Fantasy Libary 52

Title: Only Part of the Reason

Day Two of the Phoenix Festa.

Today, Asterisk City remains as bustling as ever, filled with people due to the ongoing Phoenix Festa.

The streets are packed, and places like cafes, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and snack stalls are completely full. Many people simply stand around, using virtual screens to watch the live broadcasts of the matches. The density of the crowd makes the streets nearly impossible to navigate, and even walking becomes a strenuous task.

“I… I can’t go on, Senpai.” Kirin murmured, her voice weak.

She staggered as she walked, looking as though she might collapse at any moment.

There was nothing to be done. The streets were incredibly crowded, and it was summer in Asterisk, meaning the city was experiencing the peak of its artificial summer season. The scorching sun hung high above the artificial lake, radiating heat comparable to the scorching wind of Ser-Veresta, causing Kirin to sweat profusely and her face to turn red.

If that weren’t enough, both she and Ark were far from unknown. As two of the most popular candidates to win the Phoenix Festa, they were recognized wherever they went.

Among the tourists flocking to Asterisk, at least eight out of ten people were there specifically to attend the Phoenix Festa. Many had already seen Ark and Kirin’s faces online and knew who they were.

As a result, their journey through the city turned into a spectacle, drawing attention like world-famous soccer stars walking down the street. Fans kept approaching, greeting them, offering words of encouragement, asking for handshakes, or even autographs. The duo found themselves not only squeezed by the crowd but also surrounded by admirers. The heat, attention, and exhaustion left them utterly drained.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think this through.” Ark said with an apologetic smile. Seeing Kirin on the verge of collapsing, he reached out and took her hand.

“If I had known it would be this bad, I would have come alone. And now, even if I wanted to send you back by yourself, it’s probably impossible.”

Given the crowded streets, Kirin likely wouldn’t make it back on her own without fainting along the way.

Genestella were praised as superhumans of the new era, but they were still human. Aside from those with unique abilities like Witches or Sorcerers, their physical capabilities outside of combat weren’t much different from ordinary humans. Exhaustion and heatstroke were still very real risks in conditions like these.

“How about I carry you on my back?” Ark suggested.

The suggestion startled the sweat-drenched Kirin. She immediately shook her head.

“N-no need, Senpai.” Kirin forced herself to muster some energy. “We’re almost there. I can hold on a little longer.”

Hearing this, Ark glanced ahead.

In the distance, he could see the large domed building that was their destination.

It was one of Asterisk’s three large-scale arenas, second only to the Sirius Dome used during the Festa.

During the first week of the Phoenix Festa’s preliminary rounds, matches were held on one main stage, three large-scale arenas, and seven medium-sized arenas. However, starting from the second week, all matches would be confined to the Sirius Dome and the three large-scale arenas.

When the competition narrowed down to the final four, the Sirius Dome alone would host the semifinals and finals.

Ark and Kirin were heading to one of these large-scale arenas, which would be used until the semifinals. Ark had come to watch a specific match there.

However…

“If this keeps up, the match might be over by the time we get there.” Ark said helplessly.

Thinking about it now, flying there using Ser-Veresta’s heat currents might have been a better idea. However, he had avoided it, fearing that releasing the sword’s heat could endanger the pedestrians around them.

“It might have been wiser to stick to yesterday’s plan and train at the academy.” Ark admitted, a note of regret in his voice.

Fortunately, today’s crowd wasn’t too rowdy to cause serious trouble for Kirin. If anyone had touched her inappropriately, Ark would have deeply regretted his decision to go out.

“For now, just hang in there, Kirin.” Ark said. “If it gets too much, let me know, and I’ll carry you.”

“Y-yes…” Kirin replied faintly, her voice barely audible as she nodded.

And so, at a snail’s pace, the two trudged forward with great difficulty. It took them over an hour to finally reach their destination.

“Finally…”

As they entered the arena, a blast of air conditioning hit Ark, making him feel as though he had come back to life.

“Ugh… I’m sorry, Senpai…”

By then, Kirin had slumped onto Ark’s back, her arms wrapped around his shoulders as she spoke in a tone full of regret.

In the end, she hadn’t been able to hold on and had to be carried by Ark for the remainder of the journey.

“It’s fine. After all, we’re partners. And I’m your senior—it’s only right that I look out for you.” Ark said calmly, without turning his head. “Besides, you’re not heavy at all. You’re actually quite easy to carry.”

To be honest, he found it quite comfortable.

Feeling the soft sensation on his back, Ark suddenly understood why guys who gave rides to girls like her always seemed so happy to slam on the brakes.

“It’s a shame we missed that match.” he added.

As he carried Kirin on his back, Ark ignored the strange looks from the people around him as he turned into a secluded hallway. He spoke with a hint of frustration.

“You can watch the replay online, but if you’re not there in person, you’ll miss the flow of Prana and the finer details of the fight.”

Thanks to the air conditioning, Kirin slowly began to calm down. Lying on Ark’s back, she reached out her hand, opened a spatial window, and replayed the match.

On the screen appeared a boldly dressed girl from Rewolf Black Academy, her uniform unbuttoned and tied at the waist. The only thing covering her upper body was something resembling a swimsuit.

The girl held a large scythe taller than herself. Its blade gleamed with a blood-red hue, while the handle was adorned with an embedded Urm Manadyte at the front.

It was Gravisheath, one of Rewolf Black Academy’s Orga Luxes.

The girl wielding the scythe was none other than Irene Urzaiz, ranked third at Rewolf Black Academy and known as the Blood Princess.

Ark had come today specifically to observe her.

But it was clear from the replay that her match had already ended.

Kirin watched intently as Irene’s performance played out on the screen, taking in every detail.

Her performance was extraordinary, and her combat skills were anything but ordinary.

Despite Gravisheath’s massive size, Irene wielded it with incredible ease, swinging it as if it were an extension of her arm. The large blood-red scythe transformed into arcs of light that effortlessly cleaved through the stage.

Her combat skills were also remarkable, a testament to her expertise in battle. She seamlessly integrated punches and kicks into her scythe attacks, single-handedly defeating two opponents at once.

Meanwhile, her partner—who was also her sister—showed no intention of joining the fight. She simply stood in the background, calmly waiting until the match ended.

Seeing this, Kirin came to a sobering realization.

“Defeating her won’t be easy.”

And this was Irene holding back, not even using Gravisheath’s full power.

If she unleashed the weapon’s true strength, as Claudia had suggested, Irene would undoubtedly have the qualifications to compete for the top ranks at Seidoukan Academy.

“Senpai, is the reason you’re so focused on her because of Gravisheath?” Kirin asked, assuming as much.

But Ark shook his head.

“Gravisheath is only part of the reason.”

He didn’t elaborate further, and his steps suddenly came to a halt.

“Senpai?” Kirin blinked, her tone curious, but then she noticed the sound of footsteps.

In the secluded hallway ahead, two figures appeared, walking toward them.

“That…”

Kirin’s expression immediately tensed as she saw the pair approaching.