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“Ladieeees and gentlemennnnn! Thank you sooo much for waitinggggg!”

The familiar voice of the announcer rang out through the packed Colosseum, so full that even the standing areas were overflowing.

“That was Johnny, right?”
“He has quite a distinctive presence, but his ability to instantly draw the crowd’s attention is truly impressive.”

Just as Hom had said with a nod to Alfe, every pair of eyes in the Colosseum turned toward Johnny, who stood atop the crimson stage at the center of the arena.

Due to the overwhelming crowd, entry had been delayed, pushing the start time back by thirty minutes—but at last, the opening ceremony was about to begin.

Spreading his arms wide to command the attention of the entire audience, Johnny bowed deeply to the left, right, and center before adjusting his grip on the microphone.

“And nowwwwwwww! We shall commenceeeeeee the opening ceremonyyyyyyyyy of the Zersteller – Canalford Cupppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp!”

His proclamation drew thunderous cheers and applause from the crowd. Even the athletes seated in the competitor-exclusive spectator area near the backstage entrance stood up in excitement. From our seats, we couldn’t see anything at all while sitting, so we stood up along with everyone else.

“Nowwwwwwwwww! To begin, we shall receive opening remarks frommmm the chairman of Canalford Academy, the honorable Count Heinrich Felixxxxxxxx!”

As Johnny stepped down from the stage, the central platform rose in his place, revealing a refined elderly gentleman with white hair and a well-groomed white beard.

“Good morning, everyone. On this fine day, it brings me great joy to declare the opening of the Zersteller – Canalford Cup, a grand tournament featuring fifteen elite teams from our Canalford Academy Senior Division. I am also deeply honored to welcome so many esteemed guests from across the land to this event.

It is surely still fresh in your memories that Estea Sidra, the ace of last year’s championship team, delivered a stunning victory in the university division’s exhibition match. This year’s Zersteller features the participation of several especially exceptional teams, including hers.

What has particularly caught my attention is a first-year team said to have developed an entirely new mecha unit—one equipped with a unique mechanism rivaling Estea Sidra’s Selem Salkh. Just as Estea was an unknown first-year last year, there are undoubtedly more hidden talents waiting to awaken this year. We are truly fortunate, you and I alike, to witness that awakening here in this very arena.

Victory in the Canalford Cup requires far more than close-combat strength, magical capability, or mecha aptitude scores. It demands an array of immeasurable qualities. I hope you will watch with eager anticipation as our students recognize, adapt to, and overcome these challenges in an instant, shining brilliantly as they do so.

In closing, I would like to express my deep respect and gratitude to all those whose efforts have made this tournament possible. With sincere hopes for the success of this event and the achievements of all its participants, I conclude my remarks.”

The speech flowed smoothly, and rather than sounding stiff or overly formal, it gave the impression of an educator who genuinely looked forward to the tournament. More than anything, I was honestly surprised that he mentioned our mecha at all—I hadn’t thought he would be aware of the full picture, since he wasn’t normally present at the academy.

“Master…”

Hom looked at me, eyes glistening, too moved to speak.

We had assumed we were flying completely under the radar. But for Chairman Felix to describe our machines as rivaling Estea Sidra’s beloved unit—that wasn’t just a nod to my Altered, which had earned the same score, but also a recognition of Alfe’s Lemures.

“It seems the academy’s meritocratic ideals are alive and well.”

If that’s the case, then just like Estea said, victory in this Canalford Cup might really bring us some good results.

“Aaaand nowwwww! She hardly needs any introduction from meeeee! The student representative for the opening remarks—Estea Sidraaaaaaa!!”

At some point, Chairman Felix had quietly left the stage, and now Estea stood in his place. Poised and dignified, with a composed expression that didn’t falter even before such a massive audience—her presence was unmistakably commanding.

“I solemnly swear—”

As Estea raised her right hand and began to speak, the entire arena fell into a hush as if silenced by water. Everyone in the crowd was hanging on her every word, determined not to miss a single syllable of her clear, serene voice.

“We pledge to demonstrate the fruits of our daily training cultivated at this academy, and we give our sincere gratitude for the honor of facing our fellow students—each one a worthy rival under the same roof of learning. To all those gathered here today, and to those watching over us from afar, we vow to fight with all our strength, with fairness and dignity, so that we may stand proud before you all.”

It was a declaration made boldly and aloud, but it was also Estea’s personal oath. She placed clear emphasis on the words fairness and dignity, and at that moment, her gaze shifted ever so slightly—no doubt in Ignis’ direction. There was an enemy within her own team, and yet she had no choice but to aim for victory. The audience, unaware of the circumstances, naturally expected her to secure a back-to-back win.

But I had no doubt—Estea would face that pressure head-on without flinching.
That, perhaps, was the true source of her strength.