GalaxyTL
The next day, when I woke up and went outside, everyone was already working. There are a lot of things to do for the tournament, setting things up, adjusting the magic tools, confirming the participants, creating the tournament brackets, finding judges, etc. I woke up earlier than usual, but they’re already working? And they were all drinking and making a ruckus last night, adults are amazing.
“Most of them probably just went straight to work without sleeping.”
Ronny’s comment made me even more impressed. The adults on the Demon Continent are incredible. They can go without sleep for days. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll be able to do that, even when I become an adult.
But last night was fun. Tio-nee’s hamburger steak was incredibly delicious, and those skewers they’d gotten at the food stalls were also amazing. And for dessert, we had cake, pudding, and jelly. I ended up overeating.
It wasn’t just the food, though. I was surprised that Wyatt-san played the guitar and sang. And he was really good! Everyone was dancing along to the music, singing, smiling, and that made me feel incredibly happy. I also danced, but I’ll never forgive Dad for saying it looked like a Bon Odori dance.
I chatted with everyone, laughed, it was incredibly fun. I wondered if it was okay to be making so much noise, but it’s Ortus. They’d set up soundproof magic tools, of course. They’re incredibly thorough!
Asuka and I went back to our tent early because we’re children. I wanted to stay longer, but we were both nodding off. Our bodies are honest.
They’d apparently prepared the tents for two people to share, so I was with Gil-san. It’s a secret that I’m relieved because it seems like we’ll be able to continue sleeping together.
B-Because! It makes me feel so safe! I did sleep on my own last night, though. Because I wanted Gil-san to enjoy the party. It wasn’t lonely. …It wasn’t!
“Meg, do you want to eat something?”
“Hmm, I’m not really hungry because I ate a lot yesterday.”
I answered Ronny’s question, rubbing my stomach. I really did eat until I couldn’t eat anymore. But Asuka, when he heard me, said, “That’s less than one of my meals.” Asuka eats so much…!
“How about just some fruit?”
“Okay! I’ll do that! What about you, Ronny?”
“Yeah. I’ll also eat with you.”
It seems like he was waiting for me. Ronny’s still as kind as ever. His features have matured, he feels more like an older brother, not a little brother, but he’s still the same gentle person he was before, and he’s comforting to be around. We chuckled and then headed for the simple table that was set up outside.
“Ah, Meg! Good morning!”
“Asuka! …You’re eating, even though it’s so early in the morning…”
There was already someone at the table. He was sitting before a large bowl of soup, a salad, and a basket overflowing with bread, diligently eating. It’s incredible. Kei-san was sitting beside him, elegantly drinking tea. It’s like they’re in a completely different space… it’s picturesque!
“I can’t function if I don’t eat in the morning. Schlie said it’s because I’m in my growth spurt. What about you, Meg? Aren’t you hungry?”
Ugh, Asuka’s innocently attacking my heart…! He’s basically saying that I’m not in my growth spurt yet, that I’m still small! It’s fine, I’m just a late bloomer… I’m going to grow taller, and my body’s going to develop, and I’ll have a great figure… sniff.
“I ate a lot, yesterday, so yeah. And I’m not that hungry either.”
“The amount people eat varies. Ryuasukatius should eat a lot, and Meg-chan can eat lightly. What’s important is to know your own limits.”
Ronny’s follow-up was perfect. And Kei-san’s words are incredibly convincing. I love them both so much…! I smiled wryly and sat beside Ronny, who’d taken a seat, and then placed some fruit on the table from my storage bracelet. It’s a mix of Appli, Nababa, and Oran.
“Hey, we’re all going to train after we eat, right?”
Asuka, as if trying to change the subject, asked that, tilting his head, as if wondering if this was enough for him. I was a bit relieved. Those participating in the tournament were told not to help with the preparations and to focus on training. Gil-san, Schlie-san, and Kei-san, our guardians, are looking after us in turns. It’s Kei-san today. I immediately nodded and said, “Of course.”
“I’ve gotten super strong! I might even win the underage division!”
“Ooh, you sound confident! You must have gotten really strong, if you’re saying that.”
“You too, right Meg?”
“Yeah! I worked hard!”
I love how positive he is. We smiled, saying that we should spar and see how much stronger we’ve gotten.
“Are you training with us too, Ronny? Ah, but maybe it’ll be boring for you…”
I then turned to Ronny and asked that. I’m sure his training’s much harder, because he’s in the adults’ division. It makes me nostalgic, thinking about those times when we trained together on the human continent. It’s been years since then, and he’s been diligently training every day, under Kei-san’s guidance. He’s really gotten stronger.
“I think it’ll… be a different menu, probably. But I’ll watch your training for a bit.”
Ronny looked at Kei-san to confirm, and Kei-san smiled and nodded.
