The first match of Party Versus Event A began.

Since only parties of five can enter this event, how many teams are actually participating?

In theory, up to eight teams could participate, but in practice, that never happens.

My party consists of ten people in total, yet there is only one participating team.

At this point, reaching the maximum of eight teams is impossible.

Sumu's party has fifteen members, but considering their abilities and motivation, it seems unlikely they would field three separate teams to hit that cap.

There are sixteen male survivors in total, but how many of them, scattered across the island, were able to regroup before the event started?

Regardless, we cannot secure a "Return Right" unless we win every single match.

"Shinhou and Genchu, I'm leaving base defense to you. Genchu, transform into your beast form."

"Understood."

"U-um...!"

"The enemy is at the start point too, just like us. Shouko, ride on Mashiros' back and sniff out where the humans are. The enemy's base will be in that direction."

"Got it!"

"Chi-i, get on Mikuron's back with me. If anything happens, I'll need you to cast 'Strength Boost.'" "Mm. Understood."

We confirmed the plan swiftly and initiated our movements without delay.

Mikuron straddles her childhood friend, urging them to gallop after Mashiro, who has already taken the lead.

The forest scenery blurs past at a breathtaking speed. "Sousuke! It's about time!"

"I get it! Mashiro, Mikuron, count on us!"

If there was one major concern regarding this event, it would be the issue of: 'Can we attack our classmates?'

Even if the mysterious blackboard explained that no actual physical harm would occur, that wouldn't necessarily erase the hesitation felt at attacking a person.

This wasn't through a game screen; we were fighting familiar faces in their usual appearances.

To get past this hurdle, I considered relying on Suko's summoned beasts—a method that might be considered somewhat underhanded.

"Sena, from here until the match ends, don't let off on 'Strength Boost' or 'Intermediate Cure.' " "Mm. Leave it to me."

I didn't want to place the burden solely on the illusory beasts out of guilt, so I was prepared to act myself if necessary.

"U-ughhh! It's coming again!"

"That's cheating! What are we supposed to do with a knife like this?!"

What came into view were two boys in ragged, disheveled attire.

One of them went limp and fell, so I dropped Stone Cage on him to immobilize him, just like I did in the last event.

The other one charged forward, screaming, "Fuck! I don't want to be here for another second, let alone a whole day!"

Mashiro deftly sidestepped at the last second and gave him a gentle push with her body.

But the result was far from gentle.

It was exactly like those movie scenes where a guy gets hit by a bus and flies through the air.

The knife-wielding guy shot back as if it were a joke, slammed into a nearby tree, slid down to the ground, and lay there motionless.

"U-uh... is he okay?"

"It's fine. That thing is like an avatar."

Seno said this to Mameko, who was looking anxious.

"I know, I heard the rules too, but seeing it happen... Ah, it's not Mashiro's fault.

Thank you for fighting in my place," Mameko hastily stroked Mashiro.

Before long, the enemy's Base came into view.

"Fuck! What the hell are they doing!"

"Dude, that big wolf—what the hell was that!? A dragon?! This is way too hard!"

Standing before our base camp were two guys, again looking completely wrecked.

One wielded a thick branch as a staff, while the other held a crude-looking handmade stone axe.

It seems they’d acquired some new weapons on this island.

But unfortunately, neither was up to the task of handling a chimera.

But what worried me more was—

Where was the last one?

In an instant, Mashiro barked while staring up and to my left.

"Die...!"

Someone seemed to be leaping down from a nearby tree.

In that guy’s hand was a wooden spear. It didn’t have a tip on the shaft... or rather, he’d sharpened the end to ensure penetration.

Looking closely, it was the pistol guy from before.

He came falling down toward me, spear aimed my way.

Thanks to 『Strength Boost』, I caught the oncoming spear and yanked him down to the ground.

"Gah...!?"

It should have taken a substantial amount of damage, but this time the body sustained no physical damage; instead, its movements simply grew slower and slower.

