Chapter 95: Competitive meet Part 1

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Translator: Soafp

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Every October, a competition called the “Tournament” is held, where students compete against each other in various activities, essentially like a sports festival.

The schedule spans two days. On the first day, there are class competitions within the Knight, Mage, and Commercial Departments, and on the second day, the representatives who advanced from each department compete against each other. Ultimately, the winner is chosen as the top student of the academy.

Starting from noon, the school closes down as the students become too exhausted for productive study.

The competition consists of seven events:

— Physical Enhancement: This event tests the students’ athletic abilities while under physical enhancement. Specifically, it includes events like weightlifting, the 100-meter dash, and long jumps.

— Magic: This event assesses the students’ magical abilities. It includes tasks like hitting targets with magic and precision-based challenges.

Winning any of the above six events earns one point each, while the simulated battle event is worth ten points. Whoever came up with this system clearly wasn’t very bright. Even if a student wins all six events, they’d only have six points, while the simulated battle alone is worth ten points. It seems like there’s a lack of balance.

However, it’s evident that there are some smart individuals who understand this, as the simulated battle is not only too brutal but also leaves only one person from each class eligible to participate.

The main objective of this event, “the lack of interaction with other departments or classes,” is somewhat neglected. While the Commercial Department mainly enjoys the event, using it as an opportunity to scout talent, the Knight and Mage Departments take it seriously. Both departments boast about their respective combat abilities—knights with swords and mage users with spells.

On this day, students discard their usual gentlemanly or ladylike facades and instead engage in heated exchanges resembling those of cheap taverns.

Naturally, the representative for each class is typically the top performer in the S class. However, on this occasion, a tearful S class top performer arrived at the D class’s doorstep.

“And that’s the situation.”

Said Olivia, the top performer from the S class, in tears.

“And?”

“Didn’t you hear what I said? If things continue like this, I’ll have to face Elphus!”

Since summer vacation, Olivia had stopped addressing El with a formal title, and he, in turn, also dropped the formalities.

“El would go easy on you, wouldn’t he?”

“Aldo…did you hear what I just said? If I lose to the Knight Department, it’s bad enough, but if I’m completely defeated, in front of the Mage Department’s teachers, students, and alumni, my life will be in danger.”

“Your life?”

“Yes, if I die, they’ll select a different participant next year…”

“Is this event really that brutal?”

“Yes. Even if you lose, you must put up a good fight…”

“….”

“….”

Olivia brought up this issue as we were beginning our self-practice after afternoon classes.

It’s understandable that Lewis would intervene, considering her sister’s life is at stake.

“Aldo, if what she said is true, I want you to help Olivia.”

“Is there anything I can do about it?”

“Can’t you become the representative for the D class?”

“That’s not up to me. Not to boast, but I came in last in the entrance exams. The other students in the D class won’t agree to it.”

From those who were still at school to Olivia, Lewis, Nero, Faristea, and Anna-sensei, they all had the same look on their faces, wondering what I was talking about… utterly puzzled.

“Aldo-kun, I’ve made up my mind. You’re going to be the representative for the D class!”

Anna-sensei stood up slowly, pointing her finger at me as she made the announcement.

“Me, a representative?”

It must have seemed puzzling to those around me, wondering why I wasn’t considering myself for the role, especially since I teach physical enhancement and non-verbal magic to Lewis and Nero…

For some reason, I became the representative for the D class, but if I was going to do it, I’d do it seriously and aim to win.

However, I had no idea about the competition. First things first, I needed to gather information!

“Anna-sensei, when is the competition going to be held?”

“It’s in a week. Didn’t I mention it in the announcements right after summer vacation ended?”

“…I didn’t hear about it.”

“Haa… Wasn’t it also mentioned in today’s announcements?”

“…I, I didn’t hear it…”

“Gggrrrrrr………………”

Anna-sensei gritted her teeth… Ah not good… she looks scary…

“I’ll do my best as the representative.”

“…Are you going to fight Elphus seriously?”

“Y-Yes! I’ll fight him seriously!”

Anna-sensei’s face changed from a smirk to a mumble as she looked down.

