From Akira's perspective

"Odds?"

"Predicted payout ratio."

"Oh, like the betting odds in horse racing?"

Allegro, holding a copy of the Miravenia Newspaper, brought it up during break, leaving me puzzled.

"Horse racing? I'm not quite sure what you're talking about, but basically, we're the ones being bet on. After all, the Cave Exploration event is a major event watched by the entire nation."

"Wow, it sounds just like a sports event."

"People bet on who will explore the deepest parts of the cave, placing single and multiple bets. There's a mixed-class section and a section just for our Giraffe Class, where you can bet on up to the top three."

"I see, so you can tell who the favorites are by looking at the single-win odds from the public's predictions. The lower the number, the closer they are to being the favorite."

"Our school's performance data somehow ends up circulating publicly for entertainment purposes."

"It's a world without any privacy protection... So, who's the favorite in the Giraffe Class?"

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

"The heavy favorites are the Largo and Tenuto pair at 1.4 times the odds, pretty much a guaranteed win. Then, the second favorites are us, Allegro and Sonata pair, at 3.5 times."

Surprisingly, we're expected to do well.

I thought we'd be underrated and ignored.

"Apparently, our actions during the last field trip when we repelled goblins and chimeras are seen as our achievements by the public. Really, it should be thanks to you guys. Being pressured with expectations for something not entirely our doing is tough."

"And what about me and Elize?"

"You guys are at 14 times the odds, ranked fifth, kind of a dark horse. Your excellent performance in music class is getting some recognition. There's a tendency for those good at music to excel in practical skills. Slightly underrated, but those who are paying attention are really paying attention."

"I see."

"The top favorite in the mixed classes is definitely Eric and Clara. As expected, the second-ranked in the grade. Their skills and popularity are unmatched."

"And the top student?"

Chopin, the Bouree pair.

I was also interested in the pair that had insulted Elize and attacked me.

"Hmm, where is it? There it is. Odds are 54 times. That's a long shot."

"54 times..."

"That's unexpectedly low odds for a top student. Apparently, his performance plummeted about a week after enrollment, and he's lost interest in his studies. I don't really understand what happened to him."

A week after enrollment coincides with the day we had our duel.

Did I hurt him so badly that day that he couldn't recover?

No, I only slashed his clothes.

He wasn't physically injured.

What exactly happened to Chopin that day?

The mystery only deepened.

"Well, public opinion is just that. When it comes time to compete, an unexpected student might win," Sonata interjected quickly.

Regardless, it's clear that we're seen as strong contenders in the Giraffe Class.

All that's left is to live up to those expectations.

And if we win, I'll finally express my long-held feelings to Elize.