Chapter 1.11
A few decades ago, war erupted.
It wasn’t just a conflict between two nations but a catastrophic battle that engulfed the entire world—including the celestial gods themselves.
…World War 4, they called it. A war that spanned 23 long years.
Humans, elves, fairies, spirits, vampires, dwarves, beast-mans, dragons, giants, angels, demons, dragons, magical beasts, and even the celestial gods fought in that bloody conflict. An estimated 1.048 billion lives were lost—nearly 14% of the global population at the time (estimated 7.7 billion).
Because of that, the world teetered on the brink of destruction.
But on July 1st, in the 23rd year.
‘It’ appeared.
No one knows where ‘It’ came from, but ‘It’ put an end to the war.
In just three days, ‘It’ annihilated the roots of conflict, toppling entire military powers without mercy.
Even the mightiest celestial gods were powerless before It.
After another three days, by July 6th.
The world collectively surrendered, signing a peace treaty on Its terms.
The conditions for the peace treaty are as so:
1. Cease all wars for 300 years.
2. No provocations or attempts to start a war for 300 years.
3. War reparations must be paid by each nation’s respective government.
4. All future conflicts must be resolved through duels in the
5. Participation in the tournament is mandatory for all signatory nations.
6. Each nation must appoint one representative as a judge.
7. The victorious team will be granted a ‘wish’ by ‘It’.
8. Any nation that violates the treaty will be erased by ‘It’.
The treaty created by ‘It’, was like the era of the knights.
Battle with pride, fame and honour.
Because of that, this duel created by ‘It’ was then named as the
Yet, for some reason, fifteen years after the treaty was signed, one nation dared to break its promise. ‘It’ responded with unrelenting fury, annihilating that nation within days.
No one knew why. But it was exactly because of that, no one dared to broke that peace treaty anymore.
Thus, peace was able to last for another 285 years.
Nowadays, although military conflicts still occurs, but there hasnt been any world-scaled military conflicts ever since.
By the way, during the 300 years of peace, the
Even after the restricted years, over time, the tournament transformed from a somber mechanism of peace into the world’s most celebrated form of entertainment.
Despite the changes in rules and regulations, one tradition from the old rules was remained. That is, the location of the
However, ‘It’ made an exception 17 years ago.
‘It’ permanently moved the tournament’s location to Central imperial Island because ‘It’ favoured the king that founded this island 22 years ago.
Blessed by It, the island swiftly rose to become one of the strongest nations in the world.
So, who exactly is ‘It’? Why does ‘It’ has so much power that the world listens to ‘It’?
From what I was told, ‘It’ was one of the twelve apostles under the God of Fate.
That’s why, if the team who joined the
Many people wishes to obtain this ‘wish’, but so far, it was said that the last team who surpassed that record was more than three decades ago.
Due to the apostle’s power, no one remembered who it was, but everyone remembered that such an event occurred.
Anyways, the current rules and regulation of the
The rules and regulation to participate are:
1. This tournament is open to every student with their school and nationality acknowledged by the chairman of the
2. Registration must be submitted to the
3. Only one registration per person is permitted.
4. Upon registration, the image of student id must be submitted and confirmed that it is you and does not infringe on any other right of third party..
5. Only students aged 16-18 in terms of human age is allowed to participate, parents permission are required except for Imperial Knights Academy.
6. The maximum number of times in which a student can participate in the tournament is 3 times.
7. The maximum number of participants in one school of each country other than Central Imperial Island is 100.
8. The maximum number of participants for Imperial Knights Academy is 300.
9. Each participant is required to battle individually, as pairs, and as a team for score evaluation.
10. The number of participants in each team must range between 2-100.
11. The tournament will accept participants until June 16th XX93, 2.59 pm, time zone (UTC – 4 hours).
As for the newest rules of the battle, it will be announced after 3 days.
But from the look of it, I doubt there’ll be any major changes.
Some rules such as to win the battle, you are required to knock down all of your opponents first or make them surrender;
Not being able to make to the match within a time period will be considered a forfeit; unless there’s a good reason;
Breaking the rules— or foul, in short, will be disqualified immediately, et cetera, will still remain.
These rules also applies towards a ‘duel’ in Imperial Knights Academy. And those who gained victory will rise in their rank.
