The temple was overflowing with people, to the point where it was difficult to avoid stepping on someone's foot. Not only were there more students than usual, but the incoming crowd was also tremendous.
Despite the temple's typically tranquil and ancient atmosphere, seeing it bustling with people evoked a fresh sense of excitement.
Perhaps due to the large number of people, a certain degree of commotion could be sensed amidst the cheerful chatter. There were students getting into arguments with passers-by or outsiders being arrested by guards, all the while shouting, "Do you know who I am?"
Amidst the chaos, there was no semblance of order.
Scarlett, Ludwig, and I pushed our way through the crowd, heading for our destination.
The main stadium of the temple.
A circular arena used for important matches and events.
With its massive size and seating capacity exceeding thirty thousand, the stadium was the venue for significant sporting events and tournaments held within the temple, like the one taking place today.
Today, the temple would host the main matches of the annual tournament.
It was only natural for giant screens to be set up for the audience.
Tomorrow, the semifinals and finals would be held here, as well as the main matches for the unrestricted class tournament.
As members of sports-related clubs, this was a space they could proudly enter, but I had never been involved in such an event until now.
The royal class, who would come to watch the tournament, would arrive later, and as participants, we had already arrived ahead of time.
"There are so many people…" Ludwig muttered in astonishment, his eyes wide as he surveyed the crowd gathered at the entrance of the stadium to watch the tournament.
"Well, the tournament is one of the main events of the festival," I replied.
Scarlett interrupted, "Wait a minute, Ludwig. So, does that mean there won't be any seats left for the people coming to see us?"
"Don't worry, Ludwig. The royal class has the privilege of entering events beyond the normal capacity," Scarlett assured him, seeming well-informed on the subject. The numerous privileges granted to the royal class within the temple were innumerable.
"Oh, I see. But what does 'beyond capacity' mean? How can people enter if the seats are already full?"
"Just think of it as reserving special seats. Would it help if I said they're seats that aren't included in the regular capacity? That's the privilege granted to the royal class."
"Ah! I see!"
For a brief moment, I could sense a flicker of disdain in Scarlett's expression.
Human relationships were truly unpredictable…
Why had the relationship between the main heroine and protagonist turned out this way?
Although Scarlett didn't dislike Ludwig, she occasionally regarded him as a somewhat lacking friend.
This must have been my doing, as well.
The Gladius Temple Annual Tournament Main Event.
We were heading not for the entrance for spectators but for the one reserved for those with official business.
——
As the identities of those who had advanced to the main event were already shared among the organizers, we simply had to submit our identification cards to be guided straight to the players' waiting room inside the stadium.
The athlete's waiting area was as grand as the massive stadium itself due to the strict prohibition of spectator access.
Naturally, it was equipped with various amenities, exercise equipment, and first aid supplies for injuries. Security guards were also perfectly in place to ensure safety.
There were a total of 36 contestants advancing to the main competition for each grade level. With all grade levels gathered, the total number exceeded two hundred. Individual rooms were even prepared to accommodate all of them separately.
We were guided to the waiting room designated for first-year students.
"Once all the main competition contestants have arrived, we will provide instructions and announcements. Until then, please feel free to relax in your individual waiting rooms or in the hall."
After being told that we could approach the desk anytime if we needed anything, the three of us settled down in the hall.
Ludwig seemed impressed by the magnificent athlete's waiting area, which didn't pale in comparison to the Royal Class dormitory. Scarlett felt the same way.
It seemed that some people had arrived before us, as we could see individuals either resting or preparing themselves.
However, most of them were alone.
They were the chosen ones from the numerous classes in the temple. It was impossible for a single class to have three members advancing to the main competition like the Royal Class.
Hence, they all regarded each other as rivals, remaining tense and cautious regardless of the comfortable environment.
Most of them were either lost in thought, warming up, or engaging in their own mental training.
Even though they were all high school first-year students, it was akin to a national team selection event.
It was a competition to determine the strongest seventeen-year-old within the temple. Exaggerating a bit, it was an event to identify the strongest of their age group on the continent.
It was only natural for them to be tense.
"Reinhardt! Want some bread?"
Ludwig, seemingly oblivious to the tension, cheerfully offered bread he had found somewhere.
Scarlett and I exchanged glances.
"…"
"…"
It seemed that we shared similar thoughts.
But you…
You were originally with him…
No, never mind.
"Uh, sure. Give me a piece."
