Chapter 226
With a flick of her fan after wiping the blood, Victoria, although regal in appearance through her eyes, looked merely fifteen to me.
Yet, Victoria's influence was not to be underestimated as childish.
"What seems to be the problem? Surely, you're not planning something as crude as reducing your opponents by sheer numbers."
"Ha! As if we would do such a thing. We're just here to talk. There are matters we need to discuss."
"Discuss?"
A look of confusion crossed Victoria's face.
She was completely unaware of being embroiled in Teron's political schemes.
"I'm curious how long you intend to go on like this. It's supposed to be a meeting place set up by the Empire and the Holy Kingdom, but this kind of behavior is problematic, isn't it?"
"I agree. However, isn't the issue that your side has ostracized us? We were merely spreading the teachings of the Goddess."
"Just as the Holy Kingdom has its doctrines, the Empire also has its laws and regulations. How could it not be chaotic when you refuse to acknowledge them, claiming only you are correct?"
"Well, I suppose that could be the case. I'd hate for classmates to turn on each other. It's quite a troublesome situation, isn't it?"
"Exactly my point. So, how about holding an exchange meeting?"
Victoria's eyebrows raised slightly as she covered her face with her fan.
"An exchange meeting?"
"A chance to test our mettle and strengthen our faith through competition."
Although spoken in refined terms, the underlying intent was simple.
An exchange meeting disguised as a battle to determine superiority.
Victoria's eyes narrowed as she understood the meaning.
"Hmph, are you competent enough to be trusted with one's back? Let's find that out, shall we?"
"Indeed. It's a refined action, incomparable to crude fighting."
"Oh~ Hohoho! Indeed. An exchange meeting... It's perfectly suited to my elegance."
With a snap of her fan, Victoria pointed it at us.
"I'll accept that proposal. Better brace yourselves. You'll need to accept the outcome."
"That's what we should be saying. No excuses after losing."
"Alright. Let's draw up a contract."
The contract, filled with phrases flaunting nobility, was thus drafted.
Summarizing its contents:
First, the losing side in the exchange meeting must always yield first when a fight seems imminent.
Second, the exchange will consist of one-on-one battles, conducted as a best of five, three wins to claim victory.
Third, this contract will be effective until midterm grades are released.
Thinking that control would shift to the faction with superior midterm grades...
But that's their problem.
As the tumultuous life at the academy goes on among the three factions, Teron eventually turns dark, making a pact with a demon to become the boss of the second episode.
The protagonists defeat the demon-contracted Teron at the final exams.
With the fall of Teron's faction, the second episode concludes.
Of course, that's far in the future, and not of concern now.
What's critical is...
'Let me out! Why must I attend the exchange meeting when I'm not even part of a faction?'
While attending the exchange meeting isn't problematic per se—it's a five-person affair, and I'm certainly not among those five.
But.
Adonis continued to glare at me.
The sixth quest, Adonis's suspicion, and my forced participation in the exchange meeting.
I had a strong feeling something would go wrong at the exchange meeting!
'Save me!'
Yet my cries went unheard as the story relentlessly progressed.
"So, when is the exchange meeting?"
"Why delay? Let's start right now."
"Right now?"
"Why? Are you not confident? Well, if that's the case, I can't help it, but... It would be a disappointment to see talents from the Holy Kingdom fleeing."
Teron's unabashed provocation.
Victoria glanced towards Adonis, who slightly nodded in affirmation, prompting her to declare immediately.
"That's not it. Let's do it. Right now."
"I know a perfect venue. It's an excellent hall for hosting an exchange meeting."
"Hmph, that sounds intriguing. A hall that can accommodate this many people."
"It could be troublesome if we all move together later. I'll assign a guide to lead you."
With a nod from Teron, a student stepped forward to lead Victoria's faction.
As soon as they departed, Teron turned to us.
"Alex, Raymon. You're part of the Empire, so naturally, you'll join, right?"
"Me, included? But we aren't even friends!"
"Aren't we classmates? It's only natural to do this together."
"If that's the case, I'll join! But I'm not keen on hanging out with Teron!"
...
Ah, typical Raymon, never resting from making insults.
Was it a headache? Teron, while pressing his forehead, then turned to Alex.
"And you, Alex?"
"Well... since it's not a fight but an exchange meeting, I guess it doesn't matter. And there's someone I'm personally concerned about."
He meant Adonis. Alex was the protagonist of this game.
Both of them had a setup where they felt something towards each other.
Of course, it was a setup that had nothing to do with me.
"Keke, I wish you all the best. I hope the exchange meeting ends successfully."
"It sounds like you're going somewhere... Is it just my misunderstanding?"
"It's not a misunderstanding at all. There's no reason for me to join."
Yuridia's and Teron's factions—neither of which I belonged to.
There was no reason for me to attend the exchange meeting.
I was just about to sneak away, holding Luna and Rezé's hands.
Just then, someone grabbed my shoulders from both sides—it was Teron and Yuridia.
