Volume 1 - Prologue

<<There is something which should have been rejected by now.

As everyone should know, "hard work" is something meant for commoners. Things like crawling on the floor, sweating away while training is not something for a goddess like me. The same goes for studying. Following the orders of the instructor and completing the given homework, docilely accepting the need for exams, these things are common sense for commoners. It isn't something meant for a goddess like me who is beyond the existence of human beings.

Fuu~Remember this. My name is Rico Flamel. I am the reincarnation of a goddess.

Looks like a commoner like you has reached a crucial point in thinking. You're giving a bitter look that shows a lack of understanding. Alright then, I'll give you a short explanation of the occurrences in this world.

On the surface, the naturally-repeating occurrence known as a "life cycle" does not exist. Now, the surface is covered with magical armored beetles. Humans have moved to the floating city to ensure survival. As of now, I live at the large man-made object construction in the floating city - the floating academy city <<Mistogan>> - along with other aerial combat wizards.

Of course, this is the image of me on this planet. Those ugly commoners are jealous of my beauty, they envy it, even have dirty looks. They want a goddess like me to feel regret over not handing up homework or whatever. I wish I could tell them that enough is enough.

Whether its the lectures in the morning, or the practicals in the afternoon, all these are meant for commoners, not a goddess like me. I emphasize this every day, but no one cares to hear me out.

Guu...These pitiful mortals with so-called "common sense". One day, I'll let you all and that woman know my true strength!

Let's change the topic, shall we? I'm currently graded the lowest among the Aerial Combat Wizards, that is, E. And my scores are the lowest among these E-ranks, so I ended up in the so-called "F-Rank" squad. Although this world generally misunderstands me as the worst, but I'm actually not that. Rather, a goddess like me is the one suited for the task of saving the world.

This is obviously the case, but why am I forced to write an apology letter for not completing my assignments? It's really hard to comprehend? Where exactly is my problem?

Name: Rico Flamel

Subject: The third submission of an apology letter for not handing up assignments

Assessment: Fail

Remarks: This is should clearly be an essay written as an apology due to incomplete assignments.

You might be wanting to brag about that rotten nature of yours.

But if you stay like this after becoming a Year 2 Prep Course student, you will forever be at the back of the pack.

In order to let you start working hard, please resubmit this for the fourth time.>>

"Is this kid really a Year 2 student?"

"Apparently so."

"Ahaha, what should I say, why... why is she still able to study here like this?"

"Someone said she has a rare talent, and it would be a shame to let it go."

"Doesn't that mean this self-conscious maniac is a normal person?"

"I don't know. Could you not ask me that much?"

"...Well, lets look at the next one. The next kid is... Lecty Eisenach. Mm, the information is a bit lacking. But she seems to have a desire to enter the school.

<<I-I... Have a dr...dream!

And that is to freely fly among the boundless sky, become an Aerial Combat Wizard, in order to protect the people living in the floating city and battle against the magical armored beetles.

I'm afraid to duel with them though, and the very thought of it gives me the shivers. But, but! I, I think, battling in order to protect somebody is an extremely blissful thing!

B-because, the people without magic can't even protect the people that are important to them... And about the memories of those killed by the magical armored beetles, they'll naturally disappear from the common folk. But they still stay in the hearts of Aerial Combat Wizards. Although its a tragic memory, but I think it's great that we can remember it. That's because I met a lot of common people who can't protect those important to them and feel sad about it.

In order for my dual blades to be of use and protect people, I want to become an Aerial Combat Wizard, no matter what! I-I-I-I, I am! In order to protect this city and its peace!

EXILE Curriculum Year 439 March 8th

Record of Lecty Eisenach's aspiration and motive during interview

Assessment: Nervous, Unable to calm down, speaks as if she gives it all. Bad entrance results, was not originally meant to pass.

However, she was born into the dual blades style, and I was moved by her sincerity.

Hopefully she'll be the spark in the new cadets from now on.>>

"What a sensible kid."

"But the good people die first, we're talking about our subject after all."

"Is there anything wrong with this one?"

"Mm. Although her desires and her ancestral blood is outstanding, she hasn't shown the results we expected. Here, have a look at the the practical results list."

