Basically, the structure of the spectator area is shaped like a half dome with a slightly larger angle. If I remember correctly, it’s about 210 degrees. Thanks to that, putting up tarps has been a challenge, but we’ve managed to work it out well in the end.
The first floor has waiting rooms for the players, a ticket booth, and concession stands. The spectator area is divided into three sections starting from the upper floor.
Gehenna’s cheering section. Trinity’s cheering section. The central neutral cheering section.
When the cheering sections of each academy fill up, they’re required to transition to the neutral section, and to prepare for possible friction, a system has been set up to allocate seats closer to each academy’s section.
Why is there a waiting room for players on the first floor? The answer is obviously because the main events start from this first floor’s platform.
The events include water skiing, jet skiing, and later, a water mock battle. The starting point for all of these is right here.
As I step into the Trinity player waiting area, the voice of the Student Council President echoes throughout the entire spectator area.
[Many of you have been looking forward to this, a long-awaited showdown between two academies that have been rivals or enemies for a long time, has finally arrived. The day has come! To the students of both academies attending the 20XX Summer Festival, as well as students and citizens from all over Kivotos, how are you all doing? As the representative of the Kivotos Student Council, I am in charge of overseeing the festival preparations at the request of the representatives of both academies…]
Listening to the Student Council President’s softly spoken yet strangely heated words, I leisurely check my equipment.
Just because you’re a Kivotos student doesn’t mean you won’t drown; life vests are essential. However, I decided to boldly skip the life vest since it could be replaced with the tactical belt commissioned from the Millennium for this competition.
Not only does it allow for smooth magazine changes on the water, but if I happen to drop my gun, it’s attached to the belt to prevent loss. Moreover, it comes with pouches to store explosives, depending on my preference. In case I fall into the water, the belt rapidly expands and transforms into a tube just by pressing a certain button twice, eliminating any chance of drowning.
By now, anyone could guess the true nature of this water event.
This isn’t just about competing in performances and speed on the water. It’s a brutal competition where using firearms to control and eliminate opponents is allowed.
With one hand grabbing the tow line and firing with the gun in the other, you have to dodge enemy shots and maintain balance. It might sound impossible for someone who only learned water skiing on a whim, but surprisingly, it’s doable.
Since my current body possesses physical abilities and athletic senses far beyond the ordinary adult male I once was, my skills have improved dramatically just by taking a few lessons. It’s a level of growth that could only be described as breathtaking.
Many students who signed up for the water skiing section trembled at its difficulty, switching to jet skiing or giving up, yet those who persevered and continued to learn showcased respectable skills. Even Ichika, who I’m personally cheering for in water skiing, has skills comparable to mine or even superior.
Honestly, I think there’s a good chance expectations might not be met when it comes down to actual competition. Since it’s an event in the ocean, the waves are strong, and as the number of boats increases, the water conditions will get rougher, making skiing all the more difficult.
However, I haven’t bothered to pack explosives into my belt. Given that you have to hold the tow line with one hand, getting explosives would require putting down the gun to retrieve them, and in an event match against Hina one-on-one, it would be too obvious.
Besides, I often think it’s better to use Shinpi instead during that time. Just based on my utilization of Shinpi alone, I believe even someone with better skills than I in this event would find it hard to defeat me.
[The representatives of each academy standing before you today are as follows. The order of introduction considers the fact that the initial planner of this festival is Trinity’s T-party host, so I will prioritize Trinity representatives, so please bear with me. First, from the three student council presidents of the Trinity T-party, Miss Kirihouji Nagisa!]
[Are you all doing well? Today, as a representative of Trinity, I’m here to greet you on behalf of our T-party host, who is currently away. Many people who knew me might not have realized I’m one of the leaders of the T-party, but… regardless of that, I believe you all know that my partner is the T-party host.]
…Hmmm, I figured the Student Council President had a reason for bringing Nagisa along, but she’s boldly announcing herself as one of the student council leaders.
Especially revealing our relationship, which has become an unspoken fact within Trinity, was too direct. Although I haven’t hidden it, I never intended to flaunt it outright.
[The reason I stand here today is to cheer for Misono Mika, whom I love more than anyone!]
Gyaaaahhh!!!
…Wow, I thought my ears were going to pop.
Of course, it’s a natural reaction from the girls in the audience, especially since one of the T-party’s student council presidents broke the secret to publicly support her partner.
[I know full well that even if my rival represents all of Gehenna, she stands as a formidable power. The strongest ever leader of the student council title has even circulated among other academies, leaving no room for doubt. However… today, you will see that Mika is equally extraordinary. Hehe…]
[…Thank you, President Kirihouji. But… you haven’t actually said anything about the festival, have you?]
