[Chapter - 10: Seven Stars Sword Art Festival Third Round - Beginning Part 1]
「The time is now 6pm, brought to you by Nippon Telegraph Public Corporation.」
*Pi. Pi. Pi.*
A special alarm that rang once at every three seconds.
At the same time that alarm sounded from all the speakers in the dome, the night lights were switched on.
After the long daytime of the summer had passed, they lit up the dome which had begun to be covered in a thin veil of darkness.
And then...
「Everyone, thank you for waiting! I hereby announce that the third round of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival is about to begin!」
The live broadcast of the cue for the start of the third round had been given.
The audience sitting at their seats raised an earth-trembling cheer.
「The best eight of this event will be pitted against each other in the third round's battle. The expectations for the fierce upcoming battles has already made the event venue's excitement reach the boiling point! Continuing with the live broadcast, I am Iida! Yaotome-pro will be the commentator! Then without further ado, let's welcome the first pair of the third round's battle! First, from the blue gate enters Contender Kaga Renji!」
In response to that call, a big shadow appeared from the darkness in the blue gate.
The figure that appeared on the dazzling stage, brightly lit by the spotlights, was that of a huge rock-like man whose height surpassed two meters. That was exactly…
「Oo! I'm Kaga! Kaga has arrived!」
「As always, he's so biiig! 」
He was the hero of Hokkaido, Kaga Renji.
「Coming from the land in the North, from Rokuson Academy, the Panzer Grizzly! What's more eye-catching than anything is his huge body that doesn't put shame to the name of a Grizzly!
236 centimeters in height! 370 kilograms in weight!
He uses his Herculean strength with a body no different than that of a brown bear as a weapon to fight, one of the best super power fighters in Japan.
The prominent Contenders have been eliminated one after another in a wave of turbulence, now there is only one left from last year's best eight who has managed to advance into the third round!
Will he be able to show the spirit of the seniors before the new Contenders, who are riding on this wave!?」
「Contender Kaga is a balanced player with a very high level of offense and defense. His excellent physique allows him to exert bulldozer-level arm strength. And his Blazer ability, Steel Skin, is an original one. He is simply strong, simply hard. As such, regardless of how he uses it, the situation or the compatibility with his opponent's ability, it will not influence his pure strength. In this event with
many unique ability users, such Contenders may be the ones who can display their true value.」
Then, Kaga stepped onto the ring for the third round battle after receiving the cheers from the audience.
…In that instant, he took an action that he had never taken before.
He grabbed his own clothes with his huge hand, and then threw them off after tearing them apart.
「Wooo─aah!? Contender Kaga! He threw off his special size uniform after tearing it apart, leaving him with only one piece of loincloth! What kind of performance is this!?」
The announcer and the audience were confused.
In regards to that, commentator Yaotome cut in.
「Just like 「Ring」, 「Bracelet」and 「Glasses」, a Blazer's Device does not necessarily need to take on the form of a weapon. And Contender Kaga's Device Raiden is that loincloth ─ Mawashi. It's usually worn underneath his clothes so it could not be seen, but... he stood onto the stage that made him throw away his clothes, and fight with only his mawashi. He probably considers the outcome of
this match to be very important, so he's displayed his fighting spirit like that.」
Yaotome's explanation was spot on.
He challenged that important match with only his Device.
That was Kaga's style of gathering his fighting spirit from praying for his victory.
Then, after undressing, Kaga bent his knees and dropped his waist on the spot.
After that, he raised his left leg up straight facing towards the sky, and slammed it down onto the ring.
Accompanied by a tremor immediately after, the left side of the ring sank into the ground.
Every person in the dome opened their eyes wide in shock.
「A-Amaziiiing! The moment Contender Kaga stepped down from shiko, the 100m diameter ring slanted and sank into the grouuuund!!!! And then he raised his right leg on the opposite side straight up ─ dosukooooi!」
The tremor shook the ring again and the right side also sank into the ground just like the left.
「The slanted ring returned to horizontal level after the second step, but it has clearly sunk into the ground as a whole after being stepped by his shiko, for about 10cm into the ground! What power!」
「That's also quite impressive, but take a look at his feet.」
「Feet, is it? Wha, th-this is!」
As Yaotome pointed out, they looked towards Kaga's feet.
At there was…
「Footprints! On the ring made with special stone material that can withstand a direct impact from napalm missile for Blazer use, as if he had stepped on a muddy beach, a pair of clear footprints with even his toe shape has been carved into it!」
「Even though the shape of his feet has been carved into the ring, there are no cracks around it... It is the evidence that his power has been concentrated without dispersing. Contender Kaga is not just about power, he also possesses the detailed control on the flow of his power. As expected.」
「Uoooo! As expected, incredible! Not just for being big!」
「Kyaa! Kuma-chan so cool～～～～!」
Cheers rose from the audience seats at Kaga's performance.
Kaga used his tough body as a weapon, taking the unique battle technique of the sumo style; along with a personality not losing out to his well-built body, he had gathered a passionate fan base from all over the country.
There were also many fans chasing after him to that venue.
Kaga would usually return a smile back at them, but he was different at that moment.
"…"
He did not respond back to them. Instead, Panzer Grizzly looked towards the gate where his opponent would appear from with a serious expression.
「Contender Kaga's performance imbued with his fighting
spirit has stirred up the venue!」
However, Contender Kaga's eyes are as calm as still water, focusing on a single spot!
That's right, they are focused on the red gate where his opponent will show up from!
Then, let's not waste time and introduce the other man of valor who will be fighting in this decisive
battle in A-Block!」
In accordance to the announcer's words, the spotlights focused onto the red gate.
In the midst of the light, a swordsman clad in black kimono walked out.
「Prestigious Kurogane household's eldest son, the genius who made an impact in the whole country as the Kirin Child in his childhood.
The moment he shone as the world champion in the U-12 (Elementary level) International Tournament, anybody would have thought so!
Great Hero, Ryoma Kurogane's rightful successor has been born right there! However! As the surrounding is still indulged in excitement, the genius has gotten sick of it!
He is hopelessly sick of the League's rule of not allowing real blades in battles!
He has been seeking!
A real battle! A fight with life on the line!
Aiming for a higher goal!
As such, he disappeared from our sights!
Every person grieved over this loss!
But! That genius has returned to Japan!
In his last year of high school, he steps onto the ring of this Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival!
Possessing overwhelming strength to the point of blurring that figure of his within our memories!
Newcomer Akatsuki Academy third year! Contender Sword Emperor of Wind, Ouma Kurogane!」
With his long hair and hem of the kimono swaying, step by step, Ouma shortened the distance between him and Kaga.
The audiences at their seats swallowed their breaths at his appearance.
「...I-Incredible...」
「He hasn't changed...what pressure...!」
Even though he was just walking, they felt like his sword pressure was splitting their skin from just a touch.
That pressure felt just like an unsheathed katana.
「Yaotome-pro. The last time Contender Sword Emperor of Wind, Ouma Kurogane appeared in official battle was already five years ago, how about it? Contender Ouma seen from a pro's point of view, that is.」
「He is strong.」
「...I-Is that all?」
「Honestly speaking, I cannot give any further explanation at this point of time.」
「Is that so?」
Yaotome nodded.
「Since in all of the matches until now, he has never once gotten serious.」
Be it the first or second round battles, Ouma won in the same manner.
Against the opponents who challenged him with long distance magic battle, because they knew they were at a disadvantage against the Wind Emperor in sword clashing, he just walked straight towards them and cut them down.
It was just that.
