A Modern Compendium of Imaginary Magic Woven with Love, Chapter 3 Section 1: Final Battle! Wizard vs. Sorcerer

Note:
This story was originally written in Japanese and has been translated into English using OpenAI's ChatGPT.

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　A full year had passed since that day.

　Hannah’s recovery had been remarkable. She no longer exhibited the erratic tendencies she once had, and she had regained her composure completely. In fact, she had grown even more earnest than before, strengthening her sense of self-discipline and displaying a newfound consideration for others. Unexpectedly, she had also developed a close friendship with Liz. Naturally, this was largely thanks to Liz’s unwavering selflessness and kindness, but Hannah herself had shown a strong determination to acknowledge and accept her own weaknesses, flaws, loneliness, and feelings of inferiority—while still pressing forward toward a brighter future. Though she still continued her medication, the day when she would fully reclaim a life that was truly her own no longer seemed far off.

　Fortunately, all of them had successfully passed the General Knowledge Examination on Sorcery and Magic, the final assessment required to complete their primary education, and had advanced to the middle division of the academy. It was widely expected that Sorcerer would take the top spot in the examination rankings, but to everyone’s surprise, the honor of valedictorian had gone to Wizard. Her relentless dedication was beginning to bear fruit—gradually, yet undeniably. Necromancer, too, had excelled in her studies and completed both of her courses with distinction. The only exception was Warlock, who barely managed to scrape by with a passing grade after receiving a merciful retake from her professor. For the sake of her dignity, however, perhaps it was best not to dwell on the details.

　Today marked the All-Academy Magic Mock Battle Tournament, their first as students of the middle division. In the Grade-Specific Tournament, during the semifinals of the individual competition, Wizard and Sorcerer now stood face to face, poised for battle. Even as first-year middle division students, they were already engaging in aerial combat. Both of them had skillfully donned their Void Cloaks, garments imbued with anti-gravity properties, and stood ready on the competition field, awaiting the signal for their match to begin.

　＊　＊　＊

　"Yo! So the day has finally come, huh? We’re meeting one match earlier than expected, though."

　Wizard smirked confidently.

　"Indeed. But first, I’ll take this opportunity to settle the score from the exam."

　"Oh yeah? We’ll see about that. I’m not the same as I was before!"

　"Is that so? This might just be the perfect chance for me to show everyone what I’ve been keeping up my sleeve."

　"I’ve already seen enough of that."

　Wizard shot back, unwavering.

　"Big words. You can keep talking after you actually beat me."

　Sorcerer countered with an equally confident smile.

　A palpable tension crackled between them. Over the past year, the two had truly become rivals in the best sense of the word. And in particular, Wizard’s growth had been nothing short of astounding.

　"Competitors, prepare! Take your positions!"

　The referee's voice echoed across the arena. The moment had come.

　"Middle Division, First-Year Tournament, Individual Semifinals! One-round match…"

　"Begin!!!"

　The battle had begun.

　Wizard flew across the field, varying her altitude while skillfully manipulating her speed, weaving through the air in calculated arcs. Meanwhile, Sorcerer rotated midair at a fixed point, keeping Wizard firmly within her sights.

　In this tournament, competitors used real magic against one another, but since it was an official mock battle, they were required to wear competitive scoring uniforms beneath their robes. These enchanted garments converted direct magical damage into points instead of injuries, ensuring that even a high-tier spell could be taken without physical harm. (That said, the uniform’s protection only worked if both competitors were wearing one.)

　Because of this system, competitors could go all out, engaging in magic battles at full power without restraint—a true simulation of real combat. Victory was determined by the first competitor to accumulate 100 damage points against their opponent.

　"How will you come at me?"

　Sorcerer readied herself. Wizard was nothing like she had been a year ago—her abilities were on an entirely different level now. She had mastered a wide variety of spell disciplines, and rumor had it she had even started dabbling in alchemy.

　Murmuring something under her breath as she circled the field, Wizard seemed to be preparing something.

