Novel B.D.R. -Blade Duel Rondo- (temp.) (Semi-hold)

Chapter 5: Blod Eld Daud: Fire Meets Ice, Part 1
Part 1

Spoiler

Another Saturday morning, another chance for the island’s inhabitants to relax. In spite of that, though…

“…alright, calm down. I can’t help it if don’t have cool clothes…”

Sigulf is watching himself in front of the mirror, being kind of restless. Having won the inter-school match and enjoying the short after party, he is going to have a date with Celina today as promised.

‘…well, she probably doesn’t think much of this, so I shouldn’t be overly conscious either. A deal is a deal, after all…’

Sighing, he took one last look at the mirror before heading out.

———

However, Sigulf didn’t notice Chelsea who was waiting for him discreetly.

“…there he is.”

She immediately tailed him as soon as he stepped outside the dorm.

———

Meeting in the park was something Sigulf and Celina agreed with, as they were hoping not to draw unnecessary attention. And luckily for him, there were not much people around at this time.

‘Well, everyone’s too busy thinking for their own day off, anyway…’

Still, seeing a glimpse of her from afar made him nervous.

‘…Fenrir damn it, enough and let’s just do this already!’

Gathering his courage, Sigulf approached her and greeted, “Yo.”

“Oh, hey there!”

“I hope I didn’t make you wait?”

“Not at all, don’t worry.”

Sigulf checked his clock, and indeed, it’s still few minutes to their meet-up time.

‘But knowing her, there’s also the chance that she arrived even earlier…’

Sigulf returned his attention and admired her looks for a moment.

‘Ah, the noble girl in her casual clothes… How refreshing…!’

“Sigulf?”

“Ah, sorry. Shall we go already?”

“Sure. I’m looking forward to your guidance.” Celina giggled.

The two departed for their destination, still not aware with Chelsea following them.

“…what’s with him, being so happy like that?”

“…what are you doing?”

“Eep…!”

“Waaah!?”

Chelsea’s surprise ended up surprising the other party as well, who initially was curious on what she is doing.

“…oh, so it was you, Alba.” Chelsea sighed. “Please don’t surprise me like that.”

“Wha— It was your reaction that’s overblown!” Alba quickly snapped back. “…again, what are you doing here anyway?”

“Ehh… Well, about that…”

———

At that time, the game center hasn’t been crowded yet, so Sigulf and Celina entered without hesitation.

“Hee, I see they got lots of interesting stuffs… Photo booths and…” Celina commented. “Oh, UFO catcher? Those plush sure are cute…”

‘Well, you’re cute too when you admire them like that…’ Sigulf thought, getting a bit red.

“You want to try them?”

“Hmm… Let’s save it for later. First, let’s try what would you play here.”

“We’re going with that?” he chuckled. “Well okay, then.”

Heading a bit deeper, they still don’t realize Chelsea, and now with Alba, spying on them.

“…what, so they are on a date.” Alba sighed.

“Aren’t you worried?”

“Why should I? She’s probably doing it as some kind of reward.”

“Well…”

‘She’s not wrong…’

“…so, can I go home now?”

“If you really want to… But don’t you find it strange that she even agreed in the first place? Did he use some kind of magic?”

“M, magic?”

“You know, like… Ancient Nordic charm magic? …hm?” Chelsea suddenly stopped to think. “Magical, charming pretty boy from the North… Oh my, he certainly is…!”

“Isn’t it just you!?”

“Shh! Not so loud! Besides, you know you do think he’s quite the looker.”

“Eeh!? W, well…” Alba stammered out of embarrassment. “I can’t deny that…”

“I know, right? So, you’re coming with me!”

“…wait, that doesn’t make sense at all.”

———

Sigulf and Celina arrived at their destination not long after; the fighting game area.

“I see these are the kind you would play.” She looked with a bit of wonder in her eyes. “Which one is your favorite?”

“Umm, this one.”

Sigulf pointed to a cabinet of a certain Japanese-made game.

‘Well, I’m not well versed on Japanese pop-culture, but…’

“I like the art style.” Celina commented.

‘Yup, same here.’

“OK, so how do you play this?”

“Well, first, you either need a dedicated arcade card, or exchange your money for some coins…”

“Mm-hm.”

“And… The lever’s here for movement… These buttons are for attacking…”

“Weak, medium, strong… Okay.”

“And then, uh… I guess it’s easier to actually try it.”

“I guess so.” she chuckled. “Would you please give me some demonstration?”

“Eh? You don’t want to try?”

“I’ll observe first.” she answered while taking out her wallet. “So—“

“A, ah, it’s alright. I can manage.” Sigulf hurriedly responded.

“Oh, if you say so…”

Sigulf quickly returned with few coins and began playing.

“I’ll let you know that I’m not too good at this.”

“Hmm? Why not?”

“I’m more used to the console’s pads.”

“Aah, I see. The one for home use. Now that you mentioned it, it would feel different…” Celina realized. “So you have one of them back home?”

“Umm, actually no. I only tried it few times at someone’s house.”

“Hmm…”

Celina wondered why he didn’t use the word ‘friend’, but for now, she chose to watch Sigulf’s game.

“A woman? Your pick is quite surprising.”

“…I like her design.”

“Ufufu, I see. She’s attractive indeed.”

Sigulf somehow felt embarrassed on her pointing the fact out. Doubly so when he realized his character resembled Celina.

‘Flowing blonde hair, blue eyes… Oh Gerdr, I do have a type…’

Even so, Sigulf pressed on and won the match.

“Hmm, the opponent felt a bit weak… Is it because it’s still the early stage?”

“That, and I’m sure the staff deliberately set it to easy. The main draw is player versus player, after all.”

“Hmm… Alright, it’s decided! Wait here.”

“Eh?”

Celina left for a short while and got herself a small amount of coins as well.

“Player versus player, right?” she smiled. “So, do I sit over there?”

“Ah, right. Same cabinet, the seat across.”

“Got it!”

Celina sat down, and few seconds later, the “Here comes a new challenger!” announcement could be heard.

“Hmm, let’s see… I think I’ll go with her.”

“Eh, a mirror match?”

“Ufufu, I only studied the way you play after all.”

“Well, okay. But I won’t hold anything back!”

“Ooh, very nice! Bring it on, then!”

‘It’s not like I’m a master on this, but still…’ Sigulf thought.

And predictably, he easily won the first round.

‘Alright, let’s keep this up.’

“Hmm, so that’s how you play. I understand now.” Celina muttered.

‘Eh?’

However, as soon as the second round started…

‘Wait, are you kidding me?’

She scored an upset win. And by the final round, Celina won cleanly.

“Alright! Victory is mine!”

‘Scary! Did she just learned all that in a short time!?’

“…ah! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to—“

“Eh, no, it’s alright. I was actually really impressed…”

‘As expected from a genius…’

“But that means you can’t fight again unless you insert another coin, right?”

“Well, yeah. But you still have the whole arcade mode.”

“…isn’t it a bit boring? I’d rather have another match with you.”

“You won it, you bought it.” Sigulf joked.

“Oh, don’t be so miserly!”

Despite all that, though, Celina end up laughing heartily. At that very moment, Sigulf was deeply captivated by her voice.

‘Ah, it can’t be helped if I wanted this as a real date…’

“…well, it can’t be helped. Just one match, okay? And then clear the arcade mode.”

“Understood!” she giggled.

Meanwhile, on another game’s separate area…

“They… Sure are having fun…” Alba pointed out.

“I never saw her like that before… Or him.” Chelsea grumbled.

———

A single match and a whole arcade mode later, both of them decided to move on to another game.

“That was fun.” Celina said. “Maybe I should buy one later.”

“You are not talking about the cabinet, are you?”

“Ufufu, of course not. Alright, what should we try next?”

“Well, people usually play racing games or shooter…”

“Then let’s try the first one. Car racing to be exact.”

“Oh? Okay, let’s go with that.”

They took a slow walk through, observing which one to play judging from their demonstration screen, before finally making up their choice.

“Let’s play this one. Street racing seems fun, and they claimed to have lots of selection.”

“Sure! Okay, let’s see…” She muttered, mulling about which car to drive. “Ah, they have this one! It’s the same model as ours.”

“Whoa, really? A muscle… Sedan? Kind of unexpected.”

“Hahaha… Well, my mother actually wanted either an Aston or Lotus, but… Well, their better looking models aren’t reserved for saloons. And supercars aren’t really built for more than 2 passengers.”

Sigulf paused to comprehend her statement.

“…wait, your mother? I thought—“

“Oh my, did I say too much?” Celina laughed. “But yes, even I was surprised too. I guess my father’s interests rubbed to her.”

“Ah, I see…”

‘Kind of makes sense. And sort of cool.’

———

This time, due to randomly selected ever-changing track, Celina cannot keep up, ending in a 2-1 victory for Sigulf.

“Aww, just when I thought I could take over…”

“Haha, better luck next time.”

‘For real, though, it was rather close, actually…’

“Oh, quite the nerve to anger the Student Council President.” She suddenly said.

“Umm, what?”

“I am mad at your words. And I won’t talk unless you made up for it.”

“…n, no, you’re not.” Sigulf retorted, stifling his laughter.

‘Why is she faking being upset? It looks kind of cute, though…’

Celina glanced at him and finally gave up.

“Well, you’re right. How can I when I’m having fun?”

“Well, glad that you are…”

“But I still need some kind of compensation.”

Sigulf blinked, and tilted his head a bit.

“Is there something you wanted?”

Now’s her turn to went temporarily silent.

“…promise not to laugh.”

“Let me guess. Is it the UFO catcher?”

Celina vigorously nodded.

‘C, cute…’

“You should’ve said that earlier… Well, come on, let’s go.”

“…alright. And thanks for not laughing.”

“You’re welcome. But I might laugh if you keep being tense like that.”

“Oh, you!”

The two laughed it off while heading to their next destination, still oblivious with Chelsea and Alba’s presence.

“They don’t even notice?” Alba asked.

“That’s why it’s strange!” Chelsa responded. “Is it because the pink, nice atmosphere surrounding them?”

“Pink what?”

———

Sigulf and Celina approached the machine and studied how it works from the instructions.

“So, 1 coin per play, but if you entered 5, you got 1 bonus chance.” Sigulf noted.

“We will still have enough for the photo booth, then.”

“Oh, right. We shouldn’t forget that.”

A small notice sticker on the mirror caught Sigulf’s attention.

‘Not rigged’ was all it says.

‘…so these machines are usually rigged? …never mind that, the notice only made it suspicious!’

He dismissed it either way and inserted 5 coins.

“Wanna give a try?”

“Oh, may I? Sure.”

Sigulf stepped away and gave Celina the controls.

“Waa, that hedgehog plush looks adorable! Alright, let’s get that one!”

‘By Gerdr, so are you, getting heated up on an UFO catcher. …but well, hedgehogs are cute.’

Unfortunately, the claw missed its mark and returned empty-handed.

“Oh, seriously?” she laughed wryly.

“Can I try? It’s that one, right?”

“Yeah. Do your best…!”

“Alright, let’s see…”

Sigulf tried to concentrate… And spontaneously, he tapped into his instincts.

“…!”

Like a hunting wolf, he moved the claw with precision, and snatched the hedgehog plush.

“Wow! How did you do that?” Celina said in amazement while receiving her plush. “Thank you!”

“Oh, um, no problem.”

‘…did I just— It wasn’t even a duel…’

“I feel healed~ Why are hedgehogs so cute~?”

‘…well, she’s happy, so it’s fine.’

Sigulf can’t help but to crack a smile at the sight. And upon finally realizing it, Celina haphazardly tried to regain her cool.

“…I suppose there wasn’t any problem with me admiring Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle?”

“No, not at all…”

‘She gave it a name already…’

She cleared her throat before talking again, “So, we still can play 4 more times. Anything you want?”

“Eh? Me?” he slightly widened his eyes. “A plush… I don’t know about that…”

“Why not? Don’t you have one when you were younger?”

“Ugh… Well, yeah, I did… But that was years ago! Don’t you think I’m too old for this?”

“Isn’t it fine?” Celina laughed. “No need to be shy! So, which one is it? I’ll get it for you.”

‘…by Loki, she’s persistent when it comes to this.’

“Uuugh… …well, if you insist, then could you please get the blue whale one?”

“Oh, that round one, right? Leave it to me. Ah, here, please hold her for a moment.” She said handing her hedgehog plush.

This time, Celina moved the claw much better.

“Ufufu… A young Sigulf carrying a whale plush around… Must be really adorable!”

‘Gah, this is both nice and embarrassing…!’

She finally managed to grab the plush before giving it to Sigulf.

“Here you are!”

“Umm, thank you…”

“My pleasure!”

Sigulf stared at his plush’s beady small eyes.

‘…there’s no way I can throw this away.’

“Should we grab anything else?”

“Eh? You still want to go?”

“Hmm… I wanted to give Chelsea and Alba a present too.”

“Aah, I see…”

‘Well, as expected…’

“What do you think we should give them?”

“Hmm, unicorn for Alba; that’s easy enough. As for Chelsea… A fox? Maybe?”

“Is that how you see her?” Celina giggled.

“Eh, well…”

Not far from them, hiding behind the other machine…

“Oh, quite the cheeky one, that Sigulf.” Chelsea smiled albeit not out of happiness.

“Well, when you spy on them like this…” Alba pointed out.

“Shush, you’re an accomplice too.”

 

Part 2

Spoiler

After successfully getting the last 2 plush and asking for a large bag from a nearby staff, Sigulf and Celina made their way to their final point-of-interest of the game center.

“So, here it is, the photo booth.”

“Quite the fancy one, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. Anyways, let’s give it a try.”

Entering the booth together, they are unaware with Chelsea not far behind, who is now barely able to hold herself back.

“That Celina…! Too oblivious! I have to—“

“Wait…!” Alba pulled her. “We’ll get found out!”

“But I have to…!”

“Wouldn’t it make things worse!? What are we supposed to say!?”

“B, but…!”

“C, calm down…! It’s him. He won’t pull something stupid.”

‘Hopefully…’ she thought.

“…you trust him, too?”

“W, well… I’ve trained and fought with him longer than you, remember?”

“That actually makes me a bit sad…” Chelsea slumped her shoulders.

“…what?”

“Well in any case…” she sighed. “I’m still not convinced, but… Let’s just hide in the other booth for now…”

———

Inside, Sigulf and Celina were preoccupied with the booth’s panel.

“I think this setting is good enough.”

“Mm-hm. Then… Ah, Sigulf, you need to smile.”

“L, like this?”

“That looks ridiculously rigid.” Celina giggled.

“Err, how do I—“

“Relax.”

“Ah… Right.”

Her soft pat on his back was more than enough to comfort him.

‘No need to be so stiff. Just enjoy this moment.’

After getting their photo taken multiple times, Celina is happily doing the finishing touch.

“Hmm… Fufu, this looks good.”

“…why are you doodling dog ears on my picture?”

“Eh? Doesn’t it fit you? Fenrir and all…” she explained. “Want to give a try?”

“I guess I’ll pass…”

‘I’m not confident in my artistic skills, anyway…’

“Well, if you say so. So it’s okay with the wolf ears?”

“Err, I think…?”

Celina chuckled again.

“Okay, let’s see… Which frame should we use before we print these…”

However, their faces went slightly red upon looking at the available ones.

“D, don’t you think they look a little too romantic?”

“Try to look at the other pages…!”

“R, right…! Do they have something like Siblings-in-Arms!?’

‘…pretty sure they won’t.’

———

Finally settled on a rather non-descript blue frame, Sigulf and Celina stepped with an awkward silence.

“…Sigulf.”

“…yes?”

“That was more of a… Couple’s activity, wasn’t it?”

“Y, yeah, I guess so…”

“My bad… I didn’t mean to—“

“Eh? Why are you apologizing?”

“You are supposed to have fun today, not to get embarrassed.” She shook her head. “Reward, remember?”

“Ah, that… Well, you don’t have to worry too much about that…”

‘If I knew, I would’ve advised against it in the first place…’

“Anyways, we can’t stay like this all day.” Sigulf continued. “How about we grab lunch to shift gears?”

“Already hungry, aren’t you?”

“…actually, yeah.” He smiled sheepishly.

“Oh, it can’t be helped.” Celina giggled. “Italian?”

“Italian.”

“It’s decided, then. Let’s go.”

Emerging slowly from another booth not long after, Chelsea and Alba carefully peeked at them.

“…now what?” Alba asked.

“We have no choice but to follow them…!”

“The meal’s on you, right?”

Chelsea quickly glared towards the grinning Alba.

———

Inside the restaurant, Sigulf and Celina are enjoying their carbonara pasta. However, he looked a tiny bit wary for some reason.

“What’s the matter?”

“…no, it’s nothing.”

‘Felt like I saw someone familiar… Or maybe I was just imagining things…’

His initial suspicion was actually right, as Chelsea and Alba have tailed them inside, sitting together on the other side of the room.

“He almost found us there…” Alba whispered.

“Good thing he didn't.” Chelsea exhaled in relief. “Now, let’s wait and see…”

Back to Sigulf and Celina’s table, she put down her fork and paused eating.

“Say, Sigulf. Didn’t you say that you wanted to talk more with me?”

“Oh, right…”

“You’ve been awfully quiet.” Celina smiled. “So, what is it?”

“Well…”

‘Lots. Lots of things I wanted to ask, but of course I can’t.’ Sigulf thought. ‘So, let’s go with—‘

“What got you into dueling in the first place?” he asked. “I mean, I know your family is famous for that, but…”

“Ah, so we’re going with that.” She chuckled. “I don’t mind telling, but I don’t know whether you would find it interesting or not…”

“By all means, please.”

“Alright. Well, to be honest, I don’t think there was much pressure from my parents. They said that as long I’m being responsible and serious, then I’m free to choose my path.”

“Hee, I thought it was more like an obligatory, generational thing.”

“It was not. But then again, they did bring me over whenever they have a match.” Celina laughed.

“Well, I guess it’s the normal thing to do.” Sigulf commented. “So that’s what convinced you?”

“I believe so.”

He could see how her eyes began to sparkle, filled with excitement.

“I still remember that one time…” she continued. “How my mother stood proudly in the arena, basking in her glory, looking both so beautiful and majestic… At that time and even now, I think that I want to be like her…! To be the mighty warrior like she is!”

Still with high tension, Celina turned to Sigulf and surprised him.

“Don’t you get the feeling!? Knowing it would be an arduous path, yet we still entranced by it and carried on!?”

It took a second or so for her to return to reality. She went red and backed off from Sigulf while covering her face.

“I, I’m sorry…! I got carried away, I—“

“I, it’s fine.” He tried to reassure her. “You were cute—“

“C, cute?”

"…ah!”

‘Shit, I blurt it out!’

“N, no, no, no! I, I mean..! Please forget it…!”

“R, right! L, let’s move on! So, umm…”

Another awkward silence. From her seat, Chelsea was not amused.

‘…damn, this is not working!’ Sigulf thought.

“Sigulf…?”

“Y, yes?”

“How about you? Was it similar to mine?”

“Ah, right… Duel.”

Sigulf took a deep breath, trying to calm down first.

“Well, something like that. Sometimes, I watch duels on the TV with the other villagers. Then the kids would pretend they are pro duelists. Myself included.”

“Aah, I see.”

Celina smiled, but Sigulf could see she struggled not to say something. Probably she thought it was cute. Nevertheless, he continued.

“Then one day, Master appeared in our village. At first, I was tasked to take care of her. Then the others decided it was probably for the best if she becomes my guardian in return, so…”

“Did… Something happened?”

“Yeah… I heard she got into an accident. The one that cut her career short.”

“My goodness…”

“Her surgery was successful, but apparently the doctor said that the fact she still be able to walk is already a miracle itself, so she was advised against anything that would strain her legs.”

“But that means…!”

“Yeah, she is not allowed to fight anymore.”

“I, I see… I… I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s alright.”

On the other side, Chelsea and especially Alba were quietly listening to his story.

“So, what happened after that? Did you start dueling to honor her?”

“Maybe. Frankly, I don’t really remember myself…” Sigulf laughed wryly. “At first, she was obviously too depressed, so nothing much I can do. In the free time, I would watch old duel videos and try to mimic it, hers included. I was just a kid, so I don’t really know why, but I keep doing them every day. And then…”

“She moved?” Celina asked with her hopes high.

“In both meaning.” He chuckled. “I remembered how one day, she suddenly appeared and said my form was awful. And she would train me properly from that day on.”

“Oh…” she looked somewhat relieved. “But, how about her legs?”

“I was worried about that too. But when we finally sparred at her insistence, I found out the hard way. Turns out she doesn’t even have to move to win!”

“Ah, the skill gap was too big after all…”

“Yeah… She doesn’t want to give up on dueling, after all. I’m guessing she came up with the uber-defensive style so she doesn’t have to move too much. Though, she still ends up have to stop earlier than normal…”

“…it won’t heal that easily, it seems.”

“Unfortunately so. Still, thanks to that, I have to find a way to pierce through her perfect 360 defense. Thus, I end up running around a lot.”

“So that’s where your speed came from!” she realized. “Interesting… So, did you score a hit?”

“Err… No. Even today, I still can’t win against her.”

“Too strong, I see…” Celina gave a bitter laugh.

“Seriously, she is. But…”

Sigulf felt really nostalgic at the memories. She could tell it easily from her face.

“All in all, it was good, and life only got better for us from there. If it wasn’t for her, I’m sure I won’t be here now.”

“I can see why you love her deeply.” Celina smiled.

“…she’s my only family, after all.”

Her smile, however, became a slightly sad one upon the realization.

“…I see. I have a feeling from listening to your story… So that’s why your last name is—”

“Yeah, I was an orphan. I don’t even know who my parents were, so of course I can’t have the proper surname like the others. ‘Hrimgard’ was something she made up.”

“How about your friends? You… Were not bullied, were you?”

“Eh? What makes you think that?”

Celina blinked.

“O, oh, my apologies for assuming… I thought—”

“It’s okay… But… ‘Friends’, huh? I certainly couldn’t call them that.”

“Why is that?”

“Just wasn’t that close with the other kids. I don’t hate them; I don’t think they hate me. But then again, when we play together, I only followed them because I have nothing better to do.”

“And that’s why you didn’t say ‘friend’ when we talked about fighting games.”

“…ah. Yeah, I guess that’s why…”

“But… It’s different now, right?”

Sigulf quickly understood what she getting at, and he smiled with confidence.

“Yeah…! I know I have those whom I could call ‘friends’ now!”

“Ufufu, that’s good to hear.”

Contrasting the two’s pleasant atmosphere, Chelsea and Alba were leaving their table discreetly.

“Come on, let’s go.”

“Eh? Oh, yeah…”

Even though in a hurry, Alba too knows what Sigulf meant.

‘Just a ‘friend’, huh…’

 

Part 3

Spoiler

Having satisfied with their dine-in, Sigulf and Celina left the restaurant happily.

“Thanks for today.”

“Please don’t mention it. It was part of the promise, after all.” Celina lightly shook her head. “Besides… I actually had my share of fun too.”

“Ah, I see. That’s good to hear.”

Sigulf noticed some other students watched them walking together, but he tried his hardest not to pay attention.

“Say, Sigulf…”

“Hm?”

“If you need some help, then please don’t hesitate to ask me. I’ll try my best to support you.”

“Eh?” Sigulf stopped walking. “Is this… Related to what I have told you?”

“To be frank, yes. …or is it an unnecessary nuisance? In that case, I—“

“No, no, no, please don’t be.” He quickly interrupted. “I’m happy with your concern, but for now, I believe I can manage.”

“Hmm… Well, if you say so. But still, don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”

“Understood!”

‘I’m glad she cares, but I can’t rely on her for everything.’

