Some time passed. The number of participants had dropped to just 98.
I was now somewhere around the outer edge of the borderline that was close to the main building.
Earlier, I ran into a few more students while walking around, but none of the encounters turned into anything serious. I kept my movements quiet, and with a few quick strikes, they were all taken care of by destroying their emblem. Fortunately, none of them was anything like Ashgar. If I had to deal with another loudmouth like him, it would've definitely ruined my mood.
From outside Arena 1, I spotted a large display panel showing real-time updates. It looked like they were using surveillance cameras from around the school grounds to track everyone. A few students were locked in battle, some resting, and a few just wandering aimlessly.
A few images stood out to me.
First, Alysha. She was alone in the arena. The aftermath of several battles could be seen around her, and I was almost certain she'd wiped out everyone who came her way.
Another screen showed Arthur, near the far edge of the school area, close to the Pillar Wall, but on the opposite side from where I was earlier. He was surrounded by multiple opponents. But I wasn't worried about him. Knowing Arthur, he'd be fine.
Then there was Violet. She was near the lake, on the opposite side of the path I had taken earlier. She sat quietly on a bench, almost like she hadn't been bothered by anyone at all.
No wonder I hadn't run into any of them; their positions were scattered across totally different zones. Especially Alysha, who hadn't even moved from the arena since the start.
While I was watching the screen, my stomach growled.
Loudly.
Right… I forgot. I hadn't eaten much this morning.
"Yeah… I seriously need to find food."
I started walking again, this time toward the main building area. There were food stalls set up for the event, but just as I was approaching, a problem appeared.
A barrier rope. A literal boundary line blocked my path to the food area.
The stalls were right there. I could see them. I just couldn't reach them.
"If I cross this line, I'll get disqualified…"
Grrrgle... My stomach rumbled again.
I should've eaten more earlier. Sure, I could still move around and fight, but the hunger was already messing with my focus.
I looked around, hoping for some kind of miracle—or at least someone who could help.
And then I saw her.
Putri was sitting under a tree not far from the barricade. Perfect timing.
I jogged over, careful not to cross the boundary.
She looked completely focused, quietly reading a book she'd brought with her.
"Putri!! … Oi, Putri..!!"
I waved my hand in the air, trying to get her attention, but she didn't react at all. She was completely absorbed.
"PUTRI!!"
This time, I raised my voice. That finally got her attention.
She blinked, looked up, and after a second, closed her book. She stood and walked over to where I was standing.
"What are you doing here? Aren't you still in the match?"
"That's the problem. I am still in the match. I just can't cross this line."
I explained my situation. Told her I was starving and asked if she could help me buy something.
"I'd like to help, but I didn't bring my ID card. I left it in class. I also don't have any money on me."
"Seriously? Mine's in my school uniform too, back in the locker room…"
I started thinking maybe I should just wait this out and go hungry until the match ended. But then Putri offered an alternative.
"I have some food left. Want it? It's just my leftovers, though."
She pointed to a small bento box sitting under the tree.
"For real!? I don't mind at all. Better something than nothing."
I answered immediately, feeling both relieved and grateful.
She nodded and went to grab the box.
It was surprisingly easy being around Putri. No weird tension. We were just… honest with each other. If you want something, you say it. If you don't, just say no. Simple.
She returned with the box in hand.
"Nao—behind you!!"
Her voice rose sharply, the first time I'd ever heard her raise it.
I turned around immediately to find someone standing behind me.
And they weren't coming in peace.
They rushed in with a knife drawn, charging from close range. The threat was real, and getting stronger the closer they got.
Without thinking, I dropped low, grabbed their arm, and slammed them into the ground as hard as I could.
No Esper ability. No tricks. Just a straightforward attack. Another one from the Magic Community, maybe?
The attacker was small, thin build, and not much resistance. They went limp as soon as they hit the ground.
I turned to Putri, who was already walking over with a concerned expression. For once, her usually calm face showed actual emotion.
"Alright. Now, can you finally tell me who else is involved in this? How big is the reach of the Magic Community?"
Putri stopped next to me, looking down at the unconscious attacker.
This time, she nodded.
"…Alright. I'll tell you everything."
She kept her voice low, her eyes scanning the area like she was still being cautious. But from the way she spoke, I could tell she meant it.
"…Something like that. I can only tell you a little for now."
She didn't say much, just enough to fill in the blanks.
Something like this…
The ones targeting me were from the Magic Community. It's one of the standing extracurricular clubs. Their members are way too fanatic, to the point of worshiping magic.
They didn't just send representatives as a club, but also managed to plant themselves in the class rep slots. Some first-years had even already been recruited into their group. The scouting started right around the time of the festival, and apparently, they gathered a decent amount of new members.
Their goal? To protect their so-called queen, Violet, the founder of modern magic in their eyes.
If it stopped there, it wouldn't be a problem. But their intentions weren't exactly harmless.
They wanted dominance. They believed magic was superior to Esper abilities and were aiming to prove it, to rise above. The final step in their plan, according to Putri, was a coup, to transform the entire school into a magic academy.
I honestly couldn't tell if they were geniuses or idiots. Did they forget there are three top-tier Espers currently in this school? Arthur, Chris, and Alysha will do something if they want to do something about that.
What made things worse was their obsession with Violet. They'd clearly chosen her as their figurehead. So when they go too far, the blame could fall on her, even though she doesn't know anything about what they're doing.
I looked at Putri. She didn't seem too comfortable with any of this either.
Where did she even get this information? Or maybe...
"I'll tell you where I got it after the tournament is over. Meet me at my usual spot."
Alright. I wasn't going to act surprised this time. Her intuition is way too sharp to underestimate anymore.
"In that case, I'd better finish this quickly."
I turned my back and walked away.
For now, I needed more information.
I told Putri I'd handle it myself, but I didn't think I'd be up against an entire organization. Since it's a group we're dealing with, I seriously need more details now.
First stop—Arena. I need backup to help speed up this tournament.
There were 80 participants left. Just need 16 more to be eliminated, and it's over.
I entered the arena.
It was a mess. Destruction everywhere. There was even a weirdly clean area in the middle, surrounded by wreckage, probably where Alysha had been.
Sure enough, there she was. Sitting on a stone bench across the arena, must've made that herself using her power.
The crowd cheered as soon as I stepped in.
Sorry to disappoint, but I wasn't here to fight.
"Ah, Brother. You here to battle me? Hehe…"
Alysha's voice had that playful tone.
I didn't laugh. She got the hint.
"Kidding… So, things got serious, huh?"
She sounded light, but there was weight behind her words. She picked up on the situation quickly.
"Alysha, I need your help."
"Of course. If this has to do with our family, I'm all in."
She stood up and gave me a solid pat on the shoulder.
I knew Alysha's true nature wasn't all sunshine. She might even be more guarded than I.
"It's about Violet…"
I said it without much confidence. Technically, Violet was just a friend to her.
"No problem. She's going to be family too, right?"
She said it like it was obvious… or like she wanted to make it that way.
"I know. But… I can't do it."
There were rules I'd made for myself. I promised to protect her and give her the freedom she deserved. If our relationship changed, I might lose the chance to stay close or watch over her.
Also, this guilt still hadn't gone away. Not completely. It weighed too much on me to move forward.
Thinking about it was exhausting.
"…Fine, whatever. I'll try again later. So, what now?"
She brushed off her own question like it didn't matter and got back on track.
"End this tournament fast."
"Got it. Let's go."