104 - - The Brave and the Fellows unite

After school on the day when I met the captains of the competition.

In the club room.

I gathered with my friends and reported the day's events to everyone.

We are sitting on the sofa set.

"Oh, man, this guy's a bad guy. A demon and a reincarnated demon?

"I wonder if I can win against such strong people. ......"

Sakura and Elise are in a cold sweat.

Mikael, on the other hand, was excited.

"Oh!　A match against a strong opponent!　I'm a sprout!　I'm looking forward to it, everyone!"

"Don't take it so easy. Unlike you and your brother, the three of us are normal people.

The younger brother sighs.

The women's team's faces were not so sunny either.

"Don't look at me like that. Don't worry, we're all strong. They can fight well enough.

"But ...... Julius, you may be equal to the demons, but the school competition is a team game, and we might drag you down. ......"

Elise says with a shrug.

"Aniue, what kind of games are we talking about?"

"It's a multi-competitive event, held over several days. They're not individual events. It's not an individual event. It's a team effort.

"Rankings are announced at the end of all events. Each event has its own score, and the one with the most points is awarded the cup [chalice]."

As Gaius explains, his brother-in-law nods his head.

"Yes?"

"It's a sacred vessel filled with powerful magic, Mika."

"According to a theory, it contains the magical power of an ancient hero. The winning school will be given the right to use it freely for one year.

Until last year, the Imperial Academy was the consecutive winner, and they have been dominating the Holy Grail for many years now.

That's why the Madukas Empire has become the largest nation in the world.

"This year, the Eastern Commonwealth and the Holy Empire are also planning to take the Holy Grail seriously. They even prepared such monsters as demons and reincarnated persons.

Gaius says, his face clouded.

"Why do you look so serious?　A competition between students?"

Think about it. Think about it. What about the enormous magical power of demons and reincarnated beings and all those other mysterious people?　What will they do with it? ......"

"And if they've suddenly prepared such a foreign element, it's not surprising that there are some shady characters behind it.

Sakura's concerns are valid.

It would be impossible for such an abnormal group of people to sneak among the students without someone's help.

"If the Holy Grail gets into the hands of non-humans, there is no telling what they will do with it. It could be used for ritual magic to destroy the human race, or it could be used for something we can't predict.

Gaius grits his teeth.

"But with Aniue, we're sure to win, aren't we?"

"That's true if you're the only one competing and if it's an individual competition. But this competition is all team competition. The members who can participate change every time. There's no guarantee that you'll be able to play in every game.

"Plus, your opponent's whole team is demons and reincarnations, right?　It's a huge disadvantage."

Sakura sighs.

It's not just about me this time.

"What should I do, my brother ......?"

Gaius comes to me for help.

"You be the judge. You're the captain."

The younger brother bites his lower lip and slumps.

"...... a little tight, don't you think?"

Sakura sneaks up on me and overhears me.

"No, it's not like that. He can handle this kind of situation.

"...... you trust me."

"Of course. He's my brother, remember?"

Gaius thinks for a moment and then murmurs.

"Guys. Can I have your attention, please?"

With a serious expression on his face, my brother looks around at everyone.

"I want to win this school battle with everyone.

Gaius looked at Elise and Sakura and bowed his head.

"I'm going to have to ask you two to take a risk. I'm sorry to put you girls through that. But I want ...... to win."

Gaius clenched his fists.

"If the Holy Grail is given to demons and reincarnated people, who we don't know what they are, all of humanity will be in danger. I can't overlook that.

My brother says decisively.

"I want to protect people. I need your help to do that.

Gaius stands up and breaks his back.

He honestly asked for help from his friends.

Gaius is no longer the proud man he once was.

There he was, a newcomer, but a brave man who was willing to do his best for everyone.

"Please help me, too," Gaius said. Please, everyone, help my brother."

Standing up together, I also bowed my head to the members of the club.

"I guess so..."

Sakura, Mikael, and Elise.

They all stand up and say emphatically.

"I can't say no to Julius when he bows to me.

"Gaius, I'll do my best!　For everyone!"

"Gaius, it's up to you. When big brother is in trouble, little brother will do his best. Is that how brothers are?　Hey, Aniue!"

I stroke my brother-in-law's head.

"Thank you all for ......."

Gaius bowed his head, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Why, you're being so honest today, aren't you? I'm going crazy.

"Have you stopped being a tsundere?　Dere dere dere?"

I create a handkerchief and wipe my brother's tears.

"Little brother, you've grown up. I'm happy for you."

He is not trying to challenge the game simply to satisfy his self-esteem.

He is going into battle himself to confront the world's crisis.

He was truly a brave man.

The brave men and women of this world are steadily growing up in front of our eyes.

I was truly happy to see that.

I wonder if my mentors felt the same way.

"Well then, everyone..."

I put my hand out in front of me.

"Brother, what are you doing?"

"In times like this, we're supposed to breathe together, right?"

"Oh!　Let's go for it, Ei-Ei-Ei-Oh!　That's what I'm talking about!"

With a snap, Mikhail is the first to put his palm on my hand.

"What's that ......, that's embarrassing ......."

"What are you talking about? It's more embarrassing that you're always flirting with your brother."

Sakura puts her palm on top of Mikael's, smiling.

"Gaius, come on!　Together!"

Elise puts her hand on top of Sakura's.

"Okay. I don't blame you.

Chuckling, Gaius finally lays his hand on top of mine.

I look around at the others.

None of them are anxious or afraid.

They were full of motivation.

"All right, let's get this school battle going!"

""""Oh!""""