Chapter 87.3
Early the next morning, as I was scraping meat and fat off the fur of the Nudlok, Lambert and the others arrived.
Were they inviting me outside?
Even though I had just been there yesterday, I could use more magic stones.
All my attempts failed…
After ushering the two of them in, we exchanged greetings and surveyed the table's contents.
"Is that yesterday's Nudlok?"
"Yeah, I'm in the middle of the preparation. It doesn't seem like you're going out, though—"
Lambert and the others were dressed casually, each carrying a small sword.
"It's the Birthday Celebration. We thought we might go together."
"I heard it's in March though."
In Selene, from February to mid-March, the Alpha's Birthday Celebration takes place.
It's only been about a month since the New Year, so many people are still in a festive mood.
However, there aren't any special events during the Birth Festival.
There are performances and orchestras here and there, and on the day of the main event in March, the Council offers congratulatory words, and like during the New Year, magic displays are allowed.
But theater and orchestras aren't Lambert's style.
I wonder where he plans to go.
"It's fine if you go… Want to check out the stalls?"
"Are you a student at the academy? Don't forget about the martial arts tournament."
"Oh, right, I heard about that too."
I had completely forgotten. During the Alpha's Birthday Celebration, there's a joint event among the academies—an exhibition martial arts tournament.
Only those with graduation qualifications can participate; naturally, ordinary people can't, and of course, we current students can't either. According to Deshind, the purpose is to demonstrate the combat techniques learned at the academy.
Additionally, since the academies don't favor student competition too much, the martial arts tournament is their precious opportunity.
Third-year students and above are said to eagerly participate.
Those with their futures decided to showcase their strength, while those without direction appealed for government positions.
It's probably a cunning plan to boost the pride of noble-born individuals while offering relief measures.
By the way, magic is prohibited. Only close combat is allowed.
Therefore, the official name is the "Martial Arts Tournament – Sword Division," on the final day, the "Magic Division" is held for magic users to demonstrate their skills.
This part doesn't involve combat.
"So, the preliminaries start today?"
"Yeah."
Lambert glanced at me, and Felix continued with a bow.
"The Sword Division has preliminaries in February and the main tournament in March. And on the final day of the martial arts tournament, the winners from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th years compete to determine the overall champion."
"I see. So, it's divided between 3rd years and the rest."
"The differences in physique and technique are too vast."
If the third years are equivalent to middle school freshmen, then the 5th years are probably 3rd years.
There can be individual differences, but it's a period of rapid growth.
It might be harsh to pit them against each other.
However, even after hearing all of this, my heart remained unmoved.
They're only around D-rank adventurers, even if they are 4th and 5th years,
It would be much more beneficial for me to fight monsters in the forest than watch such a match.
I also want magic stones.
Well, they invited me, so I should at least watch it once.
Even at D-rank, there might be something to gain.
Oh, I forgot. There was one exception.
"Harvis-san will participate too, right?"
The swordsman I met during the first-term outdoor exercise.
He had the strength of an upper-ranked C-rank adventurer.
Upon hearing my question, Lambert looked exasperated.
"Of course. He's vying for a three-time consecutive victory."
"Impressive. Well then, I'll watch. Harvis-san, too."
"Watch the other seniors too. After all, the honor of the academy is at stake."
For some reason, Lambert shook his head.
Even if he says that I only know Tobias apart from him.
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