The 62nd Seven Star Sword Art Festival that showed a climax rarely seen in the recent years with fierce fights after fierce fights came to an end with the victory of the《Worst One》Kurogane Ikki who defeated《Crimon Princess》Stella Vermillion.
The spectators who were watching attentively their fight head to their respective homes while talking about the magnificence of the two knights with each other with a look that didn’t cool down its excitement even after the awarding ceremony that happened one night after the finals.
At the same time, the protagonists of this festival that gathered from all over Japan, the representatives of each academy returned home.
The stallholders who put out their shops to take advantage of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival also retired, and the day after the awarding ceremony, the reclaimed land of the gulf coast was taking its original ghost-town shape.
The festival was… over.
However, the representatives of Hagun Academy including Kurogane Ikki were still in Osaka.
That was because the《Star of Naniwa》Moroboshi Yuudai, who was a worthy opponent and crossed swords with him in the first round of the Seven Start Sword Art Festival, led a group and held a victory celebration with the friends of Ikki at the okonomiyaki shop『Ichibanboshi』which was also the home of his parents.
– Err, well then! Kusakabe Kagami, this incompetent me who was sentenced to three days of disciplinary lessons from tomorrow for making a mess at the awarding ceremony, will lead the toast to celebrate the victory of Ikki at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival!
Kagaami put up the beer mug that she held in her hand after she had refused with a few words while she inserted a self-deprecating joke,
– Congratulations, senpai――――!
With a loud voice, she blessed Ikki who sat on the seat of honor of the long table that was made by connecting several tables.
What followed that was,
「「「Congratulations——————————!!!!」」」
The friends and acquaintances of Ikki who gathered for the victory celebration also gave their blessings while toasting.
The gathered people were Stella and Shizuku who were representative members of the same Hagun Academy.
His friends Arisuin Nagi and Ayatsuji Ayase. And also the members of the Student Council including Toudou Touka.
In addition to Moroboshi who offered this place and his other friends Jougasaki Hyakuya and Asagi Momiji.
The figures of Yakushi Kiriko who was another protagonist at the finals, of Sara Bloodlily who unfolded a fierce combat with Ikki at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, of Kazamatsuri Rinna who came along with Sara somehow and even her maid Charlotte Corday were there.
Although Ikki was shy and slightly embarrassed due to the words of congratulations from everyone,
– Thank you, everyone.
He also raised the beer mug and participated in the toast.
Thus, the party began.
– Hurry up, they’re cooking! They’re super-cooking! *Clank**Clank* Make your orders rapidly!
Moroboshi, who stood in the kitchen, called out to them while clanging the metal spatula.
As if she was waiting for this, Stella raised her hand while raising from her chair.
– Tama porks for me! And ten of them!
– Coming right away!
– Stella-chan… isn’t your gluttony getting refined somehow?
– I-it can’t be helped, Arisu. The fuel consumption of the Dragon Spirit is way too much. If I don’t eat properly I get dizzy, you know?
– Well, it would be great if you could consume properly as well.
– Shiro. What are you going to order?
– I will order tendon with green onion. What will Momiji get?
– Hmm〜. Since we’re eating a lot now〜. I woonder whiich oone wiill it bee… oh, that’s right! Can it be the napolitan that you were preparing the other day?
– Let me see. A napolitan yakisoba, right? Yeah, sure. And the corpulent Nii-chan over here?
– Hmm… well, can I get these tama mix?
– I’m sorry. We’ll have those starting next week〜.
– Ah, is that so?
– Onii-chan, why are you spouting such a stupid lie…!?
It was a little girl with bobbed hair who raised a voice of protest.
She was the younger sister of Moroboshi Yuudai. She was Moroboshi Koume.
Although she was unable to speak before, during the battle of her older brother and Ikki she miraculously recovered her voice, and while her tone of voice was still unstable, she was taking orders from everyone while chatting without relying on writing.
And then, and until the ordered dishes were prepared.
Everyone gathered around Stella and Ikki who were on the seats of honor and gave them their compliments as they raised each of their beer mugs.
– Congratulations for your victory, Kurogane-kun! It was incredibly cool! To think that I’ve been receiving sword lessons from such an amazing person, I’m immensely happy!
– Yeeah, it was really a great thing. But I’ll overturn the outcome from that situation! My alias《Fifty Fifty》was eclipsed after all.
– I always believed, you know!? That Kurogane-kun would win! Since he’s a knight that defeated my《Blackbird》in the end!
Ikki responded to them with gratitude from the bottom of his heart.
– Thank you. If I hadn’t met everyone… I wouldn’t have been able to get this strength by myself. I’m grateful.
– Though it was unfortunate for Princess-dono. The difference was millimeter.
Stella showed how she shrugged her shoulders a little with the comfort of Saijou Ikazuchi.
– To suffer a loss with almost no difference. It’s the result that comes out when you do what only you have to do. And I accept it. But——
And then, she paused her words for a moment, drained in one gulp the beer mug that she had in her hand with excitement,
– The next time I’ll absoluuuuuutely not lose…!
She boasted while vigorously hitting the wooden table with the bottom of the beer mug.
While she scattered flame’s phosphorescence from her scarlet hair.
Everyone who was gathered around that valiant looking applauded with「You can do it!」「As expected of Stella-chan!」
Toudou Touka, who was sitting in a seat somewhat away from the seat of honor and from that situation, stared at those cheerful smiles.
– Fufu. It seems that next year’s Seven Stars Sword Art Festival will be exciting. It’s regrettable that I can’t participate in it.
– Kukuku…. That rematch was also the fate written down in the Black Chronicle…. The moment when thou will know will come…
– Ojou-sama says『I am looking forward to next year!』
– ――even so, it went too far this time!
However, only a girl gave her honest opinion with such excitement.
It was the little sister of Kurogane Ikki, the victor.
《Lorelei》Kurogane Shizuku.
Shizuku glanced at the two people sitting on the seats of honor while raising her eyebrows,
– Since both Onii-sama and Stella-san are a couple, why you two weren’t more worried about the health of each other? It wouldn’t be funny for either of you to die in such an absurd match, you know? Don’t you think that this lacks common sense or something?
– Ah, I-I’m sorry…
They made their bodies smaller as if they were kids that were scolded by the words of Shizuku.
In fact, that final. It was no funny at all with one of their lives being destroyed.
Because their whole souls were completely put into the slashing attacks they unleashed, they didn’t go easy at all with each other.
However, and also in line with this, she also excused them.
– B-but, it can’t be helped…. Because we are knights…, I wouldn’t let my skill or something to come loose against an opponent I deem acceptable…
If one were to expose a gap, one would be immediately slashed, losing the match.
The fight of the two had that sort of perspective.
They couldn’t let their guard down not even for an instant, because they understood that their opponent didn’t wish for that above all.
And… that was also the same for Shizuku.
– You truly are helpless people, aren’t you?
Even Shizuku knew that.
The bonds of the two was stronger than anything else, that’s why their relationship could do so.
She was jealous and envious of the bonds of the two… but at the same time she was delighted,
– … you truly are suited for each other…
Shizuku muttered with a small voice that nobody could hear and let out a sigh as if she was amazed.
– Eh? Shizuku, did you just nowーー
– Why are you placing a boneless ham on your knee?
– This is my leg!
And then, when the cooked okonomiyaki and the teppanyaki reached everyone from the kitchen, and once their bellies were filled.
Estimating that timing, and after Kagami tidied a part of the table, she spread the pictures she took at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
From the first match to the finals, all the great efforts of everyone in this place were selected from within the time that passed by, they had fun talking about the memories.
– Oh oh, please look, senpai. This is a picture when senpai used《Ittou Rasetsu》for a second time! I was able to photograph it neatly, didn’t I? This will be used on the whole surface of the next wall newspaper!
– Uwaa…, though in this one I look mostly worn-out…
– But you were very manly and fantastic. The gentlemen who have that much of a naughty side are fascinating.
– Ah! There’s also a picture when Shiro received a record instakill〜.
– That’s a coincidence, Momiji. I also came across with this picture when you fell and fainted.
– I see. Is this the father of the Bloody Da Vinci? I was able to remember his face.
– … yeah. That’s him.
– If you have any pictures you want, I will make extra copies, so don’t hesitate to tell me, okay? By the way, my best shot is——this one! The uncensored panties of Her Highness Stella, the Second Princess of Vermillion Ki——!?
But the moment Kagami took out the photo from her flat bosom and tried to show it to everyone.
The left jab that held the light and heat of Stella and that was released with a sharp, wind-cutting noise, penetrated the picture that Kagami held in her fingers and turned it into ashes.
And then, she grabbed the nape of the neck of Kagami with her right hand,
– Give me the data.
Pulling her towards herself with all her strength, she brought her close with bloodshot eyes and ordered her.
The jaw of a dragon that got near until the very eyes of Kagami, which she was able to see clearly——
– Y-yesh! As you wish!
The pen yielded before the sword.
– T-this is no good… because Stella-san didn’t get the joke… ahaha.
Seeing the state of all the presents who were chatting like that, Moroboshi called out to Koume from the kitchen.
– Koume. The orders have settled down already, so I’ll join them. Will you be fine on your own?
– Don’t worry. Leave it to me. … Onii-chan also worked hard.
– Thank you.
To appreciate her words of gratitude, Moroboshi patted and ruffled the head that Koume had placed down and she made her cheeks smile broadly with「Ehehe」.
Then, Moroboshi took off his apron and with a double tama pork dish that he had prepared for himself——sat down next to Touka who wasn’t involved in the photo viewing.
– Haaaa. Can I sit next to you?
Touka unintentionally spilled a smile, looking amused with that question.
– Aren’t you sitting there already? … but yes, you can. Help yourself.
– Thanks. … hmm. Like I thought, our okonomiyaki is the best. The number one in Osaka.
– I agree. They were very delicious. I would love to make my family eat them as well.
– *Ding* *Ding* that’s our business after all. They’re here in the Ichibanboshi of okonomiyaki.
Moroboshi had dinner somewhat late than everyone else while he returned so.
He ate the double tama pork completely while sticking out his tongue.
And then, when the sauce taste in his mouth was unified with the beer then poured into the stomach,
– Hey, Toudou…. The irregular swordsmanship that used electromagnetic force that you showed in the fixed match with Kurogane is what you call 《Inazuma》, right? If so, then you had a plan against my 《Houkiboshi》.
He touched on the matter just before the final match.
Touka, who got that, returned a nod.
– It’s not that my Noble Arts assumed an anti-《Houkiboshi》only, but naturally I have been forging it so that I can meet that purpose. Last year, I didn’t dodge《Houkiboshi》, and you took the pace from there. … Unfortunately, I wasn’t blessed with the opportunity to use it.
– I imagined so. That’s not it, right? It’s what I thought when I gave a glance at it. Certainly, if you had such skill, then it wouldn’t have gone like last year.
《Inazuma》was a Noble Arts that created a special magnetic field in the cross range and because of its attraction and repulsion, it made the sharp turns to accelerate abruptly.
The sudden changing gaps of angle and velocity boasted unequalled strength in midrange pace fights.
That power was also guessable from the fact that Ikki, who was able to master the sword of《Twin Wings》, pushed back the distance between the swords, the thing he was excellent at.
That was why Moroboshi said it with regret.
– I wanted to give it a try too, what a shame.
The Seven Stars Sword Art Festival was for form’s sake a tournament, it was difficult for the rank to become a ranking of strength.
From the point of view of Moroboshi’s sense, Touka was the most difficult enemy that stood in his way last year.
The skill that such formidable enemy had refined to defeat him.
It was something he wanted to try on the stage of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
But stillーー
– Well, I would be the one who would win, isn’t it?
*Grin*, Moroboshi turned a sidelong glance to Touka with a smile that looked provocative.
Towards that, Touka also——returned a full smile to Moroboshi.
– I don’t think so. By suppressing《Houkiboshi》, I would have won this year.
– Nah, impossible.
– I think otherwise.
– Noope, you’re lying to yourself.
– Not at all. This is an absolute fact〜.
「「〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜！」」
In the end, the two of them were rubbing their foreheads with each other while smiling.
That was the very picture of an explosive situation.
It was natural because their personalities couldn’t yield in topics like this with each other.
But that didn’t last long.
– Puh
– Ahaa.
After they exchanged killing intent for a moment, they laughed tiny and separated their foreheads that got a little red.
– Let’s stop. This is nothing but a talk of a fight that never happened.
– You’re right. Let’s drop both of our ego, we’re just wasting time. Besides… the dejected losers won’t get nothing by biting each other. We have to knockdown Kurogane. Our mutual target is way too high.
– … judging from that way of speaking, Moroboshi-san is going to continue being a knight after graduation.
– Is that surprising?
Touka nodded.
– Yes, it is. I thought that you would only become a reservist and would surely take over your family business.
– Well, I thought about that too, but…
Although the reservists have a《Mage-Knight》license, they work in their respective workplaces in the same way as ordinary people, but for emergencies only, and when requested by the《League Branch》,they would be people in charge of criminal investigations and national defense as《Mage-Knights》.
The people that were running a family business like Moroboshi, the majority of them became reservists.
And then Moroboshi also planned to do the same.
Howeverーー
– I know, but I finally was able to hear the cheering that I wanted to hear, you see. And I can still get stronger. Now I can stop shooting this air of superiority.
Touka nodded slowly and deeply with the words of Moroboshi.
– … I agree. Having people who are pushing our backs. That’s a very happy thing.
– We are third years. It’ll be impossible to participate in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, but… Toudou. What are you going to do from here on?
– For the present, I think that I will thoroughly train this summer vacation with my master. When I saw the battle of Kurogane-kun and the others, it made me realize that the lack of self-reliance was there, that there is still some ways to go for me. … And then simultaneously with my graduation, I will register in the National League and someday aim for the A-Rank League.
The A-Rank League was the popular name of the Top League of the King of Knights “KOK”, which was a close combat performance done by Blazers and hosted by the《League of Mage-Knight Nations》
The participants of A-Rank League were players representing the country that had won one of the few limited recommendations that were assigned to each nation affiliated to the league. The fights of the most prominent individuals in the world were done by knights that were singled out, the fights were loved by people all over the world as supreme pleasure.
Touka had set her next goal there.
Moroboshi nodded with “I see”.
– That’s the easy course, no?
Feeling a distance somehow with what returned, Touka cocked her head in puzzlement.
– Moroboshi-san disagrees?
– ——well. I’m registered in the National League. The National League of Japan… no, the National Leagues of the participating members of 《Mage-Knight Leagues》have many knights who emphasize on black magic because it’s the policy of the leagues. Though, my 《Tiger Bite》isn’t an ability of the type that has destructive power like black magic itself. That’s because the way of the taijutsu and how it is applied are essential. That’s a lifeline for me. … However, I didn’t reach Kurogane with my taijutsu.
His current taijutsu and spearmanship didn’t fit into the first-class world.
Moroboshi fully realized that when he fought against Ikki.
Therefore,
– That’s why… I’m thinking of participating in taijutsu-focused matches.
– Eh, does that mean…
Battles that emphasized taijutsu while being a Blazer.
There was only one tournament in the world that was held with such policy.
A continent spread beyond the Sea of Japan.
The world’s toughest League Matches were taking place there. Its name was——,
– I’ll challenge the God of War League…!
– …
Touka caught her breath because of Moroboshi‘s tone of voice that made her feel some kind of resolution coming from him.
Which wasn’t surprising.
The God of War League was held in China which wasn’t a member nation of the League. It was a fighting tournament where Blazers participated in it, its name was famous in the world, being on par with the A-Rank League.
There were a lot of voices saying that the level was higher than A-Rank League.
The reason was the severity of the battles.
The A-Rank League had promised state-of-the-art medical facilities, strict rules, sufficient intervals and rewards.
But the God of War League was different.
The God of War League was a tournament held by Bujutsuu Temple also called《Shinryuu Temple》 for ascetic monks, but in the first place, it wasn’t a show business.
Anyone could participate regardless of nationality, but there was no rewards, no medical facilities, the nonexistent rules was a terrifying thing, and so on.
-『Always Prepared』… you must be prepared to be on the battlefield whenever you’re a fighter. In that God of War League that embodies the philosophy of《Shinryuu Temple》, one is allowed to join forces with others and to attack even when one is asleep, in any case, I’ve heard from Sensei that the battles are tougher than the illegal underground fighting entertainment industry. … The consideration in terms of safety is the same, and therefore there are more deaths that can’t be compared to others like A-Rank League.
The only Japanese who has won that tournament was a man.
Touka, who had heard of the severity of the God of War League from 《God of War》 Nangou Torajirou, told Moroboshi with a tone that sounded like warning.
However, Moroboshi returned an 「I know」,
– But, there are things that can only be obtained when on the verge of death. … Like when Kurogane fought against《Twin Wings》and was able to steal that technique.
– … is, that so?
When she was told so, Touka couldn’t help but be convinced.
Ikki achieved an explosive growth in the fight against Edelweiss, the strongest《Twin Wings》swordsman in the world.
Also, in the final match against Stella, both of them were raising their limits with each other.
The moment like a spark where life and death intersected.
That moment was——in some cases comparable to several decades or regular daily training.
Moroboshi intended to obtain that moment.
By putting himself in a hard environment to drive himself to the limit.
Understanding that, Touka stopped to check it then yelled to her friend that was going to walk the path of carnage.