Ouma did not evade nor defend against his opponent's long distance shooting.
He really just walked straight.
His body just taking on the attacks from his opponent.
Even so, he did not receive a single injury, neither did he stop in his tracks.
It was so one-sided that it could not even be called a match.
There was not a shred of technique. Nor was there any leeway to intervene.
The only thing left was the difference in the level of their performances.
Hence it was understood that he was strong.
However, there was no concrete understanding beyond that.
If it could not be understood, then it could not be explained, was what Yaotome was trying to say.
「...However, the opponent of Wind Emperor in the third round is Panzer Grizzly, someone who had fought him many times when they were young. He was not the type to play trickeries, not to mention from seeing the performance just now, his extraordinary offensive power could be said to be a threat even to the A-Rank knight Wind Emperor... I believe that we will be able to see the true growth of Contender Ouma from the five years gap.」
「I see! That's something to look forward to! Oops, and now, the two Contenders have stepped onto the starting line.」
The two people faced each other on the ring.
"Ouma. It's been six years since the last time I faced you on the ring. So nostalgic!"
"...I'm not that close to you to feel nostalgic upon meeting again."
"Gahaha. You're still such an unsociable guy. Well, fine. Regardless of what you think, I am glad! I have always been praying! To have a serious fight against you with our lives on the line! I have always been waiting for this day to pay you back for the time when we were little! I have been
training my body for that purpose!"
Kaga beat his muscular chest as he said so.
When they were still elementary students, Kaga had never once won against that genius of the same age.
However, as Kaga grew up, he had obtained a huge, out of the norm body.
He was already different from back then.
Kaga did not know where and what Ouma had been doing in that five years, but he was confident that he had certainly caught up to Ouma.
Hence, he was not intimidated by the A-Rank knight before him, and declared.
"I'm different from your opponents in the first and second match. I won't run away from your seriousness! So, face me with your seriousness! Ouma!!!!"
To that, Ouma replied with a cold look.
"That depends on you. Renji."
"Gahaha! That's true! Then, I will make you serious immediately!"
「The warriors facing each other on the ring are exchanging their friendship. Contender Panzer Grizzly, Renji Kaga has just declared that he won't run away from the frontal confrontation against the A-Rank knight, Wind Emperor! That would only be recklessness for ordinary Blazers. But Contender Kaga has the actual power to achieve it! Just like Yaotome-pro said, we may be able to witness Contender Ouma's real strength in this match!
Now. The referee is about to give signal the start of the match…
…Begin!」
The instant the referee announced the start of the match, Kaga was the first to move.
"OOOOOOOoOoOooOoOoOOoOoooo!!!!!!"
He roared with a voice that resonated in the whole dome, and boiled up the magic power in his whole body.
At the same time, his body began to change.
Losing the organic skin color, it changed into shiny steel.
That was the reason for the Panzer Grizzly nickname.
Renji Kaga's Noble Art that changed his whole body into steel ─ Steel Skin.
「Contender Kaga made the first move! He literally changed his whole body into steel!」
「It is a process necessary to utilize his ability. That's only obvious.」
Just like Yaotome said, Kaga had to go through that process for his battle or he wouldn't be able to begin.
His huge brown bear size body, and the arm strength enhanced by his weight increased several times.
And then the hardness that could repel his opponent's attacks with his guard.
With the strength of those two parts, the attack-specialized battle style utilizing sumo's rush power and superior handling technique, he would overwhelm his opponent. That was the battle style of Panzer Grizzly.
However…
"Gahaha! That's wrong! Commentator-san!"
That's right, that was only up to that moment.
「Eh...?」
"This is different from the Steel Skin until now. This is my secret trump card for fighting against Ouma!"
As he said so, at the same time Kaga completed transforming his whole body into steel, a different
magic power from Steel Skin ran across his whole body. Immediately after…
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!"
Along with his roar, Renji Kaga's body began to change in a way never seen before.
On the steeled lump that was Kaga's shoulders, two new arms on each side, in total four arms grew out from both sides.
「W-What! T-This is! His arms have multiplieeeed!?」
The announcer and audience raised surprised shouts at the strange transformation.
On the other hand, Yaotome in charge of commentary analyzed the situation calmly.
「I see. Not just hardening, that's also shape-shifting. With this increase in number of arms, it's obvious that the offensive and defensive power will increase threefold...! He must have thought this through.」
"Gahaha! Just as commentator-san said! My Device Raiden's ability is steelifying of my body! Thus it is reasonable for me to be able to change the form of said steel freely! This is what I was hiding! Its name is — Steel Asura Form! Ouma! I have spent five years developing this technique to win against you! Receive it gratefully!!"
After completing his transformation, Kaga sank his huge body down and took a squatting stance.
Then, using the recoil from knocking his tight fist onto the ground to lift his upper half torso, with the leg power that sank the enormous ring into the earth, he propelled his huge body forward.
That figure was just like a cannonball.
「F-Fast! Contender Kaga! He is rushing towards Contender Ouma with a speed one wouldn't imagine possible with his huge body! How will Contender Ouma handle it!?」
However, Ouma's response to Kaga's assault was the same as in the first and second round.
"..."
「…Whaaat!? T-This is!? Contender Ouma! He is neither defending nor dodging! He is walking straight towards Contender Kaga's assault! He doesn't seem to be afraid of that arm strength and huge body!」
「That's some big confidence... However, that's being reckless.」
As Yaotome said, Ouma's response was a foolish decision in anyone's eyes.
He was different from the opponent in the first and second match. Kaga's offensive power was at a level that even using Crimson Princess, Stella Vermillion's overwhelming magic power would not be able to stop. A direct hit would not end well.
Even so, he did not take up any defense.
…Kaga felt a strong fury towards Ouma's response.
He was belittling him to the point of not even trying to evade.
To that extent.
However, that probably could not be helped.
He had never once won against Ouma.
Being looked down upon was obvious.
In that case…
'With this one strike, I will wake you up!'
"UOOoOoOoOOooOOryaaAAA!!!!"
In an instant, Kaga's opened palm hit Ouma's face with all of his arm strength and body weight.
At the moment of the impact, the atmosphere shook as if a large truck crashed in a frontal collision.
It was undoubtedly a direct hit.
Ouma really did not use any defense or evasion against Kaga's attack.
However ─ He would obviously not come out unscathed after doing that.
Ouma's body greatly inclined and sank down.
And then, Kaga decided he would not let go of the decisive opening created by that overconfidence!
In that moment, Kaga saw his chance for victory.
Panzer Grizzly executed the prided secret move combining attack and defense in one.
Using hundreds of open palm strikes, while warding off the opponent's attacks, at the same time, showering him with super heavy continuous strikes.
That was a new sure-kill technique executed against Ouma with his six arms─the Hundred Lotus Palm.
"Asura Hundred Lotus Palm — ooOoOOOOO!!!!"
「Contender Kaga is dealing a decisive blow to Contender Ouma who has broken his posture! Rush Rush Rush! He is using his steel palm to strike continuously at his opponent with speed that our eyes can't even catch up wiiiith!」
Receiving that earlier strike squarely, Ouma would not be able to evade the rush.
He was completely caught in that storm with the steel palms raining on him.
Kaga trembled from the response that his sure-kill technique had hit in the best way possible.
He could do it.
Ouma's body was about to collapse on the ring.
He could win if he just continued attacking like that!
The premonition of victory that he continued to seek in the past five years let his strength explode beyond his limit.
However…
'...!?'
Kaga's excited expectation was gradually thinning away.
Anxiety welled up to replace that.
