Editing Hyouketsu Kyoukai no Eden:Volume 4 Chapter2 (section)

===Part 8===

The edges of the sky were being dyed red.

In the blink of an eye, the stars were also hidden somewhere. As if a black canvas had been painted over with red, this was the time the heavens slowly changed to the color of dawn.

“Today is the crucial part of the unit battles.”

Taking a break from flexibility exercises that stretched the elbow, Monica muttered that to herself.

“It seems there were twenty-two units that applied for mission 16. It was narrowed down to 14 in the first screening and from there, two units with high scores from the second screening will advance to the final screening, huh.”

There were a total of four battles planned for the second screening.

A win was three points and a draw was one. It was set up so the two teams with the highest scores after four battles would proceed to the final screening.

……We won yesterday, so we’re at three points.

“Monica, what happens if three or more teams end up with the same amount of points?”

He had been curious about the other units, but Sheltis didn’t have that kind of time yesterday.

“……That’s possible. They’d probably add another unit battle in. We have to leave excess strength in the odd chance that does happen.”

“'''''By the way, it seems to have become even simpler than that.'''''“

The {{furigana|machine crystal|Ilis}} swaying at his chest deliberately made a sudden interjection.

“'''''If you win the first match today, you’ll pass the second screening. There are only four units with all wins, so these four teams will fight each other in the first match and the winner will advance.'''''“

“……That’s strange. I asked Instructor Yumelda about the number of applications yesterday. There should be at least fourteen units in the second screening.”

Stopping her flexibility exercises, Monica tilted her head.

“'''''About that───'''''“

“The teams who lost and tied yesterday all withdrew their applications. The ones left are only us and the teams who won yesterday.”

Wordlessly continuing her flexibility exercises, Kagura lifted her head.

“Fourteen unit battles were conducted with five of them reaching conclusions and two ending in a draw. At this point in time, everybody except the five units that won seem to have given up on this mission.”

“Ah, I see.”

Putting together Kagura and Ilis’ words, Sheltis also came to see the current situation.

The second screening used a system where the collective results of four unit battles would decide the outcome.

However, with a loss in yesterday’s single battle, it would be difficult to come out on top. Then they would give up on this mission and apply for another ─── it was an experienced decision.

“'''''There were five teams that won yesterday but one of the main members in one of those teams was injured. As a result, four teams are left. If we win once more, we can proceed to the final screening.'''''“

“……We can’t lose, huh.”

“'''''The opposing unit should also be thinking the same thing. They will absolutely not be off-guard.'''''“

“Of course.”

Monica re-tied her vivid and long hair.

“Can we do it with the same setup as yesterday?”

“I’m good. Kagura?”

Yes ─── with a nod, the girl with the mechanical helmet got onto the {{furigana|machine pearl|Machina}}.

“Kagura’s also fine. And the last one is Vaiel.”

Vaiel still hadn’t shown up. Monica had told him it would be early in the morning at the training grounds but doing something so troublesome ─── it seemed like he would flat-out refuse it.

“Sheltis, rather than about him, this is about you.”

Getting Monica’s attention, Kagura whispered into her ear.

“Our deal with him is only that he enters the unit battles to meet the person count requirement. It’s that kind of promise. Whether we win this unit battle depends on you.”

“……I understand.”

Different from three years ago, it was combat as a member of a unit who would receive support. While affirming the battle situation, he would also be expected to issue orders in place of the unit leader.

───For the sake of Monica who is a first-time unit leader.

───The battle that is a first for me as well is waiting.

“'''''Are you nervous?'''''“

In response to the question posed by {{furigana|machine crystal|Ilis}}, he unconsciously made a wry smile.

“A little.”

It was different from when he was a Cadet Guard or a Regular Guard and his competitive battles with Leon.

It was also different from his solo battling as an Elite Guard.

The first time he would fight like this. To add to that, he hadn’t thought about how it would be during an important step in slipping into the Governmental Sector.

“'''''If you focus too much on how you’re not used to it, the unit will fall into a predicament, so just avoid that.'''''“

“……I know, I have to put winning as the first priority.”

Sheltis looked at his hand that was slightly sweaty for a little while.