"This is delicious."
"Um, I'd like some too."
In the end, Scarlett also took a bite.
-…
The wary gazes of those around us turned toward us.
In a place filled with individuals who saw everyone around them as enemies, the three of us, who seemed to know each other well, huddled together and ate bread.
Three contestants who appeared to come from the same place.
In such a case, there was only one possibility that they could think of.
They couldn't help but realize that we were the ones from the Royal Class.
Suspicion, hostility, and fear.
Numerous gazes pierced us.
"Uh, um…"
Ludwig finally seemed to notice the gazes around us, while Scarlett quietly nibbled on her bread.
"What's with you guys? Haven't you seen people eating bread before? Either join us or stop staring!"
In the end, I couldn't stand the stares any longer and snapped at those around us.
However, this place was ultimately a gathering of individuals who had stood out in their own circles.
Unlike other amateurs, these people were full of pride and confidence in their abilities and possessed no small amount of self-esteem.
"What did you just say?"
In this tense situation, with nerves stretched taut, there were more than enough people who would step forward and confront someone who made the first move. Leaning on the sofa with one arm, I grinned at the approaching guy.
Is that guy even a high school student?
He seemed to be about two meters tall.
Of course, that didn't intimidate me.
I wasn't sure about the others, but this particular guy had been glaring at us with particular disdain.
"I asked if you've never seen someone eat bread before. What makes you think you're so special?"
"This punk. You don't seem to have the air of a Royal Class graduate. You must be mistaken, thinking you'll win by default because there's no Orbis Class."
As the atmosphere suddenly turned hostile, Ludwig stepped in.
"Ah, ahahaha. Re, Reinhardt. Calm down. Why are you suddenly like this? I apologize. My friend is a bit sensitive."
"…"
"…"
The guy alternately looked at Ludwig and me, and I glared back at him.
"Who are you, and which group are you in for the main tournament?"
"Group A, Reinhardt."
"Lucky you. I'm in Group A too."
With a smug expression, the guy slapped his hand and taunted me.
"What's so lucky about that?"
I laughed at his demeanor.
"It's not going to work out for you."
Why does he think he's lucky when he's bound to lose?
I can't understand it.
Eventually, after the mind game was over and the nameless guy had backed off, a voice came from behind.
"…You still attract trouble wherever you go."
"…Ah, you."
"It's our first conversation, but it seems you remember my face?"
Of course, I do.
Even though we hadn't spoken, his face was one I'd remembered. Scarlett and Ludwig, seeing him for the first time, tilted their heads in confusion.
"You may not know my name, though. It's Grayden Amorel."
He extended his hand to me. There seemed to be no hostility in that gesture.
"Uh… long time no see."
I felt somewhat apologetic to him, for my antics had ultimately led to the loss of the special privilege known as the Special Class.
——
Grayden Amorel sat on the sofa opposite me, where we were seated.
"I used to be an Orbis Class first-year, but that's gone now."
Upon hearing that, Scarlett and Ludwig seemed to understand why we knew each other and expressed an "aha" look.
Grayden Amorel didn't seem to harbor any other emotions towards me. In reality, the internal accusation against Lilka Eren was not something he had done alone, but something the entire Orbis Class first-year students had agreed upon.
Originally, he was known to have a rather cold personality, but considering he approached me first and offered a handshake, it seemed he had undergone some change during the time we hadn't met.
Although I could not pinpoint exactly what those changes were, they were there.
"I thought you'd enter the tournament."
"Really?"
"I'm not sure why, but I just had that feeling."
The cheeky fellow, Ludwig, joked about the authority of the bread.
"So, the first-years… are scattered?"
"Yes, but we're still within the temple, so it's not like we can't meet if we try."
The first-year students from the Orbis Class were dispersed into regular classes.
However, it seemed that Grayden Amorel took the initiative to create a club through the student council, establishing a gathering for the first-year students from the Orbis Class. After all, clubs were a gathering of students regardless of their class.
Since they had gone through hardships together, it was not easy for their relationships to fade away.
Unprompted, the fellow mentioned that Lilka Eren was doing well. He playfully joked that he was going through a late growth spurt, claiming that he seemed to be growing taller, but in reality, he hadn't grown at all.
"In a way, I think it's a blessing that things turned out like this. Honestly, it was hellish."
Though the Orbis Class had vanished, it seemed that they were all getting along well.
Strangely, this thought comforted me.
