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

Discussion in 'Community Fictions' started by Hokuou Tenrou, Mar 6, 2018.

  1. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 4: Dawn Before the Restless Tide
    Part 1
    Uncertainty is the most prominent thought which ran through the students’ mind, particularly the unofficial Council members’ 1st-years.

    Two weeks. Two weeks at most they have been in this Academy, yet here they are, tasked with greeting rival Academy’s delegations. Of course one could also say that, one, it isn’t a highly important duty on a big scale, and two, it goes to the other side as well, assuming they are indeed 1st-years who have been sent abroad just two weeks in their new environment. In any case…

    “Thank you for your warm welcome, Principal Stark.” The male student, who is presumably their leader, returned her greeting. “We’re looking forward to our short excursion here.”

    ‘A Japanese…’ Sigulf noted.

    At a glance, he reminded Sigulf of Minato. Yet the way he carried himself indicated that he as an air of confidence and charisma, unlike the usual Minato.

    The rest of their students then took a step forward, and Sigulf got a better look on them now. Different from him, they felt somewhat tense, though Sigulf can’t really blame them.

    ‘Huh? One guy out of 4?’

    True to what he discerned, the slightly wavy, black haired student was the only boy on their ranks, the leader notwithstanding. The others were a shy looking white-haired one, another is a long haired brunette, and the last one is a cool-looking girl with shoulder length black hair.

    And she caught Sigulf’s attention the most, considering how customized her uniform is, lack of sleeves and the addition of coattails and all. Even though their standard uniform is already catchy; a white jacket with star-shaped chest-opening, complimented with few red and blue stripes.

    “I’m sure you are tired from the journey,” Victoria continued, forcing Sigulf back to real world. “So would you mind if we show you the way?”

    “Oh, no, not at all.” Pacific’s leader replied. “By all means, please. We appreciate it.”

    “Very well then…”

    On her cue, almost every Council member moved, save for the actual security staffs that stood by on the landing pad. Lindorm, Laine, Minato’s girls and some others dispersed somewhere else, while the other half, including the Council duo, Sigulf and Minato escorts the guests.

    “By the way, Mr. Houjou,” Victoria suddenly said on their way, presumably addressing the leader. “I heard there was some problem on your end few days ago. Is it the reason why your group is a bit undermanned?”

    “I see our Principal has talked about it to you. It is embarrassing, but unfortunately, yes.” Houjou responded. “I presume she had already given the details?”

    “She did. I see… It must be quite troublesome for Stacy…”

    ‘Hm? So their Principal is a woman too? …wait, she even calls her by name.’

    Not long after, the whole group arrives at the guesthouse and the Pacific guests began to unload their belongings.

    “If you need anything, please don’t be hesitant and ask our staffs or Council members.” Victoria informed, motioning to the armband-wearing students.

    “Thank you for your consideration. For the moment, we just would like to rest.”

    “Very well. Then please make yourselves comfortable.”

    Just as Victoria was about to turn around, one student peeked from their room.

    “Umm, Sir, may I— Hyah!?”

    “Watch out!”

    Said student stumbled and nearly fell if not for Minato’s quick reaction.

    “Are you alright?” Minato asked.

    “I, I’m fine… Th, thank you…” she responded with a red face.

    ‘Thank goodness those three aren’t here.’ Sigulf mentally commented.

    “I think you should rest earlier, Misha.” Houjou addressed her. “Or rather, we all should.”

    “R, right… I’m sorry…”

    “Well then, I guess we must take our leave.” Victoria said. “Rest well.”

    “We will, and thank you very much.”

    The group finally split apart, and the Atlantics followed Victoria outside, where they regrouped with the rest of the Council members.

    “I guess that’s all for today.” She announced. “Maybe there will be more for the following week, so keep yourselves sharp.”

    “Yes, Ma’am!” the students answered in unison.

    “Thank you very much for your work. You’re dismissed.”

    All of them saluted her as she left the place. Some students followed suit and returns to their own daily business.

    ‘We didn’t do much, but it was still kind of tense.’ Sigulf mentally commented. ‘Alright, let’s see what I should do next…’

    “Good job, everyone.” Celina greeted the 1st-years. “I assume everything’s gone well on your side, yes?”

    “Fortunately so, Ma’am.” Eurypha returned it with a salute. “…by the way, what’s with M— Amakawa?”

    “Hm?”

    They turn around to face Minato, who seems to be mulling about something.

    “Is something the matter?” Chelsea asked him.

    “…that person called Houjou… He felt familiar for some reason…” Minato explained.

    “Eh?”

    “Strange… I’m pretty sure I’ve never met him before…”

    “What, there won’t be some twist like he’s your long lost illegitimate brother, right?” Ilma sarcastically quips.

    “No, no, no! Look, I know my father is carefree and rather hopeless, but the one thing he won’t definitely do is to betray my mother.”

    “I was being sarcastic.” She clarified with a sigh. “So he does travel?”

    “Eh? Well, yeah… And he loves Dueling. Sheesh, if only he would help Mom more whenever he’s around…”

    Now that one piqued everyone’s interest.

    “Amakawa…” Eurypha asked. “What is your father’s name?”

    “Huh? It’s Taketo—“

    “Take—“ she looks surprised for a moment. “…oh right, that can’t be. They probably just share the same name.”

    “Eh, what do y—“

    “I’m talking about your surnames, sheesh. So that means your father’s name is Taketo Amakawa, right?”

    “Uh huh.”

    “I thought so. For a second, I mistook him with the Crimson Ronin Sanada…”

    “Oh, I don’t really get the Crimson Ronin, but he goes by Taketo Sanada before he marr—“

    “EEEEEEEEEH!?”

    Almost everyone couldn’t hide their surprise, making nearby onlookers to look at them.

    ‘Figures…! Ordinary guy, my ass!’ Sigulf mentally retorted, resisting the urge to slug the boy on his face.

    “…eh? Did I say something bad?”

    “Amakawa! You better be not messing around with us!”

    “Huh!? What are you even getting at!?”

    “Just answer my question already!” Eurypha insisted. “Are your father really Taketo Sanada!?”

    “Yes, he is! Before taking my mother’s surname!”

    “…positive?”

    “Positive.”

    “THAT Taketo Sanada?”

    “I don’t really know what you meant by ‘that’, but I guess yeah…?”

    As much as Eurypha hated it, she can’t see any deceit in his eyes.

    “Oh my Zeus…” she lamented while covering her face. “I can’t believe this pervert is Crimson Ronin’s son…”

    “Will you stop with the ‘pervert’ already?” Minato protested. “…and is my father really that strong?”

    ‘…is this guy serious?’ Sigulf mentally commented.

    “How could you not even aware with your father’s achievements!? He’s the Crimson Ronin! The world’s strongest freelance Duelist!”

    “Don’t blame me on that… I mean, sure, my father did train me whenever he got the chance, but most of the time, I practiced kendo with my grandmother instead.”

    “…I won’t even be surprised if she turns out to have some history in Dueling.”

    “Err, I don’t think so. I mean, she’s quite the traditionalist…”

    “But, I see…” Carmen finally joined. “Sanada’s Son, huh? Hmm…”

    “Um, what?”

    “Things will definitely get more interesting, right, Minato?” she winked.

    “Aah! That’s right! It’s because you’re his son, more the reason to join this witch’s pervertedness!” Eurypha added.

    “Jiiiiiiiii…” Ilma simply stared at him.

    Minato is visibly uncomfortable, being ganged up by the trio as usual. Sigulf, meanwhile, simply watched in silence.

    ‘So he got the pedigree after all… I won’t lose to that!’

    Unknowing to Sigulf, Chelsea watched him too, albeit for an entirely different reason.

    “I, is this…!? A passionate longing gaze between boys…!?” she wondered while being red-faced.

    “C, Chelsea?” Celina asked with worry.

    ————

    Finally dismissed for good, everyone returned to their own rooms. Sigulf took out his phone and noticed that there is a message from his Master.

    ‘Shit, I didn’t notice at all.’

    He didn’t waste any time and quickly dialed her number.

    “Hello, Master?”

    “Oh, Siggy boy! What’s the matter?” she answered from the other side.

    “No, did something happen?”

    “Huh? …ooh, is it about my message? Don’t worry, I was just asking how you have been.”

    “I, I see…” he sighed out of relief.

    “I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Were you busy?”

    “I should be the one apologizing, though… But yeah, Council duty.”

    “It’s fine, I’ve been a bit busy as well. Sorry I can’t visit.” She laughed. “But, duty on Sunday? Must be rough.”

    “Well, it’s not physically taxing, but since we have to make sure no funny businesses on Pacific’s visit…”

    “Eh? Duelists from across?”

    “Yeah. For excursion, apparently.”

    “Hmm… Excursions aren’t something new, but don’t you think it’s a bit too soon?”

    “Yeah, I thought so too…” he agreed. “Speaking of which, did you ever fought Duelists from there? Maybe during excursions or—“

    “Aah, so that’s where are you going.” She chuckled. “Well, maybe once. Three times at most.”

    “Mm hm.”

    “And thus I can’t give you any real concrete advice on that. From what I could gather, videos included, they seem to rely less on technique and more on power. Oh, and they tend to be more showy. Other than that… Well, stick with your usual. Sorry about that!”

    “Ah, it’s alright. Thanks, Master.”

    “No problem! Is there anything else?”

    “Hmm… You remember about the Crimson Ronin, right?”

    “Yeah, the wandering freelancer. Shame I didn’t get to fight him. What about it?”

    “Turns out I’m on the same class with his son.”

    Vigdis suddenly went silent.

    “Uhh… Hello, Master?”

    “That’s it!”

    “Wha—“

    “If you want to raise your stock, beat him!”

    “O, okay!? I mean, that’s one of my goals…”

    “Good! Did you stick with that Bartram girl like I said!?”

    “Yeah, today we trained double the amount, even.”

    “That’s not enough! Make it triple or quadruple!”

    “…seriously? But—“

    “Eei, no buts! You want to be the best, don’t you!?”

    “Y, yes, Master! I’m sorry!”

    “Good! Keep working on that, but don’t forget to train with the others! If all gone well, your stock will rise, your beloved Celina will notice you, and you might mar—“

    “I’m hanging up.”

    “Waaaah! Stop, I was joking!”

    “…seriously, Master.”

    “…but don’t you want to? I mean you do want to bleep with her—“

    “Did you just seriously say ‘bleep’!?”

    “I can’t let my baby boy’s ears get tainted!” she laughed.

    “But I’m pretty much tainted already living under you…”

    “What was that?”

    “I said, ‘I’m pretty much tainted already BY living WITH you’.”

    “Uu… My boy has grown into a cold teenager with no delicacy… Sob sob.” She faked crying over the phone.

    “Err…”

    “Stupid Siggy! Women’s enemy!”

    “…that doesn’t suit your character at all.”

    “I know.” Vigdis laughed again. “Are you entertained?”

    “3 out of 10.”

    “Boo, boo! Too strict!”

    “Well, but seriously, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t crack a smile.”

    “I see… That’s good to hear.” She replied. Even though he can’t see it, there was a hint of relief on Vigdis’ face.

    “So, uhh…”

    “Hm?”

    “Thank you, Master. I mean it. Talking with you made me relax, somehow.”

    “Kuuuh, now you’re saying stuff like that! You better save it for her!”

    “Yeah, I wish… Maybe someday…”

    “Then go for it!” Vigdis encouraged. “Anything else?”

    “I guess that’s all. Again, thank you.”

    “Don’t mention it. You can always talk to me. Well then, do your best and good luck on everything, Sigulf.”

    “I will.”

    “See you later. Chu~”

    “Yeah, la— Wait, what?”

    Vigdis has already hung up.

    “…for Angrboda’s sake, Master.”

    Still, Sigulf was smiling while staring at his phone for few moments.

    ‘I’m lucky to have her as my guardian, after all…’

    Sigulf looked up and gazed towards the horizon beyond his window.

    ‘Sanada’s Son and the Pacific reps… Tomorrow is going to be interesting, it seems.’
     
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2021
  2. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 2
    And so the next morning, it was noticeably livelier on the whole school. Half of it because of the Pacifics’ visit, and the other is because of the news of who Minato’s father is has already spread among the students.

    “…yeah, I shouldn’t be surprised at the newspaper club at this point.” Sigulf commented while watching Minato being surrounded.

    “Kyaa! It’s Sanada’s son!” a random girl screamed.

    “Oh no, he’s looking here…!” another joined.

    “Hey, Sanada! Fight me later!” a boy challenged him.

    “What!? Hey, I should be the first!” another protested.

    “…was it a mistake telling my story?” Minato lamented.

    Even the three girls wasn’t sure whether to shield or to gush over him,

    “Well, as long as the students are energized…” Celina added.

    “True, true! It’s the best when everyone happy!” Chelsea echoed her sentiment.

    “Oh right, you all were there. No wonder you don’t seem so surprised by now…” Alba realized after her initial shock.

    “Haah… And he got all the spotlight just like that…” Yuu sighed.

    Of course Sigulf and the others watch contently from a distance.

    “Ahahah, couldn’t agree more on that.”

    “Hm? Oh…”

    “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.”

    The voice which caught their attention belongs to none other than Houjou. He was accompanied by two council members, who saluted upon noticing Celina, and his teammates.

    “Good morning.” Celina returned his greeting. “I hope you all rested well.”

    “It’s all thanks to your hospitality.”

    Calm and polite, so Sigulf noted. A direct contrast to his mates who look understandably tense.

    “But it’s indeed something,” Houjou continued, quickly understood as referring to Minato. “Having the son of such acclaimed Duelist enroll here would surely turn heads!”

    “Houjou…?”

    The boy didn’t reply as he chose to approach Minato instead.

    “Good morning.”

    “Eh…? Oh, good morning.”

    The crowd promptly began to whispering among themselves.

    “Hey, it’s that guy from Pacific…”

    “Oh no, he’s a good looking fellow…!”

    So Minato was a bit surprised when Houjou suddenly offered a handshake.

    “Pleased to see the famed Sanada’s son in person. My name is Kouji Houjou.”

    Nonetheless, he accepted it.

    “I’m Minato Amakawa. Nice to meet you too.”

    “Amakawa…? Oh, I see. So how’s that it is. Hopefully, we’ll have a great duel sometime in the future.”

    “Likewise…!”

    The crowd went “Oooh…!” at the scene, excited for any possibility, while one of his teammates, the cool looking girl, sighed at his action.

    “B, beautiful…!” Chelsea admired the two, though for an entirely different reason.

    “…I still don’t really get what’s going through your head.” Celina commented.

    “Hmm, this is not good…” Yuu mumbled.

    “So, what do you think, Siggy?” Alba asked him.

    “I don’t care. I just have to fight well.”

    “Edgy.”

    Alba’s quip earned a chuckle from Celina and Chelsea.

    “…shut up, you do know it’s right.”

    ——–

    Shortly after, everyone entered their own classes. And Sigulf, like many others, noticed something a bit unusual.

    ‘They installed 5 new, temporary seats, but the guy named Houjou isn’t here. Does that means he’s an upperclassman? But then, who—‘

    “Alright, calm down a bit, everyone.” Eliot commanded. “I know you’re all eager with the prospect of fighting strong rivals, but let’s listen to what they have to say first, alright?”

    The cool girl looks a bit surprised at him, but didn’t say anything.

    “Ladies and gents, if you will.”

    ‘Hm…?’

    “Well then…” she took a step forward, followed by the rest. “As you’ve already known, we are here on excursion as the representatives of Pacific Academy. As for myself… Draft pick number 2, Wen Mei. Pleased to be your acquaintance.”

    “Likewise, number 3, Reika Kannomine… de gozaru. Pleased to meet you.”

    Yuu suddenly narrowed his eyes on her turn.

    “What’s the matter?”

    “Why does she felt familiar?”

    “…wait, you too?”

    “U, umm…!” their introduction continues. “N, number 4, Misha Smirnov. N, nice to meet you…!”

    “And number 5, Anil Kumar. Greetings.”

    The students, obviously, began talking among themselves.

    “I see,” Eliot said. “So the number 1 is—“

    “Unfortunately, yes.” Mei responded.

    “Well, I don’t think it’s necessary for us to prod deeper, so… Anyways, I’m sure you’ve got lots of question for them, but save it for lunch break. And…” Eliot paused to think. “Oh, that’s right. Amakawa, can you accompany them later?”

    “Eh? Me?” the boy in question was surprised.

    “B, but, Sir!” Eurypha quickly raised her hand. “He’s—“

    “I know. Then in case accidents happen, you have my permission to… Ah, punish him.”

    The three girls looks satisfied with his decision, the Pacifics sans Anil winced at the word ‘accidents’, and Minato nearly slammed his face to the desk.

    “Sir, you can’t be serious!” he protested.

    “Uwaa, even Sir Fortier favors him over you now.” Alba whispered to Sigulf. “Whatcha gonna do?”

    “No worries. He knows I’m not suited for social situations.”

    “…pretty sure you should be worried, if anything.”

    “Yes, you should indeed.” Eliot interrupted, having overheard them somehow. “So, Team Gallowglass you may join Amakawa as well.”

    “Eheheh… Yes, Sir!”

    “…yes, Sir.”

    “Alright, you may sit down now.” Eliot signaled them. “And so, without further ado, let’s begin today’s lesson.”

    ———

    The bell rings at lunch break, and everyone is getting ready to leave the class.

    “Alright, shall we eat at the café?” Minato offered.

    “Eh? But we brought our own lunchboxes.” Mei responded.

    “Oh, it’s okay, so do we.”

    “Well then, please show us the way.”

    “Leave it to me.”

    And so they head to the café, while Sigulf, Alba, and Yuu follow from behind.

    ‘Guess I’ll have to settle for this today…’

    “What’s the matter?”

    “No, it’s n— Hm?”

    The group in front of them caught his attention. Celina, Chelsea, Lindorm and Laine are accompanying Kouji, seemingly with the same destination.

    “Oh, it’s you guys.” Celina noticed. “Good afternoon, everyone.”

    “Good afternoon!”

    “Sir.” Mei saluted towards Kouji, followed by her teammates.

    “It’s alright. No need to be so tense.” He laughed.

    “…I’ll try.”

    “So I guess this lunch will be a lively one.” Chelsea noted. “Let’s go grab some seats then.”

    “How many of us today?” Eurypha asked.

    “Umm, 15?”

    “Fif—“

    She turned around to see Walter has sneakily joined them.

    “Yo!”

    “…not ‘yo’. What are you doing here?”

    “Aww, come on. One additional seat wouldn’t hurt. You don’t mind, right?” Walter grinned towards Minato.

    “Yeah, not at all.”

    Carmen sighed, and Eurypha facepalmed at his decision.

    ‘Well, that’s so him.’ Sigulf mentally commented.

    ———

    The group managed to secure a table. Being large in number, not to mention being comprised of some notable students, they quickly attracted others’ attention.

    “…it’s alright, I’m getting a bit more used to this.” Celina reassured herself, earning a wry laugh from Chelsea.

    “But it’s truly a fine café.” Kouji complimented. “I can see why everyone would enjoy dining here.”

    “…that, and it’s still a bit chilly. Not much people want to eat outside by now.” Mei pointed out.

    “Hm? Why not? Won’t it be nice having lunch while we enjoy the scenery and cherry blossoms? Ah, right, should we do it tomorrow?”

    She sighed in exasperation. “…Sir.”

    ‘He’s quite the jolly one…’

    “Oh, I almost forgot.” He continued. “May I ask something?”

    “Sure, go on.” Celina responded.

    “I heard there were some problems with the nobles. What was all that about?”

    “Ah, that…” she paused for a bit. “I’m sure you already know that, compared to your school, ours had… a tendency to prioritize ancestry over anything else.”

    “Mm-hm.”

    “And that’s why we’ve been trying to change it. I think it reached the boiling point when a young knight of ours got defeated. Then the nobles acted on their own and nearly attacked a 1st-year. Fortunately, we managed to subdue them. Even so, we still stand alerted in case they try again.”

    “I see… That sounds troublesome. But that also means it will open a new way for non-nobles.”

    “Indeed. That’s what we have been aiming; to make an environment when your skills, passion and drive matters.”

    “I see, I see… And I presume Sanada’s son was at the center of this?”

    “Eh…?”

    “Oh, he’s not?” Kouji looks surprised.

    “It was these two.” Celina turned to see Sigulf and Alba with a smile.

    “Eh? Eeh!? …well, she’s not wrong, though.” Alba responded.

    “It was her idea.” Sigulf pointed to her.

    “…you talked like we did a bad thing.”

    “Huh? No, not at all.”

    “Sigulf Hrimgard.” Celina explained to Kouji. “He’s the one who defeated the knight and later got attacked for the trouble. The girl, Alba Hunter, came in to rescue, thinking he was being bullied. It then turned into a series of tag battles, with them coming on top over three teams.”

    “Hee… Interesting. Tag battles, huh…”

    Kouji watched them arguing less about the actual incident, and more about unrelated silly things.

    “Excuse me, you two.” He finally called.

    “”Yes?””

    “Sigulf Hrimgard and Alba Hunter, was it? I apologize for my rudeness.”

    “Huh? I don’t really get it, but okay…?” Alba said, seemingly unsure.

    ‘He probably didn’t bat an eye on us and thought only Amakawa mattered here.’

    “Thank you very much.” He continued. “Pleased to be your acquaintance. I’m looking forward to see your battles!”

    “Oh, umm, likewise.”

    Sigulf, meanwhile, said nothing and merely nodded.

    “This school sure have some nice surprises in store.” He chuckled. “If only he could make it here…”

    ‘He? Could it be—‘

    “Excuse me.” Sigulf spoke up. “Then, can I ask you back?”

    Kouji looks surprised for a brief moment.

    “I’m guessing it’s about our missing member?”

    “Yes.”

    “I see.” He laughed wryly. “Well it’s not like we’re trying to hide anything, so—“

    “Sir.” Mei suddenly cut him off. “Allow me to explain in your stead.”