– God of War League has battles for the honor only, as there is no prize at all, but if you get good results there, then you will get global attention. And you will get a recommendation for A-Rank League, no?
– Yeah. I’m not interested in the National League, but A-Rank is another deal. Most of the human beings there are monsters that would carry pretty much to the extremes their hearts, techniques and physiques. But I plan to challenge them, sooner or later.
– If so… then our rematch will be there.
– Yeah. Absolutely.
Having made a promise, the two made their beer jugs meet gently.
Moroboshi and Touka talked about what would come next.
Looking at the two from a distance——Toutoukubara Kanata headed to the place of a person she had decided to talk today as well.
That person was the《Beast Tamer》Kazamatsuri Rinna of Akatsuki Academy.
– Yes. It is good to eat something not classy once in a while.
– Ojou-sama. *Kiss*.
– Fuaah!? W-w-w-w-what are you doing so suddenly, Char!?
– I did that because there was sauce stuck on your cheek.
– Ah, thank——*ahem*. That helped me a lot. Ho-however, since this《Altar》has《Purity that wipes impurity away》I hope that you will use it from next time.
Instead of joining the bustling circle around Ikki, Kanata approached Rinna who was eating little by little a large okonomiyaki with her small mouth and talked to her.
– … it’s been a long time. Rinna-san.
Rinna turned her head with that voice,
– Oh, it’s Toutoukubara’s…
She showed a particular uninterested attitude.
This was also natural because they exchanged greetings in the high society once or twice as Japan’s most wealthy people, but it wasn’t like they had a relationship as if they were to talk in private.
– I am sorry for not being able to greet you when I went to《Hagun》.
– Don’t worry. I, the ruler of the night don’t care about such trivial things. *chewing*.
– … I suppose you intended to be sarcastic, yes? Can I sit next to you?
– Khelf yourhelv (Help yourself).
– “Go ahead”, it’s what Ojou-sama is saying.
Then by excusing herself, Kanata sat down next to Rinna.
– But I was surprised. Toutoukubara also knows that Kazamatsuri has strong connections with the underworld, but to think that Rinna-san, who is the biological child of the Head Kazamatsuri Kouzou, is involved with the activities of《Rebellion》…
– Gats ingogect (That’s incorrect).
– Eh?
– Not the subject of Head-sama, but Ojou-sama doesn’t belong to《Rebellion》.
Charlotte explained instead of Rinna who was stuffed with okonomiyaki in her mouth.
The father of Rinna, Kazamatsuri Kouzou, and Prime Minister Tsukikage were old friends, and because of that connection, Rinna played with Tsukikage since she was a child, and got on good terms.
So Rinna, when Tsukikage proposed the establishment of the 《National Akatsuki Academy》to Kouzou who was the leader of《Rebellion》, volunteered to participate in that strategy to become the strength of Tsukikage.
In that sort of sense, her connection was thinner than Sara who was participating as 《Rebellion》, more or less.
She was a guest like Ouma, because they were good beings.
After she got the explanation, Kanata nodded with “I see”,
– … is that so? If so, please sever your ties from this kind of activities right now.
A little potent, she told Rinna with a tone of voice that was like a command rather than a request.
Rinna gulped the food that was in her mouth and asked.
– Hou? Why would you order such a thing?
– Because I don’t want to come across with an acquaintance in the battlefield.
That’s right. This was what Kanata wanted to talk with Rinna today.
《Scharlach Frau》Toutoukubara Kanata was a prominent influential person in Japan.
Therefore, and while being a student, she would appear in the field of an actual combat in the form of a《Special Summon》.
She fought with enemies and participated in the suppression of bases of《Rebellion》. ――She had experience in killing and wounding formidable combatants.
Even though she was prepared, the experience wasn’t going to leave a good aftertaste.
That’s why she wanted to avoid running across a face she knew in hell.
However, Rinna showed a scornful laugh to that warning.
– Kuku…. I see. But that’s a discussion I won’t comply with. Because this《Demon Eye of Twilight》is the root of the darkness of the world of the dead, and I am the person that carries it in my body. You may call that the karma that exists in the world of darkness…. Guh! The chaos sealed in the demon eye is aching, wishing for blood…! Kukuku… I wonder who will be the sacrifice tonight…!
Rinna covered the eye-patch while saying such thing.
That was an incomprehensible painful act from an outsider’s perspective.
However, Kanata knew what she meant, and the meaning of that behavior.
That’s why——Kanata used the trump card she had prepared in advance.
– … haa. I guess there is no other way.
She took out a student’s handbook from the white tote bag and called to that place.
That place was——
– Hello? Can I get in contact with Oota Hara, the editor-in-chief of the Weekly Shounen Jack Editorial Department? Tell him that is Toutoukubara please.
With this action, Rinna, who was next to her, got up so vigorously and suddenly that she kicked the chair away,
– T-the Weekly Jack? Is that where『The User of the Twilight Demon Eye』is being serialized? That Jack!?
She forgot about her exaggerated acting and approached Kanata with an excited expression.
Kanata chuckled to herself due to the expected reaction of Rinna.
– Yes. Because Shoueisha is an affiliate company of Toutoukubara Group.
– Th-th-th-th-then, y-you, can t-talk, with Takayanagi-sensei, the author of『The User of the Twilight Demon Eye』!?
– Yes, of course. I met him right before coming to Osaka——, Ah. Excuse me. Hello? I am sorry for interrupting you. … Yes. Well, it’s about the negotiation we discussed earlier, yes. Like I thought, she is not listening to my persuasion, yes, that’s why and like I discussed with you Takayanagi-sensei, 『The User of the Twilight Demon Eye』will have to be terminated——
– Waaait, whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?!?!?
Rinna instinctively grabbed the shoulders of Kanata with a loud voice due to the contents of the conversation that made her hair stand up straight.
– Eh!? What, what does that mean!? What’s going to be terminated!? What!? Even though it was last week’s opening color!?
– … adults’ matters, isn’t that right? Publishing works that will end up guiding children to a road of crime can be a compliance issue for a company. If Rinna-san who ended up setting foot into the underworld due to the influence of『The User of the Twilight Demon Eye』couldn’t be reformed, then we decided that he would consult with the editorial department and attempt to terminate his work.
Due to the words of Kanata, the blood from the flushed and excited face of Rinna disappeared.
An affiliate company of her own family.
Because the work was serialized in that magazine, Kanata knew at a glance that Rinna was doing a role-playing of the character of the work.
A work she loved till that point.
She had no objection as a hostage. And then――
– T-that’s tyranny! It’s outrageous! Don’t you feel bad for Takayanagi-sensei!?
– Of course I consulted it directly with Takayanagi-sensei. … This is what Sensei said. 『If there is a child who ends up committing crime due to my work, then I will cancel it. That is what I decided』… he is truly a splendid gentleman.
– Yes! Rinna is rehabilitated! Rehabilitated! Rehabilitated! She’s not going to work with 《Rebellion》anymore! Please, will that much make it stooooooooooooooooop!?!?
Rinna quickly fell down, she clung to Kanata in tears.
Rinna clung to Kanata in tears like a kid throwing a tantrum.
Shizuku sighed while staring at her figure in the distance.
– … good grief, she’s quite lousy…
And, at that moment.
A tall handsome man called Arisuin Nagi talked to Shizuku who was sitting alone.
– Don’t be so hard, Shizuku.
– Arisu…
– You got tired? I know you don’t like this kind of bustling gatherings, Shizuku.
Arisuin was an extremely tactful man.
It seemed that he was paying attention to her because she couldn’t fit in the mood of the place.
Despite Shizuku being grateful towards the consideration of her friend, she replied.
– … it’s not that I’m particularly tired. It’s just… that I lost motivation because I was left out.
– What do you mean?
– … I came here today because it was Onii-sama’s celebration, however, I wanted to aspire becoming an apprentice of… Kiriko-san.
Arisuin wasn’t surprised with those words, but rather he showed agreement with「I see」.
– That’s… like I thought, the matter at that time is the reason?
Towards that, Shizuku nodded.
Arisuin said the matter at that time.
That matter was, of course, the night of the semifinals.
After the fight against《Bad Luck》Shinomiya Amane, the older brother of Shizuku, Ikki, lost his life for a moment due to his ability.
No matter how much she tried to save him, the result of death engraved on his body tried to steal the soul of Ikki to the purgatory.
Fortunately, Ikki safely came back to life thanks to the efforts of《 White-Robed Knight》Yakushi Kiriko who came flying there at the request of Father Itsuki, then he was able to be in the finals against Stella——
– I couldn’t do anything. I was just crying the dilemma of Onii-sama despite me being a water user like her.
Shizuku remembered.
——The figure of herself who absolutely lost her temper in front of the operating room where Ikki was going into.
And then, she felt extremely anger with herself.
——“How am I so pathetic?”
And yet, Kiriko, a water user like her, definitely saved her older brother with that power.
Around that moment, she never fully realized her own incompetence.
– I’ll never go through that again. How was I unable to do anything else but cry the dilemma of Onii-sama…!? That will never, never happen again. That’s why…
– You thought about trying becoming an apprentice of woman doctor-san.
Shizuku nodded and showed affirmation,
– … but.
She turned a little fed-up gaze to one corner of the table.
Arisuin also followed the destination of her gaze.
There――was the figure of the drunken Kiriko that toyed with the body of 《Bloody Da Vincy》Sara Bloodlily, she had stolen the freedom to Sara by wrapping her legs and arms around her like an octopus.
– Oh my, oh my. You. The muscles of your physique are unexpectedly insufficient〜.
– W-well, my body is weak by nature. Besides, I just paint and draw while sitting, so… it can’t be helped.
– That’s not good, that’s not good〜. If it’s with such everyday life *hic*. The bomb will explode immediately after you’ve passed your twenties. The bomb is ticking all throughout your whole body, you see. Bu〜t〜don’t wo〜rry. Kiriko-chan. Actually, I’m currently researching a revolutionary healing technique that transforms fat into muscle! So, I have nominated you as the first human testing subject〜. Hmm〜 Kiriko-chan is so soft〜
– Help me, anyone…
– *Lick*.
– Ah…
Kiriko had to experience the fetishism of a certain woman doctor called Sara since she had a lot of exposures from the beginning.
Arisuin showed a slightly disgusted smile because of the very lascivious scene where such two women were entangled while disarranging their clothes.
– She was influenced by sake. That woman doctor-san.
– Despite that, she’s not going to talk a lot. … Or perhaps I should say that even I might get involved if I get close to her, so I don’t want to approach her. No no no.
– Yeah. I also think that’s fine.
– Well, I will visit her directly in Hiroshima during summer vacation.
Arisuin asked with a little surprised look as Shizuku said so as if she had given up.
– Then you are not going to accompany him to Vermillion?
While facing Shizuku that pouted her lips as if she sulked a little,
– Even I wouldn’t do an absurd thing like that.
(I felt that it was going to be something like that, but…)
He thought, but Arisuin wasn’t a man who would say such a thoughtless thing.
They knew.
That the relationship of Ikki and Stella advanced greatly in the finals of the tournament.
And those two were going to visit Vermillion Empire to greet Stella’s parents.
If the discussion there were to be settled smoothly, then that would become the key of their engagement.
Gazing at that coming day, Shizuku started coming to an understanding within herself.
(Shizuku… also loves Stella-chan, isn’t that right?)
Although the person herself would never admit it.
Otherwise, it would be impossible for her to allow her to get close with her beloved older brother.
Such sweet Shizuku was so cute, Arisuin pressed her cheek with a finger that got a little sulky as if poking fun at her.
With that, Shizuku raised her sullen eyebrows then raised her index finger and poked the cheek of Arisuin.
No, rather than saying she poked it, she stabbed it.
Arisuin smiled wryly as he rubbed his cheek due to the very competitive spirit that had such strong Shizuku-like countermeasure.
Shizuku asked him.
– More importantly, does Arisu have any plans for summer vacation? If not, then would you like to come with me to Hiroshima?
However, Arisuin returned「I’m sorry」with a sad expression towards that invitation.
He had something he wanted to do.
– … I’ve been thinking of going back to my hometown for a while during this summer vacation. I couldn’t go there for a long time, but I will visit the graves of my friends.
– I see. Then we’ll spend our summer without each other. That’s a bit unfortunate.
– I hope for your training to go well from the distance.
Around two hours after the start of the victory party.
Every person who surrounded the pictures and had reminiscent talks of the festival were more than satisfied, then divided into small groups of fellows with whom they usually hang out and started having a nice talk.
When they were getting to that step, Ikki, the guest of honor, was finally released from that crowd.
– *Phew*
Ikki sat deeply in the chair, deposited his back on the back of the chair and looked up at the ceiling.
He had received the blessings from many people.
His endurance was somewhat drained due to such unfamiliar situation.
But that wasn’t all, he also responded to the interview of Kagami, so his throat was dry.
Should he get Koume to bring something? Yeah, he thought so and——
– Thank you very much for this winner’s interview. 《Seven Stars Sword King》-san.
*Cubes of ice hitting each other*, a cold and hard feeling touched his eyebrows.
Stella took care of it and went to get a cold barley tea.
– … thank you. You saved me.
And by thanking her, Ikki gulped down the content of the mug and drank around half of it.
Stella looked at such state of Ikki that was next to her with tender eyes,
And then, she opened her eyes as if she had noticed something.
– Ah, Wait a bit, Ikki. Your hair is ruffled. Let me fix it.
The hair of Ikki got ruffled due to the rough blessings from Moroboshi and Renren that in the end produced so.
Ikki didn’t pay attention to it because he wasn’t really a man concerned about his personal appearance, but it wasn’t alright to be that unshapely before her.
So he nodded with an obedient「Okay」and straightened up his back so that Stella could touch his hair easily.
Stella turned to the back of the hair of Ikki and while she combed it with her gentle way of using her hands,
– And so it finished, isn’t it? The tournament.
She muttered, feeling a little lonely.
To this, Ikki returned the same opinion.
– Yeah…. In the blink of an eye.
– It feels a little lonely. … Because I was aiming for a long time for this.
That feeling was well understood by Ikki.
He was also aiming for this place.
For the graduation. And for the promise he made with Stella.
That’s why… Ikki became a little uneasy.
– Have you perhaps burned out?
However, Stella laughed Ikki’s uneasiness down with「You serious?」.
– I’ll be training for my revenge next year! And also for that thing last night.
Last night.
With those words, he nodded with「——yeah. That’s right」
That’s right. … Originally, this celebration was supposed to be held yesterday right after the award ceremony.
The reason why it was delayed by one day was nothing but an urgent business that came to the guest of honor.
Both Ikki and Stella had received a call from Prime Minister Tsukikage Bakuga to the gulf coast dome at night.
I would like you to meet at the ring of the gulf coast dome at 9 PM.
That call was after the award ceremony. They were brought through Shinguuji Kurono, the board chairman of Hagun Academy. According to what they heard, they were going to have a secret conversation with Tsukikage and four people where《Yaksha Princess》Saikyou Nene was mixed in it, she was one of Japan’s most powerful persons who acted as the master of Kurono and Stella.
– What on earth do they want to talk about? And calling at such hour nonetheless!
– Come now…. I don’t get it either.
The two entered the dome at the appointed time, walked through the empty passage and cocked their heads in puzzlement while heading towards the ring.
– If this was an invitation of terrorists, then I’ll wipe the floor with them.
– I think that’s not the case because the board chairman and Saikyou-sensei appeared to be also in this…
Eventually they came out of the gate that was left open and arrived at the ring of the meeting.
However, and strangely, no one was there.
There was just silence similar to feeling pain in one’s ear in the spacious room that stretched out.
– Are you kidding me? Not even the one that called us is here. Ikki. The time is correct, right?
– Yeah. It’s strange…
The result was the same even when checking the surroundings.
No human shapes were found on the ring nor in the mortar-shaped spectator seats.
It was deserted.
The trash was also swept completely, it was a mere shadow of the wild enthusiasm until this morning.
Ikki felt a touch of loneliness when looking at that desolated state.
They spent so much time in this place.
The few number of days were less than a week, but such enrichment was unmatched.
For that reason, Ikki felt a strong attachment to this place.
But――
(Huh…?)
Why the stage made him feel such attachment?
(What’s this? This strange feeling)
A slightly penetrating sea breeze shook the silence inside the dome.
Every time the atmosphere shook slightly, it caressed his skin.
Ikki felt a strange uncomfortable feeling with that sensation.
Was the atmosphere in this place that was flowing like this?
Why was it caressing his skin like that now?
——That’s not it.
(The flow of the air is strange)
The visual information he got when surveying the environs not long ago and the atmospheric fluctuation that he felt on his skin.
These two pieces of information didn’t match.
They were disordered.
The atmospheric fluctuation assumed from his visual information and the one that was real diverged.
Yeah, as if,
It was as if there was an obstacle other than Stella and himself on the ring――
– ————————!
Immediately after he recognized it, Ikki caught it with his eyes.
Behind Stella. The existence of a dark armor raised a giant halberd overhead…!
– Stellaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Avoid iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!!!!
– !
The reaction of Stella at that moment was the fruit of her trust in Ikki.
Stella hadn’t noticed the presence behind her yet.
Nevertheless, she threw her body down to the front reflectively.
She wasn’t bewildered by the sudden scream, she didn’t try to look back.
The complete trust towards the man called Ikki moved her body without thinking it.