“By the way,” Sigulf continued. “How about tomorrow? Do we still have practice?”

“Oh? Itching for some practice already?”

“Yeah… Is it okay?”

“It depends. How do you feel?”

“Umm, I feel refreshed actually…”

“Ah, very nice. I guess we’re good to go tomorrow.” She smiled. “I won’t hold back, so don’t overexert yourself today.”

“Yes, thank you, Ma’am!” Sigulf playfully saluted. “I’m in your care!”

“That’s the spirit!”

“…ah, one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“What should I do with this?”

“Isn’t that Alba’s plushie? What about it?”

‘…shit, after all that talk about doing things myself, yet I’m too embarrassed to hand this over!’

“Hmm? Oh, I think I get it…”

‘Geh!’

“Well, I actually don’t mind, but…” Celina put her finger on her own lips. “Don’t you think it would be better if you give it yourself? You know, teammates and all?”

“I… Suppose so.”

“Right? Don’t worry, I’m sure she will be happy to receive it!” Celina smiled.

“T, thank you…”

‘Why don’t I feel much happier despite her encouragements? Tohohoh…’

———

Meanwhile, Alba was working out in her own room.

“168… 169… 170…”

Hard as she might tried, her conversation with Chelsea upon escaping the restaurant keeps coming back to her.

———

“Are you fine with this?”

“Eh? You worry too much! It’s Siggy we’re talking about here! Celina will be fine!”

“I’m not talking about her. I’m talking about you.”

“…what are you saying? I’m his friend! And a friend should support their pal as much as possible, right?”

“Alba, you…”

———

She fiercely shook her head to dismiss the memory.

‘Focus, focus! If I have the time to feel blue, then I’d rather use it to train…!’

“Alba, are you inside?”

“Waah!?”

Sigulf’s sudden voice and knocking made her stumble. She hurriedly stood up and went to open the door.

“Oh, hey, Siggy!”

“Yo. Umm, were you in the middle of something?”

“Just exercising a bit. So… What is it?”

“Well, err…”

Sigulf hesitates a bit, but he took out the unicorn plush from the bag nonetheless.

‘Oh…’

“So I won this in the game center, but I already have one and another would be too much, so…”

“You’ve been playing around, huh?”

“Hey, I need some cooling down too.”

“…well, thanks.”

“Umm, is it not to your liking?”

“Eh!? Ah, no, no, no! I’m just a bit tired from training!”

“I, I see… Sorry for disturbing then. And don’t forget to rest.”

“No worries! And you too; don’t play too much!”

“I’m not… Well, uhh, see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah… And thanks for the plush.”

Sigulf waved as he turned around, heading back to his own room.

“…”

Closing the door, Alba went back inside.

“…idiot, now I can’t just throw this away, can I?”

She held the plush and took a good look at it.

“…no, this kid did nothing wrong.”

Alba then hugged it tightly while burying her face on top of its head.

“Stuuupiiid Siggyyyyyyyyy!”

——–

On almost the same time, Celina was visiting Chelsea on her room.

“Waah, how cute! Thank you!” Chelsea said upon receiving her gift. “I suppose the date went well?”

“I, it wasn’t— …well, we had fun at the very least. And I got to know him a bit more.”

“Hmm…”

‘Well, I did eavesdrop on them with Alba…’

“So, any plans for a second date with him?” Chelsea continued.

“Eh? I don’t know… I haven’t even thought about it. Why do you ask? You want to come along next time?”

“That’s… Not what I meant, but…”

“Hm?”

“Cel, maybe… Just maybe… Aren’t you a little bit too trusting?”

“Of him? Well… What’s to distrust?”

“…you sure like him a lot.”

“I do.”

Her statement made Chelsea gasp. Of course, she quickly realized it and went red.

“N, no, no, no! That’s not what I meant! Not in that way!” Celina stammered. “I, I mean… He’s serious in both dueling and council duties, event though he could have rejected the latter. And I think… The way he treats me quite normally is fairly admirable…”

“Oh, Cel…” Chelsea sighed. “You…”

“E, enough about me! Don’t you like him too?”

“Me? I wonder about that…”

“You did call him a cute underclassman, though…”

“Y, you still remember that?” now’s her turn to get flustered. “W, well duh! With a face like that, of course he’s a hottie! It’s just—“

“And you’re the one who teased about me and him in the first place…”

“I, I’m sorryyy! I just thought it was funny if it could make you open up, and— …well, you kind of did, didn’t you?”

“…what are you trying to pull here?” Celina sighed. “So you don’t hate him?”

“Hate is too strong of a word, but… I don’t think I like him as much as you do.”

“S, stop it already. What’s with you and him anyway?”

“That’s…”

“Is it something I really mustn’t know?”

“…Cel, what if I told you that he joined the Council just to woo you?”

Celina widened her eyes for a moment before regaining composure.

“O, oh… I thought it was something dangerous…”

“Not ‘oh’! He joined with a less-than-pure intention!”

“How do you know that?”

“…you’re the one who said I know the boys better than you. It’s easy when you look at him.”

“R, right, I did say that…”

“Aren’t you bothered by it?”

“I’d say so if I did. Besides, if he indeed joined to… c, court me, then he’s quite the dedicated one. And daring.”

Chelsea covered her face with her own hands.

“God save the Queen…! Can we really trust him on-board on our duty to better this school?”

“I don’t see how it is mutually exclusive. Assuming he does.”

“…well, you got a point there. But still…!”

“That’s enough. Why did we end up talking about Sigulf? I was here to pass the gift.” Celina sighed. “Anyways, we’ll train like usual tomorrow morning. You have no problems, right?”

“Eh? Oh, of course!”

“Alright. See you later, then.”

Celina turned away to leave, but it’s clear she was thinking and mumbling on her own.

“Sigulf… Courting me? It can’t be… But if it’s true—”

Chelsea saw nothing resembling annoyance or disgust on Celina’s face. Instead, she saw her cheeks went slightly rose tinted.

‘It had an opposite effect on her!?’

———

Meanwhile, back on Sigulf’s room…

“Ah-choo! …huh, strange. Did I catch a cold?”

“Good morning, Siggy boy!” Vigdis suddenly barged in.

“Wha— Knock the door first at least, Master.”

“It wasn’t locked, though? …were you touching yourself?”

“I’m not! How did you even come up with that!?”

Cackling, Vigdis closed the door and approached Sigulf.

“You look a bit sharp. Playing somewhere?”

“Well, uhh… I went out with Celina and—“

“Really!? Oh, I know you can do it!” Vigdis hugged him tight out of the blue. “Way to go!”

“M, Master, wait!” Sigulf pushed her and broke away. “It wasn’t what you think.”

“…what, so it wasn’t a date?”

“Well… We went to the game center and had some pasta…”

“Just the two of you?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Then it’s a date!”

“But she did say she’d rather call it a fancy lunch…”

“Ahahahahah! I see, I see! Better luck next time, then!”

“Ugh…”

“There, there. It’s not like she rejected you, did she? You still have a chance. Just take it easy, one step at a time. …ah! But don’t play too much and forget to train, too!”

“I know, I won’t.”

“How did you get to go out with her anyways?”

“A promise of sorts. Something to repay my council work and motivate me for yesterday’s duel, I think.”

“Ooh! So that’s why you fought so hard! And when both of you momentarily left the party—“

“Yeah, we were talking about that.”

“Hmm, I see, I see…”

Vigdis crossed her arms, seemingly thinking.

“What is it?”

“At first I thought she didn’t see you as a prospect boyfriend at all. Which would be funnier.”

“…”

“But… Maybe she’s actually interested in you?”

“Wha— Celina? In me? I… Wonder about that… I mean… I’m far below her level…”

“Well, yeah, obviously.” Vigdis said bluntly, making Sigulf cringe. “So what do you do to get on her level?”

“Huh? Err, practice hard with her.”

“Hmm. Feel anything different?”

“…I think I began to get used on her speed.”

Vigdis’ expression softened.

“Well, then there’s no problem.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just do what you usually do. Work hard on dueling. Be nice to her without being overbearing. Pretty sure no one likes a clingy person.”

“Don’t be clingy… Understood.”

“I don’t know about her, but that’s what I feel, anyway. Oh, and I like seeing someone do their best. Maybe she’s like that too?”

“Doing one’s best… I wonder… Have I done enough?”

“Only you yourself know the answer. But I believe in you. Who’s the one running around with all they have everytime we trained?” she grinned. “You might or might not be a talented genius, I don’t know. But you sure utilized your talents well!

“Master… Thank you very much…!”

“No biggie! I’m your (adopted) mother, it’s only natural to encourage you!” Vigdis smiled warmly. “…now, would you please massage my feet?”

“…what did you do again?”

“Hey, don’t give me that look! It was a rehab session with Eliot and Melanie.”

“Rehab? So that means—“

“I have no idea how will it go, but… Hey, maybe some day I’ll get to fight you with full strength! You better get much stronger by then!”

“Yeah, I will…! If it goes well, let’s have an all-out duel!”

“Now that’s a good answer! Alright, massage, massage!”

“Yes, yes. Just don’t… Moan like last time.”

“Oh, you perv~!”

“S, shut up…”

 

Part 4

Spoiler

The next early morning, on the usual training hill…

“Teyah!!”

“Gh…!”

‘Feels like she’s stronger than usual…!’

“What’s the matter, Siggy!? You can’t keep defending all day!”

“Tch…! Well then, how about this!?”

Sigulf and Alba are sparring ferociously against each other, with Celina and Chelsea watching from the sidelines.

“Wow, I see she’s on fire today!” Celina commented.

“That… And preeetty sure she has pent-up frustrations on her own too, which immensely helped.” Chelsea added.

“Eh? What do you mean?”

———

Minutes later, both pair has already finished their share of mock duel. Still, there are no signs of calling it a day anytime soon.

“So you wanted to improve on your team fighting skills?” Celina asked.

“Yes. Would you have any advice about that?”

“Hmm… As much as we’d like to help, I think it would be better if we try and practice it ourselves…” she said, while turning to Chelsea. “Come to think of it… We haven’t actually had the chance to do some tag duel trainings, have we?”

“Now that you mentioned it…”

“What have we been doing? Even though we’re trying to hold a tag tournament this autumn…” Celina laughed wryly.

“Yeah, that’s not good at all…” Chelsea sighed in agreement.

“…well, in any case, the closest thing I have to an advice is, you’ll need an even higher awareness and then some more.”

“Awareness, huh?”

“Right. When you are fighting a tag duel, you’ll also need to pay attention to your other opponent, which is obviously harder because single duels don’t need them. By then, you’ll be able to decide whether to focus on your current opponent, or to disengage and aid your partner.”

“Hmm, I see…”

“Of course you must also consider your partner’s capabilities, as well as whether they are having an advantageous match-up or not. …having said that, I guess the problem back then wasn’t about you and Kanzaki’s skills, though.”

“Eh? Well yeah, Yuu is a good duelist. …if he’s getting into it, that is.” Sigulf responded. “And so, what is?”

“The same thing goes for us too. We all simply aren’t used to tag duels.”

“That… Sounds incredibly simple.”

“It is. But think about it. We are all already used to normal duels, to simply focus on one and one opponent alone, so much that our bodies reacted without even thinking. So when we finally are forced to divide our attention…”

“Our usual fighting style kind of falters… Isn’t it?”

“Precisely. So, want to practice it?” Celina offered, twirling her great spear once. “You can still go, right?”

“You sure are fired up for this…” Chelsea commented.

“Mustn’t we?”

“That, and actually practicing it by doing is the best bet, after all.” Sigulf said.

“It’s decided, then!” she smiled. “Alright, so how should we divide the teams? 1st-year vs. 2nd-year?”

“…already a high hurdle, huh? But if it’ll help me grow, then—“

“Wait, no, maybe you’re right. It’s not a good idea to jump start that much.” Celina corrected herself. “I think it would be more beneficial if we take it slower. How about we mix-up the teams?”

“Hm? Then how should we assign who’s with who?” Chelsea asked.

“Right… Should we decide based on our skills?”

“As the number 2, it hurts to hear that…”

“Wait, that wasn’t—“

“It’s a joke! …well, mostly.”

“…”

“A, anyways, that means I get to pair with the better one among you two, right? Which means—”

“Me.”

“Me!”

“”!?””

Predictably, Sigulf and Alba raised their hand at the same time, before ending up staring daggers at each other.

“That’s quite the claim, Siggy! You do know that I’m still here!” Alba said.

“Even though I ranked higher than you on the entrance exams?” Sigulf retorted.

“And that’s just that! Maybe Sir Fortier picked you last time because you actually needed a push?” she grinned.

“Wha— How would you even know about that!? Nevermind the fact that we haven’t actually fought each other!”

“You two…” Chelsea sighed.

“Well, that just means they are enthusiastic…” Celina giggled.

“So, any other ideas for the team making?”

“Hmm… Then how about the reach of our Arms?”

“…ah, does that means—“

“That’s right. Each of us here has both shorter- and longer-ranged Arms. I think it would be more balanced to have both on each team while mixing the years.”

‘! Wait, wait, wait, this can only mean—’

“Sooo… You go with Sigulf, and I’m with Alba?” Chelsea concluded.

“Yes, something along that line.”

“Well, okay then. Alba, let’s do our best!”

‘Hmm?’

Sigulf’s mild confusion was mirrored by Alba’s wariness towards Chelsea.

“Eh? What’s with that look? Did I say something wrong?”

“No… It’s just… You’d usually be clingier…” she pointed out.

“Ooh, that… Well, I stopped because you don’t seem to like it.”

“Eh!? Well, err…”

“Oh? What’s this? Do you miss getting glomped, after all?”

“N, no, no, no! I’m good! Come on, let’s get ourselves prepared first!”

“Alright, alright! Sheesh, you poor little girl…”

‘…’

Sigulf glanced towards them, but couldn’t really come up with anything, so he dismissed the thought and decided to focus on his newfound team with Celina.

“Looks like I’ll be in your care today.” Celina said, smiling.

“Umm, isn’t it the other way around?”

“Oh, but you do have an experience in tag duels before.”

“Well, yeah, but…”

“Ufufu, don’t worry. You can do it. Let’s do our best and watch each other’s backs, shall we?”

“That sounds just right… Yeah, sure. I’ll give it my all!”

From across the field, Alba and Chelsea watched the pair interact.

“Uwaa, just look at him, grinning widely like that in happiness…” Alba commented. “He’s ridiculously simple-minded…”

“…a, ahahahahah. He certainly is…”

‘I’m still worried about Celina, but… I guess this is how you will take it, Alba?’

———

Around the middle, both teams have already finished their preparation and waits for the final cue.

“300 seconds as usual. Ready?” Celina announced. “…Go!!”

Immediately rushing towards each other, Alba braced herself… as her expected impact with Sigulf didn’t happen.

“Wha—“

Sigulf zoomed past her and goes straight for Chelsea, pushing her back.

“Guh…!?”

“Alba, focus!”

“!?”

She instinctively reacted and blocked Celina’s spear in the nick of time.

“…sorry!”

Sigulf, on the other hand, has already begun trading strikes with Chelsea.

“Tough defence as usual…!”

“Fufu, regretted your decision to take me on? Wouldn’t it be easier for you to engage Alba instead?”

“Maybe… But first, I’m taking your reach into consideration. And the second… Your speed. Can’t ever hope to match mine!”

Chelsea smiled, though not out of pure amusement.

“Well, aren’t you cheeky? But let’s see if it’s enough to get through my defence!”

Meanwhile, Celina and Alba have already clashed steel as well.

“I see that’s the judgment he took.” Celina commented while delivering a heavy thrust. “Usually he would just come straight at you.”

“Yeah, I was a bit surprised about that…!” Alba replied, and retaliated with a powerful swing.

“Still, this is a good chance. Come to think of it, we barely talked, let alone sparred, with each other, do we?”

Alba paused for a moment, before she slowly began to grin.

“Yeah, right… This is a good chance indeed!”

Her sudden attack forced Celina to guard.

“That’s the spirit! Well then, prepare yourself!”

‘…still, I don’t really get the faint feeling of hostility, though.’

———

When their sparring session came to an end, both Sigulf and Alba are on the ground, trying to catch some breath.

“…are you alright?” Celina asked in worry.

“I’ll manage…” Sigulf answered. “…I think.”

‘Did I even learn anything new today? I did bail out and switched target, but…’

“Why are you so adamant on facing me?” Chelsea sighed. “Overestimating yourself is bad, you know?”

“Sorry, I’ll be more careful next time… It’s just… I can’t keep fighting Alba all the time.”

“What, are you saying sparring against me has no benefits?” the girl in question retorted.

“That’s not what I’m saying… Variation, remember? We get to see each other every day, but not with them.”

“My apologies. I wish there’s something we can do about the schedule…”

“Ah, no, it’s alright. It can’t be helped, anyway…”

“Hmm, you’re sweeter with her after all, compared with your own tag partner…” Alba pointed out.

“Eh?”

“O, oi…!”

“Did you already come up with a team name?”

“Wha— T, there’s no way—“

“Umm, how about ‘Raven’s Banner’? You know, just like—“

“You don’t have to answer that!” Chelsea quickly reacted and cut Celina off.

“O, oh, sorry…?”

“A, anyways!” Sigulf spoke up. “We’re done here, right? Should we call it a day?”

“Right, let’s wrap this up. Everyone, good job for today! Don’t forget to get enough rest!”

Standing up, Sigulf glanced at Alba. She smirked in response.

“What?” she asked, feigning innocence.

“…nah, forget it.”

———

Relaxing in his room after a nice bath, a knock on his door forced him to get up.

‘Who could it be?’

He opened the door to see his master, waiting.

“Hey!”

“Oh, Master. Morning. Dropping by again?”

“Actually, not really. You just took a bath, right? Good timing!”

“Huh? For what?”

“Let’s go out and get some new clothes!”

“…what?”

“It’s for you! You can’t keep wearing band T-shirts for your date!”

Sigulf instantly went red.

“We haven’t even gone that far! And what’s wrong with band tees?”

“Hush, hush, then more the reason to prepare earlier. And the effort counts. You might want to look a little bit… Umm, fancier? Anyways, you have 5 minutes.”

“…seriously?”

“Come on, don’t look at me like that. I’ll buy you something else! Okay? You want something?”

“I…” Sigulf sighed. “I don’t need any. Just let me get changed first.”

“Yaaay! A date with my boy!”

“Don’t say things like that out loud…!” he screeched. “And I can’t change while you’re still here!”

“What? You mean I don’t get to watch?”

“Of course not!”

“Aww, too bad… I want to see how much—”

“E, enough… Just wait outside…”

 

Part 5

Spoiler

A short walk and few minutes later, the Hrimgard master-pupil pair was already browsing for some clothes.

“So, so! How about this one?”

“Err… Not quite what I have in mind.”

“Hmm? What’s not to like?”

“Long sleeves—“

“You can just roll them, though?”

“…and the fabric’s too… Soft?”

“Eh? You want them hard? So it’s like—“

“Perhaps he meant something like a military jacket?”

“Ah…”

The voice made them shift their attention. Sigulf immediately recognized her.

“Good morning, Sigulf, Miss Hrimgard.”

“Oh, good morning, Ma’am.”

Sigulf slightly bowed towards the approaching Victoria. Vigdis kept her cautious stance, though.

“Out shopping? I see you are interested in fashion too.”

“Eh, well… Maybe a bit…?” Sigulf scratched his cheek, not really sure on how to answer. “How about you, Ma’am? A break from work?”

“Oh, how nice of you to ask. Yes, for the most part. I still have to check some stores’ administration and management.”

“I see… Even on day off…”

“I have to. But thanks for caring. Though…” she put her finger on her own lips. “I suppose I could use some—“

Vigdis quickly pulled Sigulf in and hugged him tightly.

“…oh my, I suppose everything is going well, Miss Hrimgard?”

“Oh, don’t worry. Everything’s under control. By the way, fancy seeing you here too, Miss Stark. Fufu…”

“Ufufu…”

Both were smiling and chuckling towards each other. But Sigulf knows well it’s an incredibly cold one.

‘Not again… And everyone’s looking…!’

“M, Master…! Can we go already? Clothes, remember?”

“Whoops, sorry. So, um, you wanted something similar-but-not-quite like a military jacket? You should’ve said so from the beginning.”

“I think I have a rough idea on what it is.” Victoria added. “Mind if I help you?”

“Oh, thank you very much, but—“

“Sure, why not?”

Vigdis immediately looked at him with shock.

“E, eh? What?”

“Why, son!? Whyyyyyyyy!?”

Victoria merely chuckled in triumph.

———

After things calmed down, the three resumed Sigulf’s new clothes hunt, which end up took shorter than initially expected, thanks to Victoria’s help.

“Hmm…” Sigulf looks down on his new outfit.

“Something’s wrong?” Vigdis asked.

“Somehow, it doesn’t look right…”

“Maybe because you button it all? Try unbuttoning half of them from the top.” Victoria suggested.

“Eh? You mean like— Oh!”

“You’re right! It looks better now! You look cool, boy!”

“R, really?”

“You certainly are. You look fine in those.”

“T, thank you…”

Getting praised by two older, beautiful women is a bit too much for Sigulf. Still, he can’t deny that he likes it.

‘…and it’s nice to see them not going at each other like usual.’

“You are welcome.” Victoria winked. “So… I see you like this style of clothing. Now I know what to get for your birthday.”

“My, how generous! But please don’t worry about that. We can manage it by ourselves, thank you very much!” Vigdis immediately countered.

“Now, now, what are you getting apprehensive for, I wonder?”

“Oh, no, no~ I’m just making sure my boy is safe from dangers on this academy~”

“Ufufufufufu…”

“Ohohohohoho…”

‘…never mind.’

———

Moments later, the three exited the store, with Sigulf now holding a medium sized bag in his hand.

“You sure it’s okay to buy three of them?” Vigdis asked. “I mean, I know you liked them, but—“

“They are not the same though…? Different colors, slightly different style…” Sigulf responded.

“Hmm… But don’t you think you will need another set?” Victoria joined. “Like, say… A formal suit?”

“A formal suit, huh… But I don’t think—“

“Oh, don’t worry. I would gladly pay for it. How’s that sound?”

“Eh!? But I can’t—“

“What are you trying to pull!?” Vigdis interrupted.

“Oh, no, nothing at all~ I’m just thinking it would be nice to see a dear student of mine grow up nicely, fufufu~”

“I, it’s alright…” Sigulf quickly said. “I’m happy with the sentiment, but… Let me earn it on my own.”

“Oh, is that so? Good to hear, then. And quite the nice mindset too.” She praised, and gently brushed Sigulf’s hair affectionately.

“U, uu…”

“Gununununu…! Stop being nice to him!”

“Ah…!”

Vigdis refused to lose and forcefully gets her hand in, brushing his hair as well.

‘…aahh, feels like my mental age is getting younger~ …wait, it’s too dangerous!!’

“C, cut it out, you two! Everyone’s watching!”

“Oh my, I’m sorry about that. Fufu~”

“Mu… What happened during my absence that Siggy-boy became colder to me, and preferred Stark instead?” Vigdis pouts.

“You want to know?”

“Nothing! At all!” he immediately cut her off. “Anyways! Lunch, lunch! Why don’t we get them!?”

“Let’s leave it at that for now.” Victoria chuckled. “Well then, about our lunch— …no, I’m sure you won’t let me pay, will you, Miss Hrimgard?”

“Well, yeah…!” Vigdis pulled Sigulf closer. “If he’s to grow up, then would it be better if you don’t indulge him, Miss Stark?”

“Oh, that’s a nice one. Now if only those words have a little bit more weight on them…”

“Ugh…!”

‘…haaah. This is kinda nice and all, but when will I have time for something duel-related?’

