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Lefiya paused for a moment in front of the large, ornately carved wooden door that served as the entrance to the magic training building. Her slender fingers trembled slightly as she prepared to push the door open. Hhh... calm down, Lefiya... you've participated in training many times, this is nothing new... she tried to reassure herself. Yet, her heart continued to beat faster than usual.
Creeeak—the door groaned softly as she pushed it.
Upon entering the room, the distinct scent of wood and a faint hint of incense filled the air. Inside, the training hall appeared spacious with gleaming marble floors, its walls covered in ancient carvings that emitted a subtle magical aura. Sunlight streamed through the high windows, forming bright lines on the floor.
At the front, the graceful figure of Riveria stood calmly. Her green hair shimmered in the light, and her white-green robe hung down like a projection of authority. Her sharp gaze swept across the entire room, making the air feel tense.
Before her, the Elves were already lined up neatly in a horizontal formation. Alicia stood straight with a disciplined expression; Sylvie looked serious, her hands folded in front of her stomach; Alinda bowed her head with a face full of concentration; Arwen let out a long sigh but maintained her position in line; while Melina calmly stared straight ahead, her face as cold as a statue.
Just as the door creaked shut behind Lefiya, click, everyone in the room turned simultaneously.
Various pairs of eyes—five pairs at once—instantly focused on her. Some looked with curiosity, others with faint smiles, and some were flat and expressionless.
Lefiya could feel heat creeping onto her face. Why is everyone staring at me like that...? she wondered inwardly, her fingers reflexively gripping the hem of her skirt.
"Lefiya." Riveria's voice echoed, calm yet full of authority. "Don't just stand there."
The young Elf reflexively straightened her posture. "Y-yes, Lady Riveria!"
"Join the formation."
Without much choice, Lefiya hurriedly stepped forward, tap tap tap, joining next to Alicia. She tried to hold her breath so her nervousness wouldn't be audible, even though her heartbeat was still rapid. Now, standing alongside the other Elves, she could feel the weight of expectations hanging in the air. Today is definitely going to be tough training... she thought, trying to prepare herself.
Riveria stood upright at the front, her hands clasped behind her back. In a calm yet authoritative voice, she began giving commands.
"Attention... straighten the ranks."
"Attention!" the six young Elves answered in unison. The sound of their feet tapped lightly on the marble floor, tap, tap, as they adjusted their positions.
A brief marching drill began. Their movements were neat, accompanied by simple instructions from Riveria. "Right face. Left face. At ease." Although brief, each movement felt like a test of discipline, emphasizing that they were not merely mages, but also troops.
Once that session ended, Riveria lowered her hand. A faint smile graced her face, making the young Elves straighten up with anticipation.
"Good," she said softly but clearly. "I have important news for all of you."
She looked at each of her students one by one, then announced in a formal yet warm tone, "There is news you need to know. Starting today, Lefiya Viridis has officially risen to Level 4."
Thud! The previously stiff atmosphere instantly shattered. The neat formation immediately shook with cheerful cheers.
"Eh, really?!" exclaimed Alinda, grabbing Lefiya's hands.
"Incredible! Congratulations, Lefiya!" added Sylvie with a wide smile.
Arwen patted Lefiya's shoulder with a small, sincere smile. "You've worked hard."
Melina simply added briefly, "Impressive." But from her tone, it was clearly praise.
Amidst the commotion, Alicia—who had always been like an older sister figure to them—immediately hugged Lefiya's shoulders. "Haha! Finally, we're equals, Lefiya. Now you're Level 4 like me." She nudged her chin in a teasing manner. "Well then... do you want to be the vice-team captain? I'm ready to hand the position over to you, you know."
"Eh? W-w-wait a minute! I can't do that!" Lefiya immediately waved both hands in a panic, her cheeks flushed bright red. "I'm not worthy of being vice-captain yet!"
Hahaha! Cheers and light laughter erupted from the formation. Sylvie even covered her mouth to hold back her amusement, while Alinda half-bent over laughing at Lefiya's panicked expression.
Riveria herself did not stop the commotion. Instead, she just watched with a calm gaze, letting her charges rejoice. There was a faint smile at the corner of her lips—almost invisible—but enough to show she was happy to see her students so enthusiastic.
Lefiya, amidst all the cheers and congratulations, could only lower her head with a small smile. Level 4... I've really come this far... she thought, her chest feeling warm.
Riveria cleared her throat softly—ahem—and instantly the noise from the young elves stopped. Everyone stood straight again, their cheerful faces turning serious.
"Since you have leveled up, today's magic training will begin with you, Lefiya," said Riveria in a calm yet pressuring voice.
Lefiya brought her feet together and bowed respectfully. "Ready, Lady Riveria!" she answered loudly, although her heart was beating a little faster than usual.
With steady steps, she advanced to the center of the room, heading towards the open field area that was the core training ground.
