About half a month had passed since Miyabi and Miyako came to stay over at my house. Since then, Ibiza hasn't done anything.

On one hand, that's good. I've been using that time to steadily get stronger. Of course, not just me, but my Cards as well. Lizel-senpai even seems to have figured out Ibiza's aim.

But on the other hand, it's making us anxious. I mean, Ibiza doesn't seem like the type of guy who wouldn't attack just because the Devil King said not to. Him not doing anything is suspicious.

I suppose we shouldn't look at a gifted horse's mouth. But I have a striking suspicion that something will happen today.

That's because today is the first day of practice for the Athletic Festival, or rather, the Devil VS Lovers Festival, as it's being called.

From today, no more classes will be held until the Devil VS Lovers Festival is over. The students that wish to participate are to pick a team and prepare themselves. Of course, the teachers didn't really like that their whole plans had to be thrown out the window, but it's not like anyone can go against the Devil King.

They might as well make the most of this sudden break while preparing themselves for the hell that is to follow.

Right now, I was going to meet with the other Candidates that joined my team for the festival. Miyabi, Lizel-senpai and Reina were coming with me.

"Thanks for meeting with me, everyone."

"Heya, Yuuto-kun."

"Yuuto-kun…"

"You better be grateful. You know how much I had to shift my schedule for this?"

Those Candidates were Ruki of Judgement, Neith of Chariot and Stella of Star. Those were the people that decided to believe in me despite it all.

I was once again reminded of how good it is to have true friends. If nothing else, I'm thankful for their support.

"I really mean it when I say thanks. I'm glad everyone's trusting me to defeat Ibiza."

"I don't want Yuuto-kun to get hurt…"

"That Ibiza guy is really bad. Yuuto should give him a punch for all the people he made suffer."

"N? Me? I was going to bet on Ibiza, but the Devil King told me all the spots were filled, so I had to bet on Yuuto."

Wait, what? So you're only here because you had no other choice?

Not just me, but everyone else looked at Stella with eyes that seemed to say exactly that. I mean, you could have kept it hidden a little more.

"What? Can you blame me? But it's fine. Now that I'm here, Yuuto's basically won already. If push comes to shove, I'll just put a Star of Death on Ibiza."

I have no idea what this Star of Death is, but I think I want to go back to the illusion of unbreaking friendship from before.

Also, since we're practicing for a sports festival, we're all in our P.E. uniforms. As it turns out Ginsei Academy had girls wearing bloomers for their P.E.

Since P.E. classes are separated by gender, this is my first time seeing the girls in that outfit. Needless to say, I'm having quite a bit of trouble looking away, but I'm trying my best.

Oh, and before I forget, Ruki is also in bloomers. The bottom looks quite tight on the girls, but I don't dare look at him. If he likes it, he can wear whatever he wants for all I care.

"Let's take a look at what events there will be."

Lizel-senpai said. The Devil King had distributed pamphlets about the athletic festival's schedule. We had to choose which events we would like to participate.

It seemed the festival would be divided into 2 days. The first day has events in the morning, a cheering contest to mark the end of that, a break at lunchtime, and ends with more events in the afternoon.

The second day was similar. A few events in the morning, then a break at lunchtime, the difference came after that. After lunch, it would be free time for the teams to make a last effort to win, and that would be by making the members of the other team give up.

Basically, every event would be worth a certain amount of points, depending on which place each person finished. The team's points will be the sum of the points of each member, but if a person quits, their points are no longer counted.

So in short, if 1 person wins a lot, they'll get a lot of points and become a target. If they're taken out, it'll be a big blow to their team.

And there's also the namesake, Devil VS Lovers. That was supposed to happen during that free time.

"Yuuto, leave the cheering competition to me. I'll just need to borrow your Cards, also, Neith and Ruki, I'll need your help."

"D-don't be absurd, Yuuto will never allow something like this."

"Neith and Ruki can make their own choice, but you're subject to your master's will, Lizel. So, Yuuto, won't you lend them to me? Pretty please."

Stella wanted me to lend Lizel-senpai, Miyabi and Reina for the cheering competition. I personally saw no problems, but I have to ask the girls first.

"What do you all think?"

