The monitor in the waiting room switched.
It seemed that the battle between Horikita and Ichinose had already been decided.
Result:
2nd Year B Class - Middle Guard Representative
Name: Horikita Suzune
Remaining Lives: 0
2nd Year D Class - General Representative
Name: Ichinose Honami
Remaining Lives: 10
2nd Year B Class - General Representative
Name: Ayanokōji Kiyotaka must move to the classroom immediately
Remaining Recess Interval Time: 10:00
Horikita lost to Ichinose.
Although it could've dragged on longer, as the result and the time it took to reach that result showed, she was completely defeated.
Yōsuke, who had been sitting next to me watching the situation, gave a deep sigh.
"If only I had fought a little better..."
"No, that would be irrelevant. Horikita's complete defeat wasn't just a coincidence. This special exam isn't entirely devoid of luck, but concepts like draws and cancellations exist when it comes to nominations. This result is clear proof that Horikita was no match for Ichinose."
Even if Yōsuke had defeated Hamaguchi and Kanzaki, the outcome would've likely been similar.
"That just shows how formidable Ichinose-san is."
"Yes. She is undoubtedly the toughest opponent in this special exam."
"...Right. Do you think there's any chance of winning?"
"I wonder. For now, I don't want to waste any time; I'll go and see Horikita."
"Okay... good luck."
As I left the waiting room, Ryūen also quickly followed me out into the hallway.
"The bathroom is the other way."
"She lost in such an anti-climatic fashion too. It was right not to entrust her as the general."
Ignoring my remark, Ryūen reflected on the outcome of the confrontation.
"Did you chase after me just to say that?"
"No? Well, she fought well enough. It's understandable that she lost. Ichinose right now seems quite formidable."
It seemed he wanted to say that things had turned out just as he had warned.
"Just as I thought, she was chewed up completely. Totally like how a cornered rat will bite a cat. It wouldn't surprise me if you ended up the same."
(TL NOTE: a cornered rat will bite a cat (窮鼠猫を噛む), a saying that basically means 'despair gives courage to a coward.')
"So you were worried for me and came to talk to me?"
"Hah."
Ryūen briefly laughed and approached me.
"It's a pity I won't be able to directly see how you'll challenge the current Ichinose."
"You should worry more about yourself."
After giving that advice, Ryūen laughed again and returned to the waiting room.
Ryūen probably shouldn't be spending too much time dealing with me right now.
Katsuragi had swiftly defeated the vanguard and middle guard, but it was still uncertain how well he would fare against Sakayanagi. Ryūen's turn would undoubtedly come soon.
On my way to the room, I saw Horikita coming towards me, feebly walking down the hallway.
However, she was about to pass by without noticing me.
"You returned quite early. I thought you might bring back the generals head."
When I called out to her, her downcast face lifted.
"I'm sorry."
Without getting angry at the sarcasm, Horikita briefly responded.
No, that was about all she could muster.
"I lost so badly that it's understandable if you laugh."
"But you defeated both the vanguard and middle guard, didn't you?"
"Those victories felt like they were handed to me. Nothing to be proud of."
Apparently, she had lost a significant amount of confidence. She was so distraught she might not even realize that showing such a weakened state might even lower her allies' morale.
"Ichinose must have been tough."
"...Yes. More than I had anticipated... No, she might be in a completely different league."
With the highest praise, Horikita continued.
"In the rules of this special exam, she is invincible. She has a breadth of vision and the ability to read others that would effortlessly defeat anyone, whether it's Sakayanagi-san or Ryūen-kun."
She bit her lip hard, lamenting her powerlessness. Horikita had been leading the class while fighting the pressure, but the result of a complete defeat seemed to have inflicted more damage on her heart than a mere loss. It was undoubtedly a significant defeat in this battle where mental strength was also tested. The outcome of the special exam depended on my actions as the general, but the damage Horikita took might linger for a long time to come.
"I'm sorry... really. If only I could've reduced her life even just a little—"
"You might not have been able to beat Ichinose. But you defeated the vanguard and the middle guard, bringing it back to an even result. That alone made it a sufficient fight."
"…But… that wasn't enough."
I could hear her unspoken voice saying, I wanted to win with my own strength.
As a leader, she aimed for greater heights as someone who would guide the class.
"I had to win... for the class, I had to win..."
Crushed by regret, Horikita continued.
"It wasn't just for the class. I wanted to win and be acknowledged by you. I wanted to defeat Ichinose-san and be praised for doing well..."
Horikita spoke her true feelings and thoughts she had for this special exam. The half-hearted result might've hurt her heart even more.
"I understand the pressure you were under. Sure, the direct confrontation might have resulted in your loss, but there were the differences in your lives and your constraint, not being able to use the traitor."
"Stop... comforting me like that is just useless."
"I'm sorry, but it's the truth. Besides, this loss is a good experience. I think it will be a catalyst for significant growth. If the same exam were to happen again, you'd achieve better results next time."
That wasn't a lie. Facing a significant obstacle is painful, but it was a necessary process to overcome.
"...But..."
"Fortunately, there's no one here now. There's no need for you to put on a brave front. Even if I don't know the details, I can clearly tell by looking at you—you fought well."
I sincerely comforted Horikita, gently pulling her into an embrace.
"Eh...!?"
There was no need to keep up a brave front when you're by yourself.
Weak people should lean on someone and be supported.
"Ah, Ayanokōji-kun, wh-what are you...!"
As Horikita weakly tried to pull away, I kept holding her back.
"For the past two years, I've probably watched you closer than anyone else. I think I know all your strengths and weaknesses."
Horikita tried to object, but no words came out.
A sensation as if trying to firmly endure something, along with body heat, transmitted through her body.
"You have allies. Don't forget that."
[ILLUSTRATION]
"Allies—"
"Yes. You'll likely face similar situations in the future. When that happens, don't bear it alone—always rely on your classmates. They will surely become a great strength."
I said that and gently let go of Horikita, starting to walk away.
"...Ayanokōji-kun...Ichinose-san is—"
To Horikita, who was anxious about the outcome of the match, there was only one thing that could reassure her now.
"Just leave the rest to me. I don't intend to let your class lose in this special exam."
The moment I decided to participate in the special exam, the outcome was determined.
Horikita's class would win, and Ichinose's class would lose.
With that thought, I stood there, and then I started walking forward.
I arrived at the battlefield where Ichinose was waiting.
What would Ichinose look like beyond this door?
She's probably a little nervous, but likely—
I opened the door.
And immediately, as I expected, Ichinose's smile came into view.
[ILLUSTRATION]