"The third batch in the Cooking Room is different,” Miya replied calmly. “That one's for failed and pending pairs. It’s quick—simple dishes. Don’t worry.”

“Wait five minutes,” Tanvika said, walking in with her hands tucked behind her back. “Room 1 will open.”

“Tanvika-sama, you said this was to balance the time between all pairs,” Kazuma said, turning slightly. “But… what if some don’t come back after Room 1 opens? Like Jin and Mei?”

She raised an eyebrow. “That’s their problem. They’ll get a token and finish Room 1. You’ll complete this and move to Section A—it’s the same. Speed matters here. Your brain doesn’t get that?”

“I get it,” Kazuma sighed. “But the ones who got the key yesterday… they’ve got an advantage. If they use that wisely…”

Tanvika looked thoughtful. “Hm… I don’t know about that. But I think only a few keys were placed yesterday. And this pair—” she nodded toward Ren and Yui “—already got one. So one’s already out.”

“Maki,” she said, turning toward her with a small tilt of her head, “how many keys were kept in total?”

“I don’t know the exact number,” Maki replied after a small pause. “But it’s somewhere between six and eight.”

“See? Around seven. That means thirty pairs still have a chance. And Jin? He waited for Himari in Room 3 anyway.”

Maki added, "Those keys are for the lockbox before Section B. Most can search quickly like yesterday with the same method. Flags are still there, so the speed matters."

Kazuma muttered, a little annoyed, "Ha ha... so you're saying those who got lucky might finish first, but the rest also still have a chance. Tch... well, at least it helps Ken and Yui."

Hisagi came beside Ren, eyes a little brighter than usual. “In Room 1… can I act as your instructor, Master?”

“Huh?” Ren blinked at him. “You know what’s in Room 1?”

“Yeah,” Hisagi grinned. “All instructors know. In fact, even the ones from other rooms are coming. It’s open for all seventy-four pairs, Master.”

“Then say it,” Kazuma said, tilting his head slightly, “what’s in it?”

Before Hisagi could speak, a sharp thwack! landed on his head.

“Idiot!” Miya scolded, pulling her hand back. “You’re an instructor here, not their teammate. Don’t forget that.”

“But they’ll know anyway soon, right, Miya-san?” Hisagi rubbed his head and pouted like a sulking kid.

“Still! No, idiot!” she snapped.

“Sorry, Master…” he mumbled sheepishly, turning back toward Ren with a guilty glance.

Ren gave a soft, amused shrug. “It’s okay. Don’t worry about that.”

From behind one of the nearby racks, Rina had been watching the two silently—her hand paused over a packet, expression unreadable. Finally, she stepped forward.

“I didn’t come to check anything. It’s over, right?” she said casually.

Kazuma’s eyes flicked to her, then away again immediately, his voice tight inside. ‘Don’t see her. Don’t turn your face. Just concentrate…’

Meanwhile, Hina tugged at Hisagi’s sleeve. “Niisan! I’ll be the instructor for them!”

“Hey, Hina!” Maki called out with half a laugh. “Didn’t your mom say you should stay with me?”

Hina puffed her cheeks. “Hmph…” Then, with a confident twirl, she ran to Tanvika and clutched her hand. “Grandma! Say to aunty, I’ll act!”

“Let her be, Maki,” Tanvika said with a soft, amused sigh. “I’ll talk to Esha. Don’t worry.”

“Yay!” She raised a tiny fist in victory. “That’s my grandma!”

Rina walked straight in front of Kazuma and crossed her arms. “You pushed us earlier, remember?”

“The item was behind you,” Kazuma said without flinching. “What else could I do but push?... What’s your name, Instructor-san?”

“Oh, my name?” She narrowed her eyes with a smirk. “It’s Rina. Remember it well.”

She flicked his forehead with a smirk. “Okay then, I’ll be your instructor for Room 1.”

She spun to face the nearby contestants, raising her voice. “Here in Room 1, it’s Contestants vs Instructors! Don’t worry—your performance decides how well we do.”

Kazuma narrowed his gaze slightly. ‘Based on our performance?’

“So if we don’t give any chance,” he said dryly, “the instructor’s just a dummy piece, right?”

Miya instantly glared. “You! What did you just say!?”

“Cool down, Miya,” Rina said, raising a hand to calm her. Then she turned to Kazuma with a tilted smirk. “Let’s see how you play. After all, it’s a luck-based game.”

Ren spoke quietly in mind voice. – Hey, be silent…

– I feel the same… but my mind can’t settle unless I say something. And she said ‘luck’, right? You need two keys. And for you, most luck-based games don’t really depend on luck. So if it needs to… play unfair.

Ren shot him a look. – I already told you… unless it’s serious, I won’t cheat. I’ll play fair—even if I lose.

– If it’s individual, fine. But you’ve got a teammate, idiot. And I said, ‘if it is needed,’ okay?

Ren turned his head away, scoffing. – Hmph.

Tanvika, watching from a few steps away, narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. ‘Are they… using Mind Voice?’

(Mind voice exchange art — so you basically know how it works by now. So I’m just using mind voice instead of the full name.)

