Volume 3 Chapter 6 The Day Before The Tournament, Elk's Combat Outfit
The tournament registration was over, and regular classes continued.
A few times, Shakariki contacted us saying, "Only a few days until the tournament."
At the training ground, many students were seen training in groups of 3, and Elk, Gambo, and Fine were each honing their skills.
However, there was one problem.
"Ugh!! Hah... Ugh!!"
Gambo had his Full Body in Steel Form, and Elk was using his Telekinesis to launch a steel ball at him.
According to Gambo, the Full Body Steel Form can't be used for long periods. It seems that as his skill level increases, the time he can maintain Steel Form will also increase, but right now, Gambo could only last a minute.
So, he was putting his body under strain while in Full Body Steel Form to level up.
Currently, he was at level 19. With the next level up, he would achieve 'Skill Evolution' and gain a new skill.
"I want to evolve my skill before the tournament..."
"Don't push yourself too hard, Gambo."
"Shut up. Just hurry and launch it!!"
"Alright, here we go."
Elk lifted the huge steel ball (by the way, this is a type of training equipment) with his Telekinesis and sent it flying.
Lifting such a massive steel ball with Telekinesis was quite a challenge. Gambo and Elk couldn't train simultaneously...
For Elk, the huge steel ball was too light.
"Hey! Gambo, let's spar!"
"Sure, sounds good... Phew, Elk. You should take a break."
"Uh, okay."
The sparring between Gambo and Fine began.
Gambo used street fighting techniques, while Fine practiced traditional martial arts. It seemed like they were both pushing each other to improve.
But... Elk thought.
"I want to train too, but I can't do it here..."
In the training area, there are several other teams.
Now, Elk's training is really flashy. To put pressure on himself, he has to use Telekinesis at a level that could destroy the training ground.
"Well, whatever."
There are only a few days left until the team battle... but a new problem has come up here.
* * *
"No combat uniform?"
"...Y-Yeah."
After training.
While having dinner at a student restaurant in the shopping mall with Nickes and Gambo, the topic of combat uniforms came up.
Elk doesn't have a combat uniform. In fact, he only learned about the existence of combat uniforms during a mock battle with Gambo.
He thought, "Well, I can get one later," but a combat uniform is essential for the team battle. It would be too ridiculous to show up in just a school uniform.
Gambo put his head in his hands.
"Seriously, I'm counting on you..."
"I-I know. I'll just buy something at a clothing store nearby."
Just then, a group of girls approached Elk's table.
"What are you talking about?"
"Brother, did you mess up again?"
"Good evening, Mr. Elk."
It's Fine, Merry, and Emma.
Fine quickly got along with Merry and the others after being introduced. Now they are all having dinner together.
Yato was also invited, but she didn't come along.
Fine immediately sat down and asked Nickes.
"So, what happened?"
"It's about the combat uniform. Elk doesn't have one."
"Wait, really!? I don't want him to be the only one in gym clothes!"
"You two, I-I know... I didn't think it would become such a big deal. Oh, by the way... Merry, do you and Fine have combat uniforms?"
""Of course.""
"...Ugh."
Combat uniforms.
Some have features that support skill effects, while others focus on ease of movement and durability.
Every aspiring adventurer has a combat uniform.
Usually, they decide on a design before entering school and request it from a specialized uniform shop.
Then... Emma raised her hand.
"Um, Mr. Elk"
"Hm?"
"Can I make your combat uniform?"
"Eh..."
"Well, I... I designed a few options for your combat uniform. I thought you had already asked a shop, so I was just thinking on my own... but if you're okay with it, can you look at my designs?"
"""""......"""""
Everyone's gaze focused on Emma, and feeling shy, she looked down.
Unexpected Emma.
Elk instinctively grabbed Emma's hand.
"Aah!?"
"Please!! Emma, make my combat uniform!! Should I measure my body size? What should I do!?"
"Um, um..."
"Hey, hey, calm down!"
"That's inappropriate behavior with the opposite sex!"
Elk was pulled away by Fine and scolded by Merry.
Emma's face turned bright red as she rubbed her hand.
Elk also realized and hurriedly let go.
"Ah, ah... sorry. Emma, can I ask you for this?"
"Y-yes. I accept."
Thus, Elk's combat uniform problem was solved.
However... Elk and the others didn't question what 'Emma's design' would be like.
* * *
The day before the tournament.
Today, classes ended early.
