Chapter 14: Official Ranking Battle
In the Seidoukan Academy, there is a comprehensive arena.
This arena is quite large, especially the central main stage, which is extremely spacious. Even the spectator stands are lavishly designed, clearly showing how costly the construction was.
Around the stage, defensive barriers are installed. Once activated, they enclose the entire stage. These barriers are not only capable of withstanding attacks from Lux weapons but can also resist long-range bombardments, ensuring the safety of the spectators so they don't need to worry about getting caught in overly intense duels.
These defensive barriers are no ordinary technology. Activating them consumes a tremendous amount of energy and requires massive devices to generate. Thus, only three stages in the entire arena are equipped with such barriers.
Normally, this main stage is not opened to the public.
But today, it is.
Students in uniforms filed in one after another, excitedly filling the spectator stands of the main stage to the brim.
The purpose of their gathering today was obvious:
To watch the matches.
Today, the main stage would host the academy's monthly Official Ranking Battles.
During these battles, not only would they get to see the rarely active Page One Twelve members in action, but also many other ranked powerhouses showcasing their abilities—a rare opportunity.
Because of this, the number of students attending these events was always massive. Sometimes even high-level academy officials and notable outsiders would show up to observe. Media personnel in charge of covering Asterisk events were especially eager to attend, like sharks smelling blood.
After all, Asterisk is a city of duels. The students of the six academies are all Festa participants. Any scoop involving powerful or famous contestants always meant big news.
Because of that, not just at Seidoukan, but in any academy hosting such battles, the arenas were always packed.
At the moment, the audience chatted excitedly while waiting for the matches to begin.
> "This year's second Ranking Battle is finally starting. Which match do you think will be the highlight?"
> "Isn't that obvious? The final match today, of course!"
> "The one with the first-ranked student?"
> "Yeah! I heard her rise to the top even shocked other academies."
> "And the one challenging her is ranked tenth—the Witch of Misty Depths, right?"
> "Two female middle schoolers from the Page One Twelve dueling? This is rare!"
> "…Why am I suddenly even more hyped?"
> "You're not right in the head!"
Such conversations echoed throughout the stands, creating a noisy and electric atmosphere.
Amid this buzz, in a special VIP section, a girl sat alone.
She looked around sixteen or seventeen and appeared to be from the high school division. Her eyes were a faint blue-green like fresh leaves, with refined features and fair skin—undeniably beautiful.
But what stood out the most was her waist-length, dazzling rose-colored hair.
Such striking colors were rare before the Genestella generation. But since then, flashy natural hair colors became more common—especially among Genestella.
The rose-haired girl sat there with sharp, serious eyes and a cold demeanor that made people reluctant to approach her.
Until—
> "Oh? So you're here too, Julis."
With a light, teasing voice, the cold atmosphere surrounding the girl shattered.
> "…Claudia."
Julis frowned, clearly displeased to see the person beside her.
There stood Claudia, with radiant golden hair, equally stunning beauty, and a more mature, seductive aura. She walked over gracefully.
> "Didn't expect to see you here watching, Julis," Claudia said casually. "If I recall correctly, you don't have a match today."
> "Aren't you the same?" Julis glared. "The most feared Alliance Master of a Thousand Eyes wouldn't be easily challenged. Or are you finally aiming for the top rank?"
> "Rank one, huh…" Claudia didn't answer directly. Instead, she tilted her head. "So you came to see Gale Thunderblade?"
> "...Still as sharp as ever," Julis muttered, more annoyed now. "Can't be helped. She beat the previous top rank in her first official match just one month into school. And she's only in her first year of middle school. Of course, I'm curious if she can defend that spot."
> "Not just you. I'm sure many are wondering if she's really that strong," Claudia said as she sat down beside Julis. "Especially outsiders. It's hard for them to believe a 13-year-old freshman could become number one."
> "Yeah, even with battle footage out there, most still doubt that's her real strength," Julis crossed her arms and huffed.
> "That includes you?" Claudia asked with a sly smile.
> "…What about you?" Julis countered, avoiding the question. "Don't tell me the ever-busy Student Council President came here just for that battle?"
> "Hmm…" Claudia gave a vague response, neither confirming nor denying it.
> "Wait, are you saying you're here for a different match?" Julis was genuinely surprised. "A match you think is more important than the top-ranked duel? Who's fighting?"
Claudia didn't answer, just chuckled softly.
> "Hmph."
Julis turned away with a cold snort but muttered to herself:
> "Now I'm curious who it is that caught your attention."
At that moment, a mechanical voice echoed through the arena:
> "The Official Ranking Battle is about to begin. All spectators, please remain seated."
> "Participants of the first match, please enter the stage."
With that announcement, two figures emerged from the passageways on either side of the arena stage.
The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers—marking the start of the battle.
———
Meanwhile, Aize was waiting in the contestants' prep area.
He wasn't alone. All other duelists waiting to compete were gathered here as well.
Aize leaned in a corner, eyes closed, quietly conserving energy.
Soon—
> "Participants of the next match, please enter the stage."
The badge pinned to Aize's chest lit up, prompting him to open his eyes.
> "My turn?"
A strange gleam flickered in Aize's gaze.
He didn't feel nervous.
On the contrary, he was… excited.
(End of chapter)