"I don't really have a problem."

"Neither does Reina desu."

"I have a number of problems!"

So Lizel-senpai was the only 1 against the idea. Maybe she's still mad at Stella for the photo album?

If that's the case, then I should probably disregard Lizel-senpai's objections. I heard she got quite mad at Stella, so maybe making them spend some time together would help their friendship.

"Alright then, I'll allow it."

"Yuuto!"

"Yaay, I knew Yuuto would get it. Don't worry, I'll make sure you enjoy the show."

A good friendship can survive a fight or 2, and I'm sure that's the case for Lizel-senpai and Stella. Spending some time together will probably be good for them.

Now all that's left is for everyone to pick the competitions they think they'll do best at. I wonder which I should pick…

While they all seem normal enough at first, they all involve magic one way or another. Maybe I should just stick to the basics? I can't forget I'll have to fight Ibiza by the end of this.

"Excuse me."

"Excuse myaa."

I heard a deep voice I didn't recognize. When I turned to look, the guy there had to have, like, over 2 meters of height. He wore his P.E. uniform, but it looked like it was going to burst with all those muscles.

As for the girl who said 'myaa', she seemed normal enough. That is, as long as you discount the cat ears and tail. Wait, a catgirl?!

I knew it without them even telling me, they're mixed-blood devils. I'd be blind if I couldn't tell this much.

"My name is Albert Gigara, I would like to show my abilities so lady Neith may take me as her Card."

"Myaa nyame is Myaa Nekobe. I would like to become Stella-samyaa's Card nyaa."

Aah, so they were here to try and get spots as Cards. It makes sense, at least to me.

How often does a normal student get to meet a Devil King Candidate? If they plan to make an appeal, this festival is a perfect opportunity.

"Stella-samyaa, what do I need to do to become you Card nyaa?"

"Hmm, let's see. What do you think of her, Yuuto?"

"Why are you asking me?!"

"You clearly have a good taste for girls, so I thought I'd get your professional opinion."

Is that so? I don't know if that's supposed to be a compliment or something…

Well, I might as well answer anyway.

The girl, Myaa, is quite beautiful. She has her green hair cut to shoulder length, and her ears and tail share that same color. She has trouble standing out to me, but her competition are top beauties like Stella and Lizel-senpai, so let's not be unfair.

I'd say Myaa is lots more beautiful than any normal girl I could find on the streets. Sure, she's having trouble right here, but on neutral ground, she'll probably stand out quite a lot, even discounting the cat ears and tail.

"I think she's quite beautiful. That's about all I can comment on, since I don't know her combat abilities."

"Myaa has nothing of that nyahaha."

"Aah, that's fine. You've got Yuuto's stamp of approval, so I'm already 50% inclined to take you in. Let's do it like this, give me your phone number. I'll call you to schedule a trial to see if you can be part of my dancing crew. If you pass, you're in."

"Thank you very much, Stella-samyaa!"

Huh, that was a lot easier than I thought it would be. But maybe I shouldn't comment on that, since I also took my Cards in very easily.

"… Maybe I should buy some cosplay items."

I think Lizel-senpai didn't mean for me to hear that. Let's take a look at the other side.

Neith seemed a little uncomfortable, but the ogre, Albert, wasn't going to let her go without trying to convince her.

"Please, lady Neith, observe my family's Bloodline Magic. Blood Iron!"

Magical letters started appearing all over Albert's body. Also, his mixed-blood devil characteristics started developing more. I'm pretty sure he got taller and even grew horns and fangs right in front of our eyes.

He was clearly strong, really strong. If we're talking physical strength, he seemed stronger than Miyabi right now.

Yet, Neith seemed unimpressed. Or rather, she still simply looked uncomfortable to be there.

"What do you think, lady Neith?"

"That's… you're strong, but I'm sorry… I'm not looking for Cards. Maybe someone else can take you…?"

"Is that so? That's fine. The Candidate I wished to support was lady Neith because of your kindness. You may not remember, but there was 1 time you helped the poor families of your territory, it's thanks to that that me and my family managed to survive. If I can't help lady Neith by being her Card, then I'll just cheer from the sidelines."

