Chapter 2: Freshmen Tournament
It was the evening of April 30, the day before the Freshmen Tournament.
Led by our instructors, Lorenz and Sasha, we members of the S-Class had arrived a day early in Roman, the entertainment city that would serve as the venue.
Situated on the western side of the Regan Ducal Domain, Roman was the central continent's premier entertainment district. At its heart stood a grand Coliseum, an indispensable centerpiece without which no conversation about Roman could be complete.
Even from a distance, the massive landmark was instantly recognizable, its stone outer walls proudly emblazoned with the crest of the Regan Ducal House.
A variety of shops lined the perimeter of the Coliseum, interspersed with open-air stalls beneath colorful tents.
As we walked along cobblestone paths illuminated by magic-stone lamps, savory scents wafted through the air while we brushed past gladiators, cutthroats, and other rough characters who clearly looked handy with a blade.
I worried Misha might be frightened by the ruffians, but she didn't seem bothered in the least. After all, Sasha was with us, as were the rest of us—not to mention the heavy presence of knights patrolling the streets.
Without any trouble, we reached our intended inn located a short distance from the Coliseum. Once we set down our bags in our rooms, we gathered in the lobby, where the rules of tomorrow's Freshmen Tournament were reviewed one more time.
"I'll repeat this once more: starting tomorrow, the Freshmen Tournament is split into the Vanguard Division and the Rearguard Division. The Vanguard Division engages within ten meters, while the Rearguard Division starts from at least thirty meters apart. The match format is a five-on-five team contest. The first side to three wins takes the match, but even if a team secures three wins early, we will continue all the way through to the captain's bout."
There was a specific reason for carrying the matches through to the captain's bout.
Dignitaries from various nations would be attending as spectators. If the captain's bout were omitted, key figures worthy of serving as captains would lose their chance to catch the eyes of those elites—a major loss for all parties involved.
As such, this stage was not only a battlefield where the prestige of each institution was on the line, but also a crucial opportunity for individual students to showcase their talents.
In fact, Ike had reputedly secured his current standing after brilliantly defeating the opposing captain in the finals of the Vanguard Division back during his own Freshmen Tournament.
Incidentally, Ike had recounted with bitter regret that during the Freshmen Tournament three years ago, even with him on the roster, only Ike himself had claimed victory. With one draw and three losses, their run ended at one win, three losses, and one tie. He had explicitly asked me to avenge that defeat.
Personally, I had no desire to stand out, but as the top-ranked student of Lister National academy, keeping a low profile was out of the question.
At the very least, while making sure nobody discovered that I was a reincarnator or a Holy Magic user, I wanted to live up to Ike's expectations.
"Instructor Lorenz, how are our prospects looking this year?"
Driven by those thoughts, I put the question to Lorenz.
"Lister National academy's victory in the Rearguard Division is practically guaranteed," Lorenz replied.
"You specified the Rearguard Division... Does that mean the Vanguard Division is...?"
"Yeah. Ever since our victory five years ago, the championship has eluded us. Ellie might already know this, but the academy that has won the Vanguard Division for the past four years running is Seleance Royal academy—an institution newly founded by the current Duke Seleance."
"A newly founded academy? And Duke Seleance... Isn't that Ellie's father—Lord Barnes?"
"The man who led the coup is the current Duke Seleance. It's a bit of a long story, but would you like to hear the details?"
Lorenz looked around at all of us.
"Those of us from the Lister Federation, like me, Baron, and Minerva, already know the details," Karen chimed in. "However, I believe it would be best to explain it for the benefit of those who don't. That is... if Ellie doesn't mind."
Ellie, keeping her head down, gave a quiet nod.
Seeing her response, Lorenz took a deep breath before beginning his story.
"The current Duke Seleance, Lord Victory Leo, is a Silver Lion beastkin," Lorenz explained. "He is also the younger biological brother of Lord Barnes, a Golden Lion and Ellie's father. Golden Lions boast the pinnacle of strength among beastkin, but their birth rate is incredibly low—a rare bloodline born only once every few decades. You all know this much, yes?"
I hadn't known that at all, but I nodded along as though I did.
"It has always been the law among the beastkin that whoever is born a Golden Lion becomes the Duke Seleance. Since two consecutive generations of Golden Lions had never occurred in recorded history, Lord Victory assumed that upon Lord Barnes's passing, he would inevitably inherit the ducal mantle, even if only for a short time."
