The next morning Ryuji wakes up and gets ready for school as it is now Monday, he takes a shower and than eats his instant oatmeal he had in his pantry it was brown sugar flavored. Next he got his clothes on for school and headed out the door making sure to lock it on his way out.
He decided to run to school to help keep his body conditioned and warmed up now that he is getting stronger he doesn't know what might come his way especially with what the hob-goblin was saying about him. Having been weak all of his life and not being able to stand up for himself the sudden feeling of his body actively getting stronger and more powerful is getting him excited the more he thinks about it but also the feeling that he was suddenly pulled into something a lot bigger than he could possible imagine which sends shivers down his spine.
"It'll be fine, take it one step at a time."- Ryuji
After pumping himself up from the depressing mood that he was making he made it to school and quickly met up with Mako. He went to his dorm and as he was waiting for him outside he could see that everyone was a lot happier and excited today for some reason, they were all talking with each other and going to their classes earlier than normal as well. A few minutes later Mako comes out of his dorm ready for class, noticing how Ryuji is here again early today he assumes he ran again which puts a smile his face he than goes over to him and they head to class.
Ryuji is still looking around at all the people who seem to more energetic this morning he asks Mako what everyone is excited about this morning but he doesn't seem to know either. So they decide they will find out when they get to class.
In class everyone is attentive and not making a sound even the three idiot bullies are paying attention. This causes Ryuji to be more and more curious as to what is going on and why everyone is acting weird today. Putting aside his thoughts on the matter he straightens up pays attention just like everyone else in class.
Class flies by and at the end before the bell rings the teacher says that he has an announcement to make regarding some upcoming events, everyone gets really excited and has huge smiles on their faces almost as if they know what the news is already.
The teacher announces that the four major Universities in Japan will be holding their annual fighting tournament between East, West, North, South. Everyone in the room erupted into cheers and was going crazy at the news. The annual fighting tournament between the four schools is a very big event that always gets televised, usually the winner is always West University as they are the number 1 school in the country. East mostly places 2nd but the last few years they have been placing 3rd. This year though they have some really good talent among the hunters so they are a real competitor this time around.
The teacher than explained in more detail that since the school really wants to win this year they will be holding a small tournament to see what students will be participating from each class. the students all had dumbfounded expressions on their faces at this new development because they usually just take the strongest A-rank or B-rank hunters from each class but now they are doing a tournament to see who will go. This will also give lower ranked hunters who are good at fighting stronger opponents have a chance to shine.
Ryuji was especially excited about this because he knows that with this type of selection system if he is able to win and get selected that he will be able to got to the tournament. He also knows that Miyuki will be there so it will give him a chance to see and talk to her, last night really got him thinking about his future with her he doesn't care to much anymore about hiding their relationship he just wants to do whatever he ca to make her happy. But he also still really wants to make sure that he is strong enough to be able to protect and stand by her side in the future. He is happy that he has a chance to prove himself and hopefully place so that less people will stop saying that he weak and worthless.
The teacher finished explaining everything and lastly said that the actual Fighting tournament will be in month while the selection tournament for the students will be in 2 weeks. After that everyone left and went about the rest of the school day like they usually did, though they were all talking about the tournament and debating if they will be able to make the cut and be selected to go.
Mako and Ryuji went to a local ramen place for lunch while talking about the tournament debating if they both wanted to try out or not.
"So what do you think of the tournament are you going to try out for it."- Mako
"Yea I really think I have a shot, I just have to train really hard these next 2 weeks to prepare and to get more combat experience."- Ryuji
"Well if your going to try out then I might as well to so if you need help training or you want a partner just let me know."- Mako
"Ok than we can just train together we can just use the test dungeons around here to get stronger."- Ryuji
"Sweet, but how do you even have access to the test dungeons I mean you are poorer than I am but you just walked on in and they let you in with no questions asked."- Mako
"That's my secret."- Ryuji
After that they finished eating, went back to school for the rest of there 3 classes. Than immediately after school they got their gear and headed to the same test dungeon that they went to last time. They both get in with no problem this time and are even treated better by the attendant that was messing with them last time he is now showing them a lot of respect eve though they aren't high ranking.
For the next two weeks Mako and Ryuji would do nothing else besides eat, sleep, school, and train until the day of the tournament to get as much combat experience as possible. It was a hard two weeks they were both mentally and physically worn out but they both really wanted to get on the roster for the big tournament.
Not only would it allow them to show off it would also allow them to get better job offers after they graduate from school and that would in turn allow them to make more money.
***
At west University Miyuki and Suzu just got the news that the tournament will be happening again both are pretty happy but since they ae from well known families and are in turn both really strong they don't have to worry at all for job prospects once they graduate.
Suzu asks Miyuki if she thinks Ryuji will be showing up to the tournament as well to watch, since they both know that he is only an E-rank he will most likely not be able to participate, but will probably show up.
Miyuki nods in confirmation thinking that he will most likely show up but will stay out of sight from her and they wont be able to talk again. She really wants to be able to just have him hold her. With that both of them also start training because even though they are strong they want to give the best performance that they can so that their families look good.
And like that 2 weeks flew by.