The Second Block shimmered like a land forgotten by time—its terrain transformed by magic and meticulous planning. A glittering ice palace rose from a hill of frost-kissed stone, intricate and dazzling, its spires glinting in the soft forest light. Beneath it, an entire "kingdom" stretched out—orderly, peaceful, and completely unlike the chaos erupting in other areas of the Harvest field.
At the center of it all sat Crocell Kerori, poised upon a throne made of enchanted crystal. Her arms rested gracefully on armrests shaped like frozen wings, and her expression was that of calm serenity—though her heart fluttered with delight.
This… this is perfect.
No battles, no chaos. Only admiration and cooperation. And none of them know I'm THE Crocell-sama… Not even Kamui.
Around her, Kamui strode with purpose, guiding a stampede of cooperative beasts toward her court. Each beast carried bundles: rare fruits, glittering herbs, succulent meats—offered like tribute to a queen.
"Milady Crocell!" Kamui declared, bowing low, "Please accept these humble offerings from your loyal subjects—brought by your ever-devoted knight!"
Crocell smiled gently.
"Thank you, Kamui. But do ensure everyone follows the peace policy. I will not tolerate violence in my kingdom."
Yes… keep it controlled. Keep it beautiful. If I play this right, I'll stand out without ever having to reveal myself. And my beauty will be my greatest weapon.
At her side stood her two familiars, their glowing eyes scanning the crowd for signs of aggression. A faint chill surrounded them—a warning, not an invitation. Crocell had trained them during her intensive idol schedule, determined to harmonize her outward elegance with secret strength. Now, they stood as the silent enforcers of her peaceful reign.
[ Narration Interlude – The Power of Knowledge ]
In a world where strength is often the deciding factor, there are still those who prove that intelligence and strategy can reign just as supreme. In the Second Block, where monsters lurk and magical plants grow like wildfire, those who possess botanical wisdom—such as the elite of the Diabotany Club—are among the most valuable allies one can have.
For among the moss and poison roots, it is not fists, but facts that win the war.
[ Elsewhere in the Block – Collaboration ]
Beneath the canopy of violet-tinted trees, a group of first-years gathered cautiously, each wearing protective gloves and following marked maps on enchanted parchment.
Leading them were Bobo and Allocer Schneider, their baskets already half-full of carefully chosen flora.
"You're quick to spot the starpetal roots," Bobo remarked, squatting beside a glowing vine. "I suppose your study habits really paid off."
Allocer adjusted his glasses.
"Knowledge of rare species is pointless if you don't share it. This isn't just about personal success—it's about intelligent survival."
Bobo smiled.
"I like that. Let's make sure the others don't pick anything explosive."
As more students joined them, Allocer addressed the group:
"Only collect blue-leafed flame berries, feathercaps, and dusk bloom. Avoid anything that hisses. If it hisses, it wants to kill you."
A few students chuckled nervously. Then, under Allocer and Bobo's guidance, the group carefully secured high-point flora with surgical precision. Efficiency and unity—fueled by brains, not brawn.
-
[ Reporting Tower – Gathering Momentum ]
The Reporting Tower shimmered at the edge of the zone, acting as a checkpoint for ingredient submission. As the duo approached with their haul, the tower's seal glowed and accepted the bounty, tallying the scores in secret.
Bobo glanced over at Allocer.
"You know, if we keep this up, we might be real contenders for the top ranks."
Allocer gave a rare smile.
"Let others chase after mythical leaves. We'll take the forest, one root at a time."
---
The trees swayed gently in the crisp, forest breeze as Bobo and Allocer approached what looked like the towering silhouette of the Reporting Tower—its spiral core etched with glowing runes, pulsing steadily with magical light.
"This should be enough to put us comfortably ahead," Bobo muttered with a sly smirk, his basket brimming with high-grade flora.
As they neared the base, Bobo slowed his steps.
"Before we submit, there's something I should mention."
Allocer paused, eyes narrowing.
"Go on."
"You already know, don't you?" Bobo asked, giving a knowing glance. "That I lied about the ingredient point values."
A beat of silence passed. Then, Allocer adjusted his glasses, a calm smile playing on his lips.
"Of course. I noticed you listed Fireroot Sap as fifty points when it's actually twenty-five. But I figured it was best to let you reveal your hand."
Bobo chuckled.
"I knew you were sharp. Which is why I have a better idea—let's keep the lion's share of the points. Give the others a taste so they stay loyal, but no more than they need. We play the long game."
"Agreed." Allocer didn't even hesitate.
The two stepped into the enchanted zone. The "tower" shimmered, accepting the flora into its glowing base. Bobo's eyes gleamed.
"This partnership is going to be beautiful."
-
[ Moments Later – At the Campsite ]
Bobo returned with a pleased expression, finding the rest of the group still harvesting under the botanical canopy.
"That was fast," one student remarked.
"But… you came from the south trail. Wasn't the Reporting Tower supposed to be north?"
Bobo stiffened ever so slightly.
"I took a shortcut. You know how these paths twist around."
The student frowned but said nothing more.
-
[ Elsewhere –]
Back at the "Reporting Tower," the magical structure suddenly rippled—and collapsed like melting wax. The illusion faded entirely, revealing Jazz Androalphus, still disguised with a glamour charm, his smirking face replacing the stoic features of the supposed instructor Marbas.
"What a sucker," Jazz grinned, removing the last of his transformation. "He totally bought it."
Allocer stood beside him, holding their stash.
"He was overconfident. That's usually the first mistake."
Jazz laughed.
"Can't believe he trusted you, even after admitting to lying. Greedy demons are the easiest to bait."
"And he did most of the gathering, which saves us time and energy," Allocer added.
The two deposited the real haul at the actual Reporting Tower—unwatched, quiet, and secured with verification enchantments.
-
[ Narrator Interlude – The Game of Guile ]
In the Harvest Festival, brute force and flashy magic have their place—but there are battles fought not with spells or weapons, but with trust, illusion, and timing.
Jazz and Allocer, though quiet, had played their hand early—setting up a fake Reporting Tower, mimicking an instructor, and exploiting a moment of shared arrogance.
And in the end, the only rule broken… was trust.
-
[ Aftermath – Bobo's Lament ]
Upon discovering the truth, Bobo reportedly complained to no end, stomping around the glade in disbelief. But there was little he could do.
"It was a perfectly legal tactic," a passing instructor said with a shrug. "No violence was used. Just deception. Welcome to the real Harvest Festival."
Bobo gritted his teeth.
"Next time… I'm not trusting anyone."