Volume 1 Chapter 23 Forget The 5-5 Long-Distance Swimming Competition, I'm Throwing A Big Party
"Hector's traditional class competition swimming marathon — the race begins!"
The administrative staff's command echoed suddenly, freezing everyone for a moment. Then, Blaze shot forward like a bullet.
"Whoa──!"
He shouted as he lunged into the sea. When the water reached his waist, he began swimming smoothly in a perfect crawl stroke.
"Stop! Blaze is off ahead!"
"Everyone, follow him! Use magic to slow him down. Create whirlpools in his path!"
"Protect Blaze! No offensive magic! Form a human wall behind him to block other teams!"
Support teams from the highest classes — S Class "Qilin" and the debuff specialists from S Class — dived in, competing fiercely for the lead. Then Classes A, B, C, and D jumped in as well. When they waved at us, Margrethe quietly slipped into the water and started swimming too.
No one dared to swim against the fearsome S Class "Qilin."
"Hey Mobu, what do you think S Class will do?"
Ran grabbed my arm, eyes bright with curiosity.
"Probably they want SS and S to clash and weaken each other. S Class will swim alone but stay close as a group. After SS and S classes thin each other out, S will strike all at once."
"Whoa — everyone's really thinking this through!"
"But Ran, you're talking like it doesn't matter to us, but we're racing too."
"Hehe."
She looked up at me and stuck out her tongue playfully.
"That's true. But as long as you're having fun, Mobu, who wins or loses doesn't matter."
Basically, she shared my view.
"Look, S Class is moving."
The S Class made their move. They hesitated while watching us — the Z Class — standing still from a distance, whispering among themselves. Two or three nodded or shook their heads, but when one pointed at us and said something, everyone burst into laughter. Then, quietly, S Class advanced into the sea.
I could roughly guess what they said.
"Well then, let's start on our side too."
At my words, the Z Class erupted in cheers.
"Finally, time to eat!"
"I skipped breakfast for this."
"Me too!"
"The banquet hall food I've dreamed of... it's right here. I have no regrets in life!"
The usual emblem geek was tearing up again as he pumped his fist. I think I'll start calling him Raoh now.
"Let's eat. All you can eat. Grab whatever you want."
Before I could finish, the catering table became a battlefield. Everyone grabbed plates piled high and sat on the beach, eating.
"This is banquet hall food."
"Just regular dorm meals, but next level."
"Better than that 3-star restaurant my dad took me to."
"That meat's mine!"
"Don't hog it — there's more."
"That's still mine!"
Pure chaos.
"Hey Mobu, let's eat too."
"Yeah, Ran."
"Looking forward to eating outside with you!"
"Really, yeah."
"I'll get some drinks for you, Ran."
"Thanks!"
The table was like a piranha tank, but no worries. When Ran lined up, everyone eagerly served delicious dishes onto her plate, even knowing mine was included.
Even the dropouts had their moments.
Just the two of us, Ran and I, sat apart and gazed at the sea. White waves crashed onto the shore, creating a soothing rhythm that echoed in our bellies. The sun-warmed sea breeze felt pleasant.
"It's a nice summer."
I wondered if I'd ever enjoyed summer back in my old life as a corporate slave...
I tried to remember but came up blank. My summer memories were mostly about being called by clients during the three-day Obon holiday I barely took, or sweating over invoices in a broken, dilapidated building with no air conditioning during late-night overtime.
Compared to that, this beach was paradise. Delicious food, cute Ran, and a beautiful sea. Plus, I was dead, so maybe this really was heaven.
"Yeah. It's fun because I'm with Mobu."
"Well then, shall we eat, Ran?"
"Yes. Mobu, ahh..."
Ran offered me a shrimp appetizer.
"Ahh," I said, taking a bite.
"Aww, Mobu is so cute!"
She seemed happy.
"You should eat too, Ran."
"Yeah... wow, it's delicious, Mobu!"
"The chef at the guest dining hall is said to be an old man who used to be the head chef at the royal palace."
"Wow!"
Hector was an important institution for nurturing future heroes of the kingdom. Because of that, many talented people connected to the royal family were placed there.
"Delicious... so delicious."
"Damn it. I'm going to hide this and take it home later."
"I'll do the same. I know a little life magic, so I'll cast a preservation spell on the food."
"Please take care of my portion too."
"Leave it to me."
The Z Class, maybe because of their loser complex, rarely interacted within the class. But today, surprisingly, they became quite friendly.
"Thank you, Mobu. For arranging such delicious food."
From a distance, Ran waved at me. I raised my hand in response.
"Don't eat too much. We're swimming after this."
"I know. In an hour, right?"
"Yeah."
The goal of the long-distance swimming competition was a small island that even the top swimmers took two hours to reach. No need to rush. My plan was to enjoy this beach for an hour, then start swimming.
"Hey, Mobu."
"What is it, Ran?"
"Why did you prepare such delicious food? It's a swimming race, after all."
"Well, Ran──"
I explained. The classroom atmosphere was heavy. Everyone felt inferior as the lowest-ranked at the academy. They were all rich kids who could return home. Sure, spoiled brats, and it was their fault, but sometimes they should be allowed to enjoy themselves.
If they had memories of tasting the high-class food that S and SSS classes — beings above the clouds — ate at events, even if they dropped out later, they could recall those moments on hard nights and find comfort.
"Mobu..."
Ran murmured thoughtfully.
"You're an adult. I'm glad I followed you, Mobu."
She hugged my arm close and rubbed her cheek against my shoulder.
This strategy was influenced by my corporate drone days. Sometimes, enjoying Chinese food, gyoza, and draft beer with colleagues made the hardships bearable. Those moments were the memories that kept me going. ...Though, in the end, I died from overwork-related exhaustion.
"Mobu, you're much more wonderful than I thought."
"Thank you, Ran."
"Ah."
When I pulled her close, Ran's body fit perfectly in my arms.
"Mobu..."
"Ran..."
Just twenty centimeters in front of me, Ran's large eyes glistened softly.
"I... like you..."
Her warm breath brushed my neck. With her eyes closed, Ran's lips moved closer, seeking mine.
Notes:
• 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.
• 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.
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