-1302- The fated match

"Ohhhhhh...!"

When Rozen, Stella, and Shizuku arrived at the audience seats through the entrance, the entire Fourth Training Field erupted in a magnificent cheer.

"Great! He made it in time!"

"Just in the nick of time."

Stella and Shizuku both breathed sighs of relief.

Rozen also took his place in the audience, looking down at the battle arena, just in time to hear the commentator's voice.

"According to the staff, both contestants are now in the waiting area, and the match will proceed as scheduled!"

"Next, let's continue with the live broadcast by me, Tsukuyomi from the broadcasting club, and our commentator, Saikyo Nene!"

"Let's welcome Saikyo Nene!"

With the commentator's enthusiastic introduction, Saikyo Nene finally appeared in the commentary booth, looking very tired.

"Hello, everyone..."

Saikyo Nene waved to the crowd, looking like she had stayed up all night and just woke up, drawing quite a bit of attention.

However, the commentator, seemingly already aware of Saikyo Nene's unreliable nature, introduced her with the same enthusiasm.

"I believe everyone here knows Saikyo Nene, currently ranked third in the KOK A-rank league, known as the Yaksha Princess, and a renowned Blazer. She's currently a temporary instructor at our Hagun Academy, thanks to our chairman, the World Clock, who has a deep connection with her. So, everyone can look forward to her professional commentary. Isn't that right, Saikyo-sensei?"

As he said this, the commentator handed the microphone to Saikyo Nene.

Yawning, Saikyo Nene lazily spoke up.

"Well, I am interested in this match, since one of the participants is someone I've been watching closely. Despite being exhausted from staying up last night, I made the effort to get up for this, so I hope it won't disappoint me."

If not for this reason, given Saikyo Nene's personality, she would likely have skipped the commentary to continue sleeping.

Of course, no one else knew who this "someone" Saikyo Nene was referring to, but they assumed it was Kirihara Shizuya, believing she was interested in his talent. In reality, she was talking about someone else entirely.

"Now, let's start the match and introduce the contestants!"

The commentator bowed slightly to Saikyo Nene in thanks before speaking again.

"First, on the left side, last year's first-year student who won the right to compete in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival and decisively defeated a third-year student from Bunkyoku Academy in the first round, a top contender for the title of Seven Stars Sword King. Known for never taking unnecessary risks and always seizing the opportunity to win, he has won every official and exchange match without a scratch, earning the title of Hunter. A second-year C-rank knight—Kirihara Shizuya!"

As the commentator's introduction echoed, the left corridor opened, and Kirihara Shizuya walked out, leisurely raising his hand toward the audience, eliciting loud cheers due to his numerous accolades.

Because of these titles, Kirihara Shizuya seemed quite popular, often seen with several glamorous girls, indicating a large support base.

Of course, not everyone appreciated Kirihara Shizuya's showy demeanor.

"He's still such an irritating guy to watch."

"For once, I agree with you."

Stella and Shizuku both expressed their disapproval.

Rozen also watched Kirihara Shizuya, who noticed the gaze and, meeting Rozen's eyes, quickly turned away in a flustered manner, his usual cowardice making Rozen chuckle.

At this moment, the commentator continued with the second introduction.

"Next, from the right side, is an F-rank knight, the lowest-ranked Blazer. Despite having the weakest stats and being easily outmatched by ordinary Blazers, don't underestimate this F-rank knight. Reliable sources say this contestant defeated the proctor in last year's entrance exam and is considered a dark horse in the Hagun Academy selection battles. Currently a first-year repeating student—Kurogane Ikki!"

With the commentator's dramatic introduction, the right corridor opened.

From the dark corridor, the ragged Kurogane Ikki slowly walked out.

Seeing Ikki in this state, the audience burst into laughter.

"What's with that ragged appearance?"

"What happened to him?"

"Doesn't he have any new clothes to wear?"

"Poor guy! Should I lend him something?"

"Hahaha!"

The students in the audience laughed mockingly.

Meanwhile, in a corner of the audience, Stella hugged Shizuku.

"Let go of me!"

"No way!"

"Let me freeze those despicable creatures mocking my dear brother into ice sculptures!"

"I said no!"

Stella and Shizuku wrestled with each other.

Rozen, however, remained calm, observing Ikki as he slowly walked into the arena, his gaze fixed on the new Device in Ikki's hand.

Rozen was not the only one to notice this detail.

"Oh, oh...!"

In the commentary booth, Saikyo Nene, who had been dozing off, immediately straightened up with excitement upon seeing Ikki's entrance and the sword in his hand.

"That's..."

In the shadows of the back row of the audience, Shinguji Kurono was also secretly watching the match. Her eyes lit up upon seeing Ikki's Device, and she felt a sense of admiration.

But such reactions did not affect Ikki at all.

Ikki only stared at Kirihara Shizuya.

The gentle light in his eyes had long disappeared, leaving only coldness.