Edgar and Dia were carried off on stretchers. The students who were not selected for the Versus Match also left the Sparring Arena. This left only Melissa, who had selected the Versus Match members, including Rion, and Art, who was exceptionally included as a member from the instructor side.
“With this, the members of the Versus Match have been officially decided. As Principal, I congratulate you all anew.”
“Hmm? Principal, weren’t you aware that it would turn out this way from the start?”
“Hahaha, not at all! However, since they were decided sooner than planned, perhaps we can have a little strategy meeting on the day itself?”
“If that is the case, please use the Student Council Room. It’s nearby and no one is using it at this hour.”
“As expected of Melissa, you are well-prepared. Instructor Milky, could you please contact the Adventurer Guild? We have decided on our members.”
“Understood.”
The group moved to the Student Council Room. The Student Council Room was far more luxurious than Rion had imagined, with a red carpet laid on the floor and a chandelier installed on the ceiling as if it were natural. Of course, the tables and chairs were of the same caliber. Bel also gave it a passing grade, saying, “It’s a decent room.”
“Well then, Principal Art, I will take my leave now.”
“Ah, Melissa. I’m sorry, but could you possibly stay a little longer?”
“Yes?”
“Normally, I would be the supervisor for the Versus Match, but this year I will be participating myself, won’t I? Just in case, I want to entrust the supervision to someone else. So, Melissa, I’m counting on you.”
“…What!?”
For some reason, Melissa, who had been about to leave, was now tasked with being the supervisor for the Lumiest Versus Match contingent. She seemed unable to hide her surprise.
“…Now, let us begin the strategy meeting for the Versus Match.”
However, as expected of Melissa Crowlord, the esteemed student council president of Lumiest, she rouse herself to fulfill the assigned role without delay.
“That’s a fast switch up!? S-Student Council President-chan, is that okay?”
“This sort of thing is commonplace for the student council president. While I was surprised, it’s not something that will linger. If Principal Art wishes it, I will wholeheartedly accept the role of supervisor.”
“Impressive. Melissa, after you graduate from this academy, would you be interested in working in my country? We need someone to bridge the Northern and Western Continents, and I believe you could be that person.”
“…I cannot give an immediate answer, but I will consider it positively.”
Despite various twists and turns, Bel seemed to find Melissa quite likable.
“First, a brief explanation of the Versus Match. In past Versus Matches, there were five one-on-one battles, but as Principal Art mentioned earlier, one of those matches will be a tag battle. Therefore, I would like to first decide who will be paired up to fight together… Is anyone willing to volunteer?”
“Me, me! Rion and I will do it! We’re best friends, so our coordination is perfect!”
A lightning-fast hand raise was followed by a torrent of words. Of course, this distinctive way of speaking belonged to Rami.
“Me and Rai-chan? Ah, I see! You’re both users of Red Magic, and especially focused on lightning, so with two of you, the power doubles, that’s the strategy, right!”
“…Yeah! I don’t quite understand, but I think that’s about right!”
It seemed to be purely an intuitive statement.
“While Rami’s statement feels a bit impulsive… if there are no other volunteers, I think it’s a great idea. Rion’s point is valid, and since you are already friends, your coordination during the match should be easy. What do you think, Principal?”
“I am just a participant now, so you don’t need to ask my opinion on every matter. However, if I must say, I agree. Melissa has explained all the reasons.”
“Thank you. And the rest of you?”
“I’m not suited for fighting as a tag team. If someone else is willing, then that’s fine with me.”
“I have no objections either.”
“M-me too, I’m fine.”
It was decided by unanimous consent: Rion and Rami will participate in the two-on-two battle.
“Next is the order of appearance for the Versus Match. Those who have seen past Versus Matches will know, but we must decide the order of participants in advance and submit it to the organizing committee. There are various reasons, but it holds a strong traditional meaning.”
“Rion and Rami’s match will be the third, so the rest of us need to decide the order for the remaining matches. By the way, the Adventurer Guild has already submitted their selected members and their order of appearance. Of course, I don’t know all the details, so don’t get your hopes up.”
The remaining members are Bel, Kuromel, Graham, and Art.
“If we don’t know our opponents, there’s no point in discussing the order. I’ll take the first match. I’ll crush the enemy’s initial momentum.”
“In that case, leave the next match to me. I shall surely offer a victory to our side.”
“It is understandable that everyone feels this beautiful creation is fitting for the last spot. However, although it is an exceptional circumstance, I, as an instructor, cannot be the one to finish. Therefore, leave the fourth match to me. Don’t worry, I won’t make things worse.”
“Ah, wait? In that case, um, I’m…?”
“You’re the final match.”
“Eeeeeh!?”
Kuromel’s soul cried out.
“I-I-I’m not confident in taking such a highly responsible position!”
“Don’t be so modest, Kuromel. I believe you have the greatest potential. Have more confidence, just like this beautiful me! Come on!”
“B-b-but… Ugh, there’s no point in being scared, is there? As Papa and Mama’s daughter, I’ll do my best in my own way.”
“Oho! That’s the spirit, Lord Kuromel! As fellow warriors, let us achieve great things together!”
“Um, I’m not a warrior…”
And so, the order for Lumiest was decided: Bel in the first match, Graham in the second, Rion and Rami in the third, Art in the fourth, and Kuromel in the final match.
“By the way, Principal Art, to what extent do you know the members of the Adventurer Guild? Even if you don’t know everything, I imagine you have some information.”
“Hm? Ah, yes. It’s a good opportunity, so let’s share the information now. Ahem.”
Clearing his throat to adjust his voice, Art struck a dramatic pose as if about to sing opera and began to share the information he had obtained.
“What has reached my ears are the names of S-Rank Adventurers confirmed to participate in the Versus Match. First is the Guild President who reigns at the top of the Adventurer Guild, ‘The Unrestrained’ Shin Reinihart. He’s the oldest S-Rank Adventurer after me, and his defining characteristic is that he’s elusive. Next is Bakke Furnis, ‘The Female Panther,’ who is an S-Rank Adventurer and also the Queen of the Fire Country Furnis. There are quite impure rumors circulating that she’s participating to kill time and look for men. The third is Rion’s older brother, and Kuromel’s father, ‘The Grim Reaper’ Kelvin Celsius. They are both acknowledged as hardcore battle junkies, so it’s not surprising he’d participate in this Versus Match. Lastly, the newest, ‘The Purple Butterfly’ Glostina Bourgeoaise, who is scheduled for an Ascension Ceremony soon. She’s just a pervert.”
“Why are you being so dismissive at the end!?”
Unfortunately, there was a considerable amount of personal bias mixed into Art’s explanation.
“The remaining two slots are still shrouded in mystery. However, it is highly likely that strong individuals with power comparable to them will participate. Now, my dear and strong students, let us devise a strategy to win.”
