The day after the third preliminary round, Grandfather returned.
He had been in the Bald Territory, which had become part of my domain, cleaning up the aftermath of the Lightstar family.
“I’ve dealt with the rot, but the problems remain piled high.”
Grandfather looked quite exhausted. I’ll send him a bottle of something even more effective at relieving fatigue than the renowned Longevity Brew later.
The Lightstar family had been distributing illegal drugs within their territory, leading to a significant number of addicts.
Though I had been warned about this beforehand, the actual sight of it left a stronger impression.
“We’re cracking down thoroughly on drugs. The addicts are isolated and must wait for the substances to leave their systems. This is your territory now, Toma , so I’ve ordered that illegal drugs be eradicated.”
“In that case, shall I develop a remedy to treat the addiction?”
“Can you do that?”
“I’ll need to examine their symptoms, but it should be possible.”
“In that case, I’ll order a few addicts to be sent to you.”
“Thank you for going out of your way, Grandfather.”
“What are you thanking me for? Thanks to you, Toma , I’ve found a purpose in life. I’m grateful to you.”
When we first met, Grandfather was suffering from stomach cancer. Compared to those days, his complexion and the luster of his skin have improved remarkably.
“But don’t overdo it, alright?”
“I won’t die until I see my great-great-grandchildren!”
That’s quite reassuring!
With Grandfather back, I spent time with my mother, Siegward, Grandmother, and everyone else.
Mother’s belly, where the baby was about to arrive, had grown large, and the baby seemed to be kicking energetically.
Hurry and come out. I can’t wait to see your adorable little face.
The First Day of the Magic Tournament Main Event
“Toma !”
“Hey there.”
When I waved back at Talia, she energetically waved both hands.
I’ve grown used to Talia’s loud cheering. Although she participated in the martial arts tournament, she was eliminated in the third preliminary round.
She, blessed as a Rank D Knight, advanced through the second round but lost in the second match of the third round.
“It’s a shame you didn’t make it to the main event after just one more win.”
“Considering my current strength, I think I did well enough.”
Though Talia claimed she’d never fought monsters before, she was at level 58.
She must have worked hard. The calluses on her hands from sword training made that clear.
So, I raised her rank to A. When I did, her blessing changed to Thunder Knight. Now able to wield thunder magic, she would continue to grow stronger.
I don’t normally interfere with rankings, but I want to cheer on my family, don’t I?
The main tournament is divided into Block A and Block B. The winners of each block will face off in tomorrow’s finals.
I was placed in Block B, and my first opponent was a female student. Without much to discuss, the match was over quickly.
I feel bad for her, but for the sake of my father’s name, I cannot afford to lose.
My second match was against a male student using magical tools like mine. Apparently, he was the third son of some count’s family.
Favoritism in match-ups is common when your opponent is from a lower-ranked noble family.
But with such a difference in levels, I won easily without much trouble.
“Why!? Why are my magical tools useless!?”
Was it really that frustrating? Did you want to win so badly that you violated the rules by using tools to boost your mana?
“That bracelet on your left arm… How did it pass inspection?”
“W-What!?”
The bracelet, embedded with several red stones, boosted mana by 3,000 points. All it did was enable him to use high-powered magic tools; there’s no need to lament.
Such an obvious violation likely means the inspecting teachers were complicit. It wouldn’t surprise me if they’d been bribed.
“W-What are you talking about!?”
“It doesn’t matter. Just think about the fact that you lost despite cheating.”
“Ugh!”
If you can’t win even by cheating, it’s because you don’t put in the daily effort. That’s why your level is only 8.
Training consistently raises your level. While high levels require more effort, reaching level 10 from a single-digit level isn’t that hard with consistent training.
“Hey, let me see your left arm.”
“W-Wait, that’s…!”
When the referee teacher inspected the student’s bracelet, two assistant referees joined him on the stage.
“This is a clear violation. You, come with us.”
“W-What about me!?”
“We’ll confirm the details elsewhere. Just come along.”
Do-na-do-na-do-naa…
The male student was taken away by the teachers.
“Toma , you’re free to go now. Return to the waiting room.”
“Understood.”
Prompted by the referee, I moved to the waiting room.
With that, I was in the final four.
The third match wasn’t particularly challenging either.
I had worked hard on leveling up, but I couldn’t understand why the other nobles’ children had such low levels.
Low ranks don’t provide much of a boost even when leveling up, but there’s no harm in doing so.
Still, considering I’m only 11 years old, perhaps I’m the anomaly here.
“Toma ! Congratulations on making it to the finals!”
Talia hugged me tightly.
Hey, hey, is it alright for a young lady to act like that?
“I’ll make sure to watch your final match too!”
“Thanks, Talia.”
She’s technically my older sister, but she feels more like a younger one—so adorable that I can’t help but ruffle her platinum blonde hair.
▽▽▽ Side: The Conqueror Vishnu ▽▽▽
Preparations that began three years ago finally gained approval.
Conveniently, both the martial arts and magic tournaments are underway, leaving the academy’s security lax.
“The time has come. Everyone, ready?”
My subordinates nodded silently.
This time, the targets are the so-called Apostle kid and this country’s prince. The original plan to abduct the prince was laid out three years ago, but now the Apostle was added as a target. Those in the homeland spoke of it as if it were a simple matter.
But if it’s me, it can be done. Yes, I can infiltrate even the heavily guarded royal castle and bring back the king’s head. Fufufu.
“Move out.”
At my signal, my subordinates disappeared.
Now, it’s my turn. Fufufu.
