I reincarnated as one of the Three Stooges in a fantasy world.

Chapter 12

Practical Combat

Elaris, president of the student council, rank 5 of the first year, a hidden elven princess, a great hater of Serenya and the Three Stooges.

At least that's what she's supposed to be, not smiling like that around us. That smile is the fakest I've ever seen in my life.

Elaris was sitting beside Enrico, smiling and looking at the arena, while Serenya sat next to her, keeping watch.

Enrico had accepted her joining them with Serenya's permission, who hadn't taken her eyes off Elaris.

Looking down, he saw the three warming up for a quick fight.

Elian, Caelan, and Tolen didn't have any unique abilities to awaken like Enrico's body, but the three would be useful—especially Tolen, who would help the protagonist in the future against an evil god.

Good thing they agreed to the training.

Tolen – rank 105

Elian – rank 102

Caelan – rank 101

All of them were close to reaching rank 100—unlike the original Enrico, who cheated to reach rank 103.

If I analyze it closely, at my current level, I'd be ranked somewhere between 130–135.

They finished warming up. It would be a free-for-all battle between the three. Enrico raised his hand and then lowered it.

"Begin."

"Let's finish this quickly," Elian muttered, disappearing like a breeze.

Tolen widened his eyes at the speed and activated his Fire Vision

automatically, the magic channeling into his retinas.

Fire Eyes—A spell that consumes 3 mana per second. Since it's zero-circle, it uses little, but that increases with each circle, along with directional improvement. I really want it.

Enrico watched the battle, thinking of asking Tolen to teach it to him later.

"There!"

A tiny explosion erupted on the ground, redirecting Elian with a shockwave.

Elian propelled himself with the wind and spun in the air, dodging at the last second. But he spun too much and nearly lost balance on landing.

"Tsk. That was close."

Caelan didn't wait. His clasped hands glowed.

"Cutting Water!"

A silver-blue jet slashed across the field.

Tolen jumped to the side, using another explosion for momentum.

But he wasn't fast enough. The edge of the jet struck his leg, tearing the fabric and leaving a dark, steaming gash.

"Damn… I'm already below half mana."

Elaris watched attentively.

"They're good for their ranks."

"Of course they are. Two of them are my subordinates. And just so you know, Enrico is too."

Serenya suspected Elaris came to steal her subordinates. My subordinates won't fall for that face of hers.

Elian appeared behind Caelan, his daggers wrapped in wind.

"Wind Slash!"

Caelan activated his water dome.

The blades clashed against the water shield, which trembled but held. Still, the impact pushed Caelan back. Water splashed from the shield as Elian spun mid-air to continue the pressure. Caelan roared, activating a second dome instantly.

Now within a double layer, he prepared another blast. The field was already damp, making his moves even more precise.

Tolen dropped to his knees at the corner of the field, panting.

I can't win in a direct fight… So…

He spread the last of his mana through the ground. Tiny invisible sparks settled like traps.

Elian dashed across the field at high speed using Wind Step.

Tolen triggered the first explosion, and Elian's body spun in the air, losing balance for a moment. That was enough for Caelan to fire another water jet. The blast collided with the stream, creating a thick vapor cloud, and Elian fell, injured, breathing heavily.

Tolen stood, panting, eyes dull—his mana depleted. Caelan approached, his body surrounded by water, another blast forming in his hands.

"Give up, Tolen."

"No… there's still… one more…"

But it was a lie. He couldn't even move. Caelan readied the final blow—until a shadow appeared between them.

"That's enough."

Enrico's voice cut through the field.

Everyone stopped. Even without mana, Tolen nearly fell to his knees again—not from exhaustion, but from relief.

"This ends the training. I don't want you all getting seriously hurt."

They were all soaked in sweat, wounded, and panting.

Caelan wiped blood from his brow.

Elian leaned on one of his daggers to stay upright.

Tolen simply laid down, staring at the sky.

Enrico now looked at Serenya and Elaris.

"Now it's our turn."

"No, I will face her alone."

Enrico raised an eyebrow at Serenya.

"But—"

"I want to as well," Elaris answered, smiling.

Enrico looked at the two staring each other down. Right… In the original story, they hated each other. I know I'll lose to her, so I just wanted to see the power difference between us.

"Alright, but don't get too hurt, Serenya."

"She's the one who's going to get hurt."

"Idio— I mean, Lady Serenya, don't forget Lady Elaris is rank 5."

Serenya pouted, and Enrico bowed his head in apology. The two headed to the center of the arena while the three sat on the bleachers, and Enrico joined them.

At the very least, maybe this will make Serenya want to improve even more.

They stared each other down. Enrico did the same.

"Begin."

"Control Concentration."

Immediately, Serenya used control magic on the ground, cracking it and unbalancing Elaris for a second. Elaris whistled.

Using control magic on herself, she launched forward and landed a double kick, which Elaris blocked with both arms but was sent flying.

Serenya raised her hand, stopping Elaris midair and pulling her back, preparing a punch with control magic to speed it up.

As the punch neared, Elaris smiled, and an ice wall defended her.

Serenya's hand bled, and she winced in pain—then an ice pillar struck her stomach, lifting her, and another from above slammed into her back.

Too fast. I can't defend.

Serenya, for a moment, tried to grab a column with control magic, but it shattered and she kept falling.

An ice-covered foot struck her chin, and then a clawed ice hand grabbed her face and slammed it into the ground, creating a crater. Then it stepped on her and seemed ready for another strike.

"That's enough."

Enrico jumped from the bleachers, looking serious at her, the other three behind him. He lifted Serenya slightly and saw her struggling to breathe.

"Sorry, I think I overdid it. But I wonder—this is really the person you serve?"

Elaris wasn't smiling anymore—her face was completely serious. But without hesitation, Enrico looked at her.

"Yes, she is."

Elaris was surprised for a moment, then smiled again.

"How enviable. And sorry again. When she wakes up, I'll apologize immediately."

"You better."

Elian and Caelan glared at her angrily. Tolen's face was tense.

"Why are you talking like I'm unconscious? I'm still awake."

Everyone looked at her, surprised, and Enrico smiled.

"Of course. I expected no less from our leader."

Elian nodded quickly in agreement.

"Yes, that's right! You're the best, my lady!"

Caelan clapped to cheer her up while Tolen smiled a little.

Elaris watched it all and thought, So loyal… She clenched her hand behind her back and bowed.

"My apologies, Lady Malquess. It was my fault."

Serenya leaned on Enrico's shoulder.

"Hmph… Since I'm mature, I'll forgive you just this once."

Enrico and Elaris looked at her, surprised as she smiled.

That's it, Enrico thought, remembering the words he gave her.

"But don't think I'll give up. Next time, I'll be the winner."

All four beside her smiled.

Elaris sighed and gave a nearly genuine smile. If she were still the same as before, I wouldn't feel like this.

"Alright. And Enrico, I'm sorry for showing such an embarrassing side of myself. Next time, I won't be like that."

Enrico looked at her.

"Next time, come with a real smile, and maybe I'll trust you a little more."

Elaris was surprised again. He knew? Then she let out a huff.

"Alright, alright. You four got me. I didn't think you'd change this much."

She walked past Enrico and whispered,

"You all interest me… but the one whose true power I want to see is you."

Enrico was surprised as she walked away. What does she mean? Didn't she already see my full power?

"I knew it. That elf came to steal my subordinates. I won't forgive her!"

A dark aura surrounded Serenya as everyone tried to calm her down.

[What did I miss? I stepped away for a second and now you all look so happy… Enrico, answer me… hey…]