I strained to hear what she was saying, and she was listing out words that no lady should ever say… and I saw the names of the S class teacher and the principal in there, so it seemed like they were the targets…

In a world with magic like this, it’s easy to feel anxious. Maybe “curses” are real…

After our self-practice ended, an incident occurred as we were heading back to the mansion.

As we were walking down the corridor, a man who seemed like a teacher approached from the opposite side.

“Anna-sensei, are you leaving already?”

The man who spoke was definitely the teacher for the S class. I recognized him from the entrance exam.

“…Suito-sensei, yes, I’m leaving now.”

Her fist was clenched so tightly that I worried she might draw blood.

“The D class has it easy, don’t they? The S class is busy with the selection for the competition.”

Anna-sensei’s eyes gleamed ominously.

“The D class won’t lose this year.”

“Ha? The D class is a joke. Utterly laughable.”

“…”

“I’ve heard they’ve been practicing diligently every day, but what are they really up to?”

He looked around at us and gave us a condescending look.

“These kids are seriously practicing on their own. They should show results in the class competition.”

“Make the most of your pointless efforts. The S class doesn’t care about class competitions.”

“Guh… Th-This year’s top student in the knight department seems to have considerable combat abilities…”

“So, even the D class knows about the students from other departments.”

It was a natural exchange of sarcasm… I never want to work in such an environment in the future! I’m going bald just thinking about it!!

Before my inner thoughts slipped out, I addressed Anna-sensei.

“Anna-sensei, it’s about time we go…”

She seemed to comply with my words. Anna-sensei spoke as if it was her last word.

“Yes, you’re right. Let’s leave the ones troubled by losing the top spot behind and go.”

“Well, Run…”

I didn’t want to hear whatever he was saying. Without looking back, I quickly walked away.

Competition Day

“Aldo-kun, please be sure not to go too hard. Remember, no killing allowed,”

Anna suddenly said something terrible to me. What does she think of me?

“Yes, I’ll be careful.”

Under the scrutiny of the entire class, the other contestants and I headed towards the training ground.

The training ground was where we took our entrance exams. It was like enlarging a gymnasium court and covering it with soil. The audience surrounded the training ground.

Not all students gathered here. Each department had several dedicated training grounds, and today they were selecting representatives from each department. First-year students would compete here.

In the center of the training ground, a stage for simulated battles was set up. Around it were spaces for weightlifting, 100-meter dash, long jump, penetration, shooting, and luggage carrying competitions.

By the way, non-simulated events seemed to rotate among the participants. Since they didn’t affect the outcome, everyone seemed to enjoy them like a sports festival.

However, backstage at the simulated battle stage, the contestants were subtly restraining each other, and a tense atmosphere prevailed.

Amidst this tension, Suito-sensei, the S-class homeroom teacher, climbed onto the platform at the front of the training ground.

“We’re starting the class competition from now. I want you all to compete fairly and squarely. Please be careful not to get injured. Let’s begin!”

Cheers echoed as we started with drawing lots to determine the matches.

The contestants for the simulated battles naturally drew lots first. Olivia was the representative for the S class. Unlike when she came crying the other day, she stood tall and straight now.

Perhaps it was the effect of a bath; she looked 50% more beautiful compared to the other ladies around her.

It seemed it was my turn to draw lots last… Even though there were only three left.

I pulled out the number 3 card and handed it to the staff member.

It seems that the competition is progressing in a tournament format. However, it appears that D class and B class have one more match than the others, due to the luck of the draw. Oh well.

With the order set, the competitions began in the areas other than the simulated battles.

The first match was between Class S and Class C. I’ve never seen Olivia fight before, so let’s see her in action.

It seems that Suito-Sensei will be the referee. The representative for Class C is a large man equipped with leather armor, a one-handed sword, and a shield. His stance indicates expertise in knightly swordsmanship.

On the other hand, Olivia, representing Class S, is dressed in typical mage attire, with a staff and robe.

As the two stand at opposite ends of the stage, Suito-Sensei asks if both players are ready. After receiving affirmative responses from both, he loudly declares,

“Begin!”

The Class C representative, a commoner named Sabarna, upon hearing the signal, strengthens his body and charges straight towards Olivia.