Ren gave a quick glance toward Rina, careful not to let his eyes linger too long.

But Rina caught it. 'Tch… seeing me, huh? And you didn't say anything to me? Then I won’t either, idiot.' She turned away, pretending to fix her clipboard.

“Let’s go,” Tanvika said, adjusting her saree with a calm gesture. “Takshiro, give the signal when it opens.”

Kazuma’s gaze moved slowly up and down, scanning her carefully.

“What?” She raised an eyebrow, sharp. “Do you have something to say?”

“Nothing,” Kazuma replied with a casual shrug. “I just want to finish this round as quickly as possible.”

He turned away and spoke in mind voice. – Hey… think. You’re playing for Yui and Hisagi. Don’t preach ethics again—follow the situation.

Everyone exited the room in a quiet stream of footsteps.

Inside, Rina leaned toward Tanvika and whispered, “Maa… did you see him? He looked at me. And Kazuma… he’s being cold.”

“Yeah…” Tanvika chuckled softly. “But you know Kazuma too, right? He won’t let you read him that easily.”

“Besides,” she added, “we didn’t even see them for almost six days after the tournament began…”

“Maa…” She lowered her voice, glancing at the doorway. “Their age… it’s just like him now.”

“I know,” Tanvika said calmly, cutting in. “And they’re not in the Cooking Room’s first batch?”

“Haa… they were here at that time,” Rina said with a playful, tight tone. “And Kazuma? Your yenge’s ready to play with you.” She cracked her knuckles with a sly grin.

(*Yenge - Sister-in-law)

****

Takshiro stood near Room 1’s door, seeing all the Contestants, who were coming.

“Please wait here.”

Kazuma clicked his tongue. “We’ll go anyway—what’s the point of stopping? Just let us start, Takshiro-san.”

But before he could step forward, a firm hand stopped him—landing right on his shoulder.

It was Tanvika.

“Why so eager?” she asked, tilting her head with a calm smile. “Everyone’s waited, haven’t they? You should too.”

He sighed. ‘Another delay game… even for this?’ He raised a hand half-heartedly. “I’m just eager to finish it, that’s all. One minute left? Fine, I’ll wait.”

“Come,” he whispered to Ren, already turning away.

In a flicker of light, the two vanished without a trace—reappearing in the same building cluster Ren’s pair had searched earlier.

Ren scanned the area slowly. “This is where we searched before.”

Kazuma’s gaze swept the horizon, sharp and calculating. “Hmm… I think there are eight to nine buildings here. A few of them might be side by side too.”

He continued, “If a building collapses, contestants will likely come from adjacent ones.”

“Use your ability,” Ren said, turning to him. “You and Yuta can easily handle this.”

Kazuma didn’t answer right away. “You go ahead. I’ll return later.”

“…Well. Don’t be late,” Ren said, blinking with a faint frown.

Then, without another word, he vanished—reappearing as he headed back toward Room 1.

Tanvika narrowed her eyes the moment she spotted him. ‘Huh? He returned alone… Where’s Kazuma?’

“Ken!” Sakura ran up to him. “Where’s Master? They’re opening the room any second!”

“He’ll come,” Ren said with quiet assurance. “Don’t worry.”

Takshiro stepped forward and pushed open the doors to Room 1.

Yuta and Himari were the first to enter.

“Hey—don’t rush,” Haruki called out, still leaning casually against the wall near the entrance, arms crossed.

Himari glanced back, blinking. "Huh? Master?" Her eyes widened as she spotted Roy standing beside him.

Roy straightened up. "Neesan, I’ll be your instructor."

“Oh?” Himari stepped toward him, dropping a hand on his shoulder. “My little brother wants to play against me?”

“Aw… Neesan…” Roy sighed, his shoulders drooping slightly.

Thwack!

“Go play properly,” Haruki said, lightly smacking her on the head.

One by one, the rest of the pairs filed in. Inside the spacious room, seventy-four square tables stretched in neat rows. Some instructors were already standing across from the tables, waiting.

****

“Niisan, come!” Hina tugged on Ren’s pant leg, then paused. “Um… wait. I don’t know the rules… They didn’t tell me.”

“Well, Hina,” Hisagi stepped forward with a small smile, “stay with me. I’ll explain.”

“Hisagi…” Ren looked at him, puzzled. “You really want to act as an instructor against me?”

“M-Master… that’s what I want,” Hisagi said, lowering his head shyly.

"Well… okay. What are the rules?"

Haruki clapped loudly, his voice rising across the room.

“You’re all looking at the tables,” Haruki announced. “Each one has a board game and dice. Once you look closely, you’ll understand. Every pair stands on one side. The instructor stands opposite.”

He glanced across the room. "Some pairs haven’t arrived yet, but that’s fine. Get to your tables."

****

Kazuma stepped into Room 1, eyes sweeping the layout—rows of square tables, boards, and dice neatly in place.

‘What is this… A dice game? Wait… why are there three dice?’ he narrowed his eyes, tilting his head slightly.

He glanced at Haruki. ‘Did he already explain the rules?’

