Chapter IV. The Signal That The Harvest Festival Has Begun
At Babylus Highway - Point 13
After weeks of harsh and relentless training, the day has finally arrived for the one and only Harvest Festival of Babylus. Bachiko stood next to Iruma before he would depart.
"We've done everything we can to get you ready." She said, "Check your gloves? They aren't loose, right?"
"Right." Replied Iruma. "All your equipment is prepped, ain't it?" Asked Bachiko, "And you're feeling good and healthy, right?"
"I'm ready." Answered Iruma again.
"Now, remember, 'cause it's important. You can only use two arrows." Said the master archer, "Only use them when you have no other choice. Okay, then. All that's left to say... it's time to Bachi-go! Now go and knock 'em dead kid!"
Nice play of puns, there, Bachiko! With everything checked out, Iruma went off to Babyls for his time to shine at the festival.
At Babylus Demon School, Harvest Festival Venue
With another event comes another opening segment from Event Coordinators Stolas Suzy and Dandelion Dali. On screen, it appears they were having a delightful hotpot.
"Hello!" Greeted Dali, "It's getting cold out there, so it's time for... a hotpot! Am I right?"
"Ah, yis." Agreed Suzy.
"All the season's ingredients are so tasty and nutritious, you just keep wanting to eat more and more."
"Oh, it's so good!" Said Suzy after taking a bite of a pink artichoke-like fruit, "I'd want to feed this to the students, too. I know they'd love it."
"Hey, now that's a good idea!" Remarked Dali.
"Well then... Let's have them go and collect these! All on their own!" Said the two.
Today marks the final practical training event for the first-years, the Harvest Festival. In the Netherworld, where it's survival of the fittest, being able to acquire food is the utmost priority. This event brings out the hunting instincts in demons, and the way they devour life is beautiful. Continuing on is a greeting speech from Suzy and Dali, saying their hellos to the students.
"Alright! The time's come once again for the Harvest Festival!" Said Dali.
"Yis! Just as I do every year, I've prepared the field for our students." Said Suzy.
"Oho, that's our esteemed Diabotany Instructor for you!" Smiled Dali, "She's the mother of all plants!"
"Yis, yis! This year, you'll see I've placed a giant jungle behind Babylus." Said Suzy, "On this battlefield surrounded by a fence and vines are swamps, rocks, and caves, as well as many other interesting features!"
"You'll all be doing this exam on your own." Continued Dali, "Your rank in this event is determined by the number of points you uproot from everything you gather!"
"You'll be working together on this venture with fellow students at times but remember, part of the charm is tricking and manipulating them so you can get ahead." Added Suzy.
"Alright, y'all, let your talents carry you through to victory!" Said Dali.
Enough was enough with all the nice reminders, because it was time for them to rile up the first-years by a storm.
Back in the Broadcasting Room, Dali seemed to be helping himself with some of the food on the table. Of course, winning at the Harvest Festival is a huge honor. Last year's winner was none other than Babylus' very own Student Council President, Ameri Azazel. Previous winners continued to advance in rank after their winnings, becoming prominent figure of the Netherworld. Even Shichiro Balam, Babylus' Gargoyle, Kattrin Abaddon, Isabelle's mother, well-known businesswoman, and Veda's culture icon, and Azazel Henri, Ameri's father and Demon Border Control Chief. one of those. There are four entrances in the jungle. As an emotional reinforcement, Dali told everyone to be motivated to advance in their ranks. And so it was that everyone flared in excitement for the day.
