Fantasy Libary 51

Title: The Match Tomorrow?

“The match has concluded.”

“The winners: Amagiri Ayato and Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld.”

As the mechanical announcement echoed through the live broadcast, a thunderous cheer erupted, resonating endlessly.

“...Now I understand. No wonder, Ark-senpai said Amagiri-senpai and his partner are the most formidable opponents.” Kirin remarked seriously, watching Ayato and Julis high-five on stage to celebrate their victory.

“Amagiri-senpai is undoubtedly strong, perhaps even stronger than me.”

At least in terms of physical ability and Prana, Kirin was certain she couldn’t match Ayato.

“Currently, he might be stronger than you.” Ark admitted with a nod, acknowledging the fact.

In the original story, Ayato had once lost to Kirin, but that was due to his inability to fully utilize Ser-Veresta. The large size of the sword hindered his agility, thus limiting his impressive swordsmanship. This constraint led to his first defeat against Kirin.

During their duel, instead of aiding Ayato, Ser-Veresta became a burden. Now, with the sword gone, Ayato has acquired Wole Zain, a weapon of similar caliber. Although Wole Zain is larger than the katana Ayato is accustomed to, it is still smaller than Ser-Veresta in its standard state.

In other words, when wielding an Orga Lux, Ser-Veresta was a greater hindrance to Ayato than Wole Zain.

Holding Wole Zain, Ayato is undoubtedly stronger than when he used Ser-Veresta. If he were to duel Kirin again, the outcome might not reflect the defeat in the original story.

After all, as long as his swordsmanship isn’t seriously impaired, the Four Colored Magic Swords Orga Lux is the perfect complement to Ayato’s strength.

“The power of Wole Zain seems to be related to space, right, Senpai?” Kirin turned to Ark, her voice tinged with curiosity and her cheeks slightly flushed.

The girl realized how close she and Ark were standing, to the point that certain prominent parts of her were pressed against Ark’s arm.

“Yes.” Ark replied unconsciously, completely engrossed in the replay of Ayato activating Wole Zain. He didn’t notice their proximity as he continued to analyze the footage and answer her question.

“Although each of the Four Colored Magic Swords has unique abilities, they share a common trait: none can be properly blocked.”

“For example, Ser-Veresta can burn and cut through anything. No matter what weapon the opponent uses to parry it, both the weapon and whatever it protects will be destroyed.”

“Wole Zain is similar. The sword can cut the spatial axis of a specified coordinate, slicing everything within that space.”

An Orga Lux capable of splitting space itself is a terrifying weapon, its power needs no further explanation.

“Amagiri has just obtained Wole Zain, so he might not yet be able to fully utilize its power.” Ark continued. “However, ordinary Luxes are unlikely to withstand it.”

“Unless it’s another Orga Lux of equivalent power, Wole Zain, like my Ser-Veresta, is an absolute weapon that cannot be defended against.”

Ark paused the replay, zooming in on the image of Ayato holding Wole Zain.

“If you face Ayato, remember not to block Wole Zain with your Senbazuru. Understood?”

“...Yes.”

Ark’s stern warning elicited a nervous and embarrassed reaction from Kirin.

Only then did Ark belatedly realize the awkward closeness between them.

“...You know, you don’t need to press that close.” he said wryly.

“S-sorry!”

Flustered, Kirin hastily stepped back, her face red as if it would drip blood.

Ark coughed awkwardly to cover his embarrassment and to alleviate a bit of the discomfort he felt from Kirin’s sudden withdrawal. Changing the subject, he said, “Amagiri and Riessfeld are indeed a strong pair, but the other teams should not be underestimated either.”

“Let’s use this opportunity to carefully observe their matches.”

Kirin immediately agreed and nodded enthusiastically.

The two then began reviewing the matches of the renowned teams.

Interestingly, the Operational Committee seemed to intentionally focus some of the strongest teams on the first day of the competition, even though the first round was set to last four days.

For example, Dorotheo Rems and Elliot Forster, ranked eleventh and twelfth respectively from Saint Galahadworth Academy, were participating.

Similarly, Li Shenyun and Li Shenhua, ranked ninth and tenth respectively from Jie Long Seventh Academy, were also competing.

Lastly, Sandra Sejure, ranked seventh, and Nina Ahrenwal, ranked forty-seventh, represented Queenveil Princess Academy. These three teams, touted by Claudia as the strongest from their academies, all showcased their abilities today.

It’s clear why Claudia emphasized these participants.

Although their rankings aren’t exceptionally high, their strength is undeniable.

For instance, Dorotheo Rems, a university-level participant over twenty years old, is in his third Phoenix Festa. Although he has never won the championship, his experience and combat skills make him a formidable competitor.

On the other hand, Elliot Forster is an exceptionally talented individual, much like Kirin herself, from the Middle School Division. Young but highly skilled in swordsmanship, he garnered more than one admiring glance from Kirin.

Both, ranked just below Page One at Saint Galahadworth, could easily compete for top-five positions at Seidoukan Academy, rivaling people like Julis.

As partners, they are strong contenders for the top eight—or even top four—in this year’s Phoenix Festa.

Meanwhile, the twin duo, Li Shenyun and Li Shenhua, have unparalleled synergy, being natural partners as siblings. Their coordination far surpasses hastily formed teams like Ark and Kirin.

Lastly, Sandra Sejure, another Orga Lux user.

Her title makes it clear that her Orga Lux manipulates water with extraordinary precision. If she were to face Julis, Sandra would be a terrifying opponent, her abilities a natural counter to Julis’s fire-based combat style.

“These three teams are sure to advance to the main tournament.” Ark commented after watching their matches.

Each team ended their fights convincingly, easily defeating their opponents, and their brilliant performances garnered much online support.

“Unfortunately, no strong teams from Rewolf or Alicante performed today.” Kirin lamented after flipping through several live broadcasts, failing to find significant matches from those two academies.

After a moment’s thought, Ark opened the schedule and confirmed the match time of a particular duo.

“Tomorrow, huh?”

He pondered briefly before making a decision.

“Kirin.” Ark called to her.

“Tomorrow, let’s go watch the match of the Blood Princess.”