That said, I wasn’t expecting I would be having a duel right on my first day. What’s more, my opponent is Kuroyuki Shiroha— the
I’ve fought her before under… unusual circumstances.
As far as I know, shes an
An expert in martial arts;
With superhuman strength.
I’ve seen some of her abilities, but I know she’s hiding much more. I can’t shake the feeling that our exchange this morning is merely a scratch of the surface of her skillset.
Although I’m not sure what is she hiding from me, but it goes the same as me for well.
She knows little about me— only that I possess superhuman strength. That’s the only ability I’ve revealed.
If possible, I’d like to avoid this fight. But that’s not an option.
If possible, I’d like to win. But that’s just wishful thinking.
I can’t win— not in my current state.
That’s why— my only choice is to leave it to the other ‘me’.
“…So, it’s time,” Kuroyuki murmurs, standing from her chair. Her voice is soft, almost too quiet for anyone else to hear. “…Are you prepared?”
I knew it was coming, it’s making my stomach knot.
…Time to play dumb.
“Prepared? For what?” I asked with my voice strained, trying to sound casual.
Kuroyuki did not answer and shot me a cold glare. Then, she grabs my arm with an unyielding grip.
“…Let’s go.”
“Wah—!?”
Before I even had the chance to protest, she drags me out of the classroom. The corridor is eerily quiet except for the echo of our footsteps.
When I realized, she pulls me into the elevator. I expect it to go up towards the training room at the 3rd floor, yet, it descends.
“Where are we going?” I asked because the tension is gnawing at me.
“…You’ll see,” she replied emotionlessly, without bothering to look at me.
…Not a single hint.
The elevator dings softly, and the doors slide open. We’re on the ground floor.
She steps out, still dragging me like a prisoner. Her hand never loosens its grip, as if she knows I might try to flee.
She’s right— I would.
That said, today or tomorrow— I dont think there will be any difference whenever I think about it.
…If it’s a fight, that is.
Her persistence made me felt like it’s entirely something elseBut what something else. But what was that ‘something else’? I just cant think up of an answer.
I’m too exhausted to think straight. The lack of sleep are clouding my thoughts, so I let her lead, hoping that answers will come.
…………………………………
We pass through the main entrance, the heavy doors groaning as they close behind us.
Then through the force field.
.…………………………………
“Kuroyuki… could you let go already?” I muttered, trying to sound casual.
“…You’ll run,” she states flatly.
“I won’t.”
“…Liar.”
“Grk…!”
Her grip tightens, and I wince.
…There’s no escape.
.…………………………………
We reach the Pink Drop Tree, its petals glowing faintly, their soft luminescence casting an ethereal light over the clearing. It’s beautiful, serene, the kind of place where you’d expect peace.
But I felt none.
“…I’m warning you,” Kuroyuki suddenly murmured, her voice slicing through the quiet like a blade. “…You aren’t allowed to surrender or hold back. I’ll know if you do.”
Her confidence was unnerving, and I couldn’t help but think she was overstepping.
“Okay, okay,” I replied vaguely, raising my only available hand in mock surrender. “If you’re going to be that insistent, then I’ll fight properly.”
“…Good. I’m glad you understand,” she said curtly.
Kuroyuki loosened her grip on my arm, her cold fingers releasing me as she activated her holographic screen. Taking the chance, I instinctively stepped back to put some distance between us because I don’t want her to grab my arm anymore.
“…But before we start, do you mind waiting for a moment?” Kuroyuki suddenly said to me.
“…Well, it’s not like I have a choice, do I?”
I sighed, her unbothered demeanor somehow managing to unnerve me further.
“…You look quite disheartened,” she murmured, her voice carrying an almost imperceptible hint of concern.
Surprised, I blinked at her.
…It felt out of place.
Was she just killing time, or was she genuinely curious? Either way, I decided to entertain the moment.
“I think anyone, except maybe a psychopath or battle junkie, would feel disheartened if they were suddenly coerced to fight the strongest student in history.” I folded my arms, adding a grumble. “And, for the record, I didn’t sleep well last night.”
Her eyes flickered, her icy demeanor softening just slightly.
“…I know you can manage somehow.”
The way she said it— so calm, so certain— it made me pause. She spoke as if she knew me better than I knew myself.