"I-I see. Thank you for your kind words, but that was nothing really…"

"For me, it was everything. Now, if you'll excuse me."

For how much that Albert dude looked like an ogre, he seemed like a pretty nice guy. I don't know why Neith refused him, but I have to admire the guy for his mental strength to offer himself and take a rejection.

Also, I didn't know Neith was the type of noble to go out and help those in need. I knew she was kind, but even so, she is a noble.

It might be a little prejudiced of me, but I didn't think that people who actually left the comfort of their home just to do good actually existed. I usually figured there was something or other behind that. The world seems a little brighter now.

"Ooh, I like that. Hey you, how about becoming my Card?"

Suddenly, as if appearing out of nowhere, Ibiza, accompanied by Rebecca and Maki, showed up.

He invited Albert to be his Card, but Albert had clear fear on his eyes. Everyone could see he didn't want to.

"A-as I said, my only interest was in lady Neith."

"Now, don't be like that. Your test will be simple. You see, Maki here is going to leave, so you can take her spot. All you have to do is kill her."

It was such an outrageous declaration everyone was taken back, even Rebecca and Maki.

"What are you saying, master Ibiza?!"

"D-did I do something that made you mad, master Ibiza?"

"Hmm, nothing really. I just got bored of you. That's why I let my friends have their way with you for the last few nights. Rebecca, isn't it better to let Maki die than to let her live without my love?"

"I-I suppose? N-no, but…"

"But master Ibiza, I'm… eh? Why am I-"

Maki's eyes suddenly opened wide, then began closing. It was as if she had been without sleep for a long time.

It wasn't long before she fell unconscious on the ground. Then, Ibiza gave an order to Albert.

"Now err, forgot your name. Big guy, kill Maki."

"There's no way I'm doing that! You sick bas- … yes, master Ibiza."

Albert's eyes, they looked like they were clouded by something, but that only lasted a second. He had probably fallen victim to Ibiza's Characteristic Magic.

Albert was going to step on Maki like a bug. She may be a devil, but I don't think she can survive this.

But, before I could act, Miyabi was faster and dashed towards her friend. She managed to get Maki out of the way just in time to avoid being crushed.

"Maki! Maki! Hey, are you okay?!"

Miyabi was trying to get a response out of Maki, but there's no way she would wake up.

Rather, Miyabi was so distracted she didn't even see Albert going in for a second attack.

"Miyabi!"

I managed to get between her and Albert just in time to deploy a Barricade.

His attack was tough, so much so that I think my Barricade wouldn't have lasted if I hadn't increased my mana capacity and trained every day.

"Yuuto, Maki isn't-"

"Calm down, she's just unconscious. We'll take her to a doctor once we're finished here. You keep her safe, I'll deal with Albert."

"A-alright."

Miyabi finally got out of the way of Albert's attack, which allowed me to dodge as well. It's a good thing, since a second after the Barricade broke and a hole was left where Albert had punched.

"Hmm, I suppose, if you happened to kill Lovers, I could also accept you as my Card, big guy."

"Yes, master Ibiza."

Albert activated his Bloodline Magic, Blood Iron. Yeah, it really does seem strong.

Reina and Neith seemed about ready to jump in and help me, but I held out my hand to them. Albert seems strong, but I think I can take him. Besides…

Arcana, can you analyze Ibiza's magic?

[Response. It is possible, but there will be little results to show for it.]

I know, but if after that we ask Maki about what she knows, you could probably think of something, right?

[Affirmative. It would be possible.]

Then that's what we're going to do.

I thought about using Stride, Maximize and Armored, but that probably wouldn't end well. I'll keep my distance and hit him with magic.

Luckily, I'm not as limited as I was before. Fire, ice, thunder and detonation, those are the types of spells I know the Basic and Intermediate versions of.

I also knew the Advanced Magic Fizezenon, but I couldn't use it yet, so Basic and Intermediate will have to do.

"Come at me, Candidate of Lovers."

"Iza!"

I started by firing the Basic Magic Iza at Albert. As expected, he suffered no damage even without defending himself.

"Iza, Iza, Iza."

I kept firing ice at him, but none of it did nothing. I could try going for the Intermediate version Blizzaia, but there was no need to.

