Chapter 2.5

The Imperial Knights Academy consists of five main sections.

The Central— Cafeteria, gymnasium, library, patio, sport hall, sport field, etc.

The East— First Year Faculty, Male and Female Dorm, Student`s Council President Building

The North— Second Year Faculty, Male and Female Dorm

The West— Third Year Faculty, Male and Female Dorm

The South— Great Hall, Principal`s Main Building

The First Year`s Faculty is located at the east wing of the Imperial Knights Academy.

Only the first years were able to enter the First Year Faculty. Of course, it applies to the respective second and third year students as well.

The respective teachers, executives and Student Council members that was permitted by the principal of the Imperial Knights Academy was allowed to enter. Those who are not permitted could not enter to the respective faculties.

Since first year students aren`t familiar with the overseas life at the Imperial Knights Academy, the Student Council President`s Building was built there in order to watch over the first years.

Within each faculty, there`s a central building located at the centre of their faculties. If it`s the east wing, it will be known as the East Central Building or First Year`s Central Building.

The cafeteria and gymnasium were located the Central Building of each faculty, as well as training rooms.

…After a long trip, we finally made it.

First Year Central Building.

I can`t believe it, just how famous is Kuroyuki…? Nearly everyone including the teachers came out from their classes just to take a look at her.

Poor Kuroyuki hid behind my back all the way.

I kind of understood why is she waiting for me. She acts as a guide as well as to use me as a shield from her fans. I believe this is what we call mutualism, I suppose.

We hurried to the lift, escaping from the sights of the first year students.

Despite there`s no one else but the two of us inside the lift, but Kuroyuki still sticks on my back, grabbing my blazer with her hand still trembling.

First floor.

…There`s still no words of exchange between us. We stayed like this for quite some time now.

From the class, we rode the buggy to the First Year Faculty, and to shield Kuroyuki from the first year students…

…even now as we walk.

We had been walking for a while, now— Kuroyuki still did not let go. She tailed silently from behind while clinging near to the back of my blazer.

There`s no one else but us, so she could`ve stopped. But yet she did not, it`s almost like she didn`t want to.

"…Th— Thank you…"

All of the sudden, Kuroyuki thanked me. Her words felt hesitant, as if she`s been trying to tell me this two words for a long time.

I thought she doesn`t want to talk to me anymore.

Perhaps she couldn`t bear the silent, perhaps she couldn`t withstand the awkwardness, perhaps she merely thanked me because she appreciates my help—

—but there`s one thing I know for sure… she doesn`t want things to stay that way.

Well…

…I was the one at fault to begin with.

I know I had no right to apologize, and she had no obligation to forgive me either.

But the tightness, the heavy load I`m feeling on my chest… I want to get rid of it.

And so…

"I`m sorry… Kuroyuki."

…I apologized to Kuroyuki, who is still clinging behind me.

"..."

I was hoping for a respond, but there`s none at all.

Please, say something.

Scold me, hit me— anything.

By the time I realized, she was no longer clinging to me— she stopped her footsteps quite a while ago.

I then immediately stopped, and turned to face her.

When I look at her face, I was surprised.

She was looking at me with an overwhelmed, confused expression.

It was like she couldn`t tell whether my words were the truth or they were just some superficial lines just to make her felt better.

Did I really frighten her that much…?

To show her my sincerity, I bowed to her with my head lowered.

"..."

Kuroyuki remained silent.

Clack, clack, clack, clack.

We were seven steps away at first, then she took five steps closer, and stopped.

"…Idiot."

As she mumbled, something soft touches my head.

Because I was too overwhelmingly familiar with this feeling, my head inadvertently raises from the surprise.

…It was Kuroyuki`s hand.

I was half expecting her grip.

But her soft fingers— moves back and forth in a smooth rhythm… she`s caressing my hair.

It feels surprisingly comforting, but I don`t really understand why did she do that—

SLAP!

—then a sudden slap came from the right of my face.

…Ouch.

Then, with her usual cold expression— Kuroyuki Shiroha walks past me, saying nothing—

"…we are almost there."

—or not.

…I think she forgives me.

...

Training Room 1.

Around one third of the section of the hallway, the room on the right— which the door was opened, is the training room.

Compared to the underground training room, training room 1 is much more spacious. If I were to give a rough measurement, then it`s around ten meters tall and spacious enough like having four football fields placed together.

At the centre of the room, there are ten students— to be precise, three girls and seven boys, all wearing a black blazer. Without a doubt, all then of them are the S class students.

For some reason, they were split into two groups. One group consists of four guys and the rest of them are at the other group.

Is this discrimination, I wonder…?

Anyways, it seems both me and Kuroyuki were the last of the students to reach here. All we need to do is to wait for the teachers to come.

As soon as we enter the room, everyone had their gazes on us.

What`s with those different gazes…?

Those at the smaller group looks jealous, and they seem to had the desire to kill— while those at the larger group were looking at me with a confused expression.

Why are those at the larger group looking at me that way?

Including the morning`s incident today, I believe nearly every male in the Imperial Knights Academy hates me to the core. So those guys at the smaller group are giving the reasonable expression.

So why are those at the large group looking at me in such a way…?

"…?"

Right when I was still walking— nearly halfway towards them, a silver hair guy from the large group suddenly starts to run towards me.

…I don`t understand what is going on.

He looks furious till the point that it wouldn`t be exaggerating to say that he even wanted to kill.

Is this guy the same like them— he couldn`t contain his jealousy and decided to give me a good beating…?

I thought those at the larger group would be different at the very least, but one of them proved me wrong.

The sounds created by the friction between his shoes and the floor echoed throughout the training room— like those sounds you made from a basketball match.

With every step he takes, his speed gradually increases; he was dashing so fast— it`s almost as if he`s the wind itself.

Kuroyuki seems to understand what is going on.

But instead of helping, she retreated and kept her distance away from me.

Okay, fine.

Putting her aside, that silver hair guy extended both of his hands.

Is he attempting to grab me for a throw or is he aiming for a tackle…? If I grab his hand, he could probably push me down with his speed. So…

Timing with his speed, I took a quick side step to the left…

"Ah— whoa!?" He inadvertently screamed.

…and tripped him with my right leg.

He flew forward, then lands on the floor with his stomach, sliding for another few meters forward in a straight line.

"G-Guh...!"

Now he`s gurgling in pain.

He feels… weak. Are all S Ranked students this weak…?

He then stood up, patted his blazer and trousers to clear the dusts.

Then he immediately turned and glared at me with a strong intent to kill— it`s as if I murdered his wife or something.

"You bastard!!!"

His roaring voice, echoed the entire training room.

Is it really necessary to scream so loud…? What wrong have I done…?

"Shut up." A girl, suddenly responded the scream with a monotone voice.

This is the first time I couldn`t agree more with the opinion of a random girl.

Then six magic circles appeared behind that silver hair guy who yelled at me.