Just because he’s from the magic department doesn’t mean he only shoots magic from a distance. Some are proficient swordsmen at a level that makes you wonder why they didn’t choose the knight department.

I don’t know Sabarna’s level, but he seems confident enough to step forward with his sword drawn.

While Olivia is a proficient caster of chant magic, she also learned non-chanting magic from the Blue Ring, specializing in ice-based spells.

A wind magic in standby mode floats around Olivia, seemingly protecting her.

As Sabarna approaches Olivia and attempts to bash her with his shield for distraction, Olivia swings her staff, deflecting the bash along with the shield.

It’s not something you’d expect from a woman. Utilizing her body enhancement surpassing that of Sabarna’s, Olivia crushes his technique head-on.

With his shield deflected, Sabarna momentarily exposes himself defenseless. Olivia seizes the opportunity to unleash the wind magic in standby mode onto Sabarna.

Sabarna is blown back about 5 meters and doesn’t move a muscle.

“The winner is Olivia!”

At that moment, Suito-Sensei declares Olivia’s victory, and healers start treating Sabarna.

Looking back at the match, Olivia’s combat was flawless and can be described as a landslide victory.

However, it’s concerning how much she’s been influenced by non-chanting magic and body enhancement from the Blue Ring.

As Olivia, the winner, approaches, I congratulate her.

“Congratulations, Olivia.”

She responds with a somewhat subtle expression.

“It’s all thanks to non-chanting magic and body enhancement.”

“I see.”

“If it weren’t for my time at the Blue Ring, I don’t think I would have won so easily.”

“But it’s your effort, Olivia. It’s your skill.”

“Do you think so?”

“Yes.”

“I won’t have another match until the final, but I’m sure I’ll be fighting you, Aldo.”

“Yeah, that’s right. I’ll make sure not to injure you.”

“Ara, if you’re willing to take responsibility, I wouldn’t mind getting a scratch or two from you.”

“…”

Olivia keeps saying things like that while looking at me…I’m going to misunderstand her, so could you please stop?

Olivia’s match finished, and after a while, it seemed that the next match was ready.

Next up was D class versus B class.

The representative for B class was Petagine. He was equipped with a one-handed sword and shield, likely to employ knightly swordsmanship.

I ascended the stage with the representative from B class. Petagine received grand cheers from his classmates.

However, for me…

“Aldo, don’t hold back!”

“Aldo, don’t kill him!”

“Aldo, please don’t murder!”

These encouraging words—no, these comments that are becoming unbearable—were showered upon me… Am I perceived as a murderer by those around me?

“Ha… What’s with all this…”

As I muttered to myself, Suito-sensei made the announcement.

“Begin!”

Petagine started running towards me, a disdainful smile on his face…

He clearly underestimated me. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this sensation. I feel like I might even start smiling. But I can’t afford to lose. I’m sorry, Petagine.

The moment Petagine raised his one-handed sword, I activated Body Strengthening and closed the distance. I gently brushed my fingers against the back of his neck and then stepped back about five meters.

This interval lasted about five seconds… I don’t think most people accurately followed my movements.

Petagine, who had leaned forward, collapsed, his eyes rolled back in his head.

As the representative of D class, it’s a well-known fact that I ranked last in the entrance exam.

There were rumors circulating behind the scenes that D class had already given up on winning in this tournament because I became their representative. That’s probably why Petagine had that “disdainful smile”…

In case of any mishaps, I applied healing magic to Petagine. Then, I looked at Suito-sensei, expecting to hear my victory declared. However, Suito-sensei just stared at me with a blank expression…

Hey, hurry up and declare my victory. But Suito-sensei continued to stare with that blank expression.

At the point where I was getting tired of waiting, another teacher whispered something to Suito-sensei.

Finally, Suito-sensei declared my victory.

“T-The winner is… D class… The name is…”

There was a long silence, and another teacher whispered to Suito-sensei again.

“T-The winner is D class… Aldo…”

It seems like they thought I would lose because I was from D class. They hadn’t even remembered my name.

Next, I’ll be facing A class. There doesn’t seem to be a need to gather specific information. Why? Because Suito-sensei is standing beside the stage, with his mouth hanging open in bewilderment, just like me.

I’ll take it easy until the next match.