NOVEL WEB Chapter 43: Chapter 42: Stakes of the Nine Schools!!
With finals over, it's time for the Nine Schools Competition.
The Nine Schools Competition—National Magic High School Goodwill Magic Tournament. Representatives from the nine magic high schools in Hokkaido, Tohoku (Miyagi), Kanto (Tokyo), Hokuriku (Ishikawa), Tokai (Shizuoka), Kinki (Hyogo), San'in (Shimane), Shikoku (Kochi), and Kyushu (Kumamoto) gather for a sports-heavy magic tournament. It's on par with the "Summer Koshien" from my past life, with media coverage and televised events.
The goal: pit future national mages against each other to level up and address the shortage of future instructors. Over ten days—five for the main tournament, five for the rookie tournament—competitors clash to prove their skills.
Held at the National Defense Force's Fuji Training Grounds' southeast area, it draws about 100,000 spectators annually. Food stalls with exclusive menus, international cuisine food trucks, and new magic tech displays from global manufacturers line the venue. It's a massive event, attracting government officials, magic researchers, corporate figures, and international scouts.
The Defense Force likely wants to feel less intimidating, more like a protector of the nation. In my past life, the Self-Defense Forces held festivals for similar reasons—to show power isn't just for crushing foes. Of course, some selfish types make a fuss without seeing the bigger picture.
Switching from an "outside observer" to a competitor is surreal. A month ago, Katsuto called me in. Mayumi and Mari were there too, like back in April—though this time, it was the student council room.
A month earlier, I was swamped with FLT business. It was a rare day without student council duties—Yugen had piled up days' worth of approval documents—so I planned to head home early. Then Mayumi summoned me. Inside, Katsuto and Mari were already waiting.
"Excuse me," I said. "The president and the committee head? Another mess?"
"It's fine, Miyama," Katsuto said. "A headache, sure, but not a mess."
Skeptical but trusting Katsuto, I sat at the empty center. Mayumi spoke up.
"I have a request, Yuu-kun. Regardless of the exams, I want you to compete in the Nine Schools."
"That's sudden," I said. "Don't we usually pick representatives based on exam results?"
"True," Katsuto said, "but as this year's freshman rep, you won't fall short unless you slack off. Saegusa and Watanabe agree."
Fair point, but the abruptness was jarring. Katsuto explained he'd already approached a few key players, including me. Steeling myself, I asked, "So, which event am I being tapped for?"
"That's the thing," Mari said, hesitating. "We couldn't decide."
I tilted my head at her words.
After the "Blanche" incident, I assumed they'd push me toward Monolith Code, especially since I broke Katsuto's [Phalanx]. But apparently not. Mayumi explained why.
"Your magic traits are a mystery to us, Yuu-kun. Your sisters' traits and events were so different, we can't guess. And your mock battle with Juumonji-kun ended in one hit."
"I didn't expect it to end that fast either," I admitted. "So, Miyama, we're leaving the choice to you. We're not limiting you to rookie or main events. After Blanche, we think you can aim for the top in any event," Katsuto said.
That caught me off guard. I expected two rookie events, but Katsuto was confident I could handle the main tournament. Still, Monolith Code's main roster is stacked, so I ruled it out.
Then I raised a concern. "By the way, do we have all eight engineer candidates?"
"Huh? Why ask that?" Mayumi said, startled.
"It's important," I said. "I know, you know? My sisters warned me you neglected engineer training. They both chewed you out for it."
My question silenced them. They clearly knew. The previous and prior student council presidents had warned Mayumi, Katsuto, and Mari about this. Mari's forgetful, Katsuto's got family obligations, so it fell to Mayumi. But last year's Women's Cloud Ball final loss likely made her ignore it.
"Mika-neesan said, 'Mari and Katsuto are one thing, but Mayumi probably ignored it out of spite for losing to me. Talking about a three-peat? What a joke. Underestimating the Nine Schools? Third High will snatch the title.'"
"Saegusa…" Katsuto muttered.
"Mayumi, you…" Mari said, exasperated.