———

And thus, after some discussion, they decided to have lunch at some middle of the road restaurant. The presence of the Headmistress obviously turned people’s heads, but Victoria opted to ignore them and chat with the Hrimgards instead.

“So, Sigulf…” Victoria began while putting down her cup. “Are you seeing someone?”

“Eh!? Well…”

“…wait, is it even your business?”

“Hmm, you might be right, it isn’t. But whether to answer or not is his choice, no?”

“You…”

“No, it’s alright. I mean, well… I’m not seeing anyone…”

“Ah, I see. I’m sorry to hear that.” She somehow sounded genuinely sympathetic. “So, were you trying to dress to impress?”

“…yeah, something like that.”

“Hmm…”

“What is it to you?” Vigdis interjected.

“Curiosity. Plus, I’d like to know who I am up against.”

“You’re the damned Principal…! What are you thinking, acting like that towards your student…!?”

“Oh, and what is this ‘act’ are you talking about?”

Vigdis didn’t bother to reply and slammed the table, standing in fury. Other cafegoers immediately looked at their direction.

‘Shit shit shit! Why things went like this!?’

“…relax, Miss Hrimgard.” Victoria chuckled despite all that. “If he said no, then I will stop. I am not the one who would force things.”

Vigdis calmed down a bit, yet still wary of her.

“…Sigulf?” she glanced towards her disciple.

“Err…” he can only scratch his cheek, slightly looking away.

‘Sorry, Master…!’

“O, oh, come on! You can’t be serious! What will Celina say!?”

“M, Master…!”

“Ah, so it is Bartram after all he’s interested in. Not surprising.”

‘…too obvious, huh?’

“And knowing that, what are you going to do about that?”

“…Miss Hrimgard, I believe you have misunderstood me. In addition to loathe being forceful, I too despise to disturb or disrupt anyone’s business, especially my own students.” She sighed. “It’s just that I prefer… A more proactive approach.”

“…how is that supposed to make things better!?”

Trying to ignore the two, Sigulf silently sipped his drink in exasperation.

“Well, with that out of the way, I believe I have few words of wisdom for Sigulf regarding this.”

“…eh? Really?”

“Really. And before any of you asked, have my words: I only expect one thing in return. …although, it would be lonely if he did choose her.”

“…that one thing is the one concerns me the most.”

“Why, you don’t have to worry. I simply ask him to commit, that’s all.”

“Umm, I don’t really get it, so would you please elaborate?” Sigulf asked.

“Right… Since we are talking about Bartram here… Well, I’m sure you have figured it by now, but you have to commit yourself to studying the art of dueling.”

“O, oh…”

“Falling in love is nice and all, but please don’t forget the first and main reason you are here. Because, even if it’s against you, the moment your performance fails or worse, then I wouldn’t hesitate to take some necessary actions.”

“…”

No playfulness or flirtiness in her voice. Even Vigdis went seriously silent, as she knows that she can at least agree with the points Victoria trying to convey. Although…

“By worse here… You don’t mean it’s related to our grades, right?” he asked again.

“Correct. Do you remember… What our council is trying to do?”

“Yeah…”

“Fufu, then I believe I have nothing more to say. You are strong; both because of your own talent and her teaching.”

‘…but power tempts, and that small taste of power is what makes those nobles act like they are. …is what she is trying to say.’

“…thank you, Ma’am. I will keep them in my mind.”

“My pleasure. I like it better when you shine, after all. Especially when it comes from your own hard work.” Victoria winked.

“…just when I thought I would have a better opinion of you.” Vigdis sighed. “And what, if it’s about the importance about hard work, Sigulf already heard it first, numerous times even.”

“Oh my, looks like I was beaten to the punch again. I must say, I’m a little bit jealous with how strong your love is.”

“W, well, duh…!” Vigdis huffed her chest smugly, making Sigulf blush a bit at the sight. “I’m his Master, after all!”

“Ufufufufu…”

“A, ahahahahah…”

‘Their loves are heavy…’ Sigulf thought.

———

After their luch, Victoria excused herself earlier to resume some work, leaving Sigulf and Vigdis on their way to the dorm.

“…you look a bit restless there.”

“…my hands are itching for some swing.”

“Her words really got to you, huh? Well, as much as I can’t really stand her, she’s right. You gotta try hard, especially for yourself.”

“Yeah…”

“…hey, mind if I ask something?”

“Sure, what is— It!?”

Much to his surprise, Vigdis was giving him a scary smile.

“So, why don’t you mind her presence a bit?”

“T, that’s… That’s bec— Owowowowow!”

Vigdis pinched his cheeks and pulled them repeatedly.

“Yes, yes… I know she’s classy, gorgeous and busty, unlike old me… Sob, sob…”

“What are you saying, Master!? You are plenty cute yourself!”

“But not as hot as her, right?”

“…you are already cute on your own way— Owowow! S, sorry…!!”

It took a while before Sigulf finally got forgiven, and could spend his day practicing at the automaton center.

 

Part 6

Spoiler

Last Monday of the month rolls in, and Sigulf prepares for the morning with a renewed vigor.

“…alright! Let’s do our best this week too!” he spoke to his reflection in the mirror.

His fulfilling weekend, and the solo practice session in the automaton center energized him. With light steps, Sigulf exited his room and expecting the fine days ahead.

———

Except when he did reach the road, Sigulf could feel some of the other students stared at him not in a friendly way, giving him a bit of déjà vu.

‘…whatever I did again?’

At first he tried to chalk it because he did go out with Celina, but then again…

‘…no, felt like it was more than that.’

———

And even then, in the class when Eliot congratulated their victory, Sigulf couldn’t shake off the feeling.

‘I knew it…’

“Sig-kun, what’s the matter?” Yuu asked, noticing him being tense.

“…no, it’s nothing.”

———

On the lunch break, Sigulf asked the Council duo and Alba whether they know anything.

“People have been looking funny at you again?” Chelsea reiterated.

“Now that you mentioned it… It kinda felt like that.” Alba mentioned.

“Well, I haven’t heard anything from Laine and Lindorm, but…Isn’t it obviously because you went on a date with Celina?”

“…if only that’s the actual sole reason.”

“So you can brag?”

“Wha— It doesn’t even cross my mind! And how could you come up with that anyway?”

In spite of Sigulf and Chelsea’s silly little argument, Celina opted to stay silent, partially to hide her embarrassment, and partially because she seemed to be thinking of something.

———

On to mock duel session, and as there are still 3 pairs left, Sigulf have to watch from the sidelines, making him even more conscious with some of the hostile gazes.

“…”

“I think I figured it out. But… Maybe you kinda deserved it.” Yuu said.

“…huh? What?”

“Oh, don’t feign innocence, Sig-kun. News already spread that you went on a date with Bartram-senpai. It’s already a crime against humanity.”

“…you’re exaggerating. And that can’t be the reason, can it?” Sigulf sighed. “That said… Shit, I forgot to check the board. Did they post about it there?”

“Wha— So it’s true!?”

“Sshhh! …so they posted something or what?”

“Actually, no. But words flew fast, people doesn’t need it in the first place. Still… Sig-kun, you traitor.”

“…from what?”

“From the ‘Cool but Courtless Club’.”

“That’s rich, coming from you.”

“Come on, after Smirnov-kun came and left, the girls have been gushing about him…” Yuu lamented.

“I, I see… Sorry to hear that.”

“…well, putting the partial joke aside, I do think it’s not the main reason. But it’s still could be used as an additional fuel. You better be careful.”

“…I see. Thanks, Yuu.”

“Eh, it’s nothing. So, what kind of magic did you use to charm her, exactly?”

“…it’s not as simple as it looks. And no magic involved.”

———

Fortunately, the afterschool Council hours proved to be the much-needed break for Sigulf, as their members didn’t share the animosity, and all of them were more focused on working towards the Autumn Tag Tournament.

‘So I think it’s limited among fellow 1st-years… But for now, let’s concentrate on Council duties.’

And thanks to it went without a hitch, the members were able to wrap up earlier.

“Okay, should we regroup with Laine’s team now? Or… Would you rather have a tea time first like usual?” Chelsea asked.

“Oh, I’m sorry, but I think I will pass. There’s something I wanted to look at the library.” Celina replied.

“What!? The milktea lover declines a teatime!? Unthinkable!”

“…w, what? I believe I don’t give such a strong impression.”

“Well, kind of. So, what are you looking?”

“Some information and references about tag dueling. You two want to come along?”

“Eh?” Sigulf was slightly surprised by her invitation. “I don’t mind, but is it alright with you?”

“Aren’t you the one wanting to study more about it?”

“…so I take it as an okay.”

“Because it is.” Celina laughed. “How about you then, Chel?”

“Eh!? Me!?”

“Why not?”

“Well, umm…”

Chelsea hesitated, and for good reason; Celina looks visibly confused, less so with Sigulf.

“Mmmaybe not today, I don’t feel like hitting some books, so…”

“I see—“

“Anyways! I have to go, Laine’s team might have something to report. Enjoy yourselves!”

“Ah, Chelsea, wait! …she left.”

“…yeah.”

Silence, and Sigulf began to feel uncomfortable.

‘…damn, that much? She’s avoiding us…’

“So, that leaves you and me.” Celina chuckled wryly.

“Ah, right.”

“It can’t be helped, I guess. Let’s go, then.”

———

Quickly leaving the school grounds, Chelsea sighed to no one in particular.

‘It’s hard to stop her when she looked that happy…’

———

Having finally reached the library, it was eerily quiet, even more than the hallways. As Sigulf and Celina entered, only the school librarian remained.

“I’m kinda amazed they still keep physical books.” he commented.

“A backup or two won’t hurt. And there’s the special sensation when you flipped the actual pages…”

“Special sensation, huh… So you think we’ll find something related to tag duels?”

“Must be. While it is true that tag duels are not quite the norm and often thought to be not the most prestigious, it is nowhere near a rare occurrence.”

“Hmm, I see…”

“…ah, should be around here. Let’s take a look.”

Following her lead, Sigulf began looking for the books as well. Even so, he couldn’t help but to steal some glances on her.

‘She’s really dedicated, even went to look for additional info for tag duels, but…’

Her hair swayed slightly as she shifted position. Celina was too busy searching to notice Sigulf’s glance.

‘She could’ve done this on her own, so why me? Does she—‘

He quickly shook his head.

‘…no, you wish, Sigulf. Don’t be stupid. Stop staring and move your hands already!’

Though feeling a bit disheartened, Sigulf decided to concentrate on book searching for now.

———

..or so he thought, but as soon as they gathered the books and started studying…

“Hmm, we should keep this in mind and try it on our next practice. Oh, how about this one?”

“U, umm…”

‘S, so close, so happy… But so dangerous…!’

“Sigulf?”

“Y, yes!?”

“Are you lis— …ah.”

(Un)fortunately for him, Celina quickly realized the situation and took a bit of distance, being red faced in the process.

“…m, my apologies. I’m still not tactful enough when it comes to matters like this…”

“I, it’s fine. A, anyways! Can we continue…?”

“Y, you’re right. Let’s not waste any more time.”

———

Their heart throbbing study session goes on for a while until they have to leave the school grounds as per the rules. The sky has already painted with an orange shade, and the two walks side by side on their way home.

‘It wasn’t bad… In many meanings. But more importantly, I feel less agitated compared to this morning. So she—‘

“Sigulf.” Celina suddenly called him and cut his thoughts.

“Yes?”

“Are you… Really worried about the 1st-years’ hostility?”

Sigulf stopped walking at her question.

“Eh… Ah… Yeah, if only because I feel it would be troublesome later.” he answered, a bit unsure. “So, umm… Our library visit just now, is it—“

“Admittedly, yes.” She answered. “Partially, at least. On the other hand, I do want to improve our tag duel knowledge. …I hope that didn’t bother you?”

“Ah, no, not at all. I’m grateful, actually.”

‘That, and… Well, no students here in their right mind would challenge her out of the blue and hoping to win.’

“Good to hear. But still…”

Celina took a step closer towards him.

“I know I did say to you that you should tell me whenever you need help, but… I think that won’t be enough now.”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“Sigulf!” she suddenly exclaimed and grabbed his hands, making him blush. “If anything happens, then fear not! I shall protect you!”

“…e, eh?”

“Ah…!”

‘W, w, what did she say just now!? I mean, okay, she looked very cool at that moment— No, no, no! This is not the time for—‘

“I, I’m sorry!” Celina quickly jumped away, predictably embarrassed at her own impulse. “B, by the Gods! W, what has just gotten into me!? Ah, p, please don’t take it the wrong way! I didn’t mean to—“

“N, no, no, no! It’s okay!” Sigulf interrupted and reassured the stammering Celina. “I mean, uhh… I’m not mad at your intention, it’s just…”

‘…calm yourself down first.’ He mentally reprimanded himself.

Pausing for a moment, Sigulf took a deep breath before continuing, “It’s alright. I’ll be fine. Especially when it comes to one-on-one. I won’t lose.”

“Sigulf…”

‘Ah, just now, he looks so—‘

“Celina?”

She snapped out from her stupor due to his voice, and doing her best to hide her blush which began to creep.

“…yes, you’re right. You’re strong, after all.” Celina agreed with a warm smile. “…but when it comes to one against many, then it’s whole another story, right?”

“Ahahah, well… You got me there.”

“Fufufu, I wanted to try all the new tag knowledge in actual duels too.”

———

And thus the day ends peacefully for both of them. The night shifted into the next sunrise, and Sigulf was hoping today would lessen the hostile air among the 1st-years.

“…”

Too bad it didn’t come to pass as Sigulf found his way to the class blocked by some students near the front gate.

‘Nidhoggr damn it… Already?’

“Sigulf Hrimgard.” One of the students addressed him.

‘…yeah, strong déjà vu.’

“…what is it?”

“I’ll make this short. On behalf of the other students, I challenge you to a duel!”

 

Part 7

Spoiler

Even though surrounded, Sigulf focused his attention somewhere else.

‘Where’s Amakawa and his groupies? I thought they were— Ah, there they are.’

In the distance, he saw Eurypha arguing with some students blocking their way. Minato obviously supported her, less so with Carmen, and Ilma merely yawned out of boredom.

‘…well, at least I know some of them tried.’

“So, what’s your answer?” the boy interrupted his thought.

“I refuse.” Sigulf quickly retorted, earning overly dramatic gasps from the other students.

“…well, I figured you would say that. So you think we aren’t worth your time?”

“…I didn’t even think that far. I just don’t see why.”

“I see… Well, it’s true that we were on the same side regarding the nobles. But things have changed now. And do you really need a reason, as a duelist?”

“As much as I enjoy a good fight, I’d like it better when it’s well-spirited. Didn’t feel so coming from you.”

The boy exhaled, slightly exasperated, but decided to stay calm.

“I heard Norsemen doesn’t take kindly to insults. Do I have to insult you first before you agree?”

“So I hear. But I think it’s more of the Aesir and maybe Vanir’s way. I honor Fenrir, remember?”

“…an outsider even within your own community, I see.”

“Well, something like that.”

The students began to feel anxious as Sigulf haven’t budged at all; clearly he’d rather get into the classroom before the bell rings.

“Besides,” Sigulf continued. “Did you say ‘on behalf of the students’?”

“Huh? Yes, I did. What about it?”

“Did you decide that on your own or… Are you the strongest among them?”

“…”

The students began talking among themselves.

“Hey, he’s right!” another boy protested. “What makes you think you’re our leader!?”

“What!? It was my idea! And no one challenged him in the first place!”

‘Eh, it worked…?’

Their argument began to escalate, and Sigulf eagerly waits for an opening.

“Well, yeah! But that doesn’t automatically make you better than the rest of us!”

“Ugh, you guys…! Then what do you want!?”

“I suggest you sort it out among yourself by dueling.” Sigulf suddenly said while raising his hand. The students instantly went silent and looked at him.

‘…shit, did I just blow my chance?’

“That… Actually makes sense.”

“Yeah, it is! Enough chit-chat and I’ll show you who’s the better one!”

‘Oh, praise Loki.’

The students summoned their Arms and prepared to fight each other, giving Sigulf some needed chance to get away.

“I’ll be the one to defeat Hrimgard on other’s behalf!” the second boy proclaimed. “I… I won’t forgive him for making a move on our Council President!”

‘…well of course someone gonna bring that up.’

“Are you stupid!?” the first boy countered. “You intend to fight him with that excuse!?”

“Oh, speak for yourself! Didn’t you get depressed upon hearing the news!?”

“I, it was temporary! Our main purpose here is to fight; everything else comes second!”

‘Oh well, let’s get away while I can.’

Sneakily but surely, Sigulf took some distance towards the school building… Until someone stepped out from the crowd and blocked his way, again.

“Hey. Where are you going?”

A gray-haired Japanese girl, wearing a long scarf that nearly covered her mouth, stood in his way.

“…Big Sis?”

“…w, what?”

“There…!”

“What the—!? I won’t let you!”

Despite the initial confusion, the girl still managed to react fast enough and prevented Sigulf from passing through.

“Ah, that was close…”

“…did you seriously think I would fall to that?”

“You’re right. It’s not like I’d suddenly have a long lost Asian relative or something.”

‘…that, and she’s actually kinda fast.’

“Hmph, don’t put me on the same level as them.”

“So you’re the one inciting those guys.”

“I’ll leave it to your imagination. Although…” the girl turned her attention towards the mild chaos which is the duels between some 1st-years. “I know angry mobs tend to be unreliable, but not to this extent…”

‘…yeah, can’t really disagree with that.’

“Well, whatever.” She continued. “Now I’m here, and there’s nowhere to run. Fight me.”

“Damn, why are you guys so persistent about this…” Sigulf sighed. “We’re all running late by each second, you know?”

“…and that’s where you are worried? Must be nice being the Academy’s golden boy.”

Sigulf paused for a moment before narrowing his eyes.

“I think I can see what’s all this about…”

“Ah, you caught on. Very nice. So I guess you understand too that you stand out, and being the Faculty’s favorite.”

For a while, Sigulf wasn’t sure on how to respond.

“What can I say? Or do, for that matter.”

“…you’re right, actions and skill speaks louder after all. Nothing you can say. Absolutely nothing you should say. So stand your ground, and fight me! So I can show that the A-class elites are nothing to be afraid of!”

“…you’re serious about this.”

“Anything for glory, Hrimgard-san.” She emphasized the honorifics, in an almost mocking tone.

He can feel her intent, sharp like numerous blades about to pierce, ready to summon her Arms anytime soon.

‘…can I talk my way out here? Let’s just try this one…’

“Really!?” Sigulf suddenly shouted on purpose. “Another duel request this early!? I’ll be late for class!”

“What are you—“

At his yelling, the other 1st-years who were fighting each other promptly stopped and turned to her direction.

“Fukube, what is the meaning of this!? Are you planning to steal the glory since the beginning!?”

“!? Hrimgard, you…!!”

Sigulf merely shrugged before walked easily past her. Behind him, the mob finally reached Fukube and complained, beginning their argument.

“What are you doing, jumping the gun like that!?”

“I ask you back: why are you fighting among yourselves?”

However they will continue was no concern of Sigulf.

‘Man, couldn’t they at least ask for it after school?’ he thought slightly tiredly. ‘It’s THE free time for everyone. …hm?’

Realizing someone else’s gaze at him, Sigulf stopped walking.

‘He…’

Silvery long hair and equally chilling blue eyes. It seems the boy was watching from afar before shifting his attention to Sigulf.

“…”

“…”

“…Big Brother?”

“…no, I’m not.”

“Yeah, I thought so.”

———

For some reason, though, the boy said nothing after that, making Sigulf mildly wondering as he decided to enter the classroom. And due to the morning’s incident, the hostile students seemed to shift their attention towards Fukube instead, giving him a bit of breather.

“Tch, so you got away…” Alba grumbled while enjoying her own lunch.

“Wha— You was there all along?”

“Yup. Too bad it went nowhere. It was a bit funny.” She gave a cheeky grin.

“Why you…”

“So that’s what actually going on…” Celina joined. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there. If only—“

“Eh, no, well… I’m fine, at least, so it’s okay.” Sigulf quickly reassured. “More importantly, how about you two? Did they do anything?”

“No, we only heard about the commotion, but…”

“Now, now, Cel, no need to be so hard to yourself.” Chelsea said. “The boy himself said he’s alright; that’s what important for now.”

“But… Hmmh…”

Celina still looked unconvinced and unsatisfied, apparently thinking of something.

‘She’s so serious… I wonder what she has on her mind…’

———

After class, Sigulf was preparing to leave the room when suddenly he could hear the corridor outside became a bit louder.

‘Huh? What the… Wait, don’t tell me—‘

And sure enough, Celina appeared on the door and waved at him.

‘She actually came all the way here…’ he thought, while waving in return bashfully.

Predictably, most boys in the class were outraged, but Sigulf ignored them, and quickly scrambled to Celina.

“I hope I didn’t bother you.” She said.

“A, ah, it’s alright. I appreciate it, actually.”

“Good to hear. Well then, let’s go. We still have some work to do.”

“I’m in your care.”

The boys’ lament intensified as Sigulf left together with Celina. And even though for different reason, Minato’s group was somewhat surprised by what they just saw, almost forgetting that they were supposed to go patrolling.

“It’s not like they are going out… Are they?” Eurypha asked.

“Hmm… No, but it’s not entirely impossible either.” Carmen answered.

“Seriously?” Ilma responded in disbelief. “But… Huh, kinda makes sense. Admittedly, none of them are as thick-skulled…”

“Aah, right. Why are some men either ridiculously dense or indecisive…”

“I have to agree with you two this time…”

The three girls collectively sighed, confusing Minato.

“Wha— Dense? Who?”

Meanwhile, back in the hallway, Fukube was hiding behind a pillar and watched as Sigulf and Celina went farther.

“Tch… Damn, he got protected by the President. I forgot he has Council duties…”

———

After Council teatime as usual. Sigulf, though he tried to relax, ended up eating more chocolate macarons than usual.

‘I need sugar…’

At first, Celina looked at him, seemingly wanted to correct his table manner, but she has something else on her mind and decided against it.

“I’m sorry I end up dragging you here…” Celina said instead.

“Mh? Oh…”

“I knew you said you’ll be fine, and I believe you have the capability to do so, but still… I can’t help but to get worried…”

“Cel, you worry too much.” Chelsea sighed. “I mean, just look at him, gobbling on all those sugar!”

‘…I dunno how that makes sense, but—‘

“She’s right. And don’t worry, if it goes down to 2 on 2, then let’s fight as a team like you said.”

“So he said. Why are you that concerned, anyway?”

Her pause made Sigulf and Chelsea slightly surprised.

“Cel?”

“…I have been thinking lately…”

“Mm-hm”

“That I often found myself worried about Sigulf…”

“…well, you kinda are.”

“I, I know… And I think… I began to realize that he is important to me…”

“”!?””

‘Wa, wa, wait! What’s with this— Oh Gerdr, could it be…!?’

“That he is…”

‘…!’

“Like a little brother I want to protect.”

Silence.

‘Brother… Brother… Brother…’

Sigulf froze on his seat, and due to the shock, he failed to notice that Chelsea is trying her hard not to burst out laughing.

‘Aah, after all that, and I’m her little brother figure…’

Chelsea suddenly regained her composure and pointed out, “…siblings don’t go out on a date, Cel.”

“E, eh!? A, ah, y, you’re right! W, what was I saying again!?” Celina stammered.

‘…ah, so cute after all.’

“W, why did you point that you!? Now I’m strangely conscious about it…”

“If you are conscious, then that could mean things…” Chelsea sighed.

“Eh?”

“…no, it’s nothing.”

Before any of them could follow up, someone knocked on the Council’s door.

