Winning Without Fighting

7.1

We're at the party now, everyone is energetic and dancing to the music. I'm drinking now --- some soda, of course they don't serve alcohol to minors. I manage to get along with the four people I came with and I recognize some new people... The student council president enters the hall. all eyes are on him. he walks towards me, I thought I should avoid him. but...

"Welcome, Cyrus. Are you having fun?" he said in a strangely sweet way that made it seem like we knew each other well.

"Y-Yes, thank you for asking."

Everyone is staring at us. This seems to be his way of revealing me. he wants to keep a lot of eyes on me. to watch my movements.

He puts his hand on my shoulder... "You'll be attending the friendly event, right?" ...The audience was surprised by what he did. It was said that he hates to touch a person or to be touched.

"What event?"

"Friendly Combat Demonstrations", He shook his head and spoke to everyone, "Everyone, There will be a friendly competition with small awards where you can show off your fighting skills. If you want to participate, write your name on the paper on the table.". whispered in my ear, "I've already written your name, if you win the competition, I'll leave you in peace. deal? I won't wait for your approval."

7.2

"Are you two friends?" Seraphina said.

"I think so."

"That's strange, even us council members. he doesn't like to talk to us. we're all afraid of him."

"You're lucky if he considers you a friend. you'll have a big advantage." Damien said.

I don't care. But does he really think I'm going to show my strength? He's an idiot if he thinks I'll fall into a trap like that.

After some time, the time came for this competition. It consists of four rounds. That means I have to win four fights.

"The first match is between Cyrus Quinthon .... and Laura Bertrand. the two are from Class 1-E" Commentator said.

"Excuse me, I give up," Laura said, to the cheers of the crowd.

"Huh? Why? The battle hasn't started yet."

"I just want to surrender."

"As you wish." ... "Cyrus is officially in the next round after Laura's surrender."

The crowd was disappointed by the first game. The tournament continued and the first round was over. My second fight came. It was against Milan.

"I-I give up."

"What? What's going on?", The audience was bored and confused. But this is a legal thing. If the opponent surrenders, it means I win and advance to the semifinals.

In the next round, Serafina was my opponent and she also conceded before the fight started.

Cyrus Quinton in the final against Emily Meyer. Emily looked at me. But as soon as I noticed her, she rolled her eyes and avoided staring at me.

The fight started and we were in the ring. Emily was shaking even though she was stronger. She put some energy into her hand and attacked me at breakneck speed. I didn't resist her attack, but as she got closer, for some reason she lost her balance and fell out of the ring.

"I give up."

"What? You too, huh?" ... "The winner, is Cyrus."

Everyone was angry at this boring ending. I got my award and soon the students left the hall in a huff.

7.3

I walked out of the hall. the student council president stopped me as I expected...

"What the hell have you done? All the enemies are your friends and they've given up."

"I have done nothing. That doesn't mean anything. But you're going to keep your promise, right? A victory is a victory.", What I was really doing was just gambling with some of the information I had been given; we were told that the school used a standardized AI system across the board, so I assumed that the competition would distribute the participants on the list in the same way that we were distributed to the classes. I asked Laura, Emily, Milan, and Serafina to write their names on the list in a specific order that corresponded to the distribution system I assumed. Since most of the participants were weak, I made sure to meet my friends every round and make them give up.

"In fact, I won't commit to my promise, and you can't make me."

"It's okay, I don't need this to get rid of you."

"What an interesting conversation. Cyrus vs. Emir. How about a challenge with me as the moderator?", He was the principal. He suddenly appeared after listening to our conversation, "It will be on the second test of that first semester. And don't worry, it has nothing to do with grade level. Whoever loses will be fired.''

"That's fine with me, how about you, Cyrus?", Emir said.

"I don't mind", There are two semesters per year, each with three exam periods. This time it will be in the hands of the principal, so it's okay.