Clarice, Elisa, and I rushed back to the lodgings to scrub off our makeup and change into our school uniforms.
I made sure to use the bathroom to change. Naturally, I couldn't very well strip down in front of Clarice and Elisa; it was only common courtesy.
Once the makeup was gone and the costume discarded, I pulled on my uniform. Over that, I donned the finishing touch: the Amelia Cheer Squad happi. Since it was crafted specifically to root for her, the base color was the brilliant crimson that had become her symbol. On the back, the words "Amelia Cheer Squad" were hand-stitched in massive, bold characters.
Sliding my arms into the sleeves, a strange surge of energy welled up inside me.
I see... so this is what it feels like to truly want to root for a friend.
Preparations complete, I prepared to head out, but not before checking on the others.
"Are you two ready?" I asked.
"Ready!"
"U-Um! Yes, I'm all set too!"
When I stepped out of the bathroom, I found both girls already in their uniforms with their faces clean. Naturally, they were wearing the same handmade happi coats.
"Somehow, it really suits you, Ray..." Clarice remarked.
"Yeah... you look quite striking," Elisa added.
"I'm glad to hear that, but it suits both of you as well. There is nothing to fear. We are dressed exactly as the Amelia Cheer Squad should be. Let us face the crowd with confidence!"
"Well... after wearing that outfit, it's a bit late to be shy now," Clarice sighed.
"I think I've already adjusted..." Elisa said.
We headed off to meet the rest of the group.
"President. Thank you for your hard work earlier," I said.
"No, I should be thanking you," the Club President replied. "Having three such excellent vendors means we’ll likely break our all-time sales record this year. Today’s numbers were staggering. My family has already gone to restock for tomorrow."
"I see. Is that so?"
We gathered near the entrance of the Colosseum. Dressed in our matching Amelia Cheer Squad happi, we naturally drew plenty of stares from everyone around us. In the distance, I spotted other support groups. Rebecca-senpai’s squad, led by Sera-senpai, had already assembled. Seeing them, our collective morale naturally began to rise.
"Hmph... I see. The other squads are certainly enthusiastic. However..."
"Indeed, President," I agreed. "We have our own unique advantage."
With a faint smile, the members of the Amelia Cheer Squad released their "bulk" in unison.
"Whoa...!"
"W-What is with those guys?"
"The Amelia Cheer Squad...? Wait, are you telling me Amelia Rose’s supporters are... Arnold Magic Academy’s Environmental Research Club!?"
Every member of the club pumped up their muscles simultaneously. Their bulging physiques radiated an overwhelming aura of intimidation. There was no tactical reason for it, but the battle had already begun.
A cheer squad's energy is essential for an athlete's morale. That was exactly why we had decided to support Amelia with this overwhelming "Might" of muscle.
"U-Uwah..."
"W-Wow. Everyone's so..."
Clarice and Elisa watched us with wide eyes. They were the rare female members of our squad. A group consisting only of sweltering, muscular men would lack elegance, after all. Besides, I was certain Amelia would be happy to have her close friends rooting for her.
"Alright. Let's move out, everyone!"
"Yeah!"
We marched into the Colosseum. As we navigated toward our designated seating area, I happened to spot a familiar face.
"President, forgive me. I need to speak with an acquaintance. Please head on ahead."
"Ah, I see. Understood."
As the group continued on, I approached her immediately.
"Ariane, what a coincidence."
"...? Um, excuse me... who might you be? I don't believe we’ve met..."
"It's me. Ray White."
She leaned in and peered closely at my face. Recognition dawned on her, and her expression brightened.
"Ray? Oh! It really is you!"
"This is the first time we’ve met while I’m in this form... I suppose."
"Well, you were such a stunning girl just a moment ago... it’s a bit of a shock. You’re actually quite manly, aren’t you?"
"Am I?"
"Yes. But perhaps it’s just because that feminine image is burned into my mind... Today’s look was particularly striking."
"Heh. I'll take that as high praise."
It was indeed Ariane Algren. She looked even more determined than the last time we spoke. Whether it was the touch of makeup or not, her refined features were perfectly framed by her signature ringlet curls, which were styled to perfection.
"You look even more beautiful than usual today. It suits you well."
"...You noticed?"
"Of course. I take it you've prepared yourself for the tournament."
"Naturally. I, Ariane Algren, am the favorite to win the Newcomers' Tournament. No—I will win. I must look the part, wouldn't you agree?"
"The win, hm? We'll see about that..."
Ariane didn't seem rattled by my comment, but her gaze turned sharp and serious.
"Are you referring to Amelia?"
"Yes. Her training is complete."
"I see... Well, I look forward to it. I shall see for myself if she is capable of reaching me now."
"Heh. Indeed. But if the two of you are to clash, it will be in the finals."
The brackets had already been released. By some twist of fate, Amelia and Ariane were on opposite sides of the tournament tree. They could only meet at the very end.
"I will be there," Ariane declared. "Tell Amelia for me: I'll be waiting for her in the final match."
"Such confidence."
"Yes. Because I take pride in myself."
It wasn't conceit. Ariane Algren understood her own worth perfectly. That was the source of her poise and confidence.
"Understood. I will tell her. Until we meet again."
"Yes. I look forward to it."
I parted ways with Ariane there, reminded once again that the opponent Amelia had to face was a formidable one.
"The athletes are entering!"
By the time I reached our seats, the opening ceremony was just beginning. In the Magics Chevalier, it was traditional for selected students to serve as announcers while faculty provided commentary. Currently, a student announcer was presiding over the ceremony.
One by one, the competitors filed into the arena. Sixteen participants for the Newcomers' Tournament and sixteen for the Main Tournament—thirty-two chosen athletes in total.
Among them was Amelia. Surrounded by the gaze of the massive audience, she held a steady, serious expression.
I still didn't know the reason behind her tears. Even so, I could see that she had found something precious within herself.
I believed in her. I knew she could defeat her many rivals and stand at the summit.
Once all the athletes had entered, Abby-san stepped onto the podium to deliver the opening declaration.
"The Magics Chevalier is upon us once again... but only one athlete in each division can claim the championship. One for the Newcomers' Tournament, one for the Main Tournament. You will strive for that lone summit, competing for the title of the academy’s strongest student. In recent years, the skill level of Magic Swordsmen has risen remarkably, and the matches in this tournament have reached an incredible standard—some far exceeding what is expected of students. To those of you who wish to master magic, remember: talent and effort are not enough. A competitive environment is a vital catalyst for growth. In that sense, this tournament will serve as a great forge for you all. Now, go. Show us the full extent of your power. That is all."
With those final words, she stepped down.
The opening ceremony proceeded smoothly and came to a close.
It was currently 11:20 AM. The first match would begin in forty minutes. Today’s schedule included the first two matches of both the Main Tournament and the Newcomers' Tournament. The final match of the day would be Amelia’s debut.
We would be there to cheer for her with everything we had.
To become the strength she needed—