　None of that matters. Mock battles are all about speed and rapid offense.

　Might as well go for it!

　"O Ruler of Water and Ice, heed my call! Compress the rushing currents and transform them into force! Now, be unleashed!" Hydro Pressure!

　Sorcerer fired a high-pressure water cannon, aiming it perfectly at Wizard as she passed overhead!

　A direct hit!

　Or so she thought—no points registered.

　A shield?!

　Wizard wasn’t just flying around aimlessly—she had been shrinking her target profile while weaving a magic barrier seamlessly into her movements.

　Well played!

　"Heh."

　Wizard grinned as a wave of cheers erupted from the audience.

　Then I’ll just…

　"O Rulers of Fire and Light, join forces with Water and Ice! Grant me your might, forge these flames into spheres, and strike down my foe! Flaming Cannon Balls!"

　Chanting swiftly, Sorcerer unleashed a barrage of large fireballs at Wizard. The attack was fast—a true testament to her genius.

　Despite being of opposing elements, she had perfected the use of fire and light magic, drawing out their full potential.

　Wizard reacted instantly, twisting into a sharp evasive maneuver, but the fireballs were too fast—they adjusted their angles dynamically, closing in from multiple directions.

　A few of them connected!

　This time, for sure—!?

　Still no points?!

　An ice barrier?!

　Not only had Wizard deployed a magic shield, but she had layered a second one of opposite attributes at the same time.

　Her movements hadn’t just been about dodging—they had served a tactical purpose.

　In this magical world, all magical barriers possess the characteristic that they can block attacks (and physical interference) of an opposing attribute, but they allow attacks of the same attribute to pass through. She had anticipated that Sorcerer would use fire and light magic.

　This girl… She read me?!

　Impressive!

　Even for someone as skilled as Sorcerer, continuously casting high-level spells was exhausting. Running out of magic mid-battle would result in an automatic loss, awarding the opponent 100 points instantly.

　She needed to be careful—one wrong move, and it would be over.

　The ever-calm Sorcerer carefully observed the trajectory of Wizard as she maneuvered through the air. Then, suddenly—she noticed something strange.

　Something's off…

　Whenever Wizard passed near the male students' spectator stands, her movements became unnaturally distracted. Her control over her flight wavered just slightly, but enough to be noticeable.

　What is she so preoccupied with?

　Watching more closely, Sorcerer noticed something: every time Wizard passed that area, she would fidget with the hem of her skirt.

　Aha. That explains it.

　Right in that spot, that notorious professor was lurking, camera-like optical magic recording device in hand, loitering with his entourage.

　So that’s what’s throwing her off.

　The thought of attacking her while she was distracted certainly crossed Sorcerer’s mind—but that wouldn't be any fun. Instead, she called out:

　"Hey! You can’t beat me if you keep worrying about stuff like that!"

　Wizard's face froze—as if she'd just been caught red-handed.

　"Shut up! It's not like that!"

　Still clutching the hem of her skirt, Wizard sped forward, trying to brush off the accusation.

　"Relax. Even if something were to show, no one would be happy about it anyway! If you're gonna keep worrying about it, I might as well end this now!"

　Sorcerer had a trump card—a spell called "Squall of Ice-Swords."

　A high-tier magic, it summoned countless ice blades, sending them all at once toward her opponent. Its sheer volume and power made it nearly impossible to defend against, no matter how strong the barriers were.

　And they both knew it.

　"Tch, shut up! If you think you can, then try it!"

　Finally—her mind was clear of distractions.

　Now the real fight could begin.

　Wizard shot straight upward, a lightning-fast ascent like an arrow.

　But her acceleration was too predictable.

　Now!

　"O Ruler of Lightning and Thunder, grant me your power! Pile thick clouds high above, unleash your brilliant light, and scatter my enemy! Lightning Volts!"

　Countless bolts of lightning and blinding flashes shot down from above, forming an intricate web aimed straight at Wizard.

