Volume 3 Chapter 11 Team Battle Tournament II
Elk was talking to the upperclassman who was guiding him.
"Um, do I have to stay here the whole time?"
"That's the rule. You can't see it from here, but outside is really exciting! Your fight and Gambo's fight were super thrilling!"
"Ah... I want to see it."
"I'm sorry. It's to prevent cheating..."
The upperclassman, a girl, put her hands together and winked.
Elk decided to ask something.
"Um, senior."
"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Elena, a second-year. Nice to meet you!"
"Nice to meet you too."
"Nice to meet you! Also, you'll get to see your teammates in the finals. There will be a final battle in the arena. By then, you'll choose the participants yourself and go on stage in front of everyone."
"That sounds really nerve-wracking."
"Maybe. But everyone gets nervous for the new students' matches."
Elena laughed as she tossed her long hair.
Since she was a second-year, Elena must have experienced the martial arts tournament too.
"Did you participate in the martial arts tournament, Senior Elena?"
"Yes. Just in the team battles. My skills aren't for combat, so I didn't join the individual matches... Hehe, are you curious about me?"
"Eh!? Oh, no, I mean, it's just to pass the time... not that!"
Saying "to pass the time" felt rude.
Elk thought about making an excuse, but Elena chuckled.
"It's fine. It must be boring, right? If you want, I can keep you company. But I won't tell you about your opponents, okay?"
"I-I understand."
"Hehe."
Even though she was just a year older, Elena was quite charming.
Since they were talking, Elk decided to ask her about the school.
"Um, Senior Elena. You're aiming to be an adventurer, right?"
"Yeah. This world is full of unknown dungeons. I want to get my adventurer's license, challenge the unknown dungeons, and get treasure! ...Just kidding."
"Ahaha..."
"Well, the treasure is pretty serious, you know? Hey, Elk... do you know what 'Relics' are?"
"Relics? Strange things... sounds dangerous."
"Relics, yes, relics. They're called the treasures of dungeons or 'gifts from the gods.' According to the Adventurer's Agreement, the first person to discover a dungeon's treasure gets to keep it. Even the king can't change this rule."
"Gifts from the gods..."
Is it a gift from Pipina?
Elk tilted his head.
"The 'staff' that Mister Poseidon has is also a dungeon treasure, you know? And everyone from 'Five Stars' has dungeon treasures too. Hmm... I really admire that."
Elena's eyes sparkled.
Just a little, Elk felt interested too.
When he looked at Elena to ask more, she put her hand to her ear.
"Oh dear, that was quick. Also... a reminder about remaining mental energy. It seems the team under Lord Elwood is advancing to the finals."
"......"
"The finals are in 2 hours. After we have lunch and take a break, I'll teleport you to the arena."
"Understood."
Elk quietly replied and bowed his head.
* * *
Two hours later.
After having lunch with Elena and chatting leisurely───... it was time.
Elk prepared his gear and faced Elena.
"Now, I'll teleport you to the arena. The venue is already full of students and teachers, so try not to be nervous."
"Okay."
"Hehe. Fairness is important, but... Elk, do your best!"
"Yes!!"
Elk bowed his head.
Then, the 'Teleportation ball' that Elk held began to shine.
And in an instant, a feeling of floating... followed by a loud cheer.
"""""Waaahhh!!"""""
"Oh... amazing."
"It's the finals, after all."
"Oh!! Finally, we meet!!"
Next to Elk were Gambo and Fine.
Gambo crossed his arms and snorted, while Fine, full of joy, was patting Elk's back so hard she looked like she might cry.
Elk stepped away from Fine and said without hiding his happiness.
"Good job. And congratulations, Gambo."
"Huh?"
"I mean, you won."
"If you're saying that, you did too. Besides, that was just a stepping stone."
"I didn't even fight at all!!"
"Ahaha!"
'Now!! Both teams are ready!! Let's explain the rules!!'
The student explaining shouted.
They were shouting into a microphone with amplification magic, spitting a little as he spoke.
'The rules are super simple!! It's a one-on-one battle, and the first team to win 2 matches wins!!'
"That's easy to understand."
'Also, for the finals, participants can discuss and decide as a team!! It might have been too simple to even explain!! Now, let's start the match!! Both teams, send out your first player!!'
Elk glanced at the opposing team.
Elwood, Rosho, Sarissa.
Elwood was one thing, but he wanted to face Rosho and Sarissa. But... only one of them could fight.
Then, stepping into the arena was───Sarissa.
"I'll go."
"...Fine."
"Sorry, Elk. I want to do both."
"......"
"I mean, you can't hit a girl."
"......"
"At least, I want you to stop when I'm watching."
"......Got it."
"Okay."
Fine glanced at Gambo. Gambo nodded quietly.
Then, Fine stepped onto the stage and got into a fighting stance.
However, Sarissa stood still with a smile. She held a fan and opened it to cool herself.
'Well then, are you ready?'
"─── I 'forfeit'... Huh?"
Sarissa raised her hand.
She cast magic on the fan─── and said loudly enough for the whole venue to hear.
'I'm forfeiting.'
For a moment, there was silence... then murmurs of confusion spread through the crowd.
But Sarissa continued.
"My skill is magic-based. I can only show my true value with a vanguard. So... in a one-on-one, I don't feel like I can win against anyone. Therefore, I forfeit."
'Uh, um... so it seems, the winner is... Fine!'
"Wait, what!? I didn't do anything!!"
Fine stomped her feet in frustration.
Furthermore, Sarissa continued.
"The reason I can choose to forfeit like this is because my brother and Lord Elwood are coming up next. Everyone... let's promise the victory of my brother and Lord Elwood in the remaining 2 matches!!"
"""""Oooooooh!!"""""
Gambo clicked his tongue.
"Tch... She honestly exposed my her incompetence and raised the evaluation of the other 2. Is this a noble lady's heartfelt performance believing in her friends? It's annoying."
"......"
Sarissa had always been like this.
She was good at reading the atmosphere around her.
Her father praised her as being skilled at navigating social situations.
Magic only exists because of the vanguard. That statement is definitely her true feeling.
Fine was really angry.
"Damn it!! I seriously haven't done anything!!"
"Next is... Hmph, Crown Prince Elwood."
Elwood stepped onto the stage with a sword in hand.
Gambo stepped forward without hesitation.
Then he said,
"I definitely can't win... but, you know, I have my pride too."
"Gambo..."
"Just watch."
Saying that, Gambo climbed up onto the stage.
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