From the looks of the magic circle… all six of it are storage magic.

Thin threads of white strings came out from the centre of the magic circles, wrapping that guy`s body before he could react. Even if he tried to struggle, it eventually wraps him tight enough that he couldn`t even move a muscle.

He was then hoisted up, hanged on mid-air.

When I look at him, I realized he had a pretty white-silver hair, which the colour at the tail of his hair is transparent, and his eyes are emerald green— hold it, why does he looks so familiar…?

"RUMELIA!!! PUT ME DOWN— MPHH!!!?"

…He yelled again. And I believe she`s yelling at the girl who did this to him.

Obviously, anymore pathetic struggle would have gained him more strings. A bundle of threads swirls and sealed his mouth.

"…I thought I told you not to do that." Another guy mumbled.

His voice seems cool and refreshing.

"He`s too loud and annoying." The girl replied in a monotone voice.

It`s the same girl responding. Judging from it, I`m sure they sure had a close relationship.

I looked towards their direction.

I wonder who they are…?

…Ah. It`s too obvious.

Among the large group, there`s a girl who had a look free from any emotions— she was expressionless. She had a doll-like face, purple-coloured hair, purple eyes— and also quite the rack on her chest. I believe she`s the one who tied the guy.

Standing next to her is a boy with the newest high-spec glasses, he seems like those typical cool and smart dudes. Since the light Is reflecting on his glasses, I can`t see his eye colour at all. He had a brown hair— but it`s rich with different types of brown colours, like soil.

"Fine… do whatever you like."

He looks away, nudging his glasses.

It seems he gives up to convince her—

"!"

Huh? My heart jolted all of the sudden.

This is… killing intent…!?

I sensed a sudden killing intent aside from those five S ranked students. There`s an extra— the sixth one. Damn, these guys are annoying.

I quickly looked behind— only realizing that his fist is nearly going to reach my face.

He`s too close. I can`t use the sword.

Reluctantly, I reacted by bending my head to the left— dodging his straight punch, and added a punch on his stomach.

I hold back to make sure he wouldn`t be dead in an instant from this punch.

BAM!

Huh? He`s harder than I expected.

I realized my hand isn`t even touching his blazer— he had an armour, a magical armour.

No wonder he feels tough.

It had an opposite attribute compared to Kuroyuki`s armour. Kuroyuki`s armour is cold like ice and this guy`s— it`s burning and I could actually feel some heat transferring to my fist.

Not like it would hurt me. Let`s add a little more strength…

WHAM!

Putting more strength on my biceps, I sent him flying backwards with a centrifugal spin with my punch.

But he quickly adjusted his posture mid-air and landed safely without a sweat.

…His flaming armour disappeared.

When I take a close look on him, I realized he had a really cool-looking hair. It`s burning like fire, like the sun, a mixture of red orange and yellow colour. He seems to be slightly taller than me, probably over 180 cm and had a broader body.

He`s rather skilful compared to the silver hair guy.

The glare he had on me is really cool. Those golden eyes that burns deep within…

It seems he`s going for a second turn—

THUNK!

An ice spear, suddenly stabbed into the ground in front of that person. Though he was surprised for a moment, but it seems he still haven`t gave up on me yet.

Kuroyuki then stood next to me.

"…what are you doing?" Kuroyuki uttered as she glared at him.

"I will not acknowledge him." He said to Kuroyuki as he glared at me with an angry look.

What`s with his problem…?

"I don`t need your acknowledgement. Who do you think you are? You can`t even climb to the top yet you are so full of yourself."

"Shut up, human!"

Only those who aren`t human would`ve shouted that way.

"What race is he…?" I whispered to Kuroyuki.

"…A hybrid of a dragon and phoenix. His name is Crimson Veludora Blaze."

"Don`t talk to her!!! Gragh!!!"

He shouts and ran straight to me.

I understood why he is being so bossy. Despite he is a hybrid, it`s because he was a dragon, a powerful and prideful race.

I don`t really like dragons. Though they are smart beings, but they are rather stubborn, barbaric and they only obey to someone who proved that they are stronger than them.

But this guy… for what reason did he transform himself into a human… and even studying here…? I really had no idea at all.

For now— let`s just make him shut up.

"Time to submit…!" I shouted.

Kuroyuki knew what I was going to do, so she stood at her place and watched.

That cool-looking guy (even though he`s not human), flexes his right arm like an electric current and charges to me like a thunderbolt.

Pathetic. It`s not even near Kuroyuki`s level.

He`s really weak. There`s no power on his fist. I don`t even need to use the power on my waist or my legs.

I simply rammed my fist onto his right fist with just the power on my right arm. Without a need to clash our fists— he was easily sent flying backwards, till he hits the wall with his back.

By the way, if it`s isn`t for his magical armour, the bones on his right arm would`ve break, and it would`ve tear off from his shoulder.

"Satisfied?" I asked him.

"Grr…!"

Whoa… I can feel the dragon senses from his scowl.

"…Enough." Kuroyuki scowled at him.

Obeying Kuroyuki`s command, he ceased unwillingly.

Just as I thought everything is going to end, I hear some sharp, fluttering sounds from behind.

I quickly looked back— I saw a golden card flying straight to the silver hair guy which was wrapped by the strings. The card easily cuts the first bundle of strings, and did a U-turn like a boomerang and cuts the second bundle.

The silver hair guy then freed himself from the rest of the strings.

…Who did that?

"Hello~"

"Whoa!?"

I was freaked out by the girl who suddenly pats my shoulder.

I then looked behind.

It was an elegant looking girl with a white-blonde hair and a bright mischievous smile— in other words, the first year`s student council president, Persia Silverlight.

She`s really close.

And I didn`t expect her to be moving this fast without me noticing.

"Oh, it`s just you." I murmured.

"What do you mean it`s just me?" She said.

Persia then came closer and tipped her toes to gain some height— so she could extend her left arm to catch the golden card that was just right behind my head, with two of her fingers.

How skilful.

By the way, her chest touched me when she catches that card. Needless to say that her chest had the necessary weight and softness— but the worst thing is, I don`t feel aroused at all.

Perhaps this is the results from getting sexually assaulted everyday by Restia and Ruby.

"That was dangerous. I would`ve died if you failed to catch this thing."

When I said that, Persia raised her right brow and stared at me with a confused and quizzical look.

"...You seemed different today." She said.

…So she noticed my difference between Nightwalker. No, actually, it would be weird if she didn`t noticed— she`s good at reading people after all.

I need to act more like Nightwalker.

"You are too close." I said, while grabbing her shoulders.

"Ahhn~!" A jolt shook her.

"Why are you moaning again…"

"D-Don`t grab my flesh all of the sudden…!"

Once again, her shoulders.

She`s totally trying to spoil my image here.

If that`s how you want…!

"Hya— Ah— Wha—!!?"

Persia is struggling for a laugh for the sudden punishment I landed on her. I gave her a tickle on her waist, armpits and neck.

