"Good thing it hasn't started yet." Kurogane Ikki and his companions hurried into the spectator stands, relieved to see that the match had yet to begin. They quickly found seats and settled in.
"Why did we have to rush here just to watch 'his' match?" Kurogane Shizuku's porcelain-like face showed a hint of disdain as she spoke.
"He didn't even bother to come to Elder Brother's match yesterday, did he?"
Ikki's first-round match had taken place the day before. Unfortunately, he had been pitted against Kirihara Shizuya, one of Hagun Academy's representatives from last year's Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
To make matters worse, Kirihara's abilities naturally countered Ikki's. The match had been grueling, pushing Ikki to the brink of giving up. But thanks to Stella's encouragement, he had pulled through and secured a hard-fought victory.
However, Ryoji's absence from yesterday's match had left Shizuku unimpressed. She couldn't help but feel that their so-called friendship was nothing more than superficial.
"Don't say that, Shizuku." Ikki shook his head, always quick to defend others. He offered a thoughtful explanation for Ryoji's absence.
"Ryoji's first-round opponent was a member of the Student Council, someone even stronger than Kirihara Shizuya. On top of that, their compatibility was overwhelmingly poor. He's probably been racking his brain trying to come up with a strategy."
Kirihara Shizuya was a C-Rank knight, but Ryoji's opponent today, Totokubara Kanata, was a B-Rank knight. While Ikki and Kirihara had fought on relatively neutral terms, Ryoji's situation was far worse. If the two clashed, Kanata would almost certainly come out on top.
By that logic, Ryoji's match today was likely to be even more challenging than Ikki's had been.
"That guy might talk a lot of nonsense, but he's still Ikki's friend. You're being a bit petty, Shizuku." Stella looked down at Shizuku with a triumphant gleam in her eyes.
After last night, her relationship with Ikki had deepened, and the sense of rivalry she felt toward Shizuku had diminished. Now, she couldn't help but feel a surge of pride whenever she saw the younger girl.
Of course, as the imperial princess of a foreign nation, openly pursuing a relationship would cause significant complications. To avoid unnecessary trouble, she and Ikki had agreed to keep their relationship a secret for the time being.
"Well, since we don't have anything else to do, why not kill some time here?"
Arisuin Nagi clasped his hands together, his face lighting up with a cheerful smile. "I'm curious to see if Ryoji-kun can pull off a win like Ikki did!"
Shizuku pursed her lips but said nothing.
"Look over there!"
As they spoke, Arisuin suddenly noticed something and pointed toward the upper stands, drawing everyone's attention.
At the very top of the spectator seats, a group of figures filed in through the entrance. Their presence was unmistakable, exuding an aura of authority that set them apart from the ordinary student knights.
They carried themselves with a rugged intensity, a stark contrast to the sheltered students typically seen at the academy.
Among them were a shaven-headed tough guy, a lively girl in a tracksuit, and a boy who looked no older than an elementary school student. Leading the group was a gentle-looking girl with chestnut-brown braided hair and glasses.
"The entire Student Council is here?"
Arisuin clicked his tongue in surprise. "Looks like they're really invested in this match!"
It made sense, given that one of the participants was a Student Council member, while the other was the junior disciple of the Student Council president. Both had deep ties to the council, making the outcome of this match a matter of great interest.
"Well, well, I never expected Kanata's first match to be against Touka's junior disciple. What a twist of fate."
The vice-president of the Student Council, Misogi Awata, who had the appearance of a grade-schooler, smiled innocently.
"This is overwhelmingly disadvantageous for Touka's junior disciple. I hope he doesn't get too badly hurt, though that's unlikely. No one walks away unscathed after fighting Kanata— not even an A-Rank knight."
His tone made it clear where his allegiance lay.
"The best outcome for the junior disciple would be a mutual defeat. Winning is almost impossible."
The shaven-headed tough guy, Saijou Ikazuchi, spoke in a deep, resonant voice.
"That's right. As much as I hate to admit it, I'm rooting for Kanata too."
Tomaru Renren, the girl in the tracksuit, nodded vigorously.
Toudou Touka remained silent.
Her eyes were fixed on the battle ring, but the concern in her gaze was unmistakable. In this match, it was inevitable that her junior disciple would get hurt. Kanata's abilities were simply that terrifying.
The key to victory for the junior disciple lay in one thing alone— whether he could overcome the bloody mountain of blades that Kanata would undoubtedly unleash.
"The match is starting." Toudou Touka's voice broke the silence.
At that moment, the attention of the entire arena— from the Student Council members to Kurogane Ikki and his friends— shifted to the battle ring below.
"And here we go! The first match of the day at Training Ground Seven is already heating up! Even before the battle begins, I, Tsukuyomi, am fired up! That's because both competitors today are absolute powerhouses! Joining me once again for commentary is the esteemed Saikyou Nene Sensei!"
"I haven't had lunch yet. Can someone get me some takeout?"
"Thank you for that insightful comment, Saikyou Nene Sensei! Now, let's welcome the competitors!"
The announcer's energetic voice echoed throughout the stadium.
"First, entering from the red gate, we have the super beautiful boy who stole the hearts of countless female students within just ten days of enrolling! It's like an angel descended from heaven! By the way, I'm a fan too! But don't let his looks fool you— during the entrance exam, he achieved the incredible feat of defeating the director, the former third-ranked!' From Hagun Academy's Year 1, Class 1, with the strongest Causation Manipulation-type ability, the dark horse of this year's freshmen— Nangou Ryoji!"
Thunderous cheers erupted as Ryoji stepped onto the stage, but he ignored them, focusing instead on the girl emerging from the opposite gate.
"And now, from the other side! Ranked second in Hagun Academy's standings last year, a battlefield veteran known as 'Scharlach Frau!' From Year 3, Class 2— Totokubara Kanata!"
Two powerful Mage-Knights stood face to face.
The battle was about to begin.
(End of Chapter)
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