Chapter 161: The Match of Stella

Shikama Dōji's story was deeply tied to the Hiragi family, to which Shinoa Hiragi's lineage belonged.

The Hiragi family was a prestigious clan renowned as masters of sorcery, rulers of Japan's Imperial Demon Army, with a history spanning over 1,200 years. As the center of Japan's Hyakuya Sect, the Hiragi family commanded immense authority and influence.

Before the fall of the world, the Hiragi family stood at the apex of the religious organization "Demons of the Empire", wielding absolute power. To underscore their dominance, those bearing the name Hiragi were granted supreme rights and status.

Shikama Dōji, however, was the true mastermind behind the Hiragi family, orchestrating countless tragedies from the shadows.

He had been possessing the head of the Hiragi family, Tenri Hiragi, for generations.

Revered by the Hiragi family as an "Old God," Shikama Dōji conducted forbidden experiments involving the Seraph of the End, which he considered his property.

Because the Seraph of the End's power originated from him, it was incapable of killing him.

Shikama Dōji had long awaited someone capable of killing Tenri Hiragi so he could transfer his possession to that person and make them the ruler of humanity.

Tenri Hiragi eventually perished, but the experiments continued.

Shinoa Hiragi and her elder sister, Mahiru Hiragi, were both artificially conceived as female test subjects infected with demonic essence.

Mahiru, over time, discovered that she could hear the calls of the demon residing within Shinoa—Shikama Dōji. To protect her younger sister, Mahiru absorbed Shikama Dōji into her own body.

She was subsequently transformed by the Hyakuya Sect into a demon weapon, shaped like a scythe. This weapon became Mahiru's second cursed tool.

Before her death, Mahiru decided to return Shikama Dōji to Shinoa, believing she needed the weapon to protect herself in the event of the world's collapse. Thus, Shikama Dōji once again found himself at Shinoa's side.

Shikama Dōji's ultimate plan was to possess a member of the Hiiragi family, targeting either Shinoa Hiragi or her brother, Kureto Hiiragi.

His final goal? To revive his "child," Mikael, the most perfect vessel among his experimental subjects—Mikaela Hyakuya.

Shinoa Hiragi listened intently, her thoughts swirling in turmoil.

She had never imagined that her family harbored such dark secrets.

Though she wanted to press for more details, the dueling arena's loudspeaker interrupted her thoughts.

[This duel features Stella Vermillion versus Ikki Kurogane!]

Rei Ao: "Time's up."

Right on the five-minute mark, Rei Ao acted without hesitation, not bothering to entertain any further discussion.

With a sharp motion, he thrust his right hand into Shikama Dōji's chest.

Since Shikama Dōji had no physical body, there was no blood.

Whoosh!

Crimson flames erupted from Rei Ao's hand, igniting Shikama Dōji's form.

Rei Ao didn't settle for simply destroying the soul; he meticulously erased Shikama Dōji's spirit, consciousness, and existence from his energy source.

The flames, unhindered, consumed Shikama Dōji's soul completely.

As his body disintegrated, he reverted into pure black demonic energy, which gradually flowed back into Shinoa's cursed weapon.

Rei Ao casually tossed the weapon back to the stunned Shinoa Hiragi.

Rei Ao: "Your weapon is still usable, just minus the vampire."

He smirked.

Rei Ao: "I took care of the stowaway for you. No objections, I assume?"

Shinoa caught the weapon, her mind still reeling from the revelations and Rei Ao's decisive actions. After a brief moment, she shook her head.

Shinoa Hiragi: "No objections."

Meanwhile, Shizue Izawa pointed to the dueling arena below.

Shizue Izawa: "Stella is about to enter the stage."

As the duel began, Rei Ao turned to Kurono Shinguji.

Rei Ao: "Is there another room nearby where these two can stay?"

Clearly, he had plans and didn't want any "third wheels" lingering around.

Kurono Shinguji: "This way, please."

Understanding Rei Ao's intentions, Kurono led the still-confused Hijiri Kasuga and Shinoa Hiragi out of the room.

Rei Ao then stepped closer to Shizue, wrapping an arm around her waist and inhaling the scent of her soft hair.

Rei Ao: "Shizue, are you okay with becoming my woman in a world that isn't your own?"

Shizue immediately understood his meaning, her cheeks flushing with shyness. She nodded hesitantly.

Shizue Izawa: "Yes. I've already made up my mind."

Still, she hesitated for a moment before murmuring:

Shizue Izawa: "It's just… I'm not very experienced, and I'm afraid… afraid I won't be able to satisfy you."

In this area, Shizue felt a bit insecure.

After forming a contract with the flame spirit, her human desires had diminished to nearly nothing. She had no experience in such matters, not even the ability to relax herself.

Rei Ao smiled confidently.

