Kays Translations

Chapter 33: First, Don't Lose There

"Gulf, how about taking a bath and getting some sleep soon? Tomorrow is the intense battle festival, after all."

"...Just a little more. Is that okay?"

"I appreciate the determination, but you won't shake off fatigue without proper rest."

After dinner on the eve of the intense battle festival, Ishudo had been training with Gulf.

"Yeah, you're right..."

"Feeling nervous?"

"Yeah, I am. Honestly, I'm filled with anxiety."

Thinking it was pointless to hide it from Ishud, Gulf openly expressed his feelings.

"I see... but there's a big difference between acknowledging it yourself and letting it consume you. Plus, it's better to keep the tension moderate."

Since their meeting at the academy, Ishud had been offering advice to Gulf in the hope that his friend would achieve good results.

However, in practical terms, it wasn't that simple. 

Realistically, Ishud didn't see Gulf winning.

Regardless of the feelings one might have towards the existence of commoners, the fact remained that those participating in the intense battle festival were elites.

Furthermore, there were others who had trained alongside Gulf - Phillip and Michela.

And then there was Prince Andreas, the fifth prince.

Even just looking within Flaveld Academy, there are probably three individuals who, in a serious match, would surpass Gulf.

"...I-Ishud, well... Have you ever fought while being watched by a lot of people, seeing yourself?"

"Well, not in a place like the Intense Festival tournament, but... I've fought with my older brothers at the training grounds while being observed by knights and wizards from my hometown who are useful at home."

"...W-were you nervous?"

"No... it's just that, you know, my heart was filled with the feeling of not wanting to lose."

"The feeling of not wanting to lose, huh."

He’s not evading the question.

Back at home... especially when Ishud was still a child, there were plenty of individuals with greater abilities than him.

Even in such circumstances, even if he experienced consecutive losses, he never received scolding from Roberto, his main mentor and Ishud's great grandfather.

In the Regula family... there was an environment conducive to those with a strong will to become stronger, so he hardly ever felt tension or pressure within his home.

"It might get a bit awkward in the venue, but if you just blow away one or two people and win, it'll all turn into cheers. But, even the opponents fighting against Gulf share the desire to win. That's why... don't lose in the mental aspect, in that egoistic part of wanting to beat the opponent."

"Ego..."

"If you don't fall behind there, Gulf should be able to achieve good results in the tournament."

"Thank you, Ishud."

"You're welcome."

"I really feel lighter now... but, you know, is it just me, or are you actually about five years older than me, Ishud?"

"Hahaha!!! I've been asked that by the folks back home plenty of times, but I'm genuinely fifteen years old and your classmate."

The current Ishud has a certain composure that seems inappropriate for his age, thanks to the advantage of being a reincarnated individual.

It's only because of regrets from the past life, thinking, "I should have worked harder at that time," that such remarks come out casually.

And on the day of the event, Ishud was not with Gulf but in the spectator seats.

"Um, hey. Isn't it better if Philip or Michela is in the middle?"

The three heading to the first-year's waiting room... walked with Gulf in the middle.

"Why? It doesn't matter who's in the middle, right?"

"Well, it might not matter, but..."

Words didn't come out smoothly.

However... instinctively, it was certain that he didn't want to walk in the middle, being flanked by others.

"Yes, that's right. But more importantly, walk with confidence. You are one of the representatives of the first-year students at Flaveld Academy."

Upon Michela's words, several individuals heading to the first-year students' waiting room trembled.

In the end—or rather, it was just a matter of course— the fact remained unchanged that Gulf, a commoner, would participate in the intense battle festival as the first-year representative of Flaveld Academy.

The friend who lost to Gulf couldn't participate in the intense battle festival.

There are still those who think that commoners have no excuse to participate in the intense battle festival in the first place. However, at the moment, the commoner in question is allied with elite individuals, even among the elites—Philip and Michela, both formidable in their abilities.

When such powerful individuals are nearby... there's nothing one can do.

If Ishud were present, he would likely provoke and mock those with a somewhat aristocratic mindset, saying something like "the loser mentality is strong," and in a sense, belittling them.

"You had a good expression when we were having breakfast."

"Maybe, but... yeah."

It's too late to say that the tension has become overwhelming and a bit uncomfortable.

(Even if my body, my magic power is lagging behind, my feelings... I can't afford to lose my ego. Today, I came here to win!!!)

Slowly, but surely, the tension faded from Gulf's face.

And as they arrived at the waiting room, spending time on mental preparation... a student from Flaveld Academy, participating in the first match, was called.

The participation order was communicated in advance, and Gulf is scheduled for the third match, Philip for the ninth, and Michela for the fourteenth.

In addition to Flaveld Academy, there are participants from Sambal Academy, Lizard Academy, and Enferas Academy—eight students from each academy. As a result, the number of rounds for the first matches is quite substantial.

"It seems to have started."

"Well, well, will our academy's guys win or lose?"

"You... since you're the representative of the same academy, how about showing a little support?"

"I’m not interested. Whether they win or lose... it doesn't matter to me. Besides, one of us will probably make it to the finals."

"Don't worry. I'll climb to the finals and seize the championship."

Declaration of victory.

In this room, there are only representatives from Flaveld Academy.

Still, it's a declaration of victory made in the presence of the inevitable rivals one will encounter when climbing.

"Oh? Well, as a school, it's enough if someone from Flaveld  Academy wins."

"Is this an excuse for when you lose?"

"You're still so confident and aloof. It's good to be enthusiastic, but even if you climb to the top, you might just experience defeat again."

"..."

Michela knew what was waiting for her when she reached the summit, so she couldn't say anything strong in response to Philip's words.

In the midst of this, the first and second rounds concluded, and finally, Gulf's turn had arrived for the third match.

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