　She spun into a corkscrew, attempting to dodge—but there were too many.

　Multiple strikes hit her directly!

　Got her!

　The scoreboard lit up in blue—Sorcerer’s side—40 points!

　"Damn, you got me! Not bad… but!!"

　Before the next attack could be prepared, Wizard dove in like a hawk, accelerating at impossible speed!

　No way!

　*"Gotcha! Shock Wave!"

　A shockwave struck Sorcerer hard in the side.

　Even while trying to brace herself, the impact threw her off balance.

　The scoreboard flashed red—30 points to Wizard!

　"Not bad at all!"

　"Told you, didn’t I? I’m on a whole new level now!"

　Wizard continued her rapid aerial rotations, throwing Sorcerer off.

　Where’s she coming from next?

　A split second of hesitation—and then it happened.

　From directly above the male students’ spectator stands, Wizard launched "Tornado!"

　At that angle—it was a blind spot for Sorcerer!

　"Damn it! Not good!"

　Caught completely off guard, she failed to react in time.

　The tornado engulfed her, its electrified winds tossing her around violently.

　She barely managed to break free and stabilize herself, but—

　That was a lot of damage.

　"Two successful ambushes? Not bad at all!"

　The scoreboard flashed red—80 points to Wizard!

　A massive roar erupted from the audience, while camera flashes from magical recording devices flickered rapidly.

　"Heh. That’s not like you, Sorcerer. Looks like this next one will settle it!"

　Wizard boasted, full of confidence.

　Even while breathing heavily, Sorcerer smirked.

　"You think so? Maybe. But I'll give you credit—you forced me to use this."

　"This ends now!"

　"O Ruler of Water and Ice, I am your devoted guardian! Forge countless blades in my hands! Let these ice swords circle through the skies! Punish those who stand against me! Perish—Squall of Ice-Swords!"

　The instant the incantation was completed, an overwhelming storm of ice swords rained down upon Wizard.

　She twisted and accelerated in a desperate evasive maneuver, flying unpredictably—but with attacks from every angle, there was no escape.

　"Damn it… I still can’t win against her…!"

　Some of the blades shattered against her barriers, but there were too many.

　The continuous onslaught overwhelmed her defenses—and the final direct hits sent Wizard plummeting toward the field!

　The scoreboard flashed blue—100 points to Sorcerer!

　"WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!"

　A deafening cheer erupted from the stadium, while the recording devices’ lights shimmered like a tidal wave of brilliance.

　It was a comeback victory for Sorcerer.

　"She actually made me use that…"

　With a slightly frustrated, yet satisfied tone, she whispered to herself.

　Wizard lay flat on her back on the field, arms and legs spread wide.

　"Damn… geniuses really are something else."

　Her chest and shoulders rose and fell with heavy breaths.

　"Match over! 100 to 80—Winner: Sorcerer, Middle Division, First-Year Representative!"

　Another thunderous wave of cheers and flashing lights filled the stadium, as the announcer’s voice echoed through the air, signaling the next match.

　＊　＊　＊

　Since there were still semifinals for the second- and third-year middle division students before the final match, there was a bit of downtime.

　Having withdrawn from the competition field, the two girls found an empty spot in the stands and sat down side by side.

　"Man, you really are amazing. But that last move? That was totally unfair."

　"Oh? But I did say I’d praise you, didn’t I? You’re plenty strong."

　"Cut it out."

　Wizard, looking embarrassed, rubbed under her nose.

　"That close-range Shock Wave of yours was clever. You totally got me."

　"Right? I figured I was doing pretty well myself. Basic spells barely need any incantation, so I thought I could pull it off! Your Lightning Volts was insane too. A Sorcerer who uses anything besides water and ice is rare as hell."

　"Isn’t it?"

　The two laughed together.

　"By the way, I never thought someone like you would care about that kind of thing. I figured you’d be totally indifferent even if everything was on full display."

