Prologue

"Okay, everybody ready?!"

"Yeah, my armor's been polished to a brilliant sheen! And as you can see, I've honed my beloved great sword. This is going to be good!" Darkness, clad in full armor and brandishing a brand-new blade, stood at attention outside our mansion. She seemed incredibly excited.

I was careful not to forget to check myself, too. In addition to my usual equipment, I had a backpack stuffed with magical items and scrolls (money talks, even here).

"Hey, Darkness. How about you give up using a sword already and just fight with your fists?" suggested Aqua, armed with a backpack like mine.

"Great idea, Aqua. Maybe I should test them on you. Get over here!" That sent Aqua scuttling for cover.

It was early morning, and most of us were excited, with the exception of Megumin, who had packed pretty light.

"…Why is it that you are all so fired up about this? As a point of fact, you may remember that Crimson Magic Village has stores, too. I don't think you need quite so much luggage…" "Hey, c'mon! These are the trials we're talking about. The trials! Crimson Magic Clan wizards are the elite of the elite! When it comes to fighting for the right to lead them, there is no such thing as overpreparing!"

I was feeling excited, but Megumin just frowned, obviously concerned…