NOVEL NEXT Episode 8: Preparing for the Tournament
Episode 8: Preparing for the Tournament
Under the direction of Vice Principal Oba-chan, setup for the tournament begins today. We’re removing the walls dividing the training grounds for the Knight and Magic classes and installing three stages surrounded by seating for spectators. It’s quite a big job, so even the faculty besides us students are helping out.
“Can I ask you to handle the central stage, Mine-san?”
“Understood.”
The school is on a ten-day break for this task. Students participating in the tournament are using this time to prepare themselves and polish their “trump cards.”
There’s a pile of dirt at the planned stage locations, so we just need to shape and compact it. I’ve been tasked with the particularly large central stage. Apparently, the finals will be held here, so it needs to be especially sturdy. …They can totally tell I’m cutting corners here.
“Vice Principal Drastin, why is that person in charge of the finals stage? I believe my earth magic skills are superior.”
“Because he’s more meticulous in his work.”
“Wha–! Are you saying I’m inferior to such a child!?”
It got noisy when someone I hadn’t met before started making snide remarks. Oh, it’s that sarcastic guy (temp) picking on Oba-chan. Wasn’t he the third or fourth son of the Earl’s family? He always seems to bother Mr. Walz for some reason… Is it just the Earl’s sons who are like this? …Well, let’s save that discussion for when they’re not around.
“I’ve heard you’re quick with your work.”
“Well, then–”
“However, I’ve received reports of shortcomings and complaints about your work. We can’t entrust an important stage to someone like that.”
“But, but–”
“I’m not planning to change the assignments. Please return to your own tasks.”
“Ugh!”
Sarcastic guy glared at me, then angrily returned to work. Hey, it’s not my fault, right?
“That guy again…”
“It seems so.”
“He never changes…”
It’s weird how he picks on Mr. Walz despite caring about social status. Well, maybe he just doesn’t want to grovel to someone of lower status. Plus, it’s probably easier to hassle Mr. Walz, who doesn’t have the backing of a powerful family like mine. But once the tournament is over, there’ll be entrance exams, and that’s when commoners will start being accepted more. It might be wise to update your values early. No, I’m serious. Now’s the chance for someone like Sean to get titled.
Anyway, it’s a fact that there are a certain number of people like this in the academy. That’s why Miltia is poking at that area.
I ask Oba-chan to check on the stage formation.
“The size and shape of the stage are fine. It’s just the strength that’s left.”
“How much strength should it have?”
“Well, let’s see. Could you give it a try for now?”
First, I slowly infuse magic into the entire stage to maintain a consistent density. Then, I gradually harden the surface. Since I don’t know how much strength is needed, I’ll leave it to Oba-chan to stop me.
“This should be enough.”
“Understood.”
I stopped at around seventy to eighty percent of my full power. It’s as hard as the [Earth Wall] that once blocked the underground passage. But does the stage really need to be this tough? Well, it’s fine.
…But a stage made of earth harder than stone or iron is quite mysterious. Well, in a world of swords and magic, I guess you can’t be picky about such things.
Around the time the sun started to set, the headmaster came to check on the progress. Come to think of it, it’s been since the entrance ceremony that I’ve seen him. Well, he doesn’t come to the training grounds. The headmaster is from the Duke’s family and was made a Count to become headmaster, right? He still looks like he’s in his thirties, but being entrusted with the position of headmaster means he must be quite outstanding.
“Vice Principal, is everything going smoothly?”
“Two of the stages have been completed. The remaining one should be finished by tomorrow morning. The work on the spectator seats has also begun and is proceeding as planned.”
“I see.”
Setting up the spectator seats is quite challenging. Not only because of the size but also because many parents and military personnel will come, so they need to be sturdy. This year, even the King is coming to watch, so special seats need to be prepared for him.
“It seems there are no problems with the work. Please continue as you are, everyone.”
“””Yes!!”””
The headmaster listened to Oba-chan’s report on the progress of the work and then returned to his duties. Sarcastic guy and the others seem really motivated after that encouragement. I wish they’d keep that attitude from the beginning.
The next morning, when I went to the training ground, I felt a slight discomfort.
“…?”
“What’s up?”
“Sigh… bothersome.”
“Huh?”
“Nothin’. Just thinking there are idiots everywhere.”
“Huh?”
Yesterday, I noticed some kind of magic clinging to the corner of the central stage I was assigned to. Probably someone tried to tamper with it. Well, it seemed like they failed. I understand now why Oba-chan made it so rigid. Still, it’s handy having something like [Magic Sense] at times like this.
But man, what a hassle. I don’t know if it’s to undermine my evaluation or to mess something up during the actual performance. …Should I consult Oba-chan just in case? If there’s nothing wrong, then that’s fine too.
That night, there was a summons from the border count. These sudden summons usually bring unwelcome news.
“The border is getting fishy.”
“Both sides?”
“Yeah.”
“Ugh, what a pain.”
Are they seriously teaming up with the Theocracy? Can’t believe they’re in their right minds.
Still, I kind of had a feeling it might turn out like this. They’ve been trying to push for the arena tournament for a while. If I’m going, which way should I go…? The Western Principality is closer, but I can really let loose in the Eastern Theocracy.
“Well, I’m off to the west.”
“…Can I count on you?”
“Yeah, I wanna see the tournament.”
“Hehe, me too.”
Seems like they’re planning to go ahead with the arena tournament for now. They’d have to cancel if there’s an invasion during the event, but that would be troublesome. If I can somehow deal with the Principality’s movements here, I don’t think the Theocracy will move. They’re already at odds with the Federation, and I doubt they’d attack Halteria alone. …Well, that’s the official reason. The real reason is if I go all the way to the Theocracy, I won’t make it to the tournament in time.
As I left the Border Count’s office, I ran into Miss Liela and Seira. Seems like they were waiting for the conversation to finish.
“Nii-sama!”
“Big bro!”
“You two were waiting?”
These two are always together. How beautiful is friendship. They’ve been practicing magic together for a while now. They’ve both improved a lot, and now they’re practicing the [Light Spear] magic. Focusing on practicing specific magic helps improve faster. Just like how I made [Shotgun] and [Cannon] from [Bullet], weaknesses and shortcomings become apparent as you use them. That’s when ideas for original magic come more easily.
By the way, they chose [Light Spear] because of Sasha-san’s advice. It’s easy to diversify into other magic by increasing the number or changing its shape, like making it rain or turning it into a cage.
Oh, and I’ve asked the ‘spirits’ to behave during practice. It’s important to know your own strength.
“I’m looking forward to the tournament!”
“Big bro, do you think you’ll win?”
“If you two cheer me on with all your might, I’m sure I will.”
“Then we’ll cheer super hard!”
“Me too!”
Alt-kun is a siscon, so when these two cheer for him, he’s bound to power up like crazy.
…Well, these two are looking forward to the tournament too. I guess I’ll go deal with the nuisance stuff quickly. Sorry, Principality, but the tournament is more important than you guys.