Chapter 180

Since the opening ceremony started.

A dozen students gathered in front of the commentary booth—representatives and vice representatives from classes one to eight. Among them were some familiar faces.

“Oh, Ulan.”

A delightful voice echoed in my ear.

Ulan tried to respond, but suddenly, a loud shout rang throughout the hall.

“Hello, everyone!”

“Greetings!”

A man and woman exuded very different vibes.

They waved at the gathered students on the platform and in the Grand Stadium.

“I’m Edeline Luedoff, a third-year student from the Magic Department, here to host today’s sports festival!”

“And I’m Million Gorveil, a third-year from the General Studies Department, joining her for commentary.”

After a quick introduction, Edeline smoothly transitioned into the main event.

“So, I feel this is such a huge blessing to be here commentating on such a grand event.”

“I mean, we get exempted from participating in the event,” Million replied nonchalantly.

Just as Million said that, Edeline shot him an annoyed glance.

“M-Million?! We’re live right now!”

“I said it knowing it. It’s the truth, after all.”

“Ugh! Yes, but still…”

Edeline’s voice faded as she looked around nervously.

Luckily, everyone was too engrossed in the opening ceremony to notice her blunder. She quickly changed the subject.

“Anyway, let’s introduce the people who will light up this year’s event!”

“Representatives and vice representatives of each class, please step forward in the order assigned.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, a handsome blond guy strolled confidently to the front. Edeline’s eyes sparkled as if she recognized him.

“The representative of Class 1 is Kalbein Wirogg!”

“Yes, that’s right. Kalbein Wirogg, a third-year from the Military Department, who won five events last year—truly an ace!”

“Huh? But why are we talking in the past tense?”

He adjusted his glasses and gazed at the center of the stage. Edeline followed suit, gasping in surprise.

“…Oh.”

A barbarian with reddish-brown hair stood there.

He had made quite an impact in the friendly mock battle against Eloden Academy last semester. Edeline, who had been commentating back then, nodded quietly in acknowledgment.

As if she understood perfectly.

“N-Next is the vice representative of Class 1! We have another rather famous individual here.”

“Introducing the genius mage who ranked first in her first semester, Delia Arpen!”

As soon as Million finished his introduction, a petite girl walked up.

With silver hair shining as if kissed by moonlight and golden eyes, all eyes were drawn to Delia as Kalbein smirked triumphantly.

‘Picking her as vice representative was definitely a good idea.’

His reasoning was pretty transparent—she was excellent for the role of eye candy and mascot.

‘And one more thing.’

There was a hidden agenda.

Among the many events in the sports festival, there were matches where the opposing team could directly target participants, and representatives and vice representatives were exempt from that.

‘So…’

By nominating someone who clearly didn’t fit the athletic mold as vice representative, they could gain a significant strategic advantage.

“Next up, the representative of Class 2 is Pellion Wilder!”

“Much like Kalbein, he made a striking impression at last year’s sports festival!”

“Yes! And they say the vice representative of Class 2 is also quite a well-known student for a different reason!”

“Indeed.”

After nodding, Million continued smoothly.

“A freshman who transferred to Arsen Academy just a fortnight ago, Tisha Lapis!”

Right after the introduction, a girl with snow-white hair jumped off the stage. Million awkwardly stammered.

“Uh, Lapis?”

“Yes?”

“There’s no need to jump down.”

“Oh, then I’ll go back up!”

Struggling to climb back up, Fertisha returned to her spot, beaming as if nothing had happened.

Her innocent charm radiated everywhere, and coupled with her rare beauty and bright smile, most of the boys were left speechless, staring at her.

“Ahem! Now, let’s introduce the next class!”

As everyone’s attention shifted to Fertisha, Edeline cleared her throat to regain the focus.

“We’re introducing the individuals who are undoubtedly the storm’s eye in this sports festival—representative and vice representative of Class 3!”

“The representative is Iris Senior from the Military Department, and the vice representative is none other than the famous Ulan Bator.”

A girl with sky-blue hair and a young man with reddish-brown hair entered the stage. Silence fell over the crowd for a moment, as if an ominous cloud had passed over.

Meanwhile, Edeline and Million continued casually chatting.