    “…alright, then, if you will.”

    Mei nodded and then turned to glare at Sigulf.

    “First things first, while I… We don’t hate you guys on a personal level, that’s just for outside the ring. But inside… We’re here to fight. We won’t lose; we’ll win and prove that the Pacific is better.”

    Her declaration made the whole café silent. Misha understandably looks uncomfortable, Reika and Anil returns to being tense, while Kouji can only sigh.

    “I know.” Sigulf answered. “That goes for us too. Those words… We return it to you. WE will come out on top.”

    For some reason, Mei seems pleased and gave a thin smile.

    “Good. I see you’re talking my language.”

    Chelsea sighed out of relief as the tension cools down.

    “Now, back to topic at hand,” Mei continued. “Our number 1 freshman is, obviously, a very skilled fighter. As much as I don’t like it, he is better than me.”

    “Hmm.”

    “The problem is… Well, his personality. I did say that we have no hard feelings outside the arena, right?”

    “Yeah…”

    “But for him… Let’s just say he didn’t look at you all favorably and as a result, he refused to come, deeming it not worth it.”

    “What!? How dare he!” Eurypha exploded before being restrained by Carmen.

    “That’s not unusual, but I think I get it.”

    “That’s not all though.”

    “Eh?”

    “In rage, he got into fights with some of our personnel, and even with outsiders. Thus, he had to be grounded by our Principal.”

    Not even Sigulf was sure on what to say.

    “And so, I will say this: If I have to apologize on behalf of his actions, then I will. But make no mistake, for our school, and for our personal glory, we won’t hold anything back.”

    “You don’t have to tell me that again. And besides, it’s not even your fault in the first place.”

    “Hah, you’re right. So what’s left for us is to clash blades, yeah?”

    “Seriously, Mei-dono…” Reika complained. “You made a pleasant lunch into a stressful one.”

    “What, I’d rather tell them the truth so we won’t have any misunderstandings later. Besides, it is his fault for being so… Unpleasant.”

    “So even his own teammates have problem with it too.” Sigulf commented. “Care to give me a name?”

    “Curious, huh? Then… Jack Ashfield. That’s his name. I heard he had experience in unsanctioned pit fights. A brawler through and through.”

    “Jack Ashfield…”

    An allegedly talented Duelist whose skill can only be matched by his own equally massive ego. Sigulf wonders what kind of man he actually is.
     
  3. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 3
    Lunch break ends, and the students proceeds to the final half of their day.

    “Huh, no matter where you are in the world, I see thing aren’t that much different.” Mei commented after hearing Eliot’s explanation.

    “So, how are you going to train?” Minato asked them. “I mean, you’re on an excursion and all…”

    “Hmm, you’re right… Maybe we should— …Reika?”

    Their attention was pulled by said girl who approached Sigulf’s group.

    “Excuse me.”

    “Yes?”

    “By any chance, are you Yuu-dono?”

    “Right, that’s me.” He stepped forward with a smile, trying to impress her. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

    “I see… Then…!”

    Reika suddenly dashed straight towards Yuu and threw a punch.

    “Ei!!”

    “Waaah!?”

    She stopped her fist just before it connects, yet Yuu fell down all the same. Reika looks somewhat disappointed.

    “…”

    “W, what do you think are you doing!?”

    “…ful.”

    “Wha…?”

    “Shameful!” Reika finally exploded, making everyone on the hall turn around. “What a disgrace de gozaru!”

    “What’s your problem!?” Yuu spat back, while Sigulf assisted him to stand up.

    ‘Whoa, he’s pissed.’

    “I came here expecting… Anything worthwhile to say, but this…” she sighed. “What have you been doing?”

    “Huh!? And how’s that got anything to do with you!?”

    Reika blinked.

    “…wait, I thought I have properly introduced myself?”

    “Yeah, Reika Kannomine, wasn’t it? So what?”

    She clutched her head in disbelief.

    “You don’t even recognize our house?”

    “Forget about that; I don’t even know you!”

    “By Gods, how…!” Reika lamented. “Yuu-dono, even as a member of the branch family, you shouldn’t be overly carefree!”

    “Branch— Wha…?”

    Now’s his turn to went silent.

    “…OK, so let me get this straight.” Yuu finally continued. “So you are saying we are kind of related—“

    “Yes, yes.”

    “And you, I presume as a member of the main house, are here to evaluate—“

    “Yes, yes!”

    “And so, you expected me to train harder and adhere to the Bushido.”

    “That’s right de gozaru!” Reika responded in delight. “I see you’re quick to catch, Yuu-dono! So now, let’s—“

    “But I refuse.”

    “What!? Why!?”

    “Forget it. I think I know what you are trying to say…” Yuu sighed. “I’m here to have fun, anyways. And ‘branch family’? Is it even still a thing?”

    “Wha— Family bonds should stand the test of time!”

    “Ugh, annoying…”

    “Now, now, this ain’t like you, getting snappy at girls.” Walter, who was mostly ignored, suddenly joined them. Of course, he earned Eurypha’s contemptful look.

    “How would I not? As if getting nearly punched wasn’t enough, then I got shouted right at my face…”

    “But you were pathetic.” Ilma quips.

    “Uuuugh…”

    “Hiltunen-san! Don’t make things worse!” Minato reprimanded her.

    “Tch…”

    “True, we should calm down. Everyone is looking.” Mei agreed. “…Reika, you sure made a normal practice session into a… Lively one.”

    “I, it’s a family business de gozaru! It’s different from what you are trying to pull in the café!”

    “Yes, yes. So I guess I’ll have to spar with you again, after all.”

    “Umm, are you really sure with this? I can train with one of you, if you don’t mind.” Minato offered, which met by his groupies’ surprise.

    “Ooh, so he said. What do you think?”

    “Eeh!? But… Err, Minato-dono… Wasn’t it? But you’ve already—“

    “Ah, don’t worry. It’s a part of my duty, after all. Though I don’t know how my kendo experience will help me…”

    “I see you practiced kendo as well! Then let’s train our best, Minato-dono!”

    “Sure! It’s been a while!”

    Eurypha obviously fumed as they moved to an unoccupied spot.

    “What is he thinking!?” she screeched.

    “Calm down, it’s a part of his job. …or so I wanted to say.” Carmen added. “We can’t let him trip over her. Come on, let’s tail them.”

    “…never thought I’m going to agree with you, but sure. Ilma, let’s go!”

    “…don’t call me like we’re friends.” Ilma protested, though follows them nonetheless.

    And as usual, Walter laments his lack of luck, while Mei asked Sigulf, “Are they always like that?”

    “You bet.”

    “Hah, quite the lucky bastard, ain’t he?”

    “Fun to watch, though.”

    “Right… So I guess that leaves me, Anil, and Misha. What do we do now?”

    Anil said nothing and simply shrugged, while Misha looks uncertain.

    “Then, then, how about we spar together, Misha?” Walter offered with a grin.

    “E, eh…?”

    “…it’s alright, I understand. You don’t have to look that scared… sniff.”

    “I, I’m sorry. I think I’ll wait for Mei first.”

    “Eh? Me? Hmm… Then, I guess I’ll train with Dog Boy here.”

    “…Dog Boy?” Sigulf questioned his new nickname. He swore he could hear Ilma snickered.

    “Wha— No, no, no, you can’t! I’m first!” Alba protested.

    “Aah, right, you’re his partner—“

    “It’s the other way around. He’s my sidekick.”

    “…oi, I thought we’re teammates?” he retorted.

    “Mmm… Is there no way that I may spar with him?”

    “No. Unlike Amakawa, I won’t be as welcoming as him.”

    “Eeh, seriously? Even though we’re guests?”

    “Yep. Not to mention I’m not a Council member.”

    “For real?”

    “Yes.”

    “Pretty pleeeeeease?” Mei feigned sincerity.

    “No, nope, no way.”

    “Aagh, damn, you’re not making this easy. What’s between you two, anyway?”

    “It’s… It’s a bond which has surpassed love and friendship!”

    “…what?”

    “Oi, oi, we haven’t even fought our second tag duel yet.” Sigulf added.

    “Sssh!”

    Of course Walter is quick to express his displeasure.

    “Tch… Damn, now him too? I thought he was supposed to be not so popular.”

    “If you think this is bad, then wait until you see him on weekends.” Yuu sighed.

    Between Minato and Reika’s sparring which quickly gone awkward due to the watchful eyes of Eurypha, Carmen, and Ilma who tries to cover it as an equally clumsy three-way fight, and Anil and Misha’s first day left hanging because Mei was too busy arguing with Alba, the rest of the students can only collectively thought, ‘What are they doing!?’

    “U, umm, Sir? Shouldn’t we stop them?” Arthfael suggested.

    “I say let them be.”

    “Huh? But—“

    “Aah, youth… Wonderful, don’t you think? Huhuhu…”

    “S, sir?”

    ———

    Meanwhile, on the 2nd-year’s classroom…

    “Hmph!”

    “Hoo…”

    Two duelists quickly broke away from each other.

    “I, impossible…!” a spectator commented.

    “I know he’s their ace, but… To think he could keep up with Miss Kensington…!”

    “They are not even using their True Arms, are they!?”

    True to their words, Chelsea is engaged in a sparring with Kouji, albeit a rather intense one, while Celina observes from the sidelines.

    “Ah, as expected from the Golden Ace!” she praised him.

    “Likewise, the A-class isn’t just for show after all.” He responded. “But… I won’t hold back nor stopping until the top spot belongs to us!”

    “As if we’ll let you!”

    Both of them charged in and clashed their steel once more.

    ‘Chelsea…’

    ———

    Last bell of the day rang, and everyone goes to their own after-school activities. Sigulf, too, returns to his unofficial patrol duty.

    ‘Wednesday gonna be the last. Gotta do my best until then!’

    Considering they have guests, the Principal ordered the Council to be more vigilant than usual.

    ‘Right, gotta stay alert. Hope nothing’s— Hm?’

    From the corner of his eye, he recognized a familiar figure, training alone in the fields.

    “199…! 200…! 201…!”

    Sigulf quickly moved to a hidden spot and observed from afar.

    “206…! 207…! …dammit, I haven’t done this in a long time!”

    ‘Yuu…’

    The boy repeatedly swung his safe-mode Susanowo in what Sigulf assumes as kendo stance.

    ‘Of course he would mind after all…’

    Sigulf watched for a bit more as Yuu continued his solo training.

    ‘I wish I could lend a hand, but I’m on duty…’

    He silently made his getaway, not to get caught.

    ‘Good luck, Yuu.’

    ———-

    Thankfully, there was nothing noteworthy to report, so they can easily call it a day. Back in Sigulf’s room, he was chilling when his phone beeps.

    “A message from Master?”

    ‘Heya, how’s your day? Had a nice fight?’ it reads.

    “Ah, right…” he remembered how it went while replying.

    ‘OK day, but didn’t get to fight. Kinda went awry.’

    ‘Really? That’s too bad. Related to that one guy no-showing?’

    “Huh, so she knows. I guess she asked Sir Fortier…”

    ‘No, but one of them end up spent too much time arguing with Alba.’

    ‘Why’s that?’

    ‘Wanting to spar with me.’

    ‘Let me guess, a girl?’

    ‘Eh, yeah. Why?’

    There was a short delay before her reply came.

    ‘Oh you, you should’ve said that your harem grows!’

    ‘Pretty sure it’s not that… Wait, I have no harems!’

    “…I think.” He mumbled to no one.

    ‘Now, now, no need to be embarrassed. Kings of the old often have many wives.’

    ‘I’m going to sleep. Good night.’

    ‘Chee… No fun. Next time you got stomped by the Bartram girl, I won’t console you.’

    ‘I won’t sulk anymore, but please forgive me. I’ll make it up with a shoulder massage next time you visit.’

    ‘I’m not that old!’

    Sigulf smiled. Little exchanges like this are always nice.

    ‘…come to think of it, were we always like this?’ he suddenly realized. ‘I guess it’s the effect of going out and socializing with others… Gotta thank her.’

    ‘I know.’ Sigulf continued. ‘Well, I can’t think of anything else to tell, so I’m sleeping for real.’

    ‘A-ha! Running away, aren’t you?’

    ‘No, I’m not.’

    ‘I’m not convinced at all… Well, okay, good luck for tomorrow, hon. Don’t forget your promise, ‘kay? Full course massage!’

    “H, hon…”

    Sigulf knows it was supposed to be endearing, but he can’t help to get red.

    ‘Pretty sure it was supposed to be a mere shoulder massage, but let’s see what I can do later. Good night, Master.’

    Sigulf set his phone aside and lies down.

    ‘Alright, sleep early and wake up refreshed!’ he mentally encourages himself. ‘…still, how should I train tomorrow? Better to think of something…’

    Slowly but sure, Sigulf got steadily drowsier, until he finally falls asleep.
     
  4. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 4
    The following day, at the practice session…

    ‘As expected we couldn’t really come to an agreement…’ Sigulf thought as he observed his classmates. ‘Well then…’

    “Guys, guys!”

    “Yes?”

    “Why don’t we use this?” he suggested while pointing to his own Organizer.

    “The Randomizer, duh!” Alba slapped her forehead upon realization. “Yeah, Sir Fortier used that too. So let’s—“

    “I refuse.” Mei suddenly interrupted.

    “What? Why?”

    “One must be able to assert and see their view and stance goes through without relying on so-called luck!”

    “Err… Well, OK, but I thought luck is also a part of our ‘skill’ as a Duelist?”

    “…you just wanted to say that.”

    “I’m afraid I must agree with him, Mei-dono.” Reika responded.

    “Gununununu… But didn’t your practice yesterday felt lacking?”

    “Hmm… True, I would like to train more with Minato-dono, but at this situation, I believe choosing the fairest method would be the best option de gozaru.”

    “Ugh…”

    “…so no more complaints?”

    “Yes, fine by me.” Minato said.

    “Seriously, someone should’ve thought about it in the first place.” Sigulf sighed while starting the Randomizer. “I guess we’re all too gung-ho to fight each other…”

    “Ahahah, now that you mentioned it…”

    Beep!

    “Alright, let’s see who’s with who…”

    ———

    They split and head to any unoccupied spots upon getting the results.

    “Mi, Minato-dono! I, I’m looking forward to today’s practice too!” Reika stammered nervously.

    “You don’t have to be that tense…” Minato responded with a wry laugh.

    Of course, not everyone was pleased with it.

    “Her again!?” Eurypha expressed her displeasure. “And why must I end up with you!?”

    “I could say the same thing!” Carmen shot back. “…hm? Wait a minute, this could be a good chance…”

    “For what?”

    “To settle once and for all who’s the better suitor for Minato!”

    “Bring it on! …w, wait, t, this should be who’s better among us! N, not about him!”

    “…did they forget that this is supposed to be warm-up practice?” Walter commented. “And, maaan… Why do I have to get stuck with a guy?”

    Anil didn’t say anything and simply tilted his head in mild confusion.

    Nearby, Yuu is facing Ilma.

    “Umm, I’m looking forward to today’s practice.” He slightly bowed.

    “Good for you, huh?” she sarcastically quips. “You can get back at me for yesterday.”

    “Huh? What did you do again?”

    There was a slight pause.

    “…you don’t remember?”

    “Err… Kannomine-san saying things?”

    “Tch, that’s it. I’m going to carve you real good.”

    “Wait, why are you getting angry!?”

    Not far from them, Alba and Mei are doing some light stretches.

    “Oh, so I get to fight Miss Highlander here. This gonna be interesting!”

    “You… If you keep treating me like some extra, you’ll regret it later! I AM the better duelist!”

    “Oi, oi…” Sigulf retorted from the other side, though Alba didn’t catch it.

    As for him, he got paired with Misha.

    “U, umm, please take good care of me…”

    Sigulf turned his focus back to Misha but he said nothing and merely stared.

    “…e, excuse me, is something the matter?”

    He got an unshakable feeling of suspicion, but…

    “…sorry, it’s nothing. Let’s get started.”

    “A, alright…”

    ‘This guy is scary!’ Misha thought.

    ———

    Just like yesterday, there were no disturbances around the school grounds, making Sigulf’s duty a bit easier. Yuu too, was practicing as hard in the same spot.

    ‘He’s really into it…’

    Before he got noticed, Sigulf wordlessly left the area.

    ———

    And so on the next day’s training session…

    “So, are we going to use the Randomizer again?” Eurypha asked.

    “About that, please go on without me.” Sigulf said.

    “Huh? Why’s that?”

    “I’m sparring with Yuu today.”

    There was a short pause before Alba and Mei reacted with “”Eeeh!?””

    “…what? What’s with that reaction?”

    “I don’t understand!” Mei quickly retorted. “Don’t you want to test your strength against someone from across the sea? Are you running away?”

    “Of course not. It’s just—“

    “Then spar with me!” Alba interrupted. “We’re teammates, right?”

    “Err… What if I say I just wanted to help a friend?”

    “”…huh?””

    “S, Sig-kun…”

    Sigulf doesn’t know whether Yuu was genuinely being touched or exaggerating it. Probably a bit of both.

    “…then what’s the point of suggesting random pairs in the first place?”

    “Because we can’t even come to an agreement last time?”

    “So you’re saying he’s already agreed?”

    “Wha— Aren’t you?” Sigulf turned to Yuu.

    “Ehh, I’d rather spar with girls…” he responded.

    “Oi, oi…”

    “But, accepting a friend’s goodwill is never a bad thing, so why not?”

    “…so he said.”

    “Sorry, Alba-san!”

    “Muuu…” Alba wanted to protest.

    “Sheesh… Oh well, it can’t be helped…” Mei sighed.

    “Why are you so eager on fighting me anyway?”

    “What, you don’t want a good fight?”

    “I do, but I thought you all aimed for him?” Sigulf motioned towards Minato.

    “Well true, we’re hyped upon hearing son of the famed Sanada is here…” she glanced at him for a while. “But, naah, I’d rather fight you.”

    “…no, seriously, but why?”

    “Because I like you. I like your attitude.”

    “Wha—“

    The group, but especially Sigulf himself and Alba, were surprised at her declaration. Of course everyone else on the room got their interest pulled as well.

    “C, could this be…!?” one of them gushed.

    “…y, you sure can say those with a straight face.”

    “…wait, why are you stammering?”

    “M, Mei-dono…” Reika interrupted. “I believe that sounded almost like a love confession…”

    If anything, though, Mei looked more annoyed than embarrassed after a short silence.

    “Tch, people nowadays… Talk about lack of romance…”

    ‘So she’s talking about ‘that’ kind of romance, huh… But still…’

    “Anyways, we gotta begin.” Sigulf said. “Can’t stand and chat here all day. Catch ya later.”

    “Ah right, I almost forget!” Eurypha realized. “Come on, let’s begin! Whose PO are we going to use?”

    Sigulf didn’t bother to hear the rest of it as he prepares himself to spar with Yuu.

    “Hey, Sig-kun. You don’t mind if I get a little serious here, right?”

    “Not at all. Show me what you got.”

    “Heheh, gladly!”

    Back to the other side, the group has finally decided the pairs for today. In a slight twist of irony, Minato end up facing Mei.

    “Pleased to train with you!” he bowed.

    “Oh, after Miss Highlander, now I get to fight Sanada’s son himself!” she mused. “Heh, maybe I’ll end up facing Dog Boy after all?”

    Nearby is the pair of Alba and Carmen.

    “Don’t look so sad.” The redhead suddenly said.

    “Huh?”

    Carmen leaned a bit and whispered, “I know how you feel. But don’t worry, I’m rooting for you!”

    “Wha, what are you getting at!?”

    “Ufufufufu… Well, with that out of the way, I guess this is a good chance to gauge the Class Heroine’s strength!”

    “…right, you’re a duelist too.”

    “Of course. And I won’t be content as long as I remain the number two!”

    “Rosales… Alright, let’s go!”

    Besides them, Ilma stares coldly at Misha.

    “W, what is it?”

    “I don’t like you.”

    “E, eeh!? B, but, I— What did I—“

    “That way of talking irritates me.”

    “Ah…”

    Misha looks shocked for a while, but quickly regained composure, and unexpectedly wears a serious expression.

    “Y, you know…! If I put my mind on it, even I too…!”

    “Oh, nice.” She grinned. “Slightly less annoying.”

    ‘I’m not scared…! I must stop getting scared!’ Misha thought.

    Not far from them, Reika looks displeased as her partner turns out to be Walter.

    “…please don’t look at me like that. It hurts…” he lamented.

    And finally, Eurypha can only stare awkwardly towards Anil.

    “…”

    The boy clearly pays no attention and simply waits for the practice, but that’s not the case with her.

    ‘Uugh… I’m not good at dealing with silent-types like this…’
     
  5. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 5
    After class, on his last day of patrol squad trial period, Sigulf made one small detour before they call it a day and heading to the usual café.

    “Eh? Where are you going?” Laine asked.

    “Going to get a friend.”

    And sure enough, he went to the place where Yuu trained.

    “There you are.”

    “Ah, I see it was you after all.”

    “You noticed, huh?”

    “Not quite.” Yuu answered. “I knew someone was watching, but I was too absorbed in my practice. I only figured it was you when you offered to spar together.”

    “I see. Sorry I can’t help that much.”

    “Naah, it’s cool. I know you’re busy. So, why are you here?”

    “Oh, right. Wanna grab some food? You know, like last week.”

    “Hee, what’s gotten into you, being nice like this?” he grinned. “You wanted some love advice or something?”

    “That wasn’t— …wait, you can?”

    “Hey, who do you think I am? At least I understand girls better than you!”

    “…yeah, can’t deny that.”

    “Oh wait, who am I kidding? You already had some success, so why would I help you?”

    “…”

    “Ah, I almost forgot. Do you mind if I ask a… Weird question?”

    “Hm?”

    “Since both of you work for the Council, do you have any idea why Hiltunen-san was angry yesterday?”

    “…yeah, that’s a strange one. I have no idea. Isn’t she always like that? What happened?”