Why?
Even though he was attacking so one-sidedly.
Even though all of Kaga's steel palm strikes had a clean hit on his target.
Why did he feel anxious?
The reason was exactly because of what was happening.
Kaga's attacks had all hit their target with clear feedbacks.
In spite of that…
'Why won't he fall!?'
That question was...
"...A technique developed to defeat me... huh."
Along with the muttering spilled by Ouma, who was taking on his Asura Hundred Lotus Palm, it was resolved.
After Ouma's body had sank at a certain angle, the response coming from Kaga's hand changed.
The image projected in his brain was as if his palm strikes were hitting a rock mountain towering above the skies ─ a desperate waste of effort.
'He's completely, not budging even a tiny bit...!'
Ouma did not budge or tremble at all after receiving those steel palm strikes.
That's right, Ouma's posture was not broken by Kaga's palm strikes…
He had lowered his posture in order to swing his sword!
"Those five years were meaningless. Renji."
"!?!?"
Together with an air-splitting noise, Kaga lost his feeling on the majority of his right half of the body.
Ouma's diagonal slash from below to above had severed the three right arms executing Asura Hundred Lotus Palm.
Kaga felt a chill at Wind Emperor's sword arm that treated the hardness of steel as if it was nothing.
However...
"OOoOOOOOOOoOOAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!"
Kaga raised a roar to forcefully suppress that chill and continued to attack with his remaining three arms.
He did not retreat.
He was a fighter at his core.
He could only choose to fight.
He did not have a choice of pulling away and attacking.
Hence, he attacked furiously with his life on the line.
However, there was no reason for an opponent who would not be shaken by six arms to be affected by three.
A flash.
The blade that swung up was swung back down, Ouma severed Kaga's left arms.
The swung down blade immediately changed its trajectory and did a horizontal sweep, severing two legs.
"…"
The attack and defense of steel that he continued to train up to that day was totally useless.
Losing his support, Kaga's body collapsed.
His pupils only reflected the despair from their cruel difference in battle strength and a trace of question.
'…That much, huh?'
The difference in battle strength between him and Ouma was probably just that huge.
The answer was no.
They had faced each other many times before. Kaga understood.
Ouma Kurogane was not a knight of that level.
He was certainly a talented knight, but that growth was abnormal.
Be it offensive or defensive power, he was obviously... out of the norm.
It could not be explained with just magic power and magic ability.
There had to be something abnormal involved!
"You... just what…!?"
However, Kaga's question could not form into words.
"Gafu!?"
In replacement, fresh blood flowed out from his mouth.
After he lost his support from his two legs, it was when he was about to collapse.
Ouma's off-hand thrusted out at Kaga and pierced through his steel chest out through his back.
And then, in the hand that Ouma pierced through to the back, he was holding a beating heart…
"Sto─"
Before the referee could call for a stop, Ouma crushed it without any hesitation.
The moment it was concluded in a way that couldn't be any worse, sorrowful cries came from the
audience seats.
「K-KYAAAAaaa!!!!」
「You're kidding, right...!? Oi!」
「He k-killed him! That bastard!」
「W-What happened!? The moment we thought that the outcome has been decided when both arms and legs were severed! Wind Emperor made follow-up! T-The heart! Contender Kaga's heart was gripped and crusheddd! T-This was a dangerous strike with a great killing intent!」
The referee immediately announced the end of the match due to that situation.
The medic team rushed into the ring.
Amongst them was the figure of Hagun Academy's director, Kurono Shinguuji.
"Clock Lock!"
Kurono leapt over the fence surrounding the audience seats and landed onto the ring just like that.
Then her Device Ennoia ─ a white silver handgun manifested, and she shot towards the fallen Kaga.
The bullet that hit Kaga contained the magic of temporarily stopping the time on his whole body.
That would completely prevent the deterioration of his physical body from oxygen deficiency due to blood loss.
After executing the most appropriate first-aid, Kurono ordered the medic team carrying a stretcher.
"Hurry up with the stretcher! Carry him into the capsule before my technique's effect run out!"
"Y-Yes!"
A mortal injury... no, Kaga received an injury that would probably kill him if not for Kurono, was carried out of the ring by others.
On the other hand, Ouma did not even see him off, and was about to leave the ring.
「Contender Ouma, he did not even spare a glance at Contender Kaga who is being carried away! There is not a shred of feeling towards his rival of the same era! His casually leaving back profile is saying that 'you are not even reflected in my eyes'!」
「Hii...」
「S-Scary...」
As the victor was leaving, there was no applause for him.
The duels between mature knights were literally about crossing swords.
Bloodshed was only natural. They might even lose their lives, if they were unlucky.
That's why the schools would not force students to participate in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival.
Those participating were all warriors who had such resolve.
Hence, there was no reason to criticize Ouma.
Although there wasn't ...the feeling of whether it was necessary to go that far could not be dispelled.
The difference in strength between the two was clearly evident.
In that case, would it be going too far to take away the life, something like that.
However, in the frozen atmosphere of the venue from that tragedy...
*Clap clap clap...*
There was one person clapping hands to congratulate him.
「This applause is... ah!」
Who exactly was that person?
The announcer followed to the source of the sound and raised a shocked voice.
The person who applauded for Ouma was... a girl with burning red hair...
「Contender Stella! Only Contender Crimson Princess, Stella Vermillion is applauding for the leaving Contender Ouma!」
The venue was confused by that fact.
However, Stella did not mind any of that, looked downwards at Ouma, and praised him.
"It was quite a good fight. Ouma."
A one-sided massacre. To a battle that could only be thought of an overkill, Stella praised it as a good fight.
That was because, different from the audiences, she was able to see much deeper into the match.
That's right. The audiences misunderstood something from seeing Ouma's overwhelming victory.
It was Panzer Grizzly's strength.
"Kaga has proficiently used his Noble Art to increase the number of his arms. Against such an opponent, just cutting away his limbs may not be enough to decide the outcome. One must end his life in order to achieve victory with certainty."
Of course, with Ouma's strength, he could avoid a fatal injury and use a method to crush Kaga's spirits.
If Kaga was like the opponents in the first and second match who employed trickeries, Ouma might have taken such measure.
However, he did not do so.
Stella could understand.
That fight, Ouma... although he did not show his true power, he faced it seriously.
Because Kaga would not be afraid of him and run away, challenging him straightforwardly, Ouma saw value in that victory.
That man was a knight that would go that far in order to obtain that valuable victory.
...Putting it negatively, he was a man that would even kill people for victory.
However, even though he was such a man...
"...However, you did not kill me that time."
That time was obviously referring to the first time Ouma and Stella faced off each other.
Ouma could have killed Stella if he had felt like it.
The two of them had just that much difference at that time.
"You paid a lot of attention to me. Treating me carefully so that I don't break."
Towards her, who was above Kaga in rank, the same A-Rank as him.
Stella did not know what intention he had.
However, there wasn't any 「seriousness」 in that careful treatment.
Regardless of what intention he had, being treated carefully, in other words, winning against Stella at that time, held no value to Ouma.
…There was no greater humiliation than that.
Therefore, Stella stared at Ouma with her burning pupils and declared.
"I feel sorry for my behavior back then. But... I won't do that anymore. Tomorrow, I will make you get serious. I will draw out all of your strength from your core. And then on top of that... I will kill you."
She let out a definite killing intent, releasing a pressure that could burn the skin with just a touch.
Although Ouma received it with his whole body...
"What a coincidence. I was also thinking about the same thing."
Showed a smile revealing his fangs.
...