"...She beats the stronger kids but loses to the weaker ones. This kid's record is inconsistent."

"That's exactly it. Although she is indeed very hardworking."

"Hm, but there shouldn't be much problems with her. Those who understand the importance of protecting someone are very strong."

"Coming from "Nirvana" Chloe...I have no other option than to believe it."

"Ahaha, please don't be like that. It's not as amazing as you make it out to be, Guardian Leader."

"But, your platoon has produced a lot of talents. In last year's intraschool ranking, your platoon scored a sparkling first amongst the A-ranked platoons. Now that your platoon is graded S-- Special Platoons aren't at that low a standard to participate in this year's ranking... Well, apart from that guy."

"Are you talking about... Kanata?"

"Yes. That traitor Kanata Age."

"..."

"It was fine when he was the ace of the S128 platoon. While he always made those eye-catching, heroic personal decisions which showed his lack of cooperativeness, he still gained a lot of repute in the city. But... Kanata Age went AWOL during the placement match which decided whether his platoon would be promoted to an S-rank. He didn't attend any of the special missions after that, and he seems to be helping Logistics now. Among comrades he is still regarded as a traitor."

"No problem. As we disccussed, my team was successfully promoted to a special platoon. And, I trust Kanata."

"Well...Forget it. This kid is the last one that I want to entrust to the instructor you select out of your platoon."

<<Name: Misora Whitale

Test Details: Preliminary Year 1 Prep Course Practical Test (Solo Vanguard)

Simulated battles against fellow students: 0 wins 57 losses

Overall Remark: Will succeed if she tries hard.

Test Details: Preliminary Year 1 Prep Course Supplementary Practical Test (Solo Vanguard)

Simulated battles against fellow students: 0 wins 10 losses (67 consecutive losses)

Overall Remark: I believe she will succeed if she keeps on trying.

Test Details: Year 1 Prep Course Practical Test (Solo Vanguard)

Simulated battles against fellow students: 0 wins 57 losses (124 consecutive losses)

Overall Remark: For all you know she might not even be able to pass this stage with hard work

Test Details: Year 1 Prep Course Supplementary Practical Test (Solo Vanguard)

Simulated battles against fellow students: 0 wins 10 losses (134 consecutive losses)

Overall Remark: ...Recommendation to drop out>>

"Hm...This kid's future is hanging in the balance."

"That's the case. I heard she wants to be a Magic Gunblade User, but her movements are too slow. If we place her at the frontlines against the insects, she'll be the first to fall."

"Magical Gunblade... Her choice of weaponry is certainly behind the times."

"I agree. That weapon reminds me of that traitorous Kanata, so I don't really want to talk about it... Ah, we're digressing. Let's go back to our original point. The team that these three form - E601 is the weakest even among the other E-ranked teams. The intra school ranking battles have started for a month, and they are currently on a 10 consecutive loss streak. Because they're the runt of the pile, they're even being called the "F-ranked" team. That's why in order to lift them up, I hope to be able to borrow some of the strength from your team."

"...It would be hard to let a normal instructor guide them. Mm, but if you're asking me to pick a suitable candidate to be an instructor from among my platoon members..."

"Before that, let me inform you that I am asking you, Chloe Sevigny, in my official capacity as the Guardian Leader. You have no right to refuse."

"But...ah!--Sorry. Before that, I have something I wish to clarify first."

"Let me hear it."

"Will the member I recommend be selected to act as an instructor?"

"If its from the special platoon led by "Nirvana", then I would bet my pride on it. So, who will it be? If it were up to me, I would want it to be either you or the vice-captain Yuuri Frostall. Because if this goes on, then when these kids go out for a real battle, the chances of them not coming back are high."

"In that case, I recommend Kanata."

"...Uh...Ummm, Could you repeat that?"

"Kanata Age."

"--I refuse!"

"But I won't back down on this."

"Why? Why that traitorous Kanata Age? You're also one of the people he betrayed!"

"But, the person I nominate will be appointed by the guardian leader."

"... Let me listen to your reasoning."

"Well, my reason is..."