The field itself was a vast square space, roofless, so the morning sunlight streamed directly in, illuminating the entire arena. The floor was made of hard white stone, yet full of battle scars—there were long cracks snaking across its surface, black scorch marks from explosions, even human-sized holes from high-level magic impacts. The surrounding walls were no exception, covered in marks from scratches and shattering, showing just how intense the training conducted there usually was.
The air in the area still held the faint smell of burnt ozone, as if remnants of magical energy hadn't completely dissipated. A few small birds had perched on the top fence, but quickly flew away when they felt the lingering magical aura.
Standing in the middle of that battle-scarred field, Lefiya felt a different kind of pressure—as if all the blast marks around her were demanding she prove herself worthy of being called a Loki Familia mage who had just reached Level 4.
Alright... I have to be serious. I must not disappoint Lady Riveria and everyone here, she thought, taking a deep breath, trying to calm herself before Riveria gave her next instruction.
Lefiya swallowed hard, then carefully raised her hand while looking at Riveria. "Lady Riveria... will I be testing my own magic... or copying another elf's magic as usual?" she asked, hesitant.
Riveria looked at her with a firm but confident gaze. "Use your own magic. It is the power you are most familiar with, and now, with your new level, its power will be easier to control compared to other elves' magic."
Lefiya nodded quickly. "Okay, Lady Riveria."
Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, her magic staff slowly rising. Her fingers trembled slightly, not from fear, but from a mix of enthusiasm and nervousness. Then her lips began chanting the spell, her voice soft yet clear, echoing in the silent training field.
"Unleashed streak of light, bow limbs of the holy tree. You are an expert of the bow..."
As the chant began, whuuummm!—a golden magic circle appeared spinning beneath her feet, emitting a soft light. A magical aura enveloped her body, causing her light brown hair to flutter as if blown by a gentle breeze.
Lefiya's dark blue eyes locked onto the target at the far end of the field—a large wooden dummy with an iron shield in its hand. Her breathing was steady as she continued the chant with full confidence.
"Shoot, sniper of the fairies. Penetrate, arrow of absolute accuracy..."
Her magic staff vibrated intensely, its tip glowing brightly.
"Arcs Ray!!"
Ziiing! A thick beam of light shot forth, transforming into a holy energy arrow that streaked from the tip of her staff. In an instant, BOOM!!! A powerful explosion hit the target, sending the wooden dummy flying backward, its iron shield split in two. Fragments of wood and metal flew everywhere, leaving behind thin smoke and a large scorch mark on the arena floor.
Lefiya jumped back slightly. "E-ehhh?! T-this... this is much stronger than usual...!"
Her face paled, and she broke into a sweat, both shocked and embarrassed for accidentally blasting the training target more severely than she had imagined. The field fell silent for a moment, only the crackle of residual magical energy still vibrating in the air.
This strong... is this my magic power now? thought Lefiya, staring wide-eyed at her own hand.
Joyful cheers echoed from the line of young elves.
"Waaahhh, that's amazing, Lefiya!" exclaimed Sylvie, her eyes shining.
"The explosion was huge, it even shattered the target!" added Melina, clapping enthusiastically.
Alicia just grinned proudly, crossing her arms over her chest. "Hmph, you finally managed to show your progress in front of everyone."
Riveria stepped forward, her voice calm but firm, cutting through the noise. "That is the reason Loki told you to hold back that time. Waiting until your magic status reached rank-S before ascending to level 4 was the right decision. Otherwise, your magic power wouldn't be this strong."
Lefiya bowed slightly, her face still showing pride. "Thank goodness... I followed Loki's advice. Otherwise, I might have just caused trouble for everyone." In her heart, she felt deep gratitude, not only to her goddess but also to the people who had been by her side.
Riveria looked at her again, her gaze full of attention. "Lefiya, do you still wish to continue? We can stop here if you feel it's enough."
But Lefiya gripped her staff tighter, her eyes shining with determination. "No, Lady Riveria. I also want to test my new skill. I want to know how far I can use this power."
A small outcry was heard from the young elves.
"A new skill too?!" Arwen exclaimed in disbelief.
"Wow, it must be nice to level up... your magic gets stronger, and you gain new skills," commented Alinda in an envious yet excited tone.
"Lefiya is really getting further ahead," murmured Melina, patting her own cheeks.
The atmosphere grew noisy again, the young elves commenting and debating amongst themselves, while Lefiya stood in the center of the arena with her heart pounding, ready to reveal her new power in front of everyone.
Riveria raised an eyebrow, looking directly at her student with great interest. "Very well. So, what exactly is this new skill of yours?" she asked calmly, yet clearly curious.
"Mou~ Lady Riveria, didn't I explain it two days ago?" Lefiya pouted, her voice sounding like a small protest.
Riveria fell silent for a moment, then coughed awkwardly. "Uhuk... my apologies. It seems I was not very focused at that time, so I don't really remember it."
Lefiya raised an eyebrow, then smiled understandingly. "Ah, that's right. You did have a headache then, so it's natural you forgot."
Alicia, who had been listening with great curiosity, took half a step forward. "So what is your new skill? Don't leave us hanging like this, Lefiya," she said in an urging tone, her eyes glittering with anticipation.