It was super effective. Even Kuroyuki is trying to hold back her laughter—

"DON`T LOOK AWAY YOU BASTARD…!!!"

Dang, here comes round two. He`s so lively till he was freakishly annoying.

My head turns to where he is.

The silver hair guy finally freed the last of those strings from his legs. Seems like he`s going to do the same thing again.

Better knock him out before he could do so.

I pushed Persia aside to Kuroyuki, letting Kuroyuki to hold her still.

Then I ran to him.

That`s when I realized— he was the , the person who lend Nightwalker his sword.

Compared to the him yesterday who was rather easy-going, he`s rather rash and hot-headed now. It`s like he had two different personas.

I`m close enough now. Let`s just knock him out—

"GIVE ME BACK MY SWORD YOU SWORD STEALING BASTARD!"

He suddenly leaped forward with his hands extended.

His sword…? I know he`s a sword maniac, but to be changing his temper so easily— he`s one hell of a sword maniac.

The moment his hands touches the hilt of his sword— with a swift and skilful movement, he pulled his sword out from the sheath.

It was so fast that I didn`t react in time to stop him.

His sword then glows.

He then placed his sword on the centre of his chest, with the blade pointed at me as it changes to a rapier.

In that moment— I was able to tell.

This guy, is extremely strong with a sword.

"Star falling arts— Star Spike!"

His right hand extended— with the tip of the blade aiming my chest. With the speed of his leap and hand, the strike was really fast, swift, and gentle, as if there is no air resistance in his movement.

Reluctantly, in contrast of his movement— I knock his blade away with the scabbard on my left hand, pushing his blade to the left side, and dodged by pulling back my left shoulder to the right.

He went past me on my left.

Using the momentum from my pullback, I threw his scabbard back at him.

I thought it was going to hit his back, but he skilfully did a half spin on mid-air and caught the scabbard by inserting his blade into it.

"Urk—!?"

But it seems he didn`t expect a simple throw from me could still be so powerful. The power from my throw made him flew back, as if he was pushed by a mysterious force.

He flew past Kuroyuki and Persia who was watching from behind— where the girls dodged him.

I thought he was going to hit the wall, but he managed to land with both of his feet sliding across the floor as he stumbled a few times.

"…?" I was slightly confused.

Is he heavy or did my arm strength had lowered that much? There`s still a long way before he hits the wall.

No… that can`t be. The flame hair guy, Blaze— flew back from my light punch. Then this means he`s heavy.

"Not bad~"

"Whoa…!?"

I was surprised. Persia tapped my shoulder from my left all of the sudden. She was much further away just a few seconds ago.

"Stop scaring me." I murmured.

"Say~ You shouldn`t cause such a large commotion you know~?"

For some reason, Persia skilfully ignored my remark and she`s jerking my sleeve with her fingers.

"Yeah…" I said to Persia. "Why don`t you apologize?" I yelled to the silver hair guy— the .

"Alright it`s my bad it`s my fault~ But if it`s isn`t him I would`ve settle things peacefully." He said with a grin.

He`s coming to me.

Okay, I think he`s back to normal now.

"I`m merely taking care of your sword. Why don`t you thank me for that?"

Hearing my statement, the felt annoyed.

"If it`s isn`t for that force field I would`ve retrieve it yesterday. It`s your carelessness." He retorted.

And he poked me on my blazer, my chest.

Although he was annoyed, but the way he poked me felt friendly, it`s not like those poking that seems to be picking a fight.

And I thought he fainted yesterday. He sure recovers quick enough.

"You lend me your sword in the first place. If you don`t, then the tragedy today wouldn`t have happened."

"It`s all because of the princess— never mind."

Well isn`t he daring— trying to put the blame to Kuroyuki. Luckily he knows what he should and shouldn`t say and quickly ceased his mouth…

…aside from the fact that Kuroyuki`s glaring at him.

By the way, I don`t know when but Kuroyuki is suddenly at my right side.

I wondered what will Kuroyuki do if she was falsely accused…?

Let`s try it.

"You should have stop him—"

PAK!

...Ah.

The grip.

So she would resort to violence.

"...Ngh!"

CRAK!

The cracking sound from my head was so loud that it felt like it echoed throughout the room.

"AHHHHHH...!!?"

This was the most painful punishment yet.

My head`s bleeding too.

Obviously I was struggling in pain on the floor, with my hands on my face and my body curled like a ball.

Damn, thank goodness I had strong body that could heal any injury quickly. In a matter of seconds my cracked skull would be fixed. This is why I could survive from Kuroyuki`s violent grip.

But even though it healed, the pain still remains.

"Are you okay…?" Persia asks.

I peeked at Persia through my fingers.

She was squatting in front of me.

…White.

Seems like string panties.

Is she doing this on purpose…? There`s no way she wouldn`t realize.

Anyways—

"Do you really need to ask…?" I replied with a strained voice.

"He`s here—"

THOK.

"I`m right behind you, stupid brat. Stop being so dramatic."

A man`s voice, like someone in his twenties came across my ears. Something landed on my butt— it felt like a kick. Judging from the voice and timing, there`s only one person in this world who is rude enough to do something like this to me.

"...…"

Blood was gushing to my head. It`s as if something inside my brain snapped. I could feel my vein popped on my head.

I stood up, ignoring the pain that`s still lingering on my head.

Then I approached behind him and landed a kick on his butt. It was stronger compared to how he kicked me, so he stumbles forward.

Everybody was looking at us, silently. Their eyes were as if saying 'what is this idiot doing?'

Like I`d care about their opinions.

How long has it been since I last saw you in front of me…?

The first one to act— was the person I kicked.

"…WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING YOU STUPID BRAT?" He intimidated me.

Perhaps not a single one knows. His intimidation could easily stun everyone in fear— except Kuroyuki.

"KICKING YOUR ASS. WHO SAID YOU COULD KICK MY BUTT…?" I immediately retorted with a bloodcurdling anger.

"I WILL TEACH YOU A LESSON YOU DAMN STUPID BRAT."

"TRY IT IF YOU CAN YOU DAMN OLD MAN."

In less than a second, a knife-hand chop came from above, cutting vertically downwards. It`s simple yet extremely fast, his target is my head.

I evaded his attack by leaning my waist to the left side. I throw my left fist towards his face as hard as I could.

BAM!

He easily caught my fist with his right hand, and transferred the rest of the impact to his shoulder and onto his knees— taking a step backwards to stable his stance.

What…!?

My voice nearly leaks out from the surprise.

Even with all this power, he`s still not pushed back from my punch…!

Knowing that he`s going to throw me on the floor, I quickly retreated my hand before he could do so, and take a few steps backwards— keeping my distance.

"Ho… not bad." He muttered.

He quickly closed our distance by taking a leap on the ground. He then bent his waist, throwing a sharp right uppercut from below, aiming my chin.

