Date: Seven Weeks Before the Exam
Location: Academy Grounds – Upper Training Hall
---
The announcement came in the morning.
A full week of academy-wide competition.
Team exhibitions. Showcases.
And for us… a match against the second years.
A prize for the victors:
One Pure Mana Elixir.
One thousand jin in reward.
Everyone reacted differently.
Leander whistled.
Alice narrowed her eyes.
Riya clenched her fists and muttered, "We're winning this."
But it wasn't until later that I saw the truth.
They weren't excited for the prize.
They were aiming it at me.
---
Elric said it first.
> "If we win, it's yours. That elixir. No debate."
I told him no. I told them we'd split the reward.
But he only smiled that quiet smile of his and said:
> "We're not fighting for gold, Nitsuo.
We're fighting for our commander."
---
Later, I found Lily in the library again.
She was reading a book she'd already memorized.
Didn't even look up when I sat down beside her.
But after a moment, she whispered:
> "You always throw yourself into the fire for others."
"Let us do it for you this time."
---
I didn't say anything.
What could I say?
---
Alice approached me in the evening.
No blood-drinking this time. No teasing.
Just her standing in the doorway of my room, arms crossed.
> "You told me once," she said, "not to waste blood."
> "So don't waste this chance either."
> "We're going to get that elixir.
And when we do… you're taking it. No arguing."
---
Even Gideon nodded when I asked him.
Just one firm nod. That was enough.
Anna? She grinned and said:
> "Finally a chance to paint the battlefield with our pride. You're the canvas, boss."
---
And Riya?
She didn't say anything.
She just pressed a small charm into my hand.
One she carved herself.
> "For luck," she said, smiling like sunlight.
---
I always thought I was the one holding us together.
But now I see it —
they've been holding me, too.
---
David called me after dark.
We met on the eastern terrace.
The moon was thin. His expression was thinner.
> "They're baiting you," he said.
"That second-year professor wants a show."
I nodded. "We'll give them one."
> "And if you lose?" he asked.
I smiled.
> "Then we lose as one."
---
They all think I'm too selfless.
But truth is… I'm selfish too.
I don't want them hurt. I don't want them breaking for me.
So I'll give them the fight they want.
Plan it to the letter. Write the map to victory.
Not for the elixir. Not for the fame.
But because they believe I deserve to stand again.
---
> "If they want the fire,
then I'll be the spark."
> "This war… will be theirs.
But the victory will be ours."