Chapter 85 – ８５ – Sports Festival Finalized

Sports Festival Arc

Monday afternoon.

The first-year students of the Inui Dormitory had gathered in the meeting room to finalize who would participate in each event of the Sports Festival.

“Alright, we’ll start the meeting now. First, here is a summary of everyone’s requests as of last week.”

A table summarizing everyone’s preferences was posted. Events with too many applicants or those with no volunteers were outlined in red.

“Now, Mr. Midorikawa.”

“Ah, yeah, I get it. I’m fine, Mr. Suwa.”

For the former, the parties involved would discuss it, and those willing to concede would move to other events. It was an unwritten rule shared among the first-years that if one conceded here, they would be given priority and flexibility in their requests for other events.

While the Inui Dormitory tended toward strong individualism, it was precisely for that reason that overly selfish behavior was suppressed. Everyone understood that those who acted that way would find themselves without cooperation when they actually needed it.

“I’m the only first-year in Inui who meets the qualifications for the 10,000m footrace. So, I’m the only one who can run it. That’s how it is, right?”

“I’m glad you understand. Oh, and of course, don’t push yourself too hard. Since I’m forcing you to participate, it’s only natural that I’ll accept whatever the result may be.”

And so, for the latter—the 10,000m footrace, an event with no volunteers—it was decided that Naru would compete.

Incidentally, for Suwa, Shishiwashi, Suzu, and the rest of the Inui Dormitory’s intellectual core, this had been a foregone conclusion since last week. Running 10,000 meters while maintaining an active Masquerade was not something that could be achieved simply by chance or by changing a Device.

The reason they waited until this meeting to make the actual change was to allow for the possibility that some first-year might have a sudden awakening of talent and become faster than Naru, or to let Naru put on a performance showing that he respected Suwa’s intentions.

“Right then. Let’s narrow down the other events.”

Thus, while engaging in a farce where no one actually lost out, the participants for each event were steadily decided. It went without saying that Suzu and the others had been laying the groundwork behind the scenes leading up to this day; that was precisely why it was a farce where no one suffered.

“Alright, we’ll consider this final. If you wish to make changes, you have until two weeks before the Sports Festival. Please let me—Suwa—or Ms. Shishiwashi know. However, if you want to enter an event that is already full, it will become a matter for a Duel unless it’s a direct swap, so please keep that firmly in mind.”

Everyone nodded at Suwa’s words. That said, even if there were minor changes, it was unlikely that things would escalate into a conflict requiring a Duel. This current peace existed precisely because they had laid the groundwork to ensure that wouldn’t happen.

“Well, everything’s settled smoothly.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“I’m glad there weren’t any arguments.”

“It was worth putting in the effort to coordinate with everyone, was it not?”

The events Naru and the others would participate in were as follows:

Naru: 10,000m, Forced Breakthrough, Special Duel (Pro Wrestling)

Suzu: Curved Race, Discus Throw, Special Duel (Pro Wrestling)

Ichi: Stepping Stones, Target Shooting, Scavenger Race

Marie: Dance, Javelin Throw, Scavenger Race

“Marie’s events changed quite a bit.”

“It feels like she took the brunt of the adjustments. Then again, these events were not a great match for Marie to begin with. I will just have her do her best in moderation.”

“Suzu, you’re in Pro Wrestling? Are you sure? To be honest, the rules aren’t exactly a good fit for you.”

“Hmm, I’ll manage. As long as I can secure time for compounding, I should be able to fight.”

While Suwa and the others announced general practice methods, how to reserve practice areas, and future schedules, Naru and his group exchanged their thoughts. Those around them didn’t mind. They weren’t speaking loudly enough to disrupt the announcements, and there was a common understanding that the four of them already knew what Suwa was announcing.

“Oh, that’s right. Naru. Since we’re in the same event, I’ll tell you this much: don’t hold back.”

“You don’t have to tell me. Once I step into a Duel, I give it my all, regardless of the opponent.”

“Hehe, as expected of Naru.”

“A fine mindset for a Duelist.”

“Indeed. How wonderful.”

Don’t hold back.

Naru nodded back without a shred of hesitation at Suzu’s words, and Suzu accepted his response with a delighted look. One might wonder if that was okay, but Duels using Masquerades generally didn’t result in life-and-death struggles, nor did gender differences play a role. Therefore, regardless of whether one could respond without hesitation, Naru’s answer was a standard one.

“That concludes today’s meeting. Dismissed.”

With Suwa’s declaration, the meeting ended. The group dispersed. As the students left the room to attend to their own business, and as Naru and the others followed, Suzu wore a smile on her face.

“Hehe, hehehehe. I’m so glad it went well. It was worth the effort of talking to the other volunteers to make sure Naru participated in Pro Wrestling. Now all I have to do is make sure I don’t lose during the actual festival. Then, naturally… hehehe, I’ll be alone with Naru on stage, and Naru will be thinking only of me. What a wonderful time that will be.”

There were no longer any other figures in the room. The dismissal had proceeded with a speed that was almost unnatural.

“If you challenge a fight only to lose, there is no meaning in doing so. Do you truly believe you have a chance against that man, who possesses such remarkable Goddess’s Grace? If not, my grace…”

“Shut up. I appreciate the crowd clearing out, but could you stop interrupting someone while they’re basking in their own joy?”

“Shut up? I…”

“Don’t worry, I have a chance to win. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have challenged Naru to a Duel. Throwing myself pointlessly into a fight I can’t win would only make Naru hate me. But it’s not a guaranteed victory either. After all, it’s Naru. For a Goddess who doesn’t even understand Naru properly, could you stop saying strange things? Hehehe, whether he moves as I expect or not, I’ll get to see the wonderful Naru up close. I’m so happy… Oh, and I don’t need any Grace. Or rather, don’t interfere with the Duel. If you interfere with my tryst with Naru, even if you are the Goddess called Abyss… I won’t forgive you.”

“…”

“I’ll say this for now: since you’ve helped me, I’ll cooperate as much as I can. But that’s my limit. If you want more than that, shouldn’t you first deal with those insolent fools claiming to be your Apostles? Otherwise, I can’t even call myself your believer.”

No, in truth, it had been unnatural. Because it was unnatural, Suzu replied to the voice that echoed only for her, and then left the room.

She brushed off the extraordinary whispers of a non-human being as if they were nothing more than ordinary words.