NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 48: In a borrowed-item relay, the designated items are anything but ordinary.
In a borrowed-item relay, the designated items are anything but ordinary.
The second event is the “Borrowed Item Relay.”
Each class forms a team of four, and one person runs 250 meters before passing the baton to the next. The rule is to complete one lap around the field.
However, as indicated by the term “borrowed item”, they are instructed to borrow various items along the way.
What items they are instructed to borrow depends on the results drawn from a box with lots.
Passing through these tasks is the minimum requirement to reach the goal.
Participating in this Borrowed Item Relay were four boys and girls, including Lilith.
“Now, for the second event, the Borrowed Item Relay, it’s time to start! The first runners, please take your positions!”
Following the announcer’s instructions, the first runners from each class stand at the starting line.
From our class, the first runner is Roka-san, a member of the Wolf Beast Tribe.
She can’t run at her full speed because of the magic-sealing bracelet she’s wearing. However, as a member of the Otherworldly Track and Field Division, she has participated in the Inter-High in the Otherworldly Athletics category and is a skilled athlete.
I think she’s an excellent choice to capitalize on the lead we gained in the previous cavalry battle.
However, the first runners from other classes have also chosen beastkin. We can’t afford to let our guard down.
“On your mark, get set, go!”
—Boom!
Almost simultaneously with the start signal, everyone starts running. Even though they are grouped as beastkin, there are differences in their specific races. Nevertheless, Roka-san takes the lead right from the start.
“The first runner to reach the first challenge box is Roka Ruufu from Class 2-C! What kind of challenge will she get!?”
Driven by the lively commentary, the attention of the students and teachers watching the race shifts to Roka-san. She reaches into the challenge box, rummages around, and then pulls out a piece of paper.
After checking the contents, Roka-san raises her voice.
“Um! Can someone lend me an ‘Elixir’?”
…Huh? Did she just say “Elixir”? She’s asking for a universal medicine that can heal even missing limbs, internal organs, and near-fatal injuries? There are only students and teachers here; there’s no way someone has such an ultra-rare item! In my five years as an adventurer, I’ve only seen one that a senior had.
It costs five billion for just one, a fortune… Wait, didn’t the young lady say she bought me for six times that amount?
No, let’s not dwell on that.
By the way, the Elixir my senior had disappeared because he used it as a hangover cure. It seems he wasn’t thinking clearly while hungover, and by the time he realized, it was gone. I can still vividly recall his despair from that moment.
I swore in my heart never to drink until I became an adult.
While reminiscing about such poignant memories, Roka-san relentlessly started asking everyone for an Elixir.
It’s only natural that she’s met with shaking heads from everyone; there’s no way anyone conveniently has it.
I’m starting to feel anxious that we might fall behind if this continues.
“Excuse me! Does anyone have a ‘Flame-Attribute Magic Sword’?” “Does anyone have dragon scales?” “Someone—Pegasus feathers, please!” “Who has Mithril shields?” “Hey, does this school have any sages?” “Are you seriously asking us to bring an undead creature?”
Seeing the first runners who arrived at the task box being bombarded with impossible demands, I realize that my earlier concerns were unfounded.
There’s no way anyone would request such ridiculous items, unless someone wrote it for fun. It must have taken years to gather these items.
『 Everyone seems to be having quite a tough time! But don’t worry! The items mentioned in the challenges are hidden somewhere on the field! Those watching, please lend your warm support!』
「「「「 Whaat!? 」」」」
The runners and those of us watching were left dumbfounded by the unexpected information relayed by the announcer.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
Do they really have all these items and roles lined up for this event?
Is some noble’s son or daughter sponsoring this?
What are they going to do with the leftover rare items and materials?
It’s quite different from the staff enjoying them.
The sheer absurdity of these borrowed items is giving me a headache.
At any rate, the runners and participants have started searching for the specified items and individuals.
By the way, using or damaging the items, as well as holding onto multiple items, is prohibited.
It makes sense; if people could just use the items to complete the challenges, the competition wouldn’t be fair.
Damaging an item would require compensation, and it might even become a burden to run with.
The latter is especially devious.
Despite the lead we had, seemingly disappearing in this chaotic situation, I found myself oddly enjoying watching this spectacle unfold. I remember how I used to just wish for the sports festival to end quickly before becoming a slave.
It’s a rather ironic turn of events, and I can’t help but smile wryly.