“Really!? Yes!”
He probably noticed my hopeful gaze. Ronny and Kei-san chuckled when they saw me cheer. Did I say something selfish? He has to participate in the tournament too, so it was probably bad of me to take up his time.
“Ronny, you’re fighting against adults even though you’ve just become one, right? Aren’t you nervous because of all the strong opponents? Um, are you really okay with this?”
I was worried, so I asked that, and Ronny answered with a gentle smile.
“I’m sure I… won’t win. But it’ll be a good challenge. And I’m not… going to lose easily.”
He then patted me on the head, saying it’s fine, because watching our training is also training for him.
“I see. Alright! Well then, let’s all do our best!”
Asuka, who’d been watching us, said this cheerfully as he cleared the table. We both raised our fists, saying “Yeah,” and laughed. …How did you finish eating so quickly, Asuka?
We leisurely headed for the training grounds, going for a walk to help us digest. Apparently, they’ve even prepared a special training ground for the tournament. And of course, it was Ortus who handled it.
“Wow, I knew it was incredible, but it really is amazing.”
“What’s with that reaction? That’s so weird!”
I couldn’t help but to voice my honest thoughts as soon as I entered. Asuka laughed at me, but… I mean, it’s how I truly feel!
The building itself is just a simple cabin, but it wouldn’t be Ortus if it was just that. Of course, they’ve used the Fixed Alternate Dimension magic spell, and when you open the door, a spacious area perfect for light training appears. And! They’ve even divided it into separate rooms, for each guild! So we can relax and train without having to worry about being around unfamiliar people.
Of course, it’s also possible to invite people you meet from other guilds. They’ve also prepared rooms for that. Ortus is incredible! I wasn’t the one who came up with it, and I wasn’t involved with the preparations at all, but I can’t help but feel a bit proud! Fufu!
And so, we of course came to the Ortus exclusive room, or rather, training grounds. Juma-nii and the other two who are participating were already training in the back. It’s so fast that you can barely see what they’re doing. They really are amazing!
“Hah! Don’t tell me… Ronny can also move like that…?”
It’s only natural since he’s in the adults’ division, or he wouldn’t be a match. To think he’s gotten that strong, without me knowing!?
“I don’t know if I can move… like that… but maybe?”
“Woah, amazing! You’ve been working so hard, Ronny!”
Ronny, when I praised him, scratched his cheek shyly with his index finger. How modest.
“Okay! Let’s do our best too!”
“Yeah! First, let’s warm up!”
Seeing them, and finding out about Ronny, motivated us. Asuka and I immediately started stretching. We then did our warm-ups and a light run. It’s a bit small for running, but we can just run more laps!
It’s embarrassing that Juma-nii and the others keep smiling at us as we pass by, but… I’m also happy, because it feels like they’re cheering for us. Ronny also joined us for the warm-up, matching our pace. He’s so kind.
“How about you two spar? Ronaldo, you be the judge. It’ll be good practice for you too.”
“Okay.”
Kei-san gave that suggestion after we finished warming up. Sparring, huh… It’s my first time sparring against Asuka. Though we’ve trained together!
“Okay! Don’t cry if I win, okay? Meg!”
“Hmm, Asuka, you’re the one who’s going to cry!”
I retorted, matching his happy declaration. We were both smiling. He wasn’t being mean, and neither was I. Because Asuka’s my rival!
“You’ve… memorized the rules?”
“Of couurse!”
“Yeah, I’ve memorized them!”
We answered energetically after Ronny asked. The rules of the tournament matches. Apparently, they were decided on after discussing it with all the guilds. And they’re the same for both the adults’ division and the underage division.
An hourglass they’re exclusively using for the tournament. Dad said it’s about forty minutes. I-Isn’t that long? “And there aren’t any breaks?” I asked, and he replied, “Don’t underestimate a demi-human’s stamina.” He even said it’s actually short.
But they’re saying this is reasonable, because the tournament would never end if they made it any longer. That makes sense. It looks like there’ll be matches that end in an instant, and matches that go all the way. Either way, it’s scary.
And then there’s this, “If you’re getting tired, then you still have a long way to go.” Me? I’m sure I’m going to get tired! Uwaa~! But I’m not going to complain, I’m going to do my best! And in the event of a draw, the guild representatives, who are acting as judges, will decide the winner. And because the guild leaders will be watching, there won’t be any rule violations. And they’ve also installed magic tools, so it’s incredibly safe! Those magic tools are amazing, you know? But I’ll refrain from explaining… because there are too many incredible things.
“Well then, let’s try it. You two, get ready, okay?”
Ronny gave the signal, after I finished confirming the rules in my head. Okay, I’m going to do my best, even though it’s just a spar! Everyone (my spirits), I’m counting on you!