“…Aren’t you putting a little too much faith in me?”
“…I would be very sad if you couldn’t.”
I blinked, taken aback. There was something fragile about the way she said it, almost… vulnerable.
“…I don’t want you to be sad, but seriously, Kuroyuki, ‘I’ really can’t,” I muttered.
The shift in her expression was subtle, but I saw it— her eyes darted downward, her usual unshakable composure faltering for just a moment.
“Hey, guys! Found ‘em! Over here!”
The sudden shout broke the moment. I turned toward the voice, spotting a student waving and motioning for others to gather.
In seconds, a crowd had formed, their chatter growing louder.
“…Shit! Is that the new guy!?”
“The rumors were true! Damn it!”
“Hey, new guy! Wanna swap seats with me—?”
The cacophony rose. Worried, I glanced back at Kuroyuki.
She was trembling. Her arms crossed tightly over her chest as if shielding herself, though her face betrayed nothing.
…She’d noticed them far before I had.
…I don’t understand. Why are you pushing yourself…?
Thinking that, I stepped closer to Kuroyuki and placed my hands firmly on her shoulders.
“HEY! GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF—”
The crowd erupted, their voices rising in outrage. But I ignored them and shook Kuroyuki lightly to get her attention.
“Kuroyuki,” I said firmly, my voice low. “Ignore them. Eyes on me.”
Her wide, startled eyes met mine, and after a moment, she nodded. Her trembling stopped.
Which, Kuroyuki then faced the crowd with a cold, chilling glare and uttered…
“…Are you done?”
It took less than a second for things to turn completely silent.
It was amazing how just the sound of her voice made everyone shut up and pay attention to her. Her transparently cold voice was extremely quiet and subdued. And yet the message got across, loud and clear.
…It was like listening to the sound of fresh snow piling on the ground.
“…Shall we begin, then?” she asked.
…Her got back her composure.
“Umm… Excuse me!”
But before I could answer, a sharp, confident voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd, halting everyone, including us, in their tracks.
The interruption was unexpected. Both of us turned, curious about who would dare speak up in such a moment.
“Sorry, coming through!”
The speaker emerged, parting the sea of students like a ship through water. A tall, lean boy with striking whitish-silver hair and piercing emerald-green eyes stepped forward. His black uniform and blue tie marked him as a first-year, S-rank class. At his waist hung an ornate, expensive-looking sword, its design suggesting it wasn’t merely decorative.
His carefree demeanor caught me off guard. Unlike the others who kept their distance from Kuroyuki, this guy strode forward with a level of confidence bordering on audacity.
I glanced at Kuroyuki. Her narrowed eyes and slight frown betrayed familiarity.
“…What?” she uttered coldly, with her glare sharp enough to pierce through armor.
“Mind letting me talk to him for a moment, princess?” he replied nonchalantly.
“Me?” I pointed to myself, bewildered.
“You’re not a
His words— and the oddly friendly energy he radiated— unnerved me.
“…He’s not wrong,” I muttered under my breath.
It was true— I didn’t have a weapon. My strength was my only asset, and even that wasn’t exactly apparent under my uniform. Yet somehow, he’d picked up on it.
“…You could take mine if you want,” Kuroyuki offered, her voice calm but with a subtle edge.
“…Thanks, but no thanks,” I replied quickly. “I’d rather not get frostbite.”
“Pfft— ‘cuse me.” The guy almost laughed. He doesn’t seem to be afraid of Kuroyuki like the others.
Kuroyuki didn’t seem amused.
“So… what weapon are you lending me?” I asked, changing the subject.
“This.”
With a dramatic flourish, he unhooked the sheathed sword from his waist and held it out to me.
Before I could take it, Kuroyuki’s ice spear materialized in a flash, with its tip resting lightly against his shoulder.
“Whoa— hey! Calm down, princess!” He cried.
“…I don’t remember giving you permission,
“…!” Hearing his codename sent a jolt through me as recognition dawned.
I remembered what Persia had told me:
‘Among the first years, there are two who I couldn’t beat at my current state, one is Kuroyuki, and the second is one of my classmates, also the vice president of Class S— the
…Now I remembered. This explains my uneasiness. This guy isn’t just some random S Ranked student… his strength might be on par with Kuroyuki.