    “I think she straight up wants to kill me at yesterday’s practice…”

    “…I can only say train harder and good luck, then.”

    ———

    Not long after, Sigulf and Yuu arrived outside the café, where they see Celina and Chelsea seemingly waiting for someone. Just like before, Chelsea gasped upon noticing the two boys together.

    ‘…what does she see, anyway?’

    “Oh, it’s you two. Good afternoon.” Celina greeted.

    “Good afternoon. Where are the others?”

    “They are already inside.”

    “Eh!? Oh, um, sorry for running late…”

    “Ah, don’t worry, that’s not what I meant. Everyone arrived a bit earlier.” She explained. “I just feel like waiting for you.”

    Of course this earned both Sigulf and Chelsea’s surprise.

    “I, I see… Thank you.”

    Yuu snickered and nudged him with his elbow.

    “Well then, let’s go inside, shall we?” Celina invited, apparently oblivious with the situation.

    ———

    Entering the café, Sigulf recognized some of the unusual guests on the table.

    “Yo, Hrimgard. You don’t mind if we crashed your party, right?” Mei greeted him.

    “Oh, you got invited too?”

    “Minato-dono did!” Reika added. “As expected, Minato-dono is magnanimous indeed!”

    “Ahahah, it’s nothing big. I just did what felt right.” He bashfully replied, earning the ire of his groupies.

    “But it is commendable, showing hospitality even though we’re supposed to be rivals.” Kouji complimented.

    “Well… I simply think it’s normal to be accommodating…”

    ‘…right, at this point we don’t really look like competing against each other.’ Sigulf thought while scratching his head. ‘Ah, well. Let’s sit down first.’

    It seems there’s no lucky seat for him like last week, so he occupies the remaining one next to Lindorm.

    “Oh…”

    …only to realize that Celina is sitting across him.

    She smiled at him; Sigulf returned it sheepishly. Obviously, this doesn’t escape Mei and few others’ attention.

    “Hoo…”

    ———

    After everyone’s orders arrived, Celina stood up with her glass raised, followed by Chelsea and the rest.

    “For our new Council members…”

    “And for our guests from Pacific…!” Chelsea added.

    “Cheers!”

    “””Cheers!”””

    Everyone exchanged toasts with each other, while Kouji was particularly amused by the warm reception.

    “Brother.” Lindorm offered his glass to Sigulf. “Skal.”

    “Skal.”

    The Nordics lightly bumped their glass together before downing their drink.

    “What do you have?” Laine asked Lindorm from across the table.

    “Apple juice-honey mix.”

    “Ah, right. Real mead substitute.”

    “It will do. For now…”

    “Yeah, we don’t want you to overdrink and get drunk.” She reminded.

    “…I won’t.”

    Sigulf was a bit humored by their exchange.

    ‘I wonder whether they are always like that…’

    Sigulf was about to focus on his own food, but the dish across him caught his curiosity.

    ‘So much meat…’

    Doubly so because the one eating it was Celina.

    ‘…still kind of unexpected after all this time. Guess I’ll have to agree with Chelsea about— Wait, stop.’

    “Hm? Is something the matter?”

    “Ah, no, I was just wondering what you are having.”

    “Oh, this? Beef Wellington. Roast beef covered in pastry, to put it simply.” Celina explained. “Want to try some?”

    Sigulf, and for some reason, Chelsea and Alba, were surprised at her offer.

    “May I?”

    “If you would share me your cod, then sure.”

    “Of course, then—“

    “Cel, wait…!”

    “Wha, what?”

    Chelsea quickly interrupted and made Celina pause with a bit of shock… only to realize that she and Sigulf simply traded food the normal way.

    “…ah, it’s nothing, ahahahahah…”

    “…what’s with you? Are you alright?”

    Alba was silent for a while before she suddenly gulped down her drink.

    “Wait, Alba, don’t drink like that…!” Chelsea reprimanded her.

    “Siggy!” she ignored her. “Trade foods with me too, will ya?”

    “Huh? Well, I don’t mind…”

    And predictably, both Yuu and Mei are the ones who reacted to the scene, snickering all the while.

    “Eh? What happened?” Minato asked.

    “Oh boy…” Mei tries to hold herself back. “Are you guys always like this? You sure your teamwork won’t fall apart?”

    “Oh, you don’t have to worry about that.” Chelsea quickly responded. “If anything, think of it as our way to strengthen bonds. Ohohoho~”

    ‘…no, it wasn’t’ Sigulf mentally retorted. ‘And what’s with that fake laugh!?’

    “Ah-hem, but in all seriousness,” Eurypha picked up. “When things come to push, rest assured. You’ll have the fight of your life you seek… And then some.”

    ‘Whoa, she got fired up.’

    “Hee, I see… Then I’ll take your word for it, Olympia’s daughter.”

    “Not just Olympia’s daughter! I am Eurypha Remi Garnetia Hestianus!”

    “…I know, I know. Why is your name so long anyways?”

    “Mei-dono, I believe there are people with even longer names in this world.” Reika corrected.

    “…yeah, I can’t imagine.”

    ————

    An hour passed, and the Pacifics, along with the non-Councils, excused themselves earlier.

    “Thank you for inviting us.” Kouji slightly bowed. “If by any chance you come to visit us in the future, we’ll make sure to repay this.”

    “But don’t think we’ll go easy on you when it comes to dueling.” Mei added, earning a wry laughter from him.

    “Later, Sig-kun! Invite me again next time!” Yuu said. Sigulf simply return it with a nod.

    “Hey, hey, don’t forget me!” Alba joined. “Partners, right?”

    “…you should’ve been honest and joined us from the beginning.”

    “U, uu… I, it was too late for that! Besides, we still have offday practice!”

    Yuu’s mood quickly soured; Sigulf can only hope it was in jest.

    “…riajuu go explode.”

    “W, what?”

    “Aah, it’s nothing!” he quickly reverts to his smiling façade. “See you tomorrow!”

    “…right.”

    Sigulf noticed Walter followed suit; he didn’t really get what he talked with Minato, but chances are that he asked to be invited again too, which predictably displeases Minato’s groupies.

    “Well then, we’ll take our leave.” Kouji said.

    “Take care, everyone!” Chelsea responded, seeing them left the café.

    “Alright, now, let us talk about Council matters.” Celina continued. “I’m sure you’re all aware about the stricter work division from now on.”

    “Yeah.”

    “So, let’s start with the Patrol and Scout team. What would you say about them?”

    “Hmm…” Laine seems to be thinking for a moment. “I’d say… Wolfhead here is more aware, while Casanova and his harem are more reactive.”

    “Ca, Casanova?”

    “Ha, harem!? We—“

    ‘…that could mean anything.’ Sigulf thought, ignoring their shock.

    “I see… Thank you.”

    “So, uhh, how about your side, Prez?”

    “About t—“

    “Well, Sigulf is focused for sure. On the other hand, having even more helping hand doesn’t hurt at all, right?”

    “Eh?”

    There was an awkward silence as Chelsea suddenly interrupted Celina.

    ‘I knew she’d say something like that…!’

    “…a, ah, I’m sorry. Did you want to say something?”

    “…no, it’s a bit similar to what you have just said.”

    “I, I see…”

    Again, the air went uneasy.

    “U, umm…” Eurypha spoke up while trying to defuse the tension. “Just a reminder that wherever he goes, we must stay around him to prevent accidents.”

    “You won’t ever let go of that, will you!?” Minato protested.

    “As if we can let you roam around unguarded!”

    “Are you sure you simply wanted to keep an eye on him?” Carmen teased.

    “W, what!? I, it’s not like I have ulterior motives like you!”

    “But I have none of that, though? I mean, I do want the better for this Academy while getting more… intimate with him.”

    “E, eeeeeeeh!?”

    “Why you…!!”

    “Ahem… I’m glad you’re being open with us, but please don’t go overboard.” Celina notified her while being a bit red.

    “Yes, Ma’am~” she replied cheerfully with a salute.

    “Guuuh… Why is this allowed…?” Eurypha growled.

    ‘…I’m a bit jealous of her, able to be honest like that.’ Sigulf mentally commented.

    “Anyways, returning to topic at hand,” Celina resumed. “Considering your inputs, I guess it’s better if we use a more direct approach.”

    “Eh? What do you mean?”

    “Sigulf, Minato. What do you want to do?”

    “I’d rather help with the paperwork.”

    “I prefer to go outside. Maybe some people will need help?”

    “”!?””

    The boys were surprised at the same time and looked at each other. It’s possibly the first time Sigulf doesn’t feel any animosity towards Minato whatsoever.

    “…that was fast.” Chelsea commented.

    “Then it’s decided.” Celina smiled.

    “Eh!?”

    “Aah, now that you think about it, scouting needs more members after all.” Laine agreed. “And since he’s one package with his girls…”

    “Right. About paperworks, while I think we can manage on our own, since the Principal and Chelsea kind of insisted to get a helping hand, that means we’ll be having him.”

    “…”

    “Oh, but in case our workload for the day is really light, then I suppose it’s alright if I send you to help the Patrol?” she continued, now facing Sigulf.

    He’s a bit surprised, but accepted it nonetheless.

    “Sure, I don’t mind.”

    “Very good. Any questions?”

    “Ma’am, is it starting tomorrow?” Eurypha asked.

    “That’s right… We’ll make it effective starting next week, but if you want to, you can begin working on your assigned posts earlier.”

    “I see… I think it’s not a problem.”

    “Anything else?”

    There were no answers. Sigulf, meanwhile, stole a glance towards Chelsea, and even though he can’t read her expression, he could smell a bit of displeasure.

    “Well then, I guess that’s for today. Thank you for coming. You’re all dismissed.”

    “””Thank you, Ma’am!”””

    Everyone stood from their seats and prepares to leave. Carmen quickly flirts with Minato, igniting Eurypha and Ilma’s anger like usual. Meanwhile, Lindorm taps Sigulf’s shoulder as he and Laine passes by.

    “Good luck.”

    “Eh? Ah, thank you.”

    He kind of has an idea about what he meant, but decided to not follow it through. Turning around to give Celina a slight bow, Sigulf then exited the café.

    ———

    Few minutes later, the Council duo was the last to leave. On their way to the dorm…

    “Celina, wait…!”

    “Yes?”

    The blonde turns around to see her brunette best friend.

    “…”

    But as soon as she saw her face, Chelsea can’t form any words.

    “What’s the matter?”

    “Ah, it’s nothing after all. Don’t worry!”

    “…you’re strange today.”

    “I—“

    Chelsea was speechless for a moment.

    “…yeah, I guess I am. Ahahah…”

    “Is it something you can’t tell me?”

    Another pause.

    “…unfortunately, yeah. I’m sorry.”

    “If you say so…” Celina turns away. “Then I will not meddle any further. Let’s go back. We still have class tomorrow.”

    “Celina… Right!”

    She happily skipped her way and caught up with her.

    ‘Sheesh… You could be unexpectedly kind in the strange places. This is why I can’t really leave you alone.’
     
  6. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 6
    The next morning, Sigulf was on his way to class, while trying to cover his yawn.

    ‘Huh, strange… I thought I had enough sleep? I guess I was overthinking stuff last night…’

    “Yo, Sig-kun. Morning!”

    “Oh, morning.”

    Sigulf noticed him and exchanged greeting with Yuu. The shorter boy then tried to take a better look at his face.

    “Still sleepy?”

    “Somehow, yeah…”

    “You shouldn’t stay up late to watch porn, Sig-kun.”

    “…I don’t do that.”

    “Ah right, you don’t have to do that anymore, being surrounded by 3 beautiful ladies. Possibly more.”

    “…”

    “I jest, I jest. So, shall we get going, then?”

    “…right, maybe I can steal few minutes of sleep too.”

    The boys then resumed walking to the class.

    ‘…?’

    Sigulf could hear running footsteps getting closer, but he dismissed it until—

    “Good morning, Siggy!”

    “Whoa!?”

    Alba jumped Sigulf from behind, making him almost lose his balance.

    “And morning, Yuu!”

    “Morning! …so I’m an extra huh?”

    “What are you doing? That’s dangerous, you know?”

    “What, are you saying you gonna fall down from that? Besides, I’m feeling hyper today!”

    “Umm, okay…?”

    “What’s with the weak reaction? Come on, our rivals are visiting! We gotta show them that we are the best rookie around!”

    His expression changed slightly, now looking a bit serious.

    “…you’re right. They say defending the crown is harder than reaching the top, and we don’t want to lose that.”

    “I know, right?” Alba smiled triumphantly. “So…!”

    She suddenly grabbed Sigulf’s hand.

    “Eh…?”

    “Let’s go to the class already!”

    “What does that— Whoa, wait! Don’t pull!”

    “Later, Yuu!”

    “Take care, Alba-san! …sheesh, that’s ridiculously obvious.” Yuu laughed.

    “Oh, Kanzaki? You’re on you own?”

    “Ah, Bartram-senpai, Kensington-senpai, good morning!”

    “Good morning.”

    Yuu turned around to face the approaching Council duo.

    “It’s a bit unusual seeing you without Sigulf and Alba.” Celina commented.

    “Ah, those two already went to the classroom together.”

    “Hmm…”

    “I see…”

    Both Celina and Chelsea seemed to have something in their minds.

    ———

    Later, at their usual practice session…

    “Siggy, spar with me!”

    “Oi, Hrimgard! Fight me!”

    “”…!?””

    “Grrr…!”

    “…why are you growling?”

    Both Alba and Mei are eager to train with Sigulf.

    “Err… Hey, Yuu, you don’t mind sparring with me again?”

    “Hm? I don’t mind—“

    ““Don’t run away like that!””

    “Not this again…” he groaned.

    “Hold on, I can’t let that slip.” Eurypha suddenly spoke up, catching Mei’s attention.

    “What?”

    “You keep going on about Hrimgard there. Are you saying the rest of us aren’t up to par?”

    Beat.

    “Well, Sanada was pretty interesting too.”

    “So you do look down on us!”

    “I’m not. I just find him the most interesting.”

    “Why you…”

    “Mei-dono…” Reika sighed in exasperation.

    “Uu… If only Sir Houjou is here…” Misha added.

    “Alright, that’s enough. Let an adult handle this.” Carmen interrupted.

    “Are you taking me for a kid!?”

    “Look,” she continued, ignoring Eurypha. “I don’t know what are you thinking, but if you keep taking the rest of us lightly, I promise it’ll hurt later.”

    “Hee…”

    “And of course, I have to make myself look good in front of Minato~”

    “So that’s your true intention!” Eurypha retorted.

    “Well, duh. I can’t leave it to you. You are too hot-headed.”

    “And you talk too much, you damned cow-tits.” Ilma quipped.

    “What was that!? …better than none, I guess.”

    “Shut up. I’ll just carve her up and call it a day.”

    “Ooh, scary. …are you always on edge like that?” Mei commented.

    The tension rises, and both Minato and Walter tried to defuse it with no luck, leaving Sigulf, Yuu, and Alba wondering themselves.

    “…we can’t just begin a three-way sparring, can we?”

    “Ah-hem.” Anil cleared his throat out of the blue, surprising everyone.

    “…what is it?”

    The boy said nothing and showed them his Organizer.

    “So you’re saying— Wait, it’s already been decided? Since when?” Mei questioned.

    Anil simply shrugged.

    “Alright, let me see…” Eurypha approached, trying to get a better look.

    ———

    After the initial disappointments, they scattered to face each other’s assigned training partners.

    ‘Let’s see… So I’m facing him.’

    Sigulf watched as Anil is finishing his preparation.

    “Let’s make this a good one.” Sigulf said.

    Anil said nothing, and simply nodded.

    ‘So silent… Well, at least he seems to be a good guy.’

    Besides them, Alba is brandishing her dummy claymore.

    “It’s you, huh…”

    “I’m looking forward to this practice!” Minato bowed.

    “Likewise…! Show me what all those hype is about…!”

    On the opposing side, Walter looked a bit dissatisfied with his results.

    “Man, when can we freely choose our partner again?” he sighed.

    “Now, now, it’s just a week. Try to bear with it.” Yuu suggested.

    “A week, huh… You took this unusually well.”

    Their exchanges, though, was nothing when compared to Eurypha’s fiery passion.

    “I’ll tell this again; you’ll regret looking down on the rest of us!” she exclaimed while pointing her rapier towards Mei.

    “…you took this seriously, huh? But that’s good enough. Come, Sanada’s girl!”

    “I, I’m not his girl!”

    Nearby, Carmen sighed at her Council-mate.

    “Talk about lack of elegance. I should be the one facing her…”

    She then turned her attention back to Misha.

    “And you are…”

    “Y, yes…?”

    Carmen stared for a while, unnerving Misha.

    “…no, forget it. Come on, time to begin.”

    “R, right…!”

    And finally, Ilma is locked in a staredown with Reika.

    “…”

    “…”

    “Stay away from that offender.”

    “…w, what? What are you trying to say?”

    “Tch, how troublesome.”

    “…honestly, you really need to fix that attitude of yours de gozaru.”

    “Shut up, don’t lecture me.”

    “Listen, Hiltunen-dono. As fellow girls, I must say that a cute girl such as y—“

    “D, don’t call me c, cute!!”

    “…wait, why are you stammering at that?”

    ———

    The last bell rings, and everyone left the class to do whatever after school activities they have. Naturally, Sigulf decided to head to the Council room.

    “Duty as usual?” Alba stopped him on the way.

    “Uh-huh.”

    “I see… Well, good luck then.”

    “Yeah, you too. And don’t overexert yourself.” Sigulf replied as he resumed walking.

    “…! W, wait!”

    “Yes?”

    “I… I might get much stronger than you are, you know!?”

    Sigulf resisted the urge to laugh.

    “I know. That’s why I’ll train real hard whenever I got the time.” He said while waving.

    Silently, Alba watched his back as he gradually goes farther.

    “…idiot.” She finally muttered while smiling.

    ———

    Arriving at his destination, Sigulf then knocked the door a few times.

    “Come in.”

    ‘Ah, it’s her…’

    Sigulf entered the room, but then noticed Chelsea is nowhere in sight.

    “Oh, it’s you. Good afternoon.” Celina greets him.

    “Good afternoon.”

    “I see you have decided to help earlier.”

    “Um, yeah. Do we have lots of them?”

    “Actually, no. And given time, I can do it on my own, but—“

    “You’re not allowed to.”

    “…precisely.” She laughed wryly. “So, would you?”

    “My pleasure.”

    “My gratitude then. …I suppose you won’t accept my apology?”

    “Well, because you don’t have to. I wanted to do it after all.”

    “You are right.” Celina laughed again. “Well then, I’m counting on you.”

    “Roger that.”

    Sigulf set aside his bag, took some papers, and began working.

    “By the way, Chelsea’s not here?”

    “Oh, she’s out for the moment, delivering few reports for the Principal.”

    “Hmm…”

    Sigulf wasn’t sure on how to follow-up, so he focuses back to his paperwork. He wanted to ask few things about Chelsea, but…

    ‘…I guess it’s better if I ask her directly? Or if she comes up with it, whatever goes first.’

    “I’m baaack!” the door suddenly opened, revealing the girl in question. “…oh? I see Sigulf is here too. Good afternoon.”

    “Good afternoon.”

    “Ah, so Celina already handed you the papers. Very good.”

    She returned to her desk and resumes her own paperwork.

    ‘Hmm… Nothing out of the ordinary…’

    ———

    After almost an hour, the cold made Sigulf feel the sudden urge to use the restroom. Excusing himself, he quickly left the room.

    ‘Toilet, toilet… Hm?’

    At the front of the restroom, he recognized a student who, for some reason, keep looking around and stood there anxiously.

    ‘Isn’t that Smirnov? What happened?’
     
  7. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 7
    The sight of Misha fidgeting restlessly actually perplexed him, but considering he has his own business, Sigulf decided just to pass by and greet.

    “Ah…”

    “Yo.”

    Sigulf didn’t say anymore and entered the restroom, thinking it was nothing big.

    …only to see that Misha is still there at the same spot when he exited.

    “…err, you okay?”

    “Eh!? A, ah, um, I’m fine… Don’t worry…!”

    ‘Doesn’t look like that to me, but…’

    “Oh, Hrimgard-kun, Smirnov-san, what’s the matter?”

    Minato’s voice made them shift their attention.

    “I want to know too.” Sigulf shrugged. “You?”

    “I forgot something so I have to run back here.” He explained.

    “Hmm…”

    “Uu…!”

    “Smirnov-san!? Is something wrong?”

    Sigulf tried to have a better look at the white-haired student.

    “…what, so you wanted to pee all this time? Toilet’s right front of you.”

    “Th, this is…!”

    “Or… Is there any reason you can’t enter the restroom?”

    “Eep…!”

    “Eh? What are you—“

    “I, I’m sorry! Please don’t tell anyone!” Misha finally blurted before running in.

    “Ah…”

    “Smirnov-san!? Wait, but that’s the men’s…!”

    Minato gave chase, while Sigulf opted to stand by and watch.

    “Kyaaaaaah!?”

    “Eh, what happ— EEEEEEEEEH!?”

    “I’m not surprised…” Sigulf muttered to himself.

    “Shit, I almost forgot!” Mei cursed, showed up running to the scene. “Was that Misha just now?”

    “Uh-huh.”

    “…damn. Who’s the other one?”

    “Amakawa.”

    “…figures.”

    ———

    Not long after, both of them finally appeared from inside, with Misha sobbing and Minato looks extremely remorseful.

    “Please don’t cry…”

    “So I guess our teachers already know that he’s a guy.” Sigulf commented.

    “Misha is the pet form of Mikhail after all.” Mei added. “You don’t seem surprised though.”

    “A bit actually, but then again, I have my suspicions.”

    “I see…”

    “How about yours?”

    “Actually most of us already know.”

    “Hm? Wait, then what’s the problem?”

