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Having officially earned the right to compete in the Zersteller – Canalford Cup, we were asked to review the tournament regulations and sign the participation forms.

To put it simply, the main document was a waiver stating: “Participants will not hold anyone liable for any injuries sustained during the tournament.”

Even though Estea was participating, unlike the university league, this tournament had clearly defined rules for safety. Valid target areas included the head, right arm, left arm, right leg, and left leg. If any two of these valid areas were damaged, the unit would be considered critically disabled and judged as “shot down.” Attacks on the torso and cockpit were discouraged, and any persistent targeting of the cockpit would result in disqualification.

In addition, if a unit became inoperable due to significant damage or if the pilot lost consciousness—regardless of which parts had been hit—the match would still be ruled as a defeat. This ensured that high-risk follow-up attacks were avoided by design.

Well, the key was to stay sharp on both offense and defense so it wouldn’t come to that. That’s exactly why I’d made Arkecius compatible with Ars Magna—and I intended to make full use of that advantage.

After carefully reading through all the paperwork and signing my name, Alfe, Hom, and I submitted the documents together at the reception desk.

Once everything was processed without issue, I finally felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

“Well then, now that we’ve turned in the waiver and registration forms, all that’s left is to wait for the tournament bracket.”

Whew. That marked the completion of the first hurdle.

“Congratulations again, Leafa!”

Alfe hugged me cheerfully, and as I stumbled slightly from the momentum, Hom caught me from behind and wrapped her arms around me.

“Well done, Master.”

Looking at the proud expressions on both of their faces, I nodded—and wrapped my arms around them in return.

“Ah! There you are~! I’ve been looking all over for you!”

A cheerful voice approached—Melua.

“Master! Congrats on passing the second round~!”
“Congratulations to you too, Senior Melua!”

Even for the student council team, which held a seeded spot, clearing the Mecha Soldier Evaluation was still a requirement.

“Whew, I’m just glad I made it in time for maintenance~”

Picking up on Alfe’s intent, Melua exaggerated her joy, then turned and looked her straight in the eye.

“Alfe, from here on out, we’re rivals~”
“Yes!”

Alfe nodded without hesitation, and Melua blinked in surprise, slightly taken aback.

“Whoa! You’re really showing some spirit these days~!”
“You know, at first you seemed a bit timid, and I was worried for you. But now, I don’t have to feel like I’m bullying someone if we end up facing each other.”
“Lady Alfe has a strong heart,” Hom said firmly on her behalf.
“I know. When it comes to Master, she’s absolutely unstoppable—it’s honestly kinda amazing.”
“Because I love Leafa!”

Alfe said it without hesitation and pulled me into a tight hug, clinging to me affectionately.

“There, there. I get it, I get it. I’m not gonna steal her or anything,” Melua replied, half-joking as she tried to calm Alfe down. “Anyway, Master—what are you doing for the team name?”
“Huh…?”

Caught off guard by the sudden change in topic, I instinctively asked her to repeat herself, not quite sure what she meant.

“See, right now you’re listed as ‘Class 1-F ②,’ right? You’re not seriously keeping that as your official name, are you?”
“Oh, right… We need a team name.”

Now that she mentioned it, even the university league teams had names. Something to rally behind—something that represented who we were. A name like that would be fitting.

“What kind of name do you want, Leafa?”
“It would be most appropriate for Master to decide.”

Both Alfe and Hom turned their eyes to me. Feeling their hopeful gazes, I began to think.

“Let’s see…”

We’d come this far solely to grow stronger for each other’s sake. So a name that reflected that felt right.

“…How about Reinforce?”
“Reinforce…”

The two repeated in unison, testing the name I’d suggested.

“Yeah. We’ve been fighting to grow stronger for one another—and I’m sure we’ll keep doing that from here on too.”
“I love it! I think it’s perfect!”
“I’m in favor as well.”
“It even kinda sounds like your name, Master—seriously, it’s perfect!”¹　

With everyone in agreement, our team was officially named Reinforce.