He`s still as nasty as ever. Even if I`m sixteen years old now he still had the power to make me unconscious in this one hit.

Reluctantly, I leaned backwards and lifted my chin to evade his punch. At the same time, I slapped his left arm away with a right backhand swing, because he`s going to push me on the floor.

"Huh…"

With a confused look, he let out a breath and flexes his right arm forward.

Just before I`m going to catch his right arm— he stopped and took a clockwise half spin, using the momentum to land an attack with his left elbow, aiming on my solar plexus.

It`s too fast for me to evade, I lifted my right knee to block his elbow.

"Guh…!"

However, I didn`t expect it to be that powerful. The clash between our powerful attacks gave a shock throughout our whole body— pushing us backwards.

The numbness and pain on my knee is even stronger compared to the kick Kuroyuki gave me yesterday. But so does his elbow… He`s rubbing his elbow with a pained look.

"Cheh…! Just let me hit you already you damn brat!" He yelled.

"Are you stupid or something!? Who on earth would be dumb enough to stay still!?"

"Take this…!"

He instantly closed our distance, with his fist swinging forth.

In contrast with his movement, I responded with a palm attack towards his face—

"…Enough!"

BA-BAM!

"..."

After I heard Kuroyuki`s shout, I immediately found my face smacked on the floor.

The aching feedback that came afterwards was on my head and face that was on the floor.

Seems like Kuroyuki smacked me down directly like a hammer using her fist.

By the time I stood back up, I saw that old man patting his clothes as he rubs his head.

"Ow ow ow… Kuroyuki, please be gentle next time. I still need some dignity here…" He muttered with an uneasy look.

It seems to me that even 'he' was smacked on the floor by Kuroyuki too.

…Kuroyuki sure doesn`t show any mercy to anyone.

"…I will remind you again. You are just a temporary supervisor…"

Kuroyuki smiled, but she`s not looking happy at all. There`s an uneasy vibe coming from her smile.

"Yeah, yeah, I know I know." He looks away unsettlingly.

"…As for you…" Kuroyuki then looks to my direction with an outraged look.

I probably understood what she`s going to do.

"Please be gentle…" I murmured.

CRAK!

She mercilessly squeezes my head as hard as she could. Since I knew this would be coming, I endured the pain and held in my scream as much as I could.

"Ehem…" He coughed to brush off the things that happened.

Everyone suddenly kept their silent and listened, including Kuroyuki who just smacked him on the head earlier.

Allow me to answer your doubt.

Why would Kuroyuki, who has an authority even higher than the teachers in this academy is willing to stay quiet and listen to him?

It`s time to unveil the mystery of this old man. It`s not that he`s actually an old man— in fact, he looks quite young actually, like a man in his twenties. He`s currently 42 years old this year. Because of some personal grudge, his age, and his white hair— it`s more than enough for me to call him an old man.

He wore a black suit and a black tie. For someone of his age, he`s still childish enough to act all cool.

He`s the bastard me and Nightwalker always mentioned.

'That guy', 'that bastard'— the person who sent me the email yesterday— he`s the principal of the Imperial Knights Academy, the very person standing at the top of the Imperial Knights Academy.

If you were thinking what is my relationship with this bastard… I will explain sooner. It`s a little complicated.

"Sorry for changing the schedule today so suddenly. This mock battle today is specifically arranged for this newly enrolled brat here. I believe he`s quite hot on the rumours lately. From the blazer, obviously you could tell he`s the 2nd special student."

…There`s not even a single clap as a welcome greeting.

Well, not like I care.

"The mock battle today will be separated into 2 teams. Needless to say, the special students are the leaders. It`s likely that you S ranked brats will be sticking to our here, so I will select you guys randomly."

That said, he activated his screen and entered a system. A larger window then pops up in front of us, showing the names of the S ranked students separated to two sides.

The team displayed on the left is my team, those at the right are Kuroyuki.

Their names are— August Whisperwind, Crimson Veludora Blaze, Kronos Y Chronoclock, Persia Silverlight and Sherry Scarlet Rosenberk.

Just before I was going to check the names at Kuroyuki`s group, the principal noticed and quickly minimized the screen.

…He did that on purpose.

""""Hell yeah…!!!""""

The 4 guys at the small group earlier are suddenly celebrating with joy and tears. Looks like they were selected as Kuroyuki`s teammates.

Obviously, Kuroyuki was totally disgusted and hid behind me.

I wondered who are my teammates…? The only names I know is Persia.

"Yay~ We are in the same team~"

Persia looks really delighted.

But I`m not.

He should`ve given me a handicap. Kuroyuki is so strong she could probably crush all eleven of us for several times.

"There are ten minutes for both teams to discuss your strategies. And… start."

He set the timer.

As soon as the students starts to move to their respective teams… the emotionless girl went to Kuroyuki`s team.

I was left with the , Crimson Veludora Blaze, the brown hair guy with the specs, Persia, and a blood-red hair girl with bat wings.

For some reason, my team felt a little too unique…

I scratched my head from the frustration.

"Okay… let`s sit first and introduce yourselves." I said to them, and sat down.

"Okay~"

Persia responded cheerfully and sat next to me without a shred of hesitation.

After staring at Persia`s reaction on me with an unreserved trust, everyone did so.

For some reason, the three guys at my group sat at my opposite while Persia and the red hair girl with bat wings sat on my left and right respectively.

"Ah… Um… My name is Lucifer Nightwalker von Nightmare." I murmured.

I wondered why, as I introduced— those 3 guys widen their eyes for a moment.

Seeming things were slightly awkward, Persia decided to guide the team in my stead.

"August~" She then conducted.

As she called, the which was at my right, reacted.

"…Oh, right. My name`s August Whisperwind, a human. I`m Ranked Fifth among the first years, codename, ."

A quick and simple introduction. Though he may not look like it, but he seems to be quite the smooth talker.

I will remember your name, .

The person sitting next to him is Crimson Veludora Blaze, a hybrid of a dragon and phoenix in a humanoid form.

He`s been glaring at me for an awful long time already.

When he knew it was his turn, he broke his eye contact and looks away with an enraged and grumpy look.

…Weirdo. Even for a dragon.

"Blaze…?" Persia called out.

"Just skip him. I heard his name from Kuroyuki." I said.

The person sitting next to Blaze is the guy with the brown hair and glasses. Every time he nudges his glasses, there`s always a glint.

"Name: Kronos Y Chronocock. Human. Ranked Seven. Codename: ."

Am I actually imagining symbols from his words…? How scary.

"Arsenal…? This means you had a lot of weapons in your hand…?"

"Affirmative."

Stop talking like that. Were you sick? You were talking normally a few minutes ago.

"I need to borrow an assault rifle—"

"Denied. Only old melee weapons allowed."

This means he had high-tech guns and melee weapons.

"…Fine. I need to borrow two swords— for dual wielding." I said.

"Access granted."

After he agreed, he activated a magic circle in front of his right hand.

