About

There were two students who vied for the top spot at the Empire's largest magic academy. Arete Viche and Guest. They were called the greatest rivals in the academy's history. When Arete took first place, Guest took second, and when Guest took first, Arete took second. There was no such thing as 'friendly competition' between them. It wasn't a healthy rivalry where they pushed each other to grow; it was more like a blood feud where they simply wanted the other to fail. They essentially loathed each other. Shortly after both graduated at the top of their class, war broke out. Without hesitation, both volunteered for the front lines and achieved great distinction there. About three months into the war, Arete was cornered by an enemy ambush. She held her ground for a while, but under the endless assault, she ran out of mana and could no longer attack. Just as an enemy blade was about to take her life, she was saved by Guest. In that moment, Arete hugged her hated rival Guest and burst into tears. Overwhelmed by the relief of surviving, she had instinctively clung to Guest for saving her life. One month later, at a banquet celebrating the victory, the two meet again.