"Don't worry. I'll teach you everything. The goal isn't just to satisfy me—it's to make sure you're fulfilled."

"Ah!"

Shizue felt a gentle push and found herself pressed against the one-way glass. From this vantage point, she could perfectly see the scene below.

In the arena, Stella, dressed in a striking red gown, walked to the center. Opposite her stood the person she found most annoying—Ikki Kurogane.

Ikki, for his part, felt awkward but quickly composed himself.

Though he was looked down upon at the academy for his F-rank Blazer classification, he firmly believed in his swordsmanship.

Stella, however, paid him no attention. Her gaze shifted upward toward the special observation deck that only the academy director could access. Although she couldn't see inside, she knew Rei Ao was there watching her.

Just to be sure, she sent a message in the chat group.

Stella: "@Rei Ao, watch closely. I'll show you my strength!"

Rei Ao: "Heh, I'm looking forward to it. But don't underestimate your opponent. While he may lack magical power, his swordsmanship is far superior to yours."

Even though Stella had recently improved, Rei Ao reminded her not to let arrogance cloud her judgment.

[Profile]: Stella Vermillion

[Level]: 23

[Abilities]: "Redacted"

Stella's strength came from a combination of physical prowess, magic, abilities, and her Inherent Device.

[Profile]: Ikki Kurogane

[Level]: 18

[Abilities]: "Seven Secret Swords", "Ittou Shura", "Ittou Rasetsu", "Mimic Swordsmanship", "Complete Mastery", "Twin Wings Style", "Inherent Device: Intetsu"

Ikki's abilities were entirely rooted in swordsmanship, making him a prodigy among prodigies.

Notably, his techniques allowed him to enhance his physical capabilities dramatically:

"Ittou Shura" amplified his physical limits dozens of times in an instant.

"Ittou Rasetsu" increased his strength hundreds of times in a single moment.

Even for someone as strong as Stella, underestimating him could easily result in defeat.

Stella: "Hmph! I won't lose!"

Saeko Busujima: "Rei Ao is reminding you not to let your guard down. You should always take every opponent seriously."

Yukino Yukinoshita: "Even a lion uses all its strength to hunt a rabbit."

Rei Ao: "See? They understand me better than you do."

Stella: "Hmph, fine! I'll give it my all, okay?"

Tohru: "Where's the fight footage? I thought I could sit back and enjoy the show."

Akame: "Live broadcast."

Frieren: "Yes, someone set up a stream!"

Rei Ao: "Fine, I'll handle it."

[Ding! Rei Ao has started a livestream!]

The room quickly filled with viewers.

Mai Sakurajima: "So many people! These are all students from Stella's academy?"

Saeko Busujima: "Who's Stella's opponent?"

Stella: "Hmph, it's that peeping Ikki Kurogane. This time, I'll make sure he regrets it!"

Tohru: "Does anyone else hear something strange?"

Akame: "Yeah, I do."

Frieren: "Me too. Rei Ao, is there something near you?"

Rei Ao: "Yes, Shizue's here eating something."

Mabel: "What is it?"

Rei Ao: "A popsicle."

Mabel: "Popsicle?! I've had those! They're amazing!"

Yukino Yukinoshita: "Haha, you ate all the popsicles in the freezer within half an hour, and you're still proud?"

Mabel: "Ugh…"

Next to Rei Ao, Shizue shyly looked up, her face flushed.

Shizue: "Rei Ao… am I doing this right?"

Rei Ao smiled.

"You're doing just fine. Just keep going."

[The Duel Begins!]

At the same time, Stella and Ikki's battle commenced.

Though she remained prideful outwardly, Stella took Rei Ao's warning to heart. Anyone worthy of Kurono Shinguji's respect and Rei Ao's attention was unlikely to be as weak as they appeared.

Whoosh!

A fiery tornado erupted, and from within, a brilliant golden sword materialized in Stella's hand—her Inherent Device, Laevateinn.

Ikki's expression grew serious as he silently drew his katana-like blade, his Inherent Device, Intetsu.

To the audience, the scene seemed laughable.

"The Crimson Princess versus the Fallen Knight? What kind of ridiculous match is this?"

"This fight isn't worth watching."

The spectators' reactions were unsurprising. Both combatants were well-known within Hagun Academy—but for very different reasons.

The Crimson Princess, Stella Vermillion, was a name synonymous with honor. A princess of the Vermillion Kingdom and an A-rank Blazer, her reputation was unmatched.

On the other hand, the Fallen Knight, Ikki Kurogane, was a derisive nickname stemming from his repeated failures and low magical aptitude. Considered the weakest of F-rank Blazers, he was looked down upon by most of the academy.

To the audience, the outcome seemed inevitable:

The Crimson Princess would win, without question.

~~~

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