It seemed it could still move, as the bastard rose to his feet.

I tried to neutralize it with the Stone Cage, but the need for that vanished.

Thwack.

Just like one would swat down a bug, the tail of the Black Dragon, Mikron, lashed out.

"Gyaah..."!

With a short cry of pain, the former pistol-wielder was launched into the distance, disappearing from sight.

"Ah... thanks, Mikron."

Mikron snorted, as if to say, You annoying bastard!

He seemed angry that the man had targeted me for his actions.

As we turned our gaze back toward our base camp, the remaining two men dropped their weapons and raised both hands in surrender.

"Sousuke, can I leave this to Mashi-ro?"

"Yeah."

When Mashi-ro gave three light taps with her forepaws, the enemy's stronghold crumbled into ruins.

"Ugh... when are we going home, all of us?"

「Give up, man. We're stuck on this desert island for life...」

Watching the two boys wallow in despair made me feel like I was doing something wrong, but I brushed the thought away.

Ceding victory to them would only delay my comrades' return.

If I had to choose, I would choose my friends. And once that choice was made, there was no room for hesitation.

Still, I didn't want to leave my classmates suffering. So I decided to propose the trade mediated by Miss Luminus as soon as possible.

Once their food, clothing, and shelter were secured, they would undoubtedly be in a much calmer state of mind than before.

Just as I was thinking this, my vision turned blindingly white—and before I knew it, I had been thrown into a white space.

It was the usual setting with a blackboard and desks, but only the members of our team had been transported here.

"We won...! Everyone, you did amazing."

"It really was incredible. We didn't even have to do anything."

Shenhō and Genchū celebrated their victory for us.

"Game one has concluded."

『Party A』 vs 『Party B』 — Winner: 『Party A』

The words materialized on the blackboard.

"We're 'Party A,' aren't we?"

"The second match has ended.

"Winner of the match between 'Party C' and 'Party D' is... 'Party C'" "Hm?

Isn't that pretty quick?"

Shouko tilts her head in confusion.

"Maybe they were running them simultaneously? Well, in that case, it would mean they wrapped up over there in a record pace too."

At the start of the matches, the crystal floating in the air had displayed "First Match."

Though simultaneous, it seems our match was treated as the first because our team name ranked lower, while C and D became the second.

"Or maybe the flow of time is being adjusted in this space?"

"Ah, that's a possibility too."

We feel like only a few minutes have passed since we were teleported here, but perhaps thirty minutes or so had elapsed at the venue for the second match... such things are possible.

Even if the actual match durations differ, adjustments by this space make it appear to our perception that they concluded simultaneously.

"...The fact that there was no specific announcement means there are only four teams in total, right?"

"There will be four participating parties."

The answer from the mysterious blackboard.

With twenty people across four parties, it means half the class is participating.

Considering the situation on this island, that's quite a lot.

"……So, if I go three for three, that's when I get my reward, right?"

At Genchu’s words, I nodded. "That’s how it looks."

For some reason, just hearing that made her cheeks flush.

—The Dream Realm had said Genchu took a liking to me, but……

It was true we were in the same class during first year, but I couldn't recall anything specific.

"At this pace, I'll sweep the whole thing."

"That's right! If you go undefeated, you can grab five 'Return Rights'!"

"I suppose so. Since I pulled Mr. Tana away from the party to join this event, I won't be able to claim the bonus this time."

Luminous, who was added as extra personnel, is a companion whose inclusion grants various benefits.

One of those perks increases the number of 'Return Rights' earned from event rewards by one.

However, participating in this specific event required the party size to be exactly five.

Because he had to withdraw temporarily to accommodate that process, it was decided that the reward multiplier wouldn't apply this time.

"Besides, an event where you fight other students would be too harsh for Mr. Luminous anyway, so it can't be helped."

I already possess a 'Right of Return,' but I'm informed that duplicate shares can be transferred free of charge.

In other words, if we clear this event, six out of the ten participants will secure the right to return to Japan.

