Fantasy Libary 49

Title: Be Grateful, This Is Just a Match

“WOOOOOOOHHHHHH—!”

As Ark and Kirin stepped through the contestant corridor toward Asterisk’s largest duel stage, they were greeted by thunderous cheers.

The roaring applause far surpassed anything from the Official Ranking Battles, as if it could shake the Sirius Dome to its core. The dazzling stage lights intensified the electrifying atmosphere, leaving a deep impression on everyone present.

Even Ark felt overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the massive crowd. As he gazed at his reflection projected onto the massive screen floating above the stage, he finally understood the reality of standing on the world’s most prestigious stage.

He knew this moment marked the etching of his image into the minds of spectators worldwide. Even those not physically present would be watching live. Including... those with hidden motives.

“Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for waiting!” An enthusiastic voice echoed throughout the venue, signaling the start of the live commentary.

All matches during the Festa were accompanied by professional commentators, and now, two women were providing commentary from the Sirius Dome’s broadcast booth.

“Please direct your attention to the left side of the stage! Entering now are the current top-ranked student of Seidoukan Academy, Ark, and the former number one, Toudou Kirin!”

“Ark is the only top-ranked contestant in this year’s Phoenix Festa. According to reliable reports, he was just an ordinary, average student until three months ago. He debuted in Seidoukan’s Official Ranking Battles at rank thirteen, and by the second month, he had defeated the former number one to claim the top spot. His rise has been nothing short of extraordinary!”

“That’s right! He is undoubtedly a strong contender and a force to be reckoned with. He also wields the Orga Lux, Ser-Veresta!”

“One of the legendary Four Sacred Swords! That’s one of the most famous weapons in Asterisk’s history, isn’t it?”

“Yes, those four swords are notoriously difficult to wield. Before Ark, the last known wielder of Ser-Veresta was Seidoukan Academy’s greatest swordsman, known as the ‘Holy Knight,’ over a decade ago!”

“Not only that, but Ark also appears to be highly skilled with the sword. Judging from the duel footage circulating online, his mastery of the blade is nothing short of miraculous. That’s why people have dubbed him the Wandering Star Swordsman! He’s widely recognized as a master of Ser-Veresta.”

“And let’s not forget his partner, Toudou Kirin, Seidoukan’s former top-ranked student. At just thirteen years old, she managed to claim the top spot within a month of enrolling. A team consisting of two top-ranked students—this duo is unmatched and incredibly formidable!”

“Absolutely! They’re also a favorite among online viewers and are widely considered one of the top contenders for this year’s Phoenix Festa championship.”

“Such a popular duo! What kind of stunning performance will they deliver?”

“I can’t wait to find out!”

The enthusiastic commentary fueled the already excited crowd into an even greater frenzy, with cheers growing louder and more passionate.

“...I thought I was ready, but I underestimated this stage.” Ark admitted, feeling his heartbeat quicken.

Not from nervousness or fear. Instead, he felt a wave of excitement, his blood pumping in response to the energy around him.

Turning to Kirin beside him, Ark checked on his partner. “You okay, Kirin?”

“I’m fine.” Kirin replied, her hands gripping her sword’s hilt tightly. Her expression was sharp and focused.

Once she held her sword, Kirin transformed into a disciplined swordsman, easing Ark’s concerns.

Satisfied, Ark shifted his gaze to the other side of the stage. Their opponents had also entered.

The opposing team consisted of two burly men, both wearing black academy uniforms that starkly contrasted with Ark and Kirin’s white attire. Their rough faces and brightly dyed hair—one seaweed green and the other rooster red—made them look like high-class thugs.

Ark recognized them from the match schedule as students from Rewolf Black Academy. They were ranked 25th and 29th at Rewolf.

Though not on the level of Page One, being in the top 30 at a chaotic academy like Rewolf was no small feat. If they were at Seidoukan, they might rival someone like Arcadi Finken.

The two men showed no signs of intimidation. Instead, they glared at Ark and Kirin, their hostility palpable.

“What’s so great about being number one? Just a couple of brats!”

“Stealing our spotlight? We’ll teach them a lesson!”

“Kids like them should stay at the academy and play house!”

“That girl’s mine—I’ll crush her little ‘fruits’...”

Ark overheard snippets of their crude conversation, and his smile instantly vanished.

“...Ark-senpai?” Kirin, sensing the change in Ark’s demeanor, called out to him in confusion.

“It’s fine.” Ark said flatly. “I’ll handle the seaweed head. You take care of the rooster head.”

Ark’s target was the one whose lecherous gaze was fixed on Kirin’s chest.

“Remember—don’t hold back.”

He pulled out his pitch-black activation device.

“Yes!” Kirin didn’t know what had triggered Ark, but she trusted her senior and followed his instructions without question.

“Now, the second match will begin!”

The broadcast commentary rang out just as the emblems on the participants’ chests lit up simultaneously.

“Phoenix Festa, Area L, first round, second match—begin!”

The announcement echoed across the stage as a loud beep signaled the start of the match.

“Die!”

The two Rewolf thugs roared in unison, drawing their Luxes and charging toward Ark and Kirin.

“You’re mine!”

Seaweed Head, wielding a Lux resembling a machete, charged straight at Kirin, his face twisted into an evil grin.

But before he could reach her, Ark stepped forward and swiftly intercepted him.

*BUZZ!*

The black activation device lit up silently, revealing a pristine white blade enveloped in a deep crimson glow that emitted a faint, vibrating hum.

“This is it! The Orga Lux—Ser-Veresta!”

The excited voice of the commentator could be heard from the broadcast booth, but Ark paid no attention.

Expressionless, Ark stared at Seaweed Head. Before the man’s grin could fade, Ark swung his sword.

*SWOOSH!*

A searing gust of wind erupted like a fiery wave, slamming into