The teachers are checking the dungeon 'Firo's Forest,' where the team battle will take place tomorrow. For some reason, Shakariki was really excited.
Elk, Gambo, and Fine also did some light stretching to prepare and then went their separate ways.
Elk asked Fine.
"Hey, is Emma okay? About my battle outfit..."
"Emma said, 'I'll finish it today!!' She looked super tired with big bags under her eyes..."
"I see. I need to thank her properly."
"Yeah, yeah. Maybe invite her on a date after it's over?"
"Wait, a date!?"
"Hehe. Emma's a good girl... If she had muscles, I might have fallen for her!"
"Alright, let's head home."
"Aw, you're no fun~."
Gambo said, "I'm going to eat and head home," and left first, so Fine and Elk walked back together.
Fine asked Elk.
"Hey, Elk. Let's do our best tomorrow!"
"Yeah. We can't lose the team battle..."
"Right? Is there someone you really don't want to lose to?"
"Yeah, there is."
Elwood, Rosho, Sarissa.
He can't lose to these 3.
Elk's true identity hasn't been discovered yet. He doesn't plan to reveal it, but if they fight in the team battle, they might find out.
He wonders what their faces will look like then.
"I'm looking forward to the team battle."
"Me too!"
Elk and Fine headed home, excited for tomorrow.
* * *
The next day.
It's a big event for the new students.
The Skill Martial Arts Tournament - Team Battle day has arrived.
All classes are canceled today. Upperclassmen and teachers will watch the new students' battles.
Before the opening ceremony, Elk, Gambo, Fine, Nickes, and Merry were at the training ground.
Gambo and Fine were changing into their battle outfits.
Gambo looked the same as when he fought Elk. Fine was wearing arm guards that covered her arms up to her elbows, and leg guards that went down to her knees. Her upper body was protected by a jacket made of metal fibers, and she wore spats with a mini skirt.
After waiting for a while... Emma arrived.
"I'm sorry for being late! Mr. Elk's battle outfit is ready!"
"Oh, finally!"
Emma handed Elk a box containing the battle outfit.
"I think the size is right. I'm sorry for the delay, Mr. Elk."
"Not at all. Emma, thank you so much."
"No... hehehe."
"I'll try it on right away."
Elk moved to a shadowy spot, took off his uniform... and opened the box.
"...Huh?"
Then, he put on the battle outfit that Emma made.
* * *
Elk, now in the battle outfit, stepped out from the shadows───everyone went silent.
"..."
""""...""""
"Wow~! It looks super cool!"
Emma was excited.
Elk's battle outfit, if people had to describe it in one word... it looked like an 'assassin.'
First, there was a hooded coat.
It was a long black coat that went down to his knees. On the back, there was an embroidery of a 'crow,' and the eyes in the embroidery had red glass beads.
Then, there were pitch-black pants, jet-black long boots, and fingerless gloves.
Additionally, there was a mask covering his mouth, and for some reason, an eye patch that covered only one eye.
Emma said excitedly.
"Mr. Elk! Can you stretch out both arms?"
"...Like this?"
As he stretched his wrists, a *snap!* sound was heard, and blades popped out.
Hidden weapons. And on both arms... Elk never expected Emma to include such weapons.
Elk finally opened his mouth.
"Um... that's an amazing design."
"Yes! Hehe... I borrowed a book called 'The History of Yamato Country' from Ms. Yato. I used the costume of a profession called 'Assassin' from there as a reference! I bought the switchblade at the weapon shop and attached it. Mr. Elk, you don't have any weapons, so... just in case."
"O-oh... thank you."
Yato, what kind of book is that?
But if she stayed up every night making it, he can't complain.
Even with the eye patch, it somehow looked normal. It seems to be made of a material like sunglasses.
Emma whispered.
"Mr. Elk. Um... if too many people see your face, they might find out about you from the Deo Kingdom."
"Ah..."
He hadn't thought that far.
He just thought it was too flashy, but it seems Emma was being considerate.
Elk put on the hood and the lens-type eye patch.
"Thank you. I will definitely repay you for this."
"No, Mr. Elk... I should be the one to repay you."
"Emma..."
As they stared at each other, Gambo cleared his throat.
"Ahem... anyway, we should get going soon."
"Yeah. So, everyone, watch from the audience!"
"Alright... let's go!"
Elk, Gambo, and Fine started walking toward the team battle.
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