　"Don't be stupid! I’m still a maiden, you know! Of course I care! That damn professor brought in that gigantic magic recording device. How the hell am I supposed to focus with that thing pointed at me?!"

　"A maiden? You just called yourself a maiden? Who? Who exactly?"

　Sorcerer leaned in mischievously.

　"Who else but me? You’re looking at one of the rarest maidens out there!"

　"Oh, no doubt about that."

　Sorcerer burst out laughing.

　"Huh?! What’s that supposed to mean?!"

　"You’re the one who said it."

　The two continued to chat and laugh, casually watching the semifinal matches of the older students unfold before them, waiting for the finals to begin.

　A year ago, no one would have thought they’d ever be sitting like this, side by side, talking like friends.

　The incident they had endured had been harrowing—but in the end, it had become the very thing that tied them all together.

　In the final match, Sorcerer faced off against Yulia, a girl from the Warlock Division.

　It was, as expected, an uneventful victory—Sorcerer secured the championship for the first-year middle division.

　With both the exam and the tournament at one win apiece, it was now a tie between them.

　In the middle division’s team competition, Hannah had returned to her team, delivering a spectacular performance.

　However, in the quarterfinals, one of Sorcerer’s teammates fell into the opponent’s trap.

　Flustered, they began recklessly casting mid-tier spells, quickly depleting their magic reserves—resulting in an instant loss due to magic exhaustion.

　Unfortunately, that was where their journey ended.

　Even so—Hannah never once blamed them.

　After the match, she simply smiled brightly and praised her teammates for their efforts.

　When the team returned to the stands, Liz was already there, waiting with the antidote in hand.

　It felt as though last year’s chaos had never even happened—as if it were all just a distant dream.

　＊　＊　＊

　The Necromancer had been a lifesaving force in the medical division’s emergency response team, tirelessly rushing around all day to treat and care for the injured.

　Cases of heatstroke and magical exhaustion were endless, and she, along with her fellow medical staff, played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in the competition.

　In fact, it had become an open secret that she was quietly more popular than the monks and holy maidens who specialized in healing.

　On a side note, back when she was in fourth year of the primary division, there was a rather peculiar incident.

　The day after a black market event, she attended a nursing lecture while wearing her Necromancer Division uniform—a rather unusual sight in the Healing Department’s classroom.

　This led to widespread speculation among her peers.

　She had, of course, submitted a request for a replacement uniform, but the Academy had refused to grant one unless she returned the soiled set in exchange.

　Thus, she had no choice but to continue attending nursing classes in her black Necromancer robes until she graduated from the primary division.

　For this reason, she was given the nickname "The Black-Clad Angel."

　Now, though, it was merely a fond memory of days past.

　However, Warlock was nowhere to be seen.

　It seemed that she had completely skipped the tournament this year.

　Perhaps, even today, she was at Arkham once again.

　Lately, she had been spending an increasing amount of time at the mystic shop, drawn to something that no one quite understood yet.

　Perhaps it is worth shedding some light on the details of her promotion exam.

　At first, she went in completely unprepared and performed abysmally on knowledge-based questions—so much so that it was almost too painful to watch.

　However, her answers to the essay questions—which tested theoretical magic studies and the ethics of the arcane—were exceptionally well-written, displaying a level of insight far beyond her age.

　It was this that convinced the exam proctor to grant her a make-up test.

　To say the make-up test was given out of kindness was, in truth, a mere rhetorical flourish.

　She had, in fact, properly prepared for the retest, and her score was nearly perfect—some even whispered that she had outscored Wizard, the primary division’s valedictorian. During the promotion review meeting, her performance was not just acknowledged but praised outright by some of the faculty. And yet, despite her undeniable brilliance, she continued to direct her curiosity elsewhere. What exactly had captured her young mind so deeply? At that time, no one knew the answer.

　A refreshing September breeze swept through the Academy grounds.
　Slowly, yet surely, autumn was setting in.