Despite the numerous changes and accidents that arose from the problems I caused, it seemed there was always some positive change somewhere.
Grayden Amorel was in Group D.
The four of us sitting here were the strongest contenders for victory.
I had met Grayden Amorel before, but this was the first time we had conversed.
Yet, it was clear that he harbored some sort of goodwill toward me.
"Of course, I have no intention of losing, Reinhardt."
This was a competition, and we all understood that.
——
"The main stadium of the temple is fortified with powerful protective and barrier magic. Consequently, there are a few special events that can only occur here."
"All participants in the tournament's main event will be protected by powerful magic."
"From now on, the battles you fight will not be conducted as practice duels. If you find yourselves in a life-threatening situation, powerful protection and summoning magic will activate, transporting you to a safe place. Of course, this will result in a loss."
"In short, there will be no serious injuries or deaths, even if you use your full power. Thus, the Gladius Temple Tournament will create an environment that is 'very close to real combat,' pushing participants to their limits."
"While this is the explanation, the message I want to convey is simple."
"Think of this as an actual battle, and use every means at your disposal to win. There is no such thing as cheating."
"Of course, injuries like bruises or broken limbs may occur. However, no loss will be declared for any injury that can be treated. Remember, you won't lose just because you get punched once."
The 36 first-year contenders listened intently to the explanation provided.
This tournament would be different from the countless practice duels that Ellen and I had participated in before.
Though the stadium was equipped with protective magic and barriers, as well as numerous safety devices for participants, we would still have to fight as if we intended to kill our opponents. The arena ensured maximum safety so that we could give our all in battle. This would not only entertain the spectators, but also showcase the combat abilities of each participant to their fullest extent.
Ultimately, it was all for the sake of a thrilling spectacle.
The display of extreme combat would demonstrate the kind of monstrous talents the Empire had nurtured.
Tension rippled through everyone's expressions, even the usually relaxed Ludwig, as the reality of the upcoming tournament sunk in.
"Once you're called, be prepared," they were told.
The Tournament of the 36.
Today, they would determine the winners of the main rounds.
"Group A, first match. Royal Class first-year A-11, Reinhardt. Dalron Class first-year C-2, Lageres. Prepare yourselves."
I was participating in the very first match of not just the grade-level tournament, but of all the upcoming festival tournaments.
——
As the saying goes, there's nothing better than a spectacle of fire or combat.
The Temple's main stadium.
With a capacity of thirty thousand seats.
Seeing it completely filled, I initially thought I wouldn't be nervous, but I was wrong.
How could so many people gather for a children's fight? Even if the tournament for grades one through six was fully booked until tonight, were there truly this many interested spectators? Some couldn't even find a seat and had to stand to watch.
Was this truly entertaining?
Ah.
It was then that I realized, no matter how advanced this world may be, there was no existence of mass media like television, smartphones, or the internet.
In a world where stimulating entertainment was rare, the sight of the Empire's nurtured talents engaging in swordplay was quite a spectacle by their standards.
My face and that of my opponent appeared alternately on the large screens installed throughout the Temple's main stadium.
"Ohhh!"
The strange exclamation from the audience when my face appeared.
This.
It felt odd.
I tried to see if there were any familiar faces among the thousands of spectators, but there were too many to recognize.
Everyone was watching me.
I felt strange searching for someone who might have come to see me.
There probably wasn't anyone.
Everyone was busy.
Yet, strangely enough.
Among tens of thousands of people, where it should have been impossible to find anyone familiar.
Somehow…
Far away, I saw a black-haired girl with a calm expression.
It was Ellen.
Ellen was watching me.
Beside her were Liana, Cliffman, and Harriet.
And, despite their undoubtedly terrible relationship, Olivia Lanze was there as well.
"Reinhardt, you're the best! So handsome! Aaaah!"
And next to them, there were the students from Class B as well.
Charlotte was looking at me with a gentle smile. She didn't say a word, but it was clear that she was rooting for me.
Of course, probably for security reasons, even Saviolin Turner was sitting next to her. She had her arms crossed and watched me silently.
Unknowingly, a smile spread across my face.
-Stay strong.
I could read Ellen's lips.
-Wi-win… Win, win!
Although stammering, Harriet made a trumpet with her hands and cheered.
Not only Harriet, but also all the members of the Magic Research Society, including Redina, were present.
-Junior! Keep going!
What? I thought everyone would be too busy to come.
But everyone was here.