“Your instructors will explain,” Haruki said, still standing casually near the wall. “Choose any table—it’s the same setup everywhere.”

Suddenly, Kazuma flinched as someone grabbed the collar of his coat from behind.

“Wha—hey! What are you doing, Rina-san!?” he yelped, stumbling forward as she dragged him along.

“Don’t talk. Just come,” Rina said, tugging him along with a teasing edge. “What’s your name again?”

“Azuma,” Kazuma groaned, adjusting his shoulder. “Can you please let go? I’ll walk by myself.”

Sakura followed quietly, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched Rina’s grip stay stubbornly tight.

Across the wide room, the rest of the seventy-four pairs began finding their spots, instructors already waiting on the opposite sides of their chosen tables. The room buzzed with a mix of anticipation and nervous tension.

Anvitha entered, Rezu nestled gently on her hip, with Rika and Esha walking just behind her.

“Heee! I’ll roll the dice, Niisan!” Hina shouted, arms stretched out as she climbed onto the game board like a champion.

“That’s not possible, Hina…” Hisagi looked up, startled, the folded rules list still in his hand. “We can only roll when it’s our turn.”

Hina ignored him completely, shuffled in front of Ren, and bumped her head softly against his. “See? I’m your height now!”

“Of course you are, dummy,” Yuki huffed, arms crossed. “You’re standing on the table.”

Suddenly, Hina leaned in and yanked at Yuki’s cheeks. “Yui Aunty! You’re behaving so differently today!”

“Aww—I’m behaving normally!” Yuki yelped, flailing a little. “Stop pulling me already!”

Yui smirked. – “Hey, she’s looking at my face, not yours.”

– ‘Whatever. I’m being patient. You promised I could play in this room too, remember?’

– “Okay, okay.”

“Hina, come here!” Esha called out from across the room, stepping forward.

Tanvika raised her voice slightly. “Let her play, Esha.”

Esha paused. “Master, she’ll help them instead of playing against them. That’s why—”

“That boy is with her,” Tanvika said gently. “Don’t worry—she’s not alone.”

Esha frowned, narrowing her eyes. “She’s just taking advantage of your kindness.”

Tanvika sighed softly and flicked Esha’s head with two fingers. “Then stand beside her if you’re that worried. Don’t hide your emotions from her, idiot. You know she loves you the most.”

“I’m not hiding anything,” Esha muttered, looking away. “But someone has to be strict sometimes…” Then she walked to Ren’s table and crossed her arms.

Esha raised a brow at Ren. “Don’t think I’ll let her help you.”

“No, no—I didn’t think that at all,” Ren said, straightening slightly.

Hina, now quiet, looked down with a tiny pout.

“Don’t worry,” Esha said gently, lifting Hina into her arms. “I won’t scold you. I’ll play with you, okay?”

“Heehee!” Hina grinned brightly, her whole face lighting up.

Hisagi looked at Esha, a bit sheepishly. “Esha-san… I wanted to be in—”

Esha cut in calmly. “Don’t worry. I’m just standing here. In my opinion, we both won’t do anything anyway. Because this idiot—” she looked at Hina, “is clearly the one rolling the dice.”

Hina raised a fist to the air triumphantly. “Yeah! I’ll roll the dice!”

“Master, you’ve already looked at this board, right?” Hisagi leaned toward the table slightly, lowering his voice.

Ren’s eyes scanned the colorful game board—Forty numbered squares, laid out in rows of ten. The pattern ran from 40 to 1:

40

+10 +9 -8 -7 +6 +5 -4 -3 +2 +1

-1 - 2 +3 +4 -5 -6 +7 +8 -9 -10

-10 +9 -8 +7 -6 +5 -4 +3 -2 +1

-1 +2 -3 +4 -5 +6 -7 +8 -9 +10

1

Yuki narrowed her eyes and muttered, “Hmph… first row’s alternating... second row is opposite signs…”

Her gaze sharpened with realization. “Third row has two negatives, two positives... fourth one flips it again.”

“Yeah. Correct,” Esha said with a small approving nod.

Hisagi unrolled a folded sheet from his pocket and began reading aloud. “Normally, each pair just needs 100 points to earn the key. But—” he looked directly at Ren, “your pair needs 200 points... to earn two keys, Master.”

“Well, that’s obvious,” Ren said with a small nod.

“First dice is regular. You roll and move the number of spaces.”

“I get that. Then what’s with the two extra dice?” Yuki asked, glancing down at the table, her brow furrowing.

Hisagi pointed at them. “One is ours—that’s the instructors’ dice. The other... is the special dice.”

“It just has green dots instead of red. What’s so special?” Yuki asked, squinting as she picked it up.

“The number decides the effect,” Hisagi explained.

He lifted a finger for each one.

“1 - Freeze: You lose your turn. No movement at all.

2 - Cancel: If you land on a negative square, it won’t affect you.

3 - Drain: Instructors lose 5 IP. I’ll explain that later.

4 - Gamble: Your move is doubled—but that could go positive or negative.

5 - Boost: You get +3 points no matter the square. Also… instructors gain +3 IP.

6 - Swap: Positive square results count as negative. Negative counts as positive.”