How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game

Chapter 632: Day before the tournament 5

“Huwaaah~ that was so fun! Hehehe~!”

At Emilia’s bright, ringing laugh, the rest of the group naturally broke into their own giggles, her joy spreading like a small ripple through all of them.

“Yes, indeed. I never expected such mundane-looking human activities to be this enjoyable,” Vanessa admitted, brushing a strand of silver hair behind her pointed ear.

As an elf, the things humans considered “fun” never truly registered to her before.

Playing at little stalls, tossing rings, fishing up prizes, eating what she used to label unhealthy street food… none of it had ever seemed appealing.

But spending her free time with these people—laughing, moving from booth to booth, trying foods she normally would never touch—had shifted something inside her.

Who would’ve thought doing “not-so-proper” things could be enjoyable?

Eating sweets and meat skewers without restraint, trying every suspiciously colorful drink offered, and even cheating a bit at the mini-game stalls out of mischief…

Vanessa had to admit she liked it.

And judging by the faint sparkle in Melan and Fay’s eyes behind her, they were likely enjoying the “accidental cheating” just as much.

“It’s about time Stacia and Uriel will join us!” Emilia chimed, turning back to the group with the same excited grin.

Everyone nodded.

“I wonder what we should do next when they arrive?” Reina asked thoughtfully.

“How about just repeating everything we just did?” Flamme suggested without hesitation, hands behind her head as she stretched casually.

“We could,” Reina said, “but will those two enjoy it?”

“Beats me~.”Flamme shrugged.

In truth, she could guess they would enjoy it.

But knowing their somewhat prim and proper backgrounds, she wasn’t entirely sure—especially in Stacia’s case. She was a princess, after all.

Watching her run around a festival booth trying to catch rubber fish or eating grilled skewers with greasy fingers would be… surreal.

Still, seeing everyone smiling like this…

Flamme figured even a princess could loosen up for one day.

“Emilia! Everyone!”

In no time, Uriel finally appeared, jogging toward them with a small wave.

“Uriel!”Emilia greeted her with the same bubbly excitement she gave Reina earlier.

As soon as Uriel reached them, Emilia jumped forward, and the two shared a warm hug.

Uriel even gave Emilia a gentle pat on the head, smiling softly.

“Took you long enough to get here,” Flamme mumbled, poking at her cheek.

“Haha, sorry about that,” Uriel replied with a small laugh. “I had to squeeze in my training before the tournament tomorrow, so I ended up running late. Hmm… Stacia hasn’t arrived yet?”

“Yes,” Reina answered before Flamme continued the explanation.

“Well, since she said her business today was political or whatever, I guess she’s taking a while to finish it…” Flamme sighed. “Should we wait here for her? Or just continue exploring? There’s still a bunch of places we haven’t checked out.”

“How about we wait a bit?” Emilia suggested. “I’m sure Stacia is already hurrying to come here.”

“If you say so,” Flamme replied with a shrug.

So the group moved toward an empty bench nearby, settling down comfortably.

Along the way they grabbed a few snacks—more skewers, drinks, and sweets—to munch on while they waited.

Midday was still a ways off, so they weren’t particularly worried about the time.

The festival still had plenty to offer, and knowing Stacia, she’d show up the moment she was done.

For now, sitting together, eating, and chatting felt like a nice break before their fun resumed.

As the group settled comfortably on the bench, their conversation drifted from snacks to random festival memories.

But then, out of nowhere, Flamme leaned forward with a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Hey,” she began, licking a bit of sugar off her thumb, “have you guys decided on your opponents for tomorrow’s tournament?”

The question dropped like a pebble into water—small, yet enough to ripple through everyone’s thoughts.

One by one, the chatter quieted.

A short silence followed as each girl mentally ran through tomorrow’s possibilities.

It was Uriel who eventually broke it.

“Hm… for me, no one challenged me, and I didn’t challenge anyone either,” she said, rubbing the back of her neck. “So I’ll probably get randomly paired with a top senior tomorrow. I really hope it’s someone from one of the foreign academies though… ah—no offense.”

She quickly looked at Melan and Fay, both foreign students.

The two elves shook their heads calmly.

“None taken,” Melan replied. Fay nodded in agreement.

After all, even if they wanted to deny it, the truth was plain: the top geniuses of Lumen Academy were terrifying.

Monsters in human form.

Students who had already surpassed what most would consider normal even among prodigies—students whose abilities were closer to real-world elites than academy contestants.

“Welp,” Reina said as she reached for one of the skewers, “since this year’s event wasn’t set up strictly the way the Grand Festival was in the previous years, I’m guessing tomorrow’s lineup will be pure chaos. I wonder how they’ll even balance things out?”

Flamme snorted. “Balance? Please. The staff hardly even tried this time.”

