Chapter 203 ↦ Let's Give It Everything We've Got!

An hour later, the school's broadcast system played a reminder tune as the recommended events approached the final event — the All-Grade 1200m Relay.

In the center of the field, a giant LCD screen displayed the current scores of the Red and White Teams.

Red Team (A&D Alliance): 17,800 points

White Team (B&C Alliance): 14,400 points

The results were clear: the Red Team led by 3,400 points, securing their victory.

The remaining All-Grade 1200m Relay — undoubtedly the main event — offered these points: 150 for first place, 90 for second, 45 for third, 30 for fourth, and 24 for fifth place.

Even if the B&C Alliance miraculously claimed all top five positions, they would only gain about 300 points total — far short of what they needed to close the gap.

Since all classes that lost the Red-White Competition would lose 100 Class Points, many Class B and C students had lost their fighting spirit.

Yet they hadn't given up entirely. Beyond the Red-White Team competition, classes competed within each grade level for total scores.

The scoring system was straightforward: first place earned +100 Class Points, second place +0, third place -50, and fourth place -100.

Though these point values weren't high, the first-year classes remained in close competition:

First-Year Class A: 1,741 points (3rd)

First-Year Class B: 1,800 points (1st)

First-Year Class C: 1,205 points (4th)

First-Year Class D: 1,795 points (2nd)

While Class C was guaranteed last place, Classes A, B, and D remained neck-and-neck, with B and D holding a slight edge.

No wonder the three remaining first-year classes were watching this final All-Grade 1200m Relay with such intensity.

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Meanwhile, in First-Year Class A.

Class A's Sports Festival "leader" was delivering his final speech — or rather, words of encouragement.

"Since we're on the Red Team in this Red-White Competition, we're already guaranteed +100 Class Points. But if we can take first place, we can earn another 100 Class Points." Kōhei said.

Currently, Class A's total score lagged behind Classes B and D. However, if they could secure first place in the relay race and earn 150 total points, Class A would claim the top position regardless of how Classes B and C performed. This would earn them an additional +100 Class Points.

The pressure to take first place was immense. This was an all-grade event where all twelve classes would compete, including Miyabi's second-year class and the class led by Manabu — known as the strongest Student Council President in history.

Could Class A really defeat these two powerhouses?

Feeling the weight of this challenge, Kōhei added, "Even if we don't get first place, our class has proven itself in this Sports Festival. However, with my limited physical abilities, I can only support you from the stands."

He had finally recognized his strategic mistake.

Despite Class A having the strongest athletes, they had fallen behind Classes B and D.

He had the best cards but hadn't played them effectively — a crucial error.

After the class entry forms were submitted, both factions in Class A had obtained Class C's entry form. This was possible because Class C, being the poorest performing class, had several students willing to act as informants.

They discovered that Classes C and B had formed an alliance — though not the usual kind. Class C, with its numerous struggling athletes, had asked Class B to forfeit certain events. The remarkably accommodating students of Class B had agreed.

As a result, Class B's students would withdraw from several individual events, which would lower their overall score.

This was definitely advantageous for Class A. So at that time, even after getting this entry form, Kōhei's thought was... that they didn't need to worry about it.

Now they were in trouble. Classes B and D had been accumulating points in the recommended events by exploiting advantages in the Mixed Gender Three-Legged Race, resulting in higher scores than Class A.

"It seems Katsuragi-kun has realized his mistake." Arisu said to Houtarou at Class A's base camp.

While Kōhei was motivating the relay race athletes, Houtarou — despite being the anchor runner — remained behind. Kōhei didn't mind this, though. He had noticed Arisu's gloomy mood all day, but her spirits had lifted after Houtarou's visit.

Hmm. Just like his sister outside of school — instantly pacified.

This was why that guy could stay back for now, even as a participant.

"About that." Houtarou said, "I don't think it's a big problem — I'll handle it."

"Then I'll make sure to take good photos." Arisu said.

Her previously subdued emotions suddenly blossomed as a cute smile spread across her face.

"This Sports Festival has been terribly boring. Only Oreki-kun can make it entertaining." Arisu said, "So, will you show us your true speed?"

Her use of honorifics varied — sometimes polite, sometimes disdainful. The more she disliked someone, the more formal her language became.

Naturally, her current politeness suggested she was in good spirits.

"Probably." Houtarou said, "After all, I'm running the anchor leg against either the Student Council President or Nagumo. We won't get first place unless I give it everything."

"Alright." Arisu noted it down, "Then I'll be waiting at the finish line."

Meanwhile, Masumi, who had faded into the background, pursed her lips.

Unlike the attentive Arisu, Masumi had a different perspective. Though she acknowledged the physical differences between boys and girls, she had partnered with Houtarou in the Mixed Gender Three-Legged Race.

She knew that despite his good physical abilities, he had consistently avoided putting in effort during regular training.

At his normal pace, he wouldn't stand a chance against Ken from Class C, who was like a force of nature. Not to mention Rokusuke from the same class, who was equally formidable. And then there was Manabu, who was in a league of his own.

So why did these two seem so sure of themselves?

Yet as their subordinate, she knew her place and kept her thoughts to herself.

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Meanwhile, in First-Year Class B.

"Our class is currently leading with 1,800 points, while Class A has 1,741 points. Since we're in the White Team, we'll definitely lose 100 Class Points in the Red-White Competition. Fortunately, we've boosted our score through the Three-Legged Race.

And remember, the Student Council President's class is competing in this all-grade event. Even though Class A has strong athletes, he's the favorite to win. That means we just need to secure second or third place!" Ryūji called out encouragingly.

"I'm sorry I can't be of more help with my limited athletic ability." Honami said softly.

"That's perfectly fine — everyone has different strengths."

The others quickly jumped in to reassure her.

"Besides, Ichinose-san, your strategy has already helped us achieve our current standing, which is impressive."

"Don't worry!" Sō Shibata declared cheerfully, adjusting the white band around his forehead that marked him as part of the White Team, "I'm running anchor, and I'll show everyone what I'm truly capable of!"

He radiated positivity.

Ryūji, his fellow soccer club member, knew firsthand that Sō was a natural athlete. Having him as their anchor runner gave them a real shot at victory.

After losing the Red-White Competition, Class B had to aim for either first or second place to avoid losing more Class Points.

With their current score so close to the top, settling for anything less than first would feel like giving up.

A victory now would give the class a much-needed morale boost. Everyone had their sights set on Class A, even though they seemed out of reach.

In this Sports Festival, while Class C was confirmed for last place, Class A could still gain +50 points even if they placed third.

The gap between the classes kept growing wider. Though Class B faced a steep climb, just one victory against Class A could inspire them to push forward with renewed determination.

It was time to give it everything they had!

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