I was leading the Makeup Club members to the changing rooms, which is why I was late getting back.
Faced with the suspicious looks suggesting something had happened between us and her, I tried to clear up the misunderstanding.
…Well, technically I did end up seeing them naked, but there wasn’t any of the physical contact everyone seemed to be implying.
Even if it eventually got out through the girls’ gossip network, it wasn’t something I would ever rat people out on.
After managing to get everyone to accept my explanation, I returned to my seat.
“Anyway, that means we’re doing team divisions now. Our party has nine members, but since you can’t form a team without five players, only five of us will be participating.”
“Mm. I’m in. Healing and buffs are especially useful in back-to-back matches.”
“That’s true. We might have breaks in between, but it’s a round-robin format, so stamina will be a factor.”
“In games, don’t stats usually reset when the match changes?”
Shouko asked.
“Exactly. But if that’s the case, we lose one of our advantages.
That said, Chiyu’s ability is excellent on its own, and being able to heal injuries and fatigue during the match is a huge plus.”
“Ah, yeah, you’re right,” Shouko conceded.
“I probably shouldn’t play this time, right? Of course, if I can be of use, I’ll do my best…”
During the last event, when we couldn’t see what the other classmates were doing, Shiina’s ability had been a lifesaver.
It was thanks to her ability to precisely see through the lies of classmates eager to become friends that I had been spared from being misled.
“Shion’s abilities are impressive, but given that this event explicitly features a battle format between Transferers, it might be best to focus on strengthening combat-oriented skills.”
Fukamori said gently.
“If the rules explained today suggest this is going to be a psychological game, I think we’d count on Shion. Would that work for you?”
“Yeah…!”
Shion smiled, pleased to think there was a way she could still be useful.
“I’m truly sorry, but I don’t see how I can be of any use either.”
Loa said, looking melancholic.
“Please don’t mind it. Your ability, combined with Shion’s, will prove vital for future negotiations.”
The power to know what one’s opponent desires would undoubtedly wield unmatched efficacy in any trade.
“I am grateful for your kindness. I shall do my best in whatever role I can fill.”
I felt fortunate that my party consisted solely of positive individuals who, despite understanding their own limitations, remained eager to support their companions.
“By the way, I intend to participate as well. Since the opponents are also a team of five, neutralizing them will ensure our victory. It’s simpler than last time; just dropping the stone cage is enough to weaken their combat power.”
It was the same technique he had used before.
A cage enclosed on all sides by stone, with only tiny holes for air. He would position it directly above a teleporter and trap them inside.
Most opponents could be neutralized this way.
“I’m in too! I mean, if it’s just me and Miron, we’re guaranteed to be super useful!”
Sayo declared her participation with bright energy. “That’s right.
I count on you.”
“You can count on us!”
That left two more slots.
Naturally, the optimal members depend on the rules, so he assembled the group keeping swaps in mind.
As stated earlier, if it were a game of psychology, Shion would be included; in that case, he had to consider who she would replace.
“I’ll participate as well. I can handle both offense and defense with magic, so I believe I can be of use.”
Fukubou raised her hand.
“Ah, I count on you, Fukubou.”
“I won’t let you down.”
Moreover, Fukubou could attack from a distance. This was a clear strength.
Of course, attacking classmates from afar wasn’t an option, so it would likely be used for intimidation purposes.
“Um… I’m sorry. Thank you for including me, but it’s impossible for me to fight against other students.”
Teacher Luminus spoke while shrinking back with a look of apology.
“Of course, that’s not a problem.”
He didn’t want to force anyone, and including someone unwillingly wouldn’t yield good performance. ”…Really? That’s fine?”
The teacher seemed surprised, likely having expected it to be harder to get permission.
“In the first place, aren’t you acting as a mediator for the negotiations? While you are a member of our party, you also need to earn the trust of other students. If you attacked or interfered with them in an event, you wouldn’t be able to build any credibility.”
“Yes, that’s true, but…”
“So this time, I was actually planning on having you sit out.”
“H-Hai. Thank you… for your consideration…”
Besides, thanks to the Sensei, the lighting issues seem to be getting resolved.
Since they’re contributing in ways other than participating in the event, that’s perfectly fine.
”…Which means I’m still in?”
The one left standing was Yume-kyo.
“Yeah. Your barrier abilities are incredibly useful in combat, so having you around is a huge help.”
“Sure, I’ll join in. It’s my chance to pay back the debt I owe Ku-no, after all.”
“And hey, if we go undefeated this time, we’ll secure a ‘Return Right.’”
“I know. But since I’m part of Ku-no’s party too, I’ll stick to the rules just in case.”
“Mm-hmm, let’s all go home together, Senri-na!”
Munehiko clung to Yume-kyo.
“Ugh, gross, what are you…”
“Because right now, isn’t it obvious that Senri-na is smitten?”
“Hah? What made you feel that way?”
“The part where they said they’d stay behind for us?”
“Could you please stop rewriting people’s dialogue on your own? But it means the same thing!”
“Mmm— fine, back off.”
Yumegai pressed his hand against Muko’s cheek, pushing her back.
“Ah, she’s gone all tsundere again.”
“Well, she wasn’t in love mode to begin with.”
The two of them remained as close as ever.
“That said, there are concerns. If the five chosen drop out and the remaining four stay behind, they’ll have to spend some time at a base without a barrier, right?”
Everyone made an “Ah” face.
With such a large group, we had to consider those left behind as well.
”…Indeed, depending on where the event teleports us, my barrier might get deactivated.”
“So, I want to ask the Mysterious Blackboard about it, and if necessary, have Yumegai stay behind.”
“Sure. That counts as contributing to the party too.”
Staying behind meant losing the chance to acquire a ‘Return Right,’ but Yumegai agreed readily.
“A, then in that case, I’ll be joining us.”
Shion said.
“Alright. Let’s go with that as the basic plan.”
Just as the discussion was wrapping up, Shozu returned.
“I’m outta the bath! This house is so amazing~”
Wearing his cleaned-up school uniform rather than the change of clothes prepared for him, Shozu entered the living room.
As a side note, he was holding the spare clothes in his arms.
“I hate to take advantage of the praise, but I’m thinking of building a new house from here on out.”
And so it begins again; the quest for a new home.
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