A week or so later; June the 1st.
It was 9:00 am; two hours until the official introductory battles between the Chinese Branch and the Japanese Branch.
The introductory match was due to start at noon, meaning that there were 3 hours to prepare, depending on what time the participants woke up.
Neither team changed any participants, however, one was put out of commission while another willfully gave up his position.
That meant that there would be 5 introductory battles, not 6.
I, Shoya Sasaki, was waiting for Kuro to get ready. She was slightly panicking. For the first time, I learned that Kuro has stage fright.
"Gah, what should I wear?! Something I can fight in too..."
Kuro nervously bit her nail as she was thinking to herself.
I suddenly thought to myself.
"Hey, Kuro, give me your phone."
"It's on the bed..."
Looking to my side, I noticed that her phone was beside me. I guess I was too caught up in Kuro's nervous streak.
I picked it up and pressed the power button.
It showed a picture of her and her friends posing. It looked cute.
I wonder if she wants to go back...
"What's the-"
"It has none."
Oh... Okay.
I swiped up on the phone. It unlocked itself.
The phone really did have no password. She must've known that people can go through it if she doesn't have one. Kuro must have a reason.
I went directly to her e-mails, ignoring everything else. I saw an e-mail from the school.
I clicked on it.
"Ah, here we go. Information about the match. Oh, it says here that you don't need to bring battle uniforms. They'll supply it to you to make it fair. So, no more worrying about clothes."
The black-haired girl sighed in relief while patting her chest.
"'All participants must be at the Colosseum by, at latest, 11:25 am. Each matchup will be selected at random during the event.
Each match shall be 30 minutes long. If duration runs out, the match ends in a tie, regardless of what participant took more damage.
Lethal spells may not be used. The use of a lethal spell shall be rewarded with a warning if the spell did not hit the participant.
However, if used again, the participant shall be disqualified, regardless of whether the spell hit or not.
Use of Familiars is allowed.
An extra participant may be added if both Principals want so.'
The rest is just about encouragement and that you need to do the Japan Branch proud. No pressure."
I said, trying to ease up Kuro. Seemed like it did the opposite.
"Do the Japan Branch proud..."
She faintly repeated the words while wobbling slightly.
God, I have to make her relax before the introductory match. That... won't be an easy task.
--
9:23 am, The Colosseum.
Anastasia, Calira, Sebastian and Akane were in the Colosseum. They were in the stands, looking at the empty arena and space.
"It's hard to imagine that this place will be filled with students, teachers and civilians."
Calira whispered.
Akane nodded in agreement.
"Then, it'll be my time to sh-."
Before Sebastian could finish his narcissistic thoughts, he was kicked in the leg by his sister, Calira. The boy winced in pain.
"I wonder if we'll win..."
Akane murmured.
The girl looked at her hand. She made an icicle and gripped it softly.
"I can control my Singularity so it shouldn't be much of a problem."
"We're guaranteed three wins. Don't know about the boys though."
"Hm? Three?"
Calira questioned.
"I know you and Lady Akane can win, Mistress, but who's the third?"
"Why Kuro, of course."
She said, nonchalantly.
"What?! That Familiar?!"
Calira instantly shut her mouth as Anastasia glared at her.
"I..."
The girl opened her mouth.
"I-I just don't get why you would befriend such a being..."
The blonde-haired girl chose her words carefully.
Anastasia sighed.
"Then, tell me this, Calira. If you and your brother weren't assigned as my servant, would you even be talking to me today?"
Calira stepped back.
"N-no."
"If you saw the old me, would you even think about talking to me?"
She faced down, with downcast eyes.
"I... wouldn't."
"That's why you need to talk to someone before judging them. Most the school are making a mistake. They're judging Kuro based on rumours. Those guys don't know that they're disregarding the kindest girl in the world."
"Seems like you know her well."
Akane smiled, looking at Anastasia.
The Mistress blushed uncontrollably.
"I've only met her a couple of times..."
"I can tell..."
She muttered. Anastasia turned to her.
"Tell what?"
"That your words aren't false. Even if I only met her once, I could tell that she was caring. Well, she cares deeply for Shoya..."
Akane trailed off.
"Huh? What was that?"
Anastasia teased Akane.
Akane's cheeks also flushed red.
--
9:28 am, The Lamenting Hotel, 1F Lobby
"You will win this."
The principal stated. He scanned all 5 of them and glared at Qin for a brief time.
The boy replied to the glare with a leisurely yawn. Aiguo Lee whipped his head back at the five.
"If even one of you loses, then I'll personally have you kicked out of the school."
"May I ask what happens if Li-jun loses?"
Qiang asked.
Everyone looked at him, surprised.
No one would dare question the principal about Li-jun. The principal laughed and answered unexpectedly.
"Heh. No matter what, if Li-jun loses, then I shall step down from my position and my grandson will leave. How's that?"
They all stared in silence. Li-jun was the only one to react.
"Wait, but, that's not fa-."
"Why are you complaining, Li-jun?"
Aiguo asked.
Li-jun, for once, lost his composed attitude. He looked like he was afraid. Afraid of his grandfather.
"Are you frightened that you would lose?"
"N-no..."
"I can't hear you."
"No, sir."
Everyone was surprised by this unexpected development.
"Now, you all go out and win. We shall make the world know that the Chinese are the strongest Branch. Not the Japanese."