"Crap…!" He nudges his glasses.

As he muttered, his magic storage circle grew larger. This looks bad.

With my outstanding reflexes, I sprung forth and diverted his right hand to his right, where Blaze is.

Blaze reluctantly leaned backwards— a large amount of weapons gushes out from the magic circle, like a large wave of a sea, flooding the area on Kronos`s right side.

August— who was next to Blaze was pulled into the flood, buried under the weapons and unable to move.

"…Forgive me, August."

Kronos apologizes as he nudges his glasses, but he`s not looking sorry at all.

And don`t word it like he`s dead or something.

"Bear with it, August. I just need a little time here…"

Putting him aside… swords, spears, arrows, scythes, staffs, daggers, axes, gauntlets, claws, knives, clubs, javelins, throwing blades, chains, whips, shields, and etc....

…I simply searched and took two best looking swords among the pile of weapons.

After I let Kronos know that everything is done— with a gesture like turning a rusted gear on a clock, he turned his right hand in an anti-clockwise motion on the pile of weapons. Glittering lights starts to rise up from the weapons, and after a shine— the weapons vanished, except the two swords I`m holding on my hand.

Wow, his magic control is certainly outstanding.

August was found crushed flat on the floor, with his soul seeming to be gone. I realized he doesn`t have a single scratch on him— not even his clothes.

No one seems to care about him.

Oh well.

Leaving August aside, I walk and sat back on my place—

'Gulp.'

—Restia!? —Ruby!?

No wait I must be mistaken. What was that...?

Such a lewd sound that surpass that of a hundreds of words…

I turn to look at the girl at my left— why are you grinning…?

She had a pale white skin, a thick, silky blood-red hair, pointy ears, a pair of sharp looking red eyes, sharp fangs, and a large pair of black bat-like wings on her back.

…She`s a vampire.

She`s been staring at me with a grin, a drool on her face.

Don`t tell me she`s interested in my blood… Once she sucks my blood, she could charm me just by making me look into her eyes.

"Sherry, come back to me…!"

Persia gave her a hug.

The moment Persia called her name, she immediately came back to her senses.

"Uweh…? A-Ah…! I`m sorry for staring at you…!"

She apologized with her head lowered.

God, she`s cute.

"Sherry, your name." Persia whispered.

Seems like she`s good friends with Persia.

"A-Ah…! Nice to meet you…! My name is Sherry Scarlet Rosenberk from Class S. I`m not a bat-kin— but a vampire."

Hearing her statement, then I`ve confirmed that she`s the new vampire race— a winged vampire.

This might be sudden, but allow me to tell you the origins of vampire and the four oldest vampires that participated in World War 4.

Vampires are an immortal race that survives by sucking and drinking blood as their food source. Currently at the new era, vampires are no longer immortal and they could no longer turn others into vampires.

Only the four of oldest vampires could turn normal people into vampires with the virus on their fangs.

The first human to became a vampire happened on Year WV35, 2958 years ago— his name is known as Ambrogio. He received both blessings and curses from the celestial gods and became a vampire.

It was said that because he fell in love and proposed to a celestial goddess of the moon, Selene— he was cursed to never walk under daylight again by the celestial god of sun (also known as celestial god of light, oracles, knowledge, healing, diseases, music, poetry, songs, dance, archery, herds and flocks, and protection of young), Apollo, out from jealousy.

Then in order to become immortal to live with Selene, he went to the underworld and made a deal to the celestial god of the underworld, Hades. However, to make that deal— he needs to give Hades the silver bow and arrows of the celestial goddess of hunt, Artemis. Knowing that Ambrogio tried to steal her silver bow and arrows— Artemis placed a cursed Ambrogio to have a burning-allergic reaction to silver. Ambrogio swore loyalty to Artemis and work hard afterwards, receiving various blessing from her— turning him into a vampire and the best hunter under Artemis. Artemis even grants Ambrogio some of her silver bow and arrow, which he then gave them to Hades and gained immortality.

Just when Ambrogio though he could be together with Selene forever, he found out that Apollo cursed Selene to became mortal— removing all of her divinity as the celestial goddess of the moon. Ambrogio took her to Artemis, and she was given one choice— to become a vampire just like Ambrogio. Later onwards, Selene was turned into a vampire but later had her divinity restored by Artemis. In the end, they were separated because of Selene`s duty as the celestial goddess of the moon— Ambrogio was left on earth and Selene on the moon.

The second person to became a vampire is Gaius Julius Caesar, this happened on Year XA37, 2456 years ago. He was turned into a vampire by a demon.

Between his ascent to the throne or either to his supposed death— Gaius summoned a demon from hell realm to make a Faustian blood pact in exchange for power and immortality to succeed his throne.

The demon fulfilled its part, but then later betrayed Gaius and cursed him to spend his eternity in the cave of Broken Tooth Mountain (was destroyed during World War 4, but he was freed even before that), during year XA41. The only way for him to break the curse is to find a successor to take his place. After spending a total of 1423 years at the cave, he was freed by Vlad III Dracula at year XN64.

Vlad III Dracula, which is also known as Dracula nowadays— he is the third person to became a vampire.

On a certain day, Vlad was hunting at Broken Tooth Mountain and discovered a soldier`s helmet from Turks` empire. He fears that the empire is going to invade his country— Vlad and his soldier`s travels upwards to a cave on Broken Tooth Mountain, where it might possibly be where the enemies are camping. Inside the cave, his party was attacked and killed by a dark figure— which is Gaius. Vlad survived as Gaius flees from the sunlight.

He then soon known about the truth from a monk about Gaius, where he was a former emperor who sold his soul to a demon and was tricked— he was waiting for someone to take his place.

Vlad was then accused by a subject of the Turks` empire for killing his battalion of scouts (which was actually killed by Gaius) and tells Vlad that Sultan Mehmed II wants 1000 boys and his son to join the Janissary Corps as his compensation for the loss of his battalion. Vlad refuses and was forced to kill the subjects to save his son, even though he knew he would need to fight against the army of the Turks.

Vlad knows his army is no match for the Turks, against Sultan Mehmed II. He returns to Broken Tooth Mountain and seek power from Gaius. Though Gaius was reluctant to give him his power to a man who slaughtered thousands (although he was no different from Vlad, but maybe he did so to atone his sins), but in the end— he told Vlad that there are consequences and offer him his cursed blood, which will temporary give him the powers of a vampire. If Vlad resists to drink human blood for three days of dawn, then he will turn back to a human— if not, he will remain as a vampire forever and the curse on Gaius will be set free.

Unfortunately, circumstances happened and Vlad was forced to suck his dying wife`s blood and become a vampire to destroy the empire, saving his son. Which then his son later became the prince of Wallachia and Vlad protects him from the darkness.

At year XP10 (883 years ago), Countess Elizabeth Bathory de Ecsed summoned a demon from hell realm to make a pact in exchange for eternal youth. The price to pay for eternal youth requires the 666 souls of female virgins.

