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435 p1. Noble Faction and New School Year [8]

 

Things were busy for a while after that, but every day was fulfilling.

Classes focused on strengthening the body in the morning, regular meetings and lunch meetings during midday, classes focused on strengthening the abilities of soul dress in the afternoon, activities of the swing club after school, and self-training after returning to the dormitory.

Such ordinary days passed by in the blink of an eye, and the day of the Sword King Festival finally arrived.

Just like last year, we first gathered in the student council room. When everyone was gathered, we headed to the finals selection stage, the “National Holy War Arena”.

The National Holy War Arena is an important cultural property designated by the Ringuard Empire, and is open to the public only for the Sword King Festival and a few other festivals.

「How nostalgic…」

As I was thinking about last year’s fierce battle against White Lily Academy’s Idol Luxmaria, I heard a dialect with a southern accent behind me.

「Ara ara? I thought this Muscle Head in front of me seemed familiar, but it turned out to be the Chairman of Thousand Blade Academy who is certain to lose in the first match.」

As I turned around, Ferris Dorahein came into view. Behind her were the students of Ice King Academy.

「Oh… Well, if it isn’t the Chairman of Ice King Academy, who lost to a nameless academy last year!」

Leia-sensei and Ferris-san slowly closed the distance with smiles on their faces―suddenly, they started grappling each other and quarreling

(……Haa, again?)

These two are on good terms as ever.

「It’s been a while, trash.」

「My God! It is an utmost honor to meet you!」

「Good to see you two too, Sid-san, Cain-san.」

As always, Sid-san showed zero affection, while Cain-san showed over-affection.

「You and I will kill each other tomorrow—on the final stage. Don’t lose to anyone until you get killed by me!」

「Yes, yes. Instead of killing each other, let’s have a clean fight.」

While Sid-san and I were enthusiastic about our rematch,

「Baka, fool, idiot, simpleton! Fox woman with heavy makeup!」

「Brainless muscle head! Coconut with zero vocabulary!」

The quarrel between the two grown-up children had now reached its climax.

(Man… It’s embarrassing.)

The two were cursing at each other as they pleased without worrying about what others would think in the middle of the main street.

The cruel fact that she was our chairman almost overwhelmed me with anguish.

Everyone probably felt the same.

The students of both Thousand Blade Academy and Ice King Academy all lowered their gazes.

「… Leia-sensei, let’s stop the quarrel and head to the venue.」

「Miss, let’s go.」

Sid-san and I intervened between the two, and the zoo-like uproar came to an end for the time being.

Thousand Blade Academy went to the reception on the west side, while Ice King Academy went to the reception on the east side.

「Leia Lasnode, chairman of Thousand Blade Academy.」

「Thank you. I will complete the registration, so please wait a moment.」

As Leia-sensei proceeded with the reception procedures, a familiar voice called out to me from behind.

「Oh, it’s Allen. Good morning, what a coincidence.」

When I turned around, I saw Idol leading the White Lily Academy.

「Good morning, Idol– C-Chemie-san!?」

In the center of the White Lily group was Chemie Festa, who was gagged and her hands tied with a straw rope.

A wooden board was hung around her neck, with “I am a criminal” written on it.

「Hey Idol, about Chemie-san…」

「Don’t worry about it. She did it again.」

「I see, then it can’t be helped.」

We’re talking about Chemie-san, after all.

She must have done something stupid anyway.

「Hey Allen, you are also the General, right?」

「Yeah. So you are the General too?」

「Yeap, same. If we do well, we will meet in the semi-finals.」

「Indeed.」

We are on the opposite block to Ice King Academy, but in the same block as White Lily Academy.

「There’s one thing I wanted to tell you.」

「What is it?」

「I have trained very, very hard since I lost to you, Allen. That’s why I’m definitely going to beat you this year.」

A strong resolve was reflected in Idol’s eyes.

「I’ve been training a lot too. Let’s have a good General match.」

「Of course.」

Idol and I shook hands firmly, raising each other’s fighting spirit.

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After Thousand Blade Academy’s procedures at the reception were over, Leia-sensei moved to the Chairman’s private seating.

The swordsmanship academy students participating in the finals lined up on the stone stage and listened to the opening ceremony.

「Well then, I shall end the greetings around here. Thank you for your continued kind attention 」

After the Sword King Festival executive committee gave a solemn greeting, the contestants from each swordsmanship academy retreated to the waiting room, and a female commentator was in charge of the proceedings from here on.

「–Yo, Yo, Yo!!! The Sword King Festival main battles are finally here! The fierce battle that will decide the top of the swordsmanship academies is about to begin!」

A roar of cheers erupted in response.

(…This is amazing as ever.)

My skin feels prickly and my stomach feels void.

The sound pressure is the same as last year… No, it’s even higher.

「This year’s Sword King Festival has a super hot super card in the very first match! As everyone knows, it’s a one-on-one duel between the “Five Academies”! First, from the West Gate – one of the Five Academies, Thousand Blade Academy! A veteran academy which has been in a slump for a long time, but in recent years, the activities of their wonderful swordsmen have come to the limelight with Allen Rodore at the top!」

After being introduced by the commentator, we entered through the west gate.

「Next, from the East Gate – they are also one of the Five Academies, the “Absolute Monarch of Eternal Victory” Imperial Academy! Led by the Seven Holy Sword, Shin Rex, they are the unrivaled strongest group of swordsmen of our time!」

From the East Gate on the other side, the contestants from Ice King Academy, which I saw in the scouting report, entered.

By order of entrance, Dreyfus Einberg, Godric Emerson, Nemenen Totter, Maddy Malm, and the person in question… Huh?

They’re short by one.

The general of the Imperial Academy, Shin Rex, was not there.

「Err, we were just contacted by the chairman of the Imperial Academy… Regarding the general of the Imperial Academy, Shin Rex, he seems to be in poor physical condition (sleepy) and is sleeping in the waiting room!」

……As usual, he was a man who underestimates people.

「Let’s pull ourselves together and advance to the Spearhead battle! Thousand Blade Academy Lou Lorenti VS Imperial Academy Dreyfus Einberg!」

At that moment, the excitement in the venue suddenly skyrocketed.

「Lou-san, do your best!」

「It’s a once in a year big stage! Go enjoy yourself!」

「Give it your best, though!」

The president, Lilim-senpai, and Ferris-senpai yelled words of encouragement.

「Lou, best of luck!」

「Lou, I’m rooting for you!」

「Tension is a powerful enemy. You should be your usual self.」

Me, Ria and Rose, also gave our full support.

Encouraged by everyone,

「Thank you!」

Lou took light steps towards the stage, with a smile on her face.

Following that, the spearhead of the Imperial Academy, Dreyfus Einberg, climbed onto the stage

As previously studied from the investigation, he is a large swordsman with a knight-like appearance.

「Are you both ready? Then – Begin!」

Thus, the battle between Lou and Dreyfus commenced.
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