With the warmth of spring came the start of a new school year.

“Congratulations on moving up a grade!”

Teacher Lorl clapped his hands as he entered the classroom, and the students burst into cheers.

Both Rei and I had advanced without issue.

Over the past year, I had somehow earned the mysterious title of “the girl who’s good at magic and strong,” while Rei had captured hearts as “the mysterious little brother.”

“Hey, does Rei really never use magic?”

“But in that one exercise, didn’t his fingers glow just a bit…?”

Apparently, he had a whole circle of secret admirers.

Rei’s only response was a sullen, “I hate this…” which made him retreat even further into himself.

Meanwhile, I had become steadily known as “the Light Magic girl,” thanks to my daily chores, classwork, and little feats of magic.

“Mai, your practical test today was amazing!”

“You have to perform at the culture festival!”

Yes—the Academy’s very first culture festival was about to begin, and I’d been recommended as one of the representatives for the cultural exhibition.

“Wait, me? Isn’t there someone better for this?”

“The teachers all agreed—you’re the only choice!”

Demonstrations, presentations, stage performances—it was shaping up to be a busy event.

But at least Rei was involved, too. Even if he grumbled, “…Fine, I’ll help,” he still joined me in the preparations.

Lately, I’d noticed something: both Rei’s and my mana tanks had grown a lot.

We could use magic for longer, stronger than ever before.

The cheers and support of fans, friends, and classmates were flowing back into us as real power.

It was a feeling very close to what I’d known as a magical girl in my past life—and that alone made me happy.

Then, one day, we were summoned to the headmaster’s office.

“Maikado Mai. Rei. Starting this year, you are hereby recognized as special scholarship students.”

“…Scholarship students?”

The headmaster smiled kindly behind his glasses.

“Your mana capacity, your control, and the influence you have on those around you—all of these are outstanding.”

I glanced to the side and saw Rei looking away, uncomfortable.

…He probably hated the extra attention.

But I knew one thing.

This power isn’t just for us. It exists for the sake of others.

That’s something we learned—both in our past lives, and in this one.

Macikado Mai, age seven.

At the crossroads of culture, friendship, and magic, I took another step forward.

A spring memory of new beginnings.