She is the most prolific woman serial killers ever in history. She methodically lured the girls in, promising jobs for the peasant women and lessons in etiquette for those of the lesser gentry. She established an elaborate set of impossible rules for them to follow, and when they (inevitably) failed to follow her code, she used 'punishment' as an excuse to send them to her contracted demon. It was said that 650 girls were offered to the demon.

When the empire found out, she was supposed to be executed immediately, but she escaped this fate because of her family name and she was placed house arrest instead. It was then announced that she died after 4 years later of house arrest. But it`s actually not. Elizabeth— still 16 souls left and unable to fulfil the pact, she was turned to a vampire instead of having her soul taken by the demon.

Currently, vampire consists of four types.

The first type of vampire is known as the nightwalker vampires. They are the 'children' under Ambrogio, which he`s able to transfer his abilities through his saliva. The saliva injected to the blood which causes changes to the person affected by it. Though they are not as powerful as Ambrogio, but they had super strength, speed, senses, vision, atomize and they are lesser immortality. Ambrogio`s curses are also passed down upon them, where they would die if they were exposed to sunlight and silver.

Ambrogio will not die because of his immortality. His soul was with Hades so he`s basically an undead immortal as long as his soul is unharmed. He is also the most powerful vampire that could easily destroy a city and change the landscape with just with one arrow, and could use any ability of the animal he desires. After World War 4, his whereabouts are currently unknown.

The second vampire types are known as the demon vampires— they are the 'children' under Gaius Julius Caesar and Vlad III Dracula. They had superhuman strength, speed, senses, stamina, accelerated healing factor, metamorphosis, and lesser immortality. Though they were stronger when compared to Ambrogio`s vampires, but the demon`s curse was also passed down to them. They will die if their heart were stabbed by wooden stakes, exposed to sunlight, and near to crucifixes. They also had a strong desire of bloodlust.

Both Gaius and Dracula were not affected by bloodlust and crucifixes. They will not die under sunlight and wooden stakes on their hearts, but will be weaken almost to a mortal being. They could even control the weather by covering the sky with thick, stormy clouds to shield them from the sunlight. They also possess mesmerism, which is the ability to mentally dominate, coerce, and order people to obey his desires upon eye-to-eye contact.

Because once a former emperor, Gaius Julius Caesar is extremely intelligent. Among the four oldest vampires, he`s the smartest among the four. He spoke a famous line during World War 4, and that is 'Let the Game, begins', as a command of his vampire army. After World War 4, he disappeared. It was said that he`s still searching for the demon that cursed him.

Though Dracula was also once a former king of Transylvania, but he wasn`t as smart as Gaius. However, he was extremely skilled in swordsmanship. He alone could defeat two thousand well-trained soldiers alone. After World War 4, he went back to Transylvania and created a kingdom for vampires to stay. Because of Dracula`s weather changing powers— Transylvania was hidden by thick, white mists— no one could find a way into it. Only the vampires who lived there knew how to enter.

The third vampire types are known as the seductive vampires. Because of remorse and regrets for killing so many innocent girls, Elizabeth atoned her sins by only saving girls that she came across on her life. All of her 'children' are beautiful females. They had superhuman strength, speed, senses, stamina, accelerated healing factor, metamorphosis, charm, lesser immortality and they exceled in magic. They only had a weakness, that is to bloodlust. They need to feed themselves daily with blood, so they seduce men and take some of their blood in return.

Elizabeth is the only vampire alone who could create a vampire with almost no weakness. She is an extremely beautiful woman. She could charm any men once their blood was sucked. She`s also a powerful magician that created her own unique vampire magic. After World War 4, her whereabouts were unknown. But rumours were told that she created a hideout containing a legion of powerful immortals.

The forth vampire type are also known as the winged vampires. They are the offspring of a bat-kin and vampire. With their blood mixed, they had superhuman strength, speed, senses, stamina, accelerated healing factor, metamorphosis or atomize, lesser-immortality and they had wings on their back. They could travel both day and night and doesn`t have any weakness.

Sherry is no doubt the forth type. From what I can tell, her other bloodline might possibly be under Elizabeth`s bloodline— because for a vampire, she`s beautiful.

"A vampire…huh. Whose bloodline were you under…?" I said to Sherry.

"Eh? You are familiar with the vampire race…?"

"I read history, more or less."

"My family bloodline is under Lord Ambrogio, Lord Gaius, and Lady Elizabeth."

Hearing those unbelievable words, I shook my head for a moment to clear my thoughts.

"Say that again?" I ask to confirm once more.

"Okay… Lord Ambrogio, Lord Gaius and Lady Elizabeth."

"All three!?" I inadvertently raised my voice out from shock.

Blaze and Kronos seems confused. Persia however looks at me as if she`s telling me 'she`s a gem'.

"T-Then, did you learn magic? Could you cast magic…?"

Elizabeth is a powerful magician. I was hoping those under her bloodline could have used her unique vampire magic to lift my seal.

"I`m sorry… I can`t…" Sherry looks away, seeming a little disappointed.

"Me too."

Persia suddenly interjected with a pouted look.

"Such an obvious lie." I retorted.

"Meanie."

For some reason, I had a feeling she`s been wanting to catch my attention. Anyways, could you stop hugging Sherry? I think she`s going for your neck.

Persia then simply activated a magic storage and took a small container with a red metallic straw.

"Here~ Blood pack~"

"Thank you Persia~"

Sherry delightedly sips the blood with the straw.

…Quite convenient. I hope the blood`s fresh.

Seems like Sherry is telling the truth. I believe if she went through my training, she could easily master all three-keys of magic.

Anyways, I need someone else who had the ability to at least handle three-key magic. This is S class, other than Persia who`s able to do it, I`m sure someone else is capable to do so— I need to gather as much information as I can.

"Kronos, aside from storage magic— could you use any other magic spells?"

Kronos and Rumelia splendidly did a two-key magic. They were able to activate easily as if it was any other day.

"Nil." He shakes his head with a serious look.

…Perhaps I have been putting my expectations a little too high.

What about Blaze? Turning himself into a dragon requires a two-key magic too.

"Blaze—"

"Tch, don`t talk to me…!"

…He clicked his tongue.

What`s with his problem? God, I really want to punch him on the face and smash his jaw.

"Erm, what about August—"

"Do I seem like the type to cast magic?"

"Whoa!? When did you came back…!?"

I was freaked out by August who suddenly talks from behind. Why behind of all places…?

"The principal healed me with his magic." He muttered. "Anyways, among the S class— only Persia is skilled enough to cast a more complexed magic."

He said with a smile.

"No I don`t."

Persia looks at him with a pouted look.

"Well, suit yourself." August replied arbitrary.

Hmm. Seems like he`s telling the truth.

