Totokubara Kanata had been watching the entire time.
From the moment Ryoji entered the outdoor training area, spoke with Saikyou Nene-sensei, and began his rigorous self-training, she had observed everything.
It was completely unexpected.
She had assumed that Ryoji's apparent laziness stemmed from the hardships of his past, leading him to avoid effort and seek comfort in idleness.
But in truth, she had misunderstood him entirely.
His so-called laziness was nothing more than an illusion. The reason he skipped class wasn't out of negligence, but because he was undergoing specialized training with Saikyou Nene-sensei. Perhaps, the standard curriculum simply wasn't suited to him.
She recalled the folding fan she had glimpsed at his waist earlier. Upon closer thought, it strongly resembled Saikyou Nene-sensei's Device. And considering her ability to manipulate gravity, it was highly likely that Ryoji had been carrying it to subject himself to continuous gravitational pressure.
This was not laziness— it was an extreme form of dedication rarely seen even among Student Knights.
Ryoji's method of constantly testing his limits was far more intense than the average knight's. His movements were refined, and his control exceptional. Just watching him filled Kanata with admiration.
Her own physical aptitude was rated D— above the average person but far from an athlete's level, as she rarely prioritized physical conditioning. Witnessing Ryoji's grueling workout left her somewhat shaken.
But the most critical part was—
"How mesmerizing."
Her gaze lingered on his lithe frame as he moved fluidly, sweat glistening on his skin, each motion exuding effortless grace. Without realizing it, Kanata swallowed.
She suddenly understood why Saikyou Nene-sensei had left so quickly.
It was simply unbearable!
Unknowingly, she had been watching him for over twenty minutes.
It wasn't until her stomach growled that she snapped back to reality, quickly covering her abdomen in embarrassment.
She had thought Ryoji would have noticed her by now and had even prepared an excuse, but it seemed he was too focused. His breathing was heavy, his eyes clouded with exertion.
"Has he entered a trance state…?" Kanata gradually realized the truth.
In physical training, surpassing one's limits was what truly mattered. Only those with unyielding willpower could push through the breaking point and grow stronger.
Touka's Junior Brother was undoubtedly one of those people.
"Ryoji-kun, I brought lunch!" A voice called out from the forest path— Kagami.
Kanata cast one final glance at Ryoji before turning away, and leaving the training grounds.
"Don't underestimate him, or you'll regret it."
She was beginning to understand the meaning behind Touka's words from the day before.
If she still believed tomorrow's match had a predetermined outcome, then she had been far too naive.
Tomorrow, everything would be revealed.
"Damn it." Kanata muttered under her breath.
She had forgotten to lift her skirt when passing through the underbrush, and now the hem was torn, exposing her smooth, fair legs.
---
Later That Night
Ryoji returned to the dormitory utterly exhausted.
"Junior Brother, why are you so late?" By the time he arrived, Touka had already changed into her pajamas and was waiting.
The dorm curfew was at nine o'clock, and anyone returning after that would be locked out. Ryoji had barely made it in time.
"…I got a little carried away."
He let out a weary but contented smile.
Despite the fatigue and soreness, he felt truly happy.
The act of surpassing his own limits, the sensation of growing stronger—it was exhilarating.
In the world of fitness, some call it an addiction. The more one trained, the more one craved the challenge, unable to stop. For some, it became more consuming than any vice.
Ryoji was no different.
But unlike those obsessed with bodybuilding, his motivation wasn't aesthetic—it was the realization that he was distancing himself from his past weakness.
"Come inside already. I'll help you bathe. Let's get to bed early tonight."
Touka pushed him toward the bathroom without hesitation, unbuttoning his shirt while wrapping a towel around herself, ready to assist him.
It was nothing new. Over the years, they had shared countless such moments. There was no awkwardness— only a quiet understanding between them.
Exhausted beyond words, Ryoji lacked the energy for any inappropriate thoughts. By the time he stepped into the bath, he was already drifting into unconsciousness.
"Junior Brother? Junior Brother?"
Touka gently shook him, but when he didn't respond, she sighed softly, her expression filled with concern.
She washed both of them carefully, then slipped on her usual nightwear before carrying him out of the bathroom.
Before long, the dormitory lights dimmed, and silence settled over the room.
---
The Next Morning
Ryoji awoke as usual, his eyes greeted by a sea of white.
…This sight was oddly familiar.
His sharpened instincts kicked in, piecing together the situation instantly.
It was the fate linked to Senior Sister Touka!
Thanks to his natural combat intuition, his ability to recall past encounters was exceptional. He never forgot a single technique he had seen—nor a single moment of fate.
"Junior Brother, you're awake?"
As he sat up, the movement of the blanket startled Touka, rousing her from sleep.
…It seemed they had shared the same bed last night.
"Listen, I won't stop you from training your body. I know it's important to you," she said, rubbing her eyes. "But I absolutely won't allow you to push yourself to the brink like you did yesterday."
She hadn't even adjusted the shirt slipping off her shoulder, yet her words were firm and serious.
"Don't worry, Senior Sister. I get it."
Ryoji nodded earnestly, his gaze flickering as he processed her words.
He had indeed overdone it yesterday.
Training under increased gravity for the first time had pushed him beyond his limits. Holding his breath too long and exerting himself too much had caused him to lose control.
Even now, a dull ache pulsed through his muscles, leaving him slightly drained.
A visit to the medical ward was necessary. Hydromancer-sensei could use her healing ability to ease the lactic acid buildup. He also planned to take it easy in the morning—after all, balance was key in training.
"…Good."
Seeing his sincerity, Touka sighed in relief and casually pulled up her loose shirt.
That was all the "benefits" Junior Brother would be getting today.
"Oh, and one more thing."
"What is it, Senior Sister?"
Ryoji met her gaze, intrigued.
"Good luck in the match."
Touka raised a fist, offering a confident smile.
"I'll be waiting for you at the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival."
"Of course."
A grin spread across Ryoji's face.
"I have no intention of stopping here."
(End of Chapter)
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