After the declaration to Ouma, the venue returned to its clamors with the announcement of Kaga's life being saved.
There were people who were simply relieved. There were people who were excited. There were people who criticized him for going too far.
Despite being amongst those hustling and bustling, Stella looked at the ring that was undergoing cleaning and sighed.
'...What are you doing, Alice.'
Nagi Arisuin, who should have been back before her, could not be seen in the audience seats.
Shizuku had a match so it couldn't be helped, she believed that Arisuin would come and watch the match, but…
'...Well, Shizuku's match is more important.'
He probably wanted to stay next to her until the last minute.
As she was thinking about such matter...
"Kukuku! As expected of the woman who's called 「The Queen who subdued a flame dragon」! There isn't a second person who could say such caustic words to that man as his opponent."
A young high-pitched voice filled with arrogance came from behind her.
Stella remembered the owner of that voice.
"...I don't remember being called by that nickname."
As she turned back, it was exactly the person she had expected.
A girl wearing a pink dress and an eye patch.
A member of the Akatsuki Academy Stella had eliminated in the first round battle.
It was the Beast Tamer, Rinna Kazamatsuri.
Waiting behind her was, as expected, or rather as usual, the maid with a cold expression, Charlotte Cordé.
"Fuu, I have just arrived! You may rejoice!"
"What do you want? Even if we are acquainted, I don't think we are close enough to be speaking like this though? Kazamatsuri."
Stella's response towards Rinna's intimate conversation was refusal.
Well, it was be obvious considering their relationship, but…
"Kuku. Hear that, my servant. This woman has beaten us to a pulp, chopped us up, then roasted us whole in the end, and yet she still wants to beat us up more?"
"Yes, I have heard that, my lady. The country with such a violent imperial princess will soon be in ruins."
"Gu..."
Just as those two said, it was a fact that she had beaten them to a pulp, so Stella felt guilty when she mentioned it.
"It's not like I haven't beaten you enough! I'm asking what do you want!"
"Of course it's to watch the next match. Since Bloody Da Vinci, the one who has formed a contract of blood and soul with me is in the next match!"
"Contract of soul?"
"What my lady said is that because Sara-sama became old master... Kouzou Kazamatsuri-sama's adopted child, my lady, who is danna-sama's daughter, became a step-sister to her.'
"That's how it is!'
'Your words are meaningless and incomprehensible as always..."
"You don't think about it. You feel it. Do that and you will understand."
_I don't really want to understand it... Well, basically, you came to watch the fight, huh."
"Umu. But watching it alone is boring, and I coincidentally saw the Crimson Princess, so I came to talk with you. You can feel honored.'
"You're extremely annoying.'
...Something like that, but before that...
"Alone you say, isn't the maid with you?"
"M-Me and Charl are one in heart and body, so it doesn't count."
"Aah... my lady, it's a waste to say such words to a useless bitch like me...'
Charlotte's cheeks were dyed red at Rinna's words.
However, on the other hand, Rinna's expression twitched.
Rinna got near to Stella's ear and whispered the reason.
'...To tell you the truth. Ever since losing to you, Charl has felt responsible for failing to protect me... When the two of us are alone, she holds things that can only be seen as torture tools and asks me to punish the useless her, so I'm troubled over it. So please stay with me!"
"Y-You also have it hard..."
"Umu... I said that I don't mind it though. Being too loyal is also troubling..."
'No, I think this is not about being too loyal.'
Stella could only smile bitterly as she had seen a similar case before.
Meanwhile, as she was whispering with Rinna like that...
*Garigarigarigarigari...*
She heard a sound of teeth-grinding.
As she looked towards the source of that sound, she saw Charlotte with bloodshot eyes staring at her while biting her fingernails.
"Getting so close to my lady... at a distance where they can feel each other's breaths... if she doesn't go into a bath later... that woman's smell will stain my lady...!"
'Scary!'
Stella immediately took distance from Rinna.
She should not get involved with such kind of people.
However... well, if it was just watching the match together, it would probably be fine.
"It's not like I have a reservation here. My friends are also not here."
"Umu! A festival has to be lively!"
Getting Stella's approval, Rinna's voice bounced with happiness.
Then she took her seat next to her, and received some popcorn and cola from Charlotte.
'...I wonder where she took those out from.'
"But I was surprised during the second round. To think that he would use the once-a-day trump card on the first opponent…"
Ignoring Stella's curiosity, Rinna threw popcorns into her mouth and chatted with Stella.
The topic was of course about the next match.
It was about the opening surprise attack Ikki had used in the second round.
"Ikki probably thought that Byakuya was just that strong of an opponent. That ability is definitely troublesome if they actually faced each other."
"But my 「Sister on paper」 is also the same, right?"
"Isn't that way of saying too much!?"
Stella retorted without thinking, but Rinna continued, not minding it.
"It's true that Eye of Heaven is a troublesome power. However, speaking of troublesome, wouldn't Bloody Da Vinci be more troublesome after all? Since she can use Purple Caricature to recreate Blazers' Noble Arts. If she wanted, she could possibly use Eye of Heaven's power, and even if can't, she can use Ittōu Shura like in her second round. Losing his trump card against that kind of opponent,
isn't it disadvantageous no matter how you think about it? Another One's advancement would end here, wouldn't it?"
Rinna spoke about her concerns to Stella in a way that purposely fanned up her anxiety.
Paying her back... she did not go that far, but probably a little bit of teasing.
However, Stella's expression did not falter at all.
Instead...
"If you are talking about advantage and disadvantage, the fact that Ikki is F-Rank is already a disadvantage against any opponent... But Ikki didn't lose. He didn't give up. That's why he is in this place now. In this quarter final that will decide the best four at the knights' summit nationwide in Japan. Hence, he will win. Even today, for sure."
In Stella's eyes that looked at the ring, there was trust to the point of having surplus to spare.
However, that was only obvious.
Because Worst One had always overcome that level of pinch.
'Not to mention, it seems that he has settled a major trouble of his... Fufu.'
Before arriving there, she saw Ikki's refreshed expression as if he had taken a load off his chest.
Stella smiled.
And then, she replied to Rinna.
"Akatsuki Academy is the side that should resolve itself. The Ikki now is... definitely impossibly strong."
...
At the same time when Stella and Rinna were having such a conversation.
In order to prepare for the upcoming match, Ikki Kurogane was in the waiting room…
Not there, he was standing in the hallway connected to the VIP audience seats.
And then, he raised his head when the person he was waiting for arrived, and spoke up.
"Father. I have been waiting for you."
Itsuki Kurogane's beast-like sharp gaze responded to the voice and he replied briefly.
"...What are you doing here? Isn't it about time for the match?"
"I was waiting for you. It's about the matter we talked about earlier today. I want to give you my response."
The matter in the day was, of course, the suggestion about cutting ties with Itsuki.
Regarding that, Ikki stated his final answer.
"About that, I refuse."
"...!"
Itsuki opened his eyes wide, somewhat surprised by Ikki's answer.
The cutting of ties was tantamount to exiling Ikki, who could not be handled by the Kurogane, so that they could save face.
Although it would've been terrible, there was still merit for Ikki as well.
Cutting their ties would mean that there would be no more interferences from the Kurogane household.
Hence, Itsuki probably did not think that Ikki would refuse.
However, Ikki's answer was a no.
"I did not live according to Father's will. Instead, I have just caused trouble for you. That will not change from now on. There won't be any changes. Because I can only take this path... Therefore, cutting our ties would have worked out. That way it would've been better. That's right, I also thought that way. However... even so, I am Ikki Kurogane."