Immediately after, the blade of the halberd fell on the place where Stella was standing just now, and with a roaring sound, it crushed the ring and the silence of this place.
– Who are you!?
– ――――
She threw up the body that was thrown down before with her right hand and rotated in the air.
Stella faced the enemy and let loose an angry voice.
There was an unusual alertness in her wide-opened eyes.
That wasn’t surprising.
It was easy for him to get even behind them, but his repulsive force easily crushed the ring of reinforced slate.
His physical strength wasn’t to the degree of Stella’s, but to Kurogane Ouma’s class.
He wasn’t an ordinary person.
Contrasting with that, the enemy covered with a black armor replied nothing and attacked Stella again.
There was a clear fighting spirit in his actions,
– ! It’s someone we don’t know, but now that he did that, he has become my enemy!
Stella responded.
She immediately made her Device《Laevateinn》manifest in her hands,
– Pierce the azure sky! Flames of purgatory…!
Flames appeared from the blade.
They swirled, the multitude of overlapping flames increased their temperature and intensity of light in the blink of an eye.
And turned into an incandescent light sword.
Its brightness illuminated with a brilliance the whole interior of the dome as if it was midday,
——It exposed the detailed figure of the black armor that was fusing with darkness.
That figure,
(That armor, no way…!)
Ikki remembered it when he saw it.
But,
-《Katharterio Salamandra》!!!!
At the same time he noticed it, Stella’s slashing attack of emitting light swallowed the armor.
It was a direct hit, there was no deny in that.
With that accurate reaction, Stella taunted him,
– Humph! How was t――!?
However, the facial expression of Stella was instantly dyed with surprise.
That was expected.
Her deadly blow.《Katharterio Salamandra》.
He pierced through the torrent of light like it was a gentle breeze without losing a bit of momentum. The black armored knight appeared before the eyes of Stella from inside the light.
And then, the black armor brandished the halberd again and knocked it down with all his might, aiming at the top of the head of Stella.
The evasion of Stella who was convinced about the direct hit of 《Katharterio Salamandra》wasn’t good enough. But,
– Stellaaaa!
Ikki, who came running, compensated for it.
He strongly thrust Stella away from her side, passed under the falling halberd and dodged the blade,
– Haaaaaa!
He rolled and twisted his body, then released a horizontal flash at the torso of the armored knight to cut it right in half.
The armored knight who brought down his halberd couldn’t respond to this.
《Intetsu》’s black blade hit the trunk of the armor as if it was absorbed by it.
However, the slashing attack of Ikki had unparalleled sharpness for sure, but its power wasn’t that high.
The slashing attack was prevented by the armor, literally the blade didn’t stand up.
However, Ikki obviously knew that.
There was no need to cut the armor.
――The blade only had to touch him, that much was enough.
– … !
The instant《Intetsu》touched the flank of the armor, Ikki put to work the muscles of his whole body.
He released his second favorite attack by muscle expansion and contraction.
Sixth Secret Sword《Dokuga no Tachi》.
*TN: Literally Long sword of the poisonous moth.
It was a technique that caused ripples in the water inside the body of an armor user by hitting a certain kind of vibration against the weapon and armor of the opponent, ignoring all defenses and destroying the enemy from inside.
Firmness and shock absorption weren’t proportional.
The poison called vibration spread in the entire body of the armored knight in a flash——
Fresh blood gushed out from the small openings of the armor.
Regardless of that——
– Guh!
Right after that, the black armor released a shark kick like a spear against Ikki.
He didn’t make him feel any damage even though he was struck by《Dokuga no Tachi》.
However――Ikki wasn’t surprised by this.
The reason was that the attack just now wasn’t aiming at damaging Ikki himself.
He was convinced with that blow.
Who was the person, the armored knight before his eyes? And then,
– Ikki! This guy, is he perhaps that…
Stella, who ran up to Ikki that was sent flying with that kick, got to realize something similar.
Therefore, they understood.
He was an opponent beyond their powers.
– Stella! Follow me!
– Leave it to me!
With Ikki as the vanguard, the two went to attack him at the same time.
With this, the armored knight manipulated skillfully the grip of the giant halberd and rotated the halberd above his head.
As Ikki was closing the hap, the jet-black halberd accelerated by sufficient centrifugal force and became like a black whirlwind, cutting the pulse of Ikki.
He cut it. ——Or so he thought.
However, the halberd that should have intercepted him with a perfect timing, waved a few centimeters before Ikki who was running up to him.
Fourth Secret Sword――《Mirage》.
*TN: Kanjis given are 蜃気狼. When read as Shinkirou it means Mirage.
It was a body technique that bewitched the eyes of the rival with the tempo of its unique footwork.
Ikki then also created afterimages in front of him that caused the armored knight to misrecognize the distance.
And then, the two aimed at the moment when the armored knight vibrated in a big way and attacked him――!
– Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
Stella, who was running behind Ikki, returned her sword and swung《Laevateinn》.
Simultaneously with Ikki who ran ahead and jumped.
By landing on the middle part of《Laevateinn》that was swung as a foothold, Worst One released the First Secret Sword《Saigeki》, a charging technique that had the most destructive power among the Seven Secret Swords he possessed.
The charging strength of《Saigeki》and the physical strength of the swing of the sword of Stella shook the ground.
That made everything concentrate in a single point to pierce the enemy, it was a combined technique that could only be achieved by these two people; it was created by the perfectly coordinated inspiration and combination of them.
Their names were——
– 《Tsunoou》——!!
– 《Harmonic Bullet》——!!
The inspiration of the name of the techniques weren’t linked at all, but that wasn’t a problem.
The blow, that was the combination of the strength of the two, was splendid, it hit directly the area between the eyebrows of the enemy who lost his stance due to his attack that missed――that caused sparks and a roaring sound to be produced, and thrust away the armored knight out of the ring.
However,
– Wha…!?
The instant they thought he was pushed out of the ring, he sunk into the wall below the audience seats just like that.
The armored knight suddenly rotated his body and landed with both feet on the wall surrounding the perimeter of the ring.
He immediately kicked the wall, smashing it, then leapt towards Ikki and Stella with a momentum like a cannonball, and then to bisect the two altogether, he swung the halberd horizontally.
It was a long swing with quite a range.
Even though they dodged it easily, an evident impatience ran on their facial expressions.
Which wasn’t surprising.
《Tsunoou》, which concentrated the physical strength of Stella and Ikki in one point.
Even though the enemy before their eyes was struck by it directly, no damage went through him, he didn’t even flinch from it.
– … if that didn’t settle it, then we have no choice but to do that.
– Yes. Let’s do it.
The two resolved themselves towards the opponent, the armored knight that fixed his stance calmly as he rotated the halberd.
And by breathing in deeply at the same time,
– 《Ittou——
– 《Dragon——
Their ability. They tried to use them to the utmost limits.
——But it was at that time when.
– That’s enough.
「「Eh!?」」
A familiar voice cut in between the three on the ring.
When they looked towards the direction of the one who spoke, the one who was there was,
– Board chairman… and——
– Nene-sensei and Prime Minister Tsukikage…!?
The three people that they were supposed to meet at this place today came up to the ring.
Kurono, who was in that group, told the armored knight.
– Any more than this and you will kill each other. Can you drop your weapon?
The armored knight… undid his stance without showing an attitude that opposed so and dropped the tip of the halberd to the ground.
The fighting spirit of not long ago disappeared from that figure.
So, Ikki and Stella also dropped the point of their swords for a moment――and asked.
– Board chairman. What is the meaning of this?
Towards that question, it was Nene, who was next to Kurono, who returned some words.
– Well, this was some sort of petty entertainment. However, I’m aware both Kurogane and Stella-chan know who this guy is, right?
– Yes…
They knew him.
They thought “no way” with that peculiar appearance, but they got convinced while fighting him.
– The notion of《Fortitude》that keeps restoring the body of the user infinitely. By wearing the Device《Orichalcos》on his body to use it, this guy, the《A-Rank Knight》of France, was registered in the KOK A-Rank League for the first time last year and climbed to the top of the rankings in the twinkling of an eye with a tempestuous and steady advance——He’s the current top 4 in the world.《Black Knight》Ascaride-san, isn’t that right?
– ――――
《Black Knight》didn’t respond to Ikki’s question.
He kept being silent like he did until now.
However, that strength.
There was no need to take a commitment to that anymore.
What they didn’t know was why a first-class knight of a country member of the League attacked them――
Kurono gave an answer to that question.
– Ascaride really wanted to see your strength at any cost. Since that was a sign that he would launch a surprise attack if we had left him alone, we let him do so under our watch.
– … “we let him do so”…. I’m pretty much a state guest. I’m the Second Princess of Vermillion Empire! This perfectly could have been an international issue!
Stella glanced at Tsukikage who was behind those two due to the blunt words of Kurono.
Tsukikage showed a wry smile.
– I stopped her, but…
– We approved it!
– Aren’t you our teacher!?
– You won’t have many opportunities to meet knights of this level. Experiencing the strength of League’s top-class knights on your skin is affection that you may call it like becoming experience which is good for you. Trust me.
– E-even so, wasn’t there another way of doing this…?
Stella dropped her shoulders, exasperated.
Certainly, Sparta had a limit.
And while Stella was complaining to Nene and the others, the assailant, Ascaride, still didn’t say anything then tried to leave the ring to which she had returned to.
He accomplished his goal, so it seemed that it was meaningless for him to be here anymore.
He was really a man that did things as he wanted.
*TN: Please take into consideration that during all this time, the sex of Ascaride hasn’t been mentioned at all. But the line above explicitly mentions a man “男”. For sake’s consistency I left all mentions towards Ascaride as “he”.
Well, if the other party didn’t show intention of fighting Ikki, then there was no reason in particular to chase him.
That’s why he took away his eyes from the back of Ascaride who went away,
– I understand the reason why Ascaride-san attacked us. There’s no need to discuss this any further. More importantly, Prime Minister Tsukikage. What is the matter you have to talk with us…?
He presented interest to the man who summoned them to this place.
Tsukikage, who had given a single step till now, showed an expression similar to gratitude on his face for having changed the flow of the conversation,
– There are two matters about why I called you both today. Because there was something I want you to hear and something we ought to talk. … Let’s start from the latter first.
He began to talk with a serious tone.
– There’s only one thing we ought to talk. Ikki-kun. It’s about the incident that happened to your body.
– Something… happened to Ikki’s body…?
Stella turned an uneasy face with such disturbing sounds.
But Tsukikage didn’t answer the question of Stella,
– Ikku-kun already knows what I’m talking about, isn’t that right?
He asked Ikki.
Ikki nodded to that question.
It was because he remembered so.
– Is it perhaps no other thing but when I used《Ittou Rasetsu》 for a second time in the match against Stella?
Towards that, Tsukikage affirmed with「Exactly」.
– Magic power is the influence that is related to this world and the thing Blazershave by birth. For this reason, the aggregate amount is determined as fate. But… there are exceptions in this world that disprove that premise. Like those who have severed the chains of fate by their own strong will. There are exceptions that broke the limits of their souls as persons and got out of their destiny. We call those existences《Desperados》.
Tsukikage said.
The moment he received Stella’s 《Katharterio Salamandra》, Ikki was defeated in his original fate.
But he burned with his feelings for Stella and shook free from that fate.
The fate surrounding this world transcended the limits that was allowed for the being called 『Kurogane Ikki』and caused an unbelievable miracle of raising the upper limit of his magic power, and overturned his fate.
– At that time, you leveled up the rank of your soul and became an existence different from the regular Blazers. You, who have reached this awakening, have been removed from the circle of fate surrounding this planet, and now you have become able to raise the upper limit of your magic power depending on the training. My first task is to tell you a fact, that you have become an existence that set foot into the current《Domain of the Desperados》.
– W-wait a minute!
Then, Stella interrupted the words of Tsukikage.
She was showing a strong irritation on her face,
– Certainly I saw the moment when the magic power of Ikki increased. It was impossible, but I thought that if it was Ikki, then he would do around that much. However, Prime Minister Tsukikage. By your way of speaking, it means that you knew about the existence of this phenomenon since long ago, isn’t that right?
– Yes. Absolutely. And certainly not only me, as it is also known by the League Headquarters. I am conveying this stage’s conversation to the《Desperado》that experienced an awakening as the head of the member nations of the 《League of Mage-Knight Nations》.
– ――
Stella’s irritation changed to anger with those words.
– Vermillion Empire has never heard a story like that. I’ve never heard such a story from Otou-sama! … Why were you silent in the first place? Turning upside down the common sense of this world from the roots with something like『The upper limit of magic power doesn’t change from the time one was born』, isn’t that a serious conversation…!? You should have detailed so to all the member nations of the League, don’t you think!?
Stella approached Tsukikage with an unusual threatening attitude.
It was natural.
She was first a student knight and at the same time, the Second Princess of Vermillion Empire.
He was a political person involved in the center of the administrative organs of a whole country.
The League was hiding things towards her country, and those weren’t contents that could be transmitted with “yes, is that so?”
The magic power upper limit could be removed.
If only some nations shared that know-how, then that was a malpractice act against the allies of those nations.
In that case, she must consider their withdrawal from the League.
However, in response to the indignation of the Second Princess of Vermillion Kingdom, Tsukikage explained as a representative of the League.
– It’s reasonable for Stella-hime to be angry. However… it’s a misunderstanding that the League has deceived Vermillion Kingdom and that has monopolized the know-how that leads to《Desperado》among some nations. The League is hiding the existence of 《Desperado》… because they are completely dangerous.
– Dangerous?
– Yes. In order to reach《Desperado》, one must carry the potential of oneself to the extremes, additionally, it’s necessary for the strong person’s will to rise even higher than that. That is an absolute condition of awakening. … But, have you thought that there are people who can hurt you and how much of them are in this world?
– That’s…
– Stella-hime. You should understand it if you are a knight of that degree. It’s not something that can be imitated or attempted to copy it. However, you should be able to imagine it as you are also a lady that is part of the imperial family that is involved in the administration of a country. … The type of tragedies that will happen if a greedy『Leader』knows the existence of this domain.
– …
Stella opened her eyes wide and caught her breath for a moment.
It was easy for her to imagine the tragedy at the end as her royal family had a strong political power over their people and knew well the mechanisms of the nation.
– A powerful Blazer is a very important being for a nation. The more their numbers, the better. Consequently, if the upper limit of magic power were to have a method to be increased and propagated, then and without fail, someone who will force the Blazers of their own country will appear. To carry to exhaustion the potential of the human beings against their will, that is indeed such a horrible training. … But the awakening it’s not something that can be enforced by a third party. What is necessary to overcome fate is one’s own will. When they force a severe training, like making one stand in the depths of death, then only tragedy is born while one is pressured. That’s why, and to not create a tragedy like that, the League concealed the existence of《Desperados》and revealed their existences only to some people of the nations that discharged《Desperados》among the nations affiliated with the League. It doesn’t mean that we were hiding ill will towards Vermillion Kingdom, so I would like you to understand that.
Towards the explanation of Tsukikage,
– … hmm. That being the case, oh well… I understand.
Stella showed understanding and withdrew her threatening attitude.
She imagined so, she was convinced that that tragedy was inevitable.
Dictatorship countries as well as democratic countries were dangerous.
If they were to do the unreasonable like putting lives in danger, then Blazers would become stronger by surpassing the upper limit of magic power. If such public opinion were to be born, the human rights of the small number of Blazers would reach a critical situation.
It was justified that the League, that supervised the Blazers, kept it a secret.
――Like that, Stella recovered her composure and Ikki took a breath of small relief.
– But since only the nations are discharging《Desperados》, does that mean… that there are already other individuals like them in Japan?
He raised a question that was generated in the middle of the conversation.
Tsukikage nodded towards this, he showed affirmation with his neck going up and down.
– There are only two《Mage-Knights》that have Japanese nationality. One is the legendary knight《God of War》Mr. Nangou Torajirou who lived in the same era as《The Great Hero》Kurogane Ryouma. And the other person is the favorite pupil of《God of War》who is here, 《Yaksha Princess》Saikyou Nene-kun. When it comes to outside matters, Mr. Ascaride is also a《Desperados》that belongs to the League.
– Nene-sensei is…!
– Well, it’s not like I’m ranked third in the world just for show you know. … I’m different to you who ended up retiring immediately because you lost your nerve when awakening.
– …
Kurono, looking embarrassed, averted her eyes because Nene turned aggressive eyes towards her.
There was truly a volatile mood that was different from the two people who messed around while using their common abusive language.
Tsukikage, who guessed that, clapped once and returned to the story.
– The conversation went a little back and forth, but to sum up about why the head of the member nations of Knights League made an appointment with a new《Desperado》: like I explained to Stella-hime now, I just wanted you to be self-aware of the existences called 《Desperados》and how this may compromise the human rights of all Blazers and for you to not make it public. Did you understand that?
– Yes. I should express that I drew out magic power from the bottom and not that it increased when I’m asked anything that is related to my second《Ittou Rasetsu》, is that correct?
– Your quick understanding saved us time.
Tsukikage showed a satisfied smile towards the comprehensive faculty of Ikki who guessed without being told the fixed text recommended by the League after one has experienced awakening in an official place. And then,
– Although their existences should be concealed for the benefit of all Blazers, the 《Desperados》who have gone beyond their fate through awakening aren’t bound by the fate surrounding this world. And depending on the training, their superior fighting power can extend their magic powers. I, as Prime Minister of Japan, will collaborate without sparing anything for you to become stronger. If necessary, I can also introduce you an excellent teacher with my connections.