Despite the terrible relationship between Ellen and Olivia, they sat next to each other, leaning away from each other as much as possible.
Everyone was gathered.
"Hoo…"
The weapon in my hand was not a practice sword but a real one.
I was told to choose a weapon that suited me, so I picked a longsword with the same weight as the one I used in Darkland.
My opponent was also armed with a longsword.
-Now, the highly anticipated Gladius Temple Festival, the first-grade tournament in Group A! The first match! It starts now!
-Wow!
As the announcer shouted, amidst the thunderous cheers,
Right.
It's the first match, so I have to show them something interesting.
Sorry, friend.
I have to show my friends, who came all the way here despite being busy with their own matters, what I've been doing for the past year, right?
I believe.
I cast, Mana Enhancement.
-Krrrr!
An explosive force surged through my body, and blue flames erupted from me. As the sound of the cheers grew louder, I saw my opponent faltering.
Adding swiftness, strike, and hardening,
Self-Suggestion, Mana Enhancement.
With all of these combined,
"I will win."
Adding the power of the Word to it,
I took one step forward.
With just a single step,
-Kwoooong!
"!!!"
In the next moment, I had reached right in front of my opponent.
Victory.
I desire nothing more than that.
——
-Wow!
"…Was it really necessary to come and watch this?"
Amidst the cheers, Harriet grumbled discontentedly.
The third match of the first-year Group D had just ended. The match featuring Reinhardt, which they had come to watch, had ended in less than five seconds.
There was still plenty of time left until Reinhardt's next match.
The first-grade round-robin tournament would end, and then the second-grade round-robin tournament would begin.
There was no need to watch all 36 matches for every grade, but given Reinhardt's performance, it seemed likely that all his matches would end in an instant like this.
Thus, during Reinhardt's match, the audience was overwhelmed, but their confusion was more prominent.
"No, what's with that one?" The reaction was like that. It was overwhelming, but it felt somewhat bland.
In terms of entertainment, it was more enjoyable to watch the desperate fights where people stumbled and rolled on the ground.
So, they actually came to watch Reinhardt's match, but there was little need to see him in action.
Both Ellen and Harriet were busy. However, in the end, after debating whether or not to come, they eventually arrived.
With a displeased expression, Olivia reluctantly sat down next to them when they ran into her midway.
The reason was simple.
'If we huddle together a little, Reinhardt will easily find us.'
If they sat separately in the stands, there was a chance that Reinhardt might not find them.
But if they sat close together with friends, Reinhardt would be able to spot them more easily. In fact, Reinhardt found them with precision.
When Reinhardt won his first match with an overwhelming difference, Olivia was the only one who screamed in the midst of everyone's astonishment, yelling, "Take me! Take me with youuuu!" causing an awkward scene as everyone stared at her.
Reinhardt's next match would begin once all the D-group 36th round matches had finished.
Harriet looked at Ellen quietly.
She thought Ellen might participate in the Unrestricted Tournament, but strangely enough, she had entered the Miss Temple contest.
"Ah… It's Reinhardt's turn soon. I didn't come to watch that… Hey, when is Reinhardt's match? Check the schedule."
"You should check it yourself, senior."
"Seniors should be obeyed!"
"…Reinhardt doesn't like people who talk like that. Oh, I guess you don't know that."
"You, you… Fine, let's drop it."
She was like an angel only in front of Reinhardt. Acting as if she could give everything to Reinhardt, but being irritable towards everyone close to him.
The increasingly twisted and distorted character of Eredian's Holy Maiden, Olivia Lanze.
Both Ellen and Harriet had one person they wanted to beat, even though they participated in different competitions: that person was her.
Could they beat her?
Contrary to such concerns, Olivia Lanze acted as if the two of them didn't matter at all. No, she deliberately ignored them to make them angry.
"Ugh, this is so boring! Bring me our Reinhardt!"
"Please, be quiet."
As Olivia began to throw a tantrum, Ellen frowned and glared at her.
"What? Do you want to go out there right now and have an event match with me? People will really love it!"
"Not there, but right here, right now."
"Should we?! Show me? Huh?"
"Don't imitate Reinhardt just because you're in a bad mood."
At that, Ellen's personality also changed whenever she met her.
Ellen and Olivia Lanze.
If the two of them were to barge into the arena, none of the matches that followed would be of any interest to the spectators.
"Both of you, please stop…"
Harriet felt nauseous just watching the two of them.