[Heh, hehe… My apologies. I unintentionally went off-topic after being slightly upset before coming here. I hope all of you visiting today, representing Trinity, can create fantastic memories over the next seven days!]
I picked up the gun I had set aside. Unfortunately, it seems to be a vintage model with the magazine attached on the left side, so I can’t reload with one hand stylishly like Neru.
But my opponent Hina has her own greater weakness, which is her multifunctional machine gun. To be honest, I’m quite curious about how well Hina has managed to overcome that weakness.
[I heard President Kirihouji well. Next, we have the representative of Gehenna attending here today, Chairperson Hanuma Makoto!]
[…Kikikikik!]
Oh dear. That fool is revving up again.
[Ah, yes. I am Hanuma Makoto. This position is truly insufficient for the likes of me, but I’ve accepted the special nomination for the position of the Manma Battle Chair to lead you Gehenna students!]
…By the way, why does Makoto’s voice sound so down like that, trying to create a silly atmosphere? Although imagining his appearance is cool, knowing the content drags it down too much.
[To the Trinity students that have come for this festival, as well as those supporting Trinity, I want to express my regrets in advance. Having to witness the side you support get devastatingly crushed and ultimately face overwhelming defeat… what could be more unfortunate? Kikikikik!]
[You’re saying amusing things, Chairperson Hanuma. What did our host say…?]
[…What? Am I interrupting while I’m speaking?]
[Ah, right. I guess the victory is for Trinity, right?]
Oh, nice job Nagisa! Yes, remind those horned guys of the brutal reality!
The problem is that the Gehenna kids could take that as a massive taunt, but since they started it, we can’t just give in. In a team competition, there are few factors as crucial as intimidation.
[…Hmph. That so-called T-party host said that only to hide their fearful self! No wonder, since they bravely challenged me, Hanuma Makoto! Kikik!]
…Wait, are they seriously bringing up that bet here? Our kids… especially Pater and Arius, would definitely change their resolve after hearing that.
[Kikikisik—!! The moment Gehenna’s victory is confirmed, they will become my slave for a week. Of course, if Gehenna loses, I’ll become theirs for a week; it’s a bet involving the pride of both academies! There’s absolutely no way I’ll lose, so it doesn’t matter!]
[You sure…]
[Kik. Let’s end this talk about inevitable results here. Those of you participating in this festival are incredibly lucky. You’ll have the opportunity to witness Gehenna, led by me, thoroughly and mercilessly crush Trinity!]
[Ahem. Yes, I have heard well from the representatives of both academies. Let’s cut out the trivial talk—]
[Wait a moment, are you saying my brilliant speech is trivial?]
[Now we should start getting into the main event, right? A special contest to kick off the festival. A bloody clash between the pride of both academies! I’ll introduce the four players participating in the opening match.]
With Makoto’s voice suddenly cutting off, it seems the microphone itself might have been switched off. Regardless, I doubt anyone would be disappointed that the loudest one has quieted down.
Honestly, I’m more curious about what that guy’s expression was when he saw my face looking just fine here. Everything else is secondary to this.
[On the right, representing Gehenna’s might, the strongest student council president in Gehenna’s history! Player Sorasaki Hina! Give her a big hand!]
At that moment, a thunderous applause erupted from the entire audience.
No matter what, it seems even students who usually aren’t fond of Hina must cheer for her in a match that involves the pride of both academies.
[On the left, the host of the T-party, who broke the secrecy surrounding the T-party and possesses remarkable skills, according to President Kirihouji! Player Misono Mika! Trinity, you don’t intend to lose to the rival academy, do you? Give her a vigorous round of applause!]
Following the Student Council President’s signal, I step out into the corridor. Hina, having emerged first from opposite me, greets me with her usual cold demeanor, her ski tucked under her arm.
Gyaaaahhh!!!!!
Sister, take me!!!
The greatest in the history of Trinity, the GOAT! Glory to Trinity!!!
It seems our students like me even more than I thought. The enthusiasm of their cheers surprises me more than I expected.
[W-w-wait, what—?!]
Makoto gave me a look as if he were Aru, eyes popping wide in disbelief, yet shockingly, no one was concerned.
Ah, just witnessing that expression has completely released my stress. It’s the best feeling ever.
As I waved my straw hat in the direction of Nagisa, her lovely face broke into a smile.
[Next, let me introduce the drivers who will guide our boats by teaming up with the two players.]
Here we go.
It’s finally time to unveil the secret weapon I’ve been preparing. The moment has come for the one who has perfectly synced with me for the sole purpose of taking down Hina to step forward.
[From Gehenna, Natsume Iroha, and from Trinity, Ajitani Hifumi!]
Naturally, only Hifumi, Trinity’s best driver, could team up with me.
…But, Hina, why on earth are you teaming up with Iroha?