He made a firm promise to support Ikki, who had climbed to a new domain, as a nation.
Ikki, towards this,
– Thank you very much——it’s what I would like to say, but.
He told Tsukikage while having careful sparkles inside his eyes like a blade.
– I still can’t trust a person like you. You attacked our Academy. You even asked for cooperation to《Rebellion》and tried to launch《National Akatsuki Academy》. Unless a number of reasonable explanations are given for that reason, I don’t feel like relying on you by any means.
– You said it well, Kurogane. I agree.
– That also goes for Vermillion Empire, we cannot help but feel distrust towards people like you who were conspiring with terrorists.
– Sensei. Why don’t we talk about this slowly? About what do you think and why did you do this?
The other three also adhered to the distrust of Ikki.
The eyes of everyone were gathered in Tsukikage.
As if Tsukikage was waiting for that,
– Of course…. As that’s the second matter that assembled everyone here today.
He pushed out both arms to the front,
– Make all the universe shine. 《Moon Orb》*
*TN: 月天宝珠: Getten Houju.
Together with a faint light like the glow of the moon, he made his Device manifest.
What appeared in front of the two hands that Tsukikage opened was a fist-sized crystal ball decorated with gold metal.
It was flying in the air while shedding a pale golden light.
– This is… sensei’s Device…
– It doesn’t feel like a weapon. Is this also your first time seeing it, Kuu-chan?
– Yes…. When I was in the Academy, I heard he was a Blazer of the non-fighting group, but this is my first time seeing it.
– My Device《Moon Orb》, due to its ability… has always been a secret of the state of Japan since it manifested. Naturally the details were hidden by the League. It’s been a long time since I’ve showed this in public too.
– How does this Device relate to the reason that Prime Minister Tsukikage started to act this time?
Tsukikage smiled with a look that made him feel a little fatigued due to the question of Ikki,
– Well, let’s postpone the conversation for a minute, I want you to see this first.
Saying that, he flicked《Moon Orb》that was staying in the air with his fingers.
Then, a wave stood on the mirror surface of《Moon Orb》and a drop fell from the bottom of the orb. It fell on the reinforced slate floor.
At that moment,
The drop that fell caused a shining ripple under the feet of Ikki and everyone and projected an image on the floor in the dark.
– T-this is…!
Everyone caught their breaths and made their facial expressions become stiff with that image.
What showed the Device of Tsukikage was――hell.
A city where the whole surface was engulfed in flames and people burned while being alive.
It was a sight of blood, cries of pain and flames, it could only be described as hell.
– … w-what is, this……! The c-children are……!
– Stella…!
Lower half of bodies were crushed by the debris? Stella crouched and covered her mouth, she was unable to bear the scene of boys who were trying to escape from the flames desperately but were swallowed up by the flames without realizing their dreams.
Ikki immediately rushed to Stella and rubbed her back that became rounded, but his face was also pale.
After all.
This wasn’t just a video.
In a simple video, Stella would have just knitted her brows in discomfort, no more than that.
However, everyone in this place certainly felt it.
The heat of the flames encircling the surroundings.
The screams that pierced their ears.
The smell of human flesh burning to a crisp.
And clearly with all that.
None other than they themselves were convinced that the feeling they felt was beyond their understanding.
That this scene wasn’t fake.
There was no place for doubt, this was reality.
– Sensei…! What on earth is this!?
Kurono raised a voice of protest towards the action of Tsukikage that she couldn’t understand.
However, at that moment.
– Eh…? …!? Kuu-chan, that! Look at that!
Nene watched intently the video while knitting the part of the eyebrows closest to the nose, then by getting aware of a certain thing, she pointed at one place in the video. After that, Kurono also did the same――she shuddered.
What was indicated by Nene first was the shape of『Toky Sky Tree』that leaned diagonally with violence.
– No way, are you telling me that this is Tokyo!?
Tsukikage told 「That’s right」to that awareness.
– Moon Orb has the power to look into the『Past』of people and places of a defined range. However, the power to read cause and effect sometimes shows me the『Future』that exists on the present line of cause and effect in the form of『Prophetic Dreams』. … This is the memory of the future that such power showed to me. If the fate of the planet changes as it is now, then that will be the appearance of Tokyo of the day that will come sooner or later. I’m playing this from the past of the human called me.
「「「Wha….!?」」」
All of them opened their eyes wide all together with the words of Tsukikage.
– You’re saying this is the future of Tokyo!?
– No way…! H-how could that happen…!
The question of Stella escaped with a trembling voice.
Towards that, Tsukikage shook his head.
– I don’t know that. My power is only『To see』. However, I can guess the circumstances from the current world situation.
Tsukikage, who said so, snapped his fingers to extinguish『Moon Orb』and closed the video of the floor.
He then approached Stella who fell to her knees and presented his hand while apologizing with「I ‘m sorry for showing you something unpleasant」.
But Stella returned a stern expression to this person, she didn’t took his hand and stood up by relying on Ikki,
– You don’t need to apologize, so keep going…!
She wanted so.
The other three also showed the same opinion to Tsukikage with their eyes.
Tsukikage continued speaking after confirming that the four gazes have gathered at him.
– I presume Stella-hime knows about this, but this world maintains a temporary peace in the rivalry that exists between the three potencies. One of them is the《League of Mage-Knight Nations》 to which Japan also belongs. Another one is the《Union》where big countries such as America, China, Russia and Saudi Arabia are connected. And the last one is《Rebellion》, a tremendously large crime organization that is nested in the darkness of this world. This story is completely ironic, but the presence of a third power called《Rebellion》avoids a major conflict by constraining the extremist movements of both《League》and 《Union》somehow by creating a three-way deadlock which is the current situation. But… this struggle for supremacy won’t last long.
– What’s the reason for that?
– Life span.
Tsukikage replied briefly the question of Ikki.
– In each of these three potencies, there is an extremely powerful《Desperado》. For《League》, the knight who serves as the general manager of the League and is ranked 1st in the World Ranking KOK——《Whitebeard》 Arthur Bright. For《Union》, the man who serves as the head of 《Psyon》 and whom America is proud of at his young age of 20——《Superman》 Abraham Carter. And for《Rebellion》, the rascal king who continues reigning in the dark world since before World War II――the Leader《Tyrant》. The three potencies struggle for supremacy because there are three《Desperados》with unimaginable strength. However… 《Tyrant》, whose name has been in history since World War II, is considerably old. It wouldn’t be strange if his life were to end soon. At that time, when it comes to how the world affairs will move, the first would be the competition for the enclosure of the remnants of 《Rebellion》.
– How can you declare so…?
– Because it has already started. Stella-hime.
– …!
– Not only every country of《Union》 like United States, Russia and China but also some of the member nations of League have made contact on their own ways with 《Rebellion》. … As Kazamatsuri-san was able to say, when it’s about the members of 《Rebellion》, there are many persons who have taken a position in their own ways in the public world. And in this competition, League is tremendously falling behind 《Union》.
– Because League is also the parent organization of Knights League Headquarters which has clearly taken a hostile stance against《Rebellion》 … correct?
Tsukikage nodded greatly.
– That’s right. There are individuals who have small connections like me, but connections as an organization are deeply stronger in the side of《Union》. If《Tyrant》dies, the great majority of fighting power will flow to《Union》. And then, what will inevitably produce after this enclosure will be… World War III.
Tsukikage said.
《Union》aimed to put this world under divided control by the big countries and《League》attempted to preserve the shape of the current world by cooperating with small fellow nations.
These two organizations that could never coexist in the same planet.
If the third potency called《Rebellion》were to lose, a great war would definitely occur. And…
– That result, I think it’s the scene we saw in your dream.
– In other words, does Sensei think that this future couldn’t be avoided if he sided with《League》and so he took a series of actions to switch over《Union》, is that what he means?
– … generally speaking, that is the case.《Superman》Abraham Carter, the strongest man of 《Union》who was born in the United States of America, the largest country in the world, was still young. Given the risk of his low age and the fact that《Union》was strongly connected to《Rebellion》, I thought of just one method to save Japan from going to ruin and that was to join《Union》even if we had to accept some disadvantageous conditions, but I executed it. I launched 《Akatsuki Academy》, and with its strength, it increased the trend of leaving the league and made a strategy to get the majority of votes in a national referendum that had to be cleared in case of withdrawing from the《League》.
More than a decade ago.
Ever since he saw this nightmare. Tsukikage devotedly lived only to accomplish so.
For that reason, and while he had nothing in his favor as he was a mere teacher, he brought in an influential person who put up an《Anti-League》that shifted the public opinion, the conservatives’ former ruling party had to step back and they assumed the reins of government.
Because there was no other way for Tsukikage who had no fighting power.
However,
– … that’s an impossible dream now. 《Akatsuki Academy》 lost and the public opinion has increased the tendency to reevaluate the policies of《League》. In this state of affairs, it’s impossible to win majority of people’s will through drastic reforms such as withdrawing from《League》. … In other words, it seems that I lost to you.
Tsukikage dropped his shoulders and sighed.
――But,
– Compared to what you said, you look very happy.
Ikki judged that his words and his emotions were diverging in a big way.
And Tsukikage didn’t deny this.
The wrinkles of his face that were very deeply engraved in this decade, smiled much more stronger,
– … fufu. Is that so? It’s been 10 years. I just fought believing that was the only salvation. But the only emotion I have in my heart now is joy.
He answered that he didn’t have regrets or anything like that.
Because even when he were to lose control spontaneously, then commit a crime and lament the future,
– Young power is strong enough to break fate because you were raised indomitably…
Tsukikage saw that at this Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
The moment when young forces intersected, enhanced each other and finally tore off even their fates.
They won’t struggle in an underhanded way when trying to defeat fate, they would do it directly from the front and magnificently.
He understood so when he looked at the figures just before his eyes.
It wasn’t his place to say anything anymore.
– My ability is the power that sees the fate surrounding the planet and nothing else. Outside of that fate, I can’t see the past of the ones that reached the《Domain of the Desperados》and the future they will create. That’s why… I believe that you will lead this country to a completely different future from the future of despair I’ve seen.
If so, there’s only one thing I should do.
Realizing so, Tsukikage looked at all of them,
——He smiled like as if he was saved,
– … please take care of this country and the world…
He entrusted his wish and the future of his beloved country to the young forces.
– … at that moment, Prime Minister Tsukikage was crying, right?
– Yeah.
Ikki, who recalled the event last night, re-thought about the last expression of Tsukikage and nodded.
At that time, there was no doubt that small teardrops were rising in the outer corner of his eyes.
He became miserable with an exhausted look on his face, however, as if he was saved.
Stella also felt that.
So,
– I hated that person. I don’t care about the reasons, he’s the one who hurt everybody of the Academy. I thought that I would punch him if I had the chance. … However.
Stella said it. She didn’t hate him anymore.
Stella was part of the royal family.
Stella was conscious of the dreadfulness of something called political world, so she understood him well.
How difficult was to climb to the top, to go as far as being the head of the administrative organ of the whole country in just ten years?
The marks of those hardships were clearly recorded on the face of Tsukikage.
However, Tsukikage accomplished it.
Solely for the sake of saving his beloved country.
Stella felt even respect towards that dynamism and willpower as a fellow politician.
There was no way she could embrace hatred.
And then, they unexpectedly defeated Akatsuki and crushed that dream.
– When you win, you take responsibility for it…. Those were the words of Touka-san when they announced the representative members, but… I think we were burdened with the wish of Prime Minister Tsukikage. A preposterous and incredibly strong wish.
No, that wasn’t either, such scene, there was no way they could turn that into a reality.
The premonition of Tsukikage. The Defeat of League in World War III.
If such scene truly reflected the future, then it wasn’t going to be a problem just for Vermillion Kingdom that was also a member nation of the League.
Above all, Japan was like a second home for Stella.
There were many important friends in this country.
She wanted to protect them.
——She will absolutely protect them.
Because of that, Stella clenched her fists on top of her knees and said strongly to herself as she looked down.
– I have to get even stronger…. And like Ikki, surpass my own limits…!
To such woman,
– … Stella.
Ikki called out to her by patting her back from the side,
– Hmm? ――Myu!?
He raised a finger to the place Stella would turn around her face and he poked the face of Stella who turned around.
To such sudden and childish trick, Stella brushed off the hand of Ikki and showed surprise.
– W-what are you doing so sudden!?
– You’re getting too worked up.
Ikki, who faced her, advised with a serious tone of voice.
– It’s a good thing to be motivated, but what will corner you will be the source of the injury. Certainly, we were surprised by the story of Prime Minister Tsukikage, but we’ll never allow such scene to be a reality. … But, from the beginning, we exist to help those who don’t have strength from crisis like that, because we’re《Mage-Knights》. We knights aren’t sportsmen. Even Stella must have walked through chivalry with a strong spirit to protect the people of your country. Am I wrong?
– Ah…
– That’s why, there’s no need for you to get worked up now. After all, Stella isn’t a person who could be negligent with herself. If you keep aiming for the greatness of a knight with all your strength like you’ve been doing so far… then one day, the moment when you’ll go beyond your limits will come. And without fail when the need has approached.
――Besides,
– Prime Minister Tsukikage was referring to《Desperados》as special beings, but I don’t think so.
Ikki said that and transferred his gaze from Stella to everyone in this place,
– I understand that as I fought with everyone here. Not just Stella, but no one here is a knight that could lose against me. For the sake of pride, dreams or someone else——things such as limit should easily be surpassed.
He asserted with a strong tone of voice.
He was convinced from the bottom of his heart.
Ikki had sharpened their souls and swords for this reason.
The nightmare shown by Tsukikage. There should be no one here who would allow the realization of such a thing.
If it was for that reason, then they were going to surpass everyone.
Their own limits.
Just like they themselves did at the finals of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
Because everyone absolutely hated to lose with each and every one of them.
– If we join forces with everyone, then anything can be surpassed. I’m sure of it.
Ikki said so and put his hands on the hands of Stella and held them gently but strongly.
――Because I’m next to you.
Like saying that there was no need for a single person to be responsible for the future.
With the words of Ikki,
– You’re right…. Absolutely right.
Stella also grasped back the hands of Ikki,
– I’ll be relying on you. Ikki.
She showed her usual bright smile and leaned on Ikki’s shoulder.
She wasn’t dangerously stiffened anymore.
Since they were shown the future yesterday, Stella made an intense uneasiness to propagate while pretending to be calm.
Her position as royal family. Her nature’s strength of the sense of responsibility.
Those were stealing composure from her, they were pressing her feelings.
However, Stella pointed out to Ikki that she understood that the future was not something that only she or those in the field must deal with.
If it was like this, then the amount of sense of responsibility wouldn’t be absurd.
Ikki was relieved of that matter for a moment,
(As for me, the wall in front of my eyes troubles me more than the things of the future that I don’t know)
He sighed with real intention due to the visit to Vermillion that approached closely.
Because that was a wall that he had to break through with his own ability.
He was going to steal Stella from the King of Vermillion.
… What kind of feelings would a father have when his daughter was stolen by an unknown man with doubtful origins?
Ikki didn’t have a child so he didn’t comprehend well.
He didn’t know, but――he at least knew that it wasn’t going to be a somewhat friendly meeting.
(If I have to bring up the topic, I wonder in what way it would be better…)
When Ikki was worrying about the contents of the imminent greeting,
– Oh. Really? Thanks a lot!
Moroboshi was talking to someone on the phone, then stood up from the chair and spoke loudly to everyone.
– Hey guys! The people working at the public bath near here had a break today, but it seems that they made a reservation for us! Our bellies that were full are in good condition now, so let’s all go to the public bath!
Everyone who gathered at this victory celebration raised delighted voices in response to this proposal.
– Eh!? For real? You’re not joking!?
– Oh my, oh my. That’s excellent, don’t you agree? I remember when I went on a trip with everyone to the bath at『Wakaba’s residence』
– Soukei has become my right-hand man. What is a public bath?
– Public bathhouses are what commoners use. There, everyone takes off their clothes, Ojou-sama also takes off her clothes, I also take off my clothes, the two of us will be just like when we were born and and and and and and and and and and. *Drip* *Drip**Drip* (Nosebleed)
– Shar――――!?
And Stella, who had been in Japan for several months, also showed a strong interest in this proposal.
– Hey, hey, Ikki! The public baths of Japan! There’s a big picture of Mt. Fuji in the bath right?!
– That’s true in Tokyo, but… in Osaka…
– If it’s not there, then I’ll get Sara to draw one!
– Eh?
– I don’t mind since I wanted to go there at least once! So, let’s go ASAP!
Aside from Sara who was bewildered by the request that was thrown at her all of a sudden, Stella stood up and took the hand of Ikki then rushed as fast as she could like a child.
Shizuku pierced a sidelong glance towards such Stella.
– This is a very disappointing news to you who is getting very horny, but public baths aren’t mixed baths.
– H-hey! What on earth do you mean with horny!? And I know that much you know!?
… Thus, the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival came to an end, and the last night in Osaka was going to get lively.
During several months they made utmost efforts but just one went to the top.
Many stories were born like the many bonds that were tied.
The young people, who had placed those bonds in each of their hearts, were going to enjoy a moment of rest.
Thus, they walked out from this place.
Each one of them staring at the future——and to a new stage.