Some students bought protective gear, some could only afford weapons, and some even had gathered data for this day. Accordingly to a Broadcast Battler member's gathered intel, this year's batch of first-years were the cream of the crop for the event itself. This is Warb, a first-year of said Battler. Out of all Bet-ranked (2) students, three demons make the cut for combat. Before Warb continued, a small hoard of demons were running away from a small hooded figure, emitting a horrid fragrance. This was Naphula the Silent - Rank Gimel (3), whose scent apparently makes demons faint from getting too close to them. Since they were taking the second entrance, everyone agreed to stay away from said gateway. Then came along a brotherly duo, one short and one tall. They were assuming the first entrance is the best way to ensure their win. These are the Dorodoro Brothers - Ichiro and Niro, second-years that were detained from class promotion after skipping classes to hang out in the northern battlefield. Apparently, a rumor spread in their regard to participating in the Harvest Festival, now confirmed true to facts. This means the first entrance became a no-go, considering how dangerous they could be. They probably need more course credits, so maybe that's why they decided to enter the festival. The conversation was interrupted by a man with a tall masculine build surrounded by levitating books. He asked the three to be a bit quieter as he was concentrating on whatever contents his books contain. As Warb apologized, the man deemed it as a proper apology and accepted it. This was another favorable win, second-placer at every practical and written examination, Coco Orobas. Looks like the competition was really getting a hold on itself unhinged. No matter which entrance is taken, it's inevitable that students will face a grand dive of doom in battle against some of the best of the best. Then, Warb brought up first-place winner of the practical exams, Alice Asmodeus and Dame Lavande Félin; and first-placer in written exams, Schneider Allocer. He certainly didn't forget about whom was dubbed the Prinzessin der Babyls, high-achiever and desiring no less than absolute perfection, and the Stern der Hoffnung, keeper of the most notorious crown and bringer of shining hope. He admitted to have high hopes for the Misfit Class at best.
That didn't sound good for Ichiro and Coco as they exchanged that mention with a glare of intense competitive rivalry. Not too shabby in being honest, these are the stars of the first-years we're talking about. From obtaining Demon King Derkila's former classroom to the Walter Park incident, it's only natural that other talented students would be jealous of them. Not to mention, the graceful leading figure of the highest from the Seven Deadly Sins in all time, bringing them an incredible array of various talents to rising for the highest of the high. And, then comes the gossip thinking because the Misfits are wild and carefree that others could possible defeat them. Or so they think?
Just with that said arrived the majority of the Misfit Class. They all look battered and beaten up with dark intense glares, confusing everyone around them. Above in the trees, Raim, Vepar, Furfur, Sombre, Leonard, and Mr. Hat were seated just in time to see their students before the event commences, despite not working them out all the way.
"They're a tad rough around the edges, but after all our training, our students are finally making their debut." Said Raim, "This will be delicious."
"Most certainly, I think our battlefields of conduct will determine if we can truly push them further than before." Commented Sombre.
Down at the ground, Lied removed his headphones ready to hear his classmates. "I almost didn't recognize you guys." He said, "We survived our training somehow, though I'm sure it was Hell for all of us."
"It went on so long..." Slouched Goemon.
"'Twas so painful..." Said Kamui.
"I've been trying to forget it." Said Picero.
"You guys wouldn't believe it when we say what we've been through." Said Isabelle.
"Days filled with despair!" Remarked Schneider.
"I've gotten even closer to being the Demon King." Said Sabro.
"Some parts of our training are best left confidential." Commented Acheron.
"I have to say, you all look amazing." Complimented Elizabetta, "I'm so excited. Aren't you?"
She certainly pulled on Lied, Kamui and Goemon's heartstrings with that voice.
"Dare I ask what is this all about?" Asked Asmodeus to Clara, who's in a funny polka-dotted lizard suit, "Why aren't you answering me?"
"Lay off, Sir Asmodeus." Said Lavande, "Perhaps we may only know with time."
"Yes, we could only know that way." Agreed Yanna, "We can't flaunt anything just this early before the competition starts."
"Anyway, I'm just glad everyone seems to be... okay?" Wondered Lied.
Everyone agreed to be in good shape, but what's left to everyone's competition is who had their training the hardest. That's where almost everyone started arguing as the other freshmen looked at them again with confusion.
"Hello? You know how I had it the worst!" Declared Lied.
"No, we experienced the ultimate hell!" Argued Kamui.
