We made it in time.
I thought the main match would start at 1:00 pm, but it actually started at 1:30 pm.
Explaining the situation to the receptionist took more effort than I expected.
Because he looked like a sex industry writer, I'll call that stiff receptionist "Fuu-rai-san" from now on.
He was the one who saved me when I was disqualified and about to give up during my Mega Swampert days.
My friend and partner, the male character Jude Elazer.
He is a blond, blue-eyed handsome man.
The receptionist who treated me like a suspicious person reluctantly agreed after Jude explained and forced me into a mock battle.
"Actually, you need to check in by noon."
Jude, who was in charge of the mock battle operation with his student council armband, pointed out with a smile and nudged my shoulder.
"I'm so ashamed."
No, it was all my fault.
Thanks to the miracle of Tachyon, I arrived at the academy at 12:59 pm.
Even though I took three minutes to go to the bathroom on the way.
"You have a face I've never seen before. Are you a new student?"
"Yes, I am. How did you know?"
Jude poked his temple and said, "I have the names and faces of all the students here. After all, I'm in the student council."
As expected of my best friend.
"I'm sorry for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Amachi Suguru."
"Oh, Amachi Suguru. That's a good name."
Jude gave a cheerful smile.
"Hahaha. Thank you."
"Amachi-kun, I'm sorry, but I need you to leave immediately after this."
"I'm in Block A, right?"
"That's right. Are you ready?"
"I'm ready when you are."
I replied with a hint of cheekiness.
Jude flashed his white teeth and chuckled.
"There are no vacancies anywhere else, you see. I don't have the authority over the second half block. The management also works on a rotation system."
Jude pointed to the qualifying round of Block A, which would start soon.
"Okay. That's enough. Actually, it's great that it's Block A," Kazane said.
"Is that so?" Jude asked.
"Yes, definitely," Kazane replied.
Kazane would appear in Block A.
The individual battle royale would take place only in Blocks A and B at noon.
Blocks C and D would follow in the evening.
A winner would be chosen from each block, and the next day, the four winners would compete in a tournament to determine the overall winner.
On the following day, a two-day tournament would be held to determine the winning team of those who had formed a party.
However, I can't participate because I haven't formed a party.
Although it was just a mock battle, it seemed to have turned into some kind of event.
People other than students were seen walking around the spectator area.
"Thank you for saying that," Jude said. "But it's amazing, isn't it? It's like a festival."
Despite being just a mock battle, many food stalls were set up.
Students who didn't participate in the individual battle ran the food stalls.
The air was filled with the sweet smell of spices and the aroma of theme parks that tickled the nostrils.
Large screens had been set up all around, and people resembling the bodyguards of named characters could be seen here and there.
"Yeah. It's like a festival atmosphere. Dignitaries have also come, and there's a kind of performance included," Jude explained.
"A performance?" Kazane asked.
"Yes. The students want to show their excellent performance to the officials here for their future," Jude replied.
Jude wore a seemingly indifferent expression.
"No, I know."
"I know it well. It's said to be a school hidden in a secret event, and I'm probably one of the top people who know about it in this world."
"But for now, you should say something like this: 'Just an average person.'"
"I see. You shouldn't be swallowed up by this school. This school where all kinds of monsters and demons lurk."
With only those words, Jude was summoned by one of the student council members who was serving as an operational assistant.
"Oops, sorry. Looks like it's about time. It's my work time too."
Jude turned his back with a refreshing smile.
What shouldn't you be swallowed up by?
I know that well.
Desires, ambitions, and systems.
You shouldn't be consumed by them.
Well, I've already been consumed by my desires, so it doesn't matter to me.
"Senpai, if we ever need your help-"
I said to Jude.
We'll definitely need his help in conquering this route.
Jude raised one hand while still facing away.
He's so cool.
Jude, you're still so cool.
"Anyway, I have to go now. Oh, I forgot my weapon."
I was running late and ended up forgetting to bring any weapons.
As Jude went off, cutting through the wind with his shoulders-
"Senpai!"
I turned around and called out to Jude, who had been talking to the student council member.