Abnormal Type-Moon

"Proposing a two-on-two simulation battle was indeed a brilliant idea. And with the wager you suggested, I'm surprised Toudou Kouichirou actually accepted it."

Julis could only marvel at how formidable Claudia was—that woman's scheming truly ran deep. Then another thought occurred to Julis, and she quickly pressed for details.

"Who are the opponents?"

"One is definitely Toudou Kirin. The other is unknown—probably won't be revealed until the simulation battle tomorrow."

Roy glanced again at the email from Claudia. It didn't specify the opponents, only expressing her anticipation for his victory. She really trusted him, huh?

"But since the condition restricts it to Seidoukan students, it can't be Claudia. As for the remaining third or fourth-ranked fighters, you should be able to handle them, right?"

"Don't underestimate me. Among Seidoukan's top twelve, excluding 'Shippuu Jinrai' Toudou Kirin and 'Parca Morta' Claudia—who I can't beat no matter what—only the fourth-ranked 'Ice Shard Magician' is a bad matchup for me, and the seventh-ranked 'Kannari' is a bit troublesome. But no matter who I face, I won't lose!"

Julis puffed up with pride, clearly displeased with Roy's "handle them" remark.

So the princess could make such an expression too.

It was a nice change.

Roy nodded with a smile.

"Then I'll count on you."

"As your teammate, it's my responsibility!"

Seeing Julis brimming with fighting spirit, Roy couldn't help but stroke his chin.

Enthusiasm was good, of course.

But he couldn't shake the feeling that Julis might have misunderstood something...

***

The next afternoon, Seidoukan's First Comprehensive Arena.

"Wow, there are so many people!"

Roy stood in the passageway leading to the central stage, gazing at the packed stands in amazement.

It was true that each academy in Asterisk had a large student body, but normally, there were only around ten thousand students. For this arena to be so crowded meant nearly every Seidoukan student had shown up.

Under normal circumstances, visitors from outside and students from other academies weren't allowed to mingle, so the audience had to be Seidoukan students.

Of course, spies from other academies were undoubtedly present—there was no way to prevent that—so the results of this simulation battle would inevitably spread and be seen by students from other schools.

"Well, the opponents for this simulation battle are quite eye-catching!"

Julis stepped up beside him, radiating battle-ready energy. She glanced at Roy with a teasing smile.

"What, are you nervous?"

"It's definitely a new experience."

Roy chuckled. Standing at the center of a stage with over ten thousand spectators was indeed novel, but the thought that he would eventually step onto even grander stages quickly eased his nerves.

"Let's go!"

Roy strode confidently toward the stage.

The First Comprehensive Arena was the largest of Seidoukan's three arenas, with a central stage over a hundred meters in diameter. Surrounding it were omnidirectional, seamless defensive barriers far surpassing the output of Lux weapons, effectively preventing any combat from affecting the spectators.

"Good afternoon, everyone! Oh my, I never expected to witness a simulated battle of this caliber before the Phoenix Festa. As the head of the News Department, I'm honored to be the commentator for this match. Feel free to join the News Department! And beside me today is none other than the legendary student council president, Miss Claudia Enfield! Having the busy leader of the Student Council grace us with her presence truly brings glory to this occasion!"

"Hehe, you flatter me. I simply came to commentate because there are individuals among the participants whom I find particularly interesting."

"Is that so? Regardless, thank you for joining us, Student Council President. I'm sure your commentary will be brilliant! Now, we can see both teams entering the arena. Oh my, what an impressive lineup!"

The large screen above the arena displayed the images and identities of the four participants.

At the sight of such a stellar lineup, the audience erupted in thunderous cheers.

From the left entrance emerged a white-haired young man with a gentle demeanor and a girl with pink-colored hair and an imposing presence.

"On the left, we have the combination of a special admission student and the princess! Ranked fifth among Asterisk's Page One, Princess Julis, also known as the Witch of the Resplendent Flames, is famous for her dazzling and diverse techniques—a true powerhouse. As for the other special admission student, though newly enrolled, past precedents suggest he'll be a formidable fighter worthy!"

"Hehe, everyone can look forward to the special admission student delivering an outstanding performance!"

On the commentary platform, Claudia covered her lips with a composed smile.

Meanwhile, standing at the highest point of the spectator seats, Toudou Kouichirou's face was as cold as ice, his vantage point allowing him to take in the entire scene.

Upon hearing Claudia's voice over the broadcast, his expression darkened, his eyelids twitching violently for a moment.

"Just wait. I'll win this simulated battle. Enjoy your gloating while you can!"

Toudou Kouichirou lowered his head, a beastly, chilling laugh escaping his throat.

In the arena.

From the right entrance appeared a silver-haired girl with a real sword at her waist and a black-haired girl with an indifferent expression.

"Oh my! The lineup from the right is no less impressive—if not more so! Ranked first, Toudou Kirin, the Shippuu Jinrai, is arguably Asterisk's strongest swordsman, unmatched in close combat. Her prowess speaks for itself! The other is Rank Seven, Tonno Mozuhi, alias 'Kannari,' who wields the purest form of Lux—the Longsharks. Among all long-range specialists at Asterisk, she is undoubtedly No. 1! The strongest close combatant and the strongest long-range fighter—this might just be Asterisk's ultimate duo!!"

"Hehe."

"Ah, no, what I meant was, Miss Claudia's strength might not necessarily be inferior to Toudou Kirin's..."

"No need to worry. It's a fact that Toudou Kirin's swordsmanship far surpasses mine."

Under the pressure of Claudia's smiling gaze, the News Department head on the commentary platform was already drenched in sweat.

In the arena.

"Tonno Mozuhi... So, you're the ally Toudou Kouichirou enlisted?"

Julis gazed at the black-haired girl standing across from her, her expression growing increasingly grave.

Her fighting spirit, once brimming with confidence, now wavered as tension coiled through her body. A closer look revealed fine beads of sweat forming on Julis's forehead.

"There's nothing strange about it. Mr. Toudou Kouichirou made me an offer I couldn't refuse—that's all there is to it."

Tonno Mozuhi offered a faint smile, offering what could barely be called an explanation.

"Besides, I've always been interested in the fifth-ranked seat of the academy. This mock battle should give me a clear measure of your strength, Julis. Your days as the unchallenged fifth-ranked are numbered."

"Hmph. Everyone knows your methods."

Julis responded to Tonno Mozuhi's provocation with a cold laugh, refusing to engage further.

***

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