"Don't make me laugh! It was us, of course!" Objected Jazz.
"The utter absurdity!" Commented Schneider.
"You think I brought all of these weapons here for nothing?!" Shot down Acheron as he showed the weapons he brought underneath his coat and in his pockets.
"Cry me a river, Lied! You just played video games!" Pointed out Goemon.
"What? No, nuh-uh!" Rejected the gamer, "My training was way harder than having playtime in some puddles or sparring matches with dummies and bullseyes!"
"Oh, you did not just say that!" Yelled the hunter.
"I cannot let that slide! You take that back!" Countered the samurai.
"I'm kinda surprised y'all are still alive." Said Picero, turning over to Jazz and Schneider.
"Barely, believe me!" Yelled Jazz, "In fact, all of you jerks who ignored my messages, come over here!"
"Every day was complete misery!" Backed up Schneider.
"Did you, Clara, and Yanna have a fun little girls' party?" Asked Keroli to Elizabetta.
"It was more like a girls' parting." Replied the latter before turning to Isabelle, "And you, Isa? Have you had a great fight practice session with Acheron?"
"Had I ever." Answered Isabelle, "We also had stealth practice and guard duty practice. Plus, Acheron's mom was kind enough to give me one of her dresses that don't fit her anymore."
Isabelle then turned to Keroli, "And a little birdie told me that you had some serious fun with some magical fauna, is that right?"
"My, how clever of you." Chuckled Keroli.
"How very interesting." Commented Lavande, "My lungs and diaphragm have gone past what I usually perceive them."
"I can vouch with that." Said Kaminari, hiding a malicious smile considered abnormal for her, "If I take the L for the Harvest Festival, I'll be damned. Don't y'all dare insult me and my training by holding back, okay?"
"Huh? Where's Ryūko?" Asked Yanna.
"I have not paid any mind of her presence, so never was I aware of Her Highness's general direction." Said Lavande.
"Okay, let's figure this out, once and for all!" Declared Lied, irked by everyone, "Which team has truly trained the hardest and matured the most? Our Harvest Festival results will settle everything!"
Then Iruma came around, as smiley as always, apologizing for his tardiness before he was greeted with a nasty appeal of his friends glaring at one another. He quivered at the sight as Asmodeus, Isabelle, and Acheron told Iruma that everyone seemed confident with their training. Lavande could only sigh in regards to how intense competition turns friends into rivals while her irritated expression is shown with her purple tail flicking around. Noticing his subordinate friends, Iruma addressed Asmodeus, Lavande, Acheron, and Isabelle. They haven't seen each other in a long while, so the two nobles were rather thrilled to see Iruma.
"Been a long time, hasn't it, friend?" Said Acheron.
'It's been so long, I got flustered.' Thought Asmodeus before taking a good look at Iruma, 'I admit, at first, I was concerned whether he had a tutor who could properly train him. But splendid, Master Iruma! Evidently, it was quite effective. You've become even more magnificent! No wonder you're the Demon King's vessel! But then again, I don't see Miss Ryūko anywhere. No doubt the Prinzessin der Babyls has something in mind away from us, but it truly is a shame I cannot see her today with his brother and the rest of my lieges, Miss Isa and Master Acheron.'
"His Majesty bless thou most graciously, Sir Iruma." Bowed Lavande in proper greetings, "Might I comment, for our worry if thy preceptor is worth time to be under their wing, truly it is thee showcasing a sense of growth."
"It appears that Bachiko was the perfect choice for you, Iruma. I mean, look at you now. All decked up and ready for the event." Commented Isabelle.
"Haha, thank you, Lavande and Isa." Chuckled Iruma over their compliments, "I was actually looking for my sister. Have you seen her anywhere?"
"Even as her alibi under my father's guidance, I have not seen Her Highness by any place or time, I sincerely apologize, My Lord." Replied Lavande.
"Oh, it's okay." Said Iruma before looking at her and Asmodeus.