Lefiya straightened her posture, holding her staff tightly. Her gaze was now serious, different from usual. "Its name... is Double Cannon." The room fell silent for a few seconds after she uttered it.
"Double Cannon?" Sylvie repeated, confused.
"Its usage..." Lefiya raised her staff, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I'll show you directly."
The young elves fell silent simultaneously, holding their breath in anticipation. Even the usually calm Riveria seemed to lean forward slightly, indicating her genuine curiosity. All eyes were now on Lefiya, waiting for the demonstration of her new skill.
Lefiya took a deep breath, sweat dripping from her temples. Her chanting voice trembled, but her eyes remained fixed straight ahead.
"Unleashed streak of light, bow limbs of the holy tree. You are an expert of the bow..."
Zrruuumm—! One shimmering golden magic circle appeared beneath her right foot, glowing lines forming intricate patterns, pulsating like a living pulse. Her magical aura immediately filled the field, causing the hair of the other elves to flutter from the gathered energy.
"Shoot, sniper of the fairies. Penetrate, arrow of absolute accuracy—"
But Lefiya stopped her chant, her hand moving towards her left arm. Clang! A thin magic ring glowed around her wrist, spinning slowly like a luminous wheel.
She pressed her lips together briefly, then spoke again.
"Proud warrior, snipers of the forest. Take up your bows before the advancing plunderers..."
Fwoooosh! A second magic circle bloomed beneath her left foot, this one shining brighter, causing the golden lights to clash with the patterns of the first. The magical aura enveloped the field, a faint wind rustling fiercely as if emanating from Lefiya's body.
"Ehhhhh!?" The voices of the young elves broke out simultaneously. Sylvie gaped, while Melina covered her mouth with both hands.
"Impossible... two magic circles at once!?" Alinda exclaimed in a high-pitched voice.
Alicia stared seriously, her eyes wide with understanding. "So that's why it's called Double Cannon... she's invoking two spells at the same time!"
Riveria, standing at the front, though her face remained calm, her eyes reflected shock. Incredible... but dangerous. Controlling one spell already demands great focus and mind. If she fails to maintain stability...
Meanwhile, Lefiya began to sway. Sweat poured down her face, and her shoulders trembled under the strain of the wild energy flowing through her body. Her lips quivered as she tried to finish the unfinished chant.
"N-no... I have to... finish it..." she whispered, almost inaudibly.
The aura of light grew hotter, as if it would explode at any moment if she faltered.
Lefiya's head throbbed intensely, the pain like a knife blade piercing directly into her brain. "Ughh... it hurts so much..." she hissed, her body shaking uncontrollably.
She closed her eyes for a moment, her lips quivering with the desire to stop. Forget it... this is just the first attempt, no one will blame me if I fail... she thought bitterly.
However, in the darkness behind her closed eyelids, an image appeared. Someone's back— firm, full of conviction. In the past, that back belonged to Aiz, the female swordswoman she had always admired and followed with a mix of awe and respect. But now, the one that appeared was clearly different—Shirou's back, sturdy, simple, yet radiating a steadfastness that made her heart tremble.
No... I can't stop here. I want to stand alongside them. I will chase after them!
Lefiya's eyes snapped open wide, even though her vision was blurred by the pain assaulting her, her gaze filled with determination. She resumed the chant, even though every word felt like it was forcing her brain to crack.
"Answer the call of your brethren and ready your arrows. Tinge them with flame, the lamplight of the forest. Release them, the fire arrows of the fairies. Falling like rain, burn away the savages—!"
Fusillade Fallarica!
Wuussshh!—Hundreds of sparks blossomed from the magic circles, shooting into the sky before falling like a meteor shower, burning the target dummies on the field. The sound of explosions and the heat of the flames made the air vibrate.
But Lefiya wasn't done yet. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she raised her staff again.
"Cannon—! Arcs Ray!!"
Zraaakkk!!—A thick white light shot out from the tip of her staff, streaking forward with insane speed. The arrow of light pierced through the rain of fire, igniting huge sparks as the two collided. Fire and light merged, a dazzling, bright explosion filling the field as if daylight had become brighter than the sun.
DOOOUUUMMM!!
A wave of heat swept over the faces of the watching young elves, their hair fluttering, some even having to shield their eyes from the blinding light.
Lefiya, having expended all her mental strength, finally collapsed onto the floor, her breath heavy and rapid. "Haa... haa... I... did it..." she whispered, her face pale and drenched in sweat.
A moment of silence enveloped the room before a tumult of applause and cheers from the young elves echoed.
"Lefiya! That was amazing!" Sylvie exclaimed, her eyes shining.
"Two spells at once, it's unbelievable!" added Arwen in admiration.
Even Alicia smiled broadly while clapping. "If you keep this up, we won't be able to catch up to you, Lefiya."
The cheers flooded the atmosphere, while Lefiya just bowed her head, her cheeks red, her body weak. In her heart, she whispered to herself.
Shirou... I can also go further. I will chase after you.