V3Ch25: Gods’ Test Results

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Translator: Soafp

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The mid-term exams ended.

This time, I felt more confident than during the final exams.

The reason for my good performance was clear. It was because I studied hard with Shion. I couldn’t slack off in front of her, so I was able to concentrate on studying.

Now, let’s talk about the gods.

Akazawa was far more focused than ever before. Her determination for this test was stronger than it had been before. She didn’t talk to anyone and was quietly studying, which left a strong impression. As seen from the incident with Renji, she seemed to be quite confident.

Aoyama, however, was much more laid-back compared to before. She was streaming and even playing games, not holding back at all. She had no intention of continuing as the Goddess, and it seemed like she wasn’t even planning on competing. From my perspective, it was more familiar to see her messing around before the test.

The one who caught everyone’s attention was Kuromine, but I hadn’t seen her at work lately. I had reduced my own shifts, but it seemed like Kuromine had reduced hers even more. I heard she had been distancing herself from her group at school and focusing entirely on her studies. She had put in a lot of effort, so the results would be interesting.

Shirase, as usual, was the same. According to her, she had been giving her all, but because of her natural demeanor, she didn’t seem to be putting in as much effort as others. Whenever I passed by, she would greet me with a smile, and she still gave off the vibe of a small, noble lady.

Renji, who was facing the challenge of the goddess, had been in frequent contact with me. He was the same as always, casually sending messages, so I wasn’t worried. He even remembered the bet we made and was looking forward to eating with my money.

The names of the top 30 students were posted on the bulletin board, just like with the final exams.

There was already a crowd gathered in front of the board for the second-year results.

This time, I hadn’t stirred things up, but the results were still a big deal. And of course, I was curious about my own results.

“…It’s almost time.”

During the final exams, Mahiro had been nervous, but with Aoyama withdrawing, her energy seemed to be low. It seemed like she wasn’t too interested in the outcome of the competition.

“Mahiro, how do you feel about your performance?”

“Thanks to that study session, I managed to pull myself together, but I think I did worse than last time.”

“…I see.”

As we were talking, the teacher arrived and the test results were posted.

I anxiously looked through the crowd, scanning from the bottom upwards, trying to find my name.

25th: Mahiro Nazuka

Mahiro’s name appeared a little lower than last time.

“I guess this result can’t be helped.”

“…Don't worry about it.”

“I'm not too shocked, so it's fine. Well, I should just be happy that I managed to stay in the top 30. My score didn't drop much.”

“Yeah, that’s a pretty good ranking.”

It seemed that Mahiro had lost some focus because of the Aoyama incident. It couldn't be helped, and his concentration was understandably affected.

I continued scanning the rankings.

As I searched, my anxiety grew because I hadn’t found my name yet.

10th: Shota Nijitani

“Whoa!”

I let out an unexpected noise.

I had made it into the top 10. Although I was confident, it was still a surprising result. I was so shocked that I started doing a victory pose repeatedly.

“That’s amazing, Shota!”

“I’m surprised too!”

“We did it!”

“Yeah, we did!”

In a good mood, I continued checking the rankings.

“…Is Aoyama's name not there?”

I heard a murmur from next to me.

It seemed that Aoyama hadn't made it into the top 30 this time. If she didn't study, this outcome was inevitable. Last time was probably just a fluke.

I elegantly ignored Mihiro’s comment and continued scanning.

6th: Sato Yuma
5th: Iino Yuki
4th: Mayuki Shirase

Shirase appeared next. She had dropped in ranking compared to last time. This meant that Akazawa must have surpassed her. That was surprising.

Just then, I noticed the murmurs around me.

There must have been a big upset. I gulped and slowly raised my gaze.

3rd: Renji Inuyama
2nd:Yuuhi Akazawa

And in first place, the one who claimed the glory was “Tsukiyo Kuromine”

“….”

“Wow, what an upset!”

Someone yelled upon seeing the results.

Renji had lost.

He had been the top scorer in every test since last year. He had never lost, even in middle school, as far as I knew.

This was the cause of the excitement around us.

“…Wait, look at the score!”

Mahiro said as I stood there dumbfounded.

“Huh?”

“Look at Kuromine-san's score.”

Next to the rankings, the score was listed. Kurofune had gotten a perfect score.

A perfect score… Seriously?

“…Wait, wait, a perfect score?”

“That’s amazing.”

“Yeah, seriously.”

“Even Inuyama-kun couldn't compete with a perfect score. I was shocked that he lost, but with a score like that, it makes sense.”

After double-checking the scores, I realized that Renji hadn't been in bad form. His score was almost identical to his final exam score.

I looked around, still in shock.

Aoyama wasn't present. It seemed she hadn't even considered placing in the top ranks, as she didn't even show her face. It was actually kind of admirable in its way.

The small Shirase was standing on tiptoe to check the rankings, visibly shocked by the results. Well, more accurately, it was the score that surprised her, not the ranking.

Next to her, I spotted Nekoda, jumping up and down.

“That’s amazing, Yuuhi!”

“I worked hard this time, but I wanted to be number one.”

“But you’re second! That’s your best rank so far!”

Akazawa seemed a bit complicated about being second, but she was clearly happy to have beaten Renji. Nekoda, with a smile on her face, hugged her, and Akazawa grinned back.

The most excited group, however, was the one further back.

“As expected of you, Tsukiyo-sama!”

“You’re incredible, Kuromine-san!”

“You did it, Onee-sama!”

For some reason, Shion was mixed in with them, but I chose to pretend I hadn't noticed. I wanted to tell her to check her own ranking, but the test was already over, so it didn't matter now.

Kuromine nodded as she looked at her test results. She didn't seem shocked by her perfect score. She probably knew it was nothing out of the ordinary for her.

“Hey, Shota.”

“What's up?”

“Look over there.”

There, surrounded by girls, was Renji. There was no excitement, and the atmosphere felt more like a wake.

“…”

Renji had his mouth slightly open, an expression of utter despair. It was a look I'd never seen before, completely overtaken by hopelessness.

As his friend, I didn't say anything and quietly walked away from the scene.

---

Afterward, the news of the male god's defeat spread quickly.

…This was going to cause quite a stir.

I thought to myself, but then new information spread, and the buzz took a different direction.

“….”

Yes, both the male god, Renji Inuyama, and the black goddess, Tsukiyo Kuromine, had withdrawn from the Tenka Contest.