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Around noon, after finishing lunch, Ryoji arrived early at the seventh training ground.
He hadn't trained that morning; instead, he completed his usual morning run, visited the medical office to fine-tune his condition, rested for a few hours to recover his stamina, and prepared for his afternoon preliminary match.
When he arrived, only a few scattered figures occupied the stands.
It was still lunchtime, and the first match wouldn't begin until 12:30.
During the battle selection phase, nearly a hundred matches were held daily across more than a dozen arenas, with each hosting at least seven to eight bouts.
The first match of the afternoon at the seventh training ground was Ryoji versus Totokubara Kanata.
Given his rising reputation, it was only a matter of time before the stands filled up. Some came to verify whether his record was genuine, others were drawn in by his sheer charisma, and there were even spies from rival academies analyzing his technique.
To avoid distractions, Ryoji didn't linger in the stands. Instead, he proceeded through the corridor leading to the contestant preparation room.
Contestants were required to check in at least ten minutes before their match. With thirty minutes to go, it wasn't too early for him to head over.
"Year 1, Class 1, Nangou Ryoji, contestant confirmed. Your student handbook is returned."
At the counter, the female staff member scanned his handbook and handed it back, offering a polite smile. She didn't probe him with unnecessary questions. She was efficient and professional.
"Since this is your first match, I'll explain the rules. The battle selection follows the same format as the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival— a one-on-one duel with no time limit. Forfeiting is allowed, and your Device will be used in its Material Form, not Illusory Form."
"Although there will be healing capsules in the arena and faculty members on standby, life-threatening risks remain depending on the circumstances. If you understand and accept these terms, press the 'Agree' button on your student handbook. If you do not agree, press 'Disagree,' which will count as a forfeit. You will be automatically excluded from the next selection cycle and barred from participating."
Ryoji pressed the 'Agree' button without hesitation.
The female staff member blinked in mild surprise.
Most Student Knights hesitated before agreeing, as Material Form Devices were normally restricted until the age of fifteen. Yet Ryoji showed no sign of doubt.
Turning away, he pushed open the door to the preparation room.
The room was sparse— lockers, benches, a full-length mirror on the wall. At the far end, a small door stood, signifying something important.
Beyond that door lay the battlefield.
To claim the title of Seven Stars Sword King, every match from this moment forward was crucial. A single mistake could erase all his progress.
"Sss... Hoo..."
Ryoji adjusted his breathing, steadying his nerves.
His senior had told him she wanted to face him on the stage of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival.
That meant he had to push past his limits, surpass every powerful opponent, and carve his path to the top.
"I have no talent except for the sword—"
He extended his hand, and his silver katana shimmered into existence, its surface rippling like water. Gripping it tightly, he felt a profound sense of calm settle over him, as if everything was within his control.
Seated on the bench, he placed the katana across his knees, closed his eyes, and focused his aura.
In that instant, he no longer appeared as a fragile first-year. His presence sharpened, exuding nothing but raw determination.
Now, all he had to do was wait for the signal to step into the ring.
...
Totokubara Kanata hailed from an aristocratic lineage, a heritage that dictated her life's course.
As the eldest daughter of the Totokubara conglomerate—Japan's second-largest economic powerhouse—she lived a life of unimaginable privilege. Yet, with that privilege came an unshakable obligation.
Her future had already been decided. Upon graduating high school, she was to enter an arranged marriage, securing an alliance beneficial to the family.
She never protested.
The Totokubara family wasn't like ordinary business dynasties. Their origins traced back to European nobility who had migrated to Japan during the French Revolution, carrying with them centuries of history.
Unlike others obsessed with power and wealth, her family prioritized philanthropy. The Totokubara conglomerate established orphanages, nursing homes, and welfare centers across the nation, earning widespread respect for their contributions.
Their guiding principle was simple: the privileged must support the less fortunate.
Kanata took pride in her heritage and accepted her role. She resolved to suppress her personal desires, dedicating herself to the family's greater good.
And yet, despite her unwavering duty, there was one small thought she couldn't silence.
One wish she could never voice.
"Year 1, Class 1, Nangou Ryoji, contestant. Year 3, Class 2, Totokubara Kanata, contestant. Match time is up. Please enter."
The announcement echoed through the speakers, snapping her from her thoughts.
Kanata rose from the bench, brushing aside the emotions stirring in her heart. With a practiced motion, she opened her parasol and strode toward the small door at the end of the room.
Beyond the dimly lit passage lay a blue gate.
Stepping through it, she emerged into a vast arena.
Deafening cheers, scattered discussions, and the steady voice of the announcer filled the air. The arena stretched before her—a battleground over 100 meters in diameter.
She walked across the grass, entering the ring, standing opposite her opponent.
Ryoji Nangou.
He carried an air of refinement and intensity, his figure seemingly sculpted to embody unwavering will. His mere presence exuded an undeniable charm.
But what struck her most were his eyes—dark and piercing, as if capable of seeing through all pretenses.
Under his gaze, Kanata felt as though she stood utterly exposed, unable to conceal anything.
Yes.
Even though she was bound by duty, by an unchangeable fate, she still harbored that one fleeting thought.
"If only, just once, I could experience love by my own choice."
(End of Chapter)