    “Look, just because they all know, doesn’t mean it’s not embarrassing for him. Our guys were considerate enough not to share the restroom with him, and we always make sure no one else is around when he has to use it.” She explained. “…well, except I forgot this time.”

    “Err, I don’t really get it, but okay…?”

    “Uuu…” Misha continues to cry.

    “Misha… Please stop crying…”

    “But… But it was so embarrassing… To be seen like that… Peeing while standing and wearing girls’ clothes…”

    “S, Smirnov-san…”

    ‘…I’d rather say nothing here, or else, a landmine will explode.’ Sigulf mentally commented.

    “I’m really sorry!” Minato continued, while bowing deeply. “Please let me make up for it! I… I’ll take responsibility!”

    There was an awkward silence.

    “”…what?””

    Even Minato realized what the implication was.

    “W, wait! No, no, no, that wasn’t what I meant!” he quickly corrected, getting red in the process. “I’m not sure if this will be enough, but… If you have problems, then just ask me about anything.”

    ‘…how is that supposed to solve stuff?’

    “R, really?” Misha calmed down a bit. “Anything?”

    “Yes, have my word on it.”

    “Then… Would you protect me?”

    “Eh? I don’t mind, but from what?”

    “Bullies?” Mei tried to explain. “I mean, being a crossdresser and all… And he might be able to fight 1 on 1, but bullies tend to gang up, so…”

    “Oh, I get what you are saying. Then leave it to me! …though, hopefully our guys will be understanding enough.”

    “A, Amakawa… Thank you…!”

    “Y, you’re welcome. And ‘Minato’ is fine.”

    Sigulf was trying hard not to grin.

    “…that said, what about you here?” Mei turned her attention to Sigulf. “You wouldn’t bully him, right?”

    “I don’t bully.” He shrugged. “I punch people on the face. And with him, I have no reasons to.”

    “…well, that’s strangely reassuring. But words about this won’t spread, yeah?”

    “Err, that’s the problem. Our newspaper club works ridiculously fast.”

    “Shit…”

    “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. …I think.” Minato tried to console Misha who began to look worried again.

    “So, uhh, any reason why you crossdressed in the first place?” Sigulf asked. “Hobby?”

    “…seriously? You’re asking that now?” Mei raised one of her eyebrow.

    “No, it’s alright, Mei.” Misha said. “Yeah, something along that line… Let’s just say I like how it looks.”

    “Hee…”

    ———

    In the end, Sigulf decided not to dig any further and returns to the council room, paperwork and all. After all, whatever happened, surely Minato and Mei could handle it.

    “I’m back.”

    “Oh, hey. You took a bit longer than expected.” Chelsea noted. “Umm, digestion problems?”

    “Err, no. There was a bit of accident with one of the Pacifics.”

    Celina managed to connect some of the dots.

    “…Amakawa? Oh dear, I hope they are alright…”

    “…which one was it?” Chelsea can barely hide her curiosity.

    “Smirnov.”

    Both of them widen their eyes.

    “O, oh…”

    “S, so it could trigger with boys too, huh…” Chelsea mumbled. “Maybe I should have him stick around with Sigulf… Ah, but maybe I must dress Sigulf cutely first?”

    “Stop it, I can hear you, you know.” Sigulf retorted. “Wait, you already knew, huh?”

    “It was in the documents after all.” Celina clarified.

    “Yeah, should’ve guessed so…”

    ———

    After about half an hour or so, the three of them managed to wrap up the day’s share of paperwork.

    “Alright, that’s all for today. Thank you for the hard work.”

    “Yaaay!”

    “Whew…”

    “So, milk tea like usual, right? I’ll make it.”

    “Eh?”

    Both Chelsea and Sigulf were a little surprised, considering it’s usually the brunette who brews the tea.

    “Cel, may I—“

    “Oh, it’s fine. You just relax over there.”

    “…well, if you say so.”

    Chelsea somehow relented, leaving her awkwardly silent with Sigulf.

    “…”

    ‘Shiiit, there’s no way I can ask her here…’

    He tried to focus on the snacks before him to divert from the thoughts, but just as he tried to reach for one of the chocolate macarons…

    “”…!?””

    His hand gently brushed with hers.

    “I, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to…!” Sigulf retracted his hand.

    “N, no, no, no! I, it’s alright! Please help yourself!”

    “Eh!? I can’t do that! You reached first—“

    “Ah, umm…! Oh, don’t worry, we still have lots of them here! See?”

    “…o, oh, you’re right. What was I thinking…”

    “A, ahahahahahah…”

    Both of them reached for the snacks once, this time with some hesitation, before finally eating the macarons.

    “…”

    ‘God save the Queen…! Calm yourself, Chelsea!’ she mentally reprimanded herself. ‘He just touched my hand, nothing more!’

    ‘…all this time, I barely noticed since she’s always with Celina, but…’ Sigulf thought while stealing a glance. ‘Now that we are like this and I got a better look… She’s… B, beautiful…’

    “Sorry to keep you waiting.” Celina announced as she brought their milk tea. “What’s wrong you two?”

    “I, it’s nothing! Really!” Chelsea quickly answered, hastily taking her cup and then a sip from her tea. “Ow! It’s hot!”

    “A, are you alright?” the blonde looks concerned for her best friend while passing Sigulf’s. “You shouldn’t rush like that…”

    Celina sat down and began to sip her own drink.

    “Ah, it’s so relaxing… Teatime after work is real pleasant, don’t you think?”

    “Couldn’t agree more.”

    ‘Especially with you around…’

    “So, how did you find our guests from Pacific so far?”

    “Obvious, but they aren’t much different from us. A fun bunch.” Sigulf said. “…though I guess that can’t be said for… Ashfield, wasn’t it?”

    “Aah, right, Jack Ashfield…” Celina responded. “Their number 1 rookie.”

    “…well, I can’t really comment unless I meet him in person.”

    “True. For now, let’s focus ourselves against the ones who are willing to visit us.”

    “Right. …speaking of which, what about Houjou?”

    “Interested, I see. He’s strong. Quite the match for Chelsea.” She said while glancing to the girl in question.

    “Eh? Oh, yes, she’s right.”

    “You didn’t fight him?” Sigulf was a little surprised.

    “She won’t let me.” Celina sighed.

    “Now, come on, Cel. We don’t want to uncover our Ace in the hole that quickly, do we?”

    “But he’s their Ace. And we already trained with Sigulf and Alba anyways.”

    “…it’s a bit different.” Chelsea dismissed it. “Besides, you do know I should be the one to defeat you.”

    “Ooh? Are you saying I would lose to him?”

    “Oh, no, no, no. That’s not what I meant, honest. Ohohohoho…”

    ‘…sly.’

    “Umm, so do you think you have a chance against him?” Sigulf asked.

    “Hmm…” Celina paused to take a sip. “I wouldn’t know until I face him in a real fight, but… I am confident that I can take on him.”

    “I see… As expected.”

    ‘I know they are in a whole different class, but still…’

    “Don’t worry, you still have a year more than us.” She tried to reassure him. “…or so I wanted to say, but I believe you wouldn’t just settle for that, correct?”

    “Eh? W, well…”

    Celina chuckled. “Well then, how about we train even harder this coming Saturday and Sunday?”

    “Would you?”

    “Of course. Honing your body and skill is never a bad thing. Just don’t forget to rest as hard as you work later.”

    “Alright then, weekend it is.”

    “Ufufu… Chelsea, I don’t even have to ask you, right?”

    “Eeeh? How mean! You’ve been ignoring me!” she pouts.

    “Eh!? I’m sorry, that wasn’t—“

    “…well, it’s not like I can leave you alone. And I have to be even stronger, so…”

    “It’s decided, then.” Celina smiled.

    ‘Another training scheduled, and taking it up a notch… I must get stronger!’

    “Oh, that’s right. I almost forgot!” she remembered something. “Sigulf,”

    “Yes?”

    Celina raised her cup.

    “Welcome back.”

    “Ah…”

    Normally, the gesture would look flashy to Sigulf. But this time… Her smile looks warmer than how it should be, captivating him.

    “Thank you.”

    “My pleasure.”

    “…”

    While Sigulf and Celina exchanged delightful looks, Chelsea watched in silence. Only this time, it’s not just the boy, but also her longtime best friend as well.
     
    Last edited: Dec 24, 2018
  8. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    The following morning, in the classroom…

    “Eh? Misha is a boy!?”

    “Kyaaa, so cute!”

    “Your hair and skin looks silky smooth! What do you use for that?”

    “U, umm, I use these brands…”

    Most of the girls are positively fawning over him, leaving some of the boys, particularly Yuu and Walter, lamenting their situation.

    “Oh come on! Even the guest got lucky!”

    “I have to agree, Armstrong-kun. This doesn’t look good…”

    “You know, you might fare better if you clean up your act.” Arthfael sighed.

    “Shut up…”

    Sigulf, meanwhile, observed silently from his desk.

    “Thank goodness they took it nicely.” Minato spoke to him.

    “Huh? Him? Yeah, I guess…”

    For some reason, Minato didn’t say anything and simply stared at him.

    “…what?”

    “You know, sometimes I don’t get what you are thinking.”

    “Why so sudden?”

    “Eh? Well, how should I put this… I mean, I always see you being so stone-faced, but… You’re unexpectedly warmer than you look.”

    Sigulf blinked, trying to comprehend what Minato just said.

    “Oh, did you mean yesterday? That’s just coincidence since he was kinda stuck there.” he motioned with his chin towards Misha.

    ‘Plus, pretty sure I’m actually a fairly easy to read guy.’

    “Ahahah… I guess so… But then again, you didn’t ignore him even if you could.”

    “…chalk it up to personal policy.” Sigulf dismissed. “…well that, and my Master did send me here so I could interact with people. So I could be more of a man, and human, she said.”

    “Oh? Your Master is a woman?” Minato got his interest piqued. “What kind of person is she?”

    “Eeh, I wonder if could tell you about that…”

    Without them realizing, Minato’s girls, and Alba to a lesser extent, were shocked by their interaction.

    “They… Spoke normally…”

    “Just like actual friends…”

    “…I thought that Island Dog hated him?”

    ———

    On the practice session, everyone goes to train with their partner, whoever the Randomizer chose in Sigulf and Minato’s group case. Still, Sigulf can’t help but notice that the air surrounding the Pacifics was a bit different since they started.

    ‘Maybe it’s just me… For now, let’s focus on her.’

    Standing before him is an ecstatic Alba, happily swinging around her dummy weapon.

    “Finally, we get to spar again!” she cheerfully said. “Want to see a sneak peek on how much I’ve grown?”

    “Okay, let’s begin.”

    “…boo, you’re not fun.” Alba pouted. “Why so lukewarm?”

    “Err… I’m not. The atmosphere kinda forced me to be serious.”

    As for Minato, he gets to face Walter.

    “Armstrong-kun, let’s do our best!”

    “Alright! My best, and my pent up anger, I’ll crash it all to you!”

    “Let’s do this! …wait, what?”

    Meanwhile, Yuu finally got paired with Reika.

    “Yuu-dono… You feel a bit different…”

    “Fufufu, and I still have even more, you know? Too bad this is not an actual duel.”

    “Hmph, I wonder whether those will be enough to defeat me!”

    Nearby, Carmen was waiting for Mei to finish her warm up stretches.

    “Hmm… The Captain herself, I see… This will be interesting.”

    “Captain, huh? That got a nice ring to it. And you’re… One of Sanada’s girls, aren’t you? …wait, will you too deny that?”

    “Of course not!” Carmen stated. “And not just ‘one of’! I am his woman… And he is mine~!”

    Her thinly disguised provocation earned a major reaction, Eurypha’s included.

    “No, you’re damn not!” she barked. “Stop telling lies!”

    The Greek then turned to face her sparring partner.

    “…sheesh, seriously. Don’t listen and believe her, okay?”

    “E, eh? Umm, sure…” Misha responded. “Then, can we begin?”

    “Oh, right. Sorry about that. Come on…!”

    And not far from them, Ilma was a bit puzzled, knowing she have to train with the ever-silent Anil.

    “…”

    “…”

    “…say something, will ya?”

    Anil shook his head.

    “What, cat got your tongue? …wait, don’t tell me you’re mute for real?”

    He simply tilted his head.

    “…perkele, I hate people like this.”

    ———

    With the 15th mock duel came to a close, Eliot goes to announce the end of this week’s class.

    “Good job making it through, ladies and gents!” he congratulated. “I guess you’d rather I make this short and quick, am I right?”

    The students sheepishly laughed at his jab.

    “But before I dismiss you to another relaxing weekend, I believe our friends from the Pacific here have something to say.”

    “…!”

    “Thank you, Sir.” Mei thanked him, taking a step forward.

    “I know some of you already can’t wait to call it a day, so I’m sorry for that.” She continued. “Since I’m not good at fancy words, I’ll get straight to the point. First, thank you for your hospitality and having us.”

    She slightly bowed, followed by her teammates, and earning a round of applause from the Atlantics.

    “…then, second and last,” Mei said, raising her face. “As the representative of the Pacific, I challenge your school to a team battle.”

    Now this one got them a bigger reaction. Surprise, but also excitement.

    “Ooh, they actually gone and said it!” Walter responded, getting pumped.

    “Figures…” Sigulf muttered.

    Everyone began talking to each other, but promptly silenced when Eliot spoke up.

    “We don’t mind accepting your challenge, but would you mind to elaborate on that?”

    “Hmm… That’s right. Normally, 5 single matches would be ideal, but considering the absence of one of our fighters, we’ll make it 2 singles and a tag duel.”

    “Wait, are you sure, Mei-dono? We haven’t done them before…”

    “It’s alright, just think of it as a single match in a narrow space.”

    “…”

    “I see,” Eliot responded. “Houjou doesn’t take a part.”

    “Unfortunately, no. He’s here as our supervisor.”

    “Very well. How about the time and place?”

    “5:30. Is the central park good enough?”

    “Of course. A spacious enough outdoor area. It will surely attract onlookers.”

    “Then…!”

    “We accept your challenge.” Eliot confirmed before turning to face his students. “You heard them. Get yourselves ready.”

    “Yes, Sir!”

    “Alright! With that, it’s time to end today’s class for good! Everyone, you’re dismissed!”

    ———

    The sudden declaration of Pacific’s challenge sent everyone abuzz. Almost all student excitedly wondering how it will go, with some hoping they would be chosen to represent the Atlantic. Except…

    “Hmm…”

    “Umm, Sigulf?”

    “Yes?”

    “Are you sure you should be here helping us, instead of… You know.” Chelsea asked.

    “It’s alright, they did gave us until 5:30, after all. I think they took Amakawa’s schedule into consideration.”

    “Well, that, and I would advise against heavy exercise before it anyway.” Celina added. “Though, you still could slip few light stretches in-between.”

    “Will do. I’ll finish this quickly first.”

    “You sure are diligent in the unexpected places.” She laughed.

    Sigulf tried to look away, scratching his cheek. “…I did say I wanted to help, so…”

    “I know. That’s why allow me to help with something too in return.”

    “Eh? But you two already did. What’s with the usual weekend practice…”

    “Outside of that, I mean.” Celina clarified. “…speaking of which, you might end up getting another duel before our next practice.”

    “Is there any problem with that? I mean, versus Pacific or not, I’d still up for it.”

    “Oh no, no problem at all. It’s just… I’m thinking maybe we should practice normally just for tomorrow.”

    “Eh? Is it because of today?”

    “A bit of that and… Would you mind getting rewarded if you end up fighting and winning?”

    Sigulf and Chelsea went momentarily silent.

    “”Eeeeeeh!?””

    “…w, what? And why did you react too?”

    “I appreciate it, really. But it’s not like—“

    “So you don’t mind, I hear you.” Celina quickly concluded.

    ‘She didn’t even give me a chance to be humble…’

    “C, Cel? You might want to reconsider…”

    “Hm? Don’t worry, I set limits.”

    “…ah! Of course you would! What am I thinking… Ahahahah…”

    ‘That goes without saying. Still… Now that I remember, what’s with her?’

    “So, is there anything you want?” she said to Sigulf. “Or… Do you have any ideas on what we should present to him, Chel?”

    “E, eh? Why me?”

    “Umm, I kind of thought you understand boys better.”

    “Compared to you, yeah, at least. Oh well, let me think…”

    “Err, can’t I politely refuse here? I don’t want to burden you two…”

    “And that’s why. Knowing you, I believe it will be within the realm of possibility. So, please, don’t hold back and tell us.”

    ‘…she trusts me that much even though I joined the council to court her. Gah, I’m so ashamed of myself…’

    “Now that you mention it… Yeah, it’s not like you would ask her for a date out of the blue, right?”

    Chelsea instantly regretted it and covered her mouth as Celina suddenly went silent.

    “…umm, Cel? Hello?”

    “D, date…!?” Celina went red.

    “I, it’s alright!” Sigulf tried to reassure her. “I know that’s a bit too farfetched…”

    Celina calmed down a bit and looked at the boy in the eyes.

    “…you know, if by ‘date’ you mean a lunch like before, then I wouldn’t mind…”

    “…eh?”

    “I mean, you’ll be coming along, right?” she turned towards Chelsea.

    “Me? I wonder about that…” she gave a wry smile.

    “O, oh, you’re not up to it? Then—“

    Celina shifted her attention back to Sigulf.

    “I’m sorry, but since Chelsea seems reluctant, would it be alright if you go on a date just with me?”

    “Eh!? Why—“

    “Yes, please!” Chelsea tried to say something, but Sigulf quickly answered. “…ah.”

    ‘…damn, I responded on impulse.’

    Sigulf was worried on how she would react, but to his relief, Celina chuckled instead.

    “If you fight and win, that is.”

    He finally managed to muster his confidence and returns a smile.

    “Yeah.”

    Celina extended her hand which Sigulf gladly accepted.

    “Then you shall have my words.”

    “Right. I’ll win, and then… Let’s go on a date, Celina.”

    “I prefer it to be called a fancy lunch.” She teased.

    “Ahahah…”

    They shook hands, and Sigulf could feel himself getting fired up.

    ‘Funny, I don’t even know whether I would be considered, but… I feel like I can do it…!’

    “Ah-hem.” Chelsea cleared her throat, surprising the two. “I’m glad you two have come to an agreement, but let’s not forget our work at hand first.”

    “I’m sorry, you are right.” Celina laughed wryly. “Alright, let’s finish this as soon as possible. You might need a few coaching before the fight.”

    “Roger!”

    The three of them quickly returned to their paperwork. Chelsea, though, doesn’t actually feel content and stole a glance at Celina.

    ‘Oh, Cel… Will you really be alright like that?’
     
  9. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 9
    Around the central park, the crowd has already begun gathering. School staff and students alike excitedly waiting for the inevitable clash. Even the stall shops got into the action, trying to sell their snacks to the onlookers.

    “Hmm…”

    “What’s the matter, Mei-dono?”

    “I know there’s still some time, but I don’t see Hrimgard anywhere…”

    “Are you that worried?”

    “Hahah… As if.”

    Sure enough, Sigulf and the others were someplace else, which is actually not that far from the park.

    “Hm! Hah!”

    “Looking good! There was no hesitation in your swings. You have to keep it like that during the fight.”

    “Yes, Ma’am!”

    On a separate alley, Sigulf was practicing his movements, while Celina and Chelsea watch.

    “I think he’s good to go.” Chelsea commented. “Now, if only he can make sure he’ll get delegated…”

    “Hey now…”

    “Don’t jinx it.” Celina chuckled. “In all seriousness, though, worry not. Sir Fortier will pick him.”

    “Hmm…”

    Sigulf’s phone suddenly beeps and it caught all three’s attention.

    “What is it?”

    “Ah, it’s my Master. I think Sir Fortier told her. And… Wait, she’s coming by tonight?”

    “So, more the reason for you to fight and win, then.”

    “Yeah, I guess so…” he laughed “Should I go for few more swings?”

    “Sure, just enough to keep your shoulders warm.”

    “Understood!”

    ———

    Nearing half past 5, Sigulf and the council duo finally showed up at the park.

    “Oh, there you are.” Victoria said upon noticing them.

    “Ah, Ma’am! Good evening!” Celina saluted, followed by the rest.

    “Good evening. So, where have you been?”

    “I needed some time for a bit of exercise.” Sigulf answered. “And they helped me with it.”

    “Aah, I see. A private coaching session. Was it… Fun?”

    “P—“

    Sigulf went slightly red, while Celina, looking slightly annoyed, cleared her throat and retorted, “Ma’am.”

    “Ufufu, but I wasn’t wrong, was I? I know it’s important to keep your bodies warm, after all.”

    “Err…”

    ‘She’s definitely aiming for that…’

    “Well, in any case…” Victoria suddenly unbuttoned her coat.

    “Wait, Ma’am! What are you— …ah.”

    “Here, wear it to keep your shoulders warm.” She handed her coat to Sigulf, and obviously still modestly dressed. “Did you expect something else?”

    “M, Ma’am… Aren’t you cold?” he asked, still clutching her coat.

    “Ufufu… Thank you for worrying, but it’s alright, I’m used to the sea wind.”

    ‘…duh, what was I thinking!?’

    “Well, enough of that for now. I expect a great fight from you.” She waved while rejoining the rest.

    “Y, yes, thank you, Ma’am…”

    “…Sigulf.” Celina suddenly called him. “Sigulf!”

    “Y, yes!?”

    “Focus.”

    “…ah.”

    He calmed down a bit, took a deep breath, and exhales.

    “Feeling better?”

    “Yeah…”

    “Good. Now, let’s go. Don’t make our guests wait.”

    “Understood…!”

    “You guys done already?” Eliot asked. “Everyone was waiting, you know. And watching.”

    ‘…well, of course they would. Damn, Alba looks pissed…’

    “…and, Ma’am, please refrain from doing that again.” He continued, this time sighing in exasperation.

    “Oh, my. Is it bad to encourage our own students?” Victoria chuckled.

    From the other side, Reika looks with disbelief.