"And then Ellie was born... as a Golden Lion," I murmured.
Glancing at Ellie, I saw her staring downward, wearing an expression I had never seen on her face before.
"The ambitious Lord Victory schemed relentlessly," Lorenz continued. "By nature, Silver Lions exist like shadows to the Golden Lions. Exceptionally skilled in political intrigue, he thoroughly prepared his groundwork. So when Lord Barnes left his estate, Victory launched his coup d'état—and succeeded."
"How does that relate to Seleance Royal academy?" Clarice asked Lorenz.
Clarice posed the question directly to Lorenz.
"Lord Barnes advocated for cooperating with capable humans, whereas Lord Victory insisted that beastkin were supreme, asserting they should never align with humans and handle everything amongst themselves," Lorenz explained. "Once Victory claimed the ducal seat, he ostentatiously established Seleance Royal academy. As a result, the beastkin who used to attend Lister National academy flocked to Seleance Royal academy instead. It was particularly disastrous when the current fifth-years were freshmen. Back then, three of the five representative candidates for Lister National academy's Vanguard Division were beastkin. In April, all three transferred to Seleance Royal academy right before the tournament, leaving our academy's martial lineup in complete shambles."
I see... So because their opponents were beastkin, only Ike managed to win three years ago.
Having seen the beastkin back in Almeria, that makes total sense.
They're overwhelmingly stronger than your run-of-the-mill adventurers.
"Since Lord Victory's eldest son is entering as a freshman this year, Seleance Royal academy will be exceptionally fired up," Lorenz warned. "I expect them to use any means necessary to win. After all, Lord Victory claimed his title on the very premise that beastkin are superior to mankind."
In response to Lorenz's words, Ellie finally opened her mouth to speak.
"...Beastkin... power is everything... I'm not... Mars is... Mars and everyone... are my everything..."
Her voice sounded so faint it seemed ready to fade away at any moment.
"Yeah. I understand, so it's okay," I reassured her.
When I gently took Ellie's right hand resting on her lap, her tense expression softened in relief.
The beastkin I knew were proud and refused to acknowledge anyone weaker than themselves.
That much was obvious just by looking at Barnes or the Black Three-Wolf Stars.
That was likely why Barnes's stance was to forge cooperative ties with capable humans, whereas the current Duke Seleance's philosophy was dangerously exclusive.
There was a distinct chance we might end up caught in the crossfire as well.
Whatever happened, we could not afford to lose to Seleance Royal academy.
With renewed resolve, I prepared myself for the Freshmen Tournament starting the next day.
May 1, the opening day of the Freshmen Tournament.
Stepping out of our inn, we were immediately greeted by a dense sea of people.
It was reminiscent of the entrance examination at Lister National academy.
As we followed Lorenz and Sasha toward the Coliseum, snippets of chatter speculating on the tournament champions reached our ears from every direction.
"Lister National academy's bound to take the Rearguard Division without dropping a single match."
"Well, yeah, they've got Duke Fressbald's second daughter."
"Wait, I heard she's carrying the Hero of the North's child, so she's not even competing!"
Rumors really are completely unreliable, I thought.
Glancing toward Karen, I saw her wearing a look of utter exasperation.
Still, it was impressive that no academy other than Lister National academy even entered the conversation for the Rearguard Division.
As for the Vanguard Division, however...
"Is Seleance Royal academy gonna take the Vanguard Division?"
"As frustrating as it is, they're practically a lock. Word is they're scary strong this year."
"Even with the Hero of the North and the Sword Saint, Lister's still missing three solid fighters."
Unsurprisingly, the heavy favorite was Seleance Royal academy.
It appeared there were betting parlors placing wagers on the tournament outcomes, and even among the bookies, Seleance Royal academy was the favorite for the Vanguard Division.
When we finally reached the entrance reserved for participants, Misha was red with indignation.
"Hey!? Did you hear that!? It's one thing for them to call Seleance Royal academy the favorites, but hearing people say Lister National academy's Vanguard Division is painful to watch or a waste of expectations made me furious!"
Truth be told, I had overheard similar remarks myself.
They likely supported Lister National academy, but were simply frustrated because the academy hadn't lived up to their expectations in recent years.
"It can't be helped," I said gently. "Let's just focus on putting on great matches and winning back their support step by step."
Patting Misha on the shoulder, I stepped inside the Coliseum.
The arena at Lister National academy was large in its own right, but this structure was several times grander, looking easily capable of holding thirty thousand spectators.