Fine then. Forget about it. There`s seven minutes left. Though it was just a mock battle, but I still need to think up of a strategy…

Firstly… I need to see their compatibility…

August sat next to Kronos.

"Hey Kronos, you should be careful next time." August said with a smile, and slams Kronos back repeatedly.

"…Whatever. Stop slamming my back." Kronos nudged his glasses and muttered with an irritated look.

"Both of you are annoying. Get lost."

Blaze is glaring fiercely at them.

"Uh… umm…" Sherry was flustered.

"Don`t sweat the small stuff. They are always like this." Persia added.

…Aside from Persia and Sherry, those guys had such a horrible compatibility. I thought they get along well.

Compatibility don`t seem to work well. How about their fighting abilities…? Each and every person had their own unique way to fight. Perhaps I could go from that.

Firstly, their weapons.

I don`t have much hope from it either.

"Anyways, do you guys had guns as a weapon?"

"Wow, such bad luck." August replied almost immediately. "The only four who had guns are at the princess`s team now."

"Huh." I let out a bitter laugh. "Really?"

"Wow. Those eyes are definitely looking down on us. There`s nothing wrong with using weapons other than guns right?" August retorted.

Other weapons other than guns? What on earth are they even using as a weapon…!?

"No, wait, hold it." I quickly muttered. "One-by-one please tell me what weapons are you guys even using?"

"Sword." August said, while making a display with his sword.

"Cards." Persia said, showing me a deck of spade royal straight flush with the golden cards on her hand.

"Those junks earlier." Kronos muttered.

Huh? You gave me junk?

"You want me to punch you?" Blaze uttered.

Why punch me? You could`ve eat me if you want.

"E-Erm… A rapier." Sherry murmured.

I took a deep breath…

"Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..."

…and heaved a long, fed-up sigh.

"For some reason, I really want to cut you down with this sword now." August immediately uttered with an irritated look.

He had his sword half-pulled out from the sheath and was trying to approach me. But he was stopped by Kronos`s right hand that was blocking his way.

"Same here. I need to teach him a lesson." Blaze said to August.

"So do I. But don`t forget that he could easily kick your ass." Kronos muttered as he blocks Blaze with his hand left hand.

Their compatibility suddenly got a lot better.

"Now, now~"

Persia moved and placed his hand in front of me, as if she`s shielding me and drawing a line from them.

"He may look like this, but he`s even stronger than Kuroyuki— he defeated the unbeatable Kuroyuki Shiroha in a forced duel and was ranked number one since yesterday night." Persia said.

"What!?" Blaze shouts with a surprised look.

Though the truth is not really that case, but— after looking at Blaze`s surprised reaction, I decided to keep things a secret.

"It`s true." Kronos said to Blaze. "It was officially announced at the announcement board yesterday."

"Yeah, right— I don`t care." August uttered. "The princess would at least give us a strategy instead of sighing so annoyingly like that."

"Indeed." Sherry added. "She gives a sincere strategy while considering our abilities."

Judging from their words and expression, I could tell that Kuroyuki earned the respect of the S class students.

"Okay, fine, I get it." I muttered. "With the strategy she gave you, did any of you or the whole class together managed to land an actual hit on her?"

"""""..."""""

None of them uttered a single word. Everyone who`s half-standing slowly sat back at their original place, looking depressed.

Wow. Kuroyuki Shiroha is dominating the battle field.

"Why is everyone looking so depressed? Her strategy did not work, so how about mine?" I proposed.

"Huh? You have a strategy?" August inadvertently murmured.

"You seem like the type to win with special abilities instead of strategies." He added.

"Nope." I denied. "I don`t have any special abilities other than my superhuman strength and August`s sword yesterday."

Also, I didn`t win at all.

But nevertheless, everyone was surprised.

"…You must be joking." Kronos nudged his glasses. "Kuroyuki Shiroha`s ice is even harder than titanium."

Why comparing to titanium instead of steel…? He must have saw how Kuroyuki easily break titanium with just one punch or perhaps something else.

"Well, I could break titanium so it`s not a joke." I replied. "My strength is even higher than Kuroyuki and I believe you guys already know she could break titanium."

"No wonder you survived her slap with a bruise on your face instead." August muttered.

"Huh?"

Stunned for a moment, I quickly activated my screen and selected the mirror mode. I saw the right side of my cheek, with an extremely faint, red mark of a hand.

I guess this mark was even redder before.

…God, this is embarrassing.

I have been moving around with this ridiculous mark on my face.

"Pfft—"

Hearing that sound, I immediately look towards my left.

Persia— hiding behind Sherry, though she is hiding her face with her right hand. But I could tell that she is on the verge of laughing.

"Persia…?" I inadvertently uttered.

"Ehem, excuse me."

Damn, she held it in.

I then grab her on her shoulders.

"A-Ahn…! Don`t grab my shoulders all of the sudden…!"

THOK!

And landed a karate chop on her head.

"N-Ngh..."

Persia lifelessly lays on Sherry`s thigh, struggling in pain with both of her hands caressing her head, as well as Sherry`s.

"W-Why did you do that to Persia…!?" Sherry immediately protested.

"Meanie…!" Persia added on Sherry`s protest.

"…Because she laughed." I replied as I pouted like Persia.

Even though it`s not her fault, but I just want to find a person to vent it out— and Persia is the only one who I`m familiar enough to do so.

"Ku— Kukuku…"

Kronos was nudging his glasses as he tries to hold back his laughter.

"I can`t believe the prankster Persia would`ve a day like this. Hahahahaha…!" August laughed.

"…Indeed." Kronos added.

"Sherry…! Comfort me…!"

Persia then buries her face on Sherry`s blazer.

"Hehe, There, there…"

Sherry replied delightedly and holds Persia`s hand.

"…Mnn. Sorry." I apologized.

Seeing Persia`s poor look, I rubbed her head out from the feelings of guilt.

"Anyways, what`s your strategy?" August pulled us back to the topic.

"Ah, before that— what kind of special abilities do you guys have? Perhaps an like Kuroyuki…? I don`t think you guys could really make it to the S class with just this kind of weapon."

"…Ah, if you are talking about elemental user, then I`m a wind user." August replied.

Huh?

"I`m a flame user." Blaze murmured.

"Earth here.�� Kronos raised his hand.

"…I`m light." Persia muttered from Sherry`s laps.

"I`m not…" Sherry murmured disappointedly.

Hearing their replies, I had a sudden headache throbbing at the right side of my head.

This is outside of my expectations.

Four— four of them are …!?

I didn`t expect Blaze and Persia were too.

With that, I`m quite sure how were they able to reach to the top now. As for Sherry, she`s a vampire— so it was reasonable for her to achieve this.

"Tell me…" I murmured. "…how on earth did you guys lose to Kuroyuki so quickly…?"

"The princess froze me." August looked away.

"I only remember I was locked inside an ice crystal." Kronos nudges his glasses.

"Kuroyuki Shiroha sent me flying out to the sea." Blaze said proudly.

