Part 3
After the podium ceremony, Reinhardt took the microphone once more, striding to the center of the coliseum. A mobile platform rose slowly, transforming into a square arena resembling a combat ring.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, our next event!" he announced in a booming voice. "A little one-on-one tournament between students!"
The stadium's central screen lit up, displaying the brackets for the first matchups.
First duel: Yoruka Itsuki (Seisen) vs. Luca Romano (Italy).
Second duel: Akari Tsubasa (Seisen) vs. Marcus Kane (USA).
Third duel: Reiji Tsuguri (Seisen) vs. Selene Navarro (Philippines).
Fourth duel: Hikaru Tsukishiro (Seisen) vs. Anya Volkov (Russia).
The faces of the eight contenders appeared on the holographic board, displayed in a single-elimination format. The crowd erupted in cheers and whistles, chanting the names of their favorites.
"Is this thing even working?" Reinhardt joked, tapping the mic a couple of times before continuing. "Anyway…"
With a theatrical flourish, he raised his arm.
"These duels will be fought one-on-one, testing the strength of Seisen's students against scholarship holders from other academies!"
The screens turned crimson, flashing a new message: Massive Power Restriction: Active.
"I should note that this is just a demonstration," the director explained. "So please refrain from using large-scale destructive techniques…"
With a snap of his fingers, a shimmering blue barrier rose around the arena, separating the battlefield from the stands. The crowd let out a collective oooh as the dome sealed with dazzling sparks of light.
"In any case, don't worry. This barrier will protect spectators from any collateral damage… and protect the fighters from fatal injuries inside."
Reinhardt smiled, spreading his arms wide.
"Now then, ladies and gentlemen! Please enjoy this spectacle… a prelude to the NovaTech World Championship, to be held later this year in Germany!"
With a dramatic puff of smoke, he vanished from the stage like a magician in the middle of a show.
At that moment, in the stands, Jake hopped over and plopped down beside Shizuki—right where Touma had been sitting earlier.
"Good morning, ladies…" he said with a cheeky grin. "So, where's our rom-com protagonist?"
Shizuki shot him a cold look.
"Oh, look, it's the mech destroyer. I'm sure the U.S. government is thrilled with your little 'performance.'"
"Ice Princess, it's always a pleasure to see you smile like a glacier," Jake fired back with a wink.
"That was incredible, though," Hina cut in, a bit nervous. "Very reckless, of course. Anyway, Touma's with Akari. She asked him to be her 'Analyst.'"
"Thanks, Prez," Jake nodded. "Can't believe Touma's an analyst… but I'll admit it, the guy's got a knack for solving problems on the fly. And Akari's like a wild stallion. Together, they'll make a solid team."
He leaned back, smirking. "What I don't get is why our loli president isn't taking part in this one."
Shizuki finished her snack before giving him a sliver of attention.
"The student council has a policy—only one member per event, to give other students a chance. As for Eva, she doesn't see the point of showing her power against regular students. And Reiji… well, he's a battle junkie. Any excuse to fight, and he's all in."
"A troublemaker, huh," Hina commented.
"And he sure landed himself a good fight," Jake added with a laugh. "Anyway, I brought snacks and drinks."
"You and your American junk food…" Shizuki sighed, glaring at him.
"Oh, forgive me, Miss Britannia," Jake replied with exaggerated courtesy. "Tonight we'll dine at a fancy restaurant to celebrate my personal triumph—and the crushing victory Akari's about to deliver! Courtesy of the Mavericks, of course! What do you say?"
The three girls reacted differently: Shizuki barely looked up from her book, while Hina and Mirai accepted the snacks with a smile.
High above the crowd, one particularly red-haired family watched the monitors intently.
"What incredible technology… Now I understand why this academy is so expensive," said Akari's mother, her eyes sparkling in awe.
"NovaTech owns fifty percent of Seisen's shares. The rest belongs to the Japanese government. Our company contributes a modest five percent to the budget," Tanaka explained casually, sipping a milkshake like it was nothing.
"If I had one of those 'Astra Cores,' I'd crush everyone out there!" Makoto declared, puffing out his chest.
"Yes, my sweet little boy, of course you would," his mother replied, ruffling his hair affectionately.
"Moooom! I'm not a kid anymore, I'm an adult—"
Mrs. Aira's gaze suddenly turned sharp and predatory, like that of a beast.
"…What was that, Makoto? I couldn't quite hear you over the cheers," she said in a tone dripping with menace.
Makoto gulped hard and shrank into his seat.
"Y-you're the best mom in the whole world…"
"That's better, dear," she replied, instantly reverting to her angelic, loving façade.
Tanaka wiped cold sweat from his brow.
There's no doubt… Mrs. Aira is terrifying… he thought, quickly turning his eyes back toward the arena.
Meanwhile, in the preparation room, participants with analysts were busy discussing strategies with their assistants.
Only Yoruka and Reiji sat alone. Neither seemed to need—nor want—help.
Surprisingly, Akari was more serious than usual. She wore the standard combat uniform used in Seisen training: a plain design in gray and red.
"…I don't feel comfortable in this," she muttered, glancing down at her outfit. "I look like a guy."
Touma snorted.
"Yeah, it's totally not your style. Red suits you, but I think pink looks better on you." He ruffled her hair playfully.
"Touma… I'm not a kid, you know?"
"Yeah, yeah. You're the strong Akari," he said, flexing in an exaggerated show of muscles.
"Pfft, idiot."
"Anyway, I'll be in the central booth," he added, pointing to the analysts' section. "Not that you'll need me with how strong you are, but I'll do my best."
He handed her the intercom Shizuki had custom-designed for her.
"Of course I need your help," Akari said, hugging him tightly.
"Thanks for trusting me," Touma answered, hugging her back.
A warm energy spread through Akari's chest, comforting—almost like the warmth of a mother's embrace.
As they pulled apart, Touma gave her one last smile.
"Go out there and show them who runs Seisen."
"Touma…"
"Yeah?"
"Since my family's here in the city… would you like to have dinner with us tonight?"
"Of course. Should I invite the others too?"
"No, no. Just us… is that okay?"
Touma, who never understood anything about life, simply nodded.
"Sure."
"Yay!" Akari jumped up, her eyes sparkling. "Tonight we'll celebrate my victory!"
She skipped away, humming happily, far more excited about dinner than the tournament itself. Touma, still smiling, headed toward his analyst's booth…
Never imagining that this tournament would be anything but easy.