Chapter 74 – ７４ – Beware of Sweet Words

Sports Festival Arc

“Now, let’s start with the first topic. Since the debut matches have concluded, sponsorship and scouting activities targeting the students have officially been lifted. As a result, some of you have likely already received various offers.”

This was true.

I had received plenty of those kinds of messages on my Masutter; in fact, it had become such a hassle that I’d asked Suzu and the others to help me filter through them.

“However, among those making such offers, there are almost always a few unscrupulous individuals every year. Therefore, whenever you receive an offer and proceed to an interview, negotiation, or contract, I want you to make sure to consult the academy’s Foreign Affairs Department for verification and advice. Otherwise, you risk being forced into an unfair contract.”

“There are actually people like that?”

“There are. Even among the ones sent to Naru, there were a few suspicious cases.”

“O-oh…”

Apparently, this wasn’t just someone else’s problem.

“Let me give you a few examples.”

With that, Mr. Ajitori explained unfair contracts using real-life cases.

Actually, some of the stories overlapped with the explanations we’d heard about Duelists.

Being beaten to a pulp in a duel was the better end of it; the rest involved debt spirals and exploitation by black companies.

But beyond that, darker stories emerged—cases of being dragged into criminal activity, or male students being raped.

It was genuinely terrifying.

“That is why you must coordinate with the professionals in the Foreign Affairs Department. In particular, anyone who attempts to negotiate with a student directly without going through the academy is definitely ‘black.’ Do not, under any circumstances, think you can handle it on your own. If you suspect anything, report it to the academy immediately. In the name of Duel Academy, we will ensure you are rescued.”

We nodded obediently to Mr. Ajitori’s words.

That said, as seen with my duel with Ms. Morikuni, if things are framed legally to serve national interests, the academy might not be able to help. I’d need to maintain my own vigilance.

“Next topic. Regarding the upcoming class schedule. Ms. Tarui.”

“…Yes.”

Ms. Tarui posted a chart-like document on the blackboard.

“As you can see, from Tuesday to Thursday, you will be expected to act independently, either for basic training or adjustments for duels. You’re free to slack off, but remember that any debt incurred by laziness will be collected in actual combat, so make sure you practice diligently.”

“…Fridays are open for first-year duels. Matchmaking is determined by a system set by the academy. For first-years… roughly speaking, you will be required to duel once a month.”

I see.

Mondays are for meetings, like we’re doing now.

Tuesdays through Thursdays are basically for adjustments and practice.

Fridays are for either challenging a duel or spectating others.

That seemed to be the format.

Additionally, it seemed that third-years would mostly duel on Monday or Tuesday afternoons, and second-years on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons.

Naturally, the seniors’ tactics and strategies were more impressive to watch, and since “Squad Battles” were also held, spectating their duels was considered a valid option for studying.

“…Of course, you may also use the stages on other days to duel. However, if you wish for those results to be reflected in your grades, you must obtain permission from all participants and submit an application to the academy in advance. Please do not forget this.”

“If it’s not reflected in your grades, it’s considered a Mock Duel. As a teacher, I recommend this for practical combat practice if the stages are empty.”

Furthermore, during those open slots, serious duels like the one between Fuchibeni and me sometimes took place.

Also, for some reason, students were occasionally chosen as proxies for duels between corporations, meaning corporate battles sometimes happened within the academy.

In those cases, the level of intensity changed, and notifications were sent via Masutter, so interested students would go to watch.

“Now, as I mentioned, Mondays are for meetings… but actually, once this week’s meeting ends, the next time we will meet in this classroom with this specific group will be after the Sports Festival.”

“Huh?”

“…This will also happen before and after the Culture Festival. This is because for these events, students act according to their respective dormitories, and you will need to use this time to hold discussions within your own dorm. Therefore, until after the Sports Festival, Monday meeting times will be spent gathering in the meeting rooms of each dormitory.”

“Ah, I see.”

“So, make sure you don’t go to the wrong place starting next week. Well, as long as you check your Masutter properly, it shouldn’t be an issue.”

At this point… I felt like I’d figured a few things out.

Why we were seated by dormitory, why the top overall students from each dorm were invited, and why the top students were grouped with those who had A-Rank Magic Capacity.

But if that’s the case, even for the Masquerade classes from Tuesday to Thursday, I’ll have to prepare for both duels and the festival.

It sounds pretty busy—or rather, exhausting.

“Now, as most of you have probably guessed, the third topic is the Sports Festival.”

The chart on the blackboard was peeled off and replaced with another.

“To reiterate, for the Sports Festival, you will be divided by dormitory. And basically, those of you in this room will be the ones commanding the first-years of each dorm. I want you to cooperate with the representatives of the second and third-years and do your best to lead your respective dorms to victory.”

Yep, it was exactly as I thought.

I mean, I can see it for Ms. Morikuni or Kibitsu, but it’s impossible for people like me or Tokuto to command anyone.

At best, we’d just be figureheads…

“That’s why I’m here, Naru.”

“Ah, yes.”

Yeah, I realized that even without her saying it.

I’ll use my Masquerade and act as the ace, boosting morale by performing well in the events.

I don’t know what kind of events there are, but that’s probably all that’s expected of me.

As for the actual commanding, I should leave that to Suzu and the two from Inui Dormitory sitting in front of me.

And most likely, the same goes for Tokuto and the others.

Suzu had spoken as if she’d naturally read my mind, but since it’s Suzu, it’s only natural that she’d guess what I was thinking. It wasn’t surprising.

“The Duel Academy’s Sports Festival basically utilizes the Masquerade. The events are broadcast externally via television. Many sponsors attach themselves to it. In other words, without needing to think twice, it is a venue where performing well will make you stand out.”

“…Additionally, it is a place where duels are held under special rules not normally used. It is a precious opportunity to familiarize yourselves with such special rules, so please make the most of it.”

Returning to the point.

A Sports Festival utilizing the Masquerade.

It would be flashy and draw the eyes of many.

Which meant it would be the perfect stage to show off the beauty of my Masked Form.

I’ll have to be careful about the Cast Off, but… yeah, I’m starting to look forward to it.

“That concludes today’s meeting. After this… well, at the very least, make sure you finish introducing yourselves and exchanging contact information with those from your own dorm. It’s a pain if you forget.”

“…Then, the teachers will excuse ourselves. Detailed pages regarding the Sports Festival have been posted on Masutter, so please check them.”

And so, today’s meeting ended.

After Suzu and I gave a brief greeting to Ms. Morikuni and the others, we immediately moved to a suitable classroom along with the two from Inui Dormitory.