Promotion to A-Class Rank 1

My victory over Aldis had vaulted me to A-Class rank 1 even before the tournament finals.

… But I wasn't in any state to be honestly happy about it.

I'd made far too many mistakes. This called for some serious soul-searching.

In every single match, losing wasn't an option.

What was I doing letting myself get this lax?

… If I had to make excuses, the matches up to that point had been so soft my instincts had dulled.

Before the A-Class tournament, my companions had all grown so strong… strong enough to hold their own even against S-Class, even against Ursula's party.

There was no way I could lose to A-Class opponents now; thinking that, I'd been underestimating every A-Class Master across the board.

And then Aldis, with his S-Class-tier strength, had appeared…

… and I'd been thrown by just how far his level outstripped the A-Classers up to that point.

But there had been chances to notice.

Everyone had been saying it, after all. Aldis was strong on a different plane, there was no way I could win… that kind of thing.

The commentators, the analysts. Even Austin had said as much.

And yet my caution had barely risen at all.

Even so, my companions were strong, so we'd surely win… I'd been overconfident.

Especially since Austin didn't seem to have much of an eye for it.

If Colette and Luna hadn't given me everything they had, would I really have won?

… I couldn't let it go to my head.

Truly… I'd come face to face with my own pathetic side.

Normally a person only learned this after a painful defeat that cost them everything.

Thanks to Colette and Luna, and everyone giving their all, I'd caught my own arrogance without having to lose.

I really… had to be grateful.

I had to be sincere again.

… Compared to S-Class, I was the lowest of the low. From here on, unless I got much, much stronger, I wouldn't reach anything above this at all.

I had to make absolutely sure I never forgot such an obvious truth.

"… Haaah…"

I let out a deep sigh.

… I could reflect on it all I liked. But I couldn't let it show on my face too much.

Right now, I should be praising everyone who'd worked so hard.

They'd all been amazing.

When I was at my worst, they'd held me up… I'd come to understand all over again that they truly were companions I could rely on.

That, honestly, made me happy.

"… Everyone, thank you, really. We won thanks to all of you."

When I said it from the heart, everyone smiled.

"Onii-sama, congratulations."

Suzanne, who'd been on the reserve roster, greeted me with a smile.

"… I really showed you a sorry side of me, huh."

I laughed wryly.

"My, when Onii-sama is at a low, that's exactly when we're here to support you.

"There's no one who doesn't make mistakes. What matters is standing right back up and walking again afterwards."

But Suzanne didn't blame me for any of it.

"Thank you. I'll engrave that on my heart."

Continuing to challenge, huh… Yeah. I was the one who'd set out to challenge this world, after all.

I couldn't let myself get carried away just because I'd reached A-Class rank 1.

I watched the rest of the matches. Sincerely once more, with serious focus.

… But when I felt my attention slipping again, I slapped my own cheek with all my might.

The members who remained were all considerably weaker than Aldis.

Sorry, but at this point I couldn't lose even if I let my guard down…

That doesn't mean you can let your guard down! Are you planning to put on another embarrassing fight!?

I slapped my cheek once more.

Hah, the bracket draw really hadn't been kind either. I'd been mentally pacing myself for the finals, but I'd run into him in the quarters…

… wait, making excuses to myself like this was just hollow. To avoid putting on another spineless battle, I had to properly retrain my heart.

If my companions were strong, then I had to be a Master worthy of those strong companions.

So the ones who'd advanced were A-Class rank 2 Romos, A-Class rank 6 Yowis, and… rank 3 Dalido.

Pretty much the expected outcome, I supposed. Aside from Aldis losing.

… Honestly, even with that strength of his, Aldis still had to drop to the loser's bracket.

He'd lost so it couldn't be helped, but… it felt unreasonable.

… Just as reflection started creeping in and dragging me down again, watching Seika fight cheered me up a bit.

She was extremely good. An idol concert through and through.

The cute Seika, dressed in her cute frilly idol outfit, singing and dancing while the Garumon battled around her… it reminded me of ○cross.

Seika was a textbook supporter type who fought through song.

Her class name was Holy Songstress. Value 7800.

Thanks to her S-Class experience, she had a +300 S-Class bonus, a top-tier class.

"The Songstress is considered the strongest class within the singing-type classes, including bards," Lyuka explained for me.

"It's funny how she's ditched her real name to go by a katakana stage name, but her class name matches her actual name perfectly," I cracked a small joke.

Our team was relatively short on dedicated supporters, so I was looking forward to Seika joining.

"Now then, the four advancing to the semifinals will draw the final lottery of the main bracket! A-Class rank 1 Naoto-senshu, rank 2 Romos-senshu, rank 6 Yowis-senshu, please come up to the stage!"

At those words, I made my way onto the stage.

… On the stage, Dalido… no, for some reason it was Seika Shikina waiting there.

