NOVEL NEXT Chapter 45.1
Stage 2-14. Academy Magic Competition
“We… we’re teaming up with the student council president!?”
“The Academy Magic Competition, huh…”
I mutter knowingly, sinking into the backrest of my chair.
By the way, I have absolutely no idea what this is about.
I’ve never taken an interest in these magic-related events, assuming they had nothing to do with me.
“Amazing, Ouga-kun! We’re representing the academy!”
“Being selected as representatives in our first year—what an extraordinary achievement, for both of you!”
“As expected of you, Ouga-sama and Miss Riche.”
“Heh, don’t flatter me yet. Let’s wait until we’ve heard what Reina has to say.”
Seriously, Alice, can you stop scattering confetti every time something good happens?
From their excitement, it’s clear this is an honor.
But I have no clue what’s going on. I shouldn’t have brushed this off just because I wasn’t interested…
There’s no way I can ask, “What’s the Academy Magic Competition?”
I’ll have to subtly gather info from Reina.
Acting nonchalant under a shower of applause and confetti, I ask her as if it’s no big deal.
“You picked someone like me, with zero magic aptitude. There’s gotta be a reason, right? Explain it from the top.”
“Well… as you know, Ouga-kun, the Academy Magic Competition is a long-standing tournament where students from nine magical academies showcase their abilities. This year’s event will take place in one month on Lambdarve Island.”
Makes sense, given the name.
Throughout the kingdom, there are magic academies, each with its own unique focus.
The Royal Rishberg Magic Academy, in particular, boasts the oldest history and has produced many figures who shaped the history of magic.
“Each academy sends ten three-person teams, totaling thirty participants, who compete across three divisions: Magic Studies, Magic Games, and Magic Battles. The overall champion is decided based on the total score from these categories. In recent years, Rishberg has secured the overall championship… except last year.”
“So that’s why Ouga and Riche-san were chosen…!”
Wait, what? What does that even mean?
Karen, don’t get all satisfied and cut off the conversation on your own.
I’m not following at all!
“Yes, as Revetzenka-san suspects… Ouga, have you heard about the other academies?”
“I have. I researched them all before choosing Rishberg.”
Relieved to answer something I know, I try to anticipate what Reina is getting at.
Since she’s bringing up other academies, it must relate to their unique traits.
Something those academies have that Rishberg lacks—combined with the fact they missed out on the championship…
“…Ah, I get it.”
What I arrive at is a ridiculously dull theory.
But I’m sure it’s the right one.
“They lost the championship to a team with commoners among the representatives, didn’t they?”
As soon as I say it, Reina gives a small nod.
“In the Magic Battles division, my team came in second, which cost us the overall victory. And the real trouble started after the tournament. My teammates were severely criticized, not just by the students, but even by alumni.”
“…Weren’t you targeted too, Reina?”
“No, I wasn’t. But that made it all the more painful. As the team leader, I couldn’t protect my teammates…”
“…I watched the tournament as a spectator, and Reina fought alone until the very end. Despite being at a huge disadvantage after her teammates were knocked out, she fought hard, narrowing it down to just one last opponent. No one could criticize her for that.”
I doubt Reina’s skill was the only reason she avoided blame.
The influence of Frohne Milfonti, who backs her, must have played a part.
Unfortunately, that likely meant the other two took the brunt of the backlash.
Heh… now I see.
“What happened to those two?”
“…They took a leave of absence and eventually left the academy. They were kind seniors from the student council… It was painful to realize how powerless I was back then.”
“So that’s why there haven’t been new members joining the student council this year?”
“…I don’t want to lie. You’re exactly right, Ouga-kun.”
With last year’s result in mind, this year’s goal is clear: they must win the championship, no matter what.
If they lose again, the fear of the consequences will discourage anyone from volunteering for the student council.
After all, joining the council means you’ll likely be teamed up with Reina.
In other words, I’m just a convenient sacrificial pawn.
The pampered brats nurtured in the academy’s bubble ran from the pressure of having to win. They abandoned this year’s tournament, deciding it wasn’t worth the risk.
Heh… it’s almost laughable how pathetic they are.
People everywhere are quick to shift blame when things go wrong.
And now, Reina is left scrambling to find members, which led her to rely on us…
“Reina, I have one question.”
“Go ahead. If I can answer it, I will.”
“Why did you choose me and Mashiro?”
“Because with you two, I’m certain we can win.”
…Heh, she didn’t even hesitate.
That answer alone satisfies me, but I press further, pretending to be skeptical.
“If we’ve only been here for a few months, what makes you so sure we’re up to the task?”
“I have three reasons.”
Reina holds up three fingers.
“First, you’re both first-years with no recorded data. Since the competition and our curriculum don’t usually involve first-years, your presence will be unexpected, giving us a strategic edge.”
“Second, even without magic, you defeated the crown prince. I participated in the tournament myself, so I know your strength will be more than enough.”
“Third… This is just a hunch, but Riche has combat experience, doesn’t she? You two weren’t just practicing magic for fun all this time… were you?”