“Ulan Bator, the vice representative of Class 3, is famous for reaching the level of a Master during the recent mock battle!”

“But it’s fine—there’s no need to worry. Mana and Aura use is restricted during the sports festival.”

So, there’s no need to panic.

While the two commentators said this, the tense atmosphere remained unchanged.

Of course. Even without using Mana or Aura, the pressure of being called a Master was no joke.

“He’s probably the most promising ace and a favorite to win this sports festival.”

“Right? By the way, apparently last year, the professors were betting on the outcome, but they’re not doing it this time!”

There was only one reason for that.

It was almost a given that Ulan would win. And it was also the moment when Kamila’s predictions came true.

“By the way, Edeline.”

“Yes? What is it?”

“Iris Senior looks like she has something to say.”

As Million pointed out, Iris waved and gestured at the Voice Amplification Device.

Then she immediately spoke up.

“Could I say just a word?”

“Oh, sure! Feel free!”

As soon as Edeline’s affirmation came, the Voice Amplification Device activated. Iris tested her voice briefly before getting to the main point.

“As you all know, the winner of the sports festival is already decided. If you cherish your lives, don’t push yourselves and forfeit.”

“…Huh?”

“I’ve warned you in advance.”

Once she finished speaking, she closed her mouth.

The atmosphere quickly turned icy as if someone had poured cold water over it.

The already quiet hall became even more silent, and Edeline shot Iris a resentful look.

Meanwhile, Iris remained calm.

‘It was a necessary statement.’

It was her duty as someone who had witnessed Ulan’s power firsthand.

Meanwhile, the two commentators who didn’t understand Iris’s intentions quickly tried to shift the mood back to normal.

“N-Next, let’s move on!”

“The representative of Class 4 is…”

After that, all class introductions were concluded.

Edeline glanced at the schedule she had received earlier.

“Next, it’s time to determine the tournament bracket!”

“As last year, we’ll proceed with a drawing.” Edeline continued. “Now, the representative from Class 1, please draw a lot.”

Kalbein Wirogg, the representative of Class 1, stared blankly at the box in front of him, visibly tense. And he certainly wasn’t the only one feeling that way.

‘I guess…’

Most people here were probably thinking the same way—hoping to avoid facing Class 3 at all costs.

‘Just winning isn’t possible.’

Having witnessed the friendly mock battle with his own eyes, Kalbein could assertively state the winner would be Ulan.

Yet, he didn’t want to be the one to lose completely, even if he couldn’t win. At the very least, he wanted one victory—maybe even two, if he felt greedy.

‘So please… just not Class 3!’

With a desperate prayer, he picked a draw.

Then, under the commentator’s instructions, he unfolded the draw. The somewhat raucous hall fell eerily silent.

‘What’s going on? Why is it suddenly so quiet?’

Kalbein opened his eyes wide as he looked up.

Feeling an ominous sensation pounding in his chest, Kalbein’s face soon filled with dark despair.

『Class 3』

His worst fears had come true.

Kalbein slumped into his seat, while representatives from all classes save for Class 1 and 3 let out a collective sigh of relief.

Meanwhile, Delia suddenly recalled a memory.

It was a phrase Noah often muttered that fit this situation perfectly.

“We’re screwed.”

The words echoed as if in a reverberation.

After Iris issued her warning, the Voice Amplification Device had yet to turn off.

But nobody laughed at Delia’s remark. They were just relieved they wouldn’t have to go up against Class 3.

A little while later, when the specific matchups were determined, the head of the Military Department, Berge Erkazhan, began his speech.

“In a safe manner, let each of you demonstrate your skills. But remember, above all else, that ‘safety’ is the most important thing.”

During his speech, the word safety came up dozens of times. Yet, his attention remained firmly fixed on Ulan.

“…And that concludes my speech.”

As soon as the last speech ended, the Arsen Academy sports festival commenced.

The first match was between Class 1 and Class 3.

As the arena prepared, Iris briefly explained the match format to Ulan.

“The class matches will occur three times, with each class selecting one event.”

“Then who decides the last event?”

“The management team will decide.”

The method would be drawing lots, and the score from the three matches would be added together, with the higher scoring class declared the overall winner.

“Got it. I understand.” Ulan nodded.