"The preparations for the third match are complete."

Just as text appeared on the blackboard, my vision flooded with white once more, and we found ourselves back in the forest.

"Basically, the strategy remains the same. Let's go."

It was unclear whether we'd face the male team again or compete against participants from the Seihou party.

Regardless of who our opponent was, I couldn't afford to lose.

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The first match of the Party vs. Party event A has begun.

Only five-person teams can participate in this event, so how many teams are actually taking part?

In theory, up to eight teams could participate, but realistically, that’s unlikely.

My party has ten people in total, but only one team is participating.

At this point, it’s unlikely that eight teams will participate.

Suzuha’s party has fifteen people in total, but considering their abilities and members’ enthusiasm, it’s hard to imagine they would participate with three teams.

The remaining boys total sixteen people, but how many of the scattered boys on the island will be able to gather before the event starts?

Anyway, we won’t get the ‘return right’ unless we win all the matches.

"Deepo and Genju, I’ll leave the base defense to you. Genju, please transform into a phantasm." "Leave it to me." "U-Um...!"

"Since the starting point is the base for both sides, Shouko, please have Mashiro ride Masiro and have her sniff out the scent of people. The direction of the enemy is where their base is." "Got it!"

"Chiyu, get on Mikuron’s back with me. If anything happens, please use ‘Strength Enhancement’ on me." "Okay. Understood."

We quickly confirm the plan and start moving swiftly.

I hop on Mikuron’s back with my childhood friend and follow Mashiro, who has already started running ahead.

The forest scenery rushes past at a tremendous speed. "Souma! We’re almost there!"

"I got it! Mashiro, Mikuron, please!"

The only concern for this event is whether we can attack our classmates.

Even though we were told that we won’t actually get hurt, the resistance to attacking people doesn’t go away.

We are about to fight familiar faces in our usual forms, not through the game screen.

As a way to overcome this, I thought it might be a bit underhanded to rely on Shouko’s summoned beast.

"Chiyu, please don’t stop ‘Strength Enhancement’ and ‘Intermediate Healing’ until the end of the match." "Okay. Leave it to me."

I don't feel right making the phantoms carry all the burden, so I'll move if necessary.

"U, uaaaaaah! It's out again!"

"That's not fair! How am I supposed to fight with a knife like this?"

I could see two ragged-looking boys.

One of them fell to the ground, so I dropped the 'stone cage' on him like last time, immobilizing him.

The other one shouted, "Shit! I don't want to spend another day here!" and charged at me.

Mashiro casually dodged him at the last second and gently pushed him.

But the result was anything but gentle.

It's like in movies where people get thrown by a bus. That's exactly what happened.

The knife boy was thrown away like it was nothing and slammed into a nearby tree, then slid down and stopped moving.

"U, ugh... Is he okay?"

"He's fine. It's like an avatar."

Thousand Heals told Shokushi, who looked worried.

"No, I heard the rules too, but... Ah, Mashiro, you didn't do anything wrong. Thanks for fighting for me." Shokushi hurriedly patted Mashiro.

Soon enough, we could see the enemy's base.

"Shit! What are they doing?"

"T, that's a big wolf! And what's that!? A dragon!? This is too much!"

Standing in front of the base were two more ragged-looking boys.

One of them held a thick branch as a makeshift club, while the other wielded a crude stone axe.

It seems they've acquired new weapons on this island.

Unfortunately, it's not something that can stand up to the phantoms.

But what worries me more is... ――Where's the last one?

Suddenly, Mashiro barked at me, looking diagonally upward. "Die...!!"

Someone jumped down from a nearby tree.

In the boy's hand was a wooden spear. There was no tip... rather, it looked like he had sharpened the end to ensure it could pierce through.

If I look closely, it's that guy with the pistol.

He's falling toward me, brandishing a spear.

With "Strength Enhancement" bestowed upon me, I grab the approaching spear and pull him down to the ground. "Gah...!?"

