Chapter 48: Competition

Leave a Comment / Level 999 / By IX

“I have been chosen as the representative, Maron Melange. Since you all recommended me, I will do my best, so please support me. Thank you very much.”

As Maron stood at the podium and greeted the classroom, applause erupted. Sitting in the back seat, I murmured with a mixture of frustration and happiness while gazing at the scene.

“…So it’s Maron after all.”

Well, it could be said that it’s the natural outcome. The representative of the Starry blossom Festival holds the key to victory in the competition. There is no one else but Maron who possesses both the ability and the popularity required for such an important role. I had hoped that maybe by some mistake, some votes would have flowed my way, but it seems luck had nothing to do with it.

“Well, it doesn’t mean you can’t participate in the competition. Choose a sport that suits you and excel in it, and you’ll be fine.”

“That’s true.”

I felt relieved when Mil, sitting next to me, reassured me with those words. However, my gaze was drawn to the vote count on the board, and I furrowed my brow.

“By the way, Mil also received a few votes. Besides my one vote, three votes went to Mil. Probably some classmates voted for you. Maron and Poirie each said they voted for each other, right?”

“Yes, it seems so…”

Naturally, Mil and I inadvertently scanned the classroom. Who could have voted for Mil? We, still without a family crest, attracted disdainful glances from the noble students. Could it be that some people have started to recognize her abilities by observing Mil’s recent achievements?

She had achieved the highest magical power value in the grade during the physical measurements, was chosen as a scholarship student for her accomplishments, and successfully passed the end-of-term exams just like everyone else. I don’t know if those were the reasons or not, but perhaps the people who used to look down on her just because she was a commoner have decreased.

“People are slowly starting to acknowledge Mil, huh?”

“Ehehe…”

“Well, compared to that, I only got Mil’s vote.”

What is this indescribable frustration? It’s only natural that the gap is widening between Mil and me since I haven’t become a scholarship student or achieved any significant accomplishments, but…

Feeling a sense of restlessness, I reached out and playfully tugged at Mil’s hood.

“You became popular before me… traitor!”

“P-Please stop! Don’t turn my hood inside out!”

As I played with Mil’s hood for the first time in a while, Maron, who was standing at the podium, continued with the proceedings.

“With that said, as the representative, I will proceed with the preparations for the Starry blossom Festival. First, let’s decide on the events in which everyone will participate.”

While observing the situation from beside the podium, Professor Lezan interjected to provide additional information.

“At the Starry blossom Festival, you can participate in a competition only once a day. Over the course of three days, everyone will participate in a total of three events, so please carefully choose the events that suit you best.”

It seems that on the first and second days, the competitions will be held by grade level. Then, based on the scores, participants will be divided into Group A, Group B, and Group C, and on the final day, there will be competitions within each group. Naturally, our goal is to win in Group A, which is the top group in the school.

First, we need to achieve good results within our grade level and aim to enter Group A. Finally, we aim to win in Group A, where students from other grades will also participate. Everyone seemed to share the same intention, and I could feel the intense enthusiasm around me.

“With Maron and Poirie, who have top-level magical power values, we don’t have to worry!”

“Entering Group A is practically a given.”

“We’re so lucky to be in the same class as them. Let’s decide on the events we’ll participate in so that we don’t hold them back.”

Amidst such conversations, I also looked through the list of events and pondered.

“Now, what event should I participate in?”

Choosing the right events is crucial for aiming to enter Group A. Each of us has different strengths in magic and varying physical abilities. Therefore, we must determine which events suit us best because participating in an unsuitable event would only hinder us.

With serious expressions, everyone focused on the list of events. Eventually, someone raised their hand and expressed their preference, igniting a lively discussion in the classroom.

“I want to participate in ‘Puppet Break,’ the puppet destruction game!”

“Ah, I also want to participate in ‘Puppet Break’! And maybe ‘Wall Hammer,’ the wall breakthrough game!”

“Don’t just choose flashy ones, you guys!”

Gradually, a distinction emerged between “popular events” and “unpopular events.” It seemed that everyone was interested in the events that stood out more. The reason students became enthusiastic about the Starry blossom Festival boiled down to the opportunity to demonstrate their presence. After all, the purpose of the festival is essentially to promote the magic academy and its students, so it’s natural that many people don’t want to waste this opportunity.

Therefore, everyone wants to participate in events that look impressive and allow them to showcase their abilities. I also want to participate in a flashy event if possible, but…

“…As commoners, we’re in a tough spot.”

From time to time, I could feel my classmates’ glances flickering around me. Sensing their guardedness, I let out a sigh in secret. It seems that we won’t be allowed to choose freely.

It has been about half a year since we entered the academy, and Mil and I are still looked down upon as commoners. Naturally, we still stand out in the class, and there was an atmosphere where we couldn’t freely choose our events. If we were to declare our participation in a popular event, we would undoubtedly face criticism.

Mil seemed to sense those gazes as well and turned towards me with a wry smile.

“W-What about you, Sachi-san?”

“Well, let me see…”

My expertise lies in probability magic. Specifically, my main weapon is the instant death magic spell called “Death Notice of the Devil.” However, since the Starry blossom Festival is just a sports festival, the opportunity for instant death magic to come into play is unlikely. There will be hardly any chance to showcase my luck stat of 999.

In that case, the options available to me are either to enhance my physical abilities to the extreme with “Grand Deal of Foolish Strength” or to hinder someone with “Fortuna’s Mischievous Fate.” Although there are various other types of probability magic, these two are the most versatile.

If I want to avoid popular events…

“I guess it would be better to go for simple races or rolling ball games. Unlike everyone else, I can’t use magic attacks, and it doesn’t seem like we’ll be able to coordinate well. I’m thinking of choosing individual events as much as possible. How about you, Mil…?”

“For now, I’ll go with whatever is left. That way, I won’t attract any animosity.”

“That’s modest of you.”

Well, it’s typical of Mil. Suddenly, an idea crossed my mind, and I leaned closer to Mil’s ear, speaking in a low voice.

“But with your magical power, you can excel in any event, can’t you? If you have a great performance in the Starry blossom Festival and lead Class 1A to victory in Group A, you’ll become popular in no time!”

“I-I don’t think things will go that well…”

Mil responded with a dull reaction. I thought it was a good strategy.

Mil is not only a commoner but also the “greatest asset” of our class. As everyone aims for the top of the Starry blossom Festival, I believe Mil’s magical power will shine in any situation. It would be great if, when we’re on the verge of winning, Mil could overcome a dire situation with her extraordinary magical power. That would surely make our classmates reevaluate her…

“Besides, for me, if I can graduate from the academy and become a national mage, that would be enough. I don’t want to take away the spotlight from others.”

“It’s about using the research funds allocated to national mages to cover the medical expenses for your mother’s illness, right?”

Mil’s stance hasn’t changed since the entrance exam. That’s why Mil doesn’t want to get too involved in the Starry blossom Festival and interfere with others. If Mil has made that decision, it’s fine. But it feels like a waste to miss the chance to blend in with the class.

“Well then, for the events with many applicants, I would like to decide them through a classic lottery. Please write down your desired events on a piece of paper and submit them here.”

Saying that, Maron proceeded with the discussion, and soon enough, most of the events were decided. Everyone seemed satisfied, and their motivation was soaring.

By the way, I ended up participating in the following events: “Superhuman Sprint,” “Ghost Snatch,” and “Personal Territory Invasion.” Well, compared to other events, they are somewhat plain.

Mil also ended up with mostly low-key events. Nevertheless, we were determined to aim for the top of the class in our respective events.