"Kuroyuki knocked me out from behind." Persia said with a depressed look.

"I was pinned on the ground with five spears stabbed on my body." Sherry uttered emotionlessly.

Sherry`s treatment was rather rough... Is it because she`s a vampire…?

"What about the strategy she gave you?" I asked.

"…That was the fight after she gave the strategy." Persia replied depressingly.

"Mgh… so she easily overrides her own strategy."

"That`s right. Kuroyuki is too smart and powerful." Persia conceded.

"I couldn`t agree more." I said. "One last thing, what about those four weirdos on Kuroyuki`s group?"

"Oh, those guys. They are Kuroyuki`s hard-core fans…" Persia said with a sympathizing look.

"Hah." I gave a short laugh.

Then I clapped my hands to gain their attention.

"Alright then, here`s my strategy."

"H-Huh…?" August muttered. "Hold on a minute, you don`t even know how we fight. How could you even device a strategy…?"

"Just hear me out first." I murmured. "Blaze and Sherry, both of you could fly— so I want both of you to be our scouts to scan the map."

"How did you know I could fly…?" Blaze retorted.

"Just partially undo your transformation spell and you could get yourself a pair of wings in your human form." I murmured. "I could teach you if you want."

"Eh…?" Persia quickly got up from Sherry`s lap, with her head bumped on Sherry`s D-cup chest during the process. The boys were unfazed by the sight.

"You are familiar with magic…?" She said with a surprised look.

"Yes. But as you can see— I don`t have a single drop of mana on me." I replied.

"Then why…?" She tilted her head.

"I`m doing some research, that`s all." I vaguely answered to avoid the topic. "Any questions about the scouting…?"

"What should we do if they see us…? Any one of them from Kuroyuki`s group could shoot us down." Sherry proposed.

"Oh. You might just need to worry yourself about Kuroyuki and… the purple string girl?"

"It`s Rumelia Heartlock." Kronos uttered as he nudges his glasses.

His annoyed reaction piqued my interest. Though gossip is not my forte, but it`s fun to watch his reaction.

"Is she your girlfriend…? You two seems close." I said to Kronos.

"Uh, erm, I…"

He looks nervous. His finger refused to move away from his glasses.

Persia saw my intentions. She then cooperates with me and gave it a push.

"Seems like it. I remembered Rumelia told me that they were childhood friends." Persia added.

"Ooo. She`s a nice girl. Cherish her." I said.

"Ah, um, n. I will." Kronos nodded his head.

He looks embarrassed.

But anyways, it seems a couple will be born soon.

"What about the other four with the guns…?" Sherry asks.

"Haha, they sure are unlucky to be arranged to Kuroyuki`s group."

"What do you mean…?" August interrupted. "Are you saying they aren`t worth a threat?"

"No? What I meant is, our opponents are actually only two persons— Kuroyuki Shiroha and Rumelia Heartlock. They just need to be careful of the spears and strings."

August was looking at me, confused.

"I don`t understand. Does this mean they aren`t going to participate?"

"Oh, I see." Persia then cuts in. "So they will be dead right from the start…" She murmured.

"Nice. As expected from Persia. High five~!"

I raised my palm, and so did Persia.

"Yay~"

PAK!

We did a high five.

Huh…? Why did I do that…? It came to me just so naturally…

"Can SOMEONE explain what`s going on!?" Blaze shouts frustratingly.

"Oh, I get it." August suddenly mumbled. "The princess will take them out for us." August said to Blaze.

"Correct." I replied. "Anyways, once you see Kuroyuki, just retreat and group up. You guys can`t handle her."

"Understood." Sherry replied.

It seems Blaze still need some time to digest the contents.

"Okay, Kronos and Persia, both of you will be the rear guard."

"Hmm…? You want me to pour junk on you…?" Kronos inadvertently murmured.

"Pfft—" Persia almost laughed.

Not only Persia, August and Sherry too almost laughed.

I could only feel my vein popped on my forehead. Is he provoking me on purpose…? It definitely worked.

"Excuse me." Persia coughed. "Please continue."

"You are an , are you not?" I uttered. "You could just launch your weapons like how Kuroyuki shoots her spears."

"Huh." Kronos made a short sigh. "Then you should give me a signal. Or else you might be caught in the blast."

"Hmm… 'shoot her', I guess."

"...How direct." Kronos nudges his glasses with a scornful look.

A part of his body language is implying that it`s lame.

"You don`t seem to like it." I protested to Kronos. "What do you think I should say? 'I summon the stars from the heavens to fall on you'?"

"Buwahahahahahaha!!!" August burst from laughter. "H-How dramatic…!!! Hahahahaha…!!!"

"…I… I apologize." Kronos looks away.

He almost laughed, too.

"Your signal`s the same too, Persia." I stared at Persia who`s still trying to hold back her laughter.

"Can I choose 'I summon the stars from the heavens to fall on you'~?"

"Gahahahaha...!"

August`s tone went to a higher pitch now.

"Ku… kuku…" Sherry`s almost at her limit.

Kronos can`t even remove his hand from his mouth now.

Blaze still had no idea what is going on.

"…You have no choice, my dear Persia." I murmured.

"Phew…" August catches his breath and looks at me. "Ehem, what about my role?"

This guy… Instead of saying 'what about me', he chooses to say 'what about my role'. The words he chooses is trying to continue with the joke.

Well, one last push.

"You and I…" I paused. "…We are the guardians of the junk."

"Buwahahahahahaha…!!!!!" "Kuhahahahaha…!!!" "Ahahahaha…!!!" "Gahahahahahaha…!"

Everyone laughed, except Blaze.

We laughed without a care about the world.

This is my first experience to be able to laugh with someone of my age.

This is stupid, but yet enjoyable.

I guess spending my time like this isn`t so bad at all.

"Alright, time`s up!"

The principal shouts and claps his hands, gathering our attention on him.

"Both teams have exactly one minute before the battle starts! You S class brats, at least land a hit on the special student, understood? I don`t want to see another serving of utter, complete defeat!"

By 'special student', he`s referring to Kuroyuki all this time— because he`s pointing at him.

Anyways, we will be holding the match inside an artificial dimension created by science and magic. Because even if it were just a practice, Kuroyuki would probably destroy this place. The artificial dimension`s time and space is connected to reality, and any people who were detected knocked out or fatal injury will be send back to reality immediately from the dimension.

After pressing 'DONE' on his screen, the scenery of the training room changes— but it`s actually us who are moving to another place.

There`s a blue sky with fluffy clouds, a large field of endless-looking grass plains— they were gently blown by the breeze.

Just how big is this dimension…? I can`t even see where Kuroyuki`s team is.

This might really take a lot of time.

"Alright." I said. "Put on your earphones."

The principal is probably watching from above, so I looked at the sky.

I know… this is just a small test to measure my capability as a special student.

Just you wait, you bastard.

I will definitely make you speechless.