Eventually, Albert seemed to get bored with my ineffective attacks and decided to try 1 of his own.

"This is how you use ice magic!"

He created a big block of ice and threw it at me. I had to use Miyabi's combo to dodge, but Albert kept chucking blocks of ice at me.

Thankfully, he was staying still. Now is the time to switch spells. I started sending Figa at Albert, though it didn't have any better results than Iza.

"Fire won't do you any better."

It really wasn't. But let's look on the bright side, his clothes are getting burned. So Blood Iron only works on the person himself.

After I spent some time firing at Albert and dodging his attacks, my setup was complete. Only the last piece was missing.

"Thunderio!"

I fired the Intermediate Magic of thunder. I didn't expect it to do a lot of damage, but I did expect it to stun Albert for a little bit.

That's why I spend all this time throwing ice at him and then melting it. Unfortunately, there's no magic that just makes water, so I had to use this roundabout way.

"Gaaah! This, isn't, enough!"

Good thing I didn't try the Basic version, or I probably wouldn't have gotten any results.

Albert was having trouble moving, but I wouldn't call him paralyzed. Rather, he'll probably be fine after a few seconds.

But a few seconds is all I need. He is a victim of Ibiza, so I'll try to knock him out as fast as possible.

"Detonate. Detonate. Detonate."

I aimed at Albert's head to try and knock him out quickly, but Blood Iron proved more formidable than I thought.

If I still only had 10000 mana, I wouldn't have even made it this far. But even with 30000 it's not looking good.

Then, as expected, it's best to just use it all in 1 big attack.

I activated Stride and Armored. Instead of Maximize, I layered 5 Intermediate explosion spells right above my fist. If this didn't work, I'd have to ask for help.

"You fought well, Candidate of Lovers. But this is the end."

"Yes it is. Let's go!"

Albert came at me and I rushed towards him. Because of our height difference, I had to dodge his punch first, but that wasn't too difficult.

I aimed my punch right under his shin. This was probably going to hurt, but I'll be damned if it doesn't knock him out.

"Destruct!"

I shouted. Just as my punch landed, the spells exploded, knocking out Albert and sending him flying.

He landed back down with a huge thud. It sounded more like a wall had just come crashing down or something. But with this the battle was over.

Or so I thought.

"Such a shame. But I suppose you did your job well enough."

Before I noticed, Ibiza was right behind me. From this distance and with how beat up I was, there was no way I could defend myself.

I saw a magic circle form on Ibiza's palm, which was aimed towards me. The girls were probably trying to come to help, but none of them would arrive in time.

Ibiza fired his magic, but, instead of hitting me, somehow, it went back at him.

"Ow ow, what the hell?"

"The Devil King said you two, shouldn't fight. Don't abuse your luck, Devil."

A woman's voice sounded out. I turned to look and found an adult woman wearing bloomers with her blue hair tied in a ponytail.

I recognized her. She was Fleminar, Candidate of Priestess.

"And I'm pretty sure other Candidates shouldn't interfere either."

"Oh, but I did nothing. It's not my fault you can't control your mana. Rather, you should probably go home and rest. A bigger accident might happen if you keep trying to use magic."

"Tsk, bitch. Fine then."

Ibiza and Rebecca left. Only Fleminar was left, and she extended her hand to me.

"Here, Morioka-kun. You fought well, using your brain rather than brute strength. And I sense something… strange in your mana. As I thought, you're quite interesting."

"T-thanks?"

She suddenly came up like this, protected me and now says I'm interesting. What am I supposed to reply?

Rather, all my hairs are standing on end. Even though she's showing 0 will to fight, I can tell I have no chance against her, that's how strong she is.

And the figure of an adult woman in bloomers is also making something else stand on end, but let's not go there.

"Let me help you take those 2 to the hospital."

"A-ah, that's right. We can't waste any more time."

Although she was a surprise addition, Fleminar's help ended up being very welcomed. Maki was easy enough to carry, but Albert was impossible

Yet, Fleminar used magic to carry him like he was nothing. I wonder what kind of spell that is.

We left Stella, Ruki and Neith there and took the injured to the hospital.