Tournament?

-----Yui's POV

Yui: "So? How's the new class going?"

Kaede: "Mmm! It's going great so far. I think I found what I'd like to study here."

We're having our lunch at the cafeteria along with everyone else as I ask about how Kaede's class is going. From the look on her face, it does look like she's been enjoying herself which brings an even bigger smile on my face. Seeing her happy like this just brings back many fond memories that I can't help but gaze at her.

Mark: "Wait, what class are you in now?"

Kaede: "The summoning class. It feels great since I feel more at ease and not like an alien like in those other classes."

Mark: "Pfft- Yeah when I saw you in our class taking on Kendal, I was at a loss for words at how fast you moved. Even faster than Ellen which I thought would be impossible!"

Thinking back a couple days during that fight, I don't think I recall her actually using magic to move that fast. Even when I wrapped that hobgoblin's wind magic around me I don't think I could compete against that speed. I'd dare to imagine what it would look like with her using magic on top of that...

Kaede: "That- may be so. But I can't compete with Yu- Ellen in terms of technique. It actually reminded me of someone I fought with once, back with that dragon.

Yui: "Ah~ Alice?"

Kaede: "Yes! That's her name. You know her?"

Yui: "Mmm. She was actually my tutor growing up, so I ended up copying her style out of habit."

Luna: "If you ask me, I think you've surpassed her by this point Ellen."

Yui: "No no, I've still got a long way to go."

Mark: "So what's it like with learning runes? I hear it can be quite difficult."

Kaede: "It's challenging, but we'll be heading to one of the training areas to continue with some practical exercises. I'm not too sure how well I'll do though."

Mark: "I'm sure you'll do great!"

Kaede: "T-thank you."

This was a little bit irksome as seeing Mark smile away happily while talking with Kaede stings my chest a little. It reminded me of the time when George was flirting with Luna which really tested my friendship with him, but I'm glad it all turned out well. It doesn't hurt as much as that since Kaede and I are already together, but it's not like we can openly say it to everyone, only Luna knows of us.

After eating together at the cafeteria, we all went back to class, with Kaede being the only one going off by herself. Taking our seats we wait patiently for Kendal to start the class.

Kendal: "Okay. Over the lunch break. I was at a meeting with the other teachers and the headmaster. It looks like we'll be moving the scheduled tournament at the end of semester to the start of next week."

Tournament? This was the first time hearing of it, and now this tournament is being moved to next week? It appears it wasn't just me who was concerned as I could hear other students whispering with each other.

Kendal: "With the appearance of vampires, and along with their recent attack, it has been decided to speed up the training of the students in the academy. And instead of the tournament being optional, it is now mandatory for all students. Of course if you have a legitimate reason to not attend then that's okay, but I expect everyone in this class to participate."

The whispers of my classmates evolved into chatter as I could hear many of them complaining with the sudden news.

Classmate1: Sir! Why the sudden change for it to be mandatory?"

One of them spoke up with a raised hand, asking his question to Kendal.

Kendal: "It's for the school to properly gauge the level of all our students in case something happens."

Classmate2: "What if we don't participate?"

Kendal: "It concerns me that you asked that. You all are studying here in order to protect everyone in this kingdom from these threats aren't you? Which is why failure to participate will result in expulsion. That's unless you have a legitimate reason of course."

This was getting exciting in my opinion. I don't understand why there are some people who wouldn't like to participate. Wanting to change course of these stupid questions, I raise my hand.

Yui: "How will the tournament be structured?"

He breathed a sigh of relief at my question. I could feel the stress he was feeling from the previous questions as he gave a soft smile before opening his mouth.

Kendal: "It will be a 'Round Robin' styled tournament, however for the first round you won't be facing off against students in the same class. There will be a winner's bracket for people who haven't lost, and a loser's bracket where students get placed when they lose a match. Once you're in the loser's bracket, if you lose another match you're out, and the winner of the loser's bracket will compete against the winner of the winner's bracket."

Sounds simple enough, I'm quite used to this style of competitions. Back in my old world, I competed in tournaments against other schools for track and field, we also had it set up in this round robin style, not exactly but similar. I may of been the best runner in our school, but I never won any tournaments since the other school's were just too strong. Kaede cheered me up with the last lose I had which really helped me get over it.

Kendal: "I've already registered everyone in this class as participants, come to me if you wish not to compete, however you better have lost an arm or a leg if that's going to work."

Yeah I figured it would be tough to convince the teacher to drop out of the tournament. The way Kendal spoke of this sudden news felt serious, as if he was not asking, but demanding everyone to participate. I however have no problems, in fact I'm curious to know how other classes are like and how different it is fighting against them are.

Class continued after that announcement, as I'm now walking back to the dorms with Luna. Kaede was waiting just outside the dorms.

Kaede: "Did you hear the news?"

Yui: "The tournament? Yeah"

Luna: "But pushing it to the start of next week. It's kind of nerve wracking don't you think?"

Yui/Kaede: "Nope."

It seems like Luna was also a little bit nervous with this tournament along with other students in our class, but hearing Kaede say the same thing as me brings us both to chuckle, like there was nothing wrong at all with all of this.

Yui: "I'm actually quite excited for it to be honest. I'm going to get back into exercising to prep my body for it! Oh and Luna. You're joining me."

Luna: "Eh?"

Yui: "Remember when I said I'd be training that stamina of your's? Well it starts now. Care to join Kaede?"

Kaede: "Oh actually. I was thinking of stopping by to see Sicily, Lillian and Mell. I've been a little worried about them so I wanna check to make sure they're alight."

Yui: "You want me to come?"

Kaede: "It's okay. I'll be quick, and will be back before curfew. Plus you just invited Luna to train right? I don't wanna intrude."

It stung a little bit since I was excited to spend more time with her, but if she says she'll be quick then I shouldn't worry too much.

Yui: "Okay. But tell them I said hi!"

Kaede: "Mhmm! Will do. Have fun with the training you two."

Luna: "We will!"

I couldn't help but notice the joy in Luna's face all of a sudden. Before she looked like she was dreading this training of mine, but as we waved goodbye to Kaede she looked happy.

Yui: "Right, Luna~ Lets get started~"

Luna: "...Kay-"

The joy in her face left once again as I remind of her what's in store for her. I want both of us to do well, so I don't plan on going easy on her.

-----Kaede's POV

It was a good opportunity on my part. When I saw Yui walking back with Luna, I couldn't help but notice Luna started to look a little gloomy. I've came to terms with Luna being one of Yui's best friends, so I figured with me going to see Sicily, Lillian and Mell, it would give the two of them some time to hang out together, even if it's with Yui's torturous routine. I recall the time when I tried to get into track and field, but I was completely hopeless as I constantly ran out of breathe after 10 minutes of exercising with Yui not even breaking a sweat. But it's different now though in this world, since this body of mine isn't even human. I don't even think I've sweated besides the times where I'm desperate for blood.

After some time walking with some light jogs here and there, I finally arrive back at Farwood's Inn where the others are staying at.