“Yes, come in.” Celina responded.

The door opened, and Sigulf instantly recognized their visitor.

‘It’s her…’

“Oh? You are…”

“Pardon the intrusion. 1st-year, B-class, Masaki Fukube.” She introduced herself. “I’m here to challenge Sigulf Hrimgard.”

“…I see.”

Sigulf finished his snack and stood up to face Masaki.

“Very nice of you to wait until we are done.”

“Don’t worry, I have time to kill. And mobs to defeat. So, Hrim—”

“You wanted a fight? Then you shall have it. I’ll crush you.” Sigulf growled.

His sudden intensity surprised Celina and Masaki, but Chelsea gave a knowing look.

‘Ah, I see he’s a bit frustrated…’

 

Part 8

Spoiler

Around the park where Masaki leads them, there were only few students around, presumably her cohorts.

“Oh, there you are.” One of them said upon noticing her. “So did you— Miss President!? And the Vice President too!”

Along with the others, they were shocked on realizing that Celina and Chelsea were coming along.”

“Worry not, I won’t interfere.” Celina quickly said. “…unless you make me to.”

“Shush, Cel. Don’t scare them too much.” Chelsea quipped.

“…so she said.” Masaki clarified. “Don’t try anything funny, yeah?”

“What can we do, anyway? We all already lost to you in the first place…” one of the boys grumbled.

“Ah, right, right…”

‘Huh, they are surprisingly courteous…’ Sigulf thought. ‘But well, unlike the nobles, they just wanted to fight.’

“Sigulf.” Celina called.

“I know. Leave it to me.”

“Relax. Don’t stay mad all the time.” Chelsea added, poking at their conversation in the Council room.

“U…! I won’t…!”

“What are you saying to him?”

“I wonder~?”

Ignoring Chelsea’s feigning innocence, Sigulf stepped forward to face Masaki, who was waiting for him.

“…sorry for the wait.”

“So, are we good to go? You won’t suddenly change your mind now, right?”

“…no. Come on.”

“Whoo, scary. …sheesh, I should be the one who’s pissed, you know?”

She hunched her body and extended her right arm backwards, ready to summon her Arms.

“To live and fight in the shadows…” Masaki began chanting. “We shall become the Demon and bring annihilation! Strike, Oni-Hanzou!!”

The dark violet aura which was surrounding her vanished as she thrusts her hand forward and her weapon materialized. It was a Japanese spear with the blade longer than usual. Sigulf has no way of knowing for now, but it’s commonly known as Omi-yari.

“…your turn.”

Sigulf said nothing at her commanding tone, and simply called forth his axes. As always, the summoning of Fenrir was accompanied by cold wind and aura which unnerved almost everyone watching, save for the combatants, Celina and Chelsea.

“You said you’ll crush me?” Masaki said after Sigulf has finished. “I’ll gladly return those words to you! Especially one who still rides the President’s coattails!”

Again, Sigulf heed no attention, opted to get into fighting stance.

“Tch…”

“En garde.”

Against the setting sun and afternoon breeze, their audience waits for the final cue.

“Begin.”

And in just a split second, they seemingly disappeared into thin air. She is fast, Sigulf knows that. So fast that he actually wondered why she didn’t make it into class A. But…

“!?”

Sigulf stopped Masaki dead in her track, and began overpowering her.

“How—“

He has already sparred with, and experienced, someone faster than even himself, let alone her. Not to mention he’s not in the mood for a playful, friendly duel.

“Gh…! Why you—“

Masaki tried to kick Sigulf away. He anticipated it and reacted first by backflipping. However, before she even has the chance to regain her footing, Sigulf was already charging once again.

“Shi—“

Masaki’s haphazard guard was easily broken, leaving her wide open.

“Gotcha.”

‘How can he be—!?’

Her last ditch attempt to evade didn’t help much as she still got thrashed by Sigulf’s attack.

“Guah…!”

“Battle points, down by 25%.”

“He… Seems a bit more vicious than usual.” Celina commented.

“Pretty sure he has a good reason.” Chelsea knowingly replied, though not sure whether to laugh or sigh.

‘Still, how could he still fight well? This boy’s a bit scary…’

Meanwhile, Masaki rolled away to safety and stood up, though with some difficulties.

“Damn, with just one hit…!? That’s not fair…!”

Not willing to concede another offensive chance to Sigulf, she forced herself to advance and unleashed a torrent of piercing attack.

“Seyah!!”

Instead of taking a defensive approach, however, Sigulf retaliated with his own swings and gradually pushed her back once more.

‘Kh…! To think the strength difference is this much…! Then…!!’

Before everything gets worse, Masaki promptly disengaged and raised her spear.

“How about this!?”

She jammed her spear to the ground and created a smoke explosion.

“!?”

As the smoke cleared, only silence remains. However…

‘She’s still around here… Somewhere…’

Sigulf stood still, sensing his surroundings, searching for Masaki’s presence.

“…”

Up high, Masaki has already vaulted herself and dives towards Sigulf, ready to stab.

‘I got you…!’

She thrusted her hand forward with full force… And her spear struck Sigulf’s steel axes.

“Wha—“

Without even looking, Sigulf crossed his Arms behind and successfully guarded against Masaki’s sneak attack.

“There you are.”

With a flick, Sigulf lightly bounced off the airborne Masaki, before swiftly turning around and raised his axe.

‘I can’t make it—‘

His attack went through her defense, sending her flying.

“Gah…!”

She fell with a thud and only able to got up a bit later.

“Tch, what the hell…!”

“Battle points, down by 20%.”

Masaki can only brace herself as Sigulf comes charging at her again.

“That’s enough.”

“Wha—“

Sigulf nearly stumbled due to his own speed (and aggression) when someone suddenly tried to stop the fight.

“Heidenreich, what do you mean!? I can still fight!”

“Ah, it’s that guy…”

The silver haired boy Sigulf met this morning stepped out from the crowd.

“Masaki, please. You should’ve realized by now.”

“…that I can’t win? And don’t call me by my name like that!”

“My bad.”

“…oi, we’re still in the middle of a fight, though.” Sigulf pointed out.

“Could you spare us a moment?” Heidenreich responded.

“…what? But the time—“

“What moment to spare!?” Masaki quickly retorted. “Aren’t we allies!? Why are you suddenly putting me down!?”

‘Ah, so he’s in this too…’ Sigulf mentally noted.

“That wasn’t my intention. And I believe retreating in a… Very disadvantaged fight is a strategic move in itself, if only to reserve—”

“Says you and your warrior mentality!”

“Well, I am a Germanic warrior. You are a ninja. We should’ve known our priorities.”

“This is not some medieval warfare!”

The two continued to bicker, leaving almost everyone bewildered at the sight.

‘…what are they even doing? Wait, is this a kind of psychological strategy?’

Sigulf looked back towards Celina and Chelsea, as if to ask “What to do?”. Celina was equally confused as him, while Chelsea merely shrugged.

‘Damn… This is getting nowhere.” He thought. “Getting a win via timeout would be no fun… Should I just for— …hm? Wait, forfeit? …alright, let’s try this one.’

Sigulf slowly raised his hand and deliberately spoke louder.

“Um, system, I give—“

“Wha— Oh no, you don’t!” Masaki shouted while quickly refocusing on Sigulf.

“Masaki, wait!”

‘Yeah, that’s more like it.’

Ignoring Heidenreich’s plea, Masaki kept increasing her speed.

‘I’m not going down without a fight!’ she thought. ‘Now, take this! Iga ninjutsu!’

In front of everyone, Masaki seemingly multiplied into 2… 4… 8 of herself, all gunning for Sigulf.

“H, how did she do that!?” one of the students expressed their disbelief.

‘Must be illusions. No human could actually split like that. Unless…!’

In response, Sigulf dashed straight towards her with blinding speed.

“Kuh…!”

Two of her shadows forced to change their route and jumped to intercept him.

“Deyah!”

Without losing speed, Sigulf twirled around and easily dispatched them, revealing the clones as energy beings.

‘I knew it! They are a special kind of projectile, after all!’

Another comes charging at him, and he destroyed them without any difficulty again.

‘And obviously, they are much weaker than the original. Therefore…!’

Defeating yet another two, Sigulf finally got close to Masaki with his axes raised.

“Gh…!”

“Raaah!!”

He brought his Fenrir down with all strength… and Masaki immediately dispersed into dark colored energy.

“!”

The one clone Sigulf ignored turns out to be the real Masaki, rapidly approaching him from behind.

“Did you seriously think I wouldn’t even switch places? Naïve!”

She mustered all her might and lunged forward for the strike.

“…thought so. Good thing this nose knows.”

“What the—“

Sigulf instantly turned around and deflected her spear, following it with a powerful spinning attack.

“Argh…!”

Masaki was blown off by his force and this time, she couldn’t secure an emergency recovery.

“Battle points, down by 25%.”

“Urgh…”

As Sigulf walked closer, Masaki was struggling to stand up when Heidenreich stepped in, finally had enough.

“You…!” she growled. “Let me fight until the end!”

“What if I said no?” he retorted. “At this point, it would just be a waste of energy for you.”

“Attention, match intrusion detected.” The system announced. “Please leave the area within 10 seconds.”

Heidenreich didn’t budge, which annoyed Sigulf a bit.

“You, out of the way. Let us finish.”

“Sorry, but I won’t let go any further than this.”

“…heh, what makes you think you can take on him?” Masaki snapped. “We are about the same strength.”

“Good question. I honestly have no idea.”

“…Heidenreich, you are an idiot.”

“Maybe, so just let me take this from here. I’m sure he’s a bit tired by now.”

“…you bastard.”

“Heh…” he finally grinned. “It’s worth a try.”

Heidenreich kept his attention on Sigulf, who was now staring daggers at him.

‘That’s it. I’m giving—‘

“10 seconds passed. Masaki Fukube, lost by disqualification. Winner, Sigulf Hrimgard.”

‘…well, shit. Not fun.’

“Ah, it’s over…” Celina commented. “But…”

“Yeah, there’s no way he’ll be happy about this…” Chelsea agreed.

Sigulf lowered his axes and let out a big sigh of disappointment.

“…Fenrir damn it, you sure are a troublesome bunch.”

“If only because, we too, want to prove ourselves against the so-called A-class.”

After getting helped to stand by Heidenreich, Masaki withdrew her spear and left for the sidelines.

“…don’t screw it.”

“I’ll try.”

Facing Sigulf, Heidenreich took his summoning stance, ready to fight.

“I, Siegward Heidenreich, will be your next opponent!”

 

Part 9

Spoiler

Another challenge coming for Sigulf, ignoring the fact that the sky is slowly going darker.

“Siegward Heidenreich…”

“Oh, my bad. I forgot the proper introduction. Siegward Heidenreich, 1st year B-class, same as Masaki before me.”

“Stop. Calling me. With my first name.” she retorted from the sidelines, though Siegward heed no attention.

“Are you a knight?” Sigulf suddenly asked, which caught Siegward off guard.

“…what? No, I’m not. What makes you think so? Even though I said earlier I am a Germanic warrior.”

“Eh, just making sure.”

“…to be fair, I get that a lot.” He sighed. “Any other question?”

“Yes, I have.” Celina joined, instantly getting everyone’s attention.

“The President…”

“I understand that you wanted to help you ally. However, by doing so, you just made lightly of her skills, as well as violating the sanctity of duels. What you have to say about that?”

Siegward paused for a bit.

“…I’ll admit that it might not be smartest move I pulled. However, I believe doing that out of my friend’s wellbeing outweighs it.”

“…friend?” Masaki snapped in mild annoyance.

“And that gave you the right to made her disqualified?”

“Worry not, even I don’t know whether I have a chance against Hrimgard or not, and she may do the same if she sees the situation calls for it. Furthermore, aren’t you, Hrimgard, and I warriors? Should we even bound by the knights’ rigid ways?”

“True, I cannot speak for all warriors…” Celina responded. “But know this! We, the Bartrams, have our own warrior’s code! One of which is not go against the sacredness of duels! You, or anyone else, are free to flee your own fight. However, imposing your own standards and gleefully acting like all warriors are lawless brutes…!”

Even though her tone was raised not by much, Sigulf and everyone else could feel her emanating fury.

‘Whoa, so overwhelming!’

“C, Cel!? You might want to calm down!” Chelsea urged.

“…I see. Fair enough.”

In spite of seemingly conceding with Celina, Siegward showed no signs of backing off either.

“…after all that said, and you still want to go?” Sigulf asked, sounding slightly exasperated.

“Did you expect otherwise?”

“…have you tried Alba or Amakawa?”

“Oh, don’t worry. Some of our guys did.” He reassured “However, do note that Hunter is well loved as commoner’s heroine, so admittedly it was a bit hard for them. As for Amakawa… True, just like you, some have beef with him because he is rather close with two of the most popular 1st-year girls.”

“I’m not that— Wait, two?”

“Hm? Hestianus and Rosales, am I correct? Is there anyone else?”

‘…figures Hiltunen didn’t make it.’

“Anyways, despite that, his reputation as the famed Sanada’s son has discouraged some from trying. So that leaves you, the one who stood out without the adoration or pedigree factor.”

“…shit. So they took me lightly…”

“Some of them at least. For others, including me, we don’t care as long as we got the fame.”

“Fame, huh…”

“Right, isn’t that what drives the Fenris wolf before his binding by the Aesir? So, why won’t you fight? Don’t you love it?”

“Yeah. On my own terms.”

“Quite egoistic, aren’t you? Or should I say arrogant? Thinking that—“

“’We aren’t worth your time’?” Sigulf quickly cut him off, surprising him. “Coming from one who interrupted his friend’s match, that’s rich. Alba knows what she’s saying; you are not. You are just guilt-tripping so you can issue challenge over and over at your convenience, but when it got rejected, you would simply just cry being disrespected.”

Siegward said nothing in response, though still keeping his neutral expression. On the other hand, Celina and Chelsea looked slightly surprised for some reason.

“Sigulf…”

“Since when he’s so eloquent?”

“…wait, that’s where you are surprised?”

“He… Has a point…” one of the students said, earning a glare from Masaki.

“And how’s that different from disrespecting us?” Siegward finally continued.

“Nobody’s talking about your individual skill. It’s the fight which matters to me.”

“Oh, it is. And it’s very true to us. You do know that outside of the annual free-for-all, we don’t really have inter-class duels?”

“You can just challenge someone—“

“Which you just declined—“

“Because on the other hand, I don’t have the obligation to automatically accept any and all challenge.”

The rest of the students began talking among themselves, while Celina wore a serious expression.

“This is…”

“You don’t need to look tense like that, we don’t even know whether they are going to fight or not…” Chelsea pointed.

“Can we go home already?” Masaki sarcastically asked.

“…Masaki, help me out here.” He whispered.

“It’s Fukube to you, dumbass.”

“Are we done here?” Sigulf asked him. “You make it sounds like your life depends on it.”

“Well, he kept going on about surpassing you before, so…” Masaki tried to explain.

“Shush. Well, she’s not wrong. But I have another goal in mind.”

“”What?”” Sigulf and Masaki expressed their mild shock at the same time.

“Something you didn’t tell me?” she followed-up.

“Sorry about that. But yes, actually, winning or losing, I want to bring him to our side afterwards.”

“…wait, what?”

“Didn’t you and Amakawa join the Council to curb the old-thinking Nobles? While your, and other likeminded Nobles, actions are in our favor, I… always found it suspicious to have it backed by the same class they are fighting against.”

“…seriously, that’s why?” Sigulf sighed. “How do you even know they are the same kind of people?”

“Why do you even trust them in the first place?”

“By observing their actions, not just some pretty words? Also gut instinct. And this nose. It knows.”

“…said with quite the confidence, I see.”

“Let me guess, you tried this with Alba and Amakawa too?”

“Not by myself, but yes, we did. Predictably, Hunter refused because she wanted to train. As for Amakawa… Let’s just consider him already bound by Hestianus and Rosales.”

“So, the reason for picking me is…?”

“Because you are different. I can see it. You are wild, and should be unbound. You have no obligations whatsoever to stay under the Council and their so called noblesse oblige.”

“So called— Why you…!”

Celina has to rein in the furious Chelsea from going to his spot.

“Let him.”

“But, Cel…!”

“But with us, you’d be freer." he continued. "We can fight for the Academy on our own terms. Not to mention we shared the same Germanic roots. So what do you say? Let’s have a friendly battle, and no matter who win, we’ll then fight together, side by side.”

“No. I refuse. I’ll fight, win, and go home to sleep.”

Sigulf’s quick and seemingly unthinking answer shocked Siegward.

“…I see. This is unfortunate. And disappointing.”

“What the— Did you even hear what he said!? You just got your duel and you call it unfortunate now!?” Masaki pointed out.

“Priorities, Masaki. Priorities.” He responded before putting his focus back to Sigulf. “Truly disappointing, a supposedly wild wolf turns out to have already abandoned the common folk…”

“It’s just you.” Sigulf countered. “I’ve always been fighting for myself.”

‘…and Celina, and my Master too.’

“Guys, forget it.” Chelsea said, apparently has calmed down. “You won’t be fighting.”

“Eh? Why’s that?”

“Are you trying to stop us? Too bad, but I’d rather got injured trying than to giving up this chance just like that.”

“Ugh, that’s not even what I am getting at…!”

“Let’s go, Sigulf Hrimgard!” he ignored Chelsea’s warning. “Prepare y—“

“Denied. One of the participants, Siegward Heidenreich, committed a foul which ended up in disqualification. Please wait until the suspension period ends, or seek for another duelist.” The system announced.

“…what?”

Awkward silence fell upon the field.

“How… How long is the suspension period?”

“Three days, at the very least. Could be longer.” Chelsea curtly answered.

“…I, I see.”

His allies weren’t sure on how to react, while Masaki approached him from behind and applied a choke hold.

“We need to have a talk after this.” She growled. “A lengthy one.”

“Guhk… Very well…”

She loosened her grip slightly and glanced toward Sigulf.

“Too bad it has to end like this. But don’t worry, one of us will challenge you again for sure.”

“…damn, talk about persistent.”

“Because we have to.” Masaki responded, finally letting Siegward go. “Come on, let’s go. Show’s over.”

There were obvious hint of disappointment, but they can only follow Siegward and Masaki back, leaving only Sigulf and the Council duo behind.

“…”

Dematerializing his Fenrir, Sigulf squatted with his head hung down.

“I’m tired…”

“Um, thanks for your hard work…?” Celina approached him in worry. “Are you alright?”

“…I need a drink.”

———

The three went over to the nearest vending machine, where they enjoyed some cola.

“Ah, when was the last time I drink this?” Celina admired the blue can with sparkly eyes.

“Just don’t drink too much of them.” Chelsea advised.

“I, I know.”

Their interaction lightened Sigulf’s mood, who was silent most of the time.

‘…hm? Isn’t that—‘

“What, so you guys are still here.”

“Alba!?”

Chelsea hurriedly approached her, which made the ponytailed girl slightly nervous, though she stood her ground.

“Are you alright!? Did you get hurt somewhere!?”

“I, I’m fine, geez! …wait, you guys got challenged too?”

“Well, it’s just Sigulf there actually…”

He waved at her, still sipping his cola.

“Yo, Siggy. So how many of them you got?”

‘Man, she’s going to brag about this, isn’t she?’

“…just one. By disqualification, at that.”

“Bwahahahah! I win! I kind of lost cou— Wait, what!? Don’t tell me someone actually defeated you!?”

“No, no. They retreated after that one. Let’s just say they have a strange sense of honor…”

“Huh, I don’t really get what you’re saying, but now that you mentioned it… They are being nice when asking for the duel… Makes me kinda feel bad mowing them down…”

“Being nice, huh… Good for you.”

“Wait, they weren’t?”

“Well…”

Alba gave a triumphant grin and poked Sigulf on his cheek many times.

“Hahaa, I see Siggy is not well liked. Maybe because you went on a date with Celina?”

“I, I’m pretty sure it isn’t— …wait, how did you— Oh, right, the news is already everywhere.”

“W, well, duh! Do you think I’m not up-to-date with the current on-goings?”

‘I can’t say I spied on him before…!’ she thought.

“I see the Gallowglass is a solid team.” Celina chuckled. “It makes me a bit jealous, to be honest.”

“E, eh?”

Another awkward silence, making Celina quickly realize what she has just said.

“W, wait, did that came out wrong?” she asked with red cheeks.

“Kiiind of.” Chelsea responded.

“D, don’t worry! We knew what you meant! Ahahahah…” Alba immediately reassured.

‘Ah, too bad… I still have to try harder and step up.’ Sigulf thought.

Finishing their drink, all four returned to the dorm before the sky went completely dark.

 

Part 10

Spoiler

The next few days, Sigulf found himself facing more challengers, despite what happened before with Siegward and Masaki.

“Ugh…!”

“Battle points, 0. Cannot continue duel. Winner, Sigulf Hrimgard.”

“Alright, another one down…!” Sigulf growled. “No more—“

“Then I shall be your next opponent!”

“…for Fenrir’s sake. Fine, just because you’re a girl, doesn’t mean I’ll go easy on you!”

“Hey, hey, don’t be like that!”

Not far from him who has just took out another student, Alba was on the field as well, with her claymore hoisted over her shoulder.

“Isn’t it fun getting to know other students better?” she continued.

“…I don’t know about that.”

‘Well, at least I got to see different fighting styles… That’s learning.’

“If you don’t put your mind on it, then you’ll never catch up!”

“Miss Hunter!” one of the boys stepped forward. “Please let me be your next opponent!”

“Oh, so you’re next, huh? Alright, bring it on!”

“Man, they sure treat her nicely…”

“Kh…! Hrimgard, I’m your opponent here!”

“Oh, my bad.”

With a single flick, Sigulf deflected her attack and landed a strike. From the sidelines, Siegward and Masaki were observing their duels.

“You’re not going to join?” he asked.

“Not now. I must gather additional info first. …that said, they sure are very strong.”

———

Both Sigulf and Alba finally finished their gauntlet around sunset. Celina and Chelsea, who were watching all the time, came over to their side.

“Great work, you two.” Celina congratulated.

“Here, here, post-victory drink.” Chelsea added.

“Ah, thank you.”

Sigulf and Alba took a sip out of their water bottles.

“Whew…”

“Looks like my worry was for naught.” Celina continued.

“Eh? What do you mean?”

“Well… Looking at you yesterday, I was a bit worried you lost your love for dueling. But judging from today—“

“A, ah, that… I don’t think I would stop dueling even if I want to. But still, sorry to make you worry.”

“Ah, it’s alright. Maybe it’s less that, and more… Maybe you need a bit of stimulation?”

“…Cel, you sounded like the Principal just now.”

“E, eh!? T, that’s not what I meant!” she realized. “I was thinking maybe I should try to have an actual duel with him, or—“

“I, I know. Don’t worry.” Sigulf quickly assured. “Wait, an actual duel? Without limiters?”

“Yes. I felt you need to blow off some steam yesterday, and that’s what crossed my mind first. You… Don’t mind, right?”

“…well, it’s inevitable, sooner or later. And I’m still working towards that, so…”

“I see. Good to hear, then.”

“Ah-hem.” Alba cleared her throat. “You better mean it, else the others and I will leave you behind. You are my rival after all.”

“I know, I know. And there’s still Amakawa, and—“

“What!? Do you mean I’m not your only rival!? How could you!?”

Feigning anger, she playfully punched Sigulf’s arm multiple times.

“Ow, stop it.”

———

On weekend, after all four done practicing like usual…

“Oh, are you going already?” Celina asked to Sigulf.

“Yeah, sorry about that. I—“

“Sheesh, what’s with the hurry?” Chelsea reprimanded. “You should at least fill your stomach first!”

