Rising Against Fate

17th January 3068 (Monday)

The first-year ranking tournament, commonly known as the newbie ranking competition, was coming closer with every passing day.

Even though this was only categorized as an academy event, the eyes of most of the people who are associated with magical societies would be focused on this event. Not just that, all the magic enthusiasts throughout the nation have been desperately looking forward for this to happen.

Normally, one would consider a random selection of participants in the duels fair. But in this case, there was a significant difference in abilities of one ranked in #1 and someone who was ranked in two or three digits. So much so that according to Razak's analysis, anyone in the top 10 could take 10 students ranked in three digits alone.

Academy too was aware of this difference in strength, and because of that, the participants weren't selected at random. They were carefully selected after analyzing their performances at the entrance exams.

"Kat, after we are done with this, send me the tournament bracket."

"What's the rush dude? It's gonna become public tomorrow afternoon anyway."

It was time for club activities and the two of them were currently transferring the necessary equipment to the clubroom. Considering the distance between the clubroom and the storehouse it could be considered a tedious task. And that was why, instead of doing it all on one day, the two of them decided to do it slowly.

To make that easy, Razak had prepared the list of items they needed from the least important to the most important. And in doing so, he also took care of layout arrangements and clubroom design.

Both Razak and Kat were holding big boxes in their hands, which even though big, didn't look much heavy. They were walking through the hallway of the second floor and were almost about to reach the clubroom.

"But then I would only get a plain tournament bracket, I also want your analysis with it."

Kat looked at Razak. Even though his face was expressionless, this motion could be somewhat taken as a surprise.

"What makes you think I have an analysis of the participants? And even if I did, why would I give it to you when there is a chance that we may end up facing each other."

"If I remember right, you said you looked into my files when you first saw me. This gives me plenty enough reason to believe that you have an analysis of your future opponents. Besides, you are in the upper 10 while I am at the bottom, even if we face each other, it would probably be around the finals."

The two of them stopped after they reached the clubroom. After a brief pause, Razak looked towards Kat and continued.

"I know even with that; it would still be unfair of me to ask that from you. So, in return, I will give you my analysis of this tournament along with predictions. What do you say, is it a fair deal now?"

After saying that, Razak took out his MM using his left hand while balancing the box in his right one. He then scanned the MM on the door after which it opened. Both of them then entered the room.

"Alright, the most I would be able to reach are the semifinals anyway. I am not among the types who struggle despite knowing that they can't win."

"I figured that would be the case. Though—"

Before Razak could complete his sentence, a knock on the door interrupted him. Kat responded to the knock by opening the door using his MM.

"Oh, it looks like you guys are busy. I can come some other time if I am disturbing your work."

After Yasumi walked in, the door behind her closed automatically.

"No, it's alright. We are almost done for today."

After saying that, Razak opened the door to the club's lab. Unlike the door before, this one was completely manual. After leaving the boxes inside, the two of them walked back outside.

"So, what business does the princess of the Ito clan has with us today?"

"Kat, stop teasing her"—Razak turned towards Yasumi— "Let's sit first, and then we can talk."

The three of them sat at the end of a rectangular table. This table was part of the furniture that came with the clubroom.

Razak sat right in front of Yasumi while Kat, who was the club president, sat on the chair between those two.

"Guys, do you think... I can join this club?"

Yasumi looked a little hesitant as she was asking that. Considering her reputation, she must have considered several scenarios in her head before coming to the conclusion of joining this club.

"But why would you do that Princess? You could join any other club out there. And considering your abilities, this club isn't exactly suitable for you."

Even though what Kat said just now was fact, that wasn't the only reason why he was saying that. The club was already getting enough attention and hate, and adding her as a member would add more fuel to that fire.

"Yeah, but you see"—Yasumi looked down at the table— "the other clubs, they want to use me as some kind of idol to gain attention. I looked at a few already but none of them suit me."

"That still doesn't make this club a way to escape your problems. But—" Kat paused and looked towards Razak.

Razak understood what he was trying to say, so he picked up from where Kat left. "But we are in need of members. And this would be somewhat beneficial to us because, with just male members, females may find it uncomfortable to join."

This wasn't necessarily a bad deal for the club if that fact is taken into consideration. But it wasn't that good deal either since this would bring them in bad terms with other fellow clubs.

"If it is bad for you guys, I won't insist. But if it is okay, I would love to join."

"Okay, you are in."

Kat took out his MM and sent her the invitation to join the club. Following Kat, Yasumi took out her MM and accepted the invite that popped up on her screen.

"Hopefully we will be able to go home in peace tomorrow."

Yasumi looked surprised by what Kat just said. Even though she was aware of the impact this might cause on them, she was unaware that this just acted as a fuel to the fire that was already raging.

"If it ever comes to that, we will deal with it accordingly. For now, it's time to go home."

After Razak said that, all three of them stood up from their chairs. There were still a few minutes left, but since there wasn't much left to do, it was a good idea to leave a little early before the hallway gets crowded.