The latter's clothes were torn apart and Lavande's suit of armor was not the usual metal fabric- she was actually wearing plated armor. Their training must've been really intense that even they had a hard time. The same applied for everyone. In order for them to all go up in rank, they all did their best with training over the past few weeks and have gotten stronger.
"I won't lose, either." Perked Iruma to Asmodeus, "Well, then, come on. All of us have to give our best shot!"
"I'm with you, Iruma." Said Acheron.
"Me, too." Continued Isabelle.
"So will I decree!" Agreed Lavande with a strong voice of encouragement, "For the fruits of our labor are about to be beared, do not yield thy blade to the redundance of idle meetings!"
Both lieges and knight's words cheered up Asmodeus before the two left him on his own. But wait, didn't Iruma and Lavande refer to everyone in the Misfit Class? Previously, Asmodeus swallowed his tears and parted from Iruma, Isabelle, Lavande, and Acheron to undergo his individual training. He had expected that at last he can show his lieges the fruits of his training. But the fact that they would have to fight separately was completely outside of his expectations. All of his hard work was for the sake of standing next to Iruma. It was not to raise his rank, because he and Lavande are already Dalet (4) ranks anyway. Thus, they have already met to requirement to stay in the Royal One. Sabro asked what was up with him reeling up, but assumed Asmodeus needed to use the restroom.
Lied went over to Iruma, saying the other classes were underestimating the Misfits. The latter could neither find Ryūko nor Clara, of which Lied agreed with. Apparently, Clara was hiding behind a trunk of a tree. Ryūko was still nowhere on sight from anyone at all. Does that mean she didn't want to get her mind riled up by her classmates competing against each other? Dali and Suzy once again captured every freshman's attention.
"'Kay, gang. Listen up! It's just about time for you to take off!" Said the former, "The time limit is 6666 minutes!"
"Meaning this grand event will last about 4 days." Elaborated Suzy.
"Start gathering at the various entrances you plan to use!" Continued Dali. The entrances were labelled by number from right to left, only four entry ways are made available.
In the Student Council Office
At their regular time in the office, the Student Council members were viewing the school-exclusive live program about the Harvest Festival as Ameri was stamping on approval requests.
"The festival's about to start. I heard all the students are phenomenal this year." Said Smoke.
"I wonder who's the frontrunner is." Said Grave holding a stack of papers.
At the Harvest Festival Venue
Lied called all of his present classmates to huddle up before splitting apart for the festival.
"I'm sure everyone has plenty they want to say..." He said, "But I really think we should all agree on something right now. So here's the cheer."
He whispered something in Iruma's ear, who was a bit shocked to hear he has to say it, "We all get to take this rank advancement exam together. And there's no doubt we all endured our hellish training for this day like champs! Let's take what we learn and kill this challenge! To achieve our ultimate goal! Alright, Iruma! The floor is yours! Now tell them!"
With a deep breath, Iruma mustered up his courage to say, "If any of you holds us back, I'll kick your ass!"
His classmates followed up with "Bring it on, you jackasses!"
Such a loud and robust cheer sent shivers down the spines of the opponents straight before Dali made the countdown with Suzy. It wasn't before long that everyone was down for the kill on the first day.
Rules and Regulations of the Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival is all about points.
The harder the ingredient is to retrieve, the more points you'll receive from doing so.
Try to get the ones worth the most points and when you do, hand them in to us.
Counterfeits will get you disqualified immediately. Professor Balam will be checking. No more counterfeits, please.
Also, fighting between students are strictly forbidden. Direct attacks made onto peers are grounds for dismissal
The instructors will be wandering around the entire the area as to ensure everyone's safety.
The student who caught the most ingredients and earned the highest points will be declared the winner of the Harvest Festival.