“Eeehh… But I wanted to check on my Master…”

“Now that you mentioned it… We haven’t seen her again since the interschool match, have we?”

“Yeah, I think she’s busy with her rehab.”

“Hmm… Then how about we grab our breakfasts on the way and visit her together?” Celina suggested.

“Eh, seriously? Well, as long as we don’t eat while walking…” Chelsea added.

“Munchy box! Munchy box!” Alba suddenly shouted, joining them.

“Yes, yes, but your balancing meal needs to be a whole box too.”

“Geh…!”

“Oh, you’re joining us?” Sigulf asked.

“Yeah. Maybe I can ask her about some embarrassing stories from when you were a kid.”

“…I have no such experience.”

———

With breakfast in hand, they went to the guest house happily.

“…eh? Why is the door open?” Sigulf noticed from a distance.

“Ah, you are right. Did something…?”

He didn’t immediately reply and hastened his pace a bit. It was then when heard someone arguing.

“Master!?”

Sigulf broke into a run and intruded the room.

“—gard!? Wait, don’t—“

“Master, are you— …ah.”

It was bizarre sight to him. A half naked Eliot was seemingly being forced to undress by Vigdis and Melanie, both obviously dead drunk.

“Oh… Good morning, boy!” Vigdis greeted cheerfully.

———

It took a while before the situation went under control, and Eliot ends up scolding his old schoolmates in front of the students.

“By the Gods, have some self-control will you!? Why would you two got drunk early in the morning!?”

“Uu, I’m sorry… I won’t do it again…” Vigdis looked genuinely remorseful. “…maybe.”

“Don’t say maybe…!”

“Come on, Elly.” Melanie interjected. “A bit of celebration won’t hurt, will it?”

“It’s still too soon for that.” Eliot retorted while rubbing his temples. “If you want to party, you have all night. What would the students say— …well, they already did.”

“Boo, boo! You probably just don’t want the students see you in a cheerleader or nurse uniform!”

“What the— Why would you want me to crossdress!? That has nothing to do with the rehab!”

“Err…” Sigulf reluctantly raised his hand.

“Oh, good timing. Might I ask you why you are here?”

“Well, I wanted to see how’s Master doing, but…”

“Ah, right. I’m sorry you have to see all that…” Eliot sighed. “Truth be told, it’s actually going slow but well, though admittedly I didn’t do much. It’s mostly Vigdis’ own effort and Melanie’s medical assistance.”

“I see….”

The women flashed v-signs and went “Yaaay!”, evidently still being tipsy.

“But seriously, if only they could dial back the alcohol…” he sighed. “I think I can imagine how hard it was for you.”

“Ehh, I’m used to it.”

“What do you mean by that!?” Vigdis protested, earning a chuckle from Melanie.

“So, did you train well?” Eliot continued.

“Ah, yes. All thanks to them.” Sigulf gestured to his companions.

“Hmm, being coached by Bartram and Kensington, I see.”

“Sir.” The council duo saluted to him.

“”It’s alright, we are on off-day. Might I ask your opinions about how they fare?”

Sigulf and Alba went slightly nervous.

“Hmm, I think it might be a bit too early to judge, but Sigulf and Alba are among the best 1st-years so far.”

“Among the best… I’m guessing Amakawa is the other candidate?”

“I believe so.”

‘Him, huh? Not too surprising.’ Sigulf thought.

“Hmm…”

“Is something wrong, Sir?”

“Ah, no. I’m just thinking whether they have points which must be improved.”

“Mm, this is just my opinion, but I think Sigulf needs to work a bit on his defenses, while Alba must do the same with her speed. Otherwise, nothing much besides the basics, then taking and intensifying it from there.”

“Well said.”

“…I’ll try my best on that.” Sigulf responded.

“Ugh, so I am a bit slow, after all…” Alba groaned.

“Well, comparatively slow among this Academy’s fastest. Though, I’m sure you can do it.” Chelsea explained. “Anyways, how about we eat our breakfast before it went cold?”

“Oh, right. I’m a bit hungry. Muuunchyyyyy!”

“Calm down, the food’s going nowhere. Sir, Miss, I bought some for you too.”

“Oh… Even if you didn’t have to… Sorry for the trouble.”

“No, no, it’s fine.”

“Fooood!” Vigdis exclaimed with joy.

“But no alcohol for you two! Have mineral water instead.”

“Eeh!? Why!?”

“Now, now, let’s play along for now. We don’t want Elly to get mad again.” Melanie comforted her.

“…so it’s because of me instead of something else more rational?”

“Miss Vigdis, Miss Vigdis!” Alba called.

“Hmm?”

“Do you have any stories about Siggy? You know, when he was younger.”

“Ooh, I think I got one!” she immediately bounced back from being gloomy. “You see, there was a time—“

“Master, please stop it. And don’t make up stories.” Sigulf sighed.

“Sigulf’s childhood stories, huh? To be honest, I’m a bit curious about it too.” Celina giggled.

“Wait, you too!?”

“Oh, nice! Tell me too!” Chelsea joined.

The ladies got lively in no time, and Eliot can only glance at Sigulf sympathetically.

“Be strong, Hrimgard.”

“…yes, Sir.”

———

Sigulf and the others excused themselves about an hour later, wanting to return and get some rest at their dorms.

‘I’m sorry, son. But next time I’ll make sure to see you more often!’

‘Ah, it’s alright, Master. Just do your best with your rehab.’

‘Kuuh, stop trying to sound cool! Well, good luck with your training… and some other thing too!’

Remembering their conversation just before they part ways, Sigulf went slightly red.

‘Some other things, huh…’ he stole a glance towards Celina, who was chatting happily with Chelsea.

“…hmm? Siggy, that guy… Do you know him?”

“Eh? What?”

Alba’s sudden question whisked Sigulf back to reality.

“I think he’s been looking at you.”

“A, another guy looking at him passionately!?”

Sigulf chose to ignore Chelsea’s outburst and observed the boy in question.

‘He… …who?’

True to what Alba said, a boy stood a fair distance from them. Seemingly has a bleached blonde hair and a tanned darker skin, Sigulf couldn’t determine whether he was a student from another class or a visitor.

“…”

The boy began taking a few steps towards him… Before vanishing into thin air.

“!?”

“This is…!? Sigulf, watch out!”

He immediately rushed faster than the eyes can follow, and stopped the boy right in the middle of his path; the attacker has already summoned his Arms without incantation, forcing Sigulf to do the same.

“Thanks for the warning…!”

“Oh…? So it wasn’t a fluke.”

‘This guy… He could match my strength?’

Sigulf’s attacker wields an ornate cavalry saber, which somehow took his Fenrir to a standstill.

“Heh, interesting! But…!”

The assailant broke away for a split second, aiming for another swing. But before he can do so…

“Hm!? Don’t interfere!”

Alba jumped from his right side and brought her claymore down. However…

“What the— He stopped Braveheart!?”

“Hee, this is unexpected…”

‘Even matching her Arms… But then that means…!’

Sigulf charged in for another attack.

‘If he’s equally tied against each of us, then there’s no way he could took both us at the same time!’

“Alba!”

“Tch…!”

The boy realized his situation, and jumped far away, not wanting to take additional risks. Still, he didn’t show any sign of withdrawing his Arms.

“You! What’s your problem attacking him out of the blue!?” Alba roared. “Are you one of those nobles!?”

“Nobles? Aah, damn Europeans and their silly circus. But how could you mistake me for them?”

“…what?”

He grinned arrogantly, not letting go of his gaze against the Gallowglass.

“I’m looking for some pushover named Hrimgard and Amakawa, but it seems another one has escaped my attention…”

“So you know our names…” Sigulf noted. “Then you are…”

 

Part 11

Spoiler

Standing off against the unwanted visitor, Sigulf and Alba tried to assess the situation.

“Siggy, could he be…?” she whispered.

“Most likely.”

“And he called you a pushover…”

“I know. But that’s not important now.”

“Oi, you two.” He addressed them. “Stop whispering there and try to say it right at my face.”

“…whisper whisper whisper.”

“Whisper whisper whisper whisper.”

“…think you’re funny, huh?” the attacker said, now sounding irritated.

‘Huh, after all that, and he’s easier to rile than I thought.’ Sigulf mentally noted.

The ruckus brought over some onlookers, among them were Siegward and Masaki.

“He…”

“You know him?”

“No, but I can’t let him has the first blood on Hrimgard…!” Siegward answered, before summoning his Arms and ran off towards them.

“Ah, oi, wait, you idiot!”

Rushing as fast as he can, Siegward rapidly approached the intruder.

“Huh?”

“Haaah!”

He unleashed a mighty swing, but it was easily blocked.

“Guh…!”

“…who the hell are you? Get out of my face, you second-rate Duelist!”

“Wha—“

The assailant easily deflected Siegward back with a flick, but before he had any real chance to follow up, Sigulf and Alba are already jumping at him.

“Tch, goddamn…!” he cursed while forced to evade. “Are you guys too much of a chicken to fight me head on!?”

“No such courtesy for trespassers like you.” Sigulf responded. “You should know that, Jack Ashfield.”

“Aah, so you figured my name.” he said, finally stopped moving. “Well, I guess one of my… Teammates told it to you.”

Jack rested his saber on top of his own shoulder, all too confident with himself.

“So you are Hrimgard. Well done on defeating our number 2 and 3!” he continued mockingly. “Too bad that won’t matter much against me! Now, where’s the one you called Amakawa?”

“There’s no need.” Alba interrupted. “If you wanted to lose that bad, then you can try me anytime!”

Jack paused at her declaration.

“You… What’s your name, ponytail?”

“Alba Hunter! The Future Greatest Warrior of the whole North Sea and beyond!”

‘…she said that with such confidence.’ Sigulf thought.

“Alba, huh? You’re cute.”

“…pardon?”

“You heard me. You’re cute. And actually not half bad. Not to mention it seems that you are not a noble, too.”

“…so?”

“Be my girl and transfer to our school. With me, and our system too I guess, you’ll have a much better time.”

Everyone there couldn’t hide their collective shock.

“Did… Did he just hit on her!?” Chelsea expressed her horror.

‘My thoughts exactly…’ Sigulf mentally agreed.

Alba, meanwhile, said nothing and took a deep breath at first.

“…you know, if I have to talk in your language, then my answer would be ‘Hell no, and get the hell outta here’!”

She brandished her claymore, ready to strike out.

“If you’re asking for a duel, then do so properly!”

“Tch… Too bad… Even though I began to get more interested in you than Amakawa or Hrim— Whoa!”

Another sudden strike from Sigulf and Alba forced Jack to jump away at the last moment.

“Seriously, is this how you Euros do things? Ganging up on an opponent? So much for your so called knight’s chivalry!”

“Both of us are warriors.” Sigulf retorted. “And no warm receptions for uninvited guests.”

“Warriors? More like some thugs from the boonies.”

“Nice to hear you’re able to self-reflect. Well done!”

One side keeps their offence, another have to constantly move out of harm’s way. The situation doesn’t seem to be lifting up anytime soon, frustrating Jack a bit.

‘Shit, this ain’t fun. I should’ve been crushing these losers now, not—‘

“Guys, hold it right there!”

“Huh!?”

“…ah, there he is.”

Another boy Jack has been looking for. Minato has arrived, followed by the three groupies as always.

“What’s going on here…?” Eurypha trailed off before noticing Siegward. “Ah, you there! Are you okay!? Did you get hurt somewhere!?”

She hurriedly went to check on him, while Masaki waited by his side.

“I don’t think he got injured, but…” she tried to explain.

“Damn…!” Siegward cursed, clutching his wrist. “Why my hand won’t stop trembling…!?”

‘Heidenreich… He…’

Jack ignored them and shifted his attention back at Minato.

“What took you so long? Enjoying your day off?”

“Eh? Well, yeah. Why do you ask?”

“…”

‘…why did he act cordially with him?’ Sigulf mentally retorted.

“Nevermind. Now that you are here…” Jack continued, raising his saber and points it to Minato. “Draw your blade, son of Sanada.”

“Eh?”

“You hear m— Tch, again?”

Yet another attack from the Gallowglass duo, giving Jack no other choice but to evade.

“…how long are you punks gonna do this?”

“Until you got tired and decided to go home crying.” Sigulf taunted.

“Hah, weak. Are you going to deny my rightful duel?”

“He’s right! Why are you bullying him?”

Minato’s remark almost made Alba faceplant.

“He’s an intruder, for crying out loud!” she retorted. “He attacked Siggy first out of the blue!”

“Eh, really?”

“Let’s trust her here, Minato.” Carmen said. “If that’s the case, then the answer is easy.”

She, along with Eurypha and Ilma, summoned their Arms and took a step closer towards Jack.

“How disappointing…”

“If anything, that goes to you too, you know…”

Another voice coming from behind Jack caught everyone’s attention.

“Oh, he’s…”

“…so you finally caught up.”

“What are you thinking, breaking out like that?” Kouji sighed.

Behind him, Mei and her team, along with few other unknown students were there with their Arms on hand.

“Look, before this became an incident and your punishment got heavier, give up and go home already.” He continued.

“…hmph, looks like playtime’s over. Too bad…” Jack conceded, withdrawing his weapon. The other Pacific students immediately surrounded him.

“What? Do you think I’m gonna run away? Or do you need some assurance? Here, try to handcuff me, then.” He taunted, offering his hands.

“…you do know we don’t do that.” Kouji retorted before shifting his focus to Celina. “Miss Bartram.”

“Morning, Sir Houjou.” She acknowledged in return, still cautious with the situation.

“I apologize for the trouble my foolish junior has caused.” Kouji bowed while holding Jack’s head. “…come on, you too.”

“…why must I apologize to these Euros?” he pushed away Kouji’s hand, though not so roughly for some reason.

“Jack! You…!”

“Not even you can make me do it.”

He forced his way through the students towards the other way. As soon as he broke free, Jack left some parting words.

“Oh, right. Alba, hope we’ll meet again.”

“Eww…”

He ignored Alba’s disgust and kept on walking.

“The hell’s wrong with him?” Mei cursed.

“…let’s go, everyone.” Kouji commanded, which obeyed by the rest of the Pacifics. Mei’s team gave the Atlantics a nod of silent acknowledgement before joining the rest.

“Well, it’s over…” Sigulf exhaled, dematerializing his Fenrir. “Talk about a handful one…”

“Uuugh, that guy gave me the creeps!” Alba grumbled. “Seriously, his head must be all messed up!”

“Alba!” Chelsea hurriedly ran to her side. “Are you alright!? D, did he touch you somewhere strange!?”

“W, what? Of course not!”

“Thank goodness…”

“…y, yeah. And, umm… Thanks for caring, I guess…”

‘Hmm?’

“Thanks for the hard work.” Eurypha and the others came over to them. “Is there— …well, considering it’s you guys, I don’t think anyone got hurt.”

“Fortunately, yeah.”

“Sooo, is that the fabled Jack Ashfield?” Carmen asked. “He did seem to be strong…”

“Very. We only managed to push him back because he got outnumbered, after all…”

“Hmm, interesting. Now if only we can dig some information for future reference…”

“That’s right! Hey, Ape, do you know— Oh, right, he isn’t here…” Eurypha said, realizing that Walter isn’t with them. “Sheesh, just when we needed him…!”

“Now, now, aren’t you being too harsh with him?”

“Why shouldn’t we? I mean, he always tagged along with us, only to do some skirt chasing!”

“Maaaybe he likes someone?” Carmen hinted.

“Uwaaa, that makes it even worse… Gross.”

“…I have to agree with her this time.” Ilma sighed. “Gross.”

“Well, he isn’t Minato, so gross.”

‘And just when they finally agreed upon something, it’s this…’ Sigulf thought. ‘Good thing he’s not around…’

“Enough, you three!” Minato suddenly snapped at them.

“Mi— Amakawa!? What’s gotten into y—“

“Is that how you talk about your friends!?”

The three girls paused, before Eurypha let out a sigh.

“Your friend. Not ours—“

“No! He’s still our classmate, so he’s your friend too! And what did he do to warrant all those words!?”

“What the—!? Of course he’s a perv! And… Uhh, he’s loud… A, and…”

‘This is a bit funny.’ Sigulf noted.

“E, enough! W, why are you defending him!?” she continued.

“Because he’s a great guy!”

“…how is he a great guy!? I bet he told you… D, dirty stories about the girls!”

“He did! That’s why I’ve been telling him to tone it down!”

“…wait, you did?”

‘He actually did?’ Sigulf was as equally surprised.

“Yeah. Well, knowing him, it probably wouldn’t be that easy, but… If you have a problem, then talk about it directly with him! That’s what friends do!”

“Err…”

“Don’t you think so too, Hrimgard-kun?”

‘Eh, why is he looking at me?’

“I guess…?”

‘I don’t hate the guy, but I don’t know him much either…’

The girls now looked kind of remorseful… except maybe for Ilma, predictably.

“Ugh… Well, I’m sorry about that…” Eurypha apologized. “I’ll… Try to rein it in next time.”

“If you understand, then it’s good!”

“As expected from Minato!” Carmen said while suddenly glomping him. “So big hearted!”

“Hey, what are you doing!?”

“R, Rosales-san…! Everyone’s watching…!”

“You horny Spaniard…! Cut it off…!” Ilma growled.

‘And of course it would end like this…’ Sigulf thought while watching the girls fight over Minato as usual. Obviously, the remaining onlookers were quick to express their jealousy.

“Siggy.” Alba called, poking him on the shoulder.

“Hmm?”

“You sure have a bad hobby, enjoying them and their antics like that…”

“…it’s social observation.”

“Uwaa, Sigulf is quite bad-natured…” Chelsea joined.

“U, umm, I’m well aware that studying social interactions is a good thing, but don’t you think there’s a better way?” Celina added.

Sigulf can only groan while covering his face, earning laughter from the rest of them.

 

Part 12

Spoiler

A new sunrise on Sunday. Far across the ocean, some Pacific students were discussing about the latest incident, or rather, the boy responsible for it.

“…how was he?”

“He’s been strangely calm for some reason.”

“Really? Now that’s… Quite scary.”

“Hmm? Why’s that?”

“You know, he would normally be on edge, training violently and thrashing stuff…”

“Aah, I get what you mean… Still, as much as talented he is, Ashfield is far too unruly. Maybe we should look for and develop another prospect.”

“…I don’t know about that. I’m still willing to bet on his abilities, but—“

Little did they know, the young man in question has his mind on something else entirely. Inside his detaining room, Jack was sitting on the floor and gazed outside, apparently resting after some practice.

“Alba Hunter…” he mumbled.

———

Meanwhile, back on Atlantic’s artificial island…

“Wha—!?”

“Huh? What’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure…!” Alba said, reaching the back of her neck. “I just felt something chillingly creepy!”

“I don’t really get it, but…?”

“Hmm…” Chelsea frowned, thinking. “I’m a bit worried, but for now, let’s just focus on the training at hand.”

“”Yes, Ma’am!””

———

After practice, when the four were having breakfast at the usual café…

“Oooi, Sig-kun.”

“Hm? Oh, hey…”

Sigulf raised his head to see Yuu coming over at him.

“Morning! Worked some nice sweat?”

“Yeah, as usual…” Sigulf answered a bit uncertainly while eyeing his track outfit, making Yuu confused.

“Hm? What’s with that look?”

“I’m actually surprised you bothered to train on a day off.”

“…well, duh, I have to. All alone at that. Unlike you, who get to have fun…” he retorted, relentlessly poking Sigulf’s side with his finger.

“H, hey! Stop it! I’m eating!”

“Ah-hem.” Chelsea deliberately cleared her throat. “Kanzaki, you do know it’s improper to disturb one’s meal time?”

“Oh, my bad, Kensington-senpai! By the way, you and Bartram-senpai looked lovely as always.”

She nearly coughed in reaction, while Celina merely gave a wry chuckle.

“Where did that came from!?”

“From the bottom of my heart~” he obviously lied. “Oh, I almost forgot. Can I borrow Sig-kun for a moment?”

“…don’t try to headlock me again.” Sigulf quickly said.

“I won’t, I won’t! …maybe.”

“…well, as long as you don’t disturb the others.”

“Understood! I’ll return him later!”

“Excuse me…”

“It’s alright, take your time.” Celina replied to Sigulf.

Yuu lead him not too far away from the girls and began whispering.

“Sooo… How far did you go with Bartram-senpai?”

“What, so you wanted to know about that… I think I’ve been better lately, on fighting against her speed—“

“…you do know I’m not talking about that.”

“…aren’t we Duelists?”

“…well, okay, we are. So I change my question: have you gone on another date with her?”

“No. Not yet—“

“What!? Why!?” Yuu asked, almost raising his voice.

“…because I haven’t got the moment? There’s the B-class, and then Ashfield—”

“Maybe, but you can’t keep on waiting…! It’s not even has to be a date; you can ask her to have some tea together. Or coffee.”

“But we always had afternoon tea after council—“

“…oh right, I forgot. You damned riajuu.”

“Reea what?”

“It’s a bit troublesome to explain.” Yuu dismissed. “But anyways, it’s not like there were only two of you, right?”

“Yeah, Chelsea is usually there.”

“I thought so…”

“…so, what?”

“I don’t know, ask her for something else that is not tea or coffee?”

“…but what? Uuugh…”

From their table, the girls watched them continue their secret conversation.

“They got so serious, it looks fun.” Celina giggled. “I wonder what they are talking about.”

“Probably just pervy things.” Chelsea responded. “You know, boys.”

“Hrrrm…” Alba crossed her arms. “Siggy being Siggy, I don’t think he’s really like that, but… Yuu might influence him…”

“Then shouldn’t we stop them…!?”

“W, whoa, I was just kidding, Cel.” the brunette quickly clarified.

———

Their breakfast ended without any incidents, and all of them decided to walk home together. Except…

“Yuu.”

“Yes?”

“Why are you walking a bit far behind?”

“Ooh, that. Well, I can’t really walk that fast after a heavy exercise.”

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, please don’t worry!”

“…well, if you say so.” Sigulf sighed. “By the way, you said you were practicing on your own? Why don’t you—“

“Oh, is this an invitation!?”

“…I was going to ask why you don’t invite someone else, but…”

“Chee, Sig-kun, you’re not fun…”

“But maybe he’s right…” Alba said. “Is it possible for him to join us?”

“Hmm…” Chelsea looked unsure. “Our practice will get bigger, then… What do you think, Cel?”

“Hm? I actually don’t mind.” Celina answered confidently. “As long as he is up to it.”

Even though she was genuinely considering, if anything, it unnerved Yuu.

“…on a second thought, thank you, but I think I’ll train on my own for now…”

“Oi, oi. What’s with that?” Sigulf asked in slight exasperation. “So you’ll look for someone else?”

“Maybe, but Armstrong-kun is… Well, Armstrong-kun. As for Amakawa-kun… He is out of the question.”

“Why? It’s not like they are going to butcher you immediately, are they?”

“I’d rather not risk that. Although, now that you mentioned it… Hmm… Two of our class’ big 3 girls are there… What should I do?”

“Wha— You still remember that?” Alba responded, nearly stumbling her own steps.

“Of course we won’t forget. Yay to our Heroine-san!”

“Umm, yay?” Sigulf followed, though being uncertain.

“K, knock it off…!”

“Oh yeah, whatever happened with that?”

“The poll? I don’t know, haven’t heard anything from him.” Yuu explained. “Maybe he actually stopped for good?”

“Hmm…”

———

Having finally reached the dorm, everyone returned to their respective rooms. Sigulf did additional exercises even after all that before taking a bath, if only to try to clear his mind.

‘Man, I know I have to ask her out again, but… I wanted to fight, and there’s still more of them coming…’

———

Staying inside his room didn’t help much, so Sigulf decided to go outside again, to get some fresh air.