“Don’t be stingy, princess,” August said casually, ignoring the spear. “You are just asking for a one-sided beatdown.”
“…You’re here for his swordsmanship, aren’t you?” Kuroyuki murmured, her tone colder than usual.
August turned to me, his grin widening.
“You don’t mind, right?” He asked.
“…I think I’d just disappoint you,” I said hesitantly. “…I’m not exactly talented with a sword.”
“Doesn’t matter. Just give it a shot,” he insisted, trusting the sword toward me again.
Reluctantly, I accepted the sheathed weapon, eyeing it warily.
“Are you sure about this? It looks expensive. What if I break it?”
He chuckled, crossing his arms with a confident grin.
“If you can break it, I’ll give you a thousand CID.”
“…If you say so,” I muttered, unsheathing the blade.
The weapon was a falchion, its blade is gleaming in the fading sunlight.
“Ah, right.” August added suddenly. “If you think this falchion isn’t up to your taste, just visualize the type of sword you want.”
“…Visualize?” I repeated skeptically.
The moment I did, the falchion began to glow. The hilt reshaped itself, and the blade morphed, becoming a sleek, double-edged sword with a silhouette reminiscent of a rapier but slightly wider.
“…So this is your sword, huh,” August murmured, studying the weapon with interest.
I raised the blade experimentally. From the corner of my eye, I saw Kuroyuki already retreating to a safe distance, shielding herself behind in an absurdly thick ice wall.
“…You might want to step back,” I warned August.
“Nah, just swing it,” he said confidently.
“Well, if you insist…”
Raising the sword, I swung downwards.
BOOOOOOM!
The air erupted with a deafening shockwave, shaking the ground and blasting the crowd with a gust of wind. A few students stumbled, clutching each other for support.
“Ah, crap, I swing too hard,” I muttered, lowering the sword. “Hey, are you okay—”
Turning, I froze.
August Whisperwind was no longer standing where I’d last seen him. Instead, he slumped over a tree branch like an unconscious ragdoll.
…It seems he fainted. Is that guy really on par with Kuroyuki?
The sight gave me pause, but only briefly. I turned my attention back to the crowd.
Their expressions betrayed a mix of awe and fear, as if I were some magical beast that they’d only heard about in stories.
Ridiculous.
It wasn’t because I was strong— far from it. The truth was they didn’t understand. They couldn’t comprehend how vast the gulf between the strong and the ordinary truly was.
“…I see having a suitable weapon gave you an upgrade,” Kuroyuki murmured, her voice calm and even as her icy blue gaze fixed on me.
“You say that,” I retorted, adjusting my grip on the hilt of the weapon August had lent me, “But I still can’t see our gap getting any closer.”
“…Leave the talk for later,” Kuroyuki said softly, raising a hand to her chest. Her expression hardened, determination etched into every feature. “…Let’s begin.”
Without hesitation, she declared:
“I, Kuroyuki Shiroha, hereby challenge you, Lucifer Nightwalker von Nightmare, to a duel.”
I hesitated for only a moment, then straightened, meeting her gaze.
“I, Lucifer Nightwalker von Nightmare, accept your challenge.”
Suddenly, a sharp, blaring siren pierced the air.
[WARNING]
[WARNING]
A red holographic circle formed around my waist, rapidly expanding outward until it created a boundary enclosing both of us. The device on my wrist vibrated furiously as text scrolled across its interface.
The nearby spectators, sensing the danger, scrambled to evacuate the perimeter. In seconds, the crowd had retreated to a safer distance, their murmurs hushed.
“W-What’s happening?” I demanded, my voice cutting through the chaos.
“…I believe this is your first time participating in a forced duel,” Kuroyuki said matter-of-factly, her tone unwavering.
“A forced duel?” My brow furrowed. “What the heck is a forced duel?”
“…A duel where either I knock you out, or you knock me out. No escapes, no surrenders.” Kuroyuki’s voice remained calm, her icy demeanor unshaken.
“Do you really have to go that far?!” I asked with an exasperated look.
“…You made me,” she replied simply, her tone laced with something almost untraceable— was it regret?
Before I could respond, a bright holographic timer materialized between us, its numbers counting down.
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