“When the start signal rings, just run however I tell you to,” Dave said to Illyna.

“Just run?”

“Don’t waste your time on people who are going to interfere. Just start running, and focus on widening our territory.”

Of course, Illyna objected to Davey’s opinion. She offered a logical explanation. “Even if I do that, there isn’t much territory I can get on my own. It’s no use if the others start taking our territory once I leave, right? And if I get caught up with something…”

Davey chuckled hollowly. “Are you actually able to sleep when you’re in that situation?”

“What, man?” Illyna frowned quite aggressively.

“I heard on the way here. I’m nothing but an iffy newbie to the people of this place,” Davey explained.

“That’s true. It’s because you used Drunken Sword or Drunk Sword or whatever it’s called.”

“And do you think the Teachers will put me into the real-battle test?”

Illyna widened her eyes. “Then…”

“That’s right; if I don’t make them see that I can—of course—take care of myself and that I possess something extraordinary, you’re just wasting your time and energy.”

“…”

Davey could hear Illyna gritting her teeth. Fortunately, she had a pretty strong determination to reach her goals; even though she was a model student who always...