At the start of the first round, the character controlled by Eriri launched a fierce assault, and the fight looked almost completely one-sided. (Continued)

"That last scene was dangerous. Thankfully, the Sage was strong enough. Otherwise... Was that Gaia Consciousness targeting him? That was terrifying."

Takanashi Rikka had joined the line and was looking on critically.

She had been keeping an eye on her ally's situation the whole time, but after their earlier conversation, she'd decided not to interfere.

"That person doesn't seem to realize her predicament. Approaching the Sage now will only get her destroyed. Should I warn her?"

She leaned forward and looked past the line toward the girl on the other side.

"Maybe I shouldn't. The Sage can handle this himself."

This time, she didn't try to be clever.

"Beep~"

The PE teacher came over and blew his whistle.

"We won't run today. Instead, we'll... play volleyball!"

He held the ball high.

"Oh~!"

The students played along and cheered.

They moved to the gym, where nets had already been set up in the middle, dividing the space into two courts—one for boys and one for girls.

"Go ahead and form your own teams."

The PE teacher gave them that freedom.

However, he hadn't considered the consequences of saying that.

"Hasegawa-kun! Team up with me!"

"Hasegawa-kun, save me!"

"Let me join too! I won't hold you back!"

Nearly every boy turned to Hasegawa Izumi, pleading dramatically and enthusiastically.

They couldn't help it. They didn't want to be mercilessly crushed in a one-sided match!

He'd joined so many sports clubs. Surely he could handle something as simple as volleyball, right?

"Are you all so eager to play volleyball?"

Hasegawa Izumi smiled, his eyes narrowing.

"As expected of Shuchiin. You're developing in every way—mind, body, and spirit!"

"..."

Everyone fell silent.

Of course not. They just didn't want him using them as volleyballs.

"Teacher, I think I'll sit this one out."

Knowing he'd become