Chapter 453 - The Fate of the Glorious Preliminary Tournament
The third round of the Beltoria Preliminary Tournament has concluded, with all four matches now finished. All that remains is the final match.
After the third round's fourth match, the participating schools took their places, and the arena entered a brief intermission. The final match is scheduled to begin in fifteen minutes.
"Evilbanshee-sensei, I overheard something about the final match being a formality. Is there any truth to that? Even though it’s just a preliminary, winning it would still be a wonderful achievement, don’t you think?"
The candidate sitting next to me, the bureau candidate, posed her question with genuine curiosity. I found the idea somewhat troubling.
Indeed, the next match, despite being a preliminary, is the final. Winning it grants the glory of victory, yet the students participating don't think of it as a mere formality. It’s abnormal and disrespectful to suggest otherwise.
There could be some schools trying to spread rumors to secure an easy win, but that’s beside the point.
"I can’t confirm if it’s true, but I’ve heard the same rumors. Regardless, Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy will aim to win with all our might. It doesn’t matter if other schools lack enthusiasm—we will not be deterred."
If they lack the will, they will be utterly crushed, to the point of feeling utterly miserable. That’s how we operate at Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy. Our students never show mercy.
"You’re right. While a strategic approach to the final might be understandable, the students naturally want to win. The gathered audience, who have come in such numbers, certainly wouldn’t expect a lackluster match."
"Absolutely. Since this is a public spectacle, anything less than our best would be unacceptable. The show must go on, and we must perform to the best of our ability."
Indeed, it would be unconscionable to put on a lackluster performance in a public event. On the other hand, the students don’t need to worry about the event’s reputation—that’s the responsibility of the adults running it. The tournament organizers haven’t given us any instructions regarding the final, so we are free to decide our course of action.
Should we consider the final as a stepping stone and sacrifice this match? The rumor suggests it’s the norm, but I wonder what the three schools are planning.
Well, let them do as they please. If they want to slack off, they should face the consequences of their mediocrity.
They won’t stand a chance against Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy, whether they try their best or not. So, if they choose to lose, it won’t change anything, and they can claim it’s due to the audience’s fault. That’s a weak strategy, and I understand it.
Ultimately, what the others think or plan is of no concern to us at Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy.
If we aspire to be champions, we must win every match, especially in front of an audience.
This match, whether a formality or a preliminary, is a real contest before the audience, and any display of weakness is unacceptable.
We must approach it with the determination to win at all costs.
Subtle tactics are not befitting a champion. Let the weak resort to such strategies. We will focus solely on giving our all.
"Indeed, this is the final match. I can’t help but think that Saint Metria Academy will also reach this point someday."
"Why not? You can’t achieve greatness without aiming for it. If you put in the effort, it’s possible. Just look at us."
Lanchester-sensei, the bureau candidate, and I continued our casual chat during the intermission.
"That’s true. Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy’s track record was, well..."
"Terrible, wasn’t it?"
"But you changed it, Evilbanshee-sensei. In just half a year."
Half a year may seem short, but it’s a significant period. We’ve spent every day on rigorous foundational training and realistic drills. The club members have given their all without holding back, and their efforts have clearly paid off.
When comparing student-level abilities, it’s easy for us to stand out. We’ve proven that.
"We’ll manage somehow."
"What’s the secret, Evilbanshee-sensei?"
"It’s hard to pinpoint. I just had the students practice as usual. I question the training methods of other schools, though."
We don’t engage in any secret or overly intense training. Our regimen is far from the brutal drills of the Kikyo Society. We put in the same amount of time, yet why are other schools so weak? It’s frustrating, even angering, to witness such poor performances. The audience wouldn’t find it entertaining at all; they need to try harder.
The bureau candidate seemed disheartened by my words, but I wasn’t criticizing her.
"Frankly, it’s a hard truth. I suspect the level of the tournament will rise next year, thanks to Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy’s high standards."
"That’s a positive development. Higher-level matches will make the tournament more exciting."
"If it’s not too much to ask..."
She hesitated, her words faltering. I encouraged her to continue with a nod.
"Could we organize a joint practice session? Your methods have been very impressive, and we’d like to learn from them."
"Of course, feel free to visit anytime. It would be beneficial for our students as well. Exchanging ideas with other schools will be valuable."
"Thank you. Our students will be thrilled."
