Our plan was to play two-on-two beach volleyball matches. Once again, Kuro took charge, getting everyone organized and explaining the rules of the game.
To summarize... since this was purely for fun, it wouldn’t be a high-stakes competition. It would be a first-to-five-points format. We would keep the pairs we had used in the morning, and since there was an odd number of us, a rotating partner from the sidelines would join me for each match.
Kuro, Shiro-san, Isis-san, Alice, and Fate-san were told to properly hold back when attacking Lilia-san, Sieg-san, or Anima. Furthermore, everyone was strictly forbidden from using enough power to destroy the beach; the main goal was simply to have a good time.
Things like "altering the past," "overwriting reality," or "predetermining the future" were grounds for immediate disqualification the moment anyone attempted them. Basically, everyone had to promise not to do anything weird. Those were the ground rules.
"Now, regarding Kaito-kun... he’d be at a total disadvantage when it comes to physical abilities. So, I’m adding a special rule for his matches. Whenever anyone plays against Kaito-kun, you must match your physical output to his. Well, it doesn’t have to be exact, but any attack Kaito-kun can’t react to at all is strictly against the rules."
I felt a wave of relief. I’d been worried about the massive gap between my physical stats and everyone else's, so having that handicap in place was a huge weight off my mind.
Since the whole thing was in the spirit of play, the atmosphere was relaxed. Knowing that no one was going to do anything dangerous or cause a localized catastrophe made it much easier for me to actually look forward to the game.
"So, that’s the gist of it. We can add more specific rules once we’ve had a few rounds. Any questions? ...Wait, Shiro? Are you actually listening?"
Following Kuro’s gaze, I saw Shiro-san standing with her back to us for some reason. She turned around when she heard Kuro's voice.
"...Yes, I am listening. I believe the conditions Kuro described are generally fine, but... I have one proposal."
"A proposal?"
Wait, what was that? For a split second, I thought I saw Shiro-san wearing an exhausted expression... No, I must have been seeing things. Nothing had happened so far that would make her tired, and she looked like her usual self now.
"Yes. Regarding Kaito-san’s partner... if we decide on a case-by-case basis, it might lead to conflict. I propose we fix a partner for him here and now."
"...I get what you’re saying, but there’s an odd number of us, right?"
"Yes. Which is why I have a proposal... How about this?"
The moment Shiro-san spoke, high-tempo, driving music started playing out of nowhere. What the—? Where was this music coming from?
Just as the question crossed my mind, a person... or something like one, appeared right in front of me. I say "something like one" because the figure was enveloped in a mysterious, non-blinding light. I couldn't tell anything about them except that they were humanoid in shape.
While I was still reeling from the sudden appearance, the shadow thrust its right arm forward as if throwing a punch. The light gathered there, forming... a hand. A large, fabric hand with paw pads.
The left arm followed suit. Then, in one fluid motion, the figure launched a high kick, and a leg emerged from the light. Once the hands and feet were visible, the light flared intensely, revealing a torso.
The figure crossed its fabric arms—the arms of a mascot costume—in front of its head, paused for a beat, and then threw its arms wide. What emerged was an eerie cat face that looked like a fusion of organic parts and machinery, reinforced with what looked like rusted iron plates.
The music hit its peak as the chorus kicked in, and a massive wind-up key appeared on the costume’s back. The last traces of light trailed behind the cat's neck like a tail, turning into a deep crimson muffler. The figure struck a pose so perfect I could almost hear the sound effect, and the music cut out.
A patchwork body and a giant key on its back... was it supposed to be a clockwork doll? Whatever it was, a retro, mechanical cat mascot had just manifested in front of me.
...Okay, can I say it now? It’s just Alice, isn't it?! Why did you have to show up with a whole transformation sequence?! Is this the backlash from her trying to act serious for so long?
"...This will be Kaito-san’s partner."
"That's just Shaltier..."
Kuro seemed to be on the same page as me, offering a rebuttal with a completely deadpan expression. Still, despite my exasperation, I realized this might actually work out.
Alice was a master of using split bodies, so having her act as my partner made sense. She had the technique to back me up, and she’d probably be great at coordinating, so I wouldn't have to worry about our teamwork. It was actually quite reassuring.
The others must have reached the same conclusion. After a quick discussion, Shiro-san’s idea was accepted, and Alice in the kigurumi was officially designated as my partner.
There was only one problem... for some reason, the real Alice was standing there with a look on her face that I couldn't quite describe.
Serious-senpai: "...Huh? Where did Machina go? Whatever. More importantly, what happens if it’s Alice and Anima versus Kaito and Alice (in the costume)? Is Alice going to have to hold back against herself?"
Mysterious Helper: Mystic Cat
Power: SSS / Speed: SSS / Technique: SSS / Spiking Power: SSS / Receive Power: SSS / Support Power: SSS
Special Skill: Omniscience and Omnipotent
Serious-senpai: "Wait, hang on a second! That’s not Alice?! I mean, is 'Omniscience and Omnipotent' even allowed as a special ability in a sports story?! Oh, I get it... so that’s how they’re guaranteed to win..."