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After school, Tatsuya made his way to Gymnasium No. 2. He wasn't skipping out on his administrative duties; this, too, was a vital part of the preparations for the Nine Schools Competition. Although the entrances to the two small gymnasiums were equipped with cleaner mats that scrubbed the soles of one's shoes automatically, allowing students to enter in outdoor footwear, Tatsuya chose to go barefoot. He stepped onto the floor of the "Arena"—the gymnasium's hardwood combat configuration.
"Erika."
"Oh, Tatsuya? Rare to see you here. Does the former acting captain miss the old stomping grounds?"
"No, that's not it."
Though Erika was officially a member of the tennis club, it was a low-activity circle that didn't mind if she missed practice. She took advantage of that leniency to help out the kendo club—though "help" was perhaps a strong word; she usually only showed up when Sayaka Mibu begged her to.
Tatsuya had served as the kendo club's acting instructor from the time of a certain incident until the end of summer break during their first year. Erika assumed he'd come by out of nostalgia, but it seemed she was mistaken.
Tatsuya was well aware of Erika's habits, but he hadn't realized today was one of her "volunteer" days. He had actually stopped by the tennis courts first. He had essentially wasted a trip, but since it wasn't Erika's fault, he kept that to himself.
"Need something?" Erika asked.
"Yes. I have a formal favor to ask of you."
Erika hadn't realized Tatsuya had been seriously looking for her; her initial greeting had been nothing more than casual banter. Seeing Tatsuya sit down with such deliberate, formal posture and speak in such a grave tone caught her completely off-guard, leaving her with a rare, wide-eyed expression of vulnerability.
"I didn't know you could make a face like that, Erika."
"I mean... wait, what's this about all of a sudden? Since when does Tatsuya-kun ask me for favors...?"
Erika was clearly flustered, but beneath the surface, a hint of wariness flickered in her eyes. It was a reflex born from the fact that she knew at least a portion of Tatsuya's true identity and capabilities. However, this time, she was overthinking things.
"It's less of a personal request and more a formal one from the Student Council," Tatsuya clarified.
"The Student Council?"
The tension vanished from her gaze, replaced by a look of pure suspicion. She was simply wondering what on earth they could want with her. Tatsuya saw no reason to be cryptic and gave her a direct answer.
"I want you to act as a practice partner for Shield Down in the lead-up to the competition."
"Oh, that new event. It looks interesting, but... are you sure I'm the right person for the job?"
"I wouldn't ask anyone else."
Erika was acutely aware that her magical skills were highly specialized—dangerously so. While she understood why she wasn't a candidate for the official roster, she doubted whether she could even be helpful as a sparring partner. Tatsuya, however, didn't seem to have a single doubt in his mind.
"...Fine, if you're going that far, I'll do it. But in exchange, Tatsuya-kun, you have to do one thing I say."
It was a blatant attempt to hide her embarrassment. Both Tatsuya and Erika herself knew it.
"Understood. You have my thanks for agreeing."
Tatsuya accepted her condition without hesitation, offering his gratitude with a sincerity that only made Erika more flustered.
"I—I'm going to go change then! Sayaka, sorry, but I'm heading out for the day!"
Her words came out in a hurried rush—a sure sign of her bashfulness. Tatsuya gave Sayaka a polite nod and waited in the gym for Erika to finish changing.
After changing back into her school uniform, Erika accompanied Tatsuya to a small conference room on the first floor of the Prep Building. The moment she stepped inside and saw a familiar face, a reflexively sharp remark escaped her lips.
"What are you doing here?"
Had it just been the two of them, or even their usual group of friends, the outburst wouldn't have mattered. Tatsuya certainly didn't seem to mind. However, the room was occupied by several upperclassmen they didn't know, and they hadn't even exchanged greetings yet.
(Crap... I let my guard down and went into 'usual mode'... Now what?)
Erika wasn't the only one feeling the heat; the upperclassmen looked equally bewildered by her sudden hostility. However, the awkward atmosphere that had begun to settle over the room was instantly dispelled by Leo's signature bluntness.
"Shut it. Tatsuya called me here, too."
"Erika. Leo," Tatsuya interjected softly.
Whether Leo had intentionally ignored the mood or was simply being his usual oblivious self was anyone's guess, but Tatsuya's gentle reprimand was a calculated move to restore order. Once the two had quieted down, Tatsuya introduced Erika to the official Shield Down representatives.
"So, Shiba-kun, I take it I'll be pairing up with Saijo-kun for practice?"
"And I'll be working with Chiba-san?"
The first to speak was Sawaki, the representative for the Men's Solo division. The second voice belonged to a third-year named Asako Chikura, the representative for the Women's Solo division.
Shield Down was a competitive combat event. However, with the representatives consisting of only one solo player and one pair per gender, they were one person short of being able to run full two-on-two practice matches for the pairs. This was where Erika and Leo came in.
The plan was for the Solo representatives to also rotate through these matches, ensuring everyone got high-intensity practice.
"Correct," Tatsuya replied. "The two of them will also serve as practice partners for the Solo divisions."
"I see," Sawaki nodded. "If they have your personal recommendation, Shiba-kun, that's more than enough for me. Saijo-kun, I look forward to working with you!"
"...Yeah. Likewise," Leo managed, though his attempt at a polite smile was noticeably twitchy.
Leo had already been briefed on the situation, but while Erika was taking it in stride, Leo was currently staring down the man rumored to be the strongest pure brawler at First High.
"Tatsuya, you're buying me dinner for this," Leo muttered.
"I don't mind, but didn't you agree to this of your own volition?"
"You didn't tell me who the 'partner' was!"
"Oh, stop being a baby," Erika teased. "Anyway, Tatsuya-kun, I'll message you when my schedule is clear."
With a sudden spark of energy, Erika immediately began preparing to spar with Chikura. Not wanting to be outdone—or perhaps just resigning himself to his fate—Leo steeled his nerves and began his own preparations.
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