-1347- No reason to refuse?

The next day.

On this day, Rozen, Stella, Ikki, Shizuku, and Arisuin Nagi were all summoned early in the morning to the office of the chairman, Kurono Shinguji.

In the chairman's office, besides Kurono Shinguji, there was also Saikyo Nene.

The two of them waited for Rozen's group to arrive, looking at the students lined up in front of them with calm expressions.

However, Rozen keenly sensed something unusual.

Both Kurono Shinguji and Saikyo Nene had a hint of seriousness and realization in their expressions.

(Has something happened?)

Rozen immediately thought so.

Given the identities and strength of these two individuals, displaying such expressions likely meant something serious had occurred, right?

(Could it be...)

Rozen pondered silently.

As for the others, they were somewhat puzzled.

"May I ask why you've called us here, Chairman?"

Kurogane Ikki spoke up on behalf of the group.

In this situation, Kurono Shinguji and Saikyo Nene exchanged glances and nodded.

"We've called you here primarily to inform you of something."

Kurono Shinguji began.

"It concerns the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival."

Saikyo Nene added, prompting everyone to focus.

Currently, the selection matches have ended, and all six representatives from Hagun Academy have been chosen.

With the first semester soon ending at Hagun Academy, followed by summer vacation, the official start of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival will follow in mid-August.

"We have about a month left until the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival officially begins."

Kurono Shinguji continued, smoking as she spoke.

"It's late June now, summer vacation will start in July, and the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival will be held in mid-August. During this period, as representatives of Hagun Academy, I hope you can participate in the upcoming training camp."

Upon hearing this, everyone reacted.

Especially Stella Vermillion.

"A training camp...!?"

Stella's eyes lit up, her expression becoming excited.

Obviously, this would be Stella's first time participating in such a training camp.

"Regardless of the sport, when it comes to competitions, there's usually an intensive training camp held just before the event, focusing on concentrated training to make a final push, improve strengths, and address weaknesses."

Saikyo Nene explained confidently.

"Hagun Academy is no exception. Every year before the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, the representative participants undergo intensive training."

It's a ten-day intensive training camp held at the training grounds in Okutama. Professional Mage-Knights active in the KOK Alliance will be invited as instructors, making it a rare opportunity.

In the past, many participants have significantly enhanced their abilities during these ten days, achieving remarkable results in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.

Therefore, if one were to skip this training camp, there would certainly be a gap in strength compared to other participants in the festival.

Kurono Shinguji summoned everyone here to inform them that the first semester is coming to an end soon, summer vacation is approaching, and as representatives, they are expected to participate in this training camp to prepare for the upcoming Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.

"The Student Council is already aware of this. Todo Touka and Totokubara Kanata from the third year have already gone to Okutama in advance with members of the Student Council."

Kurono Shinguji stubbed out her cigarette in the ashtray and addressed everyone.

"In the first year, Kurogane Ikki, Kurogane Shizuku, Arisuin Nagi, and Stella Vermillion, you four will also attend training in Okutama after the end of the semester. If there are any issues, you can raise them now. Under special circumstances, I will allow you to be absent from this training."

As soon as Shinguji Kurono's voice fell, all four present responded immediately.

"I have no problem! Let me join the training!"

Stella was the first to raise her hand, as if she had been eagerly waiting for this opportunity.

"I'm also fine. It's a rare opportunity. I look forward to sparring with the professional Mage-Knights from the league."

Ikki expressed his anticipation in a similar manner.

"Since my dear brother is going, of course, I will go too. What about you, Alice?"

Shizuku said this while turning to Arisuin Nagi.

"I have no objections."

Arisuin Nagi smiled lightly, without any dissent.

"Very well."

Saikyo Nene nodded satisfactorily.

However...

"Although I have a guess about the situation, let me ask anyway."

Rozen, the only student present who is not a representative player, asked with narrowed eyes.

"I was also summoned here, even though I'm not a representative. This shouldn't be some kind of mistake, right?"

That's right.

Rozen didn't think this matter had nothing to do with him.

Since he was also summoned to the chairman's office, it's likely that even though Rozen is not a representative player, he will still be involved.

Sure enough...

"With your abilities, you're capable of being either a training partner or instructor for the representative, right?"

Saikyo Nene grinned mischievously.

Shinguji Kurono was even more direct.

"Since you have disciples among them and you seem to have caught the eye of the Student Council President, then you should contribute. Help push them forward before the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival begins."

That's how it is.

Rozen was summoned here to accompany Stella and the others to Okutama.

However, Rozen isn't participating as a representative in the training, but rather as a training partner or instructor for the representatives.

"I knew it..."

Rozen rolled his eyes.

Clearly, Rozen had already figured out the reasons behind this whole thing.

"What? Do you want to refuse?"

Saikyo Nene asked tentatively.

Unfortunately, Rozen responded decisively.

"I have no reason to refuse."

That was Rozen's simple answer.

"No reason to refuse... huh?"

Shinguji Kurono paused slightly in her actions and muttered softly.

As for the others, they didn't find it strange at all that Rozen joined; in fact, they were pleased.

"With Rozen as a training partner and instructor?"

"It could be more useful than we imagined."

"Anyway, his strength is something we can recognize."

Stella, Ikki, and Shizuku expressed these opinions successively.

"Oh?"

Arisuin Nagi glanced at Rozen with some surprise, but she didn't say anything and seemed lost in thought.

"So, the notification ends here." Shinguji Kurono said briskly. "You can go back to class now."

At these words, everyone nodded in succession and then left the chairman's office chatting among themselves.

Only Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene remained, looking at the closed door, sighing as they looked at each other.

"I really wonder what will happen next..."

"Yeah..."

Both of them sighed in unison as they recalled what had happened before this.

Undoubtedly, this matter was destined to be anything but ordinary.