Volume 1 Chapter 22 Class Competitive Swimming Tournament Finally Starts!
"What's Z doing?"
The day of the big event had finally arrived.
Under the glaring midsummer sun, on a pristine white-sand beach that could've passed for Okinawa, all the academy's classes gathered in preparation for the competition. Each group had claimed its own section, engaged in last-minute strategy meetings or stretches. The atmosphere was thick with tension. Some groups were even arguing, the pressure of the coming trial bubbling to the surface. Naturally, everyone was dressed in swimsuits.
Yet in the middle of it all, one class broke the mold entirely—Class Z.
"Hey, Mobu. Is it okay to leave the drinks here?"
"Yeah. Set the juice, tea, and fruit punch over there too."
"What about the wine?"
"Skip that. We're swimming today. Save it for after the event."
"Right... makes sense."
A few classmates carefully placed down a wine barrel near the edge of the beach. In this world, drinking age laws didn't exist. As long as a parent approved, even kids could drink. In fact, the elite dining hall—reserved for S Class and higher—served alcohol on request from breakfast onward. Meanwhile, ordering wine at the general cafeteria earned you a glare like you'd just asked for a unicorn steak.
"Mobu, the catering's arrived."
"Oh, finally."
A group of dignified older chefs, clad in professional uniforms, approached with carts piled high.
"Here's your order. Sorry for the delay. The menu was a bit elaborate, so it took time. Where would you like it set up?"
"Right here, please."
One by one, tables were lined up in Z's territory. The chefs began laying out appetizers, salads, rich entrees of meat and fish, shrimp platters, assorted breads, and decadent cakes.
"Wait, what the hell...?"
The spread immediately caught the attention of the surrounding classes.
"We're about to start a tournament, and they're still in full uniform. Haven't even changed into swimsuits."
"Look at all that food... Meat, shrimp, pasta, fish... Juice and cake? Are they throwing a party?"
"That's not regular dorm food, is it?"
"No way. That's the S Class VIP stuff. Top-tier catering. And that smell... is that butter sauce?"
They were right.
Even though Z Class was ranked dead last, many of its members were sons of local rich merchants or heirs of crumbling noble houses. We pooled our contributions, I negotiated with the administration, and we hired the top chefs from the VIP dining hall. Told them something like, "We need to boost our stamina for the event!" It was a lie, of course—but a useful one.
The class was impressed with the arrangement, but honestly, it wasn't that big of a deal. It felt no different from organizing a year-end party. In fact, it was easier—no need to balance the budget by class rank. Never underestimate a former corporate drone. I've handled worse in the office. Being reincarnated into a fantasy world at age fifteen almost felt like starting a new game with cheat codes.
Meanwhile, at the SSS "Dragon" base, the elite students were already stretching under their commander Blaze's sharp instructions. Blaze glared at us across the beach, clearly irritated by how unserious we looked. Entertaining.
Among them, Margrethe was stretching gracefully, her movements smooth and controlled. Her gaze flicked toward us now and then. When she noticed me and Ran watching, she quietly waved in our direction.
Margrethe's swimsuit really suited her. Out of the entire SSS class, her figure was easily the most eye-catching. The boys around her were visibly thrilled to be nearby, their eyes fixed on her with poorly hidden excitement.
Not that I was bothered. I've seen her without a swimsuit plenty of times.
Still... swimsuits have their own appeal. A different kind of charm from complete exposure. I'll admit that. Maybe next time, I'll have her wear one again during our next sleepover. Could be fun.
Anyway. Ran, who caught Margrethe's wave, was entirely covered in a long black robe. His whole body, from neck to toe, concealed. That was my idea.
"Teacher, are we really going to let Z get away with that? They're the lowest class in the school!"
The complaint came from a student in SS "Salamander," directed at their teacher.
"Is there a problem?"
The teacher replied, short and blunt.
"A problem...? Of course! They're mocking the honor of the Hector Summer Competition!"
"The long-distance swim is a free-form event. It's like fighting monsters in the field. If they attack while you're sleeping, do you scold them for not playing fair?"
"...No."
"If you've got time to complain about someone else's tactics, use it to prepare. You'll regret it when the time comes. The event starts in five minutes."
"...Yes, ma'am."
Grumbling, the student returned to their group.
"Can that strategy even work...? Is it possible to swim fast after stuffing yourself?"
"Relax. It's Z Class. They come dead last every year. This is just them making memories before losing again."
"That's probably it. At least they're participating this time. Last year they just didn't show up."
The comments weren't wrong. But honestly, it seemed like a waste. This beach event was supposed to be a summer highlight. Yet most classes were treating it like a military campaign. Is that really how they wanted to spend their youth?