The stands were less than half full, but spectators were pouring in rapidly, and a few academy delegations had already begun chanting cheers.
Lister National academy was among them, boasting large banners emblazoned with titles like "Lady of the Abyss" and "Hero of the North" raised high above the spectator seating.
"To be watched by so many people... I'm getting a little nervous," Clarice admitted.
As Clarice stood overwhelmed by the size of the crowd...
"The crowd will only grow larger, you know," Baron piped up. "Clarice, I happen to have heard that holding hands with someone helps ease tension."
Offering a plausible-sounding rationale, Baron reached out to take Clarice's hand.
Just as I moved to intercept him—
"Karen! Baron!"
A voice called out to the two of them from behind.
Both turned immediately. Karen offered a smile, while Baron bowed deeply, sinking onto one knee on the floor.
"Father. It has been a long time," Karen greeted.
"Duke Fressbald. It is an honor to see you again," Baron added.
Prompted by their words, I turned around as well to find a man in crimson vestments, emblazoned with a gold-embroidered crest of fire across the chest, looking over our group.
A contingent of imperial guards clad in vermilion armor kept strict watch over his immediate surroundings.
So this was Karen's father, Duke Fressbald.
As one of the Twelve Dukes of the Lister Federation, the authoritative aura he carried was on an entirely different level.
"Karen, and Baron as well. It has been some time," Duke Fressbald addressed them. "I must admit, I was astonished when an express messenger arrived regarding your betrothal..."
Just as Duke Fressbald was about to elaborate, Karen hastily cut him off.
"Father!? Not here... Let us relocate to the VIP suite," Karen interrupted. "Instructor Lorenz, if you will excuse us, Baron and I have matters to discuss with my father."
With that, Karen escorted Duke Fressbald, Baron, and the imperial guards toward the most secure section of the Coliseum.
"Instructors, would you mind if we went to look for an old acquaintance as well?" Johann asked. "We'll be sure to return in time for our matches."
Having seen off Karen's group, Johann and Josef also split away from our party.
As for the rest of us, we decided to wait quietly in the Lister National academy waiting room.
Going outside would draw too much attention to Clarice and Ellie. Above all, even with Sasha present, we had Misha—a certified prodigy at getting lost. Remaining in the room was clearly the sensible choice.
Just as we set off toward the waiting room behind Lorenz, another voice called out to stop us.
"Mars, Clarice, Ellie."
Turning around at the familiar voice, I saw Zeke, Maria, and Lina walking toward us, flanked by a squad of guards who looked vaguely familiar.
"It has been so long, Father, Mother, Lina," Clarice greeted them brightly.
Clarice was the first to offer her greetings, while Ellie welcomed the three with a soft smile reserved exclusively for our family.
"I heard the news about you kids," Zeke said, looking flabbergasted. "Rank One, Two, and Three, was it?"
Zeke wore an exasperated look on his face.
"Well... there was a battle we absolutely couldn't afford to lose," I offered weakly.
I felt genuinely guilty, considering how much he had worried about us and specifically advised us not to draw attention to ourselves.
"I see... If you did so fully prepared for the consequences, then so be it," Zeke conceded.
Lorenz, Sasha, Dominic, Misha, and Minerva watched our exchange with keen interest. Naturally so—under ordinary circumstances, any parent would be overjoyed to see their children dominate the top ranks.
Noticing their gazes, Zeke introduced himself, whereupon Sasha stepped forward in front of him alongside Misha.
"How do you do? I am Sasha Febrant of Lister National academy," Sasha introduced herself. "Mars-kun previously saved my daughter, Misha, and we are deeply indebted to your family."
When Sasha placed a hand atop Misha's head to prompt her, Misha's face stiffened in nervousness as she bowed low.
"Ah, so you are Sasha-san," Zeke said politely. "I have heard much about you from Clarice as well as Mars. We are the ones who ought to thank you for taking such good care of them."
As Zeke lowered his gaze, Maria stood gracefully behind him with her hands clasped in front, offering a polite bow.
Just then, yet another party called out to us.
"Mars, Clarice!"
Approaching from behind Zeke's group was Count Beetle. And right behind him were Clarice's parents, Grey and Elna.
"Father! Mother!" Clarice cried out.
Clarice rushed over to them at top speed. Reunited with them for the first time in four years, her face practically beamed with joy.
Once everyone had exchanged greetings, Sasha stepped in with a suggestion.