The 62nd Seven Star Sword Art Festival that showed a climax rarely seen in the recent years with fierce fights after fierce fights came to an end with the victory of the《Worst One》Kurogane Ikki who defeated《Crimon Princess》Stella Vermillion.
The spectators who were watching attentively their fight head to their respective homes while talking about the magnificence of the two knights with each other with a look that didn’t cool down its excitement even after the awarding ceremony that happened one night after the finals.
At the same time, the protagonists of this festival that gathered from all over Japan, the representatives of each academy returned home.
The stallholders who put out their shops to take advantage of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival also retired, and the day after the awarding ceremony, the reclaimed land of the gulf coast was taking its original ghost-town shape.
The festival was… over.
However, the representatives of Hagun Academy including Kurogane Ikki were still in Osaka.
That was because the《Star of Naniwa》Moroboshi Yuudai, who was a worthy opponent and crossed swords with him in the first round of the Seven Start Sword Art Festival, led a group and held a victory celebration with the friends of Ikki at the okonomiyaki shop『Ichibanboshi』which was also the home of his parents.
– Err, well then! Kusakabe Kagami, this incompetent me who was sentenced to three days of disciplinary lessons from tomorrow for making a mess at the awarding ceremony, will lead the toast to celebrate the victory of Ikki at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival!
Kagaami put up the beer mug that she held in her hand after she had refused with a few words while she inserted a self-deprecating joke,
– Congratulations, senpai――――!
With a loud voice, she blessed Ikki who sat on the seat of honor of the long table that was made by connecting several tables.
What followed that was,
「「「Congratulations——————————!!!!」」」
The friends and acquaintances of Ikki who gathered for the victory celebration also gave their blessings while toasting.
The gathered people were Stella and Shizuku who were representative members of the same Hagun Academy.
His friends Arisuin Nagi and Ayatsuji Ayase. And also the members of the Student Council including Toudou Touka.
In addition to Moroboshi who offered this place and his other friends Jougasaki Hyakuya and Asagi Momiji.
The figures of Yakushi Kiriko who was another protagonist at the finals, of Sara Bloodlily who unfolded a fierce combat with Ikki at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, of Kazamatsuri Rinna who came along with Sara somehow and even her maid Charlotte Corday were there.
Although Ikki was shy and slightly embarrassed due to the words of congratulations from everyone,
– Thank you, everyone.
He also raised the beer mug and participated in the toast.
Thus, the party began.
– Hurry up, they’re cooking! They’re super-cooking! *Clank**Clank* Make your orders rapidly!
Moroboshi, who stood in the kitchen, called out to them while clanging the metal spatula.
As if she was waiting for this, Stella raised her hand while raising from her chair.
– Tama porks for me! And ten of them!
– Coming right away!
– Stella-chan… isn’t your gluttony getting refined somehow?
– I-it can’t be helped, Arisu. The fuel consumption of the Dragon Spirit is way too much. If I don’t eat properly I get dizzy, you know?
– Well, it would be great if you could consume properly as well.
– Shiro. What are you going to order?
– I will order tendon with green onion. What will Momiji get?
– Hmm〜. Since we’re eating a lot now〜. I woonder whiich oone wiill it bee… oh, that’s right! Can it be the napolitan that you were preparing the other day?
– Let me see. A napolitan yakisoba, right? Yeah, sure. And the corpulent Nii-chan over here?
– Hmm… well, can I get these tama mix?
– I’m sorry. We’ll have those starting next week〜.
– Ah, is that so?
– Onii-chan, why are you spouting such a stupid lie…!?
It was a little girl with bobbed hair who raised a voice of protest.
She was the younger sister of Moroboshi Yuudai. She was Moroboshi Koume.
Although she was unable to speak before, during the battle of her older brother and Ikki she miraculously recovered her voice, and while her tone of voice was still unstable, she was taking orders from everyone while chatting without relying on writing.
And then, and until the ordered dishes were prepared.
Everyone gathered around Stella and Ikki who were on the seats of honor and gave them their compliments as they raised each of their beer mugs.
– Congratulations for your victory, Kurogane-kun! It was incredibly cool! To think that I’ve been receiving sword lessons from such an amazing person, I’m immensely happy!
– Yeeah, it was really a great thing. But I’ll overturn the outcome from that situation! My alias《Fifty Fifty》was eclipsed after all.
– I always believed, you know!? That Kurogane-kun would win! Since he’s a knight that defeated my《Blackbird》in the end!
Ikki responded to them with gratitude from the bottom of his heart.
– Thank you. If I hadn’t met everyone… I wouldn’t have been able to get this strength by myself. I’m grateful.
– Though it was unfortunate for Princess-dono. The difference was millimeter.
Stella showed how she shrugged her shoulders a little with the comfort of Saijou Ikazuchi.
– To suffer a loss with almost no difference. It’s the result that comes out when you do what only you have to do. And I accept it. But——
And then, she paused her words for a moment, drained in one gulp the beer mug that she had in her hand with excitement,
– The next time I’ll absoluuuuuutely not lose…!
She boasted while vigorously hitting the wooden table with the bottom of the beer mug.
While she scattered flame’s phosphorescence from her scarlet hair.
Everyone who was gathered around that valiant looking applauded with「You can do it!」「As expected of Stella-chan!」
Toudou Touka, who was sitting in a seat somewhat away from the seat of honor and from that situation, stared at those cheerful smiles.
– Fufu. It seems that next year’s Seven Stars Sword Art Festival will be exciting. It’s regrettable that I can’t participate in it.
– Kukuku…. That rematch was also the fate written down in the Black Chronicle…. The moment when thou will know will come…
– Ojou-sama says『I am looking forward to next year!』
– ――even so, it went too far this time!
However, only a girl gave her honest opinion with such excitement.
It was the little sister of Kurogane Ikki, the victor.
《Lorelei》Kurogane Shizuku.
Shizuku glanced at the two people sitting on the seats of honor while raising her eyebrows,
– Since both Onii-sama and Stella-san are a couple, why you two weren’t more worried about the health of each other? It wouldn’t be funny for either of you to die in such an absurd match, you know? Don’t you think that this lacks common sense or something?
– Ah, I-I’m sorry…
They made their bodies smaller as if they were kids that were scolded by the words of Shizuku.
In fact, that final. It was no funny at all with one of their lives being destroyed.
Because their whole souls were completely put into the slashing attacks they unleashed, they didn’t go easy at all with each other.
However, and also in line with this, she also excused them.
– B-but, it can’t be helped…. Because we are knights…, I wouldn’t let my skill or something to come loose against an opponent I deem acceptable…
If one were to expose a gap, one would be immediately slashed, losing the match.
The fight of the two had that sort of perspective.
They couldn’t let their guard down not even for an instant, because they understood that their opponent didn’t wish for that above all.
And… that was also the same for Shizuku.
– You truly are helpless people, aren’t you?
Even Shizuku knew that.
The bonds of the two was stronger than anything else, that’s why their relationship could do so.
She was jealous and envious of the bonds of the two… but at the same time she was delighted,
– … you truly are suited for each other…
Shizuku muttered with a small voice that nobody could hear and let out a sigh as if she was amazed.
– Eh? Shizuku, did you just nowーー
– Why are you placing a boneless ham on your knee?
– This is my leg!
And then, when the cooked okonomiyaki and the teppanyaki reached everyone from the kitchen, and once their bellies were filled.
Estimating that timing, and after Kagami tidied a part of the table, she spread the pictures she took at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
From the first match to the finals, all the great efforts of everyone in this place were selected from within the time that passed by, they had fun talking about the memories.
– Oh oh, please look, senpai. This is a picture when senpai used《Ittou Rasetsu》for a second time! I was able to photograph it neatly, didn’t I? This will be used on the whole surface of the next wall newspaper!
– Uwaa…, though in this one I look mostly worn-out…
– But you were very manly and fantastic. The gentlemen who have that much of a naughty side are fascinating.
– Ah! There’s also a picture when Shiro received a record instakill〜.
– That’s a coincidence, Momiji. I also came across with this picture when you fell and fainted.
– I see. Is this the father of the Bloody Da Vinci? I was able to remember his face.
– … yeah. That’s him.
– If you have any pictures you want, I will make extra copies, so don’t hesitate to tell me, okay? By the way, my best shot is——this one! The uncensored panties of Her Highness Stella, the Second Princess of Vermillion Ki——!?
But the moment Kagami took out the photo from her flat bosom and tried to show it to everyone.
The left jab that held the light and heat of Stella and that was released with a sharp, wind-cutting noise, penetrated the picture that Kagami held in her fingers and turned it into ashes.
And then, she grabbed the nape of the neck of Kagami with her right hand,
– Give me the data.
Pulling her towards herself with all her strength, she brought her close with bloodshot eyes and ordered her.
The jaw of a dragon that got near until the very eyes of Kagami, which she was able to see clearly——
– Y-yesh! As you wish!
The pen yielded before the sword.
– T-this is no good… because Stella-san didn’t get the joke… ahaha.
Seeing the state of all the presents who were chatting like that, Moroboshi called out to Koume from the kitchen.
– Koume. The orders have settled down already, so I’ll join them. Will you be fine on your own?
– Don’t worry. Leave it to me. … Onii-chan also worked hard.
– Thank you.
To appreciate her words of gratitude, Moroboshi patted and ruffled the head that Koume had placed down and she made her cheeks smile broadly with「Ehehe」.
Then, Moroboshi took off his apron and with a double tama pork dish that he had prepared for himself——sat down next to Touka who wasn’t involved in the photo viewing.
– Haaaa. Can I sit next to you?
Touka unintentionally spilled a smile, looking amused with that question.
– Aren’t you sitting there already? … but yes, you can. Help yourself.
– Thanks. … hmm. Like I thought, our okonomiyaki is the best. The number one in Osaka.
– I agree. They were very delicious. I would love to make my family eat them as well.
– *Ding* *Ding* that’s our business after all. They’re here in the Ichibanboshi of okonomiyaki.
Moroboshi had dinner somewhat late than everyone else while he returned so.
He ate the double tama pork completely while sticking out his tongue.
And then, when the sauce taste in his mouth was unified with the beer then poured into the stomach,
– Hey, Toudou…. The irregular swordsmanship that used electromagnetic force that you showed in the fixed match with Kurogane is what you call 《Inazuma》, right? If so, then you had a plan against my 《Houkiboshi》.
He touched on the matter just before the final match.
Touka, who got that, returned a nod.
– It’s not that my Noble Arts assumed an anti-《Houkiboshi》only, but naturally I have been forging it so that I can meet that purpose. Last year, I didn’t dodge《Houkiboshi》, and you took the pace from there. … Unfortunately, I wasn’t blessed with the opportunity to use it.
– I imagined so. That’s not it, right? It’s what I thought when I gave a glance at it. Certainly, if you had such skill, then it wouldn’t have gone like last year.
《Inazuma》was a Noble Arts that created a special magnetic field in the cross range and because of its attraction and repulsion, it made the sharp turns to accelerate abruptly.
The sudden changing gaps of angle and velocity boasted unequalled strength in midrange pace fights.
That power was also guessable from the fact that Ikki, who was able to master the sword of《Twin Wings》, pushed back the distance between the swords, the thing he was excellent at.
That was why Moroboshi said it with regret.
– I wanted to give it a try too, what a shame.
The Seven Stars Sword Art Festival was for form’s sake a tournament, it was difficult for the rank to become a ranking of strength.
From the point of view of Moroboshi’s sense, Touka was the most difficult enemy that stood in his way last year.
The skill that such formidable enemy had refined to defeat him.
It was something he wanted to try on the stage of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
But stillーー
– Well, I would be the one who would win, isn’t it?
*Grin*, Moroboshi turned a sidelong glance to Touka with a smile that looked provocative.
Towards that, Touka also——returned a full smile to Moroboshi.
– I don’t think so. By suppressing《Houkiboshi》, I would have won this year.
– Nah, impossible.
– I think otherwise.
– Noope, you’re lying to yourself.
– Not at all. This is an absolute fact〜.
「「〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜！」」
In the end, the two of them were rubbing their foreheads with each other while smiling.
That was the very picture of an explosive situation.
It was natural because their personalities couldn’t yield in topics like this with each other.
But that didn’t last long.
– Puh
– Ahaa.
After they exchanged killing intent for a moment, they laughed tiny and separated their foreheads that got a little red.
– Let’s stop. This is nothing but a talk of a fight that never happened.
– You’re right. Let’s drop both of our ego, we’re just wasting time. Besides… the dejected losers won’t get nothing by biting each other. We have to knockdown Kurogane. Our mutual target is way too high.
– … judging from that way of speaking, Moroboshi-san is going to continue being a knight after graduation.
– Is that surprising?
Touka nodded.
– Yes, it is. I thought that you would only become a reservist and would surely take over your family business.
– Well, I thought about that too, but…
Although the reservists have a《Mage-Knight》license, they work in their respective workplaces in the same way as ordinary people, but for emergencies only, and when requested by the《League Branch》,they would be people in charge of criminal investigations and national defense as《Mage-Knights》.
The people that were running a family business like Moroboshi, the majority of them became reservists.
And then Moroboshi also planned to do the same.
Howeverーー
– I know, but I finally was able to hear the cheering that I wanted to hear, you see. And I can still get stronger. Now I can stop shooting this air of superiority.
Touka nodded slowly and deeply with the words of Moroboshi.
– … I agree. Having people who are pushing our backs. That’s a very happy thing.
– We are third years. It’ll be impossible to participate in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, but… Toudou. What are you going to do from here on?
– For the present, I think that I will thoroughly train this summer vacation with my master. When I saw the battle of Kurogane-kun and the others, it made me realize that the lack of self-reliance was there, that there is still some ways to go for me. … And then simultaneously with my graduation, I will register in the National League and someday aim for the A-Rank League.
The A-Rank League was the popular name of the Top League of the King of Knights “KOK”, which was a close combat performance done by Blazers and hosted by the《League of Mage-Knight Nations》
The participants of A-Rank League were players representing the country that had won one of the few limited recommendations that were assigned to each nation affiliated to the league. The fights of the most prominent individuals in the world were done by knights that were singled out, the fights were loved by people all over the world as supreme pleasure.
Touka had set her next goal there.
Moroboshi nodded with “I see”.
– That’s the easy course, no?
Feeling a distance somehow with what returned, Touka cocked her head in puzzlement.
– Moroboshi-san disagrees?
– ——well. I’m registered in the National League. The National League of Japan… no, the National Leagues of the participating members of 《Mage-Knight Leagues》have many knights who emphasize on black magic because it’s the policy of the leagues. Though, my 《Tiger Bite》isn’t an ability of the type that has destructive power like black magic itself. That’s because the way of the taijutsu and how it is applied are essential. That’s a lifeline for me. … However, I didn’t reach Kurogane with my taijutsu.
His current taijutsu and spearmanship didn’t fit into the first-class world.
Moroboshi fully realized that when he fought against Ikki.
Therefore,
– That’s why… I’m thinking of participating in taijutsu-focused matches.
– Eh, does that mean…
Battles that emphasized taijutsu while being a Blazer.
There was only one tournament in the world that was held with such policy.
A continent spread beyond the Sea of Japan.
The world’s toughest League Matches were taking place there. Its name was——,
– I’ll challenge the God of War League…!
– …
Touka caught her breath because of Moroboshi‘s tone of voice that made her feel some kind of resolution coming from him.
Which wasn’t surprising.
The God of War League was held in China which wasn’t a member nation of the League. It was a fighting tournament where Blazers participated in it, its name was famous in the world, being on par with the A-Rank League.
There were a lot of voices saying that the level was higher than A-Rank League.
The reason was the severity of the battles.
The A-Rank League had promised state-of-the-art medical facilities, strict rules, sufficient intervals and rewards.
But the God of War League was different.
The God of War League was a tournament held by Bujutsuu Temple also called《Shinryuu Temple》 for ascetic monks, but in the first place, it wasn’t a show business.
Anyone could participate regardless of nationality, but there was no rewards, no medical facilities, the nonexistent rules was a terrifying thing, and so on.
-『Always Prepared』… you must be prepared to be on the battlefield whenever you’re a fighter. In that God of War League that embodies the philosophy of《Shinryuu Temple》, one is allowed to join forces with others and to attack even when one is asleep, in any case, I’ve heard from Sensei that the battles are tougher than the illegal underground fighting entertainment industry. … The consideration in terms of safety is the same, and therefore there are more deaths that can’t be compared to others like A-Rank League.
The only Japanese who has won that tournament was a man.
Touka, who had heard of the severity of the God of War League from 《God of War》 Nangou Torajirou, told Moroboshi with a tone that sounded like warning.
However, Moroboshi returned an 「I know」,
– But, there are things that can only be obtained when on the verge of death. … Like when Kurogane fought against《Twin Wings》and was able to steal that technique.
– … is, that so?
When she was told so, Touka couldn’t help but be convinced.
Ikki achieved an explosive growth in the fight against Edelweiss, the strongest《Twin Wings》swordsman in the world.
Also, in the final match against Stella, both of them were raising their limits with each other.
The moment like a spark where life and death intersected.
That moment was——in some cases comparable to several decades or regular daily training.
Moroboshi intended to obtain that moment.
By putting himself in a hard environment to drive himself to the limit.
Understanding that, Touka stopped to check it then yelled to her friend that was going to walk the path of carnage.