‘…and here I am, already checking on possible places to visit.’ He sighed.

Sigulf took a stroll along the amusement area, looking at the buildings around.

‘Cafes are… Well, as long as we eat something new, I guess it’s okay? Cinemas… Might try. Game centers… No, we already went there, unless she really likes it somehow. Shopping… What would we buy?’

He suddenly stopped walking as he realized something.

‘Come to think of it, I don’t know much of her yet.’ Sigulf thought. ‘What are her hobbies? I knew she enjoyed the fighting game, but… Or is it related to the plushes? She did look overjoyed at those…’

He sighed once more, setting his gaze upwards.

“…I want to know her more. I have to.” Sigulf muttered.

“Then do so?”

“Whoah!?”

Sigulf jumped out from his spot, to see Lindorm was already behind him.

“Good day, kinsman.” He greeted.

“Lindy, don’t scare him like that…” Laine came along, sighing at her friend.

“Eh? But I—“

“…no, it’s alright. Since when you are here?”

“From when you said you wanted to know her more.”

“Geh…!”

“You can do it.” He encouraged.

“Oho?” Laine got her interest piqued. “Wolfboy likes someone?”

“Isn’t it the President?”

“Wha— Wait—!!”

There was a slight pause before Laine narrowed her eyes.

“…seriously? Why did Amakawa, and then you, have to brought over your silly love stories to the Council?”

“…sorry about that.”

“Eh? It wasn’t allowed?” Lindorm sounded genuinely surprised.

“Actually there’s no such rules…” she sighed. “But imagine if the two focused on their love pursuits instead. Our jobs would be much harder…”

Sigulf wanted to retort, but decided not to.

‘Reasons aside, she’s not exactly wrong… Now how do I limit the thoughts? Uuugh…’

“Don’t say that.” Lindorm said while gently poking Laine’s shoulder repeatedly. “Shouldn’t we help our juniors?”

“I dunno about th— Wait, stop that.”

He said nothing but obliged nonetheless.

“So, uhh…”

“But seriously… The President, of all people? You better don’t neglect your duties and screw up, a’ight? Help her for real.”

“Yes, Ma’am! My apologies!”

‘I guess I’m safe for now…?’

“Man… Did she know about this?”

“No idea. Can’t really tell…”

“…did you ever send her any inappropriate messages? I mean, I did give her number to you…”

“I did not!”

———

It took a while with Lindorm’s goading before Laine relents and lets Sigulf go. Still, she left some words of warning.

‘Remember what I said. Don’t cause her inconvenience.’

‘…I have to take this more seriously.’ He thought.

Sigulf took a long look at Celina’s number on his phone before putting it back into his pocket.

‘Some other time for sure.’

He was about to resume his stroll when a figure sitting on the roadside café across him caught his attention.

‘Isn’t that—‘

“…”

Just like before, the Principal was working outdoors. One thing that’s a bit different was the air around her.

‘Something’s feels off…’

Curious, Sigulf dared himself to approach Victoria.

 

Part 13

Spoiler

The sound of approaching footsteps made Victoria look up from her work.

“Oh, it’s you. Good day.”

“Good day to you too, Ma’am.”

Pleasant voice and welcoming smile, but none of the usual seductive mannerism, which Sigulf noted to be uncharacteristic of her.

“Taking a nice break?” she continued.

“Eh, yeah, something like that.”

“Have you eaten? Don’t worry, it’s on me.”

He already had breakfast, but he found it a bit hard to deny her.

“…well, then I guess I’ll have a light snack.”

Victoria called the waitress while Sigulf sat down nearby.

“So, is there anything I can help you with?” she said without setting her sight away from her work. “I found it a bit curious that you seek me.”

‘Ugh, she’s right… I obviously had my reasons, but it’s still embarrassing…’

“…I’m sorry, I just thought you looked troubled, so…”

Sigulf’s answer made her pause, before letting out a chuckle.

“Oh my, what have I done? Making my own student worried by seeing me in such state… I am the one who should apologize. I didn’t mean to be dismissive.”

“Ah, it’s alright.” He quickly reassured. “If only there’s something I could do…”

“Thank you. Your concern was more than comforting.”

Sigulf scratched his cheek bashfully, trying to look away.

‘I guess I can’t really hate her… What would my Master say?’

“Well, you might have guessed it, but…” Victoria sighed. “It’s about yesterday’s incident.”

“Just as I thought…”

“Worry not, you and the rest of the Council did the right thing. Good job.”

“Thank you very much, Ma’am.”

“What I am slightly worried at is on how the public will react on the long run. That being said, no security can properly filter one’s True Arms like conventional weapons.”

“Hmm…”

“We did receive the Pacific’s formal apology, as well as an explanation of their situation, but to think their Ace freshman is such a loose cannon…”

She suddenly stopped as she realized something.

“My bad, I’m sure you don’t want to hear me ramble on.”

“No, no, it’s fine! I’m all ears here.” Sigulf responded. “…unless it’s actually confidential.”

Victoria slightly widened her eyes in pleasant surprise before laughing.

“I’m glad to hear that, but don’t you think it should be directed to someone else?”

“Eh? Ah…”

‘I think I knew who she meant… Maybe she’s right…’

“Please don’t worry. This is something I can handle as the Principal. I’m sure she will need your help more than me.”

‘We all still have the common goal as the Council, after all.’

“I’m sor— Wait, I don’t think an apology is appropriate here…”

“Ufufu, it’s alright. I do appreciate it. I’ll make sure to ask for your help too when the need rises.”

“Yes, Ma’am!” Sigulf answered, getting uncharacteristically enthusiastic.

‘Ah, I think she got back to her usual mood… That’s nice.’

Unbeknownst to them, Vigdis was watching with tranquil fury from the corner, with only Melanie holding her back.

“What. Is. He. Doiiiiiing?” she growled.

“C, calm down. We don’t want to make a scene.” Melanie pleaded.

———

Needless to say, when Vigdis do finally caught up with Sigulf, she refused to let him go the whole afternoon.

“…why do I have to cook this much?”

“Aaand cleaning up… Aaaand the laundry…”

“What the— You do know I have class tomorrow?”

“Shut uuup! Hic… You… You made me sad…! Now take responsibility!”

“Are you drunk aga— Whoa! D, don’t hug me while I’m cooking! I, it’s dangerous!”

“Nooo! I won’t— Hic… I won’t let go until Stark’s charm magic disappears!”

“What magic!?”

From her comfortable seat, Melanie watched the master-pupil with an amused grin.

“Be strong, boy.”

———

The next morning, a new week begins, only short of few days from the upcoming month. Eliot didn’t want to miss his chance to open his class with a speech.

“Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to congratulate you all on making it to this point!”

His words were met with the students’ approving applause before he continues.

“How was it? I’m pretty sure a whole month was more than enough to get yourselves accustomed both physically and mentally. …though, it seems some got too comfortable. I mean, I know this island is very easy to live in, but… Anyways!”

He shifted his position, still addressing the room.

“You must’ve heard about the two incidents this week alone. Regardless of what your stances are on these issues, they only convinced me on one thing. That we definitely must raise the bar even higher on our training. No ifs, no buts, no groans, no complaining.”

“””Yes, Sir!”””

“That’s the spirit! I know none of you are willing to be taken lightly by the Pacifics… or staying under our Top 3’s shadow all the time.” Eliot emphasized the last one with a knowing grin, making the rest of the class set their gazes on Sigulf, Alba, and Minato.

‘Uwaa, must he draw attention on us like that?’ Sigulf thought.

“That goes for you three too.” He goes on. “Let it be your motivation to fight even harder. Now, you are the Top 3. But the next moment, who knows? So fight, and give it your all. To not disappoint the school, your peers, or your family, whichever suits you… But one thing for sure; Fight hard, to not disappoint your own self.”

“”“Yes, Sir!”””

“Alright, I think I got a bit carried away there. Without further ado, and with renewed zest, let us begin the class!”

———

Afternoon break’s bell rings, and the whole classroom was getting ready for lunch.

“Aaalriiiight! Time for the last month’s updated poll results!” Walter excitedly shouted. “…or so I wanted to say, but I guess everyone’s have their minds on something else, huh?”

True to his observation, the other students were more interested in the last two incidents. The boys gather around Minato and invites him to eat together, while the girls went to Alba’s seat.

“Oi, Amakawa! Join us, will ya? Maybe we’ll know about your duel secrets, too! Hehe…”

“Miss Hunter! Would you please join us?”

The two were confused and slightly embarrassed from the attention.

“Seems to be it.” Eurypha commented before turning back to face him. “…what, you guys are still doing that?”

“What, don’t you too?”

“It wasn’t me!”

“Eh, well, okay, I guess… Wanna know the results?”

“…why would I?”

“Reeaally?”

Eurypha got flustered a bit as he hit the mark.

“J, just a bit, mind you!”

Walter cackled before taking a look at his phone.

“Let’s see… You actually surpassed Rosales here…”

“Really…!?”

“In my heart.” He winked.

Eurypha promptly froze for a moment before storming away with disgust to join the other girls.

“…what were you thinking?” Arthfael sighed.

“C, come on! That’s just mean! I didn’t even go raunchy there!”

“Maybe, but the timing and delivery… You are not smooth at all.” Yuu added. “So, how did she fare, actually?”

“Number 2, just below Hunter. So I wasn’t lying when I said that…!”

“Hee… Reason?”

“The guys have been appreciating her work as a Council member. Oh, and surprisingly Hiltunen too, even if just a bit.”

“I see… Well, despite her… Problems, she can be cute too, remember?”

“Eh? I guess so.”

“Too bad you blew our chance to know our standings with the girls.”

“…yeah, yeah, I know. Sorry about that…”

The three continued chatting and approached the rest of the boys, leaving Sigulf alone in his seat.

“Oh right, I almost forgot. It’s lunch time.”

He stood up and left the room on his own.

“Ah…”

Alba was a bit concerned and glanced at him, but the other girl calling for her made her sped up her pace.

Meanwhile…

“Hmm… Feels like I forgot something…” Yuu muttered.

“Eh? Now that you mentioned it…” Arthfael responded.

“…well, whatever. Come on, let’s go, Sig— …eh?”

“He’s not here…?”

“I completely forgot to invite him…!” he clutched his head.

“I thought you don’t like it when he, umm… Hogs the Council duo for himself?”

“And that’s why we have to drag him here!”

“You…”

“Hey, Penndreic, Kanzaki! What’s wrong? Hurry!” Walter called.

“Ah, sorry, be right there! …well joking aside, I hope he doesn’t take this personally…”

———

On the rooftop, few minutes later…

“So, Alba’s not here because she got invited by the class?”

“Uh-huh.”

“And you didn’t, so ending up all alone?”

“Err, I guess…?”

Chelsea sighed.

“Sometimes I wonder what you are thinking… Will you really be okay like that?”

“Sigulf, do you… Hate your classmates?” Celina joined with a question.

“Eh? I don’t think so… It’s just…I’m not sure on what to do…”

“How about you start with ask them nicely?”

“…that didn’t even cross my mind. I was too busy thinking about the last fights and what Sir Fortier said, just like everyone else.”

“Fights? Aah, I think I understand… And what did he say?”

“The usual encouragement. Fight the hardest for yourself.”

“Hmm, I see, I see…”

“Hey, don’t just concede like that!” Chelsea retorted. “Sheesh, why are you so alike in the strangest places? Especially when it comes to duels…”

“Ahem.” Celina purposefully cleared her throat. “…in any case, while it’s good that you don’t resent your classmates, and I know some people prefer to have more time alone, don’t you think it would be better to talk it out with your friends? I’m sure that would do well as fellow duelists.”

“Eh? But aren’t you two my friends too?”

Sigulf’s answer made them went silent momentarily.

‘…did I just say something wrong?’

“Friends…” Celina mouthed. “Right, friends…”

Chelsea, on the other hand, gave a nervous laugh and said, “Eeh, maybe, I guess?”

“Wait, what?”

“You weren’t sure on that?” Celina suddenly followed up to the surprise of both Sigulf and Chelsea.

“Eh!? …were you?”

“Admittedly, I didn’t realize, but…”

She turned to face Sigulf and impulsively grabbed both of his hands.

‘Eeeh!?’

“My apologies, but don’t worry now. Like I said before, you can confide on me, whether it’s about duels or not. That’s how friends should be, right?”

“R, right… Thank you…”

“My pleasure!”

“…Cel, your hands.” Chelsea pointed. “You are getting too excited again…”

“Ah…! I’m sorry!” She quickly backed away while getting red.

“I, it’s alright…”

‘Aah, her hands feel nice after all… Wait, that’s not the problem here!’

———

Still minutes before lunch break ends, just when the three are about to go back in, the rooftop door suddenly opened, and reveals Yuu, Alba, and Arthfael who were slightly out of breath.

“Ah, there he is…!” Alba said.

“Eh? Why are you guys here?”

“Sig-kun, we— …what, you have already finished, huh?”

“Oh, yeah. What’s wrong? What’s with the rush?”

Yuu scratched his cheek, looking hesitant.

“We actually wanted to invite you, but…”

He bowed deeply in remorse.

“I’m sorry! I forgot and was in a rush…!”

“…eh?”

Sigulf couldn’t really believe his ear. He sniffed the air and immediately knew Yuu wasn’t lying.

But still, all he could muster was, “…wait, you did?”

“…wait, you didn’t even realize?”

“Uhh, no…?”

There was a short beat before Alba and Arthfael finally exhaled out of exasperation, while Yuu approached Sigulf and strangled him like usual.

“Don’t make us worried like that…! I thought you got mad or something…!”

“Hey, hey, cut it out…”

“Siggy, you’re surprisingly an airhead outside of fights…” Alba added.

“I take offense to that.”

Celina let out a laugh as she watched.

“Oh, I see. I see how it is. Such good friends you have.”

“Well, yeah…” Sigulf answered a bit bashfully. “Still, sorry, guys. And thanks.”

The three 1st-years smiled before Alba continued, “If you treat all of us parfaits, then sure!”

“…nevermind all the trouble, how would our schedules match anyway?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine, we can work it out!”

“Umm, Hunter? I suggest we have something else besides parfaits.” Arthfael suggested. “That amount of sugar couldn’t be—“

“Whaaat!? You’re not fun! Then what would you suggest?”

They began lightly arguing on their actually undetermined after school escapade, while Sigulf can only sigh.

‘They won’t listen, huh?’

 

Part 14

Spoiler

Afternoon class, a new cycle for the mock duel session. As much as Sigulf wanted to fight, Eliot’s randomizer wasn’t on his side today.

‘Oh well, I guess I have to watch from the sidelines and learn…’

Arthfael was the one got picked, and this time, he managed to come up as the victor thanks to his own swordsmanship.

“Winner, Arthfael Penndreic!”

Pointing his sword to the audience, he then declared, “I offer this victory to House Penndreic, and to the whole circle of knights!”

Among the round of applause, Sigulf noticed him smiling thinly towards his direction.

‘…ah, I see. Just as how I plan to surpass both Alba and Amakawa, he too…’

———-

The last bell rings, signaling the end of new week’s first day. As Sigulf was just done with his preparations, Alba approached him.

“Yo, Siggy? Don’t forget the parfait, okay?”

“…you do know I didn’t even agree to that.”

“Why are you such a bore? Come on, let’s do something together after school, like classmates do! We’ll wait for the Council duty, too!”

“Err, I don’t think that’s the problem here…”

“Alba-san, Alba-san.” Yuu joined. “You know, while you do have a point on three of us rarely hang around, don’t you usually train wit— Mmph!?”

“Waaah…! Sshh…!”

“What, is it ‘that’?” Arthfael sighed. “I thought you already know that ‘Sigulf Hrimgard trains with Academy’s top 3 girls every weekend’ is an open secret already?”

Sigulf and Alba froze instantly.

“…I didn’t want to consider the thought.” He responded moments later.

“Then I guess you already know their reaction?”

“Kind of…”

‘Well shit, I’m not Amakawa, guys…’

“How troublesome…” Alba sighed. “It’s not like we can just bail out like that…”

“We won’t. It’s because we know they are the best, we dared to train with them.”

“…yeah, you’re right. If any of them have any complaints, then I guess it’s time to talk with our blades, right!?” she agreed, hitting her own palm with her other knuckle.

“You know, sometimes I envy your carefreeness…” Arthfael pointed. “Among other things, of course.”

“Huh? Well…”

“Excuse me.”

Another voice joined them, and all four turned to see the source.

‘Ah, it’s the Heidenreich guy…’

Accompanied by Masaki as ever, Siegward looked a bit hesitant before entering the class and approached them.

“Hrimgard…”

“Yo. Are you… Feeling better already?”

“Hm? …ah.” He understood what Sigulf was getting at. “…a bit. No need for concern.”

“I see… So what’s the deal today? Is it—“

“Yes.” Siegward answered bluntly.

Sigulf went silent, making Masaki, and for some reason, Alba and the others too, tense.

“On two conditions.” He finally said. “One, Council duties come first for me. Two, join us after that for some parfait.”

“I don’t mind…! I— Wait, parfait? But I don’t really like sweets…”

“Oh? That’s too bad… Well, I guess just one condition is alright…”

“…what? So you agreed?” Masaki reacted in a slight disbelief.

“Wait, wait, wait!” Alba suddenly hopped towards Sigulf. “Does th—“

“No, pay your own.” He immediately cut her off.

“Aw, man…”

“Now, now, Alba-san. At least we all get to hang out together.” Yuu reassured.

“That’s that… Anything else?” Sigulf returned his attention back to the class B pair again.

“It’s more than enough…! I… Thank you.”

He simply shrugged in return.

“I wanted to fight today, but… That reminds me, why didn’t you challenge Alba instead?”

“…eh?”

Short beat from the addressed two until Alba finally responded.

“He’s right! Why are you so adamant on fighting Siggy!? Are you saying he’s stronger than me!?”

“…I have my own reasons.”

While the two began to comically argue, Sigulf not so subtly made his getaway.

“Mustn’t be late, mustn’t be late…” he hummed.

“…sometimes I can’t believe him.” Yuu exhaled in exasperation.

———

Today’s Council papers weren’t exactly numerous, so the usual members decided to do it at a leisurely pace.

“By the way,” Celina said in the middle of their work. “Did you work things out with your classmates?”

“Eh? …oh, right. Parfait. Well, kind of. Somehow I managed to convince them to pay on their own, then we’ll go after my duel.”

“Oh, I presume you accepted one? Who was it?”

“Heidenreich.”

“So his ban has been lifted, it seems…” Chelsea added.

“Yeah, it’s been few days since then…”

‘…hm? Wait a sec. Maybe I should ask her to join? I remember that she likes sweets…’

“Ah, right. I almost forgot.” Sigulf continued. “Would you mind to join for the parfait? With Chelsea too, of course.”

“What did you mean by ‘too’?”

“Err… Just in case you object, because of too much sugar and all that…”

“U… W, well yes, I’d rather avoid eating that! …but once in a while is fine, I guess.”

“Oh, it is. Alba’s there too, by the way.” Sigulf slyly remarked.

“…why did you mention that?”

“Ufufu, it’s nice to see you two interact like that.” Celina pointed out.

“Eh!? Ah, well… Ahahah…”

As soon as she done laughing, Chelsea discreetly sends him a cold glare.

‘…she really doesn’t like me, huh?’

———

With today’s paperwork all wrapped up, Sigulf and the Council duo heads towards the central park. Celina did invite the other members, to which some of them agreed to meet up later.

‘The Council is really full of beauties…’ Sigulf noted. ‘Those two… Roxanne and Nadine, wasn’t it? …wait, what am I thinking?’

“What’s the matter?” Celina asked.

“No, it’s nothing.”

——–

Seemingly waiting in the meantime, Siegward stood up when he saw Sigulf has finally arrived.

“You’re here.”

“Yo. Sorry for the wait.”

“Don’t worry, it was my request in the first place. By the way…”

“Yeah?”

“How did you know this is the place?”

“Huh? Is there any other places? Well, actually there are, but this one fits the most…”

“I see… I actually forgot to tell you where we should meet…”

“…yeah, I realized that.”

Sigulf took steps closer, ready to fight.

“Are you not going to ask my reason?” Siegward asked.

“I did. But I think I have a good guess why…”

“Is that so… Then, no more words…!”

Watching him from under a nearby tree, Masaki can only sigh.

“Why must he act so tough?”

On the other side, Celina and Chelsea took a step back to give them some space.

“So it begins… Good luck, Sigulf. Do your best.” Celina encouraged.

“Yeah…!”

Taking his usual pose, Sigulf summoned his axes before getting into combat stance.

“Fen-dwelling Wolf… The Devourer of Wotan…” Siegward growled. “Then let’s see how I stand against it…!”

He brought his hands forward, as if holding a two-handed sword. Bright golden aura surrounded him at the same time as his chanting.

“Wrath is thy name, vengeance is thy blood, and glory is thy game. By Volsung Wolves’ honor…! Cleave, Grimm!”

In his hands, a steel zweihander took form. Even under the setting sun, its blade and the golden wolf head emblazoned on it gleamed brightly.

“Aah, I see. I remember that in the story, the Volsung clan was associated with wolves.” Chelsea mentioned.

“And one of those ‘wolves’ slew a dragon… Interesting.” Celina added.

“Come, Wolf of the North…!” Siegward challenged.

“Let’s go…! I’ll show you how we hunt!”

“Single duel, confirmed.” The system announced. “En garde… Begin!”

No hesitation whatsoever, only fury which drives both boys into all-out rage right from the start. One was born from his natural inclination towards fighting, another from the desperation to prove and redeem himself.

“Kh…!”

‘So heavy…! As expected from a great sword wielder…!’

Sigulf momentarily disengaged and then launched a flurry of swings, forcing Siegward to trade steels.

“Ugh…!”

‘But I’ve faced Alba many times! Therefore…!’

A well-timed strike forced an opening in Siegward’s defense, even if just for a moment.

“Shi—“

“There!!”

A successful hit urged Sigulf for a follow-up, but Siegward still has the strength for an emergency cover.

“Damn, I won’t let you…!”

“Tch…”

Meeting a temporary hindrance, Sigulf leapt away to safety.

“Battle points, down by 10%.”

‘Not a bad start…’ Sigulf thought. ‘But I need more…!’

Sigulf came in charging once again, starting another blade clash.

“Knowing that he’s outclassed, yet still carried on…” Masaki muttered, still watching. “I guess that counts for something…?”

“Gah…!”

“Battle points, down by 15%.”

Passing by his opponent, Sigulf scored another hit. And just like before, as he turned around to continue his assault, Siegward has already recovered to block.

“You won’t let me win that easily, huh?”

“As if…!”

Mustering his strength, Siegward finally managed to knock Sigulf back, catching him by surprise a bit.

“Whoa…!”

“This is…!”

The Grimm was raised high, ready to be brought down.

‘Don’t tell me…!’

“—THE END!!”

A mighty downward swing, followed with a large shockwave and booming crash. Sigulf couldn’t imagine what might happened if his speed wasn’t enough to evade on time.

‘…no joke. Slow as it might be, I don’t even know whether Alba could pull that one…!’

“…as expected from the A-class.” Siegward said. “Next time, I’ll make sure to ‘chop’ your legs off…!”

“Then try…!”

With a grunt, Siegward lifted his sword and changed his stance, before rushing for the offense.

“Now’s my turn!”

Taking a step-lunge, he pushed forward and launched a piercing attack.

‘Here it comes…!’

Sigulf anticipated it and took a sidestep. However…

“Heh…”

‘!?’

Without stopping his momentum, Siegward twirled his whole body. He shifted his grip on his blade and aimed for Sigulf’s legs.

“Watch out!” Celina shouted.

“Raaahh!!”