"Chatting here will block the way for the other competitors, so perhaps we should move elsewhere... Instructor Lorenz? May I leave the students in your hands?"
Upon receiving Lorenz's nod, Sasha escorted the parents off to a private room reserved for officials.
Watching the parents' backs recede, we turned toward the competitors' room, only to spot Lina riding piggyback on Clarice for some reason.
"Huh? Lina? Didn't you go with Father and the others?" I asked.
"Nope," Lina replied cleanly. "Listening to complicated talk is boring."
"Well, that might be true, but... do Father and Mother know you're here?"
"That's completely fine," Clarice reassured me. "Mother asked me to keep an eye on Lina."
Since Clarice cleared that up, I decided not to worry about it.
When the rest of us arrived at the competitors' room, everyone's eyes immediately locked onto Lina.
"Mars, may I ask for clarification?" Dominic piped up. "Lina is your younger sister, correct?"
"Yeah, that's right. Lina, go ahead and introduce yourself to everyone," I encouraged her.
Prompted by Dominic's inquiry, I urged Lina to introduce herself.
Looking around with a hint of nervousness, Lina began her introduction in a soft voice.
"Nice to meet you. I am Lina Bryant, nine years old. Pleased to meet you."
Hearing Lina's words, one person reacted dramatically.
"Huh!? Lina's nine years old!? Her build isn't any different from mine!?"
Misha cried out in utter disbelief.
However, Misha was not the only one stunned. Both Dominic and Minerva stared with wide eyes as well.
It was hardly surprising that everyone was taken aback—after all, I was surprised myself.
Rapid physical growth might simply run in the Bryant family bloodline.
Setting aside myself as a Holy Magic user, Ike possessed a remarkably large frame as well.
While listening to Misha describe her life back in Almeria, Karen and Baron returned to the room.
The pair carried somewhat solemn expressions, though they also looked as if a weight had been lifted from their shoulders.
When Lina introduced herself to the pair, Baron muttered aloud.
"Mmm... Does this mean there is a possibility I might one day address Mars as my elder brother?"
Whether he was dead serious or joking was hard to tell, but his words sent everyone into fits of laughter.
What surprised me most was that Karen was laughing hardest of all.
Just as the mood had lightened, Lorenz stepped into the room, bringing Johann and Josef along with him.
It appeared the opening ceremony was about to commence.
Once Lorenz escorted Lina back to join Zeke and the others in the officials' room, the opening ceremony got underway.
The opening ceremony began with an address by Duchess Regan. After a brief overview of the rules, Karen stepped forward to deliver the oath of sportsmanship on behalf of the competitors.
The oath was traditionally delivered by a student from the defending overall champions, Lister National academy. When the S-Class discussed who should take the role, my refusal led to a unanimous vote for Karen.
Once the opening ceremony concluded without a hitch, the Rearguard Division got underway immediately.
While there were a few mages I recognized as formidable, none of them posed a real threat of defeating Karen's team.
In the end, dominating match after match all the way through the finals without surrendering a single round, the first day of the Rearguard Division concluded in a flawless victory for Lister National academy.
"Great fight out there, everyone!" Lorenz praised us. "Even students from the other academys expressed how glad they were to have faced you!"
Lorenz offered his praise as we celebrated our championship victory.
Amidst the excitement, Johann raised a hand, drawing everyone's attention.
"I'm glad we managed to claim the championship. If there's nothing else scheduled today, would it be all right if the two of us excused ourselves early? We haven't had any luck finding the person we're searching for."
"What's this? Should the rest of us help you look?" Lorenz offered. "Who are you searching for?"
Johann politely deflected the offer with a soft smile.
"That won't be necessary. It's just an old acquaintance, and my own memories of them are rather vague anyway. Thank you for today, everyone."
With that, Johann left the waiting room accompanied by Josef.
Just as the two departed, another man stepped into the room to take their place.
"Splendidly done, Karen! You have made the entire world take notice that House Fressbald stands supreme!"
Clapping his hands with elegant composure as he entered the room was none other than Karen's father, Duke Fressbald.
"Thank you, Father," Karen responded politely. "Father, if I may, there is someone I would like to introduce to you."
"I have no objection, but...?"
Even as he answered, Duke Fressbald's sharp gaze had already locked onto me.
"This is Mars, whom we spoke of earlier," Karen introduced.
