Reincarnated in the game world ~ A gamer's beginning to [Dungeon job hunting recommendation]

The sunshine illuminated the day of the finale. Truly the finest weather one could ask for. 

I could feel my expression loosening as I made my way to the 5th arena. 

At this time of day, Hannah usually accompanies me, but the competition in her production department, along with the work of Student Council, had crowded her schedule for the time being. So it's basically me for the past few days. 

I took a loose gait while looking back at the matches we've gone through. At the same, a loneliness crept over me. It was the finale, I couldn't have been any more excited. But like every firework of a festival, the sparkle of the moment was there, alas that wasn’t for eternity however. 

I honestly had so much fun it muddled my temporal sense. Our first match was quite a banger. I spotted quite an intriguing talent in the Class-2. In particular, the tag team of bearkin girl, and archer was great. It's a pity they're deported, else I would have liked to exchange more blows. 

Speaking of them, the quartet had piled up quite a great effort. I mean, they certainly didn't leave any point left unturned, now whether they'd done enough or not was yet to be seen. 

I also went to check out the matches of other departments, and the impact I felt by breathing in the same reality was terrific. 

Then again, even our semi-final was quite lit. Well, I guess so, they're the respective winners of their block and nearly high-ranking ones. They'd made for strong... hmm, wait, they're strong right? Or was it just me who thought we won quite easily. Must be the heat of excitement.

Anyway, I could never figure out why I felt like adrenaline was running in my veins as soon as the match was on. I was so excited we actually jumped in the fray to take on three classes at once in the semi-finale. I must say, that was a bit of a risky move. I had to spend quite effort stopping the Machos who kept shouting like they could swat the other class members like flies, while we carried out a surprise attack on each class's leader. We’re really treading on a dangerous line there.

Saturn, who kissed the match goodbye in an earlier phase of our first match, put double and triple attention in his effort and managed to remain alive till the end this time. 

Man, when it came to persistence, there was no parallel to them. In the end, Saturn managed to earn his right by himself, all due to his persistence, so the trump card we had prepared never saw the light. 

In the final phase of the semi-final, there'd been split opinions on what should be our next step, but eventually we decided to take action after receiving a rescue message from Class-6. And we did, our first target was Class-18.

Speaking of the request, the messenger who came to ask for help was rejoiced to hear our yes, and appeared excited to bring the good news but he ended up stepping on Shizu's landmine on the way back. It was truly a tragic incident.

Ultimately, maybe the absence of news played a huge role, we took down the Class-18's base, but Class-6 couldn't hold until then to see the result. We ended up reaping the points of all classes. Still, I could never get my head around why they thought it was all a big mega master-mind plan of Class-1 to be the absolute hegemon in ranking.

Either way, I had fun. As I continued to revel in details of previous matches, I suddenly noticed three silhouettes covering my path.

"We apologize for intruding so suddenly. It's just, we were hoping if we could talk for a moment. It's about the finale."

The boy to my right—he was wearing a priestly garb like equipment, so maybe his job was priest?—spoke. Their polite tone had me stopped on my track.

"Err... who're you again?"

"Kuhhh!"

I had very faint recollection of them, though I couldn't pinpoint who, so I asked for confirmation. But my question had the dwarven boy to my left, donning leather equipment, releasing a grunt with a painful expression. Oh, wait, the other two students actually had the same expression. I could even see a glimpse of loneliness, you know, like, the friend who wasn’t invited to a birthday party.

An incomprehensible air drifted between us. ...What's the matter?

Eventually, the middle member, a sorcerer girl, cleared her throat and started introducing themselves.

"...*Ahem*. We're the members of your rival class in the finale. I am Akemi, leader of Class-12."

"Do you... do you really not remember us? ...Ugh... and we're your rival... I am Kajmal, likewise a member of Class-12."

"I can't believe we aren't even in your eyes, what a humiliation! The name's Wardol, from the same Class-12."

"Ahh, I get it!"

I tapped my palm with the fist, finally recalling who they're. Right, they're the leader of our next rival class and her minions! I had only watched their match from afar so I couldn't figure it out immediately. 

Yup, I definitely didn't forget about you guys, believe me. I especially remember these quirky equipment.