“…to be able to swing like that, must be some crazy strength. But…!”

“!?”

Undeterred, Sigulf opted to run as fast as possible, dashing straight past Siegward and avoiding his zweihander completely.

“I, too, am confident with my legs’ strength!”

“What!?”

“And now…!”

Before he went too far, Sigulf kicked the ground as hard as he can and launched himself back towards Siegward. Like a bullet with immense speed, Sigulf spun himself mid-air with his Fenrir ready to strike.

“Deyah!!”

“Uargh…!”

Siegward’s reaction was a bit too late. Sigulf has successfully landed two consecutive blows and knocked him down.

“Battle points, down by 30%.”

In spite of such maneuver, Sigulf reached the ground safely, albeit with some after-effects.

“Ugh, dizzy… I need to get myself used…”

“That honestly looked impressive.” Celina commented. “Maybe I should give it a try too?”

“Isn’t it a bit too impractical?” Chelsea responded.

Meanwhile, Siegward slowly rose back to his feet. His hand trembled a bit while struggling to hold his Grimm.

“Curses…! Not yet… I’m not done yet…!”

Sigulf shook his head and returned to his fighting stance.

“Alright, let’s see this through…!”

 

Is this a good novel?

 

As the writer, I'd say still pretty rough, but the judgment is up to you.

 

Part 15

Spoiler

As opposed to Sigulf’s composure, Siegward cannot stop his shaking right hand.

‘Dammit, not now…!’

He tried to fix his stance, only to inadvertently drop his Grimm.

“Gh…!”

“Oi, are you alright?”

“I knew it.” Masaki stepped out from under the tree. “Heiden—“

“Stop…! Don’t come any closer…!”

“Tch, acting all tough like that…”

“You’re not going to get back at him?” Sigulf asked her.

“And getting banned from fighting? No thanks, I’m not an idiot.”

“Heh, guess I have to say ‘touche’ on that…”

Siegward picked up his zweihander and forced himself to stand steady.

“Don’t worry about me. Let’s go!”

“If you say so…!”

Seeing his opponent has made their mind, Sigulf attacked without hesitation.

“Grh…!”

“Why you…!”

For every time their blades meet, Sigulf could feel that the German’s strikes are getting stronger and faster.

‘Oh, nice. Now this is more like it…!’

Not wanting to get his lead stolen, Sigulf intensified his offense.

‘Again…!?’

“There!”

“Kuh…!”

A sudden stray swing barely missed Siegward’s cheek. He tried to press on to avoid being overwhelmed again, but Sigulf is still too agile.

“He’s actually not bad…” Chelsea commented.

“Indeed. He could make it into the A-class.” Celina agreed. “It’s just… Unfortunate that his opponent is Sigulf.”

“Gah…!”

“Battle points, down by 10%.”

“Ah, it’s not deep enough…”

Another hit scored. Siegward retaliates in a desperate attempt to keep Sigulf away.

“Haah, haah…!”

His Grimm planted firmly into the ground. Siegward held into its grip to keep himself from keeling over.

‘…?’

“This is getting harder to watch…” Masaki muttered.

‘I’m… Not worthy…’ Siegward thought. ‘Grimm… I’ve been granted just another manifestation of the Gram… Not even the great hero Sigurd himself…! What is a sword without his origin’s mastery?’

Obviously, Sigulf was mildly confused at his condition, though that didn’t stop him from taking steps closer.

‘Sorry, but I won’t be holding back here…!’

He immediately broke into a run, ready to end the fight.

“Wait, he’s going to attack just like that?” Chelsea pointed out to Siegward’s state of unpreparedness.

“Tch, it’s over…” Masaki sighed, closing one of her eyes.

‘What should I do? …no, I won’t just be a footnote! No, no, no…!’

“Raaah!”

“NO!!”

“!?”

Whether by instinct or something else, Siegward lifted his zweihander and guarded against the Fenrir cleanly. And this time, without getting gradually pushed back.

‘Oh…?’

“No no no no no no…!!” Siegward repeated, like a mad mantra.

‘Something’s definitely off here…!’

“OOOOAAAAAAAAAHHH!!”

“What the—!?”

An instant explosion of strength thrashed Sigulf away, saved only by properly blocking on time.

“Where did all that power come from…!?” Chelsea echoed Sigulf’s sentiments.

“Did… Did he just snap?” Masaki stared in disbelief.

“UOOOOOAAAAHHH!!”

In a completely different display from before, Siegward blitzed towards Sigulf without giving him any chance to recuperate.

‘Talk about a spike in both strength and speed…!’ he thought, now on the receiving end of the onslaught.

Out of the blue, Siegward stopped at cutting away… Or rather, retracting his arms for a split second, preparing to unleash a piercing attack.

‘Shit, make it on time…!’

“GRRRRH!!”

Unexpectedly to him, it broke through his defenses.

“Wha—“

“ROAAAAAAAHHHH!!”

And in an equally inhuman prowess, Siegward spun his whole body diagonally, bringing down his blade with full force.

“Gah…!!”

The monstrous impact sent Sigulf flying away. It took few rough bumps before he finally could stand up, and even then, he was coughing from the after effect.

“Sigulf!” Celina shouted in worry.

“Battle points, down by 40%.”

‘In just one strike? Give me a break…’

Sigulf slowly rose, and got a better look at his foe.

‘Oh, I see…’

Breathing heavily, slightly hunching in an almost primal stance, and holding his zweihander with just one hand. Siegward looks more like a rampaging beast.

‘To think I would see a berserker…’

In spite of, or maybe because of that, Sigulf let out a feral grin.

‘Heheh… Now we’re talking!’

“Sigulf… He smiled?”

Relaxing his tense body, Sigulf closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Limiter: Laedingr, release.”

A pale blue energy instantly surrounded him. Sigulf reopened his eyes and returned to his fighting stance.

“Haah… Haah…”

Siegward instinctively noticed Sigulf’s change and braced himself.

“Let’s go, Sigurd’s Incarnate…!”

Sigulf vanished. Siegward stood his ground. Less than a second and their blades clashed, loudly, dead in the center.

“Grrrrrh…!!”

“Heheheh…!”

Once, twice, thrice… Both Sacred Arms exchanged strikes multiple times evenly with a thunderous ringing.

“I… Never seen him like that before…” Masaki said, still in a shock.

“Both blindingly fast and unimaginably powerful… I see Sigulf has tapped into something.” Celina commented from the opposing side.

“Yaaaaah!!”

“Ooooooh!!”

A mutual hit as both fighters tried to blitz through each other. But as if ignoring the pain, they turned around right away and repeat pummeling their weapons against each other.

“Battle points, down by 15%. 20% remaining.”

“Battle points, down by 20%.”

“They still keep going!?” Chelsea expressed her disbelief.

“Sigulf still has the lead now, but…”

“Raaaah!!”

“Ooaaaaah!!”

Another ferocious wild swings by both boys, landing on each other’s chest and left shoulder, respectively. And again, it didn’t slow them down despite the damage calculation.

“Battle points, down by 15%. 5% remaining.”

“Battle points, down by 20%. 20% remaining.”

“Heidenreich’s catching up…!” Chelsea stated. “What is he doing!? If he got the next hit stolen…!”

“…can you do it, Sigulf?”

The repeated collisions of their blades got increasingly violent; neither Sigulf and Siegward seemingly paid attention to their own limits at this point.

“You idiot…”

Masaki clenched her fists and mustered her voice to finally let out a scream.

“Go, Heidenreich!! Get him!!”

Whether by impulse or he did hear her, Siegward swiftly shifted his movement and lifted his great sword high over.

“…!!”

“URROOAAAAAAAAAHH!!”

“Sigulf!”

A loud crash and a huge cloud of dust as soon as the Grimm struck the ground.

“Haah… Haah…”

Yet only silence followed. There was no damage counting as it became clear that Sigulf has successfully evaded, and now standing right behind him.

“Tch… Dammit…” Siegward finally responded with a ragged breath.

“Keeping my sanity is one of my strong points too.”

As much as Siegward wanted to immediately turn around, Sigulf has already took the steps and delivered the finishing blow.

“Gh…”

Slowly but sure, Siegward lost his balance and hit the ground.

“Battle points 0. Cannot continue duel. Winner, Sigulf Hrimgard from class A.”

Masaki, who was getting excited for a moment, looks dejected by the results.

“…too bad. That was kind of close.”

“Aah… Phew…”

Sigulf still end up dropping to his knee out of exhaustion, making the Council duo hurriedly approached him.

“Are you alright!?” Chelsea asked.

“I’m alright… I think. Just need a bit of breather.”

“…here.”

“Eh? Ah…”

Sigulf was surprised, and embarrassed by Celina offering her hand, but he took it nonetheless and used it to help himself stand.

“Congratulations.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“This may be sudden, but would you mind if I give you some questions and opinions on the way you fought?”

Sigulf froze.

“Err… Was it objectionable?”

“It certainly raised some questions, to be frank.”

“…parfait. Or after this, at the soonest.”

Celina giggled.

“Okay, sure.”

Sigulf got a temporary relief as he approached Siegward, who was already helped by Masaki, and offered a handshake.

“Nice fight.”

“…I guess.” He answered, accepting it.

“Remember anything?”

“Kind of blurry… I was a bit surprised too.”

“I’m not sure whether it’s my place to say this, but… You shouldn’t hold yourself back like earlier and just run wild. Well, with better control, at least…”

Siegward was obviously confused.

“…what? Me? Holding back? Why would I—“

“I don’t really know, either. But it felt like your movements seems restrained… No idea if consciously or not.”

“…”

“Huh, now that he mentioned it, maybe because you are trying too hard to build an icy cool image?” Masaki quipped.

“…shut up, I am cool.”

“Yeah, right. But, see, isn’t it better just to say and act what’s on your mind?”

“I…”

Siegward looked at his empty right hand.

“Maybe it was because I was afraid of him, that I…”

“Well, in the end, only you yourself know better.” Sigulf scratched his own head. “But yeah, rampaging all out like that is one of many ways to fight. And for me, at least, it does feel good. Don’t you think so?”

“…haha, maybe.”

‘Strange, for some reasons, my shoulders feel lighter…’ Siegward thought.

“Duh, what am I saying? Even though we’re both freshmen…”

“No, it’s alright.”

“Well… So, you sure you don’t want to join for some parfait?”

“Maybe next time…”

“If you say so… Well, catch you later. Oh, and hope that we’ll fight again.”

“! …yeah!”

Siegward watched as Sigulf parted with them and rejoined the Council duo.

“…is it fine like this?” Masaki asked.

“Can’t be helped. I just have to train harder. You’ll help, right?”

“What makes you think I will?”

“Well, you did cheer for me… I’m actually glad.”

“Oh, I did.” She answered nonchalantly, making him slightly disappointed. “I did thought ‘this could be it!’, but…”

“I see…”

“Well, like you said, we just have to train harder. It’s not like we have any other options.”

“…my gratitude, Masaki.”

“…it’s Fukube to you. And don’t pull stupid shit like that one on my duel again.”

“Sorry about that…”

“But first, you have to rest and recover first. Doesn’t your muscles sore after going on a frenzy like that?”

“…now that you mentioned it— Ow, ow, ow…”

———

Meanwhile, on Sigulf’s side…

“So, mind if I ask now?” Celina said.

“Oh, err… Is it about me being too reckless?”

“Dangerously reckless.” She nodded in affirmation.

“…I’m sorry about that. I got carried away…”

“That means another heavier menu for our weekend, then.”

“Yes, Ma’am!”

“…why are you getting enthusiastic on that?” Chelsea pointed out. “She’s right, but good thing you won in the end.”

“Which reminds me, I was actually glad knowing Chelsea is still worried about you during the duel.” Celina giggled.

“Eh!?”

“…wait, really?”

“Well… Why would I want you to lose? We are still on the same Council.”

“Hee… I’m so touched.”

“…what’s with that deadpan delivery?”

“…just kidding. But, really, I’m genuinely glad, so umm… Thanks.”

“Yes, yes, but don’t get ahead of yourself…” Chelsea tried to dismiss.

‘Uwaa… So cold…’

“Sheesh, Cel. What are you getting at?”

“Hm? Nothing? I thought it was a natural reaction to see friends care about each other?”

“…”

‘I got a feeling she’s strangely sharp about this…’ Chelsea thought.

“Putting that aside,” Celina continued and faced Sigulf once more. “That sudden burst of yours… Is it a new technique of sorts? I think it would be interesting if you use it next time we spar.”

“Eh? Well… It’s nothing special, really. Just putting myself into a pseudo-berserk state…”

“Oh, you can induce it? That’s honestly quite impressive.”

“Maybe, but as you can see, it’s quite tiring. Not as bad as actually going berserk, but still…”

“Why not? It would give you a better edge, so you won’t get trashed badly as usual against us.” Chelsea added.

“…don’t remind me that.”

“Shush, Chelsea.”

“Eeeeh?”

“Well, that,” Sigulf continued. “And I’m trying to build up strength first so I don’t really have to rely on those, even against you two.”

“Oh, that’s quite the goal. But fair enough.”

“…you’re going to just let him go?”

“That’s all I wanted to know. Besides, I’m sure when the time comes, he will release Dromi or even Gleipnir on his own volition, right, Sigulf?”

“Eh, ah… Um, right, someday.”

‘Well of course she would know about Fenrir’s myth…’

Celina chuckled knowingly, while Chelsea can only sigh.

“Sometimes, I’m the one who couldn’t understand you two…”

 

Part 16

Spoiler

A couple days later, the sound of trickling water outdoor caught Sigulf’s attention as he was changing.

‘Ah, it rained…’

He did see the forecast beforehand, so it’s not like he’s unprepared.

‘Still, got to be careful. Hope the wind’s not strong.’

———

Probably because of the weather and the grey skies, but when he arrived, his class felt less lively than usual.

‘It’s like natural reaction…’

Even so with a certain ponytailed girl, who has her face glued on the table.

“…you okay?”

“Mm…”

“Alba-san, could it be that you don’t like rain?” Yuu joined.

“Why would I like them? I can’t really train, and when I think about that, I got disheartened…”

“So that’s your real reason…”

“Wait, don’t we have the Automaton Center?”

“Yeah, I tried them once, but it wasn’t much fun. I’d rather practice in the open and imagine how my opponent would move.”

“Oh, right, gotta agree with the last one.”

“Now I want to see what will happen when we approach summer… There’s more rain on that period, or tsuyu as we call it.”

“Ugh, that sounds awful… I mean, why don’t you think so?”

“Hm? Well, I never really thought about it.” Yuu slightly tilted his head.

“I actually like rainy day.” Sigulf confessed. “As long as I don’t get wet, that is.”

“Eh? Seriously? You actually enjoy them from inside?”

“Why not? It’s relaxing, and… I don’t know, melancholic?”

“Bfft…!” Alba tried to hold her laughter. “Don’t try too hard to sound poetic, Siggy.”

“I’m not! I mean… The color gray looks good, and well-matching with blue, so…”

“…now that just sounds depressing, if anything.”

“…how so?”

“Hmm, now that I think about it, I have to agree with Sig-kun this time.”

“Eeh?”

“You don’t understand, Alba-san. There is always a sense of beauty and romanticism within rain. Imagine you are on a room only with someone you like. Because the rain gradually makes the air colder, in search for warmth, you—“

“Stop!! I, I don’t want to hear the continuation…!!” Alba screeched with reddened cheeks, leaving Sigulf to sigh.

“…what are you trying to tell her?”

“Oops, my bad. I shouldn’t tell things like this in front of a lady.” He giggled sheepishly.

“Your gentleman points just dropped to rock bottom.”

“O, ouch, don’t say that…”

“Well, in any case, I’d rather have a rainy day than scorching summer heat.”

“Oh, right. You’d just melt like a snowman…” Alba responded.

“For real. Even if our summer was cool. I have no idea how’s the summer here… Or Japan.”

“…wait, don’t just take it seriously.”

“Good thing we have ACs, right, Sig-kun?”

“Ah, indeed. One of the best things humanity has invented.”

The two proceeded to share a high five.

“…somehow I felt left out.” Alba pouted.

“There, there, Alba-san. Then how about we grab something to eat after school together?”

“Uhh… Shouldn’t you be hitting on someone else?”

“Wha— I was genuinely worried though…” Yuu slumped his shoulders, earning a snicker from Sigulf.

———

In spite of what she said before, Alba’s showing on the mock duel session proved otherwise.

“Uryaryaryarya!”

“What, so she’s doing alright.” Sigulf commented from the sidelines.

“It’s fine, isn’t it? It’s times like this that she shined the best.” Arthfael replied.

“Oh?”

“Pardon me, but please don’t get it wrong. I have no intention to get in between you two.”

“…what’s that supposed to mean?”

———

Even after the bell rings, the rain didn’t let up, though it’s a minor inconvenience for Sigulf, considering his indoor duties.

“Ah, so Alba is practicing against the automatons.” Chelsea said during their work.

“Finally, yeah. She was against the idea, initially.”

“Hmm…”

“Is Amakawa out patrolling like usual?”

“Yes. I believe Lindorm and Laine have already briefed them. You know, to brought umbrella or raincoats in case like this.”

“I see…”

“And before you thought of anything, yes, both of them can be serious too. Sometimes…”

“…wait, what? It didn’t even cross my mind…”

“Oh, you don’t?”

Celina laughed at their interaction.

“It’s good to see the weather doesn’t affect you two.”

“Of course, I’m the vice-president, after all.”

“…a bit actually.” He meekly admitted. “The air’s so comfy…”

“Sigulf, no.” Chelsea quickly reprimanded.

“Oh, you too? Feels nice, doesn’t it?”

“…and Cel, don’t pamper him.”

“I, I’m not…! Come on, let’s finish this, so we can enjoy the rain while having some tea. What do you say?”

“Yes, Ma’am!”

“…wait, we are not going home? And don’t agree with her just like that.”

———

Even though the rain only receded a bit, the council still carried on nonetheless, and finished today’s share of work before long.

“Hmm…”

Sitting side by side with a cup of warm milk tea in their hands, Sigulf and Celina calmly watched the rain outside… while Chelsea not-so-discreetly sat nearby just to make sure nothing funny happens.

“This is a pretty fine rainy afternoon, if I must say so.” Celina said.

“Yeah, it’s just so relaxing…” Sigulf agreed. “I see you enjoy rain too.”

“The very least I could say is that I don’t hate them. Whether it’s sunny or rainy, both are the gifts of Mother Nature, after all.”

“Mother Nature’s gifts…”

“Right. That’s why I simply accepted them as they are. As the blessings Nature gave to us.”

“Hee…”

“…I hope that didn’t come out as awkward to you?”

“A, ah, no, not at all. I could understand well what you meant. It’s just…”

“Hmm?”

“I don’t know… Maybe I got captivated by the way you talk about it… Ahahah— …ah.”

‘…shit, I just blurted that out!’

“O, oh, what are you saying?” Celina went red and turned away, while Chelsea silently became cautious. “How about you? From the way you said it, seems that you don’t mind them either.”

“Yeah, I kind of like them. Cool air, and how everything looked gray and blue… …although people tend to say that sounded bleak.”

“A, ahahah… It certainly gave that impression, sometimes.”

“Seriously… Even though the sound of raindrops can be comforting, and makes you forget your problems for a while…”

“…oh, that might be too.”

“Eh? Did I say something strange?”

“Eh? I think it’s the other way around. Do you… Have problems recently? Would you mind sharing it with me?”

“Eh!? …ah. Aah, I see, I see. Sorry…” Sigulf scratched his head. “’Problem’ is too strong of a word. I was just thinking about the Pacifics… You know, the incident before.”

“Oh, thank goodness, you made me worried for a moment.”

“You should have said ‘lost in thought’ or something like that…” Chelsea sighed.

“U… Sorry about that…”

“Ufufu, as long as everything is alright.” Celina assured. “But… The Pacifics… I know how you feel.”

She took a pause to sip her milk tea before continuing.

“Considering our Academy’s position, I guess it’s only natural that people expect us to be on the defensive and dared them to try again, but…”

“Yeah, I wanted to get back at them… And see what they have to offer.”

Sigulf too, took a short breather, enjoying the continuous rainfall in near silence.

“…it’s weird we’re talking about invading other school while relaxing with a cup of warm tea.”

“Ahahahahah… Now, don’t make it sound like a sinister ploy.”

The two chatted away happily, leaving Chelsea to pout alone.

‘…what’s with them, being like that? And Celina is too defenseless… Hm!?’

She suddenly straightened up in her seat, realizing something.

‘Could this be… Jealousy…!?’

Chelsea put aside her cup and began thinking seriously.

‘But I thought I don’t like Sigulf…! Wait, does this means… I have the hots for Celina!?’

She clutched her head in panic.

‘B, but I only see her as a dear friend! And what about Alba!? Wait, why did her name came up!?’

Unknown to her, Sigulf and Celina are already watching her with worry.

“…what’s with her? Is she… Alright?”

“I… Frankly have no idea, and a bit afraid to ask.”

———

After Chelsea has somehow calmed down, the three decided to leave the building.

‘The rain hasn’t stopped yet, but we can’t stay inside forever.’

“Are your umbrellas alright?” Chelsea asked. “The forecast said nothing about strong winds, but just to be sure.”

“It’s all good, Ma’am.” Sigulf said half-jokingly.

“Okay then, let’s go home.” Celina responded.

A peaceful, if not quiet way return, with the constant sound of rain drops being their only companion.

‘Damn, this is so cozy, I got a bit sleepy…’

“Say Sigulf,” Celina suddenly said and breaking the silence. “Do you ever let yourself get drenched?”

“Eh? Well, once. I got scolded by my Master after that…”

“Oh really?” she giggled.

“Yeah… I was a kid so I didn’t think much of anything back then, but… Now I would mind if I get all wet.”

“Ah, I see… That’s too bad.”

“Cel…” Chelsea joined. “Don’t tell me you’re considering to…”

“…”

“…seriously?” she sighed. “Let’s don’t take risks and get sick here.”

“I know, I know. I won’t. I still have to coach Sigulf this weekend, after all.”

“Ah, right… I was being too reckless against Heidenreich…”

“You did.” Celina chuckled. “So I’m going to be harder next time. Are you up to it?”

“Of course, Ma’am!”

“That’s the spirit.”

‘…well, at least they share a common interest.’ Chelsea thought while sighing.

When they finally reached the dorm’s front gate, the rain was almost lifted.

“Ah, just in time.” Sigulf said.

“Too bad we don’t get to see any rainbow…” Celina responded.

“Oh, right. That’s too bad…”

All three looked up, watching as the sky and clouds slowly cleared.

“…do you mind if we wait a bit longer here.”

“Not at all.”

“Just be careful not to catch a cold.” Chelsea added.

“Ufufu, I know.”

They waited excitedly as the sun begun to reappear until…

“…ah! There it is!”

“Waah…”

Even within the orange tinted sky, they could see the multi-colored arc formed above.

“On a grand scale of things, rainbows are nothing unusual. Yet seeing them still gave me joy, however simplistic it is.”

“Yeah…”

“It’s beautiful…”

Sigulf glanced aside, enthralled by her visage as she admired the sight.

“Not as beautiful as you are…”

“…eh?”

“Ah…!”

‘Shit! Again? Me and my mouth…!’

The air quickly turned awkward, prompting Chelsea to take steps closer.

“A, ahahah! Now, now, Sigulf, you shouldn’t say those things easily, you know!” she said, trying to clear the situation down.

“…Sigulf.”

“Y, yes?”

“Do you… Really mean it?”

Sigulf dared himself to look at Celina. Her cheeks are rosy red, yet her eyes are filled with expectation as she looked straight back at him.