It was not anyone's, but his own wish to do so.
"That's why I won't cut our ties. At least I won't consent to it."
Why couldn't he hate such a father?
That reason, honestly speaking, Ikki could not understand it either.
It's just that, even after that, he understood that he would be sad if he were to completely lose the bond he had with his father.
In that case, there was no reason for him to suppress himself and follow the opinion of the Kurogane household.
That was Ikki's final answer.
Receiving it, Itsuki...
"Is that really fine?"
Showed an obviously confused expression.
It was a rare expression for Itsuki, who usually didn't let his face reveal his emotions.
However, Ikki's answer did not change.
Since he decided to be willful, he would not withdraw himself.
"Well... From Father's perspective, such a rebellious and prodigal son would only be in your way."
However...
"It's not about me. Are you really fine with it?"
...Eh?"
Being asked such an unexpected question, Ikki's thoughts froze for a moment.
…'You'...
Certainly, his father said that just then.
That Itsuki... asked about Ikki's opinion.
Why? Ikki lost his words due to the confusion.
Itsuki continued to speak.
"I am the head of the Kurogane household. That, in other words, is the discipline of the knights in this country. It was decided from the moment of my birth. I have been educated for this sake, and so I have been walking down this path."
Regardless of who, towards anyone ─ strictness.
The responsibility passed down by generations of Kurogane household was carved in his name.
"Therefore I don't know anything beyond this. I'm a man who cannot choose to live in any other way than this. You have disobeyed the Kurogane's discipline. Supporting you for pushing yourself forward on a thorny path you chose yourself, congratulating you for climbing up despite spilling
blood on that thorny path and reaching the height of being the best eight in the whole country... I can't do any of it. And it won't change from now on either. I am such a man. Are you fine with calling such a man your father?"
"..."
In that instant, Ikki imagined the life of his father, Itsuki Kurogane, as a person.
Itsuki, as the son of Ikki's grandfather, Genma Kurogane, was born.
Although Genma was the son of the Great Hero, Ryoma Kurogane, he felt contempt towards Ryoma, who held different opinion and behavior from the traditional ways of the Kurogane household, so he had formed an alliance with the elders who held the same opinion as him. He was someone who had half exiled his father, Ryoma, from the Kurogane household, and snatched the position of the head of Kurogane household, a person known as the rightmost wing of the moderate faction.
Born under such a man... Itsuki had no brothers.
Hence, Genma and the elders pushed all of their ideals onto the next head of the family, which was him.
Before he could think for himself, and while his ego was just budding, he received such a thorough education.
The soft... mentality of a child that could be hurt even with a gentle touch, was toppled by them, who had even carved their ideals into the name of the child.
The result born from that ── Iron Blood.
Showing no compromise, no mercy, the 「Discipline」 of living only for the sake of the country.
Ikki's father, Itsuki Kurogane was such a man.
Hence, he would talk about cutting their ties when he could no longer handle his own son.
...He thought that way.
However...
'That's, I was mistaken...'
It was a strange thing, if he thought about it a little.
If he wanted to cut their ties for such a reason, then there would not be a need to be bothered with Ikki's opinion.
There was only one reason to hear his opinion.
Ikki comprehended.
That was... the mission and ideal he had imposed on himself. The responsibility towards the country, the obligation towards the Blazers belonging to the country. The man who was burdened with all kinds of responsibilities, the man who did not know anything other than that, reached such a
conclusion after trying his best to think about it.
More than anything, the eyes that stared straight at Ikki explained it.
Seeing those eyes... Ikki smiled bitterly without thinking.
He noticed.
That's how it was, they were indeed father and son.
...Because...
'My clumsiness in words were inherited from my father.'
In that case, his answer was obvious.
"It's fine. That kind of father is fine."
Ikki looked back at Itsuki, and gave a big nod.
"Parent and child do not really need to be intimate. There are fathers who force their sons to take the paths of their own ideals. There are also sons who go against that and take the opposite path. Opposing opinions. Two opposing sides. At the end of the parallel arguments, they will eventually hit each other... Isn't it a common story? Something like that."
"..."
Ikki said that everything that had happened was just at such a level.
What could the son saying those words be thinking about?
Itsuki... closed his eyes for a moment...
"I see. This is certainly a quarrel between parent and child that can be seen anywhere... Talking about cutting ties for such matters is indeed over-exaggerating it."
He sighed and said those words.
The corners of his mouth curved up slightly into a smile.
Just at that moment...
「The clean-up of the ring has been completed. The second match of the third round will begin in five
minutes.」
The announcement informing about the start of the next match echoed.
Since it would start in five minutes, it was about time for him to go to the waiting room.
Hence, Ikki turned on his heels.
"Then, I'm going."
"Ikki."
Itsuki said from the back of Ikki.
Everything that happened until then.
Towards Ikki, who had treated everything that he had done to him, everything that should not be forgiven, as a quarrel between parent and child...
"You have become a big hearted person."
He praised him frankly.
Hearing those words with his back facing him, Ikki...
"Hehe."
Smiled embarrassingly, and walked out.
And on the way... he finally understood why he could not come to hate Itsuki. He understood the reason.
「You can't do anything, so don't try.」
He probably felt that those words were not Itsuki's real feelings coming from his heart.
Because, wouldn't that be so?
'My name is, Ikki Kurogane...!'
「Just one thing is fine. Become a person who shines brighter than anyone.」
He received the name with such a wish contained within from him…
'In that case, I will show you.'
He would show his father.
Carrying himself, repelling everything, shining brightly in the world he chose with his own will, with his own heart and body!
'Let's go. ─Only three more to reach the top!'
...
「Ah, it's a relief that Contender Kaga is safe. I was wondering what's going to happen for a moment there.」
「It may look shocking, but it's only at the level of one internal organ being damaged, so it's not a big deal. Entering the capsule for an hour will completely heal it.」
「We can really feel the benefits of modern medical technology right now.」
「On top of that, the entire staff line-up this time is excellent. Especially Shinguuji-san's perfect emergency first-aid. As expected of the world's former number three.」
「You can say that only because of the cooperation between modern medical technology and excellent
mage-knights, that we can organize the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival.」
As the announcer Iida and Yaotome were giving their opinions about the earlier match, the buzzer indicating the end of the break rang.
In accordance to that, Iida cleared his throat on the side and...
「Now then, since it's time, we will begin the second match of the third round battle!」
Announced towards the audience.
That information caused the venue to erupt in cheers.
That cheer was even louder than the first match.
That just showed how much attention the second match had garnered.
「Then, let's welcome the two Contenders for the second match who are entering the field!」
At the same time as those words were said, the night lights shone onto the stage, showing the figures of the Contenders.
「Appearing from the green gate, Akatsuki Academy first year! Contender Sara Bloodlily! Even with just the power to manipulate the concept of colors, that colorfulness makes her the Kaleidoscope! However, that is just a tip of her true strength! She can replicate various kinds of weapons and troops. Above all, she is even able to replicate Blazers and their Noble Arts, the balance-breaking and versatile Noble Art Purple Caricature! That is her true strength! Murata-pro had evaluated her to be on par with A-Rank, the so-called dark horse! What kind of battle will she show us in the third round!?」
「Oya? Did Contender Bloodlily have a change of heart?」
Yaotome voiced out her doubt.
And Iida followed up.
