Volume 1 Chapter 34 New Year's Eve, The Grand Banquet Finally Begins!
On New Year's Eve, exactly at noon, all students and teachers gathered in the main hall of the festival venue. The hall, roughly the size of a small baseball field, had all the desks and chairs removed, making the space feel even more open.
At the front center stood a large stage. The teachers' seats faced it directly, while behind and to their sides were wide tables reserved for each class. Nearby, waiting seats were set up for the performance teams.
On the left and right edges of the hall, counters were stacked with food and drinks prepared for the party, and kitchen staff bustled in, carrying steaming dishes.
"I'm really looking forward to this, Ran!" I heard someone say.
"Yeah, me too," Ran replied, sitting at the table for Z Class, resting her hand lightly on the surface, her eyes bright with anticipation.
"Damn, it smells amazing," a classmate muttered. "I hope it starts soon—I'm starving."
"Same here," another agreed.
At the Z Class table, everyone's hunger radiated like a storm. No one seemed nervous about the presentation or busy with last-minute preparations like other classes. Instead, they all eagerly eyed the food counters, as if their entire focus was on eating first.
The head of administrative staff, the same person who oversaw the summer swimming competition, stepped forward and raised his voice.
"Now, let's begin the grand festival of Royal Adventurer Academy Hector, as always."
Sunlight streamed through the open drapes, flooding the hall with soft winter brightness. Above the stage, a magical light—granted exclusively for today by the royal palace—shone brilliantly.
"This event is a Hector tradition and a magnificent stage to demonstrate your resolve toward graduation. Each of you, show the skills you've honed over the past year to their fullest," he declared.
A chorus of voices echoed in response. "Yes!"
Only the students of Z Class remained fixated on the food tables, eyes gleaming with hunger. This scene mirrored the swimming competition perfectly.
"Now, Principal, please say a few words," the staff member called.
The infamous half-elf principal stepped forward. He paused, scanning the students, then spoke in a calm voice.
"Winter at the academy is peaceful," he began. After a brief silence, he continued, "Today, you will eat and drink to your heart's content and enjoy life here... but do not forget: the skills you demonstrate today will sustain you in the near future. They will protect your lives. Simply put, your very lives are at stake."
He let the words hang for a moment before adding, "This is not just preparation for graduation exams. Today, you face your own destiny."
Ran, standing on her tiptoes beside me, whispered, "Teacher always talks so long. I wish he'd finish already, seriously."
I rolled my eyes. "Again with that."
Ran chuckled softly, her blond hair swaying gently. "I'm just saying."
The principal gave a final smile and slipped back behind the curtain as the administrative staff took over.
"Now, the ban on food and drinks is lifted. Everyone, don't stay glued to your class tables—use this chance to mingle with other classes. The banquet program starts in five minutes. Those who go early should hurry with preparations. And—"
His words were drowned out by the loud cheers of students rushing toward the food counters, forming long lines. This hunger spared no one, whether from SS or Z Class. In a way, it was a divine equalizer.
Ran took my hand, tugging gently. "What should we do, Mobu?"
I looked over the chaotic scene, thinking. Our turn for food, decided by lottery, was fairly early. But first, we had preparations to make for the performance. We should meet up with Margrethe and start getting ready. The food could wait. They were serving alcohol too, but we probably couldn't drink before performing.
"That's what I think too," Ran smiled and stood, pulling me up.
"Come on, Mobu. Let's go call MarMar."
* * *
Outside the auditorium, Margrethe exhaled with relief. "Well, preparations are done, right?"
"Yes. Even the horse seems in good shape today."
Ran stroked the nose of Thundermaru, the horse. It licked her cheek, making her laugh softly. "It tickles, Thundermaru."
Margrethe's performance plan was horsemanship—a fresh challenge compared to past years' sword dances or magic shows. Lina had said using horses like this was unheard of here.
"I got the idea from the big Mobu banquet after the long-distance swim contest," Margrethe said, patting her black horse Sleipnir's belly. Not the mythic Sleipnir, just a horse named after the legend. Its dark coat absorbed light like a shadow, but its presence was like a myth come to life.
"That time, Mobu, we focused on having fun rather than winning. Everyone ate together. I heard they even had a secret talent show after it started."
"That's right! I sang a village song in my swimsuit," Ran added with a smile, remembering her idol-like performance. The contrast between her folk song and the setting had been unforgettable.
"So I thought," Margrethe continued, "our performance should be fun for everyone watching—not about rankings or boring competition. Just a showcase."
She paused, then added softly, "After graduation, I'll return to my family home. When that time comes... I want to prove to my father and elder brother that I developed my Tamer skills while I was here."
"That's a serious goal," I said, glancing at her.
"Yes."
"Why is that so important to you?"
"That... if I improve my Tamer skills, I can grow stronger. I'll have a reason to travel. I won't be trapped in my family's estate, forced into bridal training from morning to night," she said, her voice calm but firm.
Margrethe stared forward, her eyes focused. "Then, I'll be with Mobu and RanRan..."
Even though she was just fifteen, she was already thinking ahead, choosing her own path. As expected of a noble daughter.
Even at fifteen, she was thinking deeply. As expected of a noble daughter. When I was fifteen in my old life, I was just a fool chasing pleasure and play. I was quiet and ignored in class, unable to connect with others. The only reason I can now talk freely with people is a strange story—because I worked at a black company where I was forced to tough it out socially, no complaints allowed. For that, I'm strangely grateful, though I wish they'd pay overtime someday.
"By the way, what should we do now? We still have some time."
"Yes, Ran. Until it's our turn, shall we watch the festivities inside? Like Margrethe said, it's a fun banquet before the graduation exam."
"Sounds good. I agree."
We tied up the three horses outside and returned to the grand hall.
Notes:
• 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.
• 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.
• Thundermaru - Female (horse). A calm and kind horse with a gray coat. Injured her front left leg due to a student's mistake. Comforts Ran despite her own pain. Well-cared for by Ran and Mobu.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!