The day of the tournament finally arrived.
Much like during the Magics Chevalier, we gathered at the Colosseum.
Today’s schedule began with the opening ceremony at ten o’clock, with the matches set to follow at noon. The proceedings would be broadcast on a massive monitor installed in the Colosseum via Projection Magic.
For the projection itself, they were reportedly using technology that shared the field of vision of birds from high above. This was Carol’s magic; it seemed she was projecting images by sharing the vision of birds she had placed under her Herrschaft.
Fundamentally, Carol was a truly exceptional sorcerer. I had thought so since the Far East Campaign, but seeing her skills put to such practical use now... it filled me with a certain sense of deep emotion.
That said, her personality remained as eccentric as ever.
"Ray! Good morning!"
"Good morning, Ray."
Two figures came running toward me.
Amelia and Ariane. They both looked healthy and full of spirit.
As it happened, our match was the very first of the tournament. This meant that as soon as the opening ceremony concluded, we would be heading straight for Kafka Forest.
"Good morning, you two."
I had perfectly adjusted my own physical condition in preparation for today. Our opponents were Team Hartnett, led by Charlotte Hartnett. While we likely held the edge in close-quarters combat, their magical prowess was not to be underestimated.
I had already gathered as much through prior research. Of course, the three of us had shared information regarding the other teams for this tournament, and we had a firm grasp on every player's magical characteristics.
I believed we could sweep our matches in League A. However, overconfidence was a taboo. We needed to approach every single match with our full strength.
"How are you feeling?"
"Heh-heh! I'm in great shape!" Amelia puffed out her chest confidently. She certainly seemed to be doing well.
Ariane raised her voice in agreement. "I am also perfectly prepared! Besides, we are the opening match! We shall grace it with victory!! I am a maiden on fire!"
As the three of us stood talking in front of the venue, I suddenly locked eyes with a familiar face.
"O-ho-ho-ho! Ray White! It has been quite some time, hasn't it!?"
It was Charlotte Hartnett-senpai. Behind her, the twin maids, Casey-senpai and Cathy-senpai, stood in wait.
"It has been a while, Hartnett-senpai."
"O-ho-ho-ho! It certainly has!"
"Since we’re clashing in the first match today, I look forward to competing with you."
I bowed politely and offered my hand. She accepted the handshake, though she averted her gaze slightly.
"W-Well... I suppose I’ll play along! But make no mistake, we are the ones who will win!"
Behind her, the two maids began whispering to each other.
"Look, Cathy. She’s blushing."
"You’re right, Casey. She’s blushing like a little girl."
Upon hearing them, Hartnett-senpai let out a sharp cry of protest.
"T-That’s not it! I’m just excited because the match is about to start! It’s certainly not because this is the first time I've ever shaken hands with a man and I'm embarrassed!"
As I watched the scene blankly, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I spun around to find Amelia smiling at me. That smile looked about twenty percent more radiant than usual.
"Are you an acquaintance of Charlotte-senpai, Ray?"
"Yeah. We happened to run into each other in the city the other day."
"Hmm. You seem rather close, though..."
She glared at me with half-closed eyes. She was likely worried about me fraternizing with the enemy, but it was a groundless fear. I really had to take my hat off to Amelia's high level of focus. She was being incredibly thorough.
"No, not really. Since I’m an Ordinary, she apparently dislikes me."
"Hmm... Disliked, huh..."
While I was talking with Amelia, Hartnett-senpai prepared to take her leave.
"Look forward to the match!"
"Yes. I am looking forward to it."
The two maids bowed politely, and the three of them departed.
Thinking she was as pleasant a person as ever, I was surprised when Ariane let out a blatant sigh.
"Hah... Ray, you really are the same as ever..."
"What do you mean?"
"Charlotte Hartnett. She is famous for her bloodline elitism, and I thought she would absolutely despise you, Ray... but what did you do?"
Amelia continued to stare up at me fixedly while Ariane wore an exasperated expression. I didn't quite understand their reactions, but I decided to answer honestly.
"When we met at a bookstore in the city, we discovered we had similar tastes in books. That said, as soon as she heard my name, she made it very clear how much she hated Ordinaries."
"...Hah. Well, knowing you, Ray, you probably did something."
"I can't take this anymore... There are just too many rivals..."
It was true that there were many rivals. However, it was precisely because there were rivals that we could push ourselves further.
"Amelia. There certainly are many rivals. But it’s because we clash with them in this tournament that we're able to grow."
"...Yeah. You've completely misunderstood me, but fine... Of course I'm going to do my best in the tournament!"
With that, we finally entered the venue, and the opening ceremony began.
"And now, the entry of the contestants."
The athletes marched in. The spectator stands appeared to be at full capacity; there was no doubt that the Magics War was generating a massive amount of excitement.
Glancing at the crowd, I spotted Clarice and Elisa sitting together. Stella was with them as well. I hadn't introduced her to those two yet, so perhaps they had met by chance.
Beside them sat Princess Olivia, though she appeared to be in disguise. The idea of meeting her was a bit frightening, so I quietly averted my eyes.
As Team Algren marched in with Ariane in the lead, I felt the weight of many gazes upon me. An Ordinary being on a team with two members of the Three Great Noble Families was bound to stand out. There were clearly looks of loathing mixed in as well... but I would just have to prove my worth during the matches.
"Now then, everyone. This tournament was organized on short notice, but I wish to express my gratitude to all the students for participating."
The opening address was given by Abby-san, just as it had been during the Magics Chevalier. She spoke with her usual dignified expression and voice.
"Unlike the Magics Chevalier, this is a team competition. Additionally, the matches will feature the unique formats of Base Defense and Siege Battles. Each of you has likely trained hard for this tournament. However, only one team can emerge as the champion. Students, I hope you will strive toward that summit and sharpen your skills against one another. That is all from me. I am expecting a magnificent competition."
She gave a slight bow and stepped down from the platform.
After a few more speeches, the opening ceremony concluded without a hitch. Since we were in the first match, we had to move to Kafka Forest immediately.
As we left the Colosseum and prepared to head out, Rebecca-senpai came running toward us.
"Hah... hah... I'm glad... I made it in time."
"Rebecca-senpai? Is something the matter?"
She pulled something small out of her pocket. "This. It’s an amulet."
"An amulet?"
"Yes. I put my feelings into it, wishing for your victory."
"That... makes me truly happy. Thank you very much."
Rebecca-senpai then turned toward Amelia and Ariane. "Here, one for you two as well."
"O-Oh, thank you."
"Thank you very much!"
Amelia wore a complicated expression, but Ariane thanked her energetically.
"Well then, I'll be praying for your success."
Returning to me once more, she squeezed both of my hands tightly. Her eyes were slightly moist, and I could have sworn her cheeks were tinged a faint red.
Senpai departed immediately after that. She had likely been mindful of the fact that our match was about to start.
"Right! To live up to Rebecca-senpai’s support, let's make sure we win this first match!"
"...Right."
"Y-Yes, quite..."
I felt as though the atmosphere had soured slightly for some reason, but we proceeded to face our first match regardless.