First High's third-day results: Men's and Women's Pillars Break wins, Men's Battle Board second, Women's Battle Board third. Third High took second in both Pillars Break events and won both Battle Board events, narrowing the point gap from the previous day. Mori's prediction that the rookie matches wouldn't matter much proved wrong.
While checking CADs for the rookie matches, Tatsuya gets a late-night call from Mayumi. Puzzled, he heads to First High's meeting room and bumps into Miyuki at the door.
"You got called by the president too?" Tatsuya asks.
"You as well, Onii-sama?"
Assuming it's about countering sabotage, Tatsuya reconsiders when he sees Miyuki—her presence seems unnecessary for such a discussion.
"Let's go," he says.
"Yes," Miyuki replies.
Some things are clear only through action, not thought. They enter the meeting room, sensing a heavy atmosphere. Mayumi, Katsuto, Rin, and—surprisingly—Mori, who should be resting, await them.
"Sorry, done with tomorrow's prep?" Mayumi asks.
"Not quite," Tatsuya replies.
"My bad for dragging you both here," Mayumi says, her tone hinting Miyuki's the main focus.
"We have important—very important—business," Mayumi continues. "Rin-chan, explain."
Tatsuya inwardly sighs at "Rin-chan" but stays focused.
"Today's results align with our projections, despite the incident," Rin begins. "Third High's closing the gap faster than expected, but we still lead. If we dominate Monolith Code in the main event and avoid a rookie match rout, we'll secure the overall championship."
Tatsuya, piecing it together, glances at Mori and Mayumi. Their mischievous yet serious expressions confirm his suspicion.
"But a rookie match loss could let Third High overtake us in Mirage Bat," Rin adds, her gaze fixed on Miyuki.
"We've decided to sacrifice some rookie performance to bolster the main Mirage Bat event," Rin concludes.
"As expected," Tatsuya mutters.
"Onii-sama, what do you mean?" Miyuki asks.
"Deep down, you're replacing Watanabe-senpai in the main Mirage Bat," Tatsuya says. "Right, President?"
"Exactly," Mayumi confirms. "Miyuki-san, for the championship, will you join the main Mirage Bat?"
"But others only compete in one event," Miyuki protests. "Why must I cancel my rookie match for this?"
Her question is fair, and Tatsuya understands. Mayumi, Mori, Rin, and Katsuto likely do too, but no one sides with her.
"First, Mirage Bat has no alternates," Mayumi explains.
Miyuki finds this a weak excuse for the Nine Schools Competition's strict rules.
"Given the circumstances, the committee allowed an entry change, but training a new player now is impossible," Mori adds. "You're prepared for the rookie match, so you're the best choice."
Mori shifts her gaze to Tatsuya. "Others like Mitsui or Satomi can handle the rookie matches. But your sister can compete at the main event level, right, Tatsuya-kun?"
Mori's tactic—using Tatsuya to sway Miyuki—is obvious. Tatsuya, unfazed, sticks to facts. "She could, provided I tune her CAD."
"Of course," Mori says. "You've always tuned her CAD. No need to complicate things with another engineer."
"Alright," Tatsuya says. "Miyuki, it's your call."
He asked to confirm what was already decided—Mori and Mayumi expect him to tune Miyuki's CAD. Miyuki's full potential relies on his adjustments.
"I'll do my best to meet expectations," Miyuki agrees.
"Thanks," Mayumi says, relieved. "That eases our worries."
Tatsuya turns to Mori. "Committee Chair, shouldn't you be resting?"
"I'm recovered enough to walk," Mori replies.
"Still, with injuries that severe, you should take it easy," Tatsuya insists.
"I told her that," Katsuto interjects, exasperated. "She wouldn't listen."
Mori smirks. "I was worried Mayumi might pounce on you. She's quite the predator."
"What?!" Mayumi squeaks, blushing. "Mori!"
"Red-faced, huh?" Mori teases.
Ignoring the bickering, Tatsuya leads Miyuki out. Staying risks dragging her—or him—into the chaos, and he opts for a strategic retreat.
"Miyuki, the event's changed, but the tactics haven't. Stay calm, and you'll manage."
"Yes, Onii-sama!"
Puzzled by his sudden praise, Miyuki's mood lifts, buoyed by his confidence in her.
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