They stared at Mayumi, who couldn't talk her way out. She pouted like a child. "Fumuu… I was just so frustrated!"
"No excuses," I said. "Get it together."
"…Yes, sorry," Mayumi mumbled.
Why am I, the underclassman, lecturing the student council president? I glanced at the others. Katsuto closed his eyes, silent. Mari smirked, looking away. My sisters' words—"the current third-years are inflexible in their own way"—clicked. Sighing, I got serious.
"Then I'll aim for Men's Ice Pillars Break in the main tournament and Monolith Code in the rookie tournament."
Simple reasoning: Ice Pillars Break offers higher points in the main event, and if interference happens like in the original story, the main tournament's better. If they tamper with my CAD, I can counter it. For Monolith Code, I can handle sabotage, even if it risks injury. Plus, the Miyama family business might let me approach their clients.
Worst case, I'll expose every dark pool bettor, slapping a "terrorist supporter" label on them for the world to see. No Head Dragon's actions are inhumane, so it doesn't matter if they're acknowledged. No one bets without trusting the house to some degree.
If he shows up, I'll "erase" him next time. The Blanche incident was a warning. If No Head Dragon interferes as planned, that'll be their "goal to despair."
"…Got it. Let's move forward," Katsuto said.
"Talking about engineers, and it's because you got petty?" Mari said to Mayumi. "Maybe get a lecture from her?"
"Mari!? Mika-san's punishments aren't a joke, so don't even!" Mayumi protested.
"Oh, about that," I added. "Kana-neesan's coming once the roster's mostly set."
Katsuto looked relieved, his work done. Mari sighed, and Mayumi paled, cold sweat practically visible like in an anime.
"…Seriously?" Mayumi asked.
"Dead serious," I said. "No date yet, but if you run, she'll hunt you down, even in the Saegusa estate. And no, I can't persuade her."
Kana's got the powerful [Elemental Sight]. Mayumi could hide, but Kana would track her existence. She's broken Katsuto's [Phalanx], so Mayumi's got no defense. In short: checkmate.
At the Miyama family estate in Atsugi, Kanagawa, Motoharu sat deep in thought in his study. A monitor displayed rows of text. A knock sounded.
"Come in," he said.
"Excuse me," a voice replied.
"Pardon the intrusion," another added.
Motoharu stood, welcoming his second son, Mototsugu, who'd married into the Ueyama family, and his wife, Chisato Ueyama. Motoharu gestured to the sofa. Chisato bowed and sat beside Mototsugu, who faced his father. Motoharu sat, bowing slightly.
"Sorry to drag you from Gunma, Mototsugu," he said. "And my apologies to you, Chisato-dono."
"No worries," Chisato said. "We came from our Tokyo villa today."
Normally, a father wouldn't bow to his son, but Mototsugu was now Ueyama, tied to the Third Research Lab, a Miyama family sponsor. Motoharu couldn't afford to be discourteous. Seeing Chisato's gentle response, Mototsugu spoke.
"So, Dad, calling me instead of Grandpa at this time… Nine Schools?"
"Yes," Motoharu said. "You've likely heard of the Hong Kong syndicate, No Head Dragon, from Gouzou-dono. My broker contacts say their Japan branch is running a dark pool betting on the Nine Schools."
Using Yugen's [Curvancle] mirror, Motoharu had vetted and gathered info, resulting in the participant list on his screen. He handed the tablet to Mototsugu and Chisato. They reviewed it and returned it. Motoharu silently thanked Yugen—this was done without hackers. While fulfilling the Miyama role, he'd gladly taken on proxy FLT stock ownership for Yugen, though broker ties remained unchanged to avoid public scrutiny.
"So, with First High aiming for an unprecedented three-peat, they're tainting it with greed and self-preservation," Chisato said, scornful.
"Seems separate from Blanche, but… no, they're connected," Mototsugu said. "The ones who attacked Yugen were mainland 'Generators.' By the way, Dad, I heard Kudou-dono visited. Yugen-related?"