Not me. I wasn't ready to throw in the towel just yet.
"Now we begin the Hector Summer Long-Distance Swimming Tournament," the administrative teacher announced from the water's edge, his voice straining to rise over the waves.
"This is a proud tradition of our academy. A test of your training and discipline. I expect all of you to take it seriously!"
"Yes!"
The shout rang out across the beach, voices united in response.
Except for Z Class.
They were too busy staring at the catering, eyes sparkling, mouths practically watering.
"Now, Director, if you would say a few words."
"Hm."
Stepping forward was the academy's Director—a tall, silver-haired man who looked barely thirty. Handsome, almost ethereal. But that appearance was deceiving. He was a half-elf, his Elven and Human blood masking his true age. According to the setting, he was actually over three hundred years old. A former hero of the exorcism wars, decorated by generations of kings. He'd served as Director longer than most teachers had been alive.
"The summer beach is peaceful."
That was all he said at first, his gaze sweeping over the students.
Then, he continued.
"You stand here, brimming with youthful fire. But never forget—this peace exists because your predecessors gave their lives for it. Even now, others continue that fight. What you enjoy today... is a miracle."
The students fell silent, hanging on his words.
"Good line," Ran murmured beside me.
Still stretching, he leaned closer.
"I hate long speeches. Hope this ends fast. That guy's practically reciting poetry."
"Again with that..."
Ran chuckled under his breath. Draped in his robe, his golden hair flowing down his back, he looked every bit the classic mythical mage.
"I hope everyone enjoys this miracle of peace—if only for today."
The Director's voice softened.
"This year, I hear one class is trying something... quite unconventional."
Again, every eye turned to Class Z.
"This class is—pfft!"
The Director suddenly choked, covering his mouth.
"...Huh!?"
Ms. Lina, standing nearby, gasped and clutched her lips. Her wide eyes betrayed her shock.
"Did he just laugh?"
Indeed, the famously composed school nurse had burst into giggles.
She was dressed in a plain navy one-piece swimsuit, as expected of faculty. But even at seventeen, her youthful beauty couldn't be hidden.
As for why she was in a swimsuit: Ms. Lina served as the medical officer for the event. She would ride a rescue boat during the swim, using healing magic or even diving in herself if someone got into trouble. Many teachers were similarly dressed for safety. The only ones in uniform were the admin staff, the Director, and our gruff old homeroom teacher—who, frankly, would get lost at sea if he ever jumped in.
"...Excuse me," the Director finally managed, wiping tears from the corners of his eyes.
"In any case, this event is the academy's—pfft"
He cracked again.
Ah. He's gone. Entered the laugh loop. No coming back from that.
"P-please..."
The admin teacher, clearly panicked, ushered him off the stage. The Director retreated to the side, still chuckling helplessly.
"T-take to heart the headmaster's precious words..."
They said the line, despite the chaos. A strange silence fell over the beach, carried by the soft sea breeze.
"A-anyway, let's begin. Competition start!"
The flustered command dropped like a stone. For a second, no one moved.
Then—
"UOOHH!"
With a shout, Blaze lunged into the waves, cutting through the water with perfect form.
And the long-distance swim had begun.
Notes:
• Blaze - Male. The protagonist of the game, born into the wealthy Rosinore family. He has blond hair and a heroic appearance. Blaze is kind and lacks arrogance despite his status. He is destined to become a hero and defeat the Demon King. His relationship with Mobu and Ran is complex, as they are not part of the main story.
• Margrethe - Female. A new student and sub-heroine character in the game. She is a Mage class with low physical strength. Her appearance is not described in detail, but she is noted to have a pleasant scent. She initially comes off as hostile but warms up to the protagonist, Blaze, over time. She is proud and insists on being addressed with honorifics, reflecting her noble upbringing. She has a strong dislike for men, considering them weak and arrogant. Her relationship with Mobu starts on a tense note, but she eventually shows a more vulnerable side, acknowledging her need to improve her physical strength.
• Ran - Female. An orphan and a close friend of Mobu. She has a gentle appearance. Ran is kind and trusting, often relying on Mobu for guidance. She survives the demon attack by hiding in the secret base with Mobu.
• Hector - A prestigious academy located in the kingdom, known for training adventurers. It is primarily for the children of nobles and wealthy merchants, with a few spots reserved for those with true ability. The entrance exam is practical rather than theoretical.
• Ms. Lina - Female. The kind-looking elder sister at the academy's reception desk. She has a relaxed demeanor and a gentle smile. She oversees the entrance exams and allows Blaze's impromptu battle with Mobu and Ran, noting their shared hometown. She flips through documents casually, suggesting she is organized yet laid-back.
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