    “…are they always like that? I feel like being underestimated…”

    “I don’t think so. It’s just… Well, it seems that Dog Boy is a working magnet for older women.” Mei snickered.

    “I… See…”

    “We still have few minutes left, but…” Eliot glanced at his watch before looking at the Pacifics. “Do you mind if we start now?”

    “Not at all.” Kouji answered. “We’re all set.”

    “Very well. You heard them, ladies and gents.”

    “Ooh, they are finally starting!” one of the spectators exclaimed.

    “Alright, we shall begin the inter-school battle between the Atlantic against the Pacific!”

    “Acknowledged.” The system announced. “Commencing team battle, Atlantic versus Pacific. Please select your representatives.”

    Loud cheering immediately meets the system’s confirmation.

    “Here it comes…” Sigulf muttered.

    “Hmm, since we are the ones issuing challenge, I guess it’s only fair if we go first…” Kouji said. “Anil, would you go first?”

    The Indian boy simply nodded and prepares himself.

    “Then… Armstrong, get yourself ready.” Eliot commanded.

    “Aaaalright! Time to show them what I can really do!” Walter pumps his fist eagerly.

    “Don’t blew it, ape.” Eurypha responded.

    “Hey, that’s just mean!”

    “Affirmative. First match, singles. Anil Kumar versus Walter Armstrong. Both duelists, please proceed into the fighting area.”

    Advancing forward, they boys meet each other on the park’s center.

    “Sorry, bud, but I need the win. The ladies are cheering for me.”

    Anil said nothing and shot back a defiant glare.

    “Now, gentlemen…”

    “Your oaths!”

    “”We, Duelists, swore to abide by the rules, respect the judge’s decision, and fight with all of our might, in honor of our opponent, and for the glory of one own self!””

    ‘Ah, so it’s a modified, more universal version of the creed.’

    Sigulf paused just as he suddenly realized something.

    ‘…wait, did he just recite that clearly?’

    “I never knew he could talk that much…” a boy commented on Anil, as if to agree with Sigulf’s surprise.

    “Maybe it’s just for occasions like this?”

    “And now,” Eliot continued. “Summon your True Arms!”

    Walter took his position and took a deep breath.

    ‘I can’t lose here… I gotta look cool!’

    As he began chanting, a brown aura circled around his feet.

    “Dreams, hopes, and liberty! This courageous fists of mine shall grasp all of them! Let’s show ‘em, The Pioneer!”

    A huge gauntlets with steampunk aesthetics materialized, neatly equipped on both of his arms as soon as he finished.

    “Come on!” Walter shouted.

    Anil didn’t respond and merely goes straight to summoning, accompanied by a swirling green aura.

    ‘Wind elemental. So, just like Hiltunen…’

    “Radiant wings of the sun… Instill thy courage and prowess unto this self… Swoop down— GARUDA!!”

    The sudden explosion in both of his energy and voice surprised almost everyone. In his hand, a stylized firangi has formed. The most curious thing, however, was how Anil took his battle stance, as it looks like Japanese swordfighting style.

    “What’s the meaning of this…?” Minato wondered.

    ‘Hmm, interesting…’

    “Ah, that Anil. He should’ve talked more. Dude got a nice voice.” Mei commented.

    “…that’s where you are pointing out at?” Reika retorted.

    “Alright, one-point match, 300 seconds!” Eliot announced. “Are we clear?”

    “”Yes, Sir!””

    “Well then…!”

    “En garde.” The system gave the cue, prompting both fighters to prepare themselves one last time.

    “Begin.”

    Both boys instantly rushed towards each other. Predictably, Anil was faster among the two, but as Walter seemingly managed to throw the first punch…

    ‘There can be only one thing…!’

    Just as he thought, Anil backstepped at the last moment, avoiding Walter’s strike. However, as it wasn’t a full-force punch, Walter managed to stop it and throw another with his left, catching Anil off guard.

    “…!”

    Anil raised his Garuda barely in time to defend, and still knocked away from the blow.

    “Then, how about this!?”

    Walter gave chase and threw out another punch, which Anil narrowly evaded. And another one, to be evaded again. Walter didn’t let up and unleashed a barrage of punches.

    “Come on! You can’t win if you keep evading like that!”

    “…!”

    Suddenly, Anil saw an opening, jumped, and kicked Walter’s gauntlets as hard as possible to stagger him, while using it as a platform to somersault away to safety.

    “Wha…!?”

    As soon as he landed, Anil quickly took an offensive stance.

    “Here… I… GOOOOOOOO!!”

    With fury comparable to a cyclone, Anil charged towards Walter, delivering an upward slash which Walter barely managed to guard against it.

    “Gh…! Where did all that power comes from!?”

    But his momentum didn’t stop there, as Anil jumped and performs a somersaulting cleave.

    “UOOOOOHH!!”

    “Guh…!”

    Walter blocked the attack, but it still pushed him away a considerable distance, a jarring difference from what Anil’s firangi would suggest.

    “W, what the hell was that!?”

    Anil’s unexpected display of raw power and hot-blooded ferocity shocked almost every spectator.

    “Mei-dono, this is…”

    “Hee, never thought he’s that kind of guy. Amusing!”

    Having reeled from the blow, Walter fixes his fighting stance.

    “Daaamn… Talk about hiding your power…!”

    “COME!!”

    “Tch, then you shall get it…!!”

    Answering to Anil’s challenge, Walter dashed forward and throws a right straight. However, instead of backing down, Anil swung and clashed his Garuda with Walter’s Pioneer.

    “…!”

    For a while, they’re evenly matched, but Walter began to overpower him… Only for Anil to pull back, and unleash a spinning slash.

    “…!?”

    Walter raised his left arm to block and succeeded, but it puts him in a disadvantage now, as it gives room for Anil to unleash a hail of sword.

    “HAAAAAH!!”

    “Tch…!”

    Walter struggled to defend against Anil’s unrelenting assault, until…

    “THERE!!”

    “…!?”

    A well-timed strike forced Walter’s guard open. Anil didn’t waste the chance and flashed past Walter.

    “UORYAAAAH!!”

    “Gwah…!!”

    “Battle points, down by 15%.” The system announced.

    The crowd went into an uproar as Anil landed his strike.

    “Ah, we got the first strike.” Kouji mused.

    In spite of all the noise, Anil said nothing and turned to face Walter, getting back into stance. Walter, meanwhile, took a jump away for some space, trying to regain his composure.

    “Shit, he’s strong…! But I refuse to lose here…!” Walter growled.

    “Ape… What are you doing?” Eurypha cursed from the sidelines.

    Walter got no choice but to brace himself as Anil comes attacking once more with full force.
     
  10. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 10
    The fight goes on, and the crowd got stirred up as Walter guarded against Anil’s attack.

    “…!”

    “Kh, not again…!”

    ‘If only I can get a hit in…!’

    Anil backed off a bit before lunging with a thrust. Walter only got the time to clash it with his gauntlet’s knuckle.

    ‘Damn, I think I have to do that…!’

    Taking another backstep, Anil charged in once more, this time unleashing a wide slash. Walter tried sidestepping to the right, but it still grazed him.

    “Tch…!”

    “Battle point, down by 10%.”

    …yet his right fist didn’t stop at all, something Anil realized too late.

    “…!?”

    “Eat this!!”

    With a body blow and a loud crash, Walter sent him flying. Anil recovered at the last moment, but as soon as he landed, he staggered and coughed.

    “…it hurts.”

    “Battle points, down by 25%.”

    The Atlantic students cheered on the announcement, recovering some of Walter’s confidence.

    ‘I can do this…! I am an A-class duelist too…!’

    All this, however, didn’t deter Anil in the slightest, and after cracking his own neck, he took the offence with fury again.

    “OOOOOHH!!”

    “Quite the loud one, aren’t ya!?”

    Exchanging blows, for every one Walter could overpower, his opponent would dish another attack faster than he is.

    ‘So persistent…! Then…!’

    Evading another slash, Walter swayed back and raised his fist.

    “…!”

    Sensing danger, Anil tried to backstep…

    But it wasn’t aiming for him at all. Rather, Walter struck the ground near his feet.

    “Gotcha!”

    “…!?”

    The shockwave was small, but enough to make Anil lose his balance. Walter used this chance to tackle him, and then releases a powerful straight punch.

    “DORYAH!!”

    Anil was sent flying from the blow, and he only managed to roll safely after hitting the ground. Even then, Anil still quickly drops to his knee, breathing raggedly.

    “Battle point, down by 25%.”

    The cheering grew louder as Walter took the lead, while on the other hand, the Pacifics began to look slightly grim.

    “…he’s quite good.” Reika muttered.

    “Well, he’s an A-class for a reason…” Mei added.

    “Now, what are you going to do, Anil?” Kouji wondered. “I’m sure you’re more than this…”

    Slowly, Anil rose to his feet, still keeping the same furious expression.

    “Oh, now you’re getting serious. Bring it!” Walter shouted while grinning.

    The one thing which was different however, was Anil’s stance, as now he held his Garuda with one hand, letting the tip to touch the ground.

    “…!”

    With only a grunt, Anil run as fast as possible towards Walter, with his ground-scraping firangi producing sparks.

    “Nice fireworks! But…!”

    Walter charged as well to anticipate his attack.

    “I won’t let you!”

    Anil jumped, and twirling his body, his spinning attack clashed with Walter’s gauntlet. However…

    “…!?”

    Instead of deflecting, Anil’s sword barely scratched his Pioneer. He put more strength into his own rotation, and like a frenzied top, Anil landed consecutive strikes on Walter’s unguarded side and rear.

    “Gwah…!”

    Anil didn’t stop there, and just as Walter managed to turn around with considerable effort, he already swung his blade down.

    “Argh…!”

    The attack knocked Walter away, forcing him to use his gauntlets to brake.

    “Battle points, down by 40%.”

    “Armstrong-kun!” Minato shouted.

    ‘That’s a nice combination.’ Sigulf mentally commented. ‘But most importantly…’

    ‘How did he spin like that!?’ Walter thought. ‘I know my Arms is heavier, but still…!’

    He eyed Anil, who has returned to his fighting stance, ready to strike.

    ‘Shit, does this means…?’

    “Anil figured out his weakness already, huh.” Mei mused.

    “Big and powerful, but a little low on the mobility de gozaru.” Reika joined.

    “Yeah, when you’re slow like that, spinning around for coverage won’t be an easy task.”

    “So it would be wise for Anil not to fight frontally…” Misha concluded.

    Again without any words, Anil rushed towards Walter. Only this time, he’s solely aiming to outmaneuver him, something Walter painfully aware of.

    “Dammit, trying to backstab like this…!” Walter cursed while exchanging blows with Anil’s sword jabs.

    ‘If I keep defending, I’ll lose by time out, but… Attacking him is exactly taking his bait! What the hell should I do here!?’

    The clashing of steel slowly grinds Walter’s patience down.

    ‘Shit, defending ain’t my style! If I have to lose, at least…!’

    “OORYAH!!”

    Walter slammed his fist to the ground, creating a shockwave. Unfortunately, Anil opted to jump slightly forward instead.

    “Wha—“

    Barely evading his punch, Anil then kicked Walter’s gauntlet as a jumping platform. Going slightly over his height, Anil descends in a roll, enough to deliver a single stroke.

    “Kuh…!”

    Quickly recovering, Anil stood up and follows with another spinning strike, knocking Walter away a fair distance.

    “Gah…!”

    “Battle points, down by 20%. 15% remaining.”

    Now it’s the Pacifics’ turn to get excited, while the home spectators began to worry.

    ‘That’s some agility he got there…’ Sigulf thought.

    “Augh, why did it come to this!?” one student lamented.

    “Anil, you can do it!” Kouji cheered from the other side.

    Anil’s expression didn’t change, but determination quickly flared within him. Meanwhile, Walter was breathing heavily, trying to keep his stance right.

    “Shit, you’ve gotta be kidding me…!”

    “We don’t have much time left…” Eliot muttered.

    “It’s… OVER!!”

    With a loud scream, Anil dashed forward, ready to end the match.

    “Gh…!”

    Walter braced himself against his approaching opponent.

    ‘Where it’ll be!? Where he’ll be coming!?’

    Anil suddenly hopped and whirled his body, seemingly targeting Walter’s leg.

    ‘Down there? Then…!’

    But as soon as his feet touched the ground, Anil kicked as hard as he can, propelling him up and catching Walter by surprise with a rising slash.

    “UOOOOOH!!”

    “What the…!?”

    It was strong enough to push his fists back, effectively breaking his guard. Seeing a now defenseless Walter, Anil increased the strength of his rotation, and unleashed a descending, pirouetting slashes.

    “EAT THIIIIIIIIS!!”

    “Gaaah…!!”

    The assault thrashed Walter across the field. Anil, having landed safely, watched in silence.

    “…we got the lead taken.” Eliot muttered.

    “Battle points 0, cannot continue duel. Winner, Anil Kumar from Pacific Academy.”

    The Atlantics were obviously disappointed with the result, while their visitors celebrated in a mix of cheering and sigh of relief.

    “Dizzy… Too much spinning…” Anil clutched his own head as he slowly got up.

    Approaching the groaning Walter, he offered his hand without saying anything.

    “…argh, right. I lost…” Walter said before accepting it and stood up. “Well, congrats. You earned it. You got a crazy style!”

    Anil was silent, but the glint in his eyes and nodding indicated that he was appreciative of his words. Sharing a handshake and friendly back pat, the two split up to return to their own teams.

    “Uhh…” Walter said to the group while scratching his head. “Sorry, I lost…”

    “Armstrong, you…!”

    Walter winced, seemingly resigned himself to take Eurypha’s wrath, yet…

    “…get some rest. It was unfortunate.”

    “Eh? Aren’t you mad?”

    “I am mad, but what can I do? Besides, the opponent was just good, that’s all.”

    “Good, huh…”

    As Walter passes by, Minato pats him in the shoulder.

    “…thanks, man.”

    Atlantic’s students were talking among themselves, definitely worried now that their visitors gained the early advantage.

    “Next duel, please select your representatives.” The system prompted.

    “Right…” Eliot responded. “Since now’s our turn to announce first… Amakawa, we leave it to you.”

    “Yes, Sir!”

    Almost every spectator was surprised with his choice.

    ‘So it’s him… Either last fight’s my chance, or…’ Sigulf thought.

    “They really want the win, huh.” Mei commented. “And to think they still got both Dog Boy and Miss Highlander…”

    “What should we do, Houjou-dono?” Reika turned to Kouji. “Who should go this time?”

    “Hmm… We don’t really have much choice on this matter, do we?”

    “Eh? But—“

    “Umm, it’s alright…” Misha spoke up. “If it’s my role, even just to hinder him, then—“

    “Misha, stop. Don’t say that.” Mei cut him off.

    “M, Mei…?”

    “Look, no matter how strong he is, we don’t simply give up before the fight.” She continued. “You’re better than you think. He’s not invincible. Hell, if you win here, it’ll be better for all of us!”

    “Mei… A, alright! I’ll do my best and win!”

    “That’s more like it! Now go!”

    “Right!”

    With Mei’s encouragement, Misha stepped into the area with confidence.

    “Second match, singles. Minato Amakawa versus Misha Smirnov.”

    The crowd cheers loudly as another duel is dawning.

    “Minatooo! Don’t lose!” Carmen supported him the loudest she can.

    “Amakawa! You can win this!” Eurypha followed, refusing to lose to Carmen.

    “…else, I’ll gut you.” Ilma joined in her own way.

    “The girls are really lively when it comes to him, huh…” Yuu laughed wryly.

    “Man, it’s not fair…” Walter sighed.

    “Go, go, Atlantic!” Alba cheered as well. “…hey, Siggy! You should do it too!”

    “Huh? There’s no reason to.”

    “Hee… I see you trust him to win now. Since when you got friendly with him?”

    “…not really? I mean, you do know too how strong he is.”

    Their exchange continues, as if to forget the tense air surrounding the duel. At the middle of the fight area, the boys faced each other.

    “Minato, I’m sorry…” Misha said. “But I’ll end the interschool match here!”

    “Unfortunately, I can’t let that!” Minato replied. “This match… Victory will be ours!”

    “Very well then…! Have at you! We’ll decide this through the duel!”
     
  11. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 11
    Among the increasingly heating atmosphere and excited watchers, Eliot prompted both duelists to recite the obligatory oath.

    “”We, Duelists, swore to abide by the rules, respect the judge’s decision, and fight with all of our might, in honor of our opponent, and for the glory of one own self!””

    “Very good! Now, summon your True Arms!”

    Moving first, Minato closed his eyes and began to call forth his weapon.

    “Descending from the Heavens to join the Earth, be the power beyond victory! Lend me your everything, Sky Fencer!”

    Minato’s trademark silvery-white longsword formed in his hands and he quickly took fighting stance.

    Misha, having braced himself, muttered, “Alright, here I go…” before chanting for his True Arms. A translucent white aura formed and swirled around him.

    ‘I see, another one without any elemental affinity.’ Sigulf observed.

    “O the polarity which gave life to man, beasts, and trees alike… I beckon thee to bless this humble servant with your presence… Spring forth, Siebog!”

    A silver dagger materialized in his right hand, and Misha cut through the air, as if to disperse the aura.

    “Go, go, Minatooo!” his cheering squad quickly do their job.

    “Isn’t this a mismatch?” one student commented.

    “Mostly, yes.” Arthfael answered. “Amakawa has the advantage here. If he can keep Smirnov out of range, then he’s good. However…”

    ‘There’s no way he’d let that happen easily.’ Sigulf mentally concluded.

    “Misha, do your best…” Mei encouraged in a low voice.

    “En garde.”

    Waiting for the final cue, both Minato and Misha focused on each other.

    “Begin.”

    At that very moment, the fighters rushed and met in the center with a blade lock.

    “…!”

    Minato quickly overpowers Misha, so the smaller boy began to pull away. Minato predicted him to jump away, but…

    “Wha—!?”

    With implausible agility, Misha twirled his lithe body sideways instead, escaping from Minato’s pressure.

    “Haah!!”

    “Kh…!”

    Minato raised his sword in the nick of time to block Misha’s thrust.

    “So fast! But…!”

    Misha pulled his hand momentarily before continuing with a multitude of slashes.

    “How about this!?”

    “Gh…!”

    ‘He’s not giving any room to retaliate…!’

    Easily parried as they may be, the swift and endless rain of Misha’s dagger made it near-impossible for Minato to retaliate.

    ‘Still, as expected from Minato. Then…!’

    Misha suddenly stopped his attack. Being used to parrying, Minato was caught off guard.

    “!?”

    Even if it was about a split second, that was all Misha needed.

    “There!!”

    “Gh…!”

    Passing through Minato, Misha landed three consecutive strikes. Not wanting to widen the distance, he quickly did a U-turn and attacked once more, though Minato managed to guard against it this time.

    “Ah, so close…!”

    “Battle points, down by 15%.”

    ‘They took the early lead, again.’ Sigulf mentally commented.

    Once again, the Atlantic students began talking to themselves in worry.

    “He really sticks right in Amakawa’s face…” Walter muttered. “Dude gotta make some distance somehow…”

    Indeed, at the moment, Misha has locked down Minato’s offense option.

    ‘This is fine…! If I can keep this for 5 minutes, then…!’

    ‘Kuh, if he won’t give any openings, then I can only gamble on this…!’

    Minato shifted his stance a bit while guarding, getting noticed by Misha.

    ‘I sense movement…!’

    ‘Now…!’

    All of a sudden, both boys halted their clash and pulled away their hands, though in a different manner.

    “Wha—“

    Misha realized too late that Minato didn’t attempt to bait his attack; instead, he deliberately broke away to deliver a piercing strike.

    “Seyah!!”

    “Hyaaah!”

    He jumped away and barely escaped his attack, but now there’s a considerable space within them.

    “I won’t let you!”

    Minato gave pursuit and followed with a spinning vertical slash. Misha got no choice but to guard and get thrown by it.

    “Kuh…!”

    Misha quickly recovered, but now it’s his turn to defend against Minato.

    ‘N, not good…! I need to get in and close the distance fast…!’

    “Aah…! He broke it already?” Reika lamented.

    “…well, that’s Sanada’s son for you.” Mei glumly added.

    Being focused on his attacks, Misha was caught off guard when Minato’s follow-up strike didn’t come, seemingly imitating him.

    ‘Did he just— No…!’

    “There!”

    With a well-timed downward diagonal slash, Minato forced Misha’s dagger, and hand, down, creating a much needed opening.

    “Not yet!”

    Holding his Sky Fencer with two hands, he continued with a full rotation and knocked Misha away.

    “Uagh…!”

    “Battle points, down by 20%.”

    Ignoring the cheering crowd, Minato exhaled and got back into stance, while watching Misha trying to regain his footing, still clutching his chest.

    “Auugh… I have to do it all over again…” Misha lamented.

    “What are you gonna do now…?” Mei muttered, watching the boy with a slight hint of worry.

    Seeing his opponent has recovered, Minato took a deep breath before rushing in to resume the fight.

    “Here I go!!”

    Judging from his posture, Misha could determine that Minato is going for another thrusting strike.

    ‘Since he got the range advantage, he’ll strike earlier… That means…!’

    “Uooooh!!”

    ‘Now…!’

    As Misha got his prediction right, he dived forward to Minato’s left.

    “What!?”

    Using only his left hand as support, he used all his strength to propel himself upwards and did a somersault.

    “…!”

    His wrists hurt a bit from all the defending, but this risky maneuver is able to even the score, then Misha is willing to take it.

    “Yaaah!!”

    “Gh…!”

    Minato reacted and tried to defend himself, but it was a bit too late. Descending with a slash, Misha scored a hit. Right after landing, he followed with another attack, and it cleanly struck Minato.

    “Guah…!”

    “Not yet!”

    With a thrust, Misha tried to complete his three-parter, but Minato managed to block at last.

    “Ah…”

    “Kh…!”

    “Battle points, down by 10%.”

