68. Beware of the Wayward Girl

When it comes to the youthful romantic comedies of high school students, one simply cannot ignore the "sports festival." It appears to be an indispensable staple in every high school romance game and anime, always accompanied by some unexpected event.

This game is no exception.

The "High School Sports League" is a youth athletic competition jointly sponsored by the twenty districts of Night Pivot City and six powerful conglomerates, held annually. For students still living in their sheltered worlds, winning the championship of this league represents the highest honor achievable in their high school athletic careers, its prestige rivaling that of the Koshien for Japanese high school baseball.

In Chen Shang's recollection, countless special incidents occur during this league.

Nayuta enrolled in the women's eight-kilometer long-distance race. Thanks to her outstanding physical abilities, the club coach made an exception, allowing this first-year student to represent the school.

However, Nayuta's debut did not go smoothly. According to the storyline, Nayuta and another runner from a neighboring school quickly pulled far ahead, leaving the rest behind thanks to their remarkable endurance. Barring any mishaps, the two should have been the champion and runner-up of the race.

Yet, the other runner harbored malicious intent, deliberately tripping Nayuta and causing her to lose the race, placing very poorly.

Afterward, Nayuta sought out the perpetrator for a confrontation. Unexpectedly, the other girl denied everything and instead summoned classmates to bully Nayuta.

At this point, two options appear before the player: "Help Nayuta" or "Ignore the situation."

Then, at the critical moment... the second male lead, Xu Qing, arrives with a group of student council confidants to restore order and helps Nayuta out of trouble.

Regardless of the player's choice, the impact on this part of the story is minimal. Even if the player chooses to help Nayuta, the "lead role" in the event remains with Xu Qing. The player is no more than an insignificant backdrop behind him.

Although Nayuta is the player's sister, Xu Qing steals the spotlight—a scenario that would leave anyone feeling disgruntled.

But Chen Shang has no intention of letting things unfold as the story dictates, for he has devised a special plan.

...

This year's High School Sports League is held at Dragon's Nest Plaza in Longmen District. After the explosion at Jin Yuchuang's press conference, the plaza underwent extensive renovations and now appears refreshed and new.

When Chen Shang and Nayuta arrived at the venue, the place was already bustling with crowds and aerial drones, the excitement reminiscent of the day Jin Yuchuang held his press conference.

Apart from local students from Longmen District, high schoolers from over a dozen neighboring districts participated. It was rumored that children of some conglomerate executives were among the contestants, and the venue was crowded with luxury cars and attendants shuttling back and forth.

"Big brother, I'll do my best!" Nayuta said, her expression bright with excitement, as she prepared to enter the locker room.

Chen Shang, however, seemed preoccupied and suddenly said, "During the race, keep an eye out for a girl with a purple ponytail."

"Eh? Why?" Nayuta asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"If I remember correctly, her name is Chihiro Yoshitsuka," Chen Shang responded, his expression unusually serious. "Anyway, you must pay attention to her feet."

"Alright... I'll keep that in mind," Nayuta replied, nodding to his mysterious advice.

Watching his sister walk away, Chen Shang shrugged and chose a seat in the stands with a good view.

"Oh! Isn't that our junior? You came to watch the competition too?" A few boys clad in Upper City High uniforms soon approached, greeting him warmly.

These were his seniors from the boxing club. With their club members competing today, they were all here to support.

"I'm here to watch my sister's race," Chen Shang replied, raising his camera with a polite smile. "Of course, I'll cheer for the boxing club as well."

"Is she the one training with the track club?" The senior recognized Nayuta and quickly praised her, "She's amazing—competing as a first-year!"

The club members chatted amongst themselves:

"I heard the club president signed up for the unlimited fighting category... This might be his last year competing."

"Haha! If he brings home a championship trophy, who'll dare look down on the boxing club?"

"......"

After saying goodbye to her brother, Nayuta kept his warning in mind.

Since starting high school, her brother had become rather enigmatic, speaking in riddles and circles. But his tone this time was especially earnest, as if ignoring him would lead to disaster.

"Maybe I'm overthinking it..." Nayuta tried to reassure herself as she entered the locker room.

Bang—

At that moment, a contestant brushed past her. Their shoulders collided, causing both to stagger backward.

"Sorry! That was my fault!" Nayuta bowed politely in apology.

But as she looked up at the other girl, her gaze froze.

Purple hair, a single ponytail, lean and wiry build, the scent of tobacco lingering about her, tattoos on her arms, heavy makeup, and a fierce, delinquent aura.

On the back of her tracksuit were the bold words: "Suzuki High School."

This school belonged to the neighboring Arakawa District. Though academically decent, it carried a host of unsavory rumors.

Reportedly, each grade at this school is divided into "Elite Class," "Standard Class," and "Trouble Class." The elite students are talented and well-off, enjoying top-tier education and services. The standard class consists of those neither outstanding nor poor, with teachers merely going through the motions.

But the school's greatest issue lies with the "Trouble Class." In essence, Suzuki High's trouble class is a pay-to-enter program—a gold-plating scheme for delinquents. Not only do these students brawl within their own school, but they also cause trouble at others. It's said that out of every ten high schoolers in Arakawa District, at least three have suffered harassment from "Suzuki troublemakers."

The purple-haired girl before Nayuta was clearly from the trouble class, judging by her look.

"Tch, blind as a bat and still competing?" The Suzuki girl paid no heed to Nayuta's apology, spat out a rude remark, and turned away.

As she turned, Nayuta caught sight of her name on the back: "Chihiro Yoshitsuka."

—It really is her!

Nayuta stared intensely at the Suzuki girl, lost in thought.

She couldn't fathom why her brother would warn her specifically about this girl, or how he could know her name so precisely.

Did her brother know her? Why would he have any connection with a delinquent from Arakawa District?

—Could it be that her brother was bullied by Suzuki High students, and this girl was one of the perpetrators?

With that thought, Nayuta anxiously bit her thumbnail and murmured,

"Why didn’t my brother tell me? I would definitely help him get justice!"

While Nayuta was lost in her wild suspicions, Chihiro Yoshitsuka noticed she was being stared at and turned back with a vicious glare.

"What are you looking at? Want me to gouge your eyes out?"

"Ah, s-sorry!" Distracted by her thoughts, Nayuta quickly averted her gaze and apologized once again.