"G-Good gracious, so you remember huh."

The leader of Class-12 said in a shaky voice at my reaction. At a closer look, her face seemed tense, and muscles twitching. It... shouldn't be because of me... right?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

...*Ahem*, anway, let's see what they've to say.

"Well, so what does our next rival have to say? No wait, is it perhaps the declaration of war?! You know what, I accept it gladly!"

I asked back their purpose, but I immediately had an inkling before I could finish my words. Right, why else would the leader of another class be lying in wait for the leader of the fan-favourite class with their minion, no?! My PvP enthusiastic brain cells immediately churn to draw a conclusion.

"Huh, no? No, that's not why we're here. And why in the world are you smiling for that reason?! I mean, you don't even appear bothered at the idea of declaration of war?!"

Ahh, I was wrong... apparently.

"I, I see. So t-this is the confidence of... Class-1...!"

"Kuh, we definitely aren't seen as a greater enemy huh."

The three expressed different reactions, their expressions trembling. Huh?

"Your expression says my guess wasn't even close."

"Yeah, not even the ballpark of a hundred miles! And what's with that disappointed expression, aargh, oh goodness!!"

I was totally and utterly wrong. No, I mean, it was probably all my misunderstanding. But speaking of—

"Speaking of, you're quite a master in retorting, I must say, Akemi-san!"

"Ohh yes?! Thank you!! You know what, my head is going to explode it seems! Anyone tell me again, was Brave always that infuriating?!"

"Huh, I would say I am quite a friendly person?"

"Hahaha, yes, I can *totally see* the friendly spirit, indeed, Very Much!!"

Something's not right. I feel like we both were talking about two different meanings of a friendly personality. ...Nevermind, must be in head, probably.

"Hey, Akemi. Hurry up and get to the main business, we're gathering attention from others."

Dwarf Wardol reminded Akemi-san in haste as his gaze noticed the surroundings. 

Ah, yes. I had yet to hear their purpose.

"*Ahem*, right, main business first. I nearly lost myself in Brave-kun's pace."

"...Nearly? I think you're totally caught up in it though."

"W-Well, my name is Zephyr by the way."

"Argh, that's enough! I am not going to fall into your pace any longer!"

Akemi-san covered her ears with hand and shook her head. 

Aww, come now, and here I was finally self-introducing myself. Were they sure their business was not to declare war?

"Anyway! I have a suggestion for Class-1!"

Bubbling in an intense spirit, Akemi raised her finger and began speaking. 

I sealed my mouth shut this time, and just watched her first.

"We would like to have a cooperation with Class-1. The main objective is to clear out other classes except us. I have spoke with other classes too, and you're 4th in list. If all of you join us, we can sweep every other class! So, what do you say?"

Ohh, so that's how it is. Instead of war declaration, they're seeking alliance huh. Class-1 actually hasn't received a single request to collaborate, except the rescue request from Class-6, if that's to be counted. So It just never occurred to me.

Well, seeking alliance outside of the arena wasn't quite common, but it wasn't unusual either. 

The general consensus was to keep all the matters within the confines of the arena, but there were only two winner slots. And after seeing winning classes often having an alliance between them, the nuance was rather lost over the fact. At the end, it didn't make a difference when you push for it. Those who were interested, would be joining hands either way.

But I must say, her plan was quite bold. An alliance as big as four classes would certainly be a behemoth to tackle. This would get them in top 4 at least, and earning a top rank in the finale was rather a good deal. 

But speaking of me, it was boring. I mean, we're talking about the Inter-Class competition, and the finale to boot. 

Alliance surely had its perk, and I did have some ideas; like I wouldn't mind joining hands if some situation occurred, but tackling the match with some sort of certain win wasn't Class-1's style. 

And moreover, I do remember Class-12. I had a guess who that first class might be in alliance, though I am not sure about who might be second... no, wait. Could it be...?

Well, well, it seemed the situation had taken an interesting turn. If my guess was right, we would be seeing a true deterrence this time. They were a fearsome opponent for a reason. 

Though, personally, fine with me. A Grand Finale shouldn't be lacking its due tension and mind-blowing confrontation!