– God of War League has battles for the honor only, as there is no prize at all, but if you get good results there, then you will get global attention. And you will get a recommendation for A-Rank League, no?
– Yeah. I’m not interested in the National League, but A-Rank is another deal. Most of the human beings there are monsters that would carry pretty much to the extremes their hearts, techniques and physiques. But I plan to challenge them, sooner or later.
– If so… then our rematch will be there.
– Yeah. Absolutely.
Having made a promise, the two made their beer jugs meet gently.
Moroboshi and Touka talked about what would come next.
Looking at the two from a distance——Toutoukubara Kanata headed to the place of a person she had decided to talk today as well.
That person was the《Beast Tamer》Kazamatsuri Rinna of Akatsuki Academy.
– Yes. It is good to eat something not classy once in a while.
– Ojou-sama. *Kiss*.
– Fuaah!? W-w-w-w-what are you doing so suddenly, Char!?
– I did that because there was sauce stuck on your cheek.
– Ah, thank——*ahem*. That helped me a lot. Ho-however, since this《Altar》has《Purity that wipes impurity away》I hope that you will use it from next time.
Instead of joining the bustling circle around Ikki, Kanata approached Rinna who was eating little by little a large okonomiyaki with her small mouth and talked to her.
– … it’s been a long time. Rinna-san.
Rinna turned her head with that voice,
– Oh, it’s Toutoukubara’s…
She showed a particular uninterested attitude.
This was also natural because they exchanged greetings in the high society once or twice as Japan’s most wealthy people, but it wasn’t like they had a relationship as if they were to talk in private.
– I am sorry for not being able to greet you when I went to《Hagun》.
– Don’t worry. I, the ruler of the night don’t care about such trivial things. *chewing*.
– … I suppose you intended to be sarcastic, yes? Can I sit next to you?
– Khelf yourhelv (Help yourself).
– “Go ahead”, it’s what Ojou-sama is saying.
Then by excusing herself, Kanata sat down next to Rinna.
– But I was surprised. Toutoukubara also knows that Kazamatsuri has strong connections with the underworld, but to think that Rinna-san, who is the biological child of the Head Kazamatsuri Kouzou, is involved with the activities of《Rebellion》…
– Gats ingogect (That’s incorrect).
– Eh?
– Not the subject of Head-sama, but Ojou-sama doesn’t belong to《Rebellion》.
Charlotte explained instead of Rinna who was stuffed with okonomiyaki in her mouth.
The father of Rinna, Kazamatsuri Kouzou, and Prime Minister Tsukikage were old friends, and because of that connection, Rinna played with Tsukikage since she was a child, and got on good terms.
So Rinna, when Tsukikage proposed the establishment of the 《National Akatsuki Academy》to Kouzou who was the leader of《Rebellion》, volunteered to participate in that strategy to become the strength of Tsukikage.
In that sort of sense, her connection was thinner than Sara who was participating as 《Rebellion》, more or less.
She was a guest like Ouma, because they were good beings.
After she got the explanation, Kanata nodded with “I see”,
– … is that so? If so, please sever your ties from this kind of activities right now.
A little potent, she told Rinna with a tone of voice that was like a command rather than a request.
Rinna gulped the food that was in her mouth and asked.
– Hou? Why would you order such a thing?
– Because I don’t want to come across with an acquaintance in the battlefield.
That’s right. This was what Kanata wanted to talk with Rinna today.
《Scharlach Frau》Toutoukubara Kanata was a prominent influential person in Japan.
Therefore, and while being a student, she would appear in the field of an actual combat in the form of a《Special Summon》.
She fought with enemies and participated in the suppression of bases of《Rebellion》. ――She had experience in killing and wounding formidable combatants.
Even though she was prepared, the experience wasn’t going to leave a good aftertaste.
That’s why she wanted to avoid running across a face she knew in hell.
However, Rinna showed a scornful laugh to that warning.
– Kuku…. I see. But that’s a discussion I won’t comply with. Because this《Demon Eye of Twilight》is the root of the darkness of the world of the dead, and I am the person that carries it in my body. You may call that the karma that exists in the world of darkness…. Guh! The chaos sealed in the demon eye is aching, wishing for blood…! Kukuku… I wonder who will be the sacrifice tonight…!
Rinna covered the eye-patch while saying such thing.
That was an incomprehensible painful act from an outsider’s perspective.
However, Kanata knew what she meant, and the meaning of that behavior.
That’s why——Kanata used the trump card she had prepared in advance.
– … haa. I guess there is no other way.
She took out a student’s handbook from the white tote bag and called to that place.
That place was——
– Hello? Can I get in contact with Oota Hara, the editor-in-chief of the Weekly Shounen Jack Editorial Department? Tell him that is Toutoukubara please.
With this action, Rinna, who was next to her, got up so vigorously and suddenly that she kicked the chair away,
– T-the Weekly Jack? Is that where『The User of the Twilight Demon Eye』is being serialized? That Jack!?
She forgot about her exaggerated acting and approached Kanata with an excited expression.
Kanata chuckled to herself due to the expected reaction of Rinna.
– Yes. Because Shoueisha is an affiliate company of Toutoukubara Group.
– Th-th-th-th-then, y-you, can t-talk, with Takayanagi-sensei, the author of『The User of the Twilight Demon Eye』!?
– Yes, of course. I met him right before coming to Osaka——, Ah. Excuse me. Hello? I am sorry for interrupting you. … Yes. Well, it’s about the negotiation we discussed earlier, yes. Like I thought, she is not listening to my persuasion, yes, that’s why and like I discussed with you Takayanagi-sensei, 『The User of the Twilight Demon Eye』will have to be terminated——
– Waaait, whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?!?!?
Rinna instinctively grabbed the shoulders of Kanata with a loud voice due to the contents of the conversation that made her hair stand up straight.
– Eh!? What, what does that mean!? What’s going to be terminated!? What!? Even though it was last week’s opening color!?
– … adults’ matters, isn’t that right? Publishing works that will end up guiding children to a road of crime can be a compliance issue for a company. If Rinna-san who ended up setting foot into the underworld due to the influence of『The User of the Twilight Demon Eye』couldn’t be reformed, then we decided that he would consult with the editorial department and attempt to terminate his work.
Due to the words of Kanata, the blood from the flushed and excited face of Rinna disappeared.
An affiliate company of her own family.
Because the work was serialized in that magazine, Kanata knew at a glance that Rinna was doing a role-playing of the character of the work.
A work she loved till that point.
She had no objection as a hostage. And then――
– T-that’s tyranny! It’s outrageous! Don’t you feel bad for Takayanagi-sensei!?
– Of course I consulted it directly with Takayanagi-sensei. … This is what Sensei said. 『If there is a child who ends up committing crime due to my work, then I will cancel it. That is what I decided』… he is truly a splendid gentleman.
– Yes! Rinna is rehabilitated! Rehabilitated! Rehabilitated! She’s not going to work with 《Rebellion》anymore! Please, will that much make it stooooooooooooooooop!?!?
Rinna quickly fell down, she clung to Kanata in tears.
Rinna clung to Kanata in tears like a kid throwing a tantrum.
Shizuku sighed while staring at her figure in the distance.
– … good grief, she’s quite lousy…
And, at that moment.
A tall handsome man called Arisuin Nagi talked to Shizuku who was sitting alone.
– Don’t be so hard, Shizuku.
– Arisu…
– You got tired? I know you don’t like this kind of bustling gatherings, Shizuku.
Arisuin was an extremely tactful man.
It seemed that he was paying attention to her because she couldn’t fit in the mood of the place.
Despite Shizuku being grateful towards the consideration of her friend, she replied.
– … it’s not that I’m particularly tired. It’s just… that I lost motivation because I was left out.
– What do you mean?
– … I came here today because it was Onii-sama’s celebration, however, I wanted to aspire becoming an apprentice of… Kiriko-san.
Arisuin wasn’t surprised with those words, but rather he showed agreement with「I see」.
– That’s… like I thought, the matter at that time is the reason?
Towards that, Shizuku nodded.
Arisuin said the matter at that time.
That matter was, of course, the night of the semifinals.
After the fight against《Bad Luck》Shinomiya Amane, the older brother of Shizuku, Ikki, lost his life for a moment due to his ability.
No matter how much she tried to save him, the result of death engraved on his body tried to steal the soul of Ikki to the purgatory.
Fortunately, Ikki safely came back to life thanks to the efforts of《 White-Robed Knight》Yakushi Kiriko who came flying there at the request of Father Itsuki, then he was able to be in the finals against Stella——
– I couldn’t do anything. I was just crying the dilemma of Onii-sama despite me being a water user like her.
Shizuku remembered.
——The figure of herself who absolutely lost her temper in front of the operating room where Ikki was going into.
And then, she felt extremely anger with herself.
——“How am I so pathetic?”
And yet, Kiriko, a water user like her, definitely saved her older brother with that power.
Around that moment, she never fully realized her own incompetence.
– I’ll never go through that again. How was I unable to do anything else but cry the dilemma of Onii-sama…!? That will never, never happen again. That’s why…
– You thought about trying becoming an apprentice of woman doctor-san.
Shizuku nodded and showed affirmation,
– … but.
She turned a little fed-up gaze to one corner of the table.
Arisuin also followed the destination of her gaze.
There――was the figure of the drunken Kiriko that toyed with the body of 《Bloody Da Vincy》Sara Bloodlily, she had stolen the freedom to Sara by wrapping her legs and arms around her like an octopus.
– Oh my, oh my. You. The muscles of your physique are unexpectedly insufficient〜.
– W-well, my body is weak by nature. Besides, I just paint and draw while sitting, so… it can’t be helped.
– That’s not good, that’s not good〜. If it’s with such everyday life *hic*. The bomb will explode immediately after you’ve passed your twenties. The bomb is ticking all throughout your whole body, you see. Bu〜t〜don’t wo〜rry. Kiriko-chan. Actually, I’m currently researching a revolutionary healing technique that transforms fat into muscle! So, I have nominated you as the first human testing subject〜. Hmm〜 Kiriko-chan is so soft〜
– Help me, anyone…
– *Lick*.
– Ah…
Kiriko had to experience the fetishism of a certain woman doctor called Sara since she had a lot of exposures from the beginning.
Arisuin showed a slightly disgusted smile because of the very lascivious scene where such two women were entangled while disarranging their clothes.
– She was influenced by sake. That woman doctor-san.
– Despite that, she’s not going to talk a lot. … Or perhaps I should say that even I might get involved if I get close to her, so I don’t want to approach her. No no no.
– Yeah. I also think that’s fine.
– Well, I will visit her directly in Hiroshima during summer vacation.
Arisuin asked with a little surprised look as Shizuku said so as if she had given up.
– Then you are not going to accompany him to Vermillion?
While facing Shizuku that pouted her lips as if she sulked a little,
– Even I wouldn’t do an absurd thing like that.
(I felt that it was going to be something like that, but…)
He thought, but Arisuin wasn’t a man who would say such a thoughtless thing.
They knew.
That the relationship of Ikki and Stella advanced greatly in the finals of the tournament.
And those two were going to visit Vermillion Empire to greet Stella’s parents.
If the discussion there were to be settled smoothly, then that would become the key of their engagement.
Gazing at that coming day, Shizuku started coming to an understanding within herself.
(Shizuku… also loves Stella-chan, isn’t that right?)
Although the person herself would never admit it.
Otherwise, it would be impossible for her to allow her to get close with her beloved older brother.
Such sweet Shizuku was so cute, Arisuin pressed her cheek with a finger that got a little sulky as if poking fun at her.
With that, Shizuku raised her sullen eyebrows then raised her index finger and poked the cheek of Arisuin.
No, rather than saying she poked it, she stabbed it.
Arisuin smiled wryly as he rubbed his cheek due to the very competitive spirit that had such strong Shizuku-like countermeasure.
Shizuku asked him.
– More importantly, does Arisu have any plans for summer vacation? If not, then would you like to come with me to Hiroshima?
However, Arisuin returned「I’m sorry」with a sad expression towards that invitation.
He had something he wanted to do.
– … I’ve been thinking of going back to my hometown for a while during this summer vacation. I couldn’t go there for a long time, but I will visit the graves of my friends.
– I see. Then we’ll spend our summer without each other. That’s a bit unfortunate.
– I hope for your training to go well from the distance.
Around two hours after the start of the victory party.
Every person who surrounded the pictures and had reminiscent talks of the festival were more than satisfied, then divided into small groups of fellows with whom they usually hang out and started having a nice talk.
When they were getting to that step, Ikki, the guest of honor, was finally released from that crowd.
– *Phew*
Ikki sat deeply in the chair, deposited his back on the back of the chair and looked up at the ceiling.
He had received the blessings from many people.
His endurance was somewhat drained due to such unfamiliar situation.
But that wasn’t all, he also responded to the interview of Kagami, so his throat was dry.
Should he get Koume to bring something? Yeah, he thought so and——
– Thank you very much for this winner’s interview. 《Seven Stars Sword King》-san.
*Cubes of ice hitting each other*, a cold and hard feeling touched his eyebrows.
Stella took care of it and went to get a cold barley tea.
– … thank you. You saved me.
And by thanking her, Ikki gulped down the content of the mug and drank around half of it.
Stella looked at such state of Ikki that was next to her with tender eyes,
And then, she opened her eyes as if she had noticed something.
– Ah, Wait a bit, Ikki. Your hair is ruffled. Let me fix it.
The hair of Ikki got ruffled due to the rough blessings from Moroboshi and Renren that in the end produced so.
Ikki didn’t pay attention to it because he wasn’t really a man concerned about his personal appearance, but it wasn’t alright to be that unshapely before her.
So he nodded with an obedient「Okay」and straightened up his back so that Stella could touch his hair easily.
Stella turned to the back of the hair of Ikki and while she combed it with her gentle way of using her hands,
– And so it finished, isn’t it? The tournament.
She muttered, feeling a little lonely.
To this, Ikki returned the same opinion.
– Yeah…. In the blink of an eye.
– It feels a little lonely. … Because I was aiming for a long time for this.
That feeling was well understood by Ikki.
He was also aiming for this place.
For the graduation. And for the promise he made with Stella.
That’s why… Ikki became a little uneasy.
– Have you perhaps burned out?
However, Stella laughed Ikki’s uneasiness down with「You serious?」.
– I’ll be training for my revenge next year! And also for that thing last night.
Last night.
With those words, he nodded with「——yeah. That’s right」
That’s right. … Originally, this celebration was supposed to be held yesterday right after the award ceremony.
The reason why it was delayed by one day was nothing but an urgent business that came to the guest of honor.
Both Ikki and Stella had received a call from Prime Minister Tsukikage Bakuga to the gulf coast dome at night.
I would like you to meet at the ring of the gulf coast dome at 9 PM.
That call was after the award ceremony. They were brought through Shinguuji Kurono, the board chairman of Hagun Academy. According to what they heard, they were going to have a secret conversation with Tsukikage and four people where《Yaksha Princess》Saikyou Nene was mixed in it, she was one of Japan’s most powerful persons who acted as the master of Kurono and Stella.
– What on earth do they want to talk about? And calling at such hour nonetheless!
– Come now…. I don’t get it either.
The two entered the dome at the appointed time, walked through the empty passage and cocked their heads in puzzlement while heading towards the ring.
– If this was an invitation of terrorists, then I’ll wipe the floor with them.
– I think that’s not the case because the board chairman and Saikyou-sensei appeared to be also in this…
Eventually they came out of the gate that was left open and arrived at the ring of the meeting.
However, and strangely, no one was there.
There was just silence similar to feeling pain in one’s ear in the spacious room that stretched out.
– Are you kidding me? Not even the one that called us is here. Ikki. The time is correct, right?
– Yeah. It’s strange…
The result was the same even when checking the surroundings.
No human shapes were found on the ring nor in the mortar-shaped spectator seats.
It was deserted.
The trash was also swept completely, it was a mere shadow of the wild enthusiasm until this morning.
Ikki felt a touch of loneliness when looking at that desolated state.
They spent so much time in this place.
The few number of days were less than a week, but such enrichment was unmatched.
For that reason, Ikki felt a strong attachment to this place.
But――
(Huh…?)
Why the stage made him feel such attachment?
(What’s this? This strange feeling)
A slightly penetrating sea breeze shook the silence inside the dome.
Every time the atmosphere shook slightly, it caressed his skin.
Ikki felt a strange uncomfortable feeling with that sensation.
Was the atmosphere in this place that was flowing like this?
Why was it caressing his skin like that now?
——That’s not it.
(The flow of the air is strange)
The visual information he got when surveying the environs not long ago and the atmospheric fluctuation that he felt on his skin.
These two pieces of information didn’t match.
They were disordered.
The atmospheric fluctuation assumed from his visual information and the one that was real diverged.
Yeah, as if,
It was as if there was an obstacle other than Stella and himself on the ring――
– ————————!
Immediately after he recognized it, Ikki caught it with his eyes.
Behind Stella. The existence of a dark armor raised a giant halberd overhead…!
– Stellaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Avoid iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!!!!
– !
The reaction of Stella at that moment was the fruit of her trust in Ikki.
Stella hadn’t noticed the presence behind her yet.
Nevertheless, she threw her body down to the front reflectively.
She wasn’t bewildered by the sudden scream, she didn’t try to look back.
The complete trust towards the man called Ikki moved her body without thinking it.
