The following Monday arrived, and with it, another week began.
Frank and Cedric reunited at the dormitory, and we headed toward the classroom together.
And as usual, after taking our seats at the back, Miss Jenny entered and stood at the lectern.
“Good morning, everyone. Before we begin with the foundational lessons, I have an announcement regarding all of you.”
Hm?
“As you may know, we are planning to host the Magic Tournament at the end of this month. It has been decided that there will be a significant rule change compared to previous years. The detailed information will be posted on the bulletin board later today, so please make sure to confirm it. However, I will explain the major rule change here.”
“First, the traditional one-on-one battles will be changed to two-on-two matches. This decision was made due to the imbalance in advantages and disadvantages inherent to the nature of magic users, making the previous format somewhat unfair.”
Ah, that must be the compatibility issue Ilmera and Frank were talking about.
It’s true—having two-on-two matches means you can cover each other’s weaknesses depending on who you pair up with.
“Teacher, do you really think we’ll have enough people to make two-on-two matches work?”
Ilmera raised her hand and asked the question.
“Yes. Actually, that leads me to another rule change, though one might call it a regulation adjustment. Starting this year, all first-year students are required to participate.”
Huh?!
“Eh? Everyone?”
“Yes. However, those with jobs outside of school or other responsibilities may still opt-out if they wish. If you have personal circumstances requiring an exemption, please submit an application.”
Are…are you serious?
Does that mean I have to participate too?
And…uh…
I glanced toward Noel at the front. She had raised her hand.
“Um… does that mean even someone like me has to participate?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“But… I won’t be able to do anything. I’ll just end up being useless…”
“That depends on the strategy. All magic users have unique abilities. In your case, for instance, your aptitude for healing magic could come in handy.”
True…
But if it were me, I would probably take out someone like her first…
“Uh…what about forfeiting immediately?”
Ah, so she plans to forfeit right off the bat.
“If one participant becomes unable to continue fighting, it will be accepted as a forfeit. Alternatively, the referee can declare an end to the match if they deem continuing impossible.”
Well…it would probably end as soon as Noel is left alone…
“So…that’s how it is…”
“Alright, let me continue explaining the rule changes. In past tournaments, the format was either a round-robin or elimination tournament based on the number of participants. However, this year, teams will face off against three randomly selected other teams. Naturally, there will likely be multiple teams with three victories. However, there will be no official champions this year. This tournament is purely an exercise in practical skills.”
There’s no champion this time around?
Okay, there aren’t any prizes either; I guess it’s fine.
“Teacher, how are we supposed to decide our partners?”
This time Toko raised her hand and asked.
“That’s up to you. You can pair with whomever you wish if you’d prefer, or leave it to us to decide based on everyone’s strengths. Please submit the form by next Monday.”
“Can we choose people from other classes?”
“Yes, but it’s limited to first-year students only.”
“Understood.”
Hmm, who should I pair up with?
Maybe anyone’s fine as long as it’s not Toko.
“That concludes the announcement. For more details, check the bulletin board or ask the instructors. Now, let’s start the class.”
With that, Miss Jenny began the basic lessons. Since this week also included practical sessions, we finished the first two hours of lecture and moved on to the practice field. After we had completed our turn casting spells at the automata under Miss Jenny’s guidance, free time commenced—but Noel was holding her head in despair.
“Are you alright?”
Ilmera asked Noel.
“Terrifying scenarios keep flashing through my mind. Getting chopped up by Yuika, having my neck broken by Tsukasa, or being frozen by Toko…”
Yikes, those are pretty grim.
“I won’t do that to you.”
“Neither will I.”
Yuika and I both quickly negated that possibility.
There’s just no way I could attack someone as harmless as Noel.
“Then…being frozen?”
You’d look good frozen, though.
Definitely not saying that aloud.
“To be fair, I think even Toko wouldn’t do that. And like I said, if it came down to it, the teacher or referee would also stop the match.”
Yeah, I think that too.
“Wouldn’t I be targeted right away? I’ve always thought those who use healing or support magic are targeted first in combat…?
“Hmm, not necessarily…?”
Ilmerla hesitated.
“What do you think?”
Noel turned to look at both me and Yuika, and we immediately looked away.
“I will target you…?”
While I personally wouldn’t target Noel, in a team battle, it’s generally important to reduce the enemy’s numbers first. And if that someone is a weak healer, they’d be taken out first, following the usual strategy.
“Can’t I withdraw? The teacher did mention that if there are any personal or familial reasons, we can opt-out, right?”
“That’s only in cases where revealing magical or technical details might cause issues. You wouldn’t fall under that category since neither your home nor family have anything to hide. Moreover, your family specializes in research, not nobility.”
Oh…that’s right…
“In that case, just pair up with someone strong.”
“Would someone like me be chosen?”
Hmm…
“Noel, how about you pair up with me? I’ll take out all the enemies for you.”
Yuika offered her help.
“Wow, Berserker-san!”
The way she says that sounds a little off…
And Yuika’s definitely not the right choice.
“Noel, listen, don’t pair with Yuika.”
“Eh? Why not?”
“She only knows one trick—charging straight in. She won’t protect you at all. When she charges, you’ll be left completely exposed and become an easy target. Seriously, pair up with Ilmera or Frank instead.”
Yuika is all about offense.
“Noel, how about you pair with me?”
Ilmera must’ve thought the same and extended the invitation.
“I’ll probably just drag you down… If we pair up, we’re almost guaranteed to lose. I’d be such a burden…”
“Honestly, the result might not be ideal, but it’s just a practice drill, so it’s fine.”
“Sorry…”
Looks like Noel will be pairing with Ilmera.
“What about you two?”
I asked Frank and Cedric.
“Let’s see… Didn’t expect it to be a two-on-two battle.”
“I didn’t even expect to participate to begin with. But I guess we have a week to think about it.”
What should I do?
I could pair with anyone, or just leave it to the teacher…
Still, why was there a sudden change in the rules or regulations?
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