「Speaking of which, she is wearing a different outfit from this morning. She is properly wearing clothes. It is a disappointing development for some of the audiences, but it's a great help for the TV station!」
「No, well, there's also that, but... her expression is quite different.」
「Expression, is it?」
「Yes. Until now, whenever Contender Bloodlily stood on the ring, should I say that her attention was dispersed, or that there was no ambition... she wasn't really focused, but... I can feel a strong concentration and motivation from her now.」
As she mentioned it, the audience also felt the same.
Certainly, when Sara was facing off against her opponents up until the second round, her eyes were sleepy.
However, the current Sara was different.
Her eyes were as sharp as those of a predator targeting its prey, staring at the red gate.
「It's exactly as Yaotome-pro said, that's a good expression, Contender Bloodlily! It can be said that after unleashing her true power, there would be no need to act anymore! We are looking forward to her third round battle more and more! And! Now, the knight who will be her opponent in the third round will make his entrance!」
The announcer's voice caused the gazes of the audience to focus on the red gate.
Receiving the gazes from tens of thousands of spectators, the black-haired knight made his appearance.
「Born with the weakest magic power and the strongest sword technique, mowing down many strong opponents from the bottom, finally! This youth has appeared on the stage of the quarter finals for the country's best four! The anomalous F-Rank everyone knows! Hagun Academy first year! Contender Ikki Kurogane!」
「Kyaa! Kurogane-kun! Do your best!」
「Don't lose! Go at it with guts!」
Seeing the figure of Ikki, cheers of support came from the venue.
That were many times more of them compared to the second round.
「Whew! That's some impressive cheering! Thunderous applause came from the audience seats, welcoming Contender Kurogane!」
「Due to the location, there are many spectators from Osaka. The strength of Contender Ikki, who has won against the two powerhouses from Osaka, the former Seven Stars Sword King, Contender Yuudai Moroboshi and Contender Eye of Heaven, Byakuya Jougasaki, is recognized by them more than anyone else. Not to mention...」
「Not to mention?」
「The unbalance from his gentle face and manly strength is well-received by the females. That's to say even I am a fan of his...」
「I-I see! But please be impartial in your explanations?」
「I know that even if you don't tell me.」
Yaotome replied with a slight angry tone, then lifted her glasses, and commented after seeing the expression of Ikki who had just entered.
「But similar to Contender Bloodlily, Contender Ikki also seems to have had a change of heart.」
「Is that so?」
「Yes. Contender Ikki is someone who was branded with F-Rank, a Contender with extremely low magic capacity. I believe that most of us know that his Noble Arts, Ittōu Shura and Ittōu Rasetsu, are limited to once a day usage due to his small amount of magic power. In other words, because he used Ittōu Rasetsu in the battle against Eye of Heaven today, he does not have any trump cards left for this
match. Regardless of being in such a disadvantageous situation, his expression is very relaxed. There's no trace of forcing himself or desperation... As expected of the knight who has climbed up to this stage despite being F-Rank. His physical strength, and of course mental strength as well, are
just at an abnormal level.」
Support from the audience. Praise from the announcers.
Ikki walked straight towards the ring while receiving them, and stood at the starting line.
Before his eyes was Sara, who had already finished her preparations, staring straight at him with an intense gaze.
Ikki struck up a conversation with Sara.
"Before I came here, I had a talk with my father."
He wanted to inform her.
"It may be strange to say that we made up, but I believe that we have a better relationship than before... It's thanks to Sara-san. Thank you very much."
In contrast with Ikki's words of gratitude in a refreshing expression, Sara's expression remained stiff.
"I have said it before. I don't need your gratitude... Rather than that, you must absolutely keep your promise."
That's right. Those words held no value to her.
What was important was to carry out the promise, just that.
Hence, Ikki deeply nodded and replied Sara's words.
"Of course. I won't do something like breaking my own promise."
He could guarantee that. However...
"However... Because of that, I can't lose. I have made a promise to fight against Stella in the final battle. Not to mention, this is a path I have decided to walk even if I have to beat my father down if he had interfered."
He would not be half-hearted. That would not be allowed.
"That's why I will win. I will defeat you and become the Seven Stars Sword King. That's the perseverance of my willfulness!"
After that declaration, Ikki manifested his Device, Intetsu.
Then he pointed the tip of his katana, along with his sharp gaze, even sharper than his weapon, towards Sara.
Sara also returned an intense gaze not losing to his...
"...I also have a promise. I decided selfishly, a selfish promise. But that... the only thread of bond connecting me and my father... I won't back down."
Manifesting her Device, Brush of the Demiurge and palette on her hands, she said.
"I will show you your defeat. Definitely...!"
"That's good. Sara-san and me, whose promise... soul is stronger? Let's compete on that!"
Boiling with fighting spirit, the two of them waited for the signal to start.
The air between them carried a tense feeling as if it was going to burn their skins off.
As the tension was reaching critical point second by second...
「The two are ready at the starting line! Then without further ado, Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival third round second match begin! LET'S GET STARTED…!!!!」
The flame of battle was lit.
The first to move at the same time as the cue was given was Sara Bloodlily.
She was using a speed that even the speed-focused Ikki could not capture clearly to scoop up the paint on her palette.
And then...
"Color of Magic ─ Bright Yellow of Flash…"
She swung her arm and scattered the paint into the air.
In an instant, an explosion of light burst out from the scattered yellow paint.
It instantly encompassed everything in the dome, burning everyone's field of sight pure white.
"...!"
「Kyaa!」
「Uwa, so bright!」
「The moment the match began, Contender Bloodlily's Color of Magic exploded! A strong flash that doesn't allow people to keep their eyes open has burst out! Just like a flash grenade! She just used a technique that will make the announcers cry!」
The announcer covered his eyes as the flash that seemed to cause stinging pain burned his eyes.
On the other hand, Yaotome at the side had been expecting it.
The instant the flash exploded, she immediately changed to sunglasses to avoid the damage to the retinas.
However, their field of sight was only hindered for a few seconds. The color of the scene recovered soon after.
And Iida was...
「Aah, my eyesight has finally returned... wooooah!? T-This is...!」
At the same time as his eyesight returned, he was shocked by the scene he saw.
The audiences probably had the same reaction.
On the ring that finally regained its color, there were hundreds of skeleton soldiers holding assault rifles lined up in formation.
「This is the Necro Battalion of the Purple Caricature that appeared in the second round battle! Contender Bloodlily used it immediately in the third round!」
「It's a technique that has already been seen once before. It probably means that she doesn't have to be reserved anymore.」
"Hou? That's quite a haughty start for someone like her."
Rinna, who was watching the battle from the audience seats, exclaimed emotionally at Sara's initiative filled with fighting spirit.
Because they were relatives, Rinna probably thought that it was rare for her to be so serious in a battle.
"That's unlike her personality or motivation, huh. Did she have a quarrel with Worst One?"
"It seems that they have made a bet. If she wins this match, Ikki will become her model. If she loses, then she would not ask Ikki to be her model again, something like that."
Stella conveyed what she had heard from Ikki, Rinna was dumbfounded for a moment, then giggled.
She had witnessed the scandal caused by Sara at the party.
That's why she was able to comprehend the issue.
"I see. Well, it is unbearable for someone like her to keep bothering him... However."
Rinna took off her eye patch, narrowed her heterochromic eyes and smiled evilly.
"That condition might have been foolish. He lit the flame of motivation in an unmotivated person. Worst One has quite the skillful techniques, but it's all martial arts. It's all physical techniques. That power is just the extension of a single person. And then, how is he going to overcome the organizational power of modern weapons with only his own strength?"
Rinna's words had accurately captured the heart of the situation.
Bringing out an organization against a single person.
Bringing out guns against sword.