Immediately after, the blade of the halberd fell on the place where Stella was standing just now, and with a roaring sound, it crushed the ring and the silence of this place.
– Who are you!?
– ――――
She threw up the body that was thrown down before with her right hand and rotated in the air.
Stella faced the enemy and let loose an angry voice.
There was an unusual alertness in her wide-opened eyes.
That wasn’t surprising.
It was easy for him to get even behind them, but his repulsive force easily crushed the ring of reinforced slate.
His physical strength wasn’t to the degree of Stella’s, but to Kurogane Ouma’s class.
He wasn’t an ordinary person.
Contrasting with that, the enemy covered with a black armor replied nothing and attacked Stella again.
There was a clear fighting spirit in his actions,
– ! It’s someone we don’t know, but now that he did that, he has become my enemy!
Stella responded.
She immediately made her Device《Laevateinn》manifest in her hands,
– Pierce the azure sky! Flames of purgatory…!
Flames appeared from the blade.
They swirled, the multitude of overlapping flames increased their temperature and intensity of light in the blink of an eye.
And turned into an incandescent light sword.
Its brightness illuminated with a brilliance the whole interior of the dome as if it was midday,
——It exposed the detailed figure of the black armor that was fusing with darkness.
That figure,
(That armor, no way…!)
Ikki remembered it when he saw it.
But,
-《Katharterio Salamandra》!!!!
At the same time he noticed it, Stella’s slashing attack of emitting light swallowed the armor.
It was a direct hit, there was no deny in that.
With that accurate reaction, Stella taunted him,
– Humph! How was t――!?
However, the facial expression of Stella was instantly dyed with surprise.
That was expected.
Her deadly blow.《Katharterio Salamandra》.
He pierced through the torrent of light like it was a gentle breeze without losing a bit of momentum. The black armored knight appeared before the eyes of Stella from inside the light.
And then, the black armor brandished the halberd again and knocked it down with all his might, aiming at the top of the head of Stella.
The evasion of Stella who was convinced about the direct hit of 《Katharterio Salamandra》wasn’t good enough. But,
– Stellaaaa!
Ikki, who came running, compensated for it.
He strongly thrust Stella away from her side, passed under the falling halberd and dodged the blade,
– Haaaaaa!
He rolled and twisted his body, then released a horizontal flash at the torso of the armored knight to cut it right in half.
The armored knight who brought down his halberd couldn’t respond to this.
《Intetsu》’s black blade hit the trunk of the armor as if it was absorbed by it.
However, the slashing attack of Ikki had unparalleled sharpness for sure, but its power wasn’t that high.
The slashing attack was prevented by the armor, literally the blade didn’t stand up.
However, Ikki obviously knew that.
There was no need to cut the armor.
――The blade only had to touch him, that much was enough.
– … !
The instant《Intetsu》touched the flank of the armor, Ikki put to work the muscles of his whole body.
He released his second favorite attack by muscle expansion and contraction.
Sixth Secret Sword《Dokuga no Tachi》.
*TN: Literally Long sword of the poisonous moth.
It was a technique that caused ripples in the water inside the body of an armor user by hitting a certain kind of vibration against the weapon and armor of the opponent, ignoring all defenses and destroying the enemy from inside.
Firmness and shock absorption weren’t proportional.
The poison called vibration spread in the entire body of the armored knight in a flash——
Fresh blood gushed out from the small openings of the armor.
Regardless of that——
– Guh!
Right after that, the black armor released a shark kick like a spear against Ikki.
He didn’t make him feel any damage even though he was struck by《Dokuga no Tachi》.
However――Ikki wasn’t surprised by this.
The reason was that the attack just now wasn’t aiming at damaging Ikki himself.
He was convinced with that blow.
Who was the person, the armored knight before his eyes? And then,
– Ikki! This guy, is he perhaps that…
Stella, who ran up to Ikki that was sent flying with that kick, got to realize something similar.
Therefore, they understood.
He was an opponent beyond their powers.
– Stella! Follow me!
– Leave it to me!
With Ikki as the vanguard, the two went to attack him at the same time.
With this, the armored knight manipulated skillfully the grip of the giant halberd and rotated the halberd above his head.
As Ikki was closing the hap, the jet-black halberd accelerated by sufficient centrifugal force and became like a black whirlwind, cutting the pulse of Ikki.
He cut it. ——Or so he thought.
However, the halberd that should have intercepted him with a perfect timing, waved a few centimeters before Ikki who was running up to him.
Fourth Secret Sword――《Mirage》.
*TN: Kanjis given are 蜃気狼. When read as Shinkirou it means Mirage.
It was a body technique that bewitched the eyes of the rival with the tempo of its unique footwork.
Ikki then also created afterimages in front of him that caused the armored knight to misrecognize the distance.
And then, the two aimed at the moment when the armored knight vibrated in a big way and attacked him――!
– Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
Stella, who was running behind Ikki, returned her sword and swung《Laevateinn》.
Simultaneously with Ikki who ran ahead and jumped.
By landing on the middle part of《Laevateinn》that was swung as a foothold, Worst One released the First Secret Sword《Saigeki》, a charging technique that had the most destructive power among the Seven Secret Swords he possessed.
The charging strength of《Saigeki》and the physical strength of the swing of the sword of Stella shook the ground.
That made everything concentrate in a single point to pierce the enemy, it was a combined technique that could only be achieved by these two people; it was created by the perfectly coordinated inspiration and combination of them.
Their names were——
– 《Tsunoou》——!!
– 《Harmonic Bullet》——!!
The inspiration of the name of the techniques weren’t linked at all, but that wasn’t a problem.
The blow, that was the combination of the strength of the two, was splendid, it hit directly the area between the eyebrows of the enemy who lost his stance due to his attack that missed――that caused sparks and a roaring sound to be produced, and thrust away the armored knight out of the ring.
However,
– Wha…!?
The instant they thought he was pushed out of the ring, he sunk into the wall below the audience seats just like that.
The armored knight suddenly rotated his body and landed with both feet on the wall surrounding the perimeter of the ring.
He immediately kicked the wall, smashing it, then leapt towards Ikki and Stella with a momentum like a cannonball, and then to bisect the two altogether, he swung the halberd horizontally.
It was a long swing with quite a range.
Even though they dodged it easily, an evident impatience ran on their facial expressions.
Which wasn’t surprising.
《Tsunoou》, which concentrated the physical strength of Stella and Ikki in one point.
Even though the enemy before their eyes was struck by it directly, no damage went through him, he didn’t even flinch from it.
– … if that didn’t settle it, then we have no choice but to do that.
– Yes. Let’s do it.
The two resolved themselves towards the opponent, the armored knight that fixed his stance calmly as he rotated the halberd.
And by breathing in deeply at the same time,
– 《Ittou——
– 《Dragon——
Their ability. They tried to use them to the utmost limits.
——But it was at that time when.
– That’s enough.
「「Eh!?」」
A familiar voice cut in between the three on the ring.
When they looked towards the direction of the one who spoke, the one who was there was,
– Board chairman… and——
– Nene-sensei and Prime Minister Tsukikage…!?
The three people that they were supposed to meet at this place today came up to the ring.
Kurono, who was in that group, told the armored knight.
– Any more than this and you will kill each other. Can you drop your weapon?
The armored knight… undid his stance without showing an attitude that opposed so and dropped the tip of the halberd to the ground.
The fighting spirit of not long ago disappeared from that figure.
So, Ikki and Stella also dropped the point of their swords for a moment――and asked.
– Board chairman. What is the meaning of this?
Towards that question, it was Nene, who was next to Kurono, who returned some words.
– Well, this was some sort of petty entertainment. However, I’m aware both Kurogane and Stella-chan know who this guy is, right?
– Yes…
They knew him.
They thought “no way” with that peculiar appearance, but they got convinced while fighting him.
– The notion of《Fortitude》that keeps restoring the body of the user infinitely. By wearing the Device《Orichalcos》on his body to use it, this guy, the《A-Rank Knight》of France, was registered in the KOK A-Rank League for the first time last year and climbed to the top of the rankings in the twinkling of an eye with a tempestuous and steady advance——He’s the current top 4 in the world.《Black Knight》Ascaride-san, isn’t that right?
– ――――
《Black Knight》didn’t respond to Ikki’s question.
He kept being silent like he did until now.
However, that strength.
There was no need to take a commitment to that anymore.
What they didn’t know was why a first-class knight of a country member of the League attacked them――
Kurono gave an answer to that question.
– Ascaride really wanted to see your strength at any cost. Since that was a sign that he would launch a surprise attack if we had left him alone, we let him do so under our watch.
– … “we let him do so”…. I’m pretty much a state guest. I’m the Second Princess of Vermillion Empire! This perfectly could have been an international issue!
Stella glanced at Tsukikage who was behind those two due to the blunt words of Kurono.
Tsukikage showed a wry smile.
– I stopped her, but…
– We approved it!
– Aren’t you our teacher!?
– You won’t have many opportunities to meet knights of this level. Experiencing the strength of League’s top-class knights on your skin is affection that you may call it like becoming experience which is good for you. Trust me.
– E-even so, wasn’t there another way of doing this…?
Stella dropped her shoulders, exasperated.
Certainly, Sparta had a limit.
And while Stella was complaining to Nene and the others, the assailant, Ascaride, still didn’t say anything then tried to leave the ring to which she had returned to.
He accomplished his goal, so it seemed that it was meaningless for him to be here anymore.
He was really a man that did things as he wanted.
*TN: Please take into consideration that during all this time, the sex of Ascaride hasn’t been mentioned at all. But the line above explicitly mentions a man “男”. For sake’s consistency I left all mentions towards Ascaride as “he”.
Well, if the other party didn’t show intention of fighting Ikki, then there was no reason in particular to chase him.
That’s why he took away his eyes from the back of Ascaride who went away,
– I understand the reason why Ascaride-san attacked us. There’s no need to discuss this any further. More importantly, Prime Minister Tsukikage. What is the matter you have to talk with us…?
He presented interest to the man who summoned them to this place.
Tsukikage, who had given a single step till now, showed an expression similar to gratitude on his face for having changed the flow of the conversation,
– There are two matters about why I called you both today. Because there was something I want you to hear and something we ought to talk. … Let’s start from the latter first.
He began to talk with a serious tone.
– There’s only one thing we ought to talk. Ikki-kun. It’s about the incident that happened to your body.
– Something… happened to Ikki’s body…?
Stella turned an uneasy face with such disturbing sounds.
But Tsukikage didn’t answer the question of Stella,
– Ikku-kun already knows what I’m talking about, isn’t that right?
He asked Ikki.
Ikki nodded to that question.
It was because he remembered so.
– Is it perhaps no other thing but when I used《Ittou Rasetsu》 for a second time in the match against Stella?
Towards that, Tsukikage affirmed with「Exactly」.
– Magic power is the influence that is related to this world and the thing Blazershave by birth. For this reason, the aggregate amount is determined as fate. But… there are exceptions in this world that disprove that premise. Like those who have severed the chains of fate by their own strong will. There are exceptions that broke the limits of their souls as persons and got out of their destiny. We call those existences《Desperados》.
Tsukikage said.
The moment he received Stella’s 《Katharterio Salamandra》, Ikki was defeated in his original fate.
But he burned with his feelings for Stella and shook free from that fate.
The fate surrounding this world transcended the limits that was allowed for the being called 『Kurogane Ikki』and caused an unbelievable miracle of raising the upper limit of his magic power, and overturned his fate.
– At that time, you leveled up the rank of your soul and became an existence different from the regular Blazers. You, who have reached this awakening, have been removed from the circle of fate surrounding this planet, and now you have become able to raise the upper limit of your magic power depending on the training. My first task is to tell you a fact, that you have become an existence that set foot into the current《Domain of the Desperados》.
– W-wait a minute!
Then, Stella interrupted the words of Tsukikage.
She was showing a strong irritation on her face,
– Certainly I saw the moment when the magic power of Ikki increased. It was impossible, but I thought that if it was Ikki, then he would do around that much. However, Prime Minister Tsukikage. By your way of speaking, it means that you knew about the existence of this phenomenon since long ago, isn’t that right?
– Yes. Absolutely. And certainly not only me, as it is also known by the League Headquarters. I am conveying this stage’s conversation to the《Desperado》that experienced an awakening as the head of the member nations of the 《League of Mage-Knight Nations》.
– ――
Stella’s irritation changed to anger with those words.
– Vermillion Empire has never heard a story like that. I’ve never heard such a story from Otou-sama! … Why were you silent in the first place? Turning upside down the common sense of this world from the roots with something like『The upper limit of magic power doesn’t change from the time one was born』, isn’t that a serious conversation…!? You should have detailed so to all the member nations of the League, don’t you think!?
Stella approached Tsukikage with an unusual threatening attitude.
It was natural.
She was first a student knight and at the same time, the Second Princess of Vermillion Empire.
He was a political person involved in the center of the administrative organs of a whole country.
The League was hiding things towards her country, and those weren’t contents that could be transmitted with “yes, is that so?”
The magic power upper limit could be removed.
If only some nations shared that know-how, then that was a malpractice act against the allies of those nations.
In that case, she must consider their withdrawal from the League.
However, in response to the indignation of the Second Princess of Vermillion Kingdom, Tsukikage explained as a representative of the League.
– It’s reasonable for Stella-hime to be angry. However… it’s a misunderstanding that the League has deceived Vermillion Kingdom and that has monopolized the know-how that leads to《Desperado》among some nations. The League is hiding the existence of 《Desperado》… because they are completely dangerous.
– Dangerous?
– Yes. In order to reach《Desperado》, one must carry the potential of oneself to the extremes, additionally, it’s necessary for the strong person’s will to rise even higher than that. That is an absolute condition of awakening. … But, have you thought that there are people who can hurt you and how much of them are in this world?
– That’s…
– Stella-hime. You should understand it if you are a knight of that degree. It’s not something that can be imitated or attempted to copy it. However, you should be able to imagine it as you are also a lady that is part of the imperial family that is involved in the administration of a country. … The type of tragedies that will happen if a greedy『Leader』knows the existence of this domain.
– …
Stella opened her eyes wide and caught her breath for a moment.
It was easy for her to imagine the tragedy at the end as her royal family had a strong political power over their people and knew well the mechanisms of the nation.
– A powerful Blazer is a very important being for a nation. The more their numbers, the better. Consequently, if the upper limit of magic power were to have a method to be increased and propagated, then and without fail, someone who will force the Blazers of their own country will appear. To carry to exhaustion the potential of the human beings against their will, that is indeed such a horrible training. … But the awakening it’s not something that can be enforced by a third party. What is necessary to overcome fate is one’s own will. When they force a severe training, like making one stand in the depths of death, then only tragedy is born while one is pressured. That’s why, and to not create a tragedy like that, the League concealed the existence of《Desperados》and revealed their existences only to some people of the nations that discharged《Desperados》among the nations affiliated with the League. It doesn’t mean that we were hiding ill will towards Vermillion Kingdom, so I would like you to understand that.
Towards the explanation of Tsukikage,
– … hmm. That being the case, oh well… I understand.
Stella showed understanding and withdrew her threatening attitude.
She imagined so, she was convinced that that tragedy was inevitable.
Dictatorship countries as well as democratic countries were dangerous.
If they were to do the unreasonable like putting lives in danger, then Blazers would become stronger by surpassing the upper limit of magic power. If such public opinion were to be born, the human rights of the small number of Blazers would reach a critical situation.
It was justified that the League, that supervised the Blazers, kept it a secret.
――Like that, Stella recovered her composure and Ikki took a breath of small relief.
– But since only the nations are discharging《Desperados》, does that mean… that there are already other individuals like them in Japan?
He raised a question that was generated in the middle of the conversation.
Tsukikage nodded towards this, he showed affirmation with his neck going up and down.
– There are only two《Mage-Knights》that have Japanese nationality. One is the legendary knight《God of War》Mr. Nangou Torajirou who lived in the same era as《The Great Hero》Kurogane Ryouma. And the other person is the favorite pupil of《God of War》who is here, 《Yaksha Princess》Saikyou Nene-kun. When it comes to outside matters, Mr. Ascaride is also a《Desperados》that belongs to the League.
– Nene-sensei is…!
– Well, it’s not like I’m ranked third in the world just for show you know. … I’m different to you who ended up retiring immediately because you lost your nerve when awakening.
– …
Kurono, looking embarrassed, averted her eyes because Nene turned aggressive eyes towards her.
There was truly a volatile mood that was different from the two people who messed around while using their common abusive language.
Tsukikage, who guessed that, clapped once and returned to the story.
– The conversation went a little back and forth, but to sum up about why the head of the member nations of Knights League made an appointment with a new《Desperado》: like I explained to Stella-hime now, I just wanted you to be self-aware of the existences called 《Desperados》and how this may compromise the human rights of all Blazers and for you to not make it public. Did you understand that?
– Yes. I should express that I drew out magic power from the bottom and not that it increased when I’m asked anything that is related to my second《Ittou Rasetsu》, is that correct?
– Your quick understanding saved us time.
Tsukikage showed a satisfied smile towards the comprehensive faculty of Ikki who guessed without being told the fixed text recommended by the League after one has experienced awakening in an official place. And then,
– Although their existences should be concealed for the benefit of all Blazers, the 《Desperados》who have gone beyond their fate through awakening aren’t bound by the fate surrounding this world. And depending on the training, their superior fighting power can extend their magic powers. I, as Prime Minister of Japan, will collaborate without sparing anything for you to become stronger. If necessary, I can also introduce you an excellent teacher with my connections.