‘There’s no way I’ll back out… Or pretend to be deaf…’

“…yes. I do. I do mean it…”

“I see…”

Celina faced away at his answer, making Sigulf’s heart sunk at first. But it soon turned into relief as soon as he saw a small, bashful smile formed on her lips.

“Thank you…”

“You’re welcome…”

‘…Celina.’

Chelsea stopped at her tracks, and watched them wordlessly.

‘If she looked that happy, then how am I supposed to stop her?’

———

Meanwhile, with an atmosphere so different from the trio, far across the ocean, few hours earlier…

“…”

“Haah… Damn…”

“Winner, Jack Ashfield!”

A free duel just outside Pacific’s school building. Jack stood victorious before his opponent. However…

“O, oi, are you kidding? He’s from the B-class, right? But he survived a fight against him…!” one spectator said in disbelief.

“Ssh! Pipe down! A loss is a loss, even if it’s by time out…!” another chimed in.

Jack opted to ignore the commotion and approached the kneeling boy.

“Ralf Caldwell… Who the hell are you, really?”

“Huh? I am… Me…?”

“Tch…”

‘To think I won by a mere time out…!’

“Ah, duel of youngsters. So full of passion!”

“Huh?”

Still in sour mood, Jack turned around to see the source of the voice.

“Whoa, no need to look that scary.”

An Asian middle-aged man, whose nationality Jack can’t determine nor he cared about, wearing a rather fine suit if not for the way he messily wore it.

“…what do you want?”

“Oh, straight to business? I like it. Then… Do you want to get stronger? I’ll train you to greatness. …boy, I always wanted to say that!”

“Hah, you? Training me? What a joke—“

“Not just you actually. That potential boy over there too. And maybe a few others.”

“…who the hell do you think you are? Get lost.”

“Uwa, don’t be rude against your elders. Your parents never taught you? I know your school lost against the Atlantics, but—“

That’s it. Two of Jack’s buttons pressed at once. He raised his blade. He’s definitely going to shut his mouth for good… Or so he thought.

“Jack, watch out!” Kouji warned.

“!?”

Just as he about to rush him, the man has already blitzed right behind Jack.

“Wha—“

And before he even has the time to process what’s going on, the man already circled back to the starting point.

“Come on, at least let me finish, will ya?”

“You…!!”

Needless to say, Jack was furious. But like every other student, he knows that he is outmatched, as much as he hated to admit it.

‘He’s a duelist, no doubt about it…!’ Kouji thought. ‘And he’s not just a good one…!’

“Sir.” He called out, trying to cool down the tension. “You said that you are willing to coach some of us.”

“Ooh, finally someone calmer. Good, good. You kinda remind me of my own son.”

‘Son?’

“Yeah, I did say that.” The man continued. “So, am I accepted?”

“About that, it all depends on our Principal's judgment.”

“Yeah, I thought so…”

“If you don’t mind, I can show you the way. I too want to hear about your conditions.”

“Conditions, huh? I’m not here for the money, at the very least.”

“Oh?”

“I just need warm foods and a comfortable bed.”

“…pardon?”

“Ehh, let’s just say I accidentally blew up my money… Heheheh…”

“I see…”

“…Sir, are you sure about this?” Mei asked, obviously wary.

“He might act like that, but you should be able to feel it. His skills are real.”

“So, that’s my side of story.” The man said again. “Now, would you mind guiding me to the Principal?”

———

Chapter 5 “Blod Eld Daud: Fire Meets Ice, Part 1”, end.

Continued on Chapter 6.

 

Chapter 6: Blod Eld Daud: Fire Meets Ice, Part 2
Part 1

Spoiler

A chilly morning breeze swayed the branches of a nearby tree. One of its older leaves got plucked off and slowly descends towards the ground… if not for two silver glints which quickly rip it to pieces, followed by a loud clang.

“Grh…!”

“Very good…! Feel the air while keeping your focus! Let the beast inside you out little by little!”

“Yes, Ma’am!”

Another weekend workout with the usual four. Though it’s clear that Celina still has the upper hand, Sigulf too has showed improvements in both strength and speed.

“She sure speaks… Flowery?” Alba commented, sitting in the sidelines.

“Yeah, she could be like that when got carried away…” Chelsea responded.

“They seem to be in higher spirits that usual. Did something good happen?”

“Well… Let’s just say Sigulf said something that makes her happy…”

“Wha— Did he—“

“No, no, no. It’s… Err, maybe not quite close… Maybe.”

“…I don’t really get it, but in short, is he—“

“Yeah, he definitely likes her, aaand she doesn’t seem to mind.”

“Hee…”

‘I actually figured it out, though…’

“Shouldn’t you boot him out from the council? Or… Is he slacking during his duties? I’ll give him a good smack if needed.”

“I can’t just do that…” Chelsea sighed. “He actually did okay, if not merely passable and nothing extraordinary. I’m actually surprised he still managed to keep-up with practice, if anything.”

“Bashing things seems to be his calling.” Alba joked.

“Ahahah… Yeah, it seems so…”

“Hmm, I see, I see. So Siggy is—“

“Hey, Alba.”

“Hmm?”

“Are you… Really fine with this?”

She didn’t immediately answer, and took a sip from her water bottle instead.

“That should be my line. Are you?”

“What do you— I—“

Words failed her. Chelsea couldn’t come up with any answer and conceded in the end.

“…I’m not.”

“I see… Soo, which one is it? Siggy or—“

“I, it’s not like that! …I think. It’s just…”

She didn’t continue right away, obviously hesitating.

“Don’t worry. I’m listening.”

“She’s my dear friend. And I wanted the best for her, but… But I’m not even sure that he’s the ‘best’ for Celina…”

“Yet something prevented you from acting against it.”

“…yeah.”

As if enjoying their own world, Sigulf and Celina were so immersed with their sparring, failed to notice Alba and Chelsea’s conversation.

“Whenever I see her smile like that… So happy, so full of life… Giving her all in fights with and because of him… I lost my heart to stop her.”

“…I see. It’s certainly… Sucks.”

An axe blow successfully parried by Celina. But by this point, Sigulf has grown enough to expect her counter-attack, and continuing their blade exchange.

“I wonder… Maybe I’ve been too over-protective of her all this time…?”

“Umm, I’m not really good with this, and you’re the one knows the most, so…”

“…yeah, I know.”

“But if you did, then yeah, I’d honestly find that strange. Why would you bodyguard a fighting monster like her in the first place?”

Chelsea can’t help but to chuckle at her words.

“Ufufu, a ‘monster’, huh… You sure she’s not a ‘War Goddess’?”

“I refuse to call her that.” Alba bluntly answered. “…though, monsters or gods, I’ll take them down all the same.”

“You’re ambitious.” Chelsea said, finally smiling.

“Yup, and I have to! First, the North Sea, and then the whole world!”

“…if you keep it up, I know you can do it. You have the passion and talent, after all.”

“Eh? Oh, umm… T, thanks.”

“No, I should be the one thanking. Thank you for listening… You were cool.”

“Wha—“ Alba went red at her compliment. “N, naaw, what are you talking about? Don’t make me blush! Ahahahahah!”

“Ufufu, there you go back to your usual self. Should I hug you in appreciation?”

“N, no way! Back off this instant!”

“Aww, don’t be like that!”

“Ufufu, it’s good to see you two are having fun.”

“Ah, Celina…!”

Both girls were slightly surprised as Celina and Sigulf made their way.

“Thanks for the hard work!” Chelsea quickly stood up and passed them their water bottles. ”So…?”

“I broke a good sweat, it feels very nice.” she answered. “Don’t you think so, Sigulf?”

“Mng?”

He can’t really answer with his mouth full, so he nodded vigorously instead.

“Ah, sorry about that.” Celina apologized with a giggle.

“Drink carefully.” Alba quipped. “Survived another harsh regiment, huh?”

“…phew. Yeah, I was a bit surprised actually.” Sigulf finally managed to respond.

“Hey, you’re supposed to retort there.”

“Too tired, and hungry, to. …so, what did you two talk about?”

“Oh, you wanna know?” she asked, glancing at Chelsea first before back to him. “Not telling!”

“Eeeh…”

“Ufufu, so I guess we are good to call it a day.” Celina concluded. “Let’s get some breakfast.”

———

Later, outside the café where they had breakfast…

“Eh? You are not going back to the dorm?” Celina asked.

“Yeah, I think I’m going to look for my Master first.” Sigulf answered.

“Hmm, do you know where she might be?”

“No, but… I think I have an idea… Is there any other secluded, spacious spot in this island?”

“Secluded and spacious spot… I can only think one certain cape, a bit of distance from where we usually trained. Are you sure she’s there?”

“Considering her, and her needs, well, maybe…”

“Why don’t you call or message her first?” Chelsea suggested. “Don’t you have her number?”

“Well yeah, but I want to surprise her.”

“…there’s always the chance she won’t even be there, you know.” She sighed.

“Classic weird Siggy.” Alba chuckled.

“I, I know… That’s why I’ll go alone.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yeah. So… Thanks for today’s practice, and umm… See you tomorrow?”

“No need to be so reserved.” Celina responded with a chuckle. “I will go with you.”

“Ah, is it alright with you?”

“Sure. I feel like stretching my legs a bit more. How about you two?”

“Hmm, I don’t mind, but…” Chelsea slightly tilted her head and turned to face Alba.

“Fine by me. Still too early to rest… And I want to greet her too.” The younger girl answered.

“…then it’s settled!”

‘Hm? Somehow, they sounded different…’

“So, should we buy some snacks for them?”

“Just a bit. And make it cheap? I’m sure they already brought some.”

“Uwaa, Siggy, you cheapskate.”

‘…well, I guess it’s fine like this, right?’

———

While his hunch was right, when Sigulf and the rest arrived though, Vigdis’ rehab of the day has already wrapped up.

“Ah, we’re a bit late.”

“Hmm? Oh, hey, Sigulf!” she waved.

Sigulf approached his Master, and saw that both Eliot and Melanie accompanied her.

“How did you know that we are here?”

“Umm, I asked Celina first, for possible places. I mean there’s no way you’d do it in a crowded place.”

“Aww, now I feel bad that you’ve already came all the way… Is this for us?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, but—“

“…mineral water?”

“The cheapest. I figured Sir Fortier and Miss Alderliesten already prepared first, so…”

“…miser.”

The last one made Melanie had to hold back her laughter, while Eliot merely sighed.

“I’ll take it if you don’t want to.”

“Oh, don’t worry, Sir. I bought 3.”

“Siggy is really awful, he won’t even treat us parfait.” Alba joined.

“What!? Son, you’ll never be popular with that attitude!”

“…you do know I don’t have that much money to begin with, and those parfaits don’t come cheap, right?”

“Boo, boo!”

Alba and Vigdis’ eyes met before they proceeded to high five.

“Yay!”

Celina chuckled at the sight before she greets them.

“Good morning, Miss, Sir.”

“Ah, good morning.” Eliot replied. “Sorry for the trouble. So, how’s their training?”

Celina put her hands on Sigulf and Alba’s shoulders.

“I believe they have shown improvements, particularly in defending and speed, respectively. We just have to keep this up, while slowly raising the intensity whenever possible.”

“Ah, I see.”

Both of the 1st-years look slightly embarrassed but happy nonetheless.

“Hmm, so, did Elly ask you to be their supervisor or something?” Vigdis questioned.

“Elly—“

Celina had to refrain from laughing, especially at Eliot’s shock.

“No, it’s just that we have trained together for some time, so might as well help them in that respect too.” She explained. “Though, I’m sure Chelsea has the better understanding when it comes to Alba.”

“Eh!? Oh, yeah, right. I sparred with her more, after all.”

“Hee, I see, I see~”

“Umm, Miss Vigdis?”

She felt a bit uncomfortable as the older woman scanned her face, as if looking for something.

“Ah, no. It’s just, somehow you look… Sparkly? Happier? Yeah, I guess that’s it.” Vigdis cheekily grinned. “Did something good happen?”

“E, eh!?”

Celina went red remembering memories from couple days ago. Not helping matters is Sigulf who followed suit and looked away, which only incited Vigdis and her old classmates.

“Ooh? What is this, what is this?” Melanie asked. “A maiden falling in love? Tell me about it!”

And Eliot, despite wearing a cool expression, bluntly said, “What, so you two started dating? Then congrat—“

“Wait, wait, wait! No, it’s nothing like that!” Sigulf quickly interrupted.

“Really?” the Frenchman slightly raised his eyebrow.

“Hold on a sec…” Vigdis said before sniffing the air. “…huh? Eh!? He’s not lying! What could this possibly mean!?”

“Wait, what? So you can do that too!?” Alba expressed her disbelief. “I thought it was just Siggy trying too hard to be cool!”

“…what? So you didn’t believe my nose?”

“It’s as if you’re not even human…” Chelsea sighed.

“…not human? Now that’s an interesting thought. Maybe I’m a Jotunn, after all?”

“Oh! Which means, that makes me one too!?” Vigdis realized.

“Should be. Now, we should find whether we can shapeshift into a gigantic wolf or—“

“Alright, alright.” Melanie suddenly clapped her hand. “Can we save the mythology lessons for another time? I’d rather hear about what’s going on between you two.”

“Eeh!?”

‘Damn, she’s not interested!?’

“But didn’t he already told you there’s nothing to it!?” Celina responded.

“Well, yeah. You two aren’t dating, that we unexpectedly found out. But I’m sure the story doesn’t end there. Sooo, mind telling me more?”

“Mel, don’t push them too much.” Eliot reprimanded, though with much nonchalance, earning a wry laughter from Chelsea.

Meanwhile…

“Hm? Oh, what is it?”

Vigdis patted Alba gently on the shoulder, looking sympathetic.

“Are you… Alright?”

“Ah…”

She was surprised and quickly realized what Vigdis was getting at, but she immediately regained composure.

“I’m alright, now. But thanks for worrying, Miss.” Alba answered with a smile.

“Oh, that’s good to hear.” Vigdis exhaled out of relief. “You sure are strong.”

“Of course!” she let out a lively grin. “I’m the one who will surpass you and your disciple, after all!”

“Now that’s a big claim!” Vigdis laughed. “I have to make sure my boy train even harder then!”

“Hee hee, we’ll see about that!”

The two immediately caught up with the rest of the group, where Chelsea and Eliot tried their best so Melanie doesn’t pry too much into the embarrassed Sigulf and Celina’s private lives.

 

Part 2

Spoiler

The squeaking of water faucet could be faintly heard just before Sigulf exited his bathroom.

“Phew…”

Having taken a warm bath, Sigulf sat down on his bed and checked the phone.

‘…man, I should be thinking about dueling, not her.’

Melanie’s earlier pestering bugged him, though she did have a good reason.

‘Not to mention we actually trained well…’

He took a deep breath and holds his phone firmly.

‘A few messages won’t hurt, right…?’

His fingers moved, tapping the letters on his screen.

‘Thank you for today’s training,’ Sigulf typed. ‘It was a good experience.’

Sending it, he anxiously awaits her reply, which came not long after.

‘Likewise, the pleasure is mine. I never thought our practice would be so refreshing, for the lack of a better word.’

Sigulf exhaled in relief, before reading her continuation.

‘Is there anything else I can help you with?’

Beat.

‘…well, of course she would ask.’ He thought while typing his reply.

‘Are you free tomorrow?’ so his message reads.

Another short yet restless wait. This one took longer until a beep notified him.

‘Could it be that you are asking me on a date?’

‘Uwaaa, how embarrassing…!!’ Sigulf thought mortified, covering his increasingly red face. Of course he had no way of knowing that actually Celina was equally embarrassed as well.

‘Enough, might as well come clean…!’

Calming himself down a bit, Sigulf sent his response.

‘Well, something like that. Or are you busy at the moment?’

‘Oh, not at all. In fact, I’ve wanted to do a small celebration. It’s just that I need you not to tell everyone else.’

He was doubly puzzled, especially by the last bit. Nonetheless…

‘If it’s something I could do, I’m listening.’

———

Slightly past midday, and Sigulf found himself inside last time’s parfait parlor, together with Celina.

“So, umm…”

“Y, yes?”

“I knew it’s a bit strange since we kind of celebrated. The fight with Heidenreich, I mean. But…”

Celina didn’t, or rather couldn’t, immediately answer.

“Is wanting to have more parfait a big deal?”

“I thought you’re going to laugh, so…”

“I won’t, I won’t. Or more like, why would I?”

“Because maybe you will think of it as unexpected? Just like the plush…”

“Oh, that. Don’t worry, it’s not funny. Cute would be more appropriate.”

“C, cute?” Celina asked with rosy cheeks, something Sigulf quickly realized.

“Eh!? Ah, I mean…! …well, yeah, it’s a cute hobby.” He replied, scratching his cheek and looking away.

“I, I see…”

‘W, what’s with this situation!?’

Both parties tried their best to calm down their awkwardness, and even made the waitress slightly hesitant to deliver their parfaits.

“Umm, excuse me, here are your orders.”

“O, oh! I’m sorry, and thank you.” Celina finally responded.

‘Ah, good old vanilla flavor.’ Sigulf noted hers.

“Ah-hem.” She cleared her throat. “We already did it before, but once again, here’s for your victory. And today, it’s just the two of us.”

“T, thank you…” he blushed a bit, hoping that she wouldn’t notice.

“Well then…”

Celina took a spoonful of her own parfait to her mouth.

“Mm! So delicious!”

“Ahahah…”

“H, hey! I thought you said you won’t laugh…!”

“It’s not like that…! Seeing you happy just now… I guess it’s infectious…?”

“I, is that so? I think I get what you are trying to say, but…”

Sigulf can’t say anything, so he reassured her with a vigorous nodding.

‘By Gerdr, her smile is priceless…!’

“By the way, is that blueberry flavored?” Celina asked.

“Huh? Oh yeah. Want to try?”

“Sure, let’s trade.”

“Ah…”

They scooped each other’s desserts before tasting them.

‘I don’t think there’s indirect k, kiss involved, but… This still feels quite…’ he thought while enjoying the vanilla taste.

“Oh, this is quite good too. I see you like blueberries.” Celina commented.

“Actually, I have no idea. I picked them just because it’s… Well, blue. And I’m curious.”

“Wait, really?” she held back her giggle.

“Really. Luckily, it turned out well.”

“Ah, that is true.” Celina said, continuing to eat her parfait. “Mm-hmm! I can’t get enough of this flavour!”

“Hahah, I guess I know what to get on your birthday. P&P.”

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

“Plush and parfait.”

“Oh, you don’t have to go that far!” she chuckled. “Besides, my birthday is still later on October.”

“October, huh…”

“But before that, I believe we must deal with the tournament first.”

“Now that you said it…”

The tone got slightly serious, but not in a bad way.

‘And it’s not just for me. We all have to make sure the tag tournament succeeds…’ Sigulf thought.

“Does it make your blood boil?” Celina suddenly said, as if reading his mind.

“Honestly, yeah.” Sigulf laughed. “I guess that’s why we are here. More sugar for more energy.”

“Oh, true. Though, I believe Chelsea would disagree…” she giggled.

“Ah, right, health concerns and all. That’s just so like her.”

Celina picked up another scoop and enjoyed it, which Sigulf watched with a thin smile.

‘Aah… I think watching her eating happily is more fulfilling than finishing my own parfait…’

———

Sunday morning, just as Sigulf and the others were warming up…

“Ah, figures. I knew you guys would be around here!”

“Eh? Master?”

Sigulf looked up from his position to see Vigdis came over, accompanied by Eliot and Melanie.

“Pardon the intrusion!” the nurse greeted.

“Hope we don’t disturb.” Eliot sighed.

“Oh, we don’t mind,” Celina, who was assisting Sigulf, stood up. “But I thought you have a rehabilitation program with Sir Fortier?”

“I do, but at the same time I wanted to see how’s my boy doing.” She explained. “…he’s not slacking off, right?”

“Of course not.” Sigulf retorted, rising to his feet. “I have to catch up with the top two, you know?”

“And so I won’t leave you far behind, though that’s fine too.” Alba forcefully added.

“Oh, yeah, that. Maybe.”

“What do you mean ‘maybe’!?” her outburst earned the other’s laughter. “Eei, it’s sparring time! You and me, now!”

“Eeh? But I want to fight against Celina…”

“No buts! Come and fight me!”

“Ufufu, don’t make her wait.” Celina encouraged. “Do your best!”

“…well, it can’t be helped. Gotta show my Master, too.”

“Good luck, Sigulf! Show me what you got!” Vigdis cheered him.

“Hey, come on. We have our schedule too.” Eliot said.

“Ah, wait!”

Half-reluctantly, Vigdis followed Eliot and Melanie to start her own program, while Sigulf faced off against Alba.

“Don’t blame me if I humiliate you in front of your Master!” Alba taunted, brandishing her claymore.

“You wish. Do your worst.” Sigulf snapped back.

“Heh! Well then…!”

“Ready? Go!”

With Chelsea’s cue, the two immediately locked their blades fiercely.

“Tch, why are you so fast…!?”

“And why are you so tough…!?”

“Perks of having a big sword!” she grinned.

For a while, Sigulf and Alba proceeded to exchange strikes.

‘Ah, I see he’s doing well. I guess it’s because of her…’ Vigdis thought.

“Vigdis, focus.” Eliot reminded.

“Yes, yes, sorry.”

———

Leaving behind the café where they all had breakfast, Alba grumbled along the way.

“I still don’t get it! How’s it possible for you to keep defending?”

“That’s my line. I don’t want to keep this stalemate.” Sigulf responded.

“But isn’t it fine?” Melanie joined. “That means you’re both equally strong. You have to thank Celina and Chelsea for that.”

“Ah, no, we didn’t really—“ Chelsea said, slightly stammering.

“Don’t worry, I think it’s because there’s no serious stipulation.” Eliot stated. “How about fighting seriously sometime?”

Sigulf and Alba suddenly stopped in their tracks.

“…now, why are both of you being unsure?”

“”I don’t want to show my real strength this soon.”” Both answered at the same time, earning giggles from the ladies.

“…yeah, I have a feeling it’s something like that, but still…”

“…hm? What’s that?”

Sigulf noticed something in the distance, making the others follow his sight.

“They are…”

A group of people, dressed regally like knights marched towards the Academy. Though, judging by their displeased looks, their intention seems anything but good.

“I guess the break must come later.” Eliot concluded. “Let’s go.”

The rest of the group nodded and followed suit.

———

The noble knights stopped right before the school gates, where their leader makes an annoyingly loud speech.

“—and thus, I demand that the Principal—“

“Uwaa, just when I thought they gave up…” Yuu commented while watching from the sides.

“Hmph, bunch of idiots. This is none of my business.” Ilma dismissed.

“Hiltunen-san, you do know they are the type who will pester you endlessly…”

“…seriously? Tch…”

While the knight leader rambles on, a certain young noble spotted Yuu from his spot.

“Ah, aren’t you the Godforsaken peasant who was with Hrimgard!?”

“Geh, it’s the Mushroom Head!”

“H, how dare you calling me that!”

The nobles instantly looked at his direction.

“Hmm? Do you know him, Karel?” the leader asked.

“Not quite, father.” The noble student answered. “I do, however, hold a grudge against his leader.”

“Hmm…”

“Hey, Sig-kun is not my boss or something.”

“Silence! You are guilty by association! Therefore, I, Karel van Rijn, shall judge you accordingly!”

“…how troublesome. Well, since it becomes like this— …Hiltunen-san? Eh?”

Yuu looked at his surroundings, only to see Ilma is nowhere in sight.

‘Uwaa, she just left me alone like that…’

Karel grinned and summoned his mace while approaching Yuu.

“You have no one to save you. Beg for forgiveness or else!”

The smaller boy can only sigh at his would-be opponent.

“You’re seriously underestimating me… And overestimating yourself.”