Through Entrance 1
Most who picked the first entrance already had their hands full with some common ingredients. Not worth a lot of points, but this route provides much room for the wild ingredients. But it wasn't too long for them to realize they entered the territory of a Candy-Whiskered Tiger, which is worth 150 points. The tiger chased down three students who got carried away with their easy catches. Luckily they wouldn't be dead by the first day as Asmodeus swooped in to deliver a fiery punch to the tiger. Someone woke at the wrong side of bed? Oh wait, he hasn't gotten home at all- his separation from Iruma, Isabelle, and Acheron seemed to be causing him to have an awful mood. Asmodeus went on a hunting spree, getting his hits on every ingredient above 20 points in the area. His peers at the time were damned to see the intensity of his hunt, well not oblivious to see him crying.
After that, he took a stroll through the place with his thoughts cleared with a goal. Behind hin was a large yellow bear with fish-like characteristics held by Sabro.
"Who would've thought you and I would end up stuck together again." Commented Asmodeus.
"What can you do, huh?" Laughed Sabro, "It's inevitable that only our class remains, so now we're competing against each other."
"Master Iruma, Miss Isa, and Master Acheron wanted this so I must acquiesce to it..." Said Asmodeus, "But now there are only the big targets left to hunt for."
He set up a ring of fire around him and Sabro before the two sat down to make plans.
"I hate to interfere, but mind if I join you gentlemen?" Asked a familiar voice. Asmodeus stood up and found that it was Lavande with her catches all in a bundle of thorns.
"Ah, Miss Félin, you're here!" Said Asmodeus, allowing her entry into the circle, "If this is going to be a team battle, we absolutely need to split our points."
"By right, the lowest score that can still ensure victory is 50,000 points." Added Lavande as she laid some leaves and a rose on the ground, "Previously on the Harvest Festival, Lady Azazel scored 59,000 points at highest of all. But between three of us, we have to obtain thrice the amount."
"Which means we'll need at least 150,000 points." Continued Asmodeus as he picked up the rose, "Therefore, we're going after boss-class targets."
Points and Targets
A great many targets in the Harvest Festival are worth 10 to 150 points.
If you are hunting alone, you would get as many of these as possible to reach your quota. Most students would choose this option.
Meanwhile, in rare cases, there are boss-class targets that cannot be hunted by one party alone. They are all giant ingredients worth over 3000 points a piece and to take them down, team formations are crucial.
Sabro certainly was looking forward to hunting boss-class ingredients. But there laid even rarer ingredients that surpasses all boss-class targets, those goes by the titles of Legendary Leaf and Star Shrub. What they appear as are very much a mystery, unknown and secretive, yet the exist in the field and extremely difficult to get. Obtaining it would give 100,000 points each. Throughout history, no one has ever found these few-and-far-between ingredients. At basic knowledge, it's a rumor and there's great uncertainty if it actually exists. If Asmodeus, Lavande, and Sabro were to hunt down boss-class targets while looking for the Legendary Leaf, they certainly would be there. Asmodeus was about to see where his team could find boss-class targets best, but someone uninvited pointed out to the cave at the east being the best bet.
Alerted, the three Misfits backed away from Ichiro and Niro.
"What crawled up your butts and died? I was just giving you my thoughts, right?" Asked Ichiro.
"Right? We overheard you guys talking." Said Niro, "Alice Asmodeus, Sabro Sabnock, and Dame Lavande Félin - Knight of Flora and Royal Guard Heiress. So what do you say? How about a little competition?"
What are these detained second-years wanting from the three warriors of the Misfits Class? Is there something they want to take advantage of? Look forward to the next chapter!
~Interval~
Asmodeus couldn't help himself but be curious about Clara's costume and why that out of all other things. Clara took out two red balls, letting Asmodeus think the process through before he blurted out a pun.
"Are you saying it's orb-viously by chance?" He asked.
Clara gave a menacing expression, leading him to take back what he said. She started skipping and being cautious. Then Asmodeus thought the wild ingredients wouldn't be cautious around a lizard by nature, but that wasn't the right answer either. Before he could make a third guess with Clara dancing about, Elizabetta came to assume Clara was just playing around.