Apparently Dalido wasn't fond of the bright spotlight, and at times like these he left it entirely to Seika and didn't come out front.

So there were Masters like that too. I wasn't exactly great at being in front of crowds either, but…

I considered it the bare minimum of responsibility, so I made an effort to come out anyway.

Hiding behind one's Garumon and leaving everything to them seemed pathetic.

"… Congratulations on A-Class rank 1… I never imagined… you'd actually beat that Aldis. You really were strong."

Seika called out to me.

Strong, huh… I gave a wry smile.

"Aren't you satisfied with your fighting style? Just beating a former S-Class Master is a ridiculous feat in itself.

"Whether you have to grovel in the mud or claw on your knees, if you win, that's everything. I honestly thought it was incredible," Seika encouraged me.

"… Thank you."

Her kindness brought me close to tears.

"I guess this brings Seika joining a step closer."

"Step closer or not…

"You should've seen Austin's jaw drop. It was a masterpiece. By the end he was foaming at the mouth and collapsed.

"Dalido just trailed along nursing him, so even though our opponent was A-Class rank 15 Riedos, if yours truly hadn't taken charge as leader and moved everyone, we'd have lost. Honestly…"

Seika laughed… She seemed to be in a good mood.

… So Dalido too had done something stupid and had his teammates cover for him.

"And now, Naoto-senshu, please draw your lot!"

At Anastasia-san's words, I gave Seika a quick "well then" and headed to the lottery.

"It's fine if we meet next round, but if we get the choice, let's fight in the finals."

So Seika told me.

The looks from Romos and Yowis, as if to say this guy beat Aldis…?, bothered me.

I was embarrassed too. But I wouldn't show a fight any more shameful than that. I slipped past them and drew my lot.

"Congratulations, Naoto-senshu."

So Anastasia-san told me.

I bowed and drew the lot.

"Naoto-senshu, number 3!"

My name went up on the tournament bracket.

"Next, Romos-senshu… number 4!

"With this, the lottery is concluded! The semifinals: round 1, Dalido-senshu vs Yowis-senshu. Round 2, Naoto-senshu vs Romos-senshu!

"Also, these four are now confirmed as A-Class rank 1 through 4! Who will seize the crown of rank 1!?

"Whether you laugh or cry, just two days remain! We're greatly looking forward to it!"

Whoaaaaaaa…!

Bathed in the cheers of the great crowd…

Now then, today, let's go home.

"And so… first off, congratulations on completing your tournament debut, Yuria, Leone."

A victory celebration. With a smile, I congratulated everyone.

It absolutely wouldn't do to wear a gloomy face and sink into depression. Smile brightly, celebrate the win.

Everyone had given that much for me, after all.

"It really was a tough one, huh. But, as expected of Naoto. A splendid victory."

But for the most part, no one had noticed the many mistakes I'd made.

I'd skillfully hidden my agitation behind my trademark poker face, no doubt.

The ones who'd properly noticed were Suzanne and… maybe Haru.

Suzanne, of course, had a high level of combat knowledge.

Haru, because he watched me carefully. And he'd been studying tactics seriously lately and had grown stronger.

The ones who'd vaguely noticed were Yuria, Lyuka, and Leone. But they'd been busy with their own battles, so they probably hadn't fully picked up on it.

… If they hadn't noticed, maybe I shouldn't bring it up.

Having everyone scold me would only ease my own conscience.

I wanted everyone to keep mistakenly thinking I was right, that I was amazing.

That way, they'd perform beyond their actual skill.

This victory had only happened because they'd covered for my mistakes that way.

Suzanne had told me that even when I was no good, she'd support me.

But I couldn't lean on that. I had to get stronger…

… Just then, Leone took my hand and Yuria's, and led us to the bedroom.

… And then she quietly drew me into her embrace.

"… You worked hard, Naoto-san. Today must've been rough, hm?"

Gently, kindly, she drew me to her chest and stroked my head.

"A-ah, hold on… L-Leone… geez. I'm the Master, so… I should be the one comforting everyone…"

"Fufufu, it's all right. Still, I'm the older one here.

"… At times like these, it's okay to spoil yourself. It's just Yuria and me here."

"…"

There-there, there-there… as she stroked my head, somehow… I started to melt.

The tension knotted in my heart loosened… ah… it felt so good.

"Mm, thank you, Leone… today… I really was… so, so bad. I was scared.

"I kept thinking, what would I do if I lost."

"Mm… fufufu. That's right… it was scary, wasn't it…"

"Naoto…"

Yuria wore a startled expression.

She'd noticed my mistakes a bit too, but had taken them lightly. As in, anyone makes mistakes now and then.

"It's true that Naoto-san has to be strong.

"And in fact, Naoto-san is very… wonderfully strong. There's no doubt about that.

"But, you know, there's no need anywhere for you to be invincible.

"Everyone is anxious, scared… and pushing through it while doing their best.

"That's just how it is.

