I was sold to a dangerous place in order to repay my parents’ debt, and I ended up being bought by a vampire young lady. I became the feed for the beautiful maid.

Final event, the duel game begins

『 Thank you for your patience, everyone! It’s finally time for the final event of the Sports Festival, the ‘Duel Game’! A tournament-style battle between nine contestants with one representative from each class, is about to begin! 』

With the enthusiastic commentary full of hot-blooded energy, the atmosphere in the venue ignited all at once.

And for a good reason, as the Duel Game is the most popular event in Senrin High School’s sports festival.

Why, you ask…

『 Now, let me explain the rules once again! Each player will be equipped with special armor made of unique material and wooden swords. They will compete one-on-one with their opponents, and the winner will be determined when one of them either loses consciousness or surrenders! Those of you wearing the Magic Sealing Bracelets, don’t worry! They will be temporarily deactivated only during the game! 』

The deactivation of the Magic Sealing Bracelets means that magic can be openly used on Earth for a short time. 

It’s one of the few opportunities for Earthlings who have never been to another world to witness magic. 

Every year, I hear that many students yearn for the magic they have glimpsed in the dueling games and try to master its power.

Most of them are left disheartened by the fact that magic is not that easy to master, but …… does it matter now?

『 Well, large-scale magic that involves spectators will result in immediate disqualification. Skilled healing mages are also on standby, so there’s no need to worry about aftercare! 』

I wish they’d provide some “before” care as well, but that would call into question the purpose of the competition. 

The armor and wooden swords are provided to reduce the risk of injuries.

After the explanation, a large monitor was brought in, displaying the tournament’s table.

The table had been handed out to each of us prior to the tournament, but upon looking at it again, I could see nothing had changed.

According to the table , I’ll face Yuto in the final match.

In other words, winning through to the finals is the minimum requirement to fulfill Ojou-sama’s order.

It’s a hassle, but I can’t afford to lose.

『 Furthermore, points will be awarded based on your ranking in the tournament! If you win this competiton, you might even stage a comeback, you know? Now, all players, please proceed to get ready. 』

Cheers erupted in anticipation of a comeback element, similar to what you often see in quiz shows, where the process is ignored. 

We’ve been in first place throughout the previous events. 

It’s natural for other classes to have high expectations for the participants. After all, this Duel Game is essentially a combat competition.

To begin with, there are people who excel in dueling …..in other words, in combat.

If it weren’t for the hero, Flare would have participated from our class.

Although there was encouragement from the people around, I ended up taking a spot that could have gone to someone else.

Before I went to visit Lilith, I asked her if she wanted to participate, but she replied that she didn’t care.

It seems that being from the dragon tribe does not necessarily mean that they are interested in fighting.

At any rate, after listening to the explanation of the rules, we proceeded to the waiting area.

“Tsujizono Isaya.”

“…What is it?”

During that moment, I was stopped by Yuto, who had somehow come close without me noticing.

While I frowned, not bothering to hide my annoyance, I asked him about him about his business.

On the other hand, he showed no sign of concern and had a strangely proud expression on his face for some reason.

“You didn’t run away this time.”

“I couldn’t run away; that’s the truth.”

Mainly because of the jealous guys.

“I don’t care about that. What’s important is that I can’t face you until the finals.”

“Yeah… so what?”

“Don’t you get it yet? If you lose before facing me, I win by default. In other words, you’ll sever ties with Lilith and the others.”

“Oh, I see. So, you assume you’ll make it to the finals?”

“Of course, I’m the hero.”

It’s a strange feeling. 

Yuto’s words are still annoying as ever, but I’m not reacting to them as strongly as before.

It’s like reading character dialogue on a game screen, a distant feeling. 

But he’s still annoying. 

At this rate, it’ll accumulate quickly.

But more importantly, this guy…

“You’re not going to ask me about Lilith, are you?

“She’s resting in the infirmary, right? It’s good that she’s okay.”

“Hmm…”

As I looked at Yuto, who smiled as if there were no worries, I couldn’t help but feel even colder inside. 

I started to realize that Lilith truly had a kind heart, thinking that she might have ruined someone like this guy’s life.

“If that’s all, then our conversation is over. I’m in the first match.”

“I see. Just do your best not to get knocked out in the first round.”

I cut the conversation short and parted ways with Yuto.

I received the armor from one of the event committee members and began to put it on.

 It was sturdy yet lightweight… When I tested it by striking it with a wooden sword, the impact didn’t seem too harsh. It didn’t appear to be at risk of breaking even if I swung it with all my might.

After equipping the armor, Sakura approached me.

“Isaya-kun. How is Lilith?”

“Oh, she just woke up a little while ago. She said she’ll rest a bit more and then come back.”

“If she has regained consciousness, that’s a relief. After your match, I’ll go check on her.”

She must have been worried even after our shift watching over her. 

I briefly conveyed Lilith’s condition, and she sighed in relief.

“Alright. Since you came out all confident, I hope you have good news to report as well.”

“Hehe, I’ve been entrusted with it , so then, in order to deliver good news, I’ll have to win first, right?”

“Exactly.”

As I conversed with Sakura, her graceful smile helped calm the intense emotions that had been swirling inside me just moments ago.

 I had unconsciously tensed up.

Perhaps sensing this, Sakura gently held both of my hands and looked directly into my eyes with her crimson eyes.

“─ Take care, Isaya-kun.”

“Yeah I will, I’m heading out.”

We didn’t exchange many words.

But within those few, I could sense her support for what I was trying to achieve. 

I responded by steeling my determination to live up to her expectations.

With that, I made my way to the center of the field.

『 The players for the first match are ready! First, we have the fifth-ranked 3-A, Valoug Beia! His imposing physique, befitting a Bear Beast, is full of intimidation! 』

“Hmph. Humans… especially Earthlings, are no match for me!”

『 On the other side, we have the first-ranked 2-C, Isaya Tsujizono! He’s the only Earthling participating in this year’s Duel Game, but we expect great things from his performance, reminiscent of a cavalry battle! 』

“Please take care of me, Senpai.”

As we stared each other down from a distance of ten meters, the event committee members began unlocking the Magic Sealing Bracelets that were worn by both me and senpai.

Removing them doesn’t make us feel significantly lighter or anything like that. However, it does relieve us of the feeling of being shackled.

『Now, the first match of the Duel Game begins!』

And finally, the ignition of the duel game was dropped.

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