Then, curious, he asked, “So, what event did we pick?”

“Arm wrestling,” Iris replied awkwardly with a smile.

The match got underway.

Ulan, of course, was the representative for Class 3, and the outcome was evident.

Bang! Crack! Smash!

The overly confident opponent was slammed down along with the broken table. Thankfully, it ended without anyone getting knocked out because Ulan controlled his strength.

“U-Ulan Bator! One second!”

Technically, it was less than a second before he slammed the opponent down, but Ulan didn’t care.

After the overwhelming match, a considerable uproar filled the arena.

“I forfeit! I forfeit!”

“How am I supposed to win against that?”

“I’m not ready to die yet!”

Students rushed to forfeit left and right.

Yet, nobody chastised them. If they were in a similar situation, they would all make the same choice.

In the blink of an eye, the first match ended.

Then the second match commenced.

“The next contest, determined by the management, is ‘Javelin Throw’!”

“So, we just throw a spear?”

“Yes. After sprinting 100 meters while holding the spear at the starting line, throw it as far as possible in the designated direction.”

Once Iris finished explaining, Kamila added.

“Also, you can’t just throw it randomly. It has to stick into the ground or an object to score points.”

“Got it; I understand.”

So simply dropping it without it sticking to something would mean disqualification. Just as Ulan nodded, the second match began.

“Dea Madonis: 17 seconds, 19.6 meters!”

“Aleni Selter: 19 seconds, 18.4 meters!”

“Lukain Merta: 18 seconds, 17.1 meters!”

As the results for Class 1 came in, it was soon Iris’s turn.

She took a deep breath before grabbing the spear on the ground and charged forward.

After a moment, the result was announced.

“Iris Senior: 16 seconds, 24.3 meters!”

A remarkable record.

And no wonder. Iris was taller and stronger than most students in her age group.

“Phew, that was a bit lacking,” she muttered.

Being dissatisfied likely stemmed from it not matching her usual practice outcomes. Afterward, she slightly nodded at Ulan.

“Now it’s your turn.”

“Leave it to me.”

With that, Ulan confidently approached the starting line.

Professors nearby who were officiating the match displayed tense expressions.

“Please remember, using Mana or Aura will result in disqualification.”

“And no using your domain either.”

“Understood.”

After taking in their warnings, Ulan grabbed the heaviest of the javelins.

“If you’re ready, you may start.”

As soon as the words were spoken, he took off from the starting line.

Whoosh!

Like an arrow shot from a bow, he dashed to the 100-meter point and then hurled the spear with all his strength.

WHOOSH! CRASH!

The spear sliced through the air, landing with a massive impact, sending a huge cloud of dust billowing up.

“Cough, cough!”

“W-What? What’s happening?”

As students coughed due to the sudden dust storm, the professors watching were in shock, mumbling Ulan’s results.

“U-Ulan Bator… 5 seconds…”

“What? Five seconds?”

“Wait, what’s the distance?”

They couldn’t respond to the follow-up questions.

The spear Ulan threw had already soared past the Grand Stadium and had flown straight into the Northern Forest.

The judges rushed toward the Northern Forest in a hurry, and after some time, they returned to the Grand Stadium.

Eventually, Ulan’s result was announced.

“…960 meters.”

“W-What?”

“It flew that far and stuck?”

“Yes, it pierced through five trees and lodged into a rock at the exit of the Northern Forest.”

“Don’t tell me he used Aura…?”

“No. There was no trace found on the Magic Response Device.”

The implication was it was pure strength that did it.

The outrageous outcome led the arena to fall silent quickly.

Even Iris and Kamila, part of the same team, were at a loss for words as Kalbein, the representative of Class 1, gazed at Ulan with a pale face.

‘What a crazy monster of a guy!’

Where on earth did someone like him come from?

Kalbein wore a horrified expression.

‘I expected to lose, of course.’

But he couldn’t allow a complete defeat.

With his pride on the line, being called the ace of last year’s sports festival meant a lot to him.

Thus, he had chosen the third match to be an event he was sure to win.

‘Since I’ve already lost, I will not give up.’

With determination blazing in his eyes, Kalbein awaited the final match.

And finally, the third match began.

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