While lost in thought, I spot Roka-san, holding a faintly glowing vial.
It seems she successfully found an Elixir.
She carefully shows it to one of the event organizers waiting nearby, making sure not to drop it.
“Pass!”
“Great job!”
She cleared the challenge without any problems, and with a generous and relieved run, she passed the baton to the second runner.
From there, she managed to maintain a solid lead, and now it’s Lilith’s turn to serve as the anchor.
“Sakiba-san, I’m counting on you!”
“Leave it to me!”
Lilith, receiving the baton, dashes off bravely.
It seemed like she had something on her mind earlier, but now she’s focused on the competition.
She’s not part of the sports club, so her speed isn’t exceptional, but thanks to the lead established beforehand, it’s not much of an issue.
She continues to keep the lead, and it’s finally time for the anchor leg.
She makes her way to the final challenge box and starts searching.
Soon, she pulls out a piece of paper and reads its contents.
In an instant, Lilith’s purple eyes widen significantly.
She stands there, hand on her chin, and starts hesitating.
What kind of challenge did she draw?
Everyone in our class, including me,tilt our heads in curiosity as we watch her pause.
Finally, Lilith decisively raises her face while still looking around, and her eyes meet mine.
Lilith doesn’t break eye contact and starts running towards me—huh?
“Ikkun!”
“Y-yeah?”
“Come with me!”
“Huh?”
Without a word, she took my hand and started running.
Suddenly being pulled along, I stumbled a bit but managed to keep up without tripping.
However, my mind was in complete chaos.
After all, I had been chosen out of nowhere, forced to run, and now my hand was being held—three shocks in quick succession.
“Li-Lilith? What was the challenge for the borrowed item?”
“Sorry! No time to explain!”
“Huh…”
Even when I asked her directly, she evaded the question.
What’s going on?
Is this about being a slave or having a close relationship with someone from the opposite sex?
The questions kept piling up, but if going along with Lilith meant we could clear the final challenge and get closer to winning the class competition, then I should probably just follow her lead.
And so, I found myself being led by Lilith all the way to the finish line.
“Now, let’s confirm the challenge.”
“Yes.”
“Please.”
To verify whether the challenge had been completed, Lilith handed the paper with the challenge written on it to one of the committee members.
The female committee member received the paper and alternated her gaze between the paper and me, nodding in understanding.
Then, she glanced at Lilith and her cheeks started to relax, as if she was holding something back.
“I see. According to Sakiba-san, he’s the suitable one.”
“Well, at least for Lili~, anyone other than Ikkun is a no-go~.”
“I see, I see.”
Upon hearing Lilith’s response, she gazed at me with an extravagant nod, her expression filled with warmth. But in the end, what was the content of the challenge?
Beeeep!
Just as I was getting impatient and about to ask again, a shrill whistle pierced the air.
“In first place once again is Class 2-C! Congratulations! As per the predetermined rules, we won’t disclose the final challenge, so please understand!”
“Ugh, the suspense is killing me.”
The disappointment of not knowing the challenge overshadowed the joy of consecutive first-place finishes.
As someone chosen to participate in this borrowed item relay, it left me feeling quite frustrated. Nevertheless, let’s celebrate our first-place position for now.
“You did great, Lilith. Congratulations on taking first place.”
“Yeah~ thank you, Ikkun…”
In response to my praise, Lilith smiled softly.
But there was still something off about her, something missing in her usual cheerfulness.
I had been observing her, sensing that something was bothering her, which allowed me to react swiftly to the sudden event that unfolded next.
In the next moment, as she laughed, Lilith’s body collapsed.
“Lilith!?”
I instinctively caught her to prevent her from falling, but she didn’t open her eyes, even when I called out to her.
Shaking her didn’t seem to wake her up.
The sudden turn of events left everyone in a state of confusion.
Without hesitation, I decided to carry Lilith to the infirmary.
“Tsujizono Isaya! What did you do to Lilith—”
“Shut up! Can’t you see I don’t have time for your shenanigans right now!!”
“Ugh…”
I shouted angrily at Yuuto, who was taken aback by my reaction. Ignoring him, I headed for the infirmary with Lilith in my arms.
Lilith’s body in my arms was so light that it felt like she might disappear if I let go.
That thought only intensified my anxiety.
Please, let her be safe.
With that prayer in my heart, I rushed determinedly toward the infirmary.
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