The girls at Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy are rather sheltered. Interacting with students from other schools will provide a valuable learning experience. Besides, I want to see other schools grow stronger. A lack of competition is dull for everyone, including our students. While this tournament is an exception, next year will likely be different.
I’ll be gone by then, but I’ll advise the new advisor and club members to follow this approach.
"The arena is getting quite crowded."
"Of course, it’s the final match of the Beltoria Preliminary."
The stands were nearly full, including the reserved seats. The air was electric, filled with excited chatter and a palpable anticipation for the final. This excitement heightened the tension even further.
It was about time, I thought, as the students in gray uniforms made their appearance.
"Hmm, the southern tower again."
The match site was the same as the third round, a sloping area facing north, with the southern side at a disadvantage. The draw determines the location, and drawing the southern position twice in a row suggested some bad luck. Who drew it? Probably the club president.
"The students from Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy look very composed."
"Creating the right atmosphere is important. Even if they’re nervous inside, a confident outward demeanor helps them stay calm."
The students in their pristine gray uniforms were a sight to behold. Their posture and poised demeanor exuded a dignified air, befitting the daughters of a prestigious school. Their reputation and performance up to this point command respect from anyone.
The cheers from the audience were deafening, indicating the high level of attention and expectation. Meeting and exceeding these expectations will enhance the school’s reputation, leading to increased funding and further growth. It’s a rewarding cycle.
"The other schools seem to be taking their time entering. Is it part of the final match’s buildup?"
"Perhaps, though I’m not sure."
The other three schools were noticeably delayed. Our school was almost ready to begin, and the delay was becoming more apparent. The audience’s restlessness grew, and whispers of suspicion began to circulate.
"Maybe there’s been some issue. But these students seem very composed."
"We’ve had our fair share of challenges, so we’re prepared for anything. Our students don’t show their anxiety, which might come across as overly confident in this setting."
Perhaps they were too confident. The possibility that they knew what was happening crossed my mind.
"The arena announcement is starting."
A soft sound, like a switch being flipped on a magical device, preceded the announcement. The sound resonated through the air.
Usually, the announcement would include welcoming remarks and rules, followed by introductions of the competing schools. However, this time, it began with an apology, each word heavy and echoing through the arena, creating an atmosphere as solemn as a funeral.
The audience’s surprise and unease spread like a wave, growing louder and more intense.
"The schools participating in the final, aside from Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy, have withdrawn from the competition. Therefore, Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy is declared the winner of the Beltoria Preliminary Tournament."
The announcement, delivered at a volume to drown out the murmurs, left the audience momentarily stunned before erupting in outrage.
My thoughts? “What the hell is going on?”
I had been concerned about schools taking it easy or pulling a lackluster performance, but I never expected them to skip the final entirely.
Sure, it’s just a preliminary, and they might think they can’t win anyway, but they should still give it their best, especially in a public event. The Federation wouldn’t normally accept such withdrawals.
But how did it come to this? The logic behind these withdrawals is incomprehensible.
The audience paid to watch and wouldn’t accept this. It’s a classic case of being left high and dry.
If this were a betting event, it would be a clear case of fixing. Even as a club activity, it seems incredibly irresponsible.
What’s the reasoning? Could it be... to tarnish Saint Emeralda Girls' Academy’s reputation?
Perhaps they thought, “We can’t win, so let’s tarnish their name”? With the Federation’s media influence, such a scheme wouldn’t be difficult to execute.
It’s a risky move, but without considering the consequences, it’s not impossible.
But I had warned the Federation’s Chairperson, using connections with the Anastasia Union and threatening them mercilessly.
"Evilbanshee-sensei, it seems we’ve won, but what does this mean?"
"It’s hard to understand. The announcement is proceeding to the medal ceremony, but no one will accept this."
"The students, who have done nothing wrong, are in a difficult position."
Exactly. They’ve done nothing wrong. They should stand tall and proud.
Harmera and the others, who were initially confused, were now looking at the reserved seating area. I stood up and nodded confidently, knowing they would understand.
If the organizers declare us the winners, then we are the winners. We should accept the medal and leave with our heads held high.
"What will you do?"
"Of course, I will demand a detailed explanation. I can accept that the other schools withdrew, but accepting those withdrawals is questionable. Lanchester-sensei, I’ll be in touch."
"Please let me know if there’s anything I can do."
I appreciate her offer, even if I don’t intend to involve her. With a thin smile, I left the arena.