Spoke of earlier...? I thought. Does she mean when Karen, Baron, and Duke Fressbald went off to the VIP suite before the matches?
In any case, now that I had been introduced, there was only one proper course of action.
"It is an honor to meet you. My name is Mars Bryant."
I offered a deep, respectful bow.
"Mm. So you are Mars," Duke Fressbald acknowledged. "I understand you are the younger brother of Glenn... Ike. I hear you came to Karen's rescue during a moment of grave peril?"
The sharp look in his eyes intensified as he scrutinized me.
Saving Karen from peril must be referring to the dungeon exam, I realized.
"I am embarrassed to admit it, but during the dungeon exam I was frantically focused and cannot recall the details clearly," I replied humbly.
"I see. And tell me, Mars: what are your thoughts regarding Karen?"
Huh? Karen? Being put on the spot like that...
"Well... Lady Karen has been kind enough to instruct me in Fire Magic..."
I had intended to give a perfectly harmless response, but Duke Fressbald seized upon my words immediately.
"Fire Magic!? You can wield Fire Magic, Mars!?"
"Yes. Not to the extent of Lady Karen, of course... but just the other day, Lady Karen physically took my hands to guide me on how to manipulate Fireball."
"What!? You possess affinity with Karen's mana!?"
Duke Fressbald's gaze darted repeatedly back and forth between Karen and me.
"His elder brother is Glenn, lauded as the crowning masterpiece of Lister National academy... Swordsmanship surpassing both Baron and the Sword Saint Dominic... Said to have defeated that Cyrus as a freshman... On top of that, he wields Fire Magic and shares affinity with Karen's mana..."
As Duke Fressbald muttered under his breath, Karen hastily cut in.
"F-Father! Please allow me to introduce two more people," Karen interjected flusteredly. "Ellie? Would you mind coming over here?"
When Karen called Ellie forward, Duke Fressbald's eyes widened in astonishment.
"Ellie!? Barnes's daughter!? Why is Ellie of the Golden Lion attending Lister National academy!?"
Duke Fressbald looked genuinely unable to believe his eyes.
"...Long time... Mars... fiancé... so this academy... wherever Mars goes... I go..."
Ellie awkwardly lifted the hem of her skirt and drew back one foot in a curtsy.
"What did you say!? You mean Barnes permitted such a thing!?"
"...Nn... dying wish..."
"Incredible... Does that mean Ellie is the primary wife and Karen is..."
Once again, Karen cut off his words before he could finish.
"Father, Ellie is not the primary wife, but a concubine," Karen corrected him. "Mars's primary wife is Clarice, whom Baron mentioned earlier. Clarice, if you wouldn't mind stepping forward?"
Taking her cue from Karen, Clarice executed a flawless curtsy with practiced elegance, standing in stark contrast to Ellie's awkward attempt.
"It is an honor to meet you. My name is Clarice Lampard," she greeted softly.
At Clarice's radiant smile, Duke Fressbald was momentarily rendered speechless.
"H-How old are you, child?"
"I am twelve years old, the same as Mars," she replied politely.
"Twelve years old—!? Does that mean... could you perhaps be a Holy Magic user?"
Well, looking at Clarice, anyone would naturally jump to that conclusion. But before Clarice could offer an answer, Karen spoke up in her stead once more.
"Clarice is an archer, but her magic aptitude is absolute top-tier," Karen explained. "During the rank evaluation matches, she repelled my Flare, and even my Charm Eye's binding had no effect on her. Beyond utilizing Water Magic and Wind Magic, her swordsmanship ranks among the finest in our grade—so much so that despite specializing in the rearguard, she has entered the Vanguard Division."
So she's trying to imply that Clarice isn't a Holy Magic user, I noted.
Sure enough, Duke Fressbald accepted that explanation.
"Astounding... To possess greater mana than Karen... What is her rank?"
"She holds Rank Two," Karen answered. "Ellie is Rank Three, while I ended up at Rank Four."
"I see... It makes complete sense why Baron endorses this..." Duke Fressbald murmured. "Karen, Baron. Regarding our earlier discussion, I shall consult with Lord Reinhardt as well."
Leaving those words behind, Duke Fressbald departed alongside the vermilion-armored knights waiting outside the room.
"Alright, tomorrow brings the Vanguard Division," Lorenz declared, rallying us. "Let's head back early today to get ready for tomorrow."
Prompted by Lorenz, we turned our backs on the Coliseum, which was still buzzing with excitement.
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