With the third-place match over, the finals stage was announced.
"Grassland stage," Miyuki said, voicing the group's concern. "No obstacles—tough fight."
"Better than a valley or urban stage," Tatsuya replied. "No use complaining."
Everyone tilted their heads, puzzled. Miyuki's group was one thing, but why Mayumi and Mari too? Tatsuya resisted tilting his own head and explained.
"Ichijou's Explosion turns liquid to gas, using expansion for destructive force," he said. "Water vapor explosions are their specialty. A valley stage is like a minefield for them, and urban stages have water pipes everywhere. Grassland has no such 'explosives.' Forest or rocky stages would've been ideal, but avoiding the worst-case valley is good enough."
The first-years nodded, convinced. The upperclassmen, however, looked grim.
"No cover, facing a bombardment specialist," Mayumi said. "That's a big disadvantage."
"Head-on, yes," Tatsuya admitted. "But Ichijou's fixated on me, not fighting his usual way. That opens a window."
"Direct attacks are banned, though," Kirihara pointed out.
"Don't need to touch him," Tatsuya said with a sly grin. "I've got a plan."
Tatsuya knew the odds were slim, but Miyuki's expectations left no room for an easy loss.
"Let's go," he said to Leo and Mikihiko, who'd been silent, and headed to the stage.
As First High's trio entered the field, a girl's laughter erupted from the stands.
"Erika-chan, stop, it's embarrassing!" Mizuki said.
"But those outfits!" Erika cackled, clutching her stomach. "They're begging for laughs!"
Mizuki shrank, mortified by the attention.
"Phew, that was good," Erika said, calming down. "Can't take my eyes off Tatsuya-kun's antics. But what's with those costumes?"
She focused, trying to figure it out, but came up blank.
"…Spirits are swarming Mikihiko's robe," Mizuki said, glasses off.
"What?" Erika turned, seeking an explanation, but time ran out.
At the same time, Third High's team eyed Leo and Mikihiko's outfits.
"What's that, George?" Masaki asked.
"No clue," Shinkuro said. "It's not a bluff, knowing him. Maybe a counter to my Invisible Bullet? It lacks penetration."
"A piece of cloth won't stop it," Masaki said.
"Yeah, so I'm stumped," Shinkuro admitted.
"No point overthinking," Masaki said. "Let's not dig our own graves."
Shinkuro nodded, shelving the puzzle.
"They took the rookie championship, but we'll claim Monolith Code," Masaki said.
"With us, it's a lock," Shinkuro agreed.
Having seen Tatsuya's tactics and skill, they still believed they were superior. Unaware of his true magic, it was natural arrogance.
"It's starting," Masaki said.
"I'll take him head-on," Masaki declared. "George, head for the Monolith as planned."
"Got it. I'll hang back at first," Shinkuro said.
Shinkuro trusted Masaki could dominate alone, but Tatsuya was an anomaly—unpredictable to both. At the starting signal, Tatsuya charged toward Third High's Monolith. Masaki countered, targeting him.
(Let's see how long he lasts against Gram Demolition.)
Arrogant, perhaps, but to Masaki—a socially established figure—Tatsuya was just a high schooler. Even with Gram Demolition, Masaki didn't entertain losing.
Tatsuya nullified Masaki's magic with Gram Demolition from his right-hand CAD, firing vibration magic at Masaki with his left. Lacking power, it was blocked by Masaki's unconscious data-fortification barrier. Still, given the gap in conventional magic strength, Tatsuya's moves stunned onlookers. First High's tent erupted in gasps, but Mayumi and Suzune watched with worried expressions.
(Masaki's not breaking through… He's tougher than expected.)
On the field, Shinkuro was equally shocked. No opponent had ever matched Masaki like this. To see someone defy the overwhelming gap was unbelievable.
(With that skill, why wasn't he entered from the start? He could've rivaled me in Speed Shooting…)
Shinkuro thought Morisaki's accident, though unfortunate, might've been a blessing in disguise.
(Our win's secure, but beating him would feel better. No idea why Isshiki's group is cheering for him.)
Seeing no shift in Tatsuya and Masaki's stalemate, Shinkuro called to his teammate.
"I'm going in, as planned."
"Leave this to me," Masaki replied.
Leaving defense to their teammate, Shinkuro advanced. Halfway across the field, Leo blocked his path. A new clash was brewing, separate from Tatsuya and Masaki's duel.
It's heating up, and you're right—this feels like it needs more than one episode to wrap! Want to brainstorm how Tatsuya and Fujibayashi's dynamic could play into the finals, explore Shizuku's secret, or toss around that IF scenario? Mikihiko's moment is looming!
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