He made a firm promise to support Ikki, who had climbed to a new domain, as a nation.
Ikki, towards this,
– Thank you very much——it’s what I would like to say, but.
He told Tsukikage while having careful sparkles inside his eyes like a blade.
– I still can’t trust a person like you. You attacked our Academy. You even asked for cooperation to《Rebellion》and tried to launch《National Akatsuki Academy》. Unless a number of reasonable explanations are given for that reason, I don’t feel like relying on you by any means.
– You said it well, Kurogane. I agree.
– That also goes for Vermillion Empire, we cannot help but feel distrust towards people like you who were conspiring with terrorists.
– Sensei. Why don’t we talk about this slowly? About what do you think and why did you do this?
The other three also adhered to the distrust of Ikki.
The eyes of everyone were gathered in Tsukikage.
As if Tsukikage was waiting for that,
– Of course…. As that’s the second matter that assembled everyone here today.
He pushed out both arms to the front,
– Make all the universe shine. 《Moon Orb》*
*TN: 月天宝珠: Getten Houju.
Together with a faint light like the glow of the moon, he made his Device manifest.
What appeared in front of the two hands that Tsukikage opened was a fist-sized crystal ball decorated with gold metal.
It was flying in the air while shedding a pale golden light.
– This is… sensei’s Device…
– It doesn’t feel like a weapon. Is this also your first time seeing it, Kuu-chan?
– Yes…. When I was in the Academy, I heard he was a Blazer of the non-fighting group, but this is my first time seeing it.
– My Device《Moon Orb》, due to its ability… has always been a secret of the state of Japan since it manifested. Naturally the details were hidden by the League. It’s been a long time since I’ve showed this in public too.
– How does this Device relate to the reason that Prime Minister Tsukikage started to act this time?
Tsukikage smiled with a look that made him feel a little fatigued due to the question of Ikki,
– Well, let’s postpone the conversation for a minute, I want you to see this first.
Saying that, he flicked《Moon Orb》that was staying in the air with his fingers.
Then, a wave stood on the mirror surface of《Moon Orb》and a drop fell from the bottom of the orb. It fell on the reinforced slate floor.
At that moment,
The drop that fell caused a shining ripple under the feet of Ikki and everyone and projected an image on the floor in the dark.
– T-this is…!
Everyone caught their breaths and made their facial expressions become stiff with that image.
What showed the Device of Tsukikage was――hell.
A city where the whole surface was engulfed in flames and people burned while being alive.
It was a sight of blood, cries of pain and flames, it could only be described as hell.
– … w-what is, this……! The c-children are……!
– Stella…!
Lower half of bodies were crushed by the debris? Stella crouched and covered her mouth, she was unable to bear the scene of boys who were trying to escape from the flames desperately but were swallowed up by the flames without realizing their dreams.
Ikki immediately rushed to Stella and rubbed her back that became rounded, but his face was also pale.
After all.
This wasn’t just a video.
In a simple video, Stella would have just knitted her brows in discomfort, no more than that.
However, everyone in this place certainly felt it.
The heat of the flames encircling the surroundings.
The screams that pierced their ears.
The smell of human flesh burning to a crisp.
And clearly with all that.
None other than they themselves were convinced that the feeling they felt was beyond their understanding.
That this scene wasn’t fake.
There was no place for doubt, this was reality.
– Sensei…! What on earth is this!?
Kurono raised a voice of protest towards the action of Tsukikage that she couldn’t understand.
However, at that moment.
– Eh…? …!? Kuu-chan, that! Look at that!
Nene watched intently the video while knitting the part of the eyebrows closest to the nose, then by getting aware of a certain thing, she pointed at one place in the video. After that, Kurono also did the same――she shuddered.
What was indicated by Nene first was the shape of『Toky Sky Tree』that leaned diagonally with violence.
– No way, are you telling me that this is Tokyo!?
Tsukikage told 「That’s right」to that awareness.
– Moon Orb has the power to look into the『Past』of people and places of a defined range. However, the power to read cause and effect sometimes shows me the『Future』that exists on the present line of cause and effect in the form of『Prophetic Dreams』. … This is the memory of the future that such power showed to me. If the fate of the planet changes as it is now, then that will be the appearance of Tokyo of the day that will come sooner or later. I’m playing this from the past of the human called me.
「「「Wha….!?」」」
All of them opened their eyes wide all together with the words of Tsukikage.
– You’re saying this is the future of Tokyo!?
– No way…! H-how could that happen…!
The question of Stella escaped with a trembling voice.
Towards that, Tsukikage shook his head.
– I don’t know that. My power is only『To see』. However, I can guess the circumstances from the current world situation.
Tsukikage, who said so, snapped his fingers to extinguish『Moon Orb』and closed the video of the floor.
He then approached Stella who fell to her knees and presented his hand while apologizing with「I ‘m sorry for showing you something unpleasant」.
But Stella returned a stern expression to this person, she didn’t took his hand and stood up by relying on Ikki,
– You don’t need to apologize, so keep going…!
She wanted so.
The other three also showed the same opinion to Tsukikage with their eyes.
Tsukikage continued speaking after confirming that the four gazes have gathered at him.
– I presume Stella-hime knows about this, but this world maintains a temporary peace in the rivalry that exists between the three potencies. One of them is the《League of Mage-Knight Nations》 to which Japan also belongs. Another one is the《Union》where big countries such as America, China, Russia and Saudi Arabia are connected. And the last one is《Rebellion》, a tremendously large crime organization that is nested in the darkness of this world. This story is completely ironic, but the presence of a third power called《Rebellion》avoids a major conflict by constraining the extremist movements of both《League》and 《Union》somehow by creating a three-way deadlock which is the current situation. But… this struggle for supremacy won’t last long.
– What’s the reason for that?
– Life span.
Tsukikage replied briefly the question of Ikki.
– In each of these three potencies, there is an extremely powerful《Desperado》. For《League》, the knight who serves as the general manager of the League and is ranked 1st in the World Ranking KOK——《Whitebeard》 Arthur Bright. For《Union》, the man who serves as the head of 《Psyon》 and whom America is proud of at his young age of 20——《Superman》 Abraham Carter. And for《Rebellion》, the rascal king who continues reigning in the dark world since before World War II――the Leader《Tyrant》. The three potencies struggle for supremacy because there are three《Desperados》with unimaginable strength. However… 《Tyrant》, whose name has been in history since World War II, is considerably old. It wouldn’t be strange if his life were to end soon. At that time, when it comes to how the world affairs will move, the first would be the competition for the enclosure of the remnants of 《Rebellion》.
– How can you declare so…?
– Because it has already started. Stella-hime.
– …!
– Not only every country of《Union》 like United States, Russia and China but also some of the member nations of League have made contact on their own ways with 《Rebellion》. … As Kazamatsuri-san was able to say, when it’s about the members of 《Rebellion》, there are many persons who have taken a position in their own ways in the public world. And in this competition, League is tremendously falling behind 《Union》.
– Because League is also the parent organization of Knights League Headquarters which has clearly taken a hostile stance against《Rebellion》 … correct?
Tsukikage nodded greatly.
– That’s right. There are individuals who have small connections like me, but connections as an organization are deeply stronger in the side of《Union》. If《Tyrant》dies, the great majority of fighting power will flow to《Union》. And then, what will inevitably produce after this enclosure will be… World War III.
Tsukikage said.
《Union》aimed to put this world under divided control by the big countries and《League》attempted to preserve the shape of the current world by cooperating with small fellow nations.
These two organizations that could never coexist in the same planet.
If the third potency called《Rebellion》were to lose, a great war would definitely occur. And…
– That result, I think it’s the scene we saw in your dream.
– In other words, does Sensei think that this future couldn’t be avoided if he sided with《League》and so he took a series of actions to switch over《Union》, is that what he means?
– … generally speaking, that is the case.《Superman》Abraham Carter, the strongest man of 《Union》who was born in the United States of America, the largest country in the world, was still young. Given the risk of his low age and the fact that《Union》was strongly connected to《Rebellion》, I thought of just one method to save Japan from going to ruin and that was to join《Union》even if we had to accept some disadvantageous conditions, but I executed it. I launched 《Akatsuki Academy》, and with its strength, it increased the trend of leaving the league and made a strategy to get the majority of votes in a national referendum that had to be cleared in case of withdrawing from the《League》.
More than a decade ago.
Ever since he saw this nightmare. Tsukikage devotedly lived only to accomplish so.
For that reason, and while he had nothing in his favor as he was a mere teacher, he brought in an influential person who put up an《Anti-League》that shifted the public opinion, the conservatives’ former ruling party had to step back and they assumed the reins of government.
Because there was no other way for Tsukikage who had no fighting power.
However,
– … that’s an impossible dream now. 《Akatsuki Academy》 lost and the public opinion has increased the tendency to reevaluate the policies of《League》. In this state of affairs, it’s impossible to win majority of people’s will through drastic reforms such as withdrawing from《League》. … In other words, it seems that I lost to you.
Tsukikage dropped his shoulders and sighed.
――But,
– Compared to what you said, you look very happy.
Ikki judged that his words and his emotions were diverging in a big way.
And Tsukikage didn’t deny this.
The wrinkles of his face that were very deeply engraved in this decade, smiled much more stronger,
– … fufu. Is that so? It’s been 10 years. I just fought believing that was the only salvation. But the only emotion I have in my heart now is joy.
He answered that he didn’t have regrets or anything like that.
Because even when he were to lose control spontaneously, then commit a crime and lament the future,
– Young power is strong enough to break fate because you were raised indomitably…
Tsukikage saw that at this Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
The moment when young forces intersected, enhanced each other and finally tore off even their fates.
They won’t struggle in an underhanded way when trying to defeat fate, they would do it directly from the front and magnificently.
He understood so when he looked at the figures just before his eyes.
It wasn’t his place to say anything anymore.
– My ability is the power that sees the fate surrounding the planet and nothing else. Outside of that fate, I can’t see the past of the ones that reached the《Domain of the Desperados》and the future they will create. That’s why… I believe that you will lead this country to a completely different future from the future of despair I’ve seen.
If so, there’s only one thing I should do.
Realizing so, Tsukikage looked at all of them,
——He smiled like as if he was saved,
– … please take care of this country and the world…
He entrusted his wish and the future of his beloved country to the young forces.
– … at that moment, Prime Minister Tsukikage was crying, right?
– Yeah.
Ikki, who recalled the event last night, re-thought about the last expression of Tsukikage and nodded.
At that time, there was no doubt that small teardrops were rising in the outer corner of his eyes.
He became miserable with an exhausted look on his face, however, as if he was saved.
Stella also felt that.
So,
– I hated that person. I don’t care about the reasons, he’s the one who hurt everybody of the Academy. I thought that I would punch him if I had the chance. … However.
Stella said it. She didn’t hate him anymore.
Stella was part of the royal family.
Stella was conscious of the dreadfulness of something called political world, so she understood him well.
How difficult was to climb to the top, to go as far as being the head of the administrative organ of the whole country in just ten years?
The marks of those hardships were clearly recorded on the face of Tsukikage.
However, Tsukikage accomplished it.
Solely for the sake of saving his beloved country.
Stella felt even respect towards that dynamism and willpower as a fellow politician.
There was no way she could embrace hatred.
And then, they unexpectedly defeated Akatsuki and crushed that dream.
– When you win, you take responsibility for it…. Those were the words of Touka-san when they announced the representative members, but… I think we were burdened with the wish of Prime Minister Tsukikage. A preposterous and incredibly strong wish.
No, that wasn’t either, such scene, there was no way they could turn that into a reality.
The premonition of Tsukikage. The Defeat of League in World War III.
If such scene truly reflected the future, then it wasn’t going to be a problem just for Vermillion Kingdom that was also a member nation of the League.
Above all, Japan was like a second home for Stella.
There were many important friends in this country.
She wanted to protect them.
——She will absolutely protect them.
Because of that, Stella clenched her fists on top of her knees and said strongly to herself as she looked down.
– I have to get even stronger…. And like Ikki, surpass my own limits…!
To such woman,
– … Stella.
Ikki called out to her by patting her back from the side,
– Hmm? ――Myu!?
He raised a finger to the place Stella would turn around her face and he poked the face of Stella who turned around.
To such sudden and childish trick, Stella brushed off the hand of Ikki and showed surprise.
– W-what are you doing so sudden!?
– You’re getting too worked up.
Ikki, who faced her, advised with a serious tone of voice.
– It’s a good thing to be motivated, but what will corner you will be the source of the injury. Certainly, we were surprised by the story of Prime Minister Tsukikage, but we’ll never allow such scene to be a reality. … But, from the beginning, we exist to help those who don’t have strength from crisis like that, because we’re《Mage-Knights》. We knights aren’t sportsmen. Even Stella must have walked through chivalry with a strong spirit to protect the people of your country. Am I wrong?
– Ah…
– That’s why, there’s no need for you to get worked up now. After all, Stella isn’t a person who could be negligent with herself. If you keep aiming for the greatness of a knight with all your strength like you’ve been doing so far… then one day, the moment when you’ll go beyond your limits will come. And without fail when the need has approached.
――Besides,
– Prime Minister Tsukikage was referring to《Desperados》as special beings, but I don’t think so.
Ikki said that and transferred his gaze from Stella to everyone in this place,
– I understand that as I fought with everyone here. Not just Stella, but no one here is a knight that could lose against me. For the sake of pride, dreams or someone else——things such as limit should easily be surpassed.
He asserted with a strong tone of voice.
He was convinced from the bottom of his heart.
Ikki had sharpened their souls and swords for this reason.
The nightmare shown by Tsukikage. There should be no one here who would allow the realization of such a thing.
If it was for that reason, then they were going to surpass everyone.
Their own limits.
Just like they themselves did at the finals of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
Because everyone absolutely hated to lose with each and every one of them.
– If we join forces with everyone, then anything can be surpassed. I’m sure of it.
Ikki said so and put his hands on the hands of Stella and held them gently but strongly.
――Because I’m next to you.
Like saying that there was no need for a single person to be responsible for the future.
With the words of Ikki,
– You’re right…. Absolutely right.
Stella also grasped back the hands of Ikki,
– I’ll be relying on you. Ikki.
She showed her usual bright smile and leaned on Ikki’s shoulder.
She wasn’t dangerously stiffened anymore.
Since they were shown the future yesterday, Stella made an intense uneasiness to propagate while pretending to be calm.
Her position as royal family. Her nature’s strength of the sense of responsibility.
Those were stealing composure from her, they were pressing her feelings.
However, Stella pointed out to Ikki that she understood that the future was not something that only she or those in the field must deal with.
If it was like this, then the amount of sense of responsibility wouldn’t be absurd.
Ikki was relieved of that matter for a moment,
(As for me, the wall in front of my eyes troubles me more than the things of the future that I don’t know)
He sighed with real intention due to the visit to Vermillion that approached closely.
Because that was a wall that he had to break through with his own ability.
He was going to steal Stella from the King of Vermillion.
… What kind of feelings would a father have when his daughter was stolen by an unknown man with doubtful origins?
Ikki didn’t have a child so he didn’t comprehend well.
He didn’t know, but――he at least knew that it wasn’t going to be a somewhat friendly meeting.
(If I have to bring up the topic, I wonder in what way it would be better…)
When Ikki was worrying about the contents of the imminent greeting,
– Oh. Really? Thanks a lot!
Moroboshi was talking to someone on the phone, then stood up from the chair and spoke loudly to everyone.
– Hey guys! The people working at the public bath near here had a break today, but it seems that they made a reservation for us! Our bellies that were full are in good condition now, so let’s all go to the public bath!
Everyone who gathered at this victory celebration raised delighted voices in response to this proposal.
– Eh!? For real? You’re not joking!?
– Oh my, oh my. That’s excellent, don’t you agree? I remember when I went on a trip with everyone to the bath at『Wakaba’s residence』
– Soukei has become my right-hand man. What is a public bath?
– Public bathhouses are what commoners use. There, everyone takes off their clothes, Ojou-sama also takes off her clothes, I also take off my clothes, the two of us will be just like when we were born and and and and and and and and and and. *Drip* *Drip**Drip* (Nosebleed)
– Shar――――!?
And Stella, who had been in Japan for several months, also showed a strong interest in this proposal.
– Hey, hey, Ikki! The public baths of Japan! There’s a big picture of Mt. Fuji in the bath right?!
– That’s true in Tokyo, but… in Osaka…
– If it’s not there, then I’ll get Sara to draw one!
– Eh?
– I don’t mind since I wanted to go there at least once! So, let’s go ASAP!
Aside from Sara who was bewildered by the request that was thrown at her all of a sudden, Stella stood up and took the hand of Ikki then rushed as fast as she could like a child.
Shizuku pierced a sidelong glance towards such Stella.
– This is a very disappointing news to you who is getting very horny, but public baths aren’t mixed baths.
– H-hey! What on earth do you mean with horny!? And I know that much you know!?
… Thus, the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival came to an end, and the last night in Osaka was going to get lively.
During several months they made utmost efforts but just one went to the top.
Many stories were born like the many bonds that were tied.
The young people, who had placed those bonds in each of their hearts, were going to enjoy a moment of rest.
Thus, they walked out from this place.
Each one of them staring at the future——and to a new stage.
