-1318- The challenge

"——"

At this moment, the atmosphere among the people present became somewhat tense.

It was as if they felt an approaching storm; each outstanding knight, renowned in Hagun Academy, looked at one another, their eyes reflecting a shared emotion.

Fighting spirit!

Battle intent!

Sharpness!

Intensity!

With this, it was impossible for the atmosphere not to become tense.

Among the crowd, only two people seemed completely unaffected, as if they were bystanders.

"Quite the confrontation upon meeting, huh?"

Rozen raised an eyebrow, looking interested.

"There's nothing wrong with that. It seems rather fun, doesn't it?"

The other person, Misogi Utakata, watched everyone as if attending a friendly gathering, with a cheerful expression.

"Aren't you going to join in, senpai?" Rozen asked Misogi Utakata.

"It should be you, kouhai. As the most mysterious new student in Hagun Academy, we are all looking forward to seeing your abilities," Misogi Utakata responded, showing no intention of joining in. He shrugged nonchalantly and gave Rozen a cute smile.

At the forefront, among the tense individuals, someone finally couldn't bear the silence.

"Touka-senpai."

The impatient Stella stepped forward, looking at Todo Touka, eagerly asking.

"Rozen mentioned that you seem to want to spar with us."

Everyone's eyes immediately focused on Todo Touka.

However, despite bearing the gaze of everyone present, Todo Touka didn't flinch. Her demeanor, no longer as gentle as before, shifted to that of a true swordswoman—calm and dignified.

"Indeed, as Arneet-kun mentioned, ever since seeing your matches, I've wanted to have a match with both of you," Todo Touka straightforwardly answered.

"Stella-san, your strength is rare even in my experience. Moreover, you do not solely rely on your abilities. Whether it's swordsmanship, close combat, feints, or magic battles, you have honed every aspect. I can sense extraordinary potential in your flames and unparalleled effort in your swordsmanship. So, I believe that sparring with you would undoubtedly be beneficial for me."

"And if Stella-san is the pinnacle of strength, then Kurogane-kun is the pinnacle of skill. Although your talent as a Mage-Knight is quite low, your level of swordsmanship is astonishing. Even though it's rather extreme, your abilities are undeniable. As a fellow swordsman, not wanting to cross swords with you is simply impossible."

"Of course, Arneet-kun also possesses a depth and mystery that I cannot fathom, and Kurogane-kun's sister is another exceptional individual I would like to spar with."

"But, the ones I most wish to fight are indeed Stella-san and Kurogane-kun."

Todo Touka openly expressed her thoughts to Rozen and his group.

Her gaze had already fixed on Ikki and Stella.

This brought a smile to both Ikki and Stella's faces as well.

"That's great," Stella said with a competitive grin. "I've always wanted to spar with the famous student council president since the day I enrolled."

Stella didn't hide her fighting spirit at all.

"To be able to experience the legendary sword technique of 'Raikiri' is exactly what I seek," Ikki responded, maintaining his stance as a swordsman. "However, since we're currently in the selection battles and might face off against Touka-senpai then, wouldn't it be a bit early to spar now?"

Ikki voiced his concern.

Naturally, Todo Touka had considered this.

But...

"Even so, it would be a pity to waste such a good opportunity."

Todo Touka smiled slightly at the two of them.

"You both think the same, right?"

Her words made Ikki and Stella smile simultaneously.

Everything was understood without further words.

Seeing this, the crowd realized.

Ikki and Stella would accept Todo Touka's challenge and spar with her.

Naturally, the others weren't here just to watch.

"Although I also want to spar with Kurogane-kun again and avenge my loss in the selection battles, since Touka has already taken him as her opponent, I'll challenge my second desired opponent."

This was Tomaru Renren's statement.

"Likewise, I also want to spar with Stella-san again, but since that's not possible now, I'd like to test myself against another A-Rank knight of our school."

This was Saijou Ikazuchi's statement.

The academy's third and fourth rankers both looked at one person.

Naturally, this person was Rozen.

"Do you both want to spar with me?"

Rozen was a bit surprised by this development.

However, Tomaru Renren and Saijou Ikazuchi answered without hesitation.

"I'm curious about an A-Rank knight's strength. Actually, I'm curious about your strength specifically. Everyone talks about you so mysteriously, how could I miss such a good chance?"

"I was defeated by an A-Rank knight. Since that person is now facing the president, I naturally want to challenge the other A-Rank knight."

Tomaru Renren and Saijou Ikazuchi both said this, their eyes filled with fighting spirit as they looked at Rozen.

Then...

"In that case, I'll challenge the 'Witch of the Deep Sea.'"

Totokubara Kanata smiled gracefully and spoke politely to Shizuku.

"May I have the honor?"

Totokubara Kanata thus issued the invitation.

And Shizuku naturally wasn't one to back down.

"I also want to see what the academy's second rank is like."

With these words, Shizuku accepted the challenge.

Thus...

Todo Touka challenged Ikki and Stella.

Totokubara Kanata challenged Shizuku.

Tomaru Renren and Saijou Ikazuchi challenged Rozen.

The academy's top four all found their opponents.

Only Misogi Utakata stepped back decisively.

"I'll pass. My abilities aren't suited for combat."

This was Misogi Utakata's statement.

Although Stella and the others were puzzled by this, they said nothing and focused entirely on their respective opponents. The student council members accepted this as if they had expected it all along.

"Alright then, both sides prepare for ten minutes. After that, we'll begin the challenges."

Rozen proposed.

"Agreed."

Todo Touka nodded without any objections.

With that, Todo Touka led her excited subordinates to a corner of the battle zone to discuss their strategies.

Similarly, Rozen led the motivated Ikki, Stella, and Shizuku to another corner.

Then...

"Ikki, Stella."

As soon as they reached the corner, Rozen immediately made a request.

"For this fight, I hope neither of you use 'Ittou Shura' or 'Dragon Spirit.'"

Rozen bluntly said this to Ikki and Stella.

Upon hearing this, both of them were stunned.