rio nearly fell from his seat in shock.

“D-Did she just slap him?!”

Celestine just sighed, sipping her tea.

“Honestly… he deserved that one.”

Kanata rubbed his cheek, groaning.

“Ow… what was that for?!”

“For being a total idiot!” Itsuha shouted, turning away to hide her flustered face.
“You risk your life, fight like that—and that’s your dream?!”

Kanata chuckled under his breath.

“What can I say? I’m a simple guy.”

She glared at him, but the corner of her mouth twitched into a reluctant smile.

As the sun set over the academy, one thing was clear—
Kanata had won his second Stamp.

But more than that, he’d unknowingly begun to change the hearts of those around him… one battle at a time.