Chapter 47

The preliminary round of the clan competition began early in the morning and ended by noon.

After it ended, a review by five teachers was conducted, and the results were announced before evening.

For some reason, only male teachers were reviewing, and not a single female teacher, including Ms. Silence, was a judge.

I don't understand the intention behind this, but in Japan, it would be considered sexual harassment, and the male teachers would be found guilty.

As a result, our clan 'MI Cool' scored 411 points out of a possible 500 and passed the preliminary round in third place.

I took over the work 15 minutes before the end, but that was enough to finish it perfectly.

However, the reason we didn't come in first but third, according to my analysis, is that we lacked charm.

All the judges were male teachers, and three of them were single, yet the statue our clan 'MI Cool' created was just a standing figure of Ms. Silence... just a standing figure!

It's pointless to complain about Clara's design, but I wish it had a bit more charm and a bit more curves than the real thing.

The curves were carefully reduced by Carla, so it might have been intentional...

Anyway, since we passed in third place, we were placed in Group C for the second round.

The second round involves 8 clans in each of Groups A, B, and C, with the top clan from each group advancing to the finals.

However, since only 3 clans advance, and there are 7 clans in total including the seeded clans, a loser's revival match is held for the clans that fail to advance in the second round, and the winner of that match advances to the main event.

The day after the preliminary round, the second round also begins early in the morning.

This week is Clan Competition Week, so there are no classes.

It's like a sports festival that lasts a week.

"The task for the second round is to divide your clan into two teams and challenge two tasks. Each team can have a maximum of 5 members, and no student can be registered in both teams."

Our clan 'MI Cool' only has 5 members, so we are already at a disadvantage in terms of personnel.

I don't think dividing into two teams will have much of an impact.

"The first task is to create a magic circle. Any type of magic circle is acceptable, but the quality of the magic circle you create within the time limit will be evaluated."

This is right up my alley.

"The second task is a battle royale. Move to the third arena and compete in a battle royale. The winner gets 500 points, the runner-up gets 300 points, third place gets 200 points, fourth place gets 100 points, and fifth place gets 50 points. However, only intermediate-level magic and sorcery can be used, and if someone dies, they will receive -500 points. The points earned by individuals will be added to their clan's score."

Hmm, it will be a delicate battle to win while holding back.

"Create the magic circle here and submit the team formation for the battle royale in the third arena. You have 30 minutes to decide your team formation and submit it to the teacher in each area. Think carefully about your team formation."

"Dividing into teams is tough for us, who already have a small number of members."

"I don't think it's that bad?"

Clara responds to Carla's thoughts.

"Because we can just divide into Christoph and the four of us, right?"

Clara says this casually, but it goes against the decision to rely on me before the clan competition.

Carla and the others look a bit bitter.

But this is probably the best choice for our small clan.

I also thought the same as Clara, so it's fine.

"That's..."

"It's fine. Besides, with our small number of members, we can't afford to be picky."

Carla seems to have made up her mind and nods lightly.

"We ended up relying on Christoph at the end of the preliminary round, and I feel our lack of strength. ...Christoph, I'm sorry, but I have to ask you to do this alone."

"Pelonne and Pritz apologize, but that's not something to worry about."

We are friends and clan members, so it's natural to rely on and help each other. In such a competition, it's natural for the strong to support and lead everyone.

While it's important not to rely on me, the priority is to advance, and everyone understands that.

"Don't worry about it. So, which one should I go to? I'm confident in both."

"I want to go to the magic circle creation. I feel bad about it, but I don't think we can beat the upperclassmen in combat, and I believe 'MI Cool's' strength lies in magic circle creation."

"Clara is right. I'm sorry, but we'll go for the magic circle. We'll ask you to handle the battle royale, Christoph."

"Understood."

"Alright, everyone, since we're relying on Christoph, we have to get a high score no matter what!"

Carla's breathing is heavy, and everyone is as determined as she is.

So, with the team formation for the battle royale, I head to the third arena.

The team formation sheet only has my name on it.

As I walk to the arena, other students with the same purpose are around me.

Occasionally, I hear "Yikes" when they see my face.

I wish they wouldn't say that in front of me.

"Hey, you're alone?"

"Yes, our clan is short on members."

"I see. Then please wear this armband."

The armband says 'C-1'.

Since we were third in the preliminary round, it probably means we are the first in Group C.

Soon, all 8 teams participating are gathered.

Most of the teams other than our clan 'MI Cool' have 5 members.

I feel like I'm getting a lot of attention, probably because I stood out in the battle royale earlier?

"Hey, you're Brütselers, right? I'm Seburs Endelberg, a third-year student. I know you're strong, but I won't lose."

"I'm Christoph von Brütselers. Nice to meet you."

It was sudden, but since he introduced himself and is an upperclassman, I introduced myself politely.

After that, a few other upperclassmen approached and spoke to me, probably to make a name for themselves.

The Brütselers family is a great noble family, and the Royal Magic Academy is the largest employer for magicians and sorcerers outside the royal family.

"Everyone is here. Before we start the match, I'll reiterate the rules. Only intermediate-level magic or sorcery can be used. Injuries are inevitable, but if someone dies, they will receive -500 points."

A male teacher thoroughly explains the rules before the match.

This time, female teachers are also present.

The teachers supply magic power to the magic circle and set up a barrier.

"Then, the battle royale for Group C will begin. 'Start!'"

At the signal from the male teacher, the battle royale begins.

The students, who were scattered, start chanting spells or supplying magic power to magic circles.

And their target is me.

First, fast-acting sorcery attacks me.

I deploy a high-density magic barrier to receive this attack.

Then, it seems the spell chanting is complete, and spells continue to attack me one after another.

Receiving attacks from over 30 students, smoke envelops me.

Well, it might be a standard strategy to focus all attacks on me since I'm considered strong, but it feels a bit too obvious.

If I were an ordinary student, I would be out of the game, or even dead, at this point.

If I die from everyone's attacks, how will the points be calculated?

Would everyone get -500 points, and Carla and the others advance to the second round without doing anything?

In any case, I have no intention of taking any damage.