"When you're really scared or things really hurt… at those times, lean on us.

"Especially me, and… Yuria, and Haru, the Sub-Masters. We can understand Naoto-san's weakness like that and surely support you for it…"

"… How shameful of me. Leone is right.

"I… ended up taking advantage of Naoto's strength.

"… I'm sorry.

"On that point, Haru really does understand you well, doesn't he.

"When I was about to enter the bedroom, he tried to call out. Since Leone said it was fine, he stepped back at ease…"

So Yuria reflected.

"… I'm sorry too. Today really was… I made so many mistakes, couldn't recover, panicked, was scared and anxious…

"But because I'm the Master, if everyone thought I was weak, no one would be able to fight with confidence, so I desperately suppressed it all, and I…

"I guess I didn't trust everyone…"

"Geez, that's not it at all. We follow you because we all love you from the bottom of our hearts, Naoto.

"Don't underestimate us so much."

"Mm… sorry.

"… But I want to be strong. It's a man's pride. That's the one part I can't yield on.

"Just… when I'm really, really tired… if I can lean on you a little, I'd be happy."

… Aah, today, I really am… weak. At times like this, at least…

"Fufufu! Yes, gladly…! Today, Leone and I will let you spoil yourself as much, as much as you want."

So saying… Leone scooped me into her arms, and as I sucked at her breasts…

Yuria sucked on my dick.

Wrapped in her soft breasts… aah, as comforting as soaking in a newborn's first bath. How… soothing it was.

"Fufufu… look, Naoto… it's okay to call me Mama, you know."

"Th-that's a bit…"

"Fufufu, c'mon, it's fine. Today, spoil yourself plenty. It's baby play."

"U-uu… M-Mama…"

I-it's embarrassing.

"Fufufu, look, Naoto-chan. Drink your fill of Mama's milk…"

Leone said gently.

Aah… I'm melting… I went all gooey, melted by Leone's and Yuria's kindness…

"Mama… Mamaaa…"

Dopyu, dopyu, dopyu!

I shot a load all into Yuria's mouth.

Aaah…

I'm happy…

… … … …

… …

…

And so I let myself be utterly spoiled, and was utterly… soothed.

No more… I was completely fine.

"All right, I'm okay now. Today… I really was no good. I was worn out and weakened, but…

"Now I've completely recovered. I'm in perfect form."

So saying, I pressed Leone and Yuria down.

"O-oh, my? You can spoil yourself more, you know?"

"That's right, since we're at it, today let me see the spoiled baby Naoto a bit more～"

"… That's enough. I've shown you both plenty of my weak, embarrassing side… from here, I have to show you my strong side too."

"Eh, ah, ah… aaaaaah…!"

Now, the counterattack. First, I plunged into Leone with everything I had! I thrust into Leone's pussy as much as I pleased, making her climax over and over.

"Hig! Nhi, hia, aaaa, aa, aaaa…!"

Twitch, twitch, twitch! Bushuuu!

A hot fluid spurted from her crotch, love juices or maybe pee, I couldn't tell which.

"Hia, ah, aaaa…"

Slump…

That strong, mature Leone, leaking pee like this and lying there limp and weakened. The sight sent shivers down my spine.

… Yeah, well, even I got worn down sometimes, but fundamentally, this was who I was.

I was getting back into my groove.

"U-uhm, uhm… please go easy…"

"Nope, Yuria worked really hard today too. Now's exactly the time I have to give you a reward."

"A-ah, ah, ah… aaaaaaa…!"

And so I pounded away with everything I had.

… About an hour of internal time later, I stepped out of the room.

Mwah…

A wave of heat and steam billowed out of the room.

"… Wah."

"Whoa…"

Haru and Setsuna, who'd come in to help with cleanup, gave little exclamations.

I'd gone a bit overboard. Yuria and Leone, who'd had me cum about ten times and ended up leaking not just pee but also poop, lay collapsed with their eyes rolled back.

"… Sorry, I got a little carried away."

"Ahaha… Naoto-kun, you've completely revived, huh.

"… Fufufu, when you're tired and so on, I'd be happy if you'd… rely on me too.

"If you keep yourself strung tight all the time, you'll wear yourself out, after all."

So Haru told me.

"… Thank you. I'm… kind of weak around you, Haru…"

"Ehehe, we're best friends, after all."

Haru smiled… I was getting in the mood again.

"Onii-chan, please wait until the cleanup is over."

But Setsuna scolded me.

All right, energy at full. Next was A-Class rank 2. Time to get fired up.

This time around, I'd been truly pathetic… I wouldn't repeat such a spineless fight.

Next time, let it be an opponent like Aldis, or even stronger.

That would be way more interesting for sure.

And of course, next time, surely Ursula would be the formidable opponent who'd grant my wish.

Next time, I'd win properly, perfectly.

I burned with fighting spirit, fully geared up for the next battle.