Although it was just a simple concept, the disparity between the two was just that difficult to overcome.
Especially against Ikki, a knight who did not possess any area of effect attacks or long distance option, it was very effective.
The first move that Sara made had definitely pinpointed the weakness of the Blazer known as the Worst One.
'A good judgement. As expected, she has observed me quite well.'
A hundred muzzles pointed at him. Seeing that, Ikki on the ring smiled bitterly.
That Necro Battalion was once defeated in the second round.
By Sword Eater, Kuraudo Kurashiki's Ten'i Muhou.
And Ikki could use the exact same technique.
However... it was only that. He could use the same technique, but he could not do the same thing.
The feat of diverting away the storm of lead from a hundred muzzles was due to Kuraudo's special physique.
Ikki could not do it.
'What I can do, and what I cannot do, huh. Sara has properly observed me.'
Ikki felt it deeply. However...
"However... that's only if all of them hit!"
Ikki's lips curled slightly upwards.
The expression he showed was... confidence.
And in the next instant, he took an action that shocked everyone in the venue.
「W-What! Contender Kurogane, instead of evading the hundred muzzles, he actually walked forward!?」
That's right. Not evading, not defending, he just leisurely walked towards the muzzles of the skeleton formation.
Slowly, casually, he was relaxing his body as if he was taking a stroll.
Of course, the army of skeletons would not let such a foolish prey escape.
All of them in the formation pulled the trigger of their assault rifles together.
「Simultaneous fireeee…! The merciless gunshots have rushed towards the defenseless Contender Kurogane!」
The surface of the ring was struck with a storm of lead.
The scrapped off stone blew white dust up.
The dust that raised up devoured Ikki's figure immediately.
「D-Don't tell me, it is decided so easily like that!?」
The anxiety of the announcer was probably shared by all the audiences.
However ─ they all knew immediately.
That worry was unnecessary!
「W-Whaaat!?」
「Unbelievable!?」
Voices of surprise came from the audience seats.
The announcer also witnessed it a moment later.
From within the raised white dust, showing up leisurely without a single injury, the figure of Ikki continuing his advance.
「They are not hitting!? Despite being showered in that number of gunshots, Contender Kurogane did not lose a single drop of blood! W-What kind of magic is this!?」
To the words of the announcer, Yaotome shook her head in denial.
「This is not magic.」
「Could it be, this is the Ten'i Muhou that we have seen from Contender Kurashiki in the second round!?」
Yaotome denied that as well.
「No. That's also wrong. In the first place, Ten'i Muhou is an anti-personnel technique. It cannot divert that amount of gunshots. What Contender Kurashiki had done was relying on his superhuman reflexes, Marginal Counter, which he is blessed with from birth. It's a feat that nobody else can
imitate... Just now, what Contender Ikki has used is a completely different technique. It's not a technique that receives the gunshot and diverts it away, but not letting it hit in the first place. Does Iida-san remember the second match of second round in D-Block?」
「Of course! It's the match between Contender Momiji Asagi and Contender Shizuku Kurogane! Ah.」
Iida raised a voice as he noticed.
「It's Nukiashi!?」
Yaotome nodded.
「Yes. He used normal steps and Nukiashi intermittently just now to disorientate his presence, making the skeletons' aim go haywire. If they target a spot that's different from where he is, of course they won't hit. Even if it is an assault rifle with a low bullet-concentration property, the bullet path will still slightly stray.」
「T-That's how it was! As expected of the body technique of the God of War, Torajirou Nangou!」
「Well, that's obvious, but the most incredible thing is Contender Ikki's sense for body technique and being able to use the Nukiashi, which was originally used against a person, against an army. The only other knights who can use it like this are probably just God of War and Yaksha Princess.」
As Yaotome leaked a voice of admiration ─ a change occurred right after that.
「A-Aah! T-This is! Hearing the explanation just now, the formation of the Necro army has changed!」
Instead of focusing on one spot, the formation switched to firing horizontally together.
「This will make Contender Kurogane's disorientation meaningless!」
A desperate situation.
Before Iida could comment that, Yaotome muttered.
「It's a really foolish judgement.」
The reason for that mutter was understood in the next moment.
In accordance to the Necro Battalion switching from concentrated fire to horizontal fire, Ikki, who was mixing Nukiashi in a casual manner lowered his center of gravity deep down.
And then he leapt from the ground in that posture and dashed towards the formation with a soaring
speed.
The skeletons faced against him with guns in a matter of course ─ but their previous judgement was already mistaken.
Ikki used Nukiashi because the density of bullets was beyond the limit of what his body could handle.
When they switched to a large area horizontal shooting attack, the most important factor, the density, thinned out!
'If it's this level of barrage, my Ten'i Muhou can also divert them away!'
There was no need to misguide them anymore!
「Uproar! Contender Kurogane! He broke through the barrage and cut into the formation from the front!」
Ikki had rushed into the middle of the formation and swung his blade to mow down his sides, shredding the skeleton soldiers to countless pieces of paper.
The Necro Battalion shot back in response, but could not capture Ikki's quick movement at point blank distance.
That's obvious. Regardless of how strong the gun was, it was a point attack.
That advantage would not be useful if it was not used at a long distance.
Once the distance was shrunk, the sword would be stronger and faster!
「I-Incredible...!」
The figure of Ikki cutting down the army of skeleton one after another.
With a single blade, not even using magic, that figure trampling down the modern weapons caused the audience to tremble.
「A person... can actually do something like this without using magic...!」
「C-Cool...」
And it was the same for the mage-knights, feeling touched by Ikki's sword handling.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Thunder of Judgement, Yuuzou Kaieda, while watching the match, talked to Itsuki, who was sitting at the adjacent sofa.
"Goodness gracious, your son is really something. With just his body technique alone, he has reached up to this point, there probably aren't even five people in Japan at his level."
"...Because he's a guy that doesn't have anything else."
The voice of Itsuki's reply did not contain any emotion as usual.
However, Kaieda also understood his position.
He was not expecting a reply in the first place.
He returned his gaze to the venue below soon after.
'But it's really impressive... His movement is just like seeing The Last Samurai in his prime. And he is just a youth in the first year of reaching his adulthood, how fearsome.'
And at the same time, he felt a bit of pity.
...The 「F-Rank」 of Ikki meant he was 「out of evaluation」.
For example, if he had the power at the level of E-Rank, the Blazer would only get a bruise from receiving gunshots.
That was because the magic power would mobilize to project the flesh.
However... F-Rank could not do that.
And half of Mage-Knights' jobs were close-combat types.
In other words, for an F-Rank to become a Mage-Knight was a very dangerous job.
Hence 「out of evaluation」.
It was the same for the Blazers that were obliged to enroll into the mage-knight academies in countries that joined the League.
In other words, the 「F-Rank」 that was the international standard would not be treated as a Blazer in the first place.
It was just that... weak. It was too fragile to survive in the world of mage-knights.
...In a sense, Itsuki stubbornly opposing Ikki's path of knighthood was probably an obvious action for a father.
At the same time, he was also a supervisor troubling over the appearance of a reckless pursuer.
Despite being an F-Rank, he was a match against an A-Rank. That kind of a miracle was not something anyone could display.
Kaieda understood that.
Because he understood ─ he couldn't help but feel pity.
'If only he had the strength of an E-Rank, he could have chased after the summit more easily.'
And on the ring, Ikki had finally cut down the last member of the Necro Battalion.
