While Airi and her teammates held their reflection in their room, Tatsuya was summoned to First High's meeting room, deliberately avoiding the celebratory buzz surrounding Honoka and Subaru's one-two finish in Mirage Bat.
Waiting for him were First High's elite: Mayumi, Katsuto, Mari, Suzune, Hattori, and Azusa, joined by Kirihara and Isori. After such an accident, Tatsuya understood their restraint in showing joy, but their expressions seemed overly grim.
"Good work, Tatsuya-kun," Mayumi began. "Thanks to you, we've secured at least second place in the rookie division."
"The athletes' efforts made it happen. I did nothing," Tatsuya replied, deflecting.
No matter how much he downplayed it, no one bought it. Miyuki, Shizuku, and Honoka might've succeeded under anyone's guidance, but the others? That was Tatsuya's doing.
"Give it up already," Mari said. "Everyone but you acknowledges your contribution."
Tatsuya sighed. "So I was called here just to hear that?"
His slight irritation grew as the seniors danced around the point. Locking eyes with Mayumi, he silently urged her to get to it, sensing she wanted to deliver the news herself.
"As I said, second place or higher is guaranteed," Mayumi continued. "Even if we forfeit Monolith Code, we've met our initial goal. But…"
Her tone hinted at no intention of forfeiting. Tatsuya pieced together why he'd been summoned and suppressed a sigh.
"You know about Third High's Ichijou-kun and Kirihara-kun?" she asked.
"Yes," Tatsuya replied.
"Right. You probably know more about Kirihara-kun than most. With those two in Monolith Code, Third High's victory is almost certain. Initially, second place was enough, but now we want to aim for the championship."
Tatsuya's voice was calm but pointed. "Injured players can't be replaced. Forfeiting's the only option."
"Thanks to Katsuto's negotiations, substitutions are allowed," Mayumi said. "After discussion, we decided you're our best choice. Please, Tatsuya-kun, will you compete in Monolith Code?"
Tatsuya's honest thought—decided without me?—stayed unspoken. Instead, he asked, "Why me?"
"In actual combat, you're the top first-year," Katsuto said firmly.
"Monolith Code isn't combat," Tatsuya countered. "And why pick a tech staff member when there are athletes who've only competed in one event?"
Mayumi smiled. "We trust you. You didn't lose to Morisaki during that入学式 incident, and you've beaten Hanzo and Kirihara, right?"
"It's too much for me," Tatsuya said, deflecting.
His combat experience was a secret known only to him and Miyuki. He could refuse without blame, but the seniors seemed determined to lock him in.
"Siba," Katsuto said, his voice unyielding. "Leader Saegusa judged you capable, and we agree. Don't hide behind being a reserve. Fulfill your duty as First High's representative."
Tatsuya fell silent. Technically, the Nine Schools Competition had no "reserves," a fact both he and Katsuto knew. Katsuto's direct challenge left Tatsuya no room to retreat, and he raised the white flag.
"Fine," Tatsuya said. "But what about the other two?"
"You decide," Katsuto replied.
"What?"
"We're entrusting Monolith Code to you. Pick the rest. I'll take responsibility."
"Even non-athletes?" Tatsuya asked.
"Er, that's a bit…" Azusa hesitated.
"No issue," Katsuto said. "One or two more exceptions won't matter."
Tatsuya's bold move didn't faze Katsuto. The other seniors grimaced, but with Katsuto taking responsibility, only Mayumi could object—and she didn't.
"Then, Mikihiko Yoshida and Leonhard Saijo, both from 1-E," Tatsuya said.
"Got it," Katsuto said. "Nakajo!"
"Y-Yes!" Azusa stammered.
Katsuto, with Suzune in tow, left to "convince" the two—though it felt more like a decree.
"Why those two?" Mayumi asked.
"I haven't watched the boys' practices or matches, and there's no time to gather intel," Tatsuya explained. "But I know my classmates' strengths."
"Makes sense," Mari said.
"Sorry, it feels like we forced this on you," Mayumi added.
"If you know that, don't pull such heavy-handed moves," Tatsuya replied.
Against Mayumi and Mari, he might've talked his way out, but Katsuto was another story.
With his participation in Monolith Code confirmed, Tatsuya stepped outside for air before returning to his room.
"Airi?" he said, spotting a figure.
Third High's ace, Airi Isshiki, turned. "Tatsuya-sama? What's wrong, out here so late?"
"That's my line," Tatsuya said. "It's risky for a girl to be alone at night, even on a military base."
"Just cooling my head," Airi replied. "And you?"
"Sorting my thoughts," Tatsuya said.
"Thoughts?" Airi tilted her head.
"I took on a troublesome task," Tatsuya said. "But since I did, I've got to make it work."
"Troublesome task?" Airi asked.
"My seniors don't give up easily," Tatsuya said with a wry smile. "They got the organizers to allow player substitutions for Monolith Code, and I've been chosen."
"Really!?" Airi's eyes lit up. "Then I'll have to cheer for you!"
"Hey, shouldn't you be rooting for Third High?" Tatsuya teased.
Airi's excitement, sparked by their exchange, drew a faint smile from Tatsuya. He mused about his odd connection to numbered-school girls, a thought Airi, caught in her own thrill, didn't気づく.