You can read ahead up to 30 chapters on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395
"Since the selection tournament, he has risen from the ranks of an ordinary E-Rank Knight, overcoming countless obstacles and defeating numerous experts ranked among the top ten in the academy. His victories are no fluke—they are a testament to his sheer strength!"
The large screen suspended in mid-air displayed highlights of Ryoji's past nineteen battles, showcasing his triumphs over opponents.
Despite the grand pronouncements, the footage only covered seven of his fights.
…
The eastern side of the arena.
The Student Council members had gathered here.
Totokubara Kanata glared at the screen, her expression darkening as she saw herself being the first opponent Ryoji had defeated.
'It's true, but it's still humiliating.'
After all, she had been the academy's second-ranked student in the previous year. Yet she was felled in the very first battle, becoming just another notch on Ryoji's record—a stepping stone to his fame.
But it was also from that battle that her relationship with Ryoji deepened, transforming into a secret affair even Touka remained unaware of.
It wasn't just her. Momotani Takeshi, Hagure Kikyō, Kirihara Shizuya, and others were scattered throughout the audience, each lost in memories of their past—some unbelievable, some bittersweet, others utterly humiliating.
Every one of them had once been effortlessly defeated by him, forever barred from the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival.
"Junior Brother..."
Toudou Touka watched the young man step onto the arena below, her heart churning with conflicting emotions.
No one understood Ryoji better than she did.
Yet even she couldn't fathom what he planned to do in this battle.
"Go get 'em!"
"Angel-sama is so cool!"
"Smash that scum!"
To be fair, that last cheer should have been directed at Kurogane Ikki.
"From Year 1, Class 1, the legendary Contestant Nangou Ryoji, the God of War's personal disciple, has now entered the arena! Let's give him a thunderous round of applause!
Clap clap clap clap!"
The announcer, clearly a fan himself, led the crowd in thunderous applause.
"And now, for the contestant on the other side! If Nangou Ryoji is a legend, then his opponent is nothing short of miraculous! As an F-Rank Rakudai Kishi, he has defeated formidable foes like the Crimson Princess and the Hunter. Despite lacking innate talent, he remains undefeated! Moreover, he is the direct descendant of the Great Hero Kurogane Ryouma! How can this not be called a destined clash?!"
"Though mired in rumors, his strength and dedication are undeniable. Please welcome Year 1, Class 1 contestant Kurogane Ikki!"
The announcer couldn't resist adding his personal touch.
Tsukuyomi, one of the few announcers for the selection tournament, had witnessed Kurogane Ikki's matches countless times. Despite the swirling rumors, she remained steadfast in her belief in his character.
"What rumors? It's the truth!" Mamoru Akaza muttered under his breath.
The pressure emanating from the three figures above him was immense. Each was a renowned figure whose name shook the region, and he dared not voice his words aloud.
Within the arena, Kurogane Ikki's figure was nowhere to be seen.
"Hmm? What's going on? We haven't received a report of Kurogane Ikki entering the preparation room. Could it be he hasn't even arrived at the arena yet?!"
"Hey, hey, hey, could he have fled to escape punishment?"
"Maybe he's terrified of Angel-sama's power!"
Waves of mocking laughter erupted from all corners of the audience stands.
Ordinary students lacked the discernment to resist the overwhelming tide of public opinion. Even adults struggled to maintain their convictions under such pressure, let alone these students.
Fueled by envy toward the F-Rank Knight, most of them succumbed to their inner impulses and joined in the ridicule.
"Hey, didn't you guys send the contestant here?"
Shinguuji Kurono glared fiercely at Mamoru Akaza below.
"Aiya, that was the agreement, wasn't it? Perhaps my subordinates forgot?" Mamoru Akaza chuckled, covering his mouth.
According to their prior agreement, they were supposed to deliver Kurogane Ikki. But he had naturally broken the deal, merely opening the door to Ikki's cell before leaving.
Given Ikki's chronic sleep deprivation and the crushing blow Kurogane had dealt to his morale, he was likely still sound asleep!
'Hmm hmm, this promotion is as good as mine!'
"Only three minutes remain until the match begins. If he doesn't arrive before then, he'll be disqualified..."
Inside the arena, Ryoji stood silently, neither speaking nor listening to a word.
But Only's entire being was radiating a sharp, imposing aura.
He believed Kurogane Ikki would come.
All he had to do was wait.
Outside the arena, the crowd was still buzzing with heated debate about Kurogane Ikki's apparent desertion.
Suddenly, a loud commotion erupted from the school gate.
Moments later, a figure emerged from the arena's blue gate, each step deliberate as he strode into the battle ring, coming into full view of the audience.
"Year 1, Class 1, Kurogane Ikki has arrived!"
The young man stood opposite him in the battle ring.
Though his clothes were crumpled and dusty, giving him a disheveled appearance, his eyes burned with an unprecedented intensity.
"He's here!"
"Thank goodness..."
The announcer's excited shout and Sensei's relieved voice echoed through the arena.
"That guy actually dared to show up?"
"I almost admire his courage!"
"More like sheer audacity!"
A wave of murmurs and shouts surged through the stands.
Some sneered, others hurled insults.
Yet there were also those who marveled.
But the two figures in the arena remained oblivious to the cacophony.
"It seems your spirit hasn't broken," Ryoji observed, studying Ikki's bright eyes with a satisfied nod.
"No, my spirit was broken once, by my own father," Ikki replied, shaking his head, a flicker of sorrow crossing his gaze.
Yet his face betrayed no trace of despair.
"But someone gave me a new reason, a new pillar of support. I can't betray her expectations!"
As Ikki entered the arena, a stir rippled through the stands. Stella, Kurogane Shizuku, and the rest of their group appeared, and Ryoji even caught Shizuku's grateful glance.
He wasn't without support, without those who believed in him.
Now, he had a brand-new reason to fight.
"Thank you for the potion," Ikki said sincerely to Ryoji.
"You don't need to be so polite. That cost five hundred thousand. Repay me later."
Ryoji smiled calmly.
Seeing Kurogane Ikki's disheveled state, it was clear he had endured considerable hardship. If Ikki were to face him in such a weakened condition, Ryoji would be disappointed.
Kurogane Ikki couldn't help but force a wry smile.
He truly had no money.
"Didn't I say something about this over two weeks ago?" Ryoji asked.
With a surge of magical power, a katana shimmering with a brilliant silver light, its blade rippling like water, materialized in Ryoji's hand.
"I told you then, and I'm telling you now: I won't show any mercy when we fight."
"I remember," Kurogane Ikki replied, extending his hand. In a soft blue glow, an ordinary-looking black katana appeared in his grip.
"Then this is exactly what I wanted!"
"Contestants, take your positions!"
The referee stepped between them, glancing at the countdown timer on the giant screen overhead.
"Let's go ahead!"
The buzzer blared!
(End Of This Chapter)