Duel for the Festival Chairman
I pondered which world to choose next. I decided to pick one I hadn't visited in a while. And so, I entered the Ayuin world (the academy world where humans are the only ones? Yeah, right?).
The Ayuin world was the perfect environment for sword training. Plus, true to its harem light novel roots, it was packed with beautiful heroines ripe for conquest. There were more than one or two targets to攻略. And I'd already scattered plenty of bait in this world.
"Johann. You're back?"
No sooner had I returned to the Ayuin world than I got a summons from Scarlett sunbae. I had no clue what she wanted. A date invite would be nice, but that was probably wishful thinking. Likely student council business. After all, I was a full-fledged member now.
Thanks to my stellar midterm scores, I'd joined the student council. But I didn't stop there—I'd essentially swallowed up their underground arm, the One Hand Society. Right now, I was diligently working to expand its influence.
"Yeah. It's surprising you'd call me aside like this, Scarlett sunbae."
Scarlett sunbae looked stunning as always. Sitting in the office chair, she had the air of a noble lady.
"It's not personal. Student council business."
Just as I'd figured. A bit disappointing. She seemed a tad more aware of me since our last date, but her defenses were still rock-solid.
Her long, beautiful blue hair cascaded like waves. Her sapphire eyes brimmed with confidence.
As the student council's recording secretary, she was the hardest worker there. While most members chased power or curried favor with the higher-ups, Scarlett sunbae toiled purely for the academy's students. It was people like her that kept the council somewhat functional.
"As you know, the academy festival is coming up."
"The academy festival? Is that why you called me?"
"Right. You're a freshman, but you know the basics, yeah?"
"Of course. The Academy Festival is famous."
Academy Festival
It was exactly what it sounded like: an annual festival hosted by the academy. Alongside sports days and club presentations, it was one of the academy's big annual events.
"Our academy sets up festival executive committees by grade. Each year level has autonomy, so they can run things however they want."
"I see. So you calling me means I've been assigned to the first-year committee?"
"Any student council member can join. Each grade elects their own chair and plans and executes independently. No meddling in other years' affairs—that's the rule."
"True autonomy, then."
"Yeah. For first-years, it's basically your first evaluation as a council member."
How smoothly the festival went would make or break reputations in the council. Sunbae's "exam" analogy was spot-on.
"So, get ready in advance. Prep usually starts around now."
"Worried about me and giving me a heads-up? I'll keep that in mind."
"N-not really worried. You'll handle it fine on your own."
She played it cool, but warning me ahead of time screamed she was conscious of me.
Sure enough, post-date, Scarlett sunbae was paying me extra attention. A good sign.
"Festival prep is more complicated than it seems. Consolidating opinions is a chore. As you know, the council's full of strong egos—coordinating is a nightmare from the start."
"I bet. If unifying lunch menus is a war, festival events must be hell."
"Always. Not kidding—it's a real battle every time."
A straight-up war might be easier. I could sweep them aside and decide unilaterally.
"Anyway, that's all. You can go."
"Kinda harsh, don't you think?"
"I said it before—it's not personal. I've said my piece."
Dismissed by Scarlett sunbae, I left the secretary's office.
Academy festival prep, huh...
Lots of events I wanted to push. But it'd mean clearing hurdles. Good thing sunbae tipped me off early—plenty of time to prepare.
The impending academy festival stirred excitement even among regular students. Try as they might to ignore it, whispers floated through class.
First-years were especially hyped.
"First festival since enrolling. Can't wait."
"What're we doing this year?"
"Heard first-years usually stick to simple stalls."
"Clarian's coming to perform. That super-famous demon realm diva."
The feverish vibe was palpable, even infecting the teachers. Sword instructor Bernhardt frowned at the chitchatters and pointed his wooden sword.
"I get you're excited for the festival, but your grades don't afford chit-chat. Focus on your swords."
"Yes, sir!"
As dorms buzzed with anticipation, the student council kicked into high gear.
All first-year council members gathered. For festival prep.
'About half are faces from the One Hand Society initiation.'
Roughly 40 first-year councilors filled the meeting room. More than expected. Half were from that initiation.
"Looks like everyone's here."
A guy at the end of the long rectangular table scanned the room. Black horns on his head—demon clan, by the looks.
Unfamiliar face. Magic division, judging by the Tempest uniform.
"As you know, today's topic is the festival. No seniors' help—just us. It'll be tough, but let's do this."
The demon grabbed the spotlight solo. His seatmates eyed him warily. Power player, clearly. I racked my brain for original story recall.
'A guy? Can't remember.'
If he wasn't in my memory, he wasn't a major plot-mover. His power and wealth were probably middling. But the deference suggested charisma. Hidden dragon not in the original?
"First up: electing the executive chair."
Executive Chair
The words shifted the mood. First real position for new council joins.
Sure, the chair was temporary for the festival, but impressing upperclassmen here meant smooth sailing ahead. Connections would extend beyond academy walls.
Even those cowed by his charisma eyed the seat hungrily.
"Voting's the way, right?"
I spoke first. Safe bet. Most nodded—mostly my One Hand Society crew.
With the society under my thumb, I'd lock over half the votes. A vote was mine.
But the demon rejected fair play. Arms crossed, he scanned slowly.
"Popularity contest for such an important role? Not wise."
"What's fairer than a vote?"
"Popularity doesn't equal competence."
His dissent drew slow agreements. Losers in a vote.
"Jekki's right. Can't judge ability by votes."
"Shouldn't it go to someone experienced? I've run orgs in heir training..."
"For event oversight, pick someone from a trading house. My dad's famous even in the heavenly realm..."
"Just draw lots or..."
They yapped self-servingly. Sunbae was right—egos too big, coordination impossible.
"Quiet!"
Jekki slammed the table. Silence fell. Demon charisma dominated.
I didn't love him playing chair, but he was handling the hassle, so I let him.
"Endless clashes? Go straightforward: duels."
"Duel" dropped, and hot-air artists deflated.
"J-Jekki, duels for chair?"
"Methods differ anyway. Clashing opinions? Settle by strength."
Pure academy savage. Overt power play.
"Opposition?"
His slit pupils swept. Would-be objectors dropped hands, heads low.
Silence meant consent. I consented too.
'Not unfavorable to me.'
"First consensus."
Jekki nodded smugly.
"Seniors can judge. Candidates? I'm in."
All eyed each other. Power-hungry pondered, but none raised hands. Jekki was that strong.
"No takers...?"
"I'll run too."
I raised mine before he finished. His sharp gaze pierced. No fear—more like urge to gouge his eyes.
"Johann. The famous first-year enters. Honored."
He talked like he'd already won. Must've missed my rumors.
"Those dorm rumors about you are big. Perfect chance to verify."
Pre-duel defeat flag planted.