I Was Summoned as the Academy’s Janitor… But I Accidentally Became the Most Overpowered Harem Protagonist?!
Chapter 36: The Mop Tournament Begins — Zephyr Gets Drafted (Against His Will

‎Location: Grand Arena of Household Arts, Afternoon

‎‎A massive banner unfurled across the entrance of the arena—"Welcome to the 47th Annual Mop Tournament: Sweep for Glory!"—featuring an illustration of a mop wearing a tiny crown.

‎Zephyr Arclight shuffled through the crowd, clutching his mop like a prized heirloom. His black hair glinted in the midday sun, and he wore an official robe embroidered with the words "Honorary Janitor of the Realm." He did not feel honored.

‎‎Beside him, Selena Frostveil scribbled frantic calculations in a floating notebook. “This tournament is elitist nonsense. Only twelve contestants allowed—six from the academy and six from outside guilds. Each must demonstrate sweeping, purification, and decorative cleaning skills. Judges score on speed, efficiency, and style.”

‎‎Zephyr blinked. “So… it’s like a triathlon, but with mops?”

‎Rosalia de Glorieux bounced in place. “A divine trial of purity and purpose! It will be glorious!” She clutched a prayer book decorated with mop motifs.

‎‎Drakynia Flameheart snorted. “I’ll sign up—though I refuse to scrub anything without metal reinforcement.” She tapped her broadsword’s hilt. “Two-handed sweeping is an art.”

‎‎Arwen Galehart hovered nearby, frosty gaze fixed. “I’ll focus on decorative cleaning—ice-etching etchings on windows. Evident technique can win hearts.” She drummed her icy fingertips against a crystal pane.

‎‎Zephyr sighed. “I’m not entering.”

‎‎Selena narrowed her eyes. “Actually... you must. Your broom is already renowned. The council drafted you as the academy’s Champion Custodian.”

‎‎Zephyr’s jaw dropped. “I never agreed to this.”

‎‎Rosalia placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Fear not. We will train you!”

‎‎Drakynia growled. “As will I—if you insist you’re too busy.”

‎‎“Too busy cleaning the world,” Zephyr muttered.

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‎Location: Academy Training Grounds — Early Evening

‎‎A series of obstacle courses lay spread out around the grounds—spilled potions to be neutralized, cursed cobwebs to be swept away, enchanted dust bunnies that darted like rabbits. A giant wooden contraption labeled "The Tower of Tenacious Grime" loomed in the center.

‎‎Zephyr stood at the starting line, mop in hand. Next to him, Professor Figgs paced, eyes glittering with professional intrigue. “Your mop is enchanted to Purify Wards—but the Court’s Wardens are curious if you can maintain Uniform Sweep Patterns under high pressure.”

‎Zephyr nodded. “Understood.”

‎‎A horn blared, and Zephyr sprinted forward. He dashed toward a pool of floating acidic sludge, whipping out a vial of neutralizing agent. With one swirl of his mop, the sludge turned into a safe, sandy texture and the foul odor vanished. The onlooking judges murmured in awe.

‎‎Next, a room filled with phantom dust—invisible motes swirling. He activated his Purification Aura, causing the dust to congeal into visible clumps. He swept them away in a rhythmic pattern, each clap of the mop echoing like applause.

‎‎A judge scribbled notes: "Aura Stabilization: A+. Sweep Rhythm: S-tier."

‎‎Zephyr pushed on to the Tower of Tenacious Grime. Layers of grime covered each tier, inscribed with curses. He climbed the rotating platform. With each step, chants of dark mana tried to cling to him. He chanted a simple void-cleanse and watched as the grime peeled away with every mop stroke, revealing shining silver inlays. By the time he reached the top, the tower sparkled like new.

‎‎The horn sounded again, signaling the end. Zephyr took a deep breath. He didn’t feel triumphant—just very sweaty.

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‎Location: Judges’ Pavilion — Minutes Later

‎Judge Arborwyn leaned in to inspect the tower. “Remarkable. The mana curses dispelled at touch. Who is this janitor?”

‎Another judge, Magister Théodric, nodded. “This is no ordinary cleaning. This is Divine Purification Technique.”

‎They exchanged glances. “The rumors were true.”

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‎Location: Academy Courtyard — Nightfall

‎Zephyr trudged back, mop resting on his shoulder like a scepter. Selena approached with a lantern, face illuminated by its glow.

‎‎“Your performance—flawless.” she said, voice neutral but proud. “You scored the highest on Purification and Speed.”

‎Zephyr forced a smile. “Did I... win?”

‎‎Selena’s lips curved. “You advanced to the semifinals—tomorrow at dawn. The competition only intensifies.”

‎‎Zephyr stared at the lantern’s light. “Why is my life only mops and mayhem?”

‎‎Selena tapped her head. “Data suggests you thrive in chaos.”

‎Zephyr rubbed his temples. “No argument here.”

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‎Location: Dormitory Rooftop — Late Night

‎Zephyr sat alone, watching the constellation-map projected on the sky. Arwen silently approached, perched on a nearby ledge, a cup of hot cocoa in hand.

‎She offered him the cup. “You’ll need this tomorrow.”

‎He accepted. “You’re up late.”

‎She sipped hers. “I wanted to tell you.” She hesitated. “You inspire me. Not just with ice and frost, but with how you face impossible tasks without complaint.”

‎‎Zephyr turned to her. “I’m just helping.”

‎‎She gave a small smile. “You help more than you know.”

‎‎Silence, broken by the wind in the magic vines.

‎He nodded. “Thank you.”

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‎Location: Grand Arena — Dawn

‎‎The arena glowed under the first light of sunrise. Twelve mop champions lined up: six from the academy (including Zephyr and Drakynia) and six visitors. Flags fluttered as the announcer’s voice boomed.

‎‎“Welcome, citizens, to the Mop Tournament Semifinals! Contestants, prepare your wands, brushes, and—most importantly—your mops!”

‎‎Zephyr flexed his fingers around his mop handle. His opponents eyed him warily, whispering rumors of the janitor who “defeated demons with muffins” and “purified lava sharks with soap.”

‎‎Drakynia pounded his shoulder. “Remember: sweep with power.”

‎‎Rosalia waved from the stands. “You can do it!”

‎‎Arwen and Selena stood together, arms crossed. “May deterministic variables be in your favor,” Selena murmured.

‎‎Zephyr took a deep breath. “For cleanliness... and peace.”

‎‎The horn sounded. The crowd roared.

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‎End of Chapter 36

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‎Next Teaser:

‎Chapter 37: The Mop Tournament - Round Two