    ‘That’s some athletic skill he got there.’ Sigulf mused.

    “He got the lead again.” Mei commented.

    “Now if only he can completely shut him down…!” Reika added.

    Before the increasingly distraught home team, Misha intensified his assault, hoping to stall Minato.

    ‘Just a bit more…! Hang in there, my hands…!’

    Once more, Minato shifted his stance, which didn’t go unnoticed by Misha.

    ‘Again? Then—‘

    “Uoooh!!”

    “Eh— Kyah!?”

    Instead of backing away, Minato pushed forward and performed a sword bash. Due to the obvious difference in strength, Misha is easily knocked off balance.

    ‘Oh no!’

    “Take this!”

    Not wasting his chance, Minato stepped forward and successfully landed a downward swing.

    “Guah…!”

    “One more!”

    Not stopping there, Minato added a sideway slash, and this time, he sent Misha flying.

    “Misha!” his teammates shouted in worry.

    The boy rolled safely, but it’s clear he has difficulty standing.

    “Ugh…”

    “Battle points, down by 25%.”

    The momentum swayed back to Atlantic’s favor.

    “What should he do?” Reika asked in panic. “Is the difference too big after all?”

    Mei didn’t answer, silently hoping that Misha will regain the flow.

    “Haah… Haah…”

    Misha slowly got up, but his hand shook that he end up dropping his Siebog.

    “A, ah…!”

    “Misha! Are you—“

    “Don’t come closer!”

    “Eh…?”

    Minato was taken aback but complied nonetheless. With his hand finally stop shaking, Misha picked up his kinzhal and returned to fighting stance.

    “…it’s alright. My wrists just hurt a bit.”

    “But—“

    “Minato, please. Don’t.”

    “Ah…”

    “I appreciate your kindness, but please save it for later. As for now…”

    In spite of the apparent disadvantage, Misha’s eyes glinted dangerously, something almost everyone noticed.

    ‘He’s tough. Got to give it to him.’ Sigulf mentally commented.

    “…very well. Then I won’t hold back!” Minato answered his request.

    ‘Oh, will I get to see his Arms’ second form?’

    Having ascertained each other’s resolve, Minato rushed to clash with Misha again.

    ‘…tch, too bad.’

    “You were hoping to see it too, huh?” Alba quipped, as if she read Sigulf’s mind.

    “…you know me.”

    “Well, I’m your tag partner, after all.” She winked.

    Sigulf said nothing and seemingly focused back on the match.

    ‘…don’t just wink like that. That was actually cute…’ was what he actually thought.

    Of course there’s no way he’d knew what she has on mind.

    ‘Why did I do thaaaaat!? So embarrassing!’ Alba mentally regretted.

    The Gallowglass nearly missed the increasingly intense blade exchanges if not for the other spectators’ reaction.

    “Kh…!”

    “Guh…!”

    Among the numerous clashes, some strikes managed to slip in to both parties.

    “Battle points, down by 20%.”

    “Battle points, down by 30%.”

    “Haah!”

    With a strong blow, Minato forced Misha into defending and knocked him away.

    “Ugh…”

    Having reeled from the force, Misha jammed his leg to brake.

    “You…”

    Even though it’s 55-25 for Minato, Misha can’t help but to smile.

    “You’re strong…!”

    “You too!”

    “Misha-dono…” Reika muttered.

    “Even though it came down to this, he still enjoyed it whole-heartedly…” Kouji noted. “That’s really commendable.”

    The crowd calmed down, with some of them seemingly touched by Misha’s determination.

    “Let’s go, Minato!”

    “Yeah, let’s decide this!”

    Kicking the ground as strong as they can, Minato and Misha charged towards each other for a final clash.

    “”Haaaaaaah!!””

    Taking off into the air, Minato spun his body diagonally and unleashed an aerial slash.

    “Gooo!!”

    ‘Then, I…!’

    “Oooooohh!!”

    “!?”

    Misha increased his pace, jumped at a very low angle and converted it into a slide, passing cleanly beneath Minato.

    “Kh…!”

    He forced his body to turn around, and his hand to stop himself from sliding.

    “I won’t let this end!!”

    At the same moment Minato’s Sky Fencer bashed the empty ground, Misha has already leapt, ready to stab his defenseless back.

    “!?”

    “Minato, no!!” his groupies yelled in unison.

    “Yaaaaah!!”

    “Uargh…!”

    Misha’s attack connected cleanly, and seemingly knocked Minato off balance.

    “Battle points, down by 35%. 20% remaining”

    ‘I got hi—‘

    “!?”

    Much to Misha’s surprise, Minato managed to grab his wrist before he could jump away to safety, despite nearly falling down.

    “…sorry.”

    Letting his wrist go, Minato then delivered a powerful upswing which thrashed Misha across the area.

    “Gah…”

    Misha touched the ground with a thud, and his teammates could only look in resignation.

    “…as expected from Crimson Ronin’s son.” Kouji praised.

    “Battle point 0, cannot continue duel. Winner, Minato Amakawa from Atlantic Academy.”

    The spectators promptly exploded into cheering. Minato, exhaling out of relief, dematerialized his Arms and approached Misha.

    “Whoa, did you see that, Siggy?” Alba asked. “Quite a move, isn’t it?”

    “Huh, who would’ve thought…” Sigulf agreed. “Gotta think for a counter-measure when my hands are already full with dual-wielding…”

    “Right, right… When it comes to him, there’s no such thing as over-preparing.”

    Back to the grounds, Reika hurriedly tends for Misha.

    “Misha-dono! Are you alright!?”

    “I, I’m fine… Sorry I lost…”

    “It’s alright… Here, let me see your hand.” Mei joined and checked his wrists. “Hmm… It is indeed hurting, but nothing dangerous.”

    “I told you.” Misha tried to smile.

    “Smirnov-san.”

    Getting called by Minato, Misha slowly got up with the help of Mei and Reika.

    “It’s Misha.”

    “Eh?”

    “Well, you told me to call you by ‘Minato’, so…”

    “O, oh, right. Misha-san. So, uhh…”

    The Russian boy giggled.

    “Congrats, Minato.” He extended his hand. “It was a nice fight. And… You’re really strong.”

    “Likewise…!” Minato accepted his handshake.

    “I promise I’ll get stronger, and next time…!”

    “Then, I’ll be waiting…!”

    The crowd cheered and applauded them, even without Eliot’s cue.

    “It’s really nice when rivalry goes like this.” Eliot commented.

    Minato parted with the Pacifics and returned to his own group.

    “I’m back! …hm?”

    However, the atmosphere surrounding his girls isn’t a pleasant one.

    “Ooh, congratulations on your victory, Amakawa!” Eurypha greeted, forcing a smile. “Must be nice going over a cutie you’re close with, huh?”

    “W, what? What do you mean?”

    ‘Oh, this again? Yaaay.’ Sigulf thought.

    “I mean, it’s pretty nice to get chummy and call each other by name, right?” Carmen joined.

    “…huh? I don’t see the problem.”

    “Could it be that you are into cross-dressers?” Ilma bluntly asked.

    “What are you trying to say!? Besides, didn’t all of you call me by name during the match?”

    There was a slight pause before Carmen retorted, “Well, of course, duh! Like I usually do!”

    Eurypha and Ilma, however, didn’t manage to immediately answer and turned beet red. Ilma opted to turn her face away, while Eurypha finally blurted, “I, it was spur of the moment, y-you idiot! I, it’s not l-like—“

    “Gaaah, stop hogging everyone, Amakawa!” Walter protested, followed by Yuu nodding in approval.

    Sigulf watched them in silent amusement, trying his best not to grin.

    “Hey, hey, Siggy.” Alba tugged his sleeve.

    “Hm?”

    “I wonder… Are you into girls like Hestianus?”

    “…exactly like her personality?”

    She nodded.

    “What makes you come up with that in the first place?”

    “I dunno…?” Alba shrugged. “Maybe you find them cute like some guys do?”

    “Well, yeah, some do. But not me…” he sighed.
     
  12. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 12
    With the standing went to an equal, thanks to Minato’s efforts, both sides were equally anxious, considering the next duel would be deciding, and it could go either way.

    “…hm?”

    Sigulf was lightly stretching when he noticed a very familiar presence approaching.

    “Passing through, excuse me…!”

    He knew that voice well, and his guess was confirmed when said person appeared.

    “Whew… Did I make it on time?”

    “Eh, Master?”

    Sigulf’s surprise was echoed by the rest of the group.

    “Yo!”

    “That was fast. Did you teleport or something?”

    “What? I was already on the Liner when Eliot told me. I mean, I’m going to visit anyway, so might as well left earlier.”

    “…oh, right. Why didn’t I think of that?”

    “Well, that’s that, aaand,” Vigdis turned her attention to the Council duo, Alba, and Eliot. “Heya. Doing well?”

    “We are, thank you very much.” Celina respectfully replied. Chelsea and Alba followed with a slight bow.

    “You sure it’s okay to leave?” Eliot asked back. “The folks back in your village I mean.”

    “Now, now,” Melanie, who was watching with the rest of the other staff, joined them. “Shouldn’t you be happy that she’s here, Elly?”

    “…don’t call me that.”

    Vigdis laughed before continuing, “It’s alright, it’s alright. I told them already. And, well… They thought it would be better if I stay longer here with you two, so…”

    “About your legs, huh…” Sigulf concluded.

    Meanwhile, the others were surprised, with varying degrees and reason.

    “Eh? That’s Hrimgard-kun’s master? So young.” Minato said.

    “She’s… Nothing like him…” Ilma commented.

    “Did she just address Sir Fortier casually?” Eurypha asked.

    “Well, so I wasn’t wrong to consider you lucky, right, Sig-kun?” Yuu snickered.

    “Oi, oi…”

    “…wait, does this means you have decided on who’s going last, Sir Fortier?” Eurypha realized.

    “Touche. So you noticed.”

    The students went silent, and the air got a bit heavy.

    “Eh? What, what?” Vigdis asked obliviously.

    “I’m guessing you considered the Gallowglass to face them?” Eurypha continued.

    Sigulf kind of figured what she’s going at, but he decided to listen for a while.

    “I suppose there’s nothing to hide, so, yes.” Eliot answered bluntly.

    “On one hand, I believe you did make your judgement based on our performance these three weeks.” Eurypha said. “On the other… Wouldn’t you give us a chance to prove ourselves?”

    ‘Just as I thought…’

    “Are you up to that? Remember that we can’t send Minato anymore, and I noticed that there’s always some distance between your and their groups.”

    “That’s…”

    “What, so there are small groups after all…” Melanie sighed. “Even though you are class mates…”

    “Well, it’s not unusual, but I’ll think of it later.” Eliot responded before facing Sigulf. “As for now… Are you ready to go?”

    “Umm, about that, Sir… I have someone else on my mind to be my partner.”

    Sigulf sudden suggestion surprised everyone, especially Alba.

    “Eeeeeeh!? You’re casting me aside!?”

    “Nothing that dramatic, you know…”

    Eliot took a glance at the Pacific’s side before saying, “I think I have an idea on who you are suggesting. That said, you do know our situation, right?”

    “…I know. I’ll take responsibility.”

    “Those words are heavy, Hrimgard.”

    “I’d say let him, Fortier.” Victoria suddenly said, joining the circle.

    “Ah, you are…” Vigdis realized.

    “Nice to meet you, Miss Hrimgard.” She greeted. “Let’s have a nice chat after all this. As for this matter…”

    “Ma’am, are you sure?”

    “Why not? It’s more… Youthful and dramatic that way.”

    ‘So that’s her reason…’ Everyone thought in unison.

    “…well, it can’t be helped.” Eliot sighed. “Get yourselves ready.”

    “Thank you, Sir!” Sigulf saluted. “Yuu, let’s go!”

    “Whoa, it was Kanzaki?” Walter and some others were surprised. “…and you don’t seem surprised at all.”

    “Well, I must return some favor.” Yuu replied.

    “Oh, when you fell down from some empty punch?” Ilma sneered.

    “…uwaa, how mean. I might end up winning and look cool in your eyes later, you know?”

    “…as if.”

    “You idiot! If he lost, then so does our school!” Eurypha hissed.

    Ilma was about to snap back, but then realized she’s right.

    “…paska.”

    “So, cheer for me too, okay, Hiltunen-san?”

    “…disgusting.”

    “…how cold.”

    “Err, we can’t have you get depressed here, Yuu.” Sigulf said before turning to Victoria. “Ma’am, thank you for the jacket.”

    “You’re welcome.”

    “Wait, you let her warm your shoulders with her jacket?” Vigdis asked in slight panic. “What have you done?”

    “Oh my, was that some words of disapproval?”

    “We… Definitely need to talk later, Ms. Stark.” Vigdis said while faking a smile.

    Both Sigulf and Celina can only sigh.

    “I’ll… Be going then.”

    “Ah, right. Sigulf, please wait a minute.”

    “Huh?”

    Celina stopped him and took out a small container. She opened the lid and Sigulf could see what appears to be blue paint or gel.

    “Is that…”

    “War paint. Think of it as a lucky charm.”

    “Umm, I don’t even know whether my ancestors wore them or not…”

    “…so you don’t need it?”

    “…I don’t mind actually. So, please.”

    Celina chuckled and was about to apply the paint, when Alba suddenly joined them.

    “Hey, let me do it too!”

    “Oi, oi, don’t draw anything strange.”

    “I won’t, sheesh!”

    “Fufu, so how would you like it?”

    “A stripe beneath my eyes, I guess?”

    “Hold still then.”

    Carefully, Celina and Alba spread the blue paint the way Sigulf wanted.

    “There, it’s done. Looking good.”

    “Ah, thank you.”

    “I can’t believe you abandoned the Gallowglass, even though you look like one now…”

    Sigulf sighed again, while Celina giggled.

    “Lucky boy, are you done yet?” Yuu called him.

    “…yeah, let’s go.”

    Sigulf was about to turn around, but stopped when Celina shoved her knuckle to his chest.

    “Celina…?”

    “…win this, Sigulf. Win this, for yourself.”

    The boy stood still, grasping the meaning behind her words. He knew they had a promise, but…

    ‘It’s not just about that… It’s about things that come after. I must think way beyond.’

    “I will…!”

    ———

    Mei and Reika stopped talking to each other when they noticed Sigulf and Yuu have entered the area.

    “Took you long enough.” Mei said. “Nice paint, by the way.”

    “Sorry about that. And thanks…”

    “…that’s your master? I expected someone older.”

    “Not the first time I hear that.”

    Meanwhile, the atmosphere between Yuu and Reika was decidedly heavier.

    “Kanzaki-dono…”

    “We get to actually fight at last, Kannomine-san. I’ll have you retract those words before…!”

    “I can feel that you did polish yourself to some degree. However…! I shall judge you myself whether you can back those up, de gozaru!”

    ‘How dramatic…’ Sigulf mentally commented.

    “By the way, Reika, have we decided on a team name yet?” Mei asked.

    “…I forgot, no.”

    “…so do we.” Sigulf added.

    “Way to defuse the tension…” Walter groaned, which is echoed by the others.

    “You have any ideas?” Mei asked again.

    “Err… Wait… Considering our homelands… How about Imperial Dragons?”

    “Eeh, I don’t really like dragons…”

    “Then what do you want to be!?”

    “I prefer wolves… What do wolves and dragons have in common?”

    “…nothing? Wait, wait… Tails…? Claws… Fangs…”

    “Ah, Imperial Fangs it is.”

    “…well, that’s not bad actually.”

    “Alright, Wen Mei and Reika Kannomine, Team Imperial Fangs, ready to fight!”

    “…so they say. How about us, Sig-kun?”

    “…Arctic Thunder.”

    “Hee, simple but makes sense. Where did you get it?”

    “A metal album from a century ago or so.”

    “…never thought you like hard music. Color me surprised.”

    “I see you have made your mind.” Eliot said from across the field, before turning his attention to Kouji. “Sorry about the delay.”

    “It’s alright.” He laughed. “It’s more fun this way.”

    “Very well… System!”

    “Affirmative. Final match, tag team. Imperial Fangs versus Arctic Thunder. Please get your preparations ready.”

    “Whoooo! Finally!” Walter cheered along with the other students.

    “Mei! Reika! Do your best!” Misha did the same from the other side.

    “Now the only thing remains is for him to prove himself…” Celina stated.

    “You can do it, boy…” Vigdis added.

    “Siggy! Yuu! I’ll smash you two flat if you lose!” Alba encouraged in her own way.

    On the other hand, Eurypha, Carmen and Ilma were less enthusiastic.

    “I hope Sir Fortier’s intuition was right.” Eurypha said. “Else…”

    “True. I have no beef against him, but we can’t keep watching from the sidelines.” Carmen agreed.

    “Pretty loud cheering you got.” Mei commented. “Too bad, I’ll have to disappoint them. There could be only one wolf!”

    “And that would be me.” Sigulf countered. “I’ll show you how a Nordic wolf fights!”

    “Show me what you have, Kanzaki-dono!” Reika challenged. “Allow me to judge your worth!”

    “No need to.” Yuu retorted. “I’ll just defeat you so you won’t bother my peaceful school life anytime soon!”
     
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2018
  13. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 13
    As if about to explode, the air was full of anticipation and anxiety from everyone spectating. Four youths with resolve hardened like steel, could barely contain their impulse to clash their blades against each other.

    “Ladies and gents, your oaths!”

    ”We, Duelists, swore to abide by the rules, respect the judge’s decision, and fight with all of our might, in honor of our opponent, and for the glory of one own self!”

    “Very good! And now… Call forth your True Arms!”

    Before anyone else, Mei raised her right arm, and a dark purple aura swirled, slowly rose towards her fingertips while she recites her sacred words.

    ‘Is that… Darkness elemental? Interesting…!’

    “With your wisdom and righteousness… Inspire us towards everlasting victory! Descend from the Nine Heavens, Xuan Nu!!”

    Mei’s True Arms took shape and as soon as she grasped it, she quickly swung downwards, finishing her summon.

    Sigulf saw it before. Or at least, the training dummy version. A peculiar two-handed weapon which she called ‘wolf teeth mace’. Of course, it couldn’t compare to her Xuan Nu, which was bigger and more ornate.

    “This,” Mei pointed her weapon towards Sigulf while grinning. “Is my actual declaration of war.”

    “…bring it on. I won’t back down.”

    “Heh.”

    With her teammate getting into a heated pre-fight exchange, Reika resisted the urge to sigh and concentrated to summon her own True Arms. As she does so, golden sparks of electricity gathered around her body.

    ‘So she got the same affinity as Yuu…’

    “Wardens of the Underworld, One among the Twelve… Your purifying sword shall be my guide! Rise, Rasetsu!!”

    A Japanese sword formed on her hand, and as Reika drew it out from the scabbard, slicing the air, the sparks disappeared.

    Her Rasetsu was longer, and most likely heavier, than Yuu’s Susanowo. Unmistakably another kind of Japanese sword called the ‘tachi’.

    “Kanzaki-dono! Iza jinjou ni shoubu!!”

    “Izza what?” Walter asked in confusion.

    “Umm, she’s basically asking to fight fair and square.” Minato explained.

    “Oh, I see, I see! Like in those samurai movies, huh?”

    “And who’s being dramatic here?” Mei sighed in retaliation towards Reika.

    With the Pacifics has already done their summoning, it’s time for Arctic Thunder’s turn.

    “Yuu, let’s go!” Sigulf said while taking his usual pose.

    “Right! Time to get serious!” Yuu followed suit.

    Cold, icy wind manifested side by side with light blue electric surge just as the boys began chanting.

    “Hunt… Slay… Be victorious! Break free from your bindings and run wild, Fenrir!!”

    “As swift as the lightning… As impetuous as the rough sea…! Show your majesty and raise a storm, Susanowo!!”

    Their familiar silver axes and black uchigatana materialized, the same time as their aura dissipated.

    “Time to hunt…!!”

    Sigulf’s growl was followed by loud cheering from most students, while the Pacific guests simply readjusts their fighting stance.

    “En garde.”

    One final cue from the system before the final match begins. One last step before the tense atmosphere bursts.

    “May fortune and victory favor you.” Celina solemnly stated, with Chelsea, Vigdis and Victoria agreed in silence.

    “Go, Siggy!!” Alba, meanwhile, opted to cheer with energy.

    “Begin.”

    Like a flash, both teams swiftly charged towards each other; more so with the Arctic Thunder due to their Arms’ weight. Moreover…

    “…!?”

    An unexpected maneuver from Sigulf and Yuu, namely crossing each other’s path in an X pattern, nearly caught Mei and Reika off guard.

    “What the…!?”

    “Hehe…”

    Yuu pushed Mei for a moment before beginning to trade strikes.

    “I think I figured what you are trying to do!” Mei said in-between attacks. “Trying to confuse us with unfamiliar opponents, huh!?”

    “Ah, so you caught up. Well, it’s nothing deep though!” Yuu responded, blocking a heavy blow.

    “Right… I’m more familiar with Hrimgard’s style than yours… However…!”

    Mei slammed her mace to the ground and forced Yuu to evade, creating a dust cloud.

    “That goes for you too!”

    “It might be.” Yuu replied, now going for the offence. “However, we still have the advantage in information. While you expected Alba-san instead of me to fight, we knew that you don’t have many options. And considering your ranks…”

    “…ah, now that he mentioned it.” Alba realized.

    “Tch, I see Hrimgard could be a little sly!” Mei commented.

    Their clash continued, and even though Yuu did attack more due to being more agile, Mei doesn’t have problem with fighting close range either, thus still allowing her to retaliate. However, the same couldn’t be said for Reika.

    “Hmph!”

    “Kh…!”

    Sigulf’s superior speed and relentless fury forced Reika to defend completely. While he didn’t see any opening yet, it would be a matter of time.

    “Ugh…! Get out of my way! I have to settle our score with Kanzaki-dono!”

    “Don’t wanna.” Sigulf retorted without slowing down his assault. “Besides…”

    Sigulf unleashed a powerful swing which, while blocked, still knocked Reika away.