Reina nodded. “Haha I guess so…” the competition the other day was already proof of it.

“I mean, the entire festival was extended from three days to seven. They’re obviously planning to milk all the main events—tournaments, showcases, you name it. You should’ve seen the ticket prices. Even if the academy is opening the borders for everyone tomorrow, the amount they’re charging is crazy.” Flamme said. “Yup… the staff aren’t even being subtle about it. They’re totally using us as entertainment fodder.”

“Haha, I don’t think that’s entirely what they’re doing, Flamme…” Emilia said meekly, her voice small as she nibbled on her snack.

“But it is the truth~,” Flamme replied without missing a beat. “As for me though, I’m in the same case as Uriel. No one bothered to challenge me openly, so I’ll probably end up fighting a senior tomorrow.”

She kicked her legs lightly and rested her chin on her palm.

“Though honestly, I’m curious… will they even stick to the standard procedure of juniors-versus-seniors? Considering the massive number of students participating this year, maybe the higher-ups decided to throw the whole system out and let it be a random free-for-all. No ranks, no years—just pure one-on-one matches where you fight your way through whoever shows up.”

“That may very well be the case,” Vanessa replied thoughtfully. “Judging by the number of brackets they’re setting up, it wouldn’t surprise me.”

“I see… quite the linear tournament setup,” Flamme said with a casual shrug. “Well, not that it matters.”

“You seem confident, Lady Flamme.”Melan suddenly spoke—his voice calm, but his eyes sharp with curiosity.

It was the first time he’d inserted himself into the conversation, and everyone turned to look at him.

Flamme grinned. “Of course I am. After all, aside from a few monstrous seniors, I’m quite the monster myself, you know~”

Her tone was smug, playful, and yet behind it was truth—truth Melan could see.

His elven senses quietly picked up on the faint tremors around Flamme.

Elemental spirits—not fully manifested, but present—fluttered around her like unseen motes of light.

Although Melan couldn’t properly perceive high-ranking spirits unless they purposely showed themselves, the echoes of their energy alone were enough to make a bead of cold sweat slip down his back.

She wasn’t exaggerating.Not even a little.

“I… see,” Melan said slowly, swallowing. “In that case, I very much hope I won’t come to face you, Lady Flamme.”

Flamme let out a light chuckle. “Well, depending on how long the two of us last and who we get matched with, the chances of us meeting might be pretty slim. So don’t worry too much.”

Despite her words, Melan still felt a faint chill at the back of his neck.

“You guys are already here….”

A calm, elegant voice drifted toward them.

The group turned, and there she stood—platinum-blonde hair cascading like silk, crimson-red eyes gleaming under the midday light.

Stacia approached with her usual refined grace, smiling softly at the sight of her friends gathered together.

“Stacia! You’re here—welcome! We were waiting for you!” Emilia exclaimed as she bounced toward her.

“I can see that,” Stacia replied gently. “Please forgive me for being late.”

“It’s fine, Stacia,” Reina said with a reassuring smile. “Are you already done with your business?”

“Yes. It took a while to take care of, but I am free for the entire day now.”

“I see! Well then, let’s go back and explore again!” Emilia announced happily, already turning toward the crowd of booths—

But—

“Wait.”

Stacia’s voice halted the group mid-step.

She reached into her pocket, pulled out a folded piece of paper, and held it out toward Flamme, who was lazily lounging on the bench while snacking.

“What’s this?” Flamme asked, grabbing it with a bored expression. But the moment she read the title and first few lines, her brow twitched. She sat up straighter.

“You… want to challenge me as your opponent?”

“Yes,” Stacia answered without hesitation.

Silence blanketed the group. Even Emilia froze, eyes wide. Reina blinked. Vanessa raised a brow. Melan and Fay were startled by the sudden spike of tension.

And Flamme… widened her eyes before letting out a short, incredulous laugh.

“You’re kidding, right? Even for you, oh dear princess, joking around like this isn’t really funny.” Flamme waved the paper dismissively. “And also—why did you set the time to the earliest slot tomorrow? Tsk, mornings aren’t really my thing, you know.”

“Because it will bring the strongest initial impact… if I beat you.”

Flamme’s smirk faltered for a second.

“Oh? You sound confident.” She narrowed her eyes, leaning forward. “You’re making it seem like you fully expect to beat me—”

“Yes,” Stacia replied immediately, calmly, without the slightest stutter. “I believe I will. That is why I would like you to sign the agreement now, so the academy can finalize the match.”

Flamme stared.

The others held their breath.

“…You. Are you for real right now?” Flamme muttered, feeling a strange mixture of amusement and irritation rise in her chest.

Stacia’s crimson eyes did not waver.

“The title of top student in our year,” she declared quietly but firmly. “I’ll be taking it from you this time, Flamme.”