Flare took a deep breath as her boots hit the ground again.

There was sweat clinging to her skin and her red hair was sticking to her cheek as she pushed herself forward.

'Why the hell would the Academy make it this tough?' she thought bitterly.

Every muscle in her body burned, her lungs ached, and her arms felt heavier with every step.

The sound of pounding footsteps filled the air around her.

She glanced at her watch.

It pulsed with a dim orange light… Lap 79.

And the worst part? With each lap completed, the watch automatically increased the weight on their bodies.

It wasn't a spell they could break or cheat; it was built into the Academy's mana system.

The higher the lap count, the heavier their limbs became, turning every step into agony.

The extra weight hit hard once they crossed the fiftieth lap. Even breathing felt like dragging iron through their chest.

Flare gritted her teeth and forced herself onward.

"And still… why are you following me around?" she asked between breaths, turning her head slightly.

Jogging right beside her, keeping perfect pace, was the blond-haired elf princess herself… Sylvia Du Sorenia.

Her expression was composed, even regal despite the sweat on her temple.

Sylvia smiled. "Because I figured that you would cease your silent treatment sooner or later."

"…Okay," Flare muttered.

"Shall I introduce myself, then?"

"Fine."

Sylvia lifted her chin gracefully even as they ran. "My name is Sylvia Du Sorenia, first princess of the Elven Dominion. But you may refer to me as my acquaintances do… Sylvie."

Flare raised an eyebrow. "So, Sylvie… why are you talking to me?"

They crossed the finish line again. The moment they turned the corner, they were met with a crowded path.

Everyone was running now or trying to.

Many had already dropped out, collapsed on the ground or bent over panting heavily.

The starting part field had become a maze of half-conscious students.

Flare sidestepped one, then jumped over another who was flat on his back groaning.

'Unbelievable,' she thought. 'Half the mages here can do good spells but can't even handle a few laps on foot.'

In the middle of the field, seated casually atop a large boulder, Professor Sebastian was watching them.

He had a drink in his hand and the satisfied expression of a man watching his prey struggle.

"Huff… Huff… I hate this shit," came another familiar voice from ahead.

Sybil, her green hair tied back, was running with her teeth clenched. Her expression screamed frustration. "Why can't I just fucking use wind?"

No matter how much she wanted to, she could feel Sebastian's gaze on her from across the field.

He didn't have to say anything; the silent warning in his eyes was enough to make her discard the thought.

And just then…

Flare and Sylvia ran past her in perfect sync, their combined speed kicking up dust in Sybil's face.

"Damn you two!!!" she yelled, coughing as the dirt cloud hit her.

Flare didn't bother to look back.

"So you mean to tell me," she said, glancing at Sylvia beside her, "you're talking to me just because I look friendly?"

"Why, yes, of course," Sylvia replied smoothly. "You possess a very approachable air… and besides, you are as beautiful as I am."

Flare blinked, almost tripping mid-step. "Me?"

Sylvia tilted her head. "Naturally. Though your features are less refined than mine, they carry an unpolished charm. If you would cease overexerting yourself so often, you would be quite radiant."

Flare snorted. "You're joking. I look like someone who hasn't slept in days and you look like a porcelain doll. You're not fooling me."

Sylvia smiled again, utterly unfazed. "And yet, even with those dark circles beneath your eyes, I can see the strength of your beauty. If you took the time to rest, you could easily rival the noble daughters of the Empire."

'I am a noble daughter of the Empire though…'

Flare almost laughed. "I feel like Azel's told me something like that before…"

"Ah, Mister Azel," Sylvia said, her voice taking on an oddly fond tone. "He is quite the gentleman and he's talented too."

Flare frowned slightly. "Wait, have you talked to him?"

Before Sylvia could answer, Flare's eyes caught sight of a familiar figure up ahead… silver hair reflecting the sunlight as he jogged effortlessly alongside a bespectacled boy.

"Speak of the devil…" Flare muttered.

"Let's ask him directly," Sylvia said cheerfully.

They both sped up, dodging the slower students and weaving through the crowded lane until they caught up to the two running figures.

"Azel!" Flare called out, panting slightly as they reached him.

He turned his head casually. "Hm?"

"What lap are you on?" she asked, wiping the sweat off her forehead.

Azel glanced at his watch without slowing down. "Eighty-one. Why ask?"

Flare's jaw dropped. "You're kidding. When did you get past us?"

"It was when we were taking a break after Lap 60…"

Beside him, Elion groaned and stumbled.

"Eighty-one laps?!" His face went pale. "I can't… feel my legs…"

He collapsed face-first onto the ground with his arms spread out dramatically.

Flare sighed. "He's gone."

Azel didn't even stop. "He'll live."

Sylvia, still keeping pace beside them, smiled lightly.

"Impressive, Mister Azel. I had suspected you were quite capable, but to think your endurance would surpass most of the class… remarkable."

He shrugged. "Guess I've just had a lot of practice."

Flare shot him a look. "You call this practice? I'm dying here."

"Then pace yourself," he said with a grin. "Of course you don't have much energy left, you started with a full powered-run."

"As expected of you…"

Flare rolled her eyes. "You've been complimenting him since you showed up. What's your deal, Princess?"

"I simply admire excellence where it is due," Sylvia said calmly. Then, turning back to Azel, she added, "That being said, I do have a question… if you would entertain my curiosity."

"Shoot."

"What are your thoughts on Miss Flare's appearance? Would you consider her beautiful?"

Flare nearly stumbled mid-run. "Wait… what?!"

Azel blinked. "That's… a random question."

Sylvia's smile was serene. "It is not random. I was simply affirming her self-image, and I wished to hear a second opinion from someone who seems to value honesty."

Azel rubbed his neck with a small sigh. "Well… I think I already told her before."

Sylvia tilted her head. "Do tell."

He looked at Flare, whose cheeks were already red from exertion but were now flushed for another reason entirely.

"Regardless of whether she's tired or not, Flare's beautiful," he said plainly. "That's a fact."

Sylvia's eyes lit up with quiet satisfaction. "Splendid answer."

Flare turned her head away, mumbling something inaudible as her pace quickened again.

Azel smiled before glancing at his watch once more. He had 82 laps so he was sure he could speedrun the remaining…

"Well…" he muttered, crouching slightly as his muscles tensed. "Time to finish this."

Before either woman could respond, Veins appeared on his legs. He didn't even need mana or aura… this running test was about your pure physicality and he was confident about that at least.

Azel moved…

The shockwave he left behind rippled through the air, sending Sylvia's hair flying and nearly knocking Flare off balance.

They both stared at the rapidly shrinking figure ahead of them.

"When the hell did he get that fast?!" Flare shouted, wide-eyed.

Sylvia smiled softly, brushing the dust from her cheek. "I believe the answer is quite simple, Miss Flare."

"What?"

"He was holding back."

[Author's Note]

Bonus Chapter 1...

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