    “If I take you down here, then I can easily flank Mei, right?”

    “What…!?”

    “Yeah, it would make things easier. And I love it when my job is easy.”

    “You…!” Reika growled. “That’s it! I won’t let you talk down to me like that! Prepare yourself, Hrimgard-dono!”

    “Reika! Calm down and focus!” Mei shouted while still engaged in battle with Yuu.

    Sigulf said nothing, but he was actually hiding his surprise.

    ‘…that actually worked? Oh well.’

    With another strike, Sigulf pushed Reika back and jumped away to regroup with Yuu, who also just broke away from Mei.

    “So, what did you gather, Sig-kun?”

    “They are slower.”

    “You…!” Reika fumed.

    “But you are weaker!” Mei retorted.

    ‘Well, at least that’s for Kanzaki. Hrimgard’s quite a pain in the ass…’

    After a moment of short breather, both teams resume their fight.

    “Let’s go…!”

    Facing the Imperial Fangs head on, Sigulf and Yuu repeated the cross maneuver.

    ‘Again…!?’

    With a loud clang, Sigulf engaged in a deadlock with Mei.

    “Took you long enough!” Mei grinned. “You just gathered your confidence?”

    “Thanks for worrying.” Sigulf responded. “I’m already confident from the beginning, though…!”

    “Hah, and what’s all that about taking Reika down!?”

    “You should know better.”

    On the other side, Reika is busy trading blows with Yuu. Indeed, while the skill gap is much closer now, something about her movement felt off.

    “Rrgh…!”

    “Hehe…”

    Even though Reika should be stronger, her tachi couldn’t really push Yuu back for some reason.

    ‘Kh…! This can’t go on…!’

    Growing impatient, Reika mustered her strength and delivered a downward slash.

    “There!!”

    But Yuu already read it. He sheathed his sword and quickly stepped aside.

    “!?”

    “You’re wide open, Kannomine-san.”

    In a flash, Yuu drew his blade and landed a clean hit.

    “Gah…!”

    He attempted a follow-up, but Reika recovered fast enough and managed to block it.

    “Ah, too bad…”

    “Battle points, down by 15%.”

    The Atlantic students instantly exploded into a loud cheering.

    “We… We got the first hit!” Walter was overjoyed, along with the others.

    “…huh, not bad.” Ilma commented.

    “Reika!” Mei shouted out of concern.

    “Oi, I’m still here.”

    “Wha—“

    Her split second opening prompted Sigulf to strike. Unfortunately for him, Mei swayed earlier, and the resulting blow was rather shallow.

    “Tch…”

    “Battle points, down by 5%.”

    Taking a huge backflip, Mei rejoined with Reika.

    “What did I told you about calming down!?”

    “I was careless…!”

    “…don’t let his words get to you.”

    “Easier said than done, but… I will try de gozaru…!”

    Without letting their guard down, meanwhile, Sigulf and Yuu observed their opponents for a moment.

    “What should we do next, Sig-kun? Seems like she calmed down a bit.”

    “We can only be more careful from now on, then.”

    Returning to their fighting stance, Sigulf and Yuu rushed towards the Pacific girls.

    “Here they come!”

    In response, Mei and Reika dashed forward and mimicked Artic Thunder’s cross maneuver, seemingly surprised them a bit…

    “!?”

    Only to be surprised themselves as Sigulf and Yuu didn’t even attempt to feint in the first place.

    “Tch…!”

    “Yo, wrong target.”

    Once again, they went back to earlier mismatch.

    ‘Damn, he’s serious on aiming Reika first…! And Kanzaki is unexpectedly persistent…!’

    Under Yuu’s pressure, Mei is forced to an action.

    ‘Enough! If he’s not coming, then I’ll go…!’

    All of a sudden, Mei gathered her strength and made a well-timed parry.

    “Eh!?”

    “Back off!!”

    Seeing her chance, Mei continued with a mighty spinning attack.

    “Uwaaah!”

    A successful block it might be, Yuu still got thrown away by the sheer force. Mei used this to quickly turn around and went to assist her teammate.

    “Reika! Stand back!”

    “Mei!?”

    ‘So she broke off from Yuu. Well then…!’ Sigulf thought.

    With Reika disengaged and out of the way, the path was cleared as Mei took off and raised her mace.

    “I’m your opponent!”

    “Come!”

    Their Arms collided, creating a loud steel noise and scattering dust.

    “Fight someone your size!” Mei growled.

    “Doesn’t matter to me whoever it is…!” Sigulf retorted.

    “Mei!”

    “I can handle this! Go fight Kanzaki!”

    Reika silently nodded and turned around to face Yuu, who has just recovered.

    “Kanzaki-dono…”

    “Ouch, so strong… Oh, it’s you.”

    Instead of charging with fury, Reika took a deep breath and goes back to her fighting stance.

    “I won’t let you take us from behind. Prepare yourself!”

    “Seems things won’t be as easy now…! Oh well, shall we go?”

    In contrast to Sigulf and Mei’s flashy, speedy duel, the confrontation between the sword users was much more tense and restrained.

    “…”

    Both of them walked slowly in a circular motion for a while, until…

    “”Haaah!!””

    Yuu and Reika’s sword met in another deadlock.

    ‘Well of course she would fight better when calm…!’ Yuu thought while struggling.

    As he saw no way to overcome her strength, Yuu rapidly pulled back his sword and relaunched follow-up attacks.

    ‘I’ll have to press her with my speed…!’

    Meanwhile on Sigulf’s side, his fight with Mei is growing in intensity.

    “Raaah!!”

    “Deeyah!!”

    Fenrir and Xuan Nu collided repeatedly without any hint of reservations, as if to see who will break down first.

    ‘As expected from such a heavy weapon! But I won’t back down here!’

    ‘I can see why the Atlantics put their faith on him… And that’s more the reason to take you down!’

    Most of the spectators were left speechless at their display of power and speed.

    “If Kanzaki and Kannomine are samurai, then those two…” Walter commented.

    “It’s as if we’re watching two wild beasts fighting.” Eurypha added. “It’s unsightly. …and a bit unnerving.”

    As their heated battle equilibrium hasn’t tipped to one side or another yet, the loud sound of steel clashing continues to ring.
     
  14. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 14
    With the interschool match still underway, every spectator glued their attention closely to the tag duel before them. No one there could predict how the momentum will go, even though the Atlantic is currently on the lead, however slightly.

    “Ooohh!!”

    A furious fight between two wolves on one side, a reserved yet precise swordfight on the other. It’s as if each half of the teams were trapped in their own world.

    “Rrrgh…!!”

    Force meets force, steel meets steel. None of the youths are willing to back down.

    “Tch…!”

    However, time is finite, and from their desperation, the Pacifics found a newborn determination.

    “Haaah!”

    “Kuh…!”

    Yuu began to feel fatigue from trying to balance Reika’s strength with his own speed.

    ‘I need to do something here…!’ Yuu thought. ‘To set up a counter attack or—‘

    “…!?”

    Reika suddenly sidestepping caught Yuu off guard and messed his timing.

    ‘What is she—‘

    One moment, he didn’t see her incoming attack. Next moment, it was too late for him to realize.

    “Your movements were too mechanical, de gozaru!”

    ‘Damn! She was charging for a heavy strike!’

    Like a wave, Reika spun and brought down her tachi.

    “Uooryah!”

    “Oh no…!”

    It easily broke through Yuu’s haphazard guard, and Reika quickly capitalized on that small window.

    “I got you!”

    “Gwah…!”

    Reika’s follow-up horizontal cut cleanly struck Yuu, knocking him away a fair distance. She pursued for additional attacks, but he somehow recovered and guarded at the last possible moment.

    “Tch…! Ouch…!”

    “Battle points, down by 15%.”

    ‘Yuu…!’

    “Oi, Hrimgard! I see your focus wavered!”

    “Kh…!”

    A well timed swing from Mei pushed Sigulf back. It wasn’t much, but more than enough to give her some space.

    “Now, you eat this!”

    ‘Is this—!? Tch…!’

    Just like Reika, Mei aimed to launch a heavy attack. With a pirouette, she swung her mace sideways with all of her strength.

    “Khh…!”

    He doesn’t have any chance to jump away; Mei’s attack broke his guard.

    “Not yet!”

    Mei twirled once more, this time raising her weapon high.

    ‘I can still make it…!’ Sigulf thought.

    Forcing his body stable, Sigulf rushed towards her left side. But Celina noticed something else.

    “Sigulf, watch out!”

    “!?”

    The Xuan Nu was suddenly covered by dark-purple aura.

    “Too late! Uooryah!”

    As soon as Mei’s Xuan Nu smashed the ground, jet black energy spikes sprang forth from where it struck. Sigulf tried to change his trajectory and jumped away, but it’s a bit too late.

    “Gah…!”

    ‘An area attack!?’

    “Sigulf!”

    It hurts less than he imagined, but still quite a shock.

    “Battle points, down by 10%.”

    With that, Pacific gained the slight lead.

    “I’d like it better if I could catch Kanzaki with this too, but,” Mei said while twirling her mace. “Every hit counts, don’t you think?”

    The Atlantic student went into a commotion with this development.

    “How did she do that!?” Walter asked in disbelief.

    “That’s where you are asking!?” Eurypha retorted. “Didn’t you do the same against Kumar!?”

    “…eh? It’s the same thing?”

    “It’s similar on the basic level.” Eliot explained. “I guess the easiest way to explain it is, while we normally focus our energy towards our Arms and body, in the case of long-ranged attacks, we drive that energy outwards instead. Think of it as extending your reach.”

    “…I think I understand a bit. But isn’t it a bit overpowered?” Eurypha continued.

    “Not quite. While you get to, say, hit faraway or multiple opponents at once, the fact remains that, one, you only struck them with your Arms’ extensions, and two, the resulting energy discharge would be less focused and dense compared to when we concentrate them inwards.”

    “I see… So we can use them with some strategy, but in the end, core of Dueling is still close-range combat.”

    “Precisely.”

    ‘That, and the fact doing so will left your own body vulnerable, even if for a short while. Now if only Hrimgard could figure this out…’

    “Hee, you’ve became such a fine teacher, huh?” Vigdis teased.

    “…I am their homeroom teacher, after all. It’s my responsibility.”

    Back to the field, Sigulf has already stood up. Yet he still hadn’t made any moves.

    “Heh, I see you’re being a bit cautious now. Good, good.” Mei commented.

    “What is Siggy thinking?” Alba wondered with worry from the sidelines.

    “He’s trying to regain his composure. Or at least, that’s what he needs to do.” Celina explained.

    “…well, long-ranged attacks are quite unexpected, aren’t they? And if you’re not calm, you can’t think of a countermeasure.”

    “True. And there’s one more thing about tag battles.”

    “Eh?”

    “Trust your partner.”

    “Ah… I think I get what you are getting at.”

    ‘Sigulf might have trained with Kanzaki before, but this is the first time they fought together as a unit. When Kanzaki got the lead stolen, that only served to make him worried and thus hampering his performance.’ Celina thought. ‘Now he has to be able to assess the situation without losing his cool.’

    Sigulf exhaled, and without saying a word, he charged towards Mei.

    “Did you get some heavenly inspiration?” she taunted while clashing her weapon against his, though Sigulf ignored it.

    On another side, Yuu is still engaged in a back and forth against Reika.

    ‘Did Sig-kun calm down? Well, that’s good… And to be expected—‘

    “What’s the matter, Kanzaki-dono!?”

    “Uwah!”

    Reika’s attack pulled him back to reality.

    ‘Damn, it’s harder than I thought…! But I must focus on her first…!’

    The blade exchange continues for a while, which began to worry everyone, even the Pacific students included.

    “They are about evenly matched…” Kouji mused. “But if this keeps up for too long, I wonder if it’s okay to win like that?”

    “I’m sure Mei and Reika doesn’t want that…” Misha said, followed with silent approval by Anil.

    “Yeah. And it’s not just them. They must be feeling the same way….”

    True to his words, both teams’ strikes gradually felt stronger and more intense.

    ‘Hm…!?’ Reika sensed that there was more impact in Yuu’s attacks.

    “I see you’re getting into it!” Mei said in between returning Sigulf’s assault, somehow sounding happy.

    “Yeah, thanks to you.” Sigulf replied. “If we want to win, then we’ll do it big!”

    “Hah! Then do your worst!!”

    Stronger. Faster. Louder. Metal against metal. Warrior against warrior. Both Sigulf and Mei gathered all of their strength on every swing.

    “Ooooohh!!”

    And as if not wanting to be outdone, Yuu and Reika increased their tempo as well, with their slashes started to look more like a blurry flash.

    “Haaah!”

    ‘Kanzaki-dono is catching up…! But I…!!’

    Almost everyone watching was holding their breaths. Even as fellow 1st-years, their ferocity on display was something to behold.

    “Raaah!!”

    “Deyaaah!!”

    All of a sudden, Sigulf and Mei passed each other in a blink of eye.

    “Gh…!”

    “It’s a mutual hit!” Chelsea exclaimed.

    But instead of stopping, both fighters quickly turned around and took another chance to strike.

    “”Uoohh!!””

    Once again, they struck each other cleanly.

    “Kuh…”

    Only this time, Sigulf and Mei could only reel back from the impact.

    “Battle points, down by 25%.”

    “Tch, not bad!” Mei commended.

    “You too…!”

    Not far behind from them, Yuu and Reika too were giving everything they have to subdue each other.

    ‘As expected of Mei-dono…!’ Reika thought. ‘Still, I have my own way to deal with this…!’

    Reika unleashed a powerful upswing which forced Yuu to block. She quickly backflipped and took another stance while sheathing her tachi.

    ‘Could this be…?’

    Taking a guess, Yuu charged towards her. But before he got far, Reika drew her blade instantly.

    “There!!”

    ‘I knew it…!’

    The energy wave Reika fired flew quickly towards the boy. In response, Yuu jumped as hard as he can over it… Only to see Reika coming from down below.

    “…!?”

    “I got y— !?”

    ‘He’s not even trying to defend!? Did he—‘

    ‘I knew she’s going with that…! Therefore—‘

    “Here goes nothing!!”

    In an act of defiance, even though faced with Reika’s incoming attack, Yuu wasn’t daunted and retaliates with a mid-air iai slash.

    “Khh…!”

    His attack landed cleanly, but it only managed to reduce Reika’s force a bit.

    “Guh…!”

    Yuu quickly recovered to land safely, slightly earlier than Reika to shake off the impact of his strike.

    “Kanzaki-dono, you…!”

    “Man, I’m still behind by 5 percent…”

    “Battle points, down by 15%.”

    In spite of being in a disadvantage, though, Yuu doesn’t seem to be bothered by it.

    “Well, here I go…!”

    Going at his fastest, Yuu launched a quick running strike which knocked Reika’s Rasetsu aside, and went past her.

    “Wait, what are you—“

    Ignoring her, Yuu braked and turned around, standing back to back against Sigulf.

    “Yo, Sig-kun.”

    “What are you doing here?”

    “Hmm, short break, regroup, and relaying some information.”

    “Any suggestion?”

    “Stay calm.”

    “…yeah, that’s what I wanted to say. But now we’re flanked.”

    “Hmm, not bait them like you did against the nobles?”

    “That one, huh… True, they don’t know that. But will it work?”

    “…right. So what do you say? Any other idea?”

    “…can only say ‘fight your own style’.”

    Yuu grinned.

    “Yeah, it felt like you restrained yourself.”

    “Not really. For Pacific’s supposed number 2, she’s real good.”

    “But you still got Fenrir bound, don’t you? Three levels even.”

    “…so you did your research.”

    “Well, I want to defeat you too one day, after all!”

    “Good to hear.”

    “Oi, you two seemed to have a nice chat!” Mei shouted from across while getting ready with her mace. “Hope you don’t mind if I join…!”

    “Here she comes. What are you gonna do against Kannomine?”

    “Read… No, feel her movement.”

    “Alright. Keep your focus and stay calm.”

    “That goes for both of us.”

    “Yeah…!”

    Even though getting surrounded from two sides, the boys show no fear. If anything, Sigulf and Yuu slowly but surely made their way towards their opponents with steeled resolve.

    “Calm water…” Yuu uttered while sheathing his sword.

    “Limiter: Laedingr…” Sigulf recited without breaking his composure.

    Mei quickly realized something is wrong.

    “Shit, they are going to do something…! Reika, faster!”

    “Huh? Well then…!”

    The Imperial Fangs hastens their preparation. But at this point, whether it’s for a long-range attack or a heavy one, Sigulf and Yuu doesn’t care anymore.

    ‘We’ll get them with our speed!’

    “…like a clear mirror!!”

    “…release!!”

    Both of them instantly broke into a swift rush, surprising Mei and Reika.

    ‘So fast…! But…!’

    “Uooohh!”

    Mei brought her Xuan Nu down faster, but Sigulf quickly circled her with blinding speed.

    “Wha— Get off!”

    Mei threw a back kick, but it only hit empty air as it turned out Sigulf has feinted a bit farther, now coming from her left side.

    “Impos—“

    “Gotcha!”

    “Gwah…!”

    One swing from Sigulf sent Mei flying, though she quickly recovered mid-air.

    At almost the same time, just as Reika was about to release another sword wave, she realized too late that Yuu has already acted.

    ‘He jumped earlier…!? Did he—‘

    “There!!”

    “Gyah…!”

    Yuu’s jumping strike knocked Reika a fair distance, forcing her to stop using Rasetsu’s blade.

    “Kuh…!”

    ‘How did he sense my movements!?’

    “Battle points, down by 20%.”

    “Battle points, down by 15%.”

    In spite of the cheering crowd, Sigulf and Yuu merely exhaled and kept their focus on the opponents before them.

    “Well, that’s one way about it.” Eliot commented. “With this, hopefully they’ll think twice on using long range attacks.”

    “But what about the heavy ones?” Minato asked.

    “If they can keep their cool, then they won’t have any trouble countering it.”

    Mei and Reika slowly got up, trying to regain their composure.

    “You… Kept something like this, huh?” Mei growled.

    “I don’t really like using this either.” Sigulf replied. “But you gave me no choice. Now…”

    Sigulf returned to fighting stance and glared towards Mei.

    “Let the hunt continues…!”
     
  15. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 15
    Fenrir has broken his first binding. Now the fen-dwelling wolf of fame is about to turn this field into his hunting ground.

    “…tch.”

    With his bearded axes glowing pale blue, Sigulf took slow steps towards Mei.

    ‘I can focus on him just alright, but…’

    Mei tightened her grip on her two-handed mace.

    ‘It’s sure hard to be calm when you’re under this kind of pressure…!’

    She tried to take a peek towards her partner; Reika is preoccupied with handling Yuu.

    ‘Shit, they locked us down.’

    Nevertheless, Mei gathered her strength, and her Xuan Nu glows dark purple again.

    “Let’s go…!” Sigulf growled.

    One hard kick to the ground made Sigulf seemed disappeared to the untrained eyes.

    ‘There’s no way one could actually vanish!’

    Mei heightened her senses for a split second, and swung her weapon with all her might.

    “There you are!”

    She guessed right; Sigulf used a full circle feint and came straight to her.

    “!?”

    But a correct guess wasn’t enough. Sigulf quickly overpowered her.

    ‘He stalled my heavy attack!? Did his strength got boosted this much!?’

    “Rrgh!!”

    Sigulf pressed on and forcefully broke open Mei’s guard.

    ‘Shi—‘

    “Raaah!!”

    With a twirl, Sigulf delivered a diagonal cut, hitting a defenseless Mei.

    “Gahh…!”

    “One more!”

    Sigulf attempted a follow-up. However, Mei recovered fast enough and she blocked it at the last moment.

    “Tch…! I’m not gonna let ya!”

    “Battle points, down by 20%.”

    Among the Atlantics’ cheering, the Pacific guests were visibly worried.

    “Aah… Even Mei is getting pushed back…” Misha lamented.

    “Good grief…” Kouji agreed. “To think he still has something like this…”

    ‘But then again, maybe that’s why they trusted him in the first place. Jack would be surprised… Or at least interested if he saw this.’

    Meanwhile, Reika’s duel with Yuu has cooled down a bit, if only for hesitation on her part.

    ‘Mei is struggling… I have to assist her, but…!’

    Light attacks thrown by Yuu kept her from making a bold move.

    ‘What should I do!? He’s obviously baiting me…! Can I trick him into a faulty reversal…!?’

    Reika tried her luck and swayed aside, going for a heavy strike. But instead of waiting, Yuu thrusted his sword forward, forcing her to hurriedly block it.

    “Tch…!”

    “Fuuh…”

    ‘It’s uncanny how easily he got this calm…!’

    After forcing another few powerful swings, Reika jumped back, slightly surprising Yuu.

    ‘Hm? What is she—‘

    Doubly so when she turned around and ran away, seemingly heading towards Mei.

    “Oh, not so fast!”

    Yuu’s speed made it easy to catch up with her in no time.

    “Take this!”

    All of a sudden, Reika spun and unleashed a powerful attack.

    “Whoa…!”

    “!?”

    However, thanks to his agility, Yuu jumped with such a height over her blade.

    ‘He read that too…!?’

    “Deyah!”

    “Uargh…!”

    Another aerial strike from Yuu hit its mark, knocking Reika back.

    “Battle points, down by 15%.”

    “Reika!”

    ‘Oh, she’s here? Then…’

    Sigulf suddenly disengaged Mei and went straight to Reika.

    “Hey, wait, you coward! I’m not done yet!” Mei shouted while giving pursuit.

    “Anything for victory…!” Sigulf retorted.

    “Uwaa, they are completely playing the villain here…” Alba commented.

    “God save the Queen, what were they thinking?” Chelsea agreed.

    Still reeling from Yuu’s attack, Reika forced herself to instinctively spin around and guard herself as she sensed a fearsome intent rapidly closing from behind.

    “!?”

    “Yo again.”