"Partially," Motoharu said. "Kudou-dono questioned the Yotsuba viewing mages as humans, not weapons, and feared their power. Between us, I think it's absurd. The other Ten Master Clans must grow to match them. That's why I let Yugen act freely, and it's benefited you all."
Motoharu noted the Yotsuba's strength, rebuilt after losing half their clan, as something to emulate, despite ethical debates. Mages in this country carry light and shadow—Miyama included. The enemy isn't within but outside. Instead of toppling the Yotsuba, join them and grow stronger. Kudou's old-school thinking missed this. Three years ago, the Ichijou head, hit by the New Soviet Sado invasion, agreed with Motoharu.
"Yeah, all us siblings felt Yugen's influence," Mototsugu said. "He'd say he didn't do much."
"He moved even Grandpa, who I couldn't budge," Chisato added. "That boy's destined for greatness."
"Good," Motoharu said. "Back to business. I need you at the venue before the Nine Schools starts. I'll move once it begins."
As a Ten Master Clan head, Motoharu's actions draw attention. So, he relied on his children. Mototsugu nodded, understanding. With Motoharu's eldest, Motoharu, tied up, Mototsugu, Shizuru, Kana, Chisato, and Mika would head to the venue early. Motoharu also planned to contact them just in case.
"Our little brother's the Miyama family's culmination," Mototsugu said. "We were already planning to spectate. Grandpa was hyped—almost taught Yugen that to use it, but the disciples stopped him."
"Really, just because Yugen's cute doesn't mean Grandpa's [Thunderous Final Dragon] is fair game," Chisato said. "Top-tier magic's a complete no-go for Nine Schools."
Chisato's words hinted at Gouzou Ueyama being an unofficial strategic-class mage, his power capable of leveling a nation in one shot, yet kept secret.
"What was Yugen's reaction?" Motoharu asked.
"He said, 'Using magic beyond the rules is an automatic out,' and refused," Mototsugu replied.
"Pure logic," Motoharu said.
Mototsugu and Chisato sighed, realizing Gouzou tried to teach Yugen a nation-destroying spell meant only for national defense. Motoharu, understanding, gave a strained smile.
"Ugh, so bored," a man groaned.
"Don't say that like you want trouble," another replied.
"Alright, alright, Inagaki-kun… A call? External?"
On a nighttime highway, a car carried two men: a laid-back driver and a serious passenger. Both were Ministry of Police officers—the driver a superintendent, the passenger a chief inspector, though the driver was younger. The passenger, Inagaki, often lectured due to the driver's casualness. As the driver brushed off a scolding about bad jokes, a call came through the car's communicator—an unregistered number, making him pause.
"See? Trouble already!" Inagaki said.
"Don't call me a jinx," the driver shot back. "Hello, who's this?"
"I apologize for the sudden call. I'm Motoharu Miyama, head of the Miyama family. Am I speaking to Toshikazu Chiba-dono?"
"Miyama… Ten Master Clans…" Inagaki muttered, shocked.
Toshikazu, the eldest son and leader of the Chiba family, steadied himself. "Indeed, I'm Toshikazu Chiba. A Ten Master Clan head contacting a Hundred Families member is surprising. How'd you get this number?"
"Magic confidentiality, even for police," Motoharu said. "To the point—I have a request for you, not as an officer but as a Chiba-style swordsman."
"That's ominous," Toshikazu said. "Did you contact my family?"
"My son at Ueyama handled it. Your brother's been informed."
Toshikazu was stunned Motoharu had reached his brother too. With Shinkage-ryu, the root of Chiba-ryu, involved, and likely his father's approval, refusal wasn't an option. "Should I head to you now?"
"That'd help. Later, then."
After the call, Toshikazu switched gears. "Inagaki-kun, patrol's on hold. We're driving to Atsugi."
"See? Trouble!" Inagaki groaned. "Get an exorcism, Superintendent."
"That's harsh, Inagaki-kun," Toshikazu said, speeding toward the Miyama estate.
Note: The gap between those who've lost the championship and those who haven't. The Miyama family moves in earnest. The Chiba family gears up for the Nine Schools. Think differently: "You don't have to win by brute force."