[60] One-Sided Evaluation

"Good thing it hasn't started yet."

In the spectator seats, Ikki and his group hurried in from outside. Seeing that the match hadn't started yet, they relaxed and found seats to sit down.

"Why do we have to rush over to watch that guy's match?"

Shizuku's porcelain-like face showed a hint of disdain.

"He didn't come to watch my brother's match yesterday either, did he?"

Ikki's preliminary match had been yesterday, where he unfortunately faced one of last year's representatives from Hagun Academy for the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, Kihara Shizuya, whose abilities completely countered his own.

Although the process had been perilous, even to the point where Ikki had almost wanted to give up, thanks to Stella's encouragement, he had ultimately managed to win the preliminary match.

However, Eiji hadn't appeared at yesterday's match, which made Shizuku feel that their friendship wasn't particularly strong.

"Don't say that, Shizuku."

Ikki shook his head. He was always considerate of others and thoughtfully explained on Eiji's behalf.

"Eiji's opponent in the preliminary match is a student council member, much stronger than Kihara, and the compatibility is overwhelmingly bad. He must have been racking his brains trying to figure out a strategy."

Kihara Shizuya was a C-rank knight, but Kanata Totokubara was a B-rank knight. While the compatibility between the two wasn't particularly good or bad, if they were to fight, Kanata would likely win.

By that logic, the situation Eiji was facing today was probably much more difficult than what Ikki had faced yesterday.

"That guy may spout nonsense, but he's still Ikki's friend. You're being too petty, Shizuku."

Stella looked down at Shizuku with a condescending expression, clearly feeling quite pleased with herself.

Last night, her relationship with Ikki had taken a step forward, so she felt less threatened by Shizuku. Every time she saw her, she felt an urge to show off.

Unfortunately, as a foreign princess, if she were to start a relationship rashly, it would cause a lot of trouble. So, the two had agreed to keep it a secret between them and not tell anyone.

"Well, well, since we don't have anything else to do, why not spend some time here?"

Nagi Arisuin, with his fingers interlocked, showed a very girlish smile of anticipation. "I also want to see if Eiji-kun can win a match like this, just like Ikki did!"

Shizuku pursed her lips and said nothing.

"Look over there!"

While they were talking, Nagi suddenly noticed something and cast a surprised glance toward the upper part of the spectator seats, causing the others to turn their heads as well.

At the very top of the spectator seats, several figures filed in through the passageway and came into view.

Their presence was completely different from that of ordinary student knights. They exuded an extraordinary pressure, giving off a sense of ruggedness that was far removed from the typical "greenhouse flower" vibe.

Among them were a tough-looking man with a buzz cut, a lively girl in a gymnastics uniform, and a boy who looked like an elementary school student... Leading them all at the front, like a leader, was a gentle-looking girl with chestnut-colored braided hair and glasses.

"The entire student council is here?"

Nagi couldn't help but click his tongue in surprise.

"It seems they're also very interested in this match!"

After all, one of the participants was a student council member, while the other was the student council president's junior brother. Both had deep connections to the student council, so the outcome of this match was undoubtedly of great interest to them. It made sense for them to come and watch.

***

"Ah, I never expected Kanata's first match to be against Tohka's junior. What a twist of fate."

The student council vice president, Utakata, who was as small as an elementary school student, had an innocent-looking smile on his face.

"This is overwhelmingly disadvantageous for Tohka's junior brother. I hope he doesn't get too badly injured, but that's impossible. No one can fight Kanata without getting hurt, not even an A-rank knight."

His attitude was clearly biased toward Kanata.

"For the junior, the best outcome would be a mutual defeat. Winning is almost impossible."

The buzz-cut tough guy, Ikazuchi, spoke in a deep, resonant voice.

"That's right. Although it's a pity, I'm also on Kanata's side!"

Renren, wearing a light gymnastics uniform, nodded vigorously.

Tohka said nothing.

She simply watched the arena silently, but her eyes were filled with obvious concern.

In this match, it was impossible for her junior to come out unscathed. Kanata's abilities were just that terrifying.

Whether her junior could win this battle depended on one thing—whether he could overcome the mountain of bloody blades that Kanata had built!

"The match is starting."

Tohka reminded everyone.

At the same time, the student council members, the four people below—Kurogane Ikki and his group—and the entire arena's attention turned to the hundred-meter-wide battle ring.

"Finally, it's here! The first match at the seventh training ground today is already so exciting! The match hasn't even started, but as the commentator, I'm already fired up! That's because both sides of this match have extraordinary credentials! Today's match will once again be commentated by Nene Saikyo-sensei!"

"I haven't had lunch yet, so I'm a bit hungry. Can someone get me some takeout?"

"Alright, thank you for your thoughts, Nene-sensei! Now, let's welcome the two competitors!"

From the speakers around the venue, the commentator's passionate voice rang out.

"First, coming out from the red gate is the super handsome boy who, in less than ten days since the start of school, has stolen the hearts of countless female classmates! He's like an angel who descended from the heavens! By the way, I'm also a fan of his! But don't think he's just good-looking! During the entrance test before school started, he achieved the astonishing feat of defeating the school director, the former world's third-ranked World Clock, in a head-on battle! From Hagun Academy's first-year Class 1, with the strongest causality interference-type ability, the dark horse super rookie—Eiji Nangou!"

"Go, Nangou-kun!"

"You're the best!"

The moment Eiji stepped out of the gate, the venue erupted with overwhelming cheers. The roaring waves of sound drowned out everything else, making him the center of attention.

But Eiji paid no attention to the cheers. He shut off his hearing and focused all his attention on the girl stepping out of the opposite gate.

"Next, from the other side! Ranked second in Hagun Academy's rankings at the end of last year, she has participated in multiple 'special summons' and has real battlefield experience! Known as the Scharlach Frau due to her bloody abilities, she is also one of last year's representatives from Hagun Academy for the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival! From third-year Class 2—Kanata Totokubara!"

Opposite Eiji, the girl holding a parasol walked into the battle ring with elegant steps.

"Now, the two powerful magic knights are face to face! The outcome of this match is surely on everyone's minds, and now we will reveal the answer to this question—!"

***

Hey readers!

Want to read ahead? 📖 Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster.

🔹patreon.com/aarvan🔹

Thanks for being awesome! ❤️