Abnormal Type-Moon

"Be careful. Tonno Mozuhi is extremely powerful. Her Longshanks is terrifying—it can easily blanket the entire battlefield with omnidirectional attacks. However, her close-combat abilities are practically nonexistent, and the Longshanks has significant drawbacks that prevent her from fighting for extended periods... I probably won't be able to intercept all of her attacks, so watch out for her ambushes. Sorry."

Julis lowered her voice as she warned Roy.

Her tone was thick with frustration.

Originally, the two-on-two battle format was meant to train teamwork between partners. But since they had only formed their team a day ago, they hadn't had the time to practice. So, they decided to split their opponents—Roy would face Toudou Kirin, while Julis would handle the other.

Yet, even for Julis, facing Tonno Mozuhi was an immense challenge. There was no way she could block all of Tonno Mozuhi's attacks. The title of the academy's strongest long-range fighter wasn't just for show.

They had agreed to each take on one opponent, but now she couldn't hold her own against hers. Julis felt like she was dragging Roy down, and her strong sense of pride made the situation even more unbearable.

Roy nodded silently in response.

"Huh? Should this really be announced here? Well... alright! Before the match begins, we have an additional announcement for everyone!"

The commentator on the broadcast platform gasped in surprise, as if Claudia had slipped her something.

"Everyone, it seems the two sides in this simulated battle have also agreed on a wager! Representing the Roy & Julis team is Roy himself, while for the Toudou Kirin & Tonno Mozuhi team, the representative is Mr. Toudou Kouichirou. The losing side's representative must immediately leave Asterisk and will be permanently barred from approaching the city again... Whoever proposed this wager—I can't help but shudder at their ruthlessness!"

The audience erupted in uproar.

Everyone who came to Asterisk carried dreams and hopes, aspiring to make a name for themselves here. To stake a lifetime ban as a wager was downright cruel.

Not just cruel to their opponents—but to themselves as well!

Above the spectator stands, Toudou Kouichirou's expression darkened further.

That damn girl—she actually announced this publicly!

Originally, if he lost, he could have swallowed his pride, offered compensation, and swept the matter under the rug. He could have stayed in Asterisk afterwards.

But Claudia's move shattered that possibility.

Now the entire Seidoukan Academy knew that if he lost, he'd have to leave Asterisk. If Kirin really lost, and he shamelessly stayed anyway, wouldn't he become a laughingstock among all the students?

Fine! You're so sure that arrogant brat will win, huh?

But with the strongest close-combat fighter and the strongest long-range fighter teaming up, let's see how you plan to stop them!

When you lose, even if you beg on your knees, I won't let you off!

"—Begin the match!"

At the long-awaited signal, the words "MATCH START" unfurled overhead, and the atmosphere on the battlefield instantly grew tense.

"Bloom, Primrose!"

The match began with Julis taking the initiative. Nine small fireballs emerged from various directions in front of her, flying toward Tonno Mozuhi under her control.

The output of a Rect Lux was far superior to that of a witch or magician. In a direct clash, witches would likely be no match for Rect Luxes.

However, Rect Luxes had one weakness compared to witches—they required sufficient prana to be channeled before executing techniques. This channeling process inherently consumed a critical fraction of startup time, whereas witches could prepare their techniques in an instant. Seizing this opportunity could create an early advantage!

"You think I came unprepared?"

Tonno Mozuhi smirked, her face revealing a confident smile.

Her height suddenly increased slightly. Upon closer inspection, the pure white boots she wore had unfolded, revealing four wheels at the bottom, transforming into roller skates.

The boosters on the shoes erupted with blue flames, propelling her away from Julis in an instant as she swiftly retreated toward the edge of the arena.

At the same time, she raised the black magic bow in her hand toward the sky.

"Take this—Hundredfold Arrows!"

In an instant, a golden arrow shot into the sky before abruptly splitting into a full three hundred arrows, raining down upon the opposite side of the arena like a storm!

Three hundred arrows—each capable of piercing steel—descended like torrential rain. Even a Genestellar would be rendered unable to fight after taking such an attack.

"Bloom, Strelitzia!"

But Julis had long been prepared. The moment Tonno Mozuhi retreated, she had already unfurled her wings of flame. Instead of dodging sideways, she charged straight forward!

"You're rushing toward me?"

Tonno Mozuhi was startled and immediately began skating rapidly across the arena.

Her control over the roller skates was exceptionally smooth, and the boosters on her shoes acted like wings, making her movements as slippery as an eel—nearly impossible to catch.

Meanwhile—

Toudou Kirin drew her beloved blade, Hiinamaru, while Roy pulled out a sword-type Lux. By channeling prana into it, he activated the weapon, transforming it into a luminous blade.

Yet, the two of them stood motionless in a strangely tense standoff.

"How strange... A special admission student assigned to face the number one of Seidoukan Academy, Kirin? Shouldn't the stronger Julis be the one to fight the Kirin?"

"Heh, perhaps your judgment is mistaken. If they arranged it this way, there's only one explanation—Roy is stronger than Julis, isn't he?"

"I see. So, as a special admission student, Roy's strength is top-tier. But Julis and Tonno Mozuhi are already locked in battle—why haven't these two started yet?"

"They seem to be talking..."

Claudia muttered under her breath, her tone inexplicably melancholic.

'So impressive, Roy.'

Only a few days since enrollment, and he's already getting along so well with the princess and the busty underclassman...

'Even though I was here first...'

On the field—

"Did you agree to this mock battle because of your uncle's orders... or...?"

Roy held his luminous blade, his gaze devoid of hostility as he looked at Toudou Kirin with the same gentle eyes.

"No—it's because I wanted to!"

Toudou Kirin, gripping her sword, exuded an intense sword aura. The usual timid demeanor had completely vanished as she gave her resolute answer.

"That's good to hear."

Roy nodded approvingly.

To be honest, he wasn't the type to meddle in others' affairs.

No—to be precise, he disliked interfering in matters concerning people unrelated to him.

There was a subtle yet crucial difference between the two.

Because once Roy chose to intervene, it meant that in his eyes, Toudou Kirin was no longer an unrelated person.

After all, Kirin had taught him swordsmanship—a debt he couldn't ignore.

Now, he intended to teach her something in return: what it meant to have one's own convictions.

It wasn't about right or wrong—just his own willful decision.

"Kirin, I won't hold back. Are you ready?"

Roy's gaze sharpened as the warmth in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a piercing intensity.

"Nothing would please me more!"

Kirin's expression turned solemn.

The moment she answered, every hair on her body stood on end.

She suddenly realized one thing:

—The monster had been unleashed.

***

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🔹