    Sigulf rapidly overwhelmed her.

    “Grrrh…!”

    “Why you…!”

    Mei went to her rescue, but Yuu stood in the way and stopped her.

    “Outta my way!!”

    “Don’t worry, we just need a few seconds…!”

    Sure enough, Sigulf broke through Reika’s guard, and he brought down his axes in an X-pattern.

    “Gaaah…!”

    The blow was strong enough to thrash Reika away, and she couldn’t instantly recover upon hitting the ground.

    “Battle points, down by 30%. 15% remaining.”

    “You…!!”

    “Hm…!?”

    Yuu was about to break away when he felt a spontaneous surge of energy from Mei.

    “You scum!!”

    “Waaah!?”

    An unexpected mighty swing threw Yuu away, making him bump into Sigulf.

    ‘Shit, not this pattern again…!’

    Mei raised her mace and leapt high, with the purple now glowing even brighter.

    “I’ll take you all down in one-shot!!”

    “Guahh…!!”

    Both her Xuan Nu and the energy explosion hit Sigulf and Yuu at the same time, launching them into the air.

    “Not yet!!”

    Mei chased and attempted to strike them once more, but Sigulf and Yuu still got some stamina to recover sooner.

    ‘Tch…!’

    Knocked away they might be, Sigulf and Yuu successfully guarded against Mei’s attack, and landed safely, though now they are considerably more alerted.

    “Battle points, down by 35%.”

    “We can still do it…!” Misha gasped.

    “Ouch… They chased us.” Yuu said. “What do we do now, Sig-kun?”

    “Hmm…”

    Sigulf mulled while watching Mei helped Reika to her feet.

    “…not going to release your second binding?”

    “Too soon.”

    “Whoa, confident are you?”

    “Maybe…”

    Both of them returned to fighting stance, ready to end this duel.

    “We’ll give our all now, which is—“

    “120%, right?”

    “Yeah…!”

    “I heard you…!”

    Across them, Mei and Reika have just finished preparing themselves as well.

    “Are you ready, Reika? This will be our deciding moment!”

    “Understood! I shall follow your lead, Mei-dono!”

    There were almost no movements or sound, making the air felt even heavier and tense.

    “Don’t screw up, you two…” Alba muttered.

    Victoria solemnly observed, while Vigdis and Chelsea looked decidedly more anxious.

    “Sigulf…” Celina said in a low voice. “Glory awaits…!”

    As if to answer her, Sigulf charged with fury, prompting the others to follow suit.

    “Let’s go!!”

    “I won’t lose!!”

    Yuu and Reika locked blades, and they were almost equal in strength. But the same cannot be said in regards to Sigulf against Mei.

    “!?”

    She can feel that his moves gradually got faster and stronger on every clash.

    ‘How!?’

    ‘It wasn’t a fluke. They did got us.’

    Mei is slowly getting pushed back.

    ‘We still lack good teamwork. That’s undeniable. But putting aside it might goes to them as well…!’

    A well timed swing pushed Mei farther.

    ‘There’s no use thinking about it now. What matters is staying calm and focused against the adversary before you, while trusting your partner enough. If I want to work on my flaws, I’ll do it after this. Therefore…!’

    Another strong blow knocked her back, which gave Mei some space to unleash a heavy attack.

    “Tch…! Hrimgard!!”

    “I can’t lose here!!”

    A powerful swing from Sigulf knocked Xuan Nu off Mei’s hands with a loud clang.

    “!?”

    “Mei-dono!”

    Sigulf then crossed his arms and axes, placing them near the sides of her neck.

    “…”

    The whole field fell silent.

    “…not going to finish me?”

    “Not going to fight back?”

    “Oh, you do know well I would even on this situation!” Mei grinned. “But would you attack an unarmed duelist?”

    Sigulf tilted his head slightly.

    “I’m not a chivalrous knight in shining armor, remember? I’m a raider in wolf’s pelt.”

    “Heh, I guess you’re right…”

    Most watchers are still stunned, but Eurypha and few others got slightly exasperated.

    “What is he even doing…?” she asked in annoyance.

    “It’s men’s romance, I guess.” Walter snickered.

    ‘Well, I guess Vigdis taught him well…’ Eliot mentally commented.

    Much to everyone’s surprise, however, Sigulf set his Fenrir aside and letting Mei move freely.

    “You…”

    “…that said, I don’t hate you. So…”

    He pointed his right axe towards her.

    “Let’s end this properly!”

    Mei picked up her mace, giving it a twirl, before getting back into her fighting position.

    “You won’t have my gratitude, you know? And don’t blame me if we scored an upset!”

    “Don’t worry, I won’t…!”

    Before the near silent audience, and an ongoing struggle between Yuu and Reika, Sigulf and Mei are going to put everything on their one last clash.

    ‘Heh, how annoying…’ Mei thought.

    ‘Even though we’re only one rank apart, never thought he’s gonna be this strong. Was the gap as big as the ocean? …nah, too over-dramatic. But…’

    Mei prepared to unleash a powerful side swing, while Sigulf, getting even closer, lowered his body and increased his speed.

    ‘If only Ashfield would come here, then his conceited punk ass will know that there’s someone strong like this…!’

    Like a wolf streaking under a fierce blizzard, Sigulf flashed past her and landed the final blow.

    “M, Mei…” Misha tried not to cry.

    “Battle points 0. Cannot continue duel.”

    “Mei-dono…!”

    Reika immediately lost her focus, allowing Yuu to break through and end the duel.

    “Kannomine-san…”

    “Battle points 0. Cannot continue duel. Winner, Team Arctic Thunder from Atlantic Academy!”

    The home team exploded into a loud cheering on this victory.

    “They did it!” Alba celebrated ecstatically together with Chelsea.

    Vigdis glomped Eliot on impulse, troubling the poor young teacher and earned them a knowing chuckle from Melanie. Victoria opted to smile in satisfaction, while Ilma sighed in relief for some reason.

    “Congratulations.” Celina said with a smile. “That’s another step forward for you.”

    On the other side, the Pacific crew was obviously disappointed with the results.

    “Ah, too bad we lost…”

    Drowned within the Atlantic students’ joy, Kouji can only look towards the dark sky.
     
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2018
  16. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Part 16
    The first big, and rather abrupt, event for the freshmen has ended. Standing face to face, the duelists exchanged handshakes with each other.

    “Congrats, Hrimgard.” Mei said. “You guys earned it.”

    “Thank you.”

    “Kanzaki-dono.” Reika followed. “Looks like I was mistaken about you…”

    “Ehehe… I have to get serious too once in a while.”

    “I suppose so…”

    Spectators from both sides applauded, before the fighters returned to their respective groups.

    “Sir Houjou, we are sorry for our loss!” Mei apologized.

    “It’s alright. You did your best.” Kouji reassured, with Misha and Anil joined to console them.

    Meanwhile, Sigulf and Yuu’s reception was slightly, comically mixed.

    “What’s the matter?” Sigulf asked upon seeing Eurypha, Carmen, and Ilma’s faces.

    “I can’t believe you actually went and did that…” Eurypha said. “Think about our school’s image, will you?”

    “…wait, what?”

    “Now, now, it ended well, so it’s fine, right?” Yuu tried to calm Eurypha while looking at Ilma.

    “Well, better than actually losing…” she sighed.

    “Hehe… So how do you think?”

    “…huh? Oh, right. It wasn’t bad. Cool. But I’d still carve you up in no time.”

    “…you could’ve just sincerely be happy, you know?” Yuu lamented.

    Sigulf was trying not to snicker, and didn’t notice when Vigdis hugged him out of the blue.

    “Siggy my boy! I know you can do it!”

    “M, Master! I can’t breathe…!”

    “…she’s really hug-happy, huh?” Alba commented.

    Along with Celina and Chelsea, she came over to Sigulf when Vigdis finally let go of him.

    “Ah…”

    “Congratulations.” Celina smiled. “You did well.”

    “Thank you…!”

    “I’m a raider in wolf’s pelt.” Alba mimicked Sigulf. “Pfft, edgy.”

    “Yeah, what was that?” Chelsea agreed, trying to hold back a laughter.

    “…it’s not edgy.” Sigulf protested and got a bit red.

    ———

    Not long after, most of the audience has left the field, leaving the Pacific guests and some Council members. The whole group then approached Mei’s team to chat a bit with them.

    “Eh? You’re not staying longer?” Minato sounded surprised.

    “Yeah, gotta go home soon. You know…”

    “Is it battle data report?” Eurypha slightly raised her eyebrow.

    “Haha, so you noticed, huh? Sorry about that.”

    “Eh, no, we don’t mind. I mean it’s not that unusual.” Sigulf quickly said. “What I found strange is why so soon? Your excursion I mean.”

    “Aah, that…” Mei scratched her head. “Yeah, I don’t get it either. What was our Principal thinking? Sending a real early scout with what supposed to be the top 5 or 6 students…”

    “Don’t say that now…” Kouji interrupted. “I’m sure she got good reasons. If we won, our names could have made shockwaves around the world and attract more prospects. But now even though we lost, we still could use the data to improve our training, don’t you think?”

    “…that’s quite the optimistic way to see it.”

    “Well, you have to if you want to grow.”

    “Early scouting? So, are you guys coming again later?”

    “Eh, maybe?” Mei shrugged before turning to face Kouji.

    “Hmm… We could be. But then again, our Principal has her hands full taking care of our problem child…”

    “Ah, right, him…”

    “Houjou-dono!” Reika called them from nearby the carrier. “We are going to depart soon!”

    “We’ll be there.” Kouji answered. “Well, Ms. Principal, I guess we must excuse ourselves here. Thank you for the chance.”

    “Likewise, it’s been a well-appreciated learning for our students as well.” Victoria replied. “Give my regards to Stacy.”

    “Of course. Well then…”

    Kouji bowed with Mei following suit. Before she got far, Mei turned around for one last time.

    “I’ll be back. And next time as the number 1. You better prepare yourselves!” she grinned while extending her fist, particularly towards Sigulf.

    “Yeah…!”

    Leaving with a wave, Mei rejoined her schoolmates inside the carrier. Closing the hatch door, it slowly rose and took off towards the far horizons.

    “They left…”

    “Great work, everyone.” Victoria congratulated. “Now—“

    “It’s time to party!” Vigdis appeared out of nowhere and interrupted, holding few plastic bags with ease.

    “Party!” Chelsea echoed.

    “Ufufu, well I guess it’s fine. A short break won’t hurt.”

    “…why are you the one who got fired up?” Sigulf sighed. “And when did you buy all those?”

    ———

    The night continues. Somewhere in the guesthouse, one larger room is particularly livelier in this hour.

    “Cheers!”

    Almost everyone toasted with their can of drinks.

    “…ah, good. I see you didn’t buy any alcoholic drinks.” Eliot commented.

    “Well, duh! I don’t want to be held responsible if I get the kids drunk!” Vigdis retorted.

    “Too bad, I wanted to see a wasted Eliot.” Melanie giggled.

    “…stop it.”

    “Aah, my muscles are a bit sore…” Walter said, relaxing his back.

    “Now that I remembered, the boys did all the fighting today.” Eurypha noted. “Sir?”

    “Armstrong needed a bit of push.”

    “Geh…! That bad?”

    “Among Amakawa’s group? Well, you’re bottom.”

    “Ugh… I’ll do harder from now on…” Walter slumped his shoulders, earning a sigh from Eurypha.

    “So, we’re doing fine?” Carmen asked.

    “Yes, but still no reason to slack off.”

    “Understood.”

    “Huh, you’re surprisingly straight-forward about this.” Ilma commented.

    “Oh no, if it’s for Minato, then I too must give my best for him~”

    “…ugh, I take it back.”

    Meanwhile, Sigulf was the only who didn’t get to toast earlier.

    “…why am I busy with this? When do I get to eat?”

    “Hey, you promised me, boy!”

    “Yeah, but can’t it wait for later? I mean you’re staying longer now…”

    “But I missed you! …ah, lower please.” Vigdis directed him on where to massage.

    “Seriously, Master…”

    “Could you do it harder there?”

    “Like this?”

    “Nngh…! T, there…! Right, it feels good…!”

    The boys instantly went red, getting them a laughter from Melanie and a facepalm from Eliot.

    “Y, you perverts!” Eurypha screeched.

    “And how is it our faults now?” Sigulf countered.

    “Now, now, let’s not get too heated on this happy occasion.” Victoria joined them. “By the way, do you need a hand?”

    “Eh?”

    “What is she—“

    Victoria went behind Sigulf and started massaging him.

    “Better?”

    “O, oh, thank you, Ma’am…”

    “Wait, hold it right there!”

    Vigdis suddenly stood up, making Sigulf let go of his hands.

    “Don’t you think it’s inappropriate for a Principal to touch her students like that?”

    ‘T, touch?’

    “Oh, do not worry. I believe it is within my duty to support our students in need, and this is nothing more than that.”

    “But!”

    Vigids hugged Sigulf tightly away from Victoria.

    ‘!?’

    “As his guardian, I can’t let him get into harm’s way, and I feel this is where we should draw the line!”

    “Ufufu, I’m well aware with your concerns, it’s only natural. However,”

    Victoria grabbed Sigulf’s arm and pulled him back.

    “If you keep on pampering him like that, then he won’t grow up to be a… Splendid, fine adult.” She ended her words with a somewhat seductive tone.

    “You…!”

    ‘Oh, for Loki’s sake…’

    Unexpectedly, Celina got up and approached them.

    “You two, that’s enough. Behave more like adults should be.”

    “Ah…”

    “Don’t you see you two are bothering him?”

    …but whether she did that on purpose or not, Celina pulled Sigulf close to her.

    ‘…praise Angrboda?’

    “She’s right…!”

    Alba stood as well and pulled Sigulf to the opposite side.

    “Give him a break! Siggy needs to rest too!”

    “…why did I even join them?” Chelsea said in a low voice.

    “…”

    There was an awkward, yet heavy silence dawning on them. Eliot can only sigh in exasperation, while Melanie can’t hold back her wide grin.

    Sigulf glanced towards Yuu, hoping for some help, but he, along with Walter, raised a thumbs up and mouthed at him, “Go explode.”

    ‘Well, thank you for the kind support, I really appreciate it.’ Sigulf sarcastically thought.

    Meanwhile, Minato’s girls began talking among themselves in a slight disbelief.

    “Is that… How we always looked to the others?” Carmen asked.

    “I guess so… Argh…” Eurypha answered.

    “Who would’ve thought it took them to remind us…” Ilma sighed.

    “It’s kind of embarrassing…” Carmen agreed. “You know what, maybe you two should give up so there’s less shame upon us.”

    “Oh, not in a lifetime!” Eurypha promptly screeched.

    ———

    By the Sacred’s intervention, the tension died down, and Sigulf was set free, allowing him to grab some snack and drink.

    “Phew…”

    He was out enjoying fresh air on the balcony when the door opened, revealing Celina.

    “Oh…”

    “Hey. Feeling better already?”

    “Kind of.”

    “You sure you don’t need to rest more?”

    “Positive.”

    “If you say so…”

    A short silence. Then again the wind was particularly comforting today. But then Sigulf remembered he needed to talk about something.

    “By the way, for tomorrow…”

    “Ah, right. What is it?”

    Celina found herself a bit surprised when she skipped a beat, but decided to listen first.

    “Can we practice defending, especially for tag battles? Because—“

    “…hold on a second there. I thought that wasn’t the part of our promise?”

    “…ah.”

    ‘Fenrir damn it, why did I—‘

    Sigulf covered his face out of embarrassment.

    “…something’s bothering you?”

    “…yeah, we got blindsided during the fight, and I keep thinking on how to fix that…”

    “I see, I see…” Celina chuckled, which surprised him a bit. “It’s good that you got even serious about dueling, but… Don’t you remember?”

    “Yeah, I should know when to rest as well…”

    “Precisely.”

    “Sorry about that…”

    “As long as you understand…” she giggled again. “So, have you decided on what to do on our… date tomorrow? Have any place in mind?”

    Celina went slightly red, but thankfully for her, Sigulf didn’t even notice for being bashful on his own.

    “…that’s the problem. I can’t think of any. At least, though, cinemas are a no, I think.”

    “Hmm? You don’t like watching films?”

    “Not that, but I figured that we don’t get to talk much during the film, and…”

    ‘Dammit, Sigulf, spit it out already.’

    “I want to talk more with you.”

    “Ah… I see. Fair point.”

    “Yeah… So how about you? Any places you wanted to go?”

    “Eh? But I can’t do that. It’s supposed to be your reward, after all.”

    “Even if I insist?”

    “Even if you insist.”

    “…alright then. I want to go… Where you actually wanted to.”

    Celina paused for a second.

    “That’s not how it goes.” She finally laughed.

    ‘Ah, even her laughter sounds nice…’

    “Okay, I concede. Let’s see… I’ve always been curious with game centers.”

    “Oh, you never have been to one?”

    “No, I’m never sure on what should I do there, so I always refrain myself from going.”

    ‘Cute…’

    “Well, I only went to game centers a few times before, but I’ll do my best to escort you.”

    “Ufufu, please do.”

    “…and how about lunch? Lordshire’s good?”

    “Lordshire? You don’t have to force yourself like that…”

    “Well maybe, but—“

    “Alright, I’ve been craving for some Italian food. How does that sounds?”

    Sigulf was slightly taken aback, but he chuckled nonetheless.

    “You got me there. Okay, it’s decided, then.”

    In contrast to the pleasant atmosphere, Sigulf and Celina were oblivious with Chelsea peeking from behind the door worriedly.

    ———

    The small party finally ended, and everyone went back to their own rooms.

    “…phew.”

    A warm bath after the day was one of the things that Celina enjoyed.

    “…”

    She went silent and touched her own chest.

    ‘I did that promise to encourage him. So that he’ll be motivated to do better. There should be no problem. But…’

    The color red tinted her cheeks.

    ‘Now, why am I…?’

    ———

    At almost the same time, Chelsea’s room…

    “Haah…”

    The brunette sighed, seemingly in no mood to sleep.

    ‘Even though I am the one who teased her with him, when it actually happens…’

    Chelsea turned in her bed.

    ‘I can’t say I’m impressed with his motivation to join… I’ll make sure he doesn’t do anything to hurt Celina tomorrow.’

    ———

    Midnight, far across the continent. The Pacific’s carrier has finally landed safely in their own home.

    “Welcome back.” Their Principal, Stacy Franklin, greeted. “And thank you for the hard work.”

    “Ma’am, we’re very sorry for our loss.” Kouji bowed in apology.

    “It’s alright. Go get some rest first.”

    The 1st-years scrambled back to their dorms, leaving only Kouji with her.

    “How’s Ashfield?”

    “Resting after full day of heavy exercise…” Stacy rubbed her temples.

    “I see. May I see him?”

    Stacy said nothing, only motioned Kouji to follow her. They entered a separate concrete building.

    Inside, a security personnel watched a well-guarded small room. From outside, a tanned boy with bleached blonde hair could be seen sitting, facing away the visitors.

    ‘Jack…’

    Stacy entered some code on the panel and opened the door for Kouji.

    “Be careful.”

    “Thank you, Ma’am.”

    As Kouji entered, he knew that Jack instantly noticed his presence.

    “Yo.”

    “Hey…”

    “You’re back. Did you have fun crushing those European losers?”

    Kouji didn’t immediately answer.

    “…don’t tell me…”

    “I told you.” Kouji sighed.

    He approached Jack and handed him a tablet, containing videos from the duel.

    “I’ll let you judge for yourself.”

    Jack took the tablet without turning. Kouji stepped back and was going to left the room.

    “Don’t forget to get some rest.”

    With Kouji outside, the door was locked again, but Jack paid no attention. He was focused on the footage Kouji gave him.

    “Sanada’s son… But I can’t judge him from fighting against Smirnov here.”

    He was silent for few minutes, until the tag battles came up. His expression then shifted slightly.

    “Sigulf… Hrimgard…”

    Jack watched the video until the playback ended.

    “…”

    He set the tablet aside, and going against Kouji’s advice, began exercising again.

    ———

    Chapter 4: Dawn Before the Restless Tide, end.

    Continued on Chapter 5.
     
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2021
  17. AardwarkThe2nd

    AardwarkThe2nd (R-18 writer) Aardwark, the king of aardvarks!

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    *thumbs up* Pretty cool for a parody style for the battle academy genre, though I don't get the Icelandic references, have to google it all the time. Any way, only read chapter 2 but really like!
     
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  18. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Hey there. Thank you for reading and commenting.
    So it does end up feeling like a parody, huh? Self-reminder not to overdo it while still keeping the story light-hearted.
    And about the (Icelandic) references... While it's fun, I'll admit that I went a bit overboard there.
     
  19. AardwarkThe2nd

    AardwarkThe2nd (R-18 writer) Aardwark, the king of aardvarks!

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    I finished the prologue! All 7 chapters of it!

    And thanks for writing.
    Clarification, I thought it was a parody... it isn't.
    Battle academy LNs are a dime in a dozen, and most of them involve the protagonist rising from bottom to top in a school academy with a tournament. I think it would be better if it were a parody, not entirely serious.
    By the way, what does 'path of ulfhedinnis' mean?
     
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  20. Hokuou Tenrou

    Hokuou Tenrou Well-Known Member

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    Fair point. I'm trying to make it more of an affectionate parody, instead of going to either extremes (entirely serious or a mocking parody). Plus, I need to make something that makes this slightly more unique.
    I'm aware that some, if not more, points are not well conveyed, but what I was aiming was
    1. The protag is still strong, but not the absolute strongest overpowered, like those you can see in the usual oretueee/narou novels
    2. He knows what he wants and won't run away in a haste when someone showed mild interest.
    Of course those might not be enough, so feel free to come with any criticism.

    As about "path of ulfhedinn", let's just say that was me trying to write something cool. Ulfhedinn (Plural: ulfhednar), were Nordic warriors who wore wolf-skins in battle. I deliberately gave the protag strong wolf imageries.