Chapter 16

I had a conversation with Diana during breakfast this morning, and afterwards, we went to the venue for the competition together.

It is currently 8:50 in the morning.

I am sitting with my two teammates, Aiyia and Wakaka, at the designated area for participants. Aiyia is experimenting with a new way to use her magic, specifically by tossing five hair strands that she made into a bun together. Wakaka, on the other hand, is plucking her hair one by one and roasting them over a fire.

Each of the four teams has been assigned their own room where they can watch the competition from a favorable position.

But where are my two teammates right now...

Aiyia: "Hehe, Molly Ann sweetheart, look, I can toss five buns at the same time."

No, you're just creating one bun in your hand every time you drop one. Look at the pile of hair strands at your feet, it looks like a barber shop's floor.

Wakaka: "Molly Ann, Molly Ann, look, my hair got burnt, oh, it's so magical, it disappeared in a flash."

Normally, we wouldn't purposely pluck our own hair to burn it. Moreover, from a scientific perspective, most of the substances in hair are proteins, which would indeed disappear quickly when burned.

Are these two in the right state of mind? Why do I feel like our chances of winning are slim?

If worse comes to worst...

I used the mental link in my mind:

"Emile, Emile."

"Hello, this is Emile. I'll be back soon, just wait a little longer. That damn Griffon's chasing after me because I accidentally bumped into your mountain. I even saved your little brat and he's still chasing after me. I'll beat you, andra... Ice Cone Piercing!"

"..."

I silently hung up the mental link.

It seems I can't rely on Emile for now.

I turned to look at Aiyia and Wakaka, then threw a bucket of cold water over each of their heads, startling them.

Alright, I've done what I can. The rest is up to fate.

On the competition stage, Diana's team and another team were already standing there.

"Hello everyone, I am Ralba, the host of this Top Four competition. First, let us introduce the current situation of the competition!"

A senior student with long purple hair, who specializes in plant-based magic, gathered his hair by using hair gel magic and shaped it into a horn-like structure. With an extremely emotional voice, he introduced the School of Balancing's triennial competition organized by the principal. He looked just like a noble and elegant morning glory flower...

...Hair gel magic?

"The competition has now reached the intense stage - the Top Four! On the left side are the Four Limbs Buried in the Belly of the Snake team, and on the right side is the number one Illusionist team. Also, joining us this afternoon is the White Lotus team and..."

After reading up to this point in one breath, he paused for a moment, then cleared his throat and took a deep breath before shouting enthusiastically,

"The Ever-changing Chaotic Black Flame-roasted Pink Bun Bodyguards!"

"Oh!!"

Senior, I know you ran out of breath reading continuously, but when you take a deep breath and start speaking again, can you not sound so full of vigor, making us feel like we're some hidden powerhouse team or something... It's easy to cause misunderstanding, you know. I've already heard people in the audience discussing whether this team with a ridiculous name is pretending to be weak and playing it safe!

Ralba put down the horn, or more specifically, released the hair gel magic, allowing his hair to fall freely again, then picked up the magic microphone and began to speak.

"This competition was originally supposed to be hosted by Lord Damia and the Student Council President, but due to unknown reasons, they are absent, so I am temporarily substituting for them. Please bear with me."

Most likely, Damia was replaced after a major incident occurred during her first time commentating. She was supposed to commentate herself but ended up just watching the entire game, leaving the Student Council President to do a one-man solo performance. Truly worthy of being our school's principal.

In any case, Ralba, who took on the commentary duties in place of the president and Damia, began the pre-match introduction."First, let's announce the top four teams. We can see that each team has a very unique name. For example, the first match in the Sweet 16 was won by the Illusionary World's Number One Magical Arts Team, and then we have the Oasis Elf Duo, composed of both veteran and new members. There's also the Snake's Belly Team, with their mysterious and unpredictable members, and the Melting Chaos Black Flames Pink Dumpling Guards, consisting of three sweet-sounding new students. And finally, the only team that has made it this far on their own..."

"The White Lotus Team!"

Look at that, their team name is so simple, impactful, cool, and arrogant. And then look at ours, so sweet. Does it mean that baked pink dumplings taste good?

"Now let's turn our attention back to the field. We can see that both teams are ready and prepared. They are..."

"Diana Anasethia from Team Snake!"

Miss Oasis Elf proudly raised her arm and waved it towards the audience.

"And Sophie Anasethia!"

The other member of Team Oasis Elf, who looks similar to Diana but more mature, politely bowed to the host and audience.

This elegant behavior, which fits the traditional image of elves, received unanimous applause, and the host began introducing the opposing team.

"And their opponents are..."

"Olga Sarka, the Illusionary World's Number One Magical Arts Team!"

"And his partner, Laidlane Barthold."

It's a team consisting of a tall man with bangs and a small boy.

"Captain, we've made it to the top four!"

"Yeah."

"The competition venue this time is very clean and quiet. The audience isn't too loud. It feels different from the qualifying rounds."

"Probably because most of the teams have already become spectators."

"Well, those who are out of the competition no longer concern us."

"Are you happy?"

"Of course! We've made it to the top four, maybe we can even fulfill the Headmaster's three promises. The captain is also diligent, so I'll work harder too."

"That's right. Our efforts have not been in vain. As long as we don't stop, the path will..."

"The match begins!"

The first match was won, as expected, by the Snake's Belly Team led by Diana.

Hm?

You still want to know the details?

Diana erected a green vine on the table and started rapidly shooting ball-shaped objects towards the opponent, concealing the real ping pong ball among them.

"Dadadada—"

Laidlane Barthold was hit by one of the balls and fell under the table.

Olga Sarka protected him, trying his best to return the balls.

"Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!"

"Captain! What are you doing, Captain!"

After losing six points in a row, Olga finally managed to find the real ball and returned it, earning a point.

"What's the matter? My aim is still pretty accurate."

Diana's magical power weakened, temporarily halting her attack.

"Captain!"

"Laidlane, why is your voice trembling?" Olga took a deep breath. "I am the captain of the Illusionary World's Number One Magical Arts Team. This little attack is nothing."

"Why... are you protecting someone like me..."

"Protecting teammates is the captain's responsibility!"

Yes, as long as we keep moving forward, the road will continue to extend.

Olga fell down.

The Snake's Belly Team emerged victorious.

Sophie, Diana's partner, inexplicably lowered her psychic protection barrier.

"So, they..."

"Why didn't they use any illusions in the end?"