He should have taken quite a beating, but this time my body isn't damaged, and my movements are getting slower and slower.

It looks like he can still move, because he's getting up.

I tried to immobilize them with the 'Stone Cage,' but it wasn't necessary. Besh!

Because the tail of the black dragon, Mikuron, was swung as if to knock down a bug. "Gyaah...!"

The former pistol man let out a short cry and was sent flying far away, disappearing.

"Ah... Thanks, Mikuron."

Mikuron snorted, as if to say, 'What an annoying guy!'

It seemed angry that he had acted to target me.

When we turned our gaze back toward our base, the remaining two were surrendering by throwing down their weapons and raising their hands.

"Souma, can I leave this to Mashiro?" "Yeah."

Mashiro tapped the enemy base three times with her forelegs, and it collapsed.

"Ugh... When can we go home?"

「Give up, we'll never get off this island...」

Seeing the two pessimistic boys makes me feel like I'm doing something bad, but I shake off that thought.

Giving them victory would delay the return of my teammates.

If I have to choose, I choose my friends. If I choose, I shouldn't hesitate.

Still, I don't want to make my classmates suffer, so I thought I'd propose a trade through Lumina-sensei as soon as possible.

If they have food, shelter, and clothing, their mood will surely improve.

Just as I thought this, my vision turned white—and I found myself in a white space.

As usual, there's a blackboard and seats, but only our team was transported here.

「We won...! Everyone, you're amazing.」

「You really are amazing. We didn't do anything.」

Deep Ho and Illusioner congratulate us. 『The first match has ended.

「Party A」 versus 「Party B」—Winner: 「Party A」』 appears on the blackboard.

「We're Party A, right?」 『The second match has ended.

「Party C」 versus 「Party D」—Winner: 「Party C」』 「Huh? Isn't that too fast?」 The Servant tilts her head.

「Maybe they're running simultaneously? Well, if that's the case, they're also making a quick decision.」

When the match started, the crystal in the air said, 'First Match.'

They're running simultaneously, but the teams are named in order of their age, so we were the first match, and C and D were the second.

「Or maybe the time flow in this space is adjusted.」 「Yeah, that's possible too.」

We feel like we've only been here for a few minutes, but in the second match's arena, thirty minutes might have passed... It's possible.

Even if the match times are different, the space's adjustment makes it seem like the decisions were made simultaneously.

「...Since there's no announcement, does that mean there are four teams in total?」

『The number of participating teams is four』, the mystery blackboard replied.

With four teams, that's twenty people, so half the class is participating.

Considering the situation on this island, that's quite a lot.

「...So if we win three matches, we get the reward, right?」

I nodded at Illusio's words, saying, "That's right."

For some reason, that alone made her face turn red.

――Dream World said that Illusio liked me, but...

While it's true that we were in the same class in first year, I can't recall any reason for her to feel that way. 「Let's aim for a perfect record.」

「That's right! If we win all three matches, we get five 'Return Rights'!」

「That's right. Since we had to remove Mr. Dangui from the party to participate in the event, we won't be able to get the bonus this time.」

As an additional member, Mr. Lumina is someone who can provide numerous benefits to the party.

One of those benefits is that the number of 'Return Rights' obtained from event rewards increases by one.

However, to participate in this event, the number of people had to be exactly five.

So, we had to temporarily remove Mr. Lumina from the party, meaning we won't get the extra reward this time.

「Well, it's understandable. Fighting against other students would be tough for Mr. Lumina anyway.」

I already have 'Return Rights', but apparently, I can transfer the duplicate ones for free.

In other words, if we clear this event, six out of the ten of us will have the right to return to Japan.

『The preparations for the third match are complete』

The blackboard displayed the message, and then our vision turned white once more, and we found ourselves in the forest.

「Basically, the strategy is the same. Let's go.」

Will we face another team of boys, or will we be up against the participants from the Seiou Party?

Whoever our opponents are, we can't afford to lose.

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