Shock
“So, what kind of match will it be? I’m relatively strong at competitions(games). I think I can get on board with most of your suggestion though? Lily＝Schwarz-kun”
When the ill-natured Magician asks with a carefree expression, the beautiful top student too confidently takes a step forward.
“As one would expect, there is no way we can duel. There is a method to prove the calibre of a Magician’s ability, isn’t there? Asch＝Dahl-sensei”
“Kuku……Seal Formation(Zale) huh. Alright. Well, it may end up being the last time, so I shall teach it you people one last thing”
Asch starts writing the explanation on the whiteboard proudly.
＊
Normally, there are at least two sequences required to release Magic externally.
① Chant
The process of constructing the Magic Power, born from the Magic Power Field(Gate), inside the body, and verbalising the principles of Magic
② Seal
The process of releasing the principles of Magic externally, through the drawing of a symbol.
Chants typically have a high degree of freedom. As for why, it’s because the component of autosuggestion is strong, it’s no more than mediating the individual’s image with the principles of Magic, and verbalising it. Because of that, it’s completely meaningless even if one chanted high-level Magic unless it’s accompanied by the Magic Power’s attribute and quantity born from the Magic Power Field(Gate).
On the other hand, many seals’ patterns have established and fixed forms; their patterns may be the same, but the force differs greatly depending on the way the symbol is drawn. The more intricate, the more meticulous, one draws the seal, the more they’ll be able to multiply and manifest the Magic’s effect.
The act of drawing a seal had been ritualised as『Forming a link between oneself and the world』since ancient times. That revered ritual was made into a competition as time passed, and the abbreviation, Seal Formation(Zale), was born.
There are two methods to determine the outcome of Seal Formation(Zale)
① Beauty
② Speed
what kind of seal to form is decided through the tarot’s combination.
There are Major Arcana (22) and Minor Arcana (56) in tarot, and the types are as stated below.
① Major Arcana
0 The Fool 1 The Magician 2 The High Priestess 3 The Empress 4 The Emperor 5 The Hierophant 6 The Lovers 7 The Chariot 8 Strength 9 The Hermit 10 Wheel of Fortune 11 Justice 12 The Hanged Man 13 Death 14 Temperance 15 The Devil 16 The Tower 17 The Star 18 The Moon 19 The Sun 20 Judgement 21 The World
② Minor Arcana
「Chalices」「Pentacles」「Wands」「Swords」4 suits, 14 cards, a total of 56 cards.
In the typical rule, one first draws the Major Arcana, then draws the Minor Arcana. There are precisely 1232 combinations; remembering every seal itself requires an enormous amount of knowledge.
Facing each other in seals for five rounds, and whoever has the most victory is the winner.
It is a common fact that competing with speed has now been popularised in the continent. The rules are clear, and 『Speed』is typically deemed more practical than『Beauty』.
＊
“Now then, let’s start the match……how shall we decide the outcome?”
“Speed, of course”
Lily didn’t divulge it, but no student rivals her when it comes to the speed of a seal. No, before she knew it, she has surpassed the teachers because of her capability to the extent that even they keep their distance from her. It’s said that the average time is typically 10-odd seconds, but Lily is able to form a seal at an average of slightly under 8 seconds.
“Haa……through its establishment as a competition, it seems the generalisation of the craft succeeded, but the original goal seems to have been left behind before one knows; it makes me a little lonely”
“Asch-sensei is good at talking pretentiously and making excuses huh”
Lily answers, smiling from ear to ear.
“Well, alright……no, but, isn’t this unfair”
Asch mutters.
“Haa!? Do you still have some excuse”
“No, I’m thinking that it’s too advantageous for me”
“……eh”
The Dark Magician raised his index finger before her.
“Just once. Out of five times, if you win against me even once, it’s fine for this match to be your victory”
“……you, have far are you going to go”
While her shoulders are trembling, Lily glares at him with her emerald eyes.
“Well, take it. There’s nothing for you to lose to take the handicap, right? Lioar will be the referee, is that alright”
“Of course”
The amiable old man nods brightly and cuts the tarot at the edge of the classroom.
“Is it alright for me to go first?”
“……go ahead”
Lily thought ‘again huh’ in her heart. How confident is this Magician in (Seal Formation)Zale. Because one can decide on their strategy depending on the other party’s timing, the match is overwhelmingly advantageous for the one going second.
“Then, shall we start”
Asch quietly stands before the tarot and raises his index finger in front.
“Well then……”
Lioar turns over two tarot cards randomly.
The Fool x Chalice (XIII)
Along with the voice, his fingertip moves.
・・・
In that instant that felt like an eternity,
Lily forgot about the match.
At that overwhelming detailedness.
At the extraordinary exquisiteness.
“Beautiful……”
She said those words before she knows it.
“……3 seconds”
A few seconds passed, and amidst the overwhelming silence, Lioar’s words reverberated within the classroom.