「Contender Kurogane! He has annihilated the Necro Battalion without leaving a single one! S-Strong! Despite losing his trump card, Ittōu Rasetsu, Contender Bloodlily's Purple Caricature could not do anything to him!」
Another One had overcome Sara's first move without a scratch.
Standing alone on the ring, anyone could cheer for his calm yet ferocious figure.
However... receiving those cheers, Ikki's expression was grim.
「Contender Bloodlily, how will she handle this monster... eh, h-huh!?」
The announcer noticed the reason soon after.
「What is this about!? Contender Bloodlily's figure disappeared from the ring!」
That's right. She disappeared.
The circular ring with a diameter of 100m.
Bloody Da Vinci, Sara Bloodlily was nowhere to be found!
The spectators were confused about that fact.
Did she escape? Out of the field? Then what about the counting, etc.
However...
'No, she's here.'
Ikki noticed.
She would not escape.
That was without a doubt... Sara's Color of Magic.
It was a magic to deceive the eyes of the surrounding people.
Able to cause people to see her like a stone on the roadside, stone gray.
'We were still able to see her at that time, but... this time, I cannot see her at all.'
She probably used that much power in her technique.
It was difficult even for Ikki to capture her figure with his naked eyes. However...
'But if it's just at that degree, you won't escape from me.'
Even if he could no longer see her with his eyes, there was another method.
It was not complete stealth like Hunter.
At best, she could not be perceived by sight only.
In that case ─ he just needed to hear her.
The field was circular. From the bowl-shaped audience seats, the usual cheers roared.
The wave of that sound had a void... a human-shaped void!
"Over thereee!!!!"
The time taken for the search was just a few splits of a second.
Ikki quickly switched from searching by sight to searching by sound, locating Sara's figure, and cutting towards that direction.
The effect of stone gray would be lost once she was locked on.
Sara could not escape anymore. No...
"But it's fine... I bought enough time to draw."
…She did not need to escape anymore.
*Giiiin!!!!*
And the blade of Ikki that swung down at the defenseless Sara was... received and stopped by another blade.
A silhouette appeared between Ikki and Sara, and used the blade it held to protect her.
However, it only defended against the first strike.
Ikki did not think that he could defeat Sara with just one strike.
Since the battle in the second round, he had expected such development.
Sara was at a level that could use Purple Caricature to materialize the image of a Blazer.
However, he did not intend to retreat no matter who his opponent would be.
Attack with his all, overwhelming the other side. If one strike did not work, then he just had to add a second and third strike.
That determination was...
'...Don't tell... me...!?'
Blown away by the reality that had taken shape before his eyes.
What was reflected in Ikki's vision was ─ a pure white without a speck of impurity.
He could not have mistaken it for anyone else.
The image of a faintly glowing body like the sun at dawn, and a pair of pure white swords like a pair of wings was...
"Purple Caricature ─ Twin-Wings, Edelweiss."
The world's strongest swordsman he had once crossed swords with in the past stood before him.
「「「…!!!!」」」
Twin-Wings, Edelweiss.
A woman whose name probably everyone knew, even if they were not knights.
Her appearance caused so much shock that everyone in the venue fell silent.
Amongst the heavy and tangible silence created by tens of thousands of people...
Fake Edelweiss leisurely raised her pair of wing-like swords horizontally, putting up a stance.
"A-ha-a…!?"
In that instant, Stella, who was watching over the match in the audience seats, hugged her body and squealed.
She felt it.
Just by getting into a battle mode, Twin-Wings released a demonic sword pressure that made her very soul resisted looking directly at her.
'S-Scary...!'
That sword pressure was not pointed at her.
What Stella felt was just the side effect.
Even so, her whole body trembled uncontrollably, cold sweat pouring out non-stop.
'Even though she's so far away, it feels like having a sword pointed at my throat!'
She could clearly feel the icy coldness of a blade.
It was that much of a dominating pressure.
Just from seeing her figure, she could tell the absolute difference in ability without even thinking!
'This is the world's strongest swordsman...'
「W-What has happeeened! The world's most infamous criminal, standing on the highest summit of the swords' world, Twin-Wings, Edelweiss! Contender Sara Bloodlily, unbelievable, she has just materialized a super powerhouse!」
「I-I'm shocked... she can even bring something like that out...!」
「S-Serious-ly...!」
「This is... foul play...!」
Stella was not the only one shaken by the materialization of the pure white swordsman on the ring.
The announcer, commentator, everyone in the audience seats, voices of shock trembled everywhere.
It couldn't be helped. The Edelweiss on the ring was a fake born from Sara's ability, but the majestic aura she carried was not any weaker than the real deal.
And that was painfully felt by Ikki, who had actually experienced it, more than anyone!
"…!!!!"
That's why Ikki escaped.
He retreated with everything he had, as far as possible.
He received her sword pressure from close range, causing his heart to be at the verge of bursting, even though he tried to suppress it.
…And then, more than the materialized image of Edelweiss, he was more wary of Sara's strength as an artist to be able to portray the existence of the world's strongest swordsman without a millimeter of an error.
"...I had made a variety of assumptions. Even if Stella or older brother Ouma were to come out, I had resolved myself not to be surprised... But... to draw such a thing, how fearful...! Bloody Da Vinci!"
"This is the only swordsman that you didn't win against. There is no reason not to draw her here... I have spent almost all of my magic power to draw it, the strongest image amongst all the knights I have ever known, to defeat you without a room for doubt!"
Sara declared her victory in a tone mixed with her strong determination. And then ─ In that instant, the figure of Twin-Wings swinging down her blade appeared before Ikki's eyes without any sound.
"!!!!"
「Fas—」
A speed that even the broadcast could not follow.
The pure white blade was swung down with a speed similar to a white thunder.
Edelweiss's actions, from stepping in to attacking, all of it was soundless.
Her movements that were honed to the limit wasted no energy.
All of it was spent only on movement.
Due to that, the atmosphere would not vibrate at all, and sound would not be transmitted.
In addition, with an instant acceleration from 0 to 100%, such exchange between stillness and quickness made the swords of Twin-Wings difficult to be captured using sight.
A high speed and soundless slash that could not be detected by sight and hearing.
If he was a normal person, his life would have been ended without even noticing the slash.
The fake created from Sara's image also had such a trait.
However...
"Zuah!"
Ikki had already experienced that fact with his body.
Hence, he was able to defend against the white thunder-like first strike from the fake Edelweiss.
However, he did not have any room for relief after defending against it.
The instant Twin Wing's left wing was blocked by Intetsu, her right wing had already reached Ikki's nose tip!
"…Fuu!"
However, Ikki had already seen through the thrust from the right.
Although his cheek was grazed, he calmly tilted his head to evade.
He even swung his Intetsu and intercepted fake Edelweiss within his sword range.
In response, she also spread her two swords ─ and delivered her attack!
"UoOOOOaAAAAA…!!!!!!"
The sword flash of pure white and darkness intersected.
They collided, and sparks immediately scattered as the gales of steel clashed.
That's right. Ikki clashed with her.
He had to rely on Ittōu Shura in the past, but he could finally keep up with Twin-Wings's swords!
...That was because of the performance of the fake was lower after all.
Wrong.
Ikki could tell as he clashed swords with her.
At least, fake Edelweiss could not be weaker than the time he fought against her at Akatsuki Academy in the past.
The clarity of her swords, power, presence, they were all the same.
Even so, to be able to match up without Ittōu Shura...
'That's just how much stronger I have become!'
He had obtained Edelweiss's sword technique from Blade Steal.
And the brain signals for battle that he switched in order to execute it.
He obtained a large amount of experience from that one fight.