"Zero, surely you, equaled only by Daike, won't be missing this?"
"Zero! This is a duel of honor!"
These damn people! An exchange meeting, they said! Why has it suddenly turned into a duel of honor!
Well, it was to be expected. 'Exchange meeting' was just a nice term.
It was merely an excuse for a duel.
"Keke, being compared to Daike... you flatter me. And do you really need me? Aren't there plenty of talents?"
"I know that. But there could be unforeseen circumstances, so I'd like you to join."
"I'd really like to, but I have other pressing matters..."
"Zero really wants to join us. Make sure he's comfortable. So much so that he won't even need to walk."
"...?"
How could they interpret my words like that?
I didn't even have a chance to respond. Teron's followers grabbed my limbs and hoisted me into the air.
I called for Luna's help, but she was in no different a situation.
"Let's take Miss Luna and Miss Rezé on our side."
Yuridia's followers lifted Luna and Rezé, treating them as if they were royalty.
And so, we headed to the hall where the exchange meeting was to be held.
For me, it might as well have been a gallows.
*
"It's been a while. It quite the nostalgic feel, isn't it?"
Luna said, her eyes closed, lost in memories.
The venue Teron mentioned was none other than the sparring ground.
It was where Luna and Daike's battle unfolded, and where I, arriving late, faced Daike in a direct confrontation.
It was also where Rodelin had to sweat over repairing the roof blown off by my [One Flash].
"Keke, and it's where we picked up Miss Rezé."
"Don't talk like you picked up a friend from the ground!"
But it was true.
Godner had been beating Rezé to lure Luna.
Luna and I rescued Rezé, and she started stalking us.
After various incidents, she joined our group.
Indeed, like Luna said, the sparring ground held many memories for us.
And it seemed like new memories were about to be made here.
The kind of memories that might involve erecting my tombstone.
"So, do you like it?"
"It's a splendid venue. Especially, its enormity that allows everyone to see is quite to my liking. I commend you for it."
"Thank you for the praise. Then, let us commence the banquet. A preparation time of five minutes should suffice, right?"
"More than enough. I look forward to our next conversation."
"I feel the same. I'm eager to see how your refined manner of speaking will crumble."
"I'll return that comment as received. Until next time."
Victoria and her faction's members moved to the opposite side.
"Impudent fools. Let's show them the power of the Goddess."
"Hmph! I hope they don't just collapse in shock."
The pre-battle tension was already fierce.
Of course, I wasn't meant to be part of such fights. I am a lover of peace, after all.
‘Zero = Peace’. This equation would undoubtedly make anyone nod in agreement.
"A fight? I should join too."
...However, there was also the opposite case.
The equation ‘Luna = Fight’.
"Keke, Miss Luna, let us step back. This isn't play, but a real fight."
"And that's why I want to participate. Is there a problem?"
Isn't her not knowing that, the problem itself?
I held onto Luna’s coat, poised to dash off any moment, lost in thought.
The exchange meeting that we were suddenly part of—I had initially thought it was a serious issue.
‘But... perhaps it might not matter after all.’
As the contract stipulated earlier, the exchange meeting consisted of one-on-one battles in a best of five format.
Only five individuals could participate, including members from Teron's and Yuridia's factions, and Alex and Raymon.
‘Out of those, Daike and Alex would take two spots. The remaining three are open to others...’
It wouldn't matter if I filled one of those spots.
Adonis would only appear in the fifth and final battle.
‘Moreover, the final battle is invariably destined for the protagonist, Alex.’
It’s an absolute game setting that couldn't be altered by any means.
It was essential to create a connection between Victoria and Alex through the meeting between Alex and Adonis.
‘Meaning, there’s no chance I’ll end up fighting Adonis.’
My mind eased upon this realization.
Dragged to the banquet hall as a hidden piece.
Perhaps this was a hidden piece activated to give hints for the challenging sixth quest?
‘If that's the case, my task is...’
To observe the surroundings and flow, searching for those hints.
It shouldn’t be difficult. I just need to identify any deviations from the story I know.
"The first one should be..."
"Well, I think..."
Teron and Yuridia were discussing, likely deciding who to send out first.
I crept closer on all fours, eager to overhear and react accordingly.
Suddenly, my head snapped back—Yuridia had slapped my cheek.
"Oh my! So sorry! I thought you were a cockroach..."
"Keke, crawling on all fours must have confused you. It happens."
"No. Zero always seemed like a cockroach to me. I could tolerate it when I was aware, but now, I was just startled. Sorry."
"...?"
That must be a joke, right? Confusing a person with a cockroach. That’s just not possible.
"Yuridia, don't get distracted by a cockroach. Do you not realize how critical this moment is?"
"...Teron?"
"Ack! You startled me! When did you get here? Could you at least make some noise when you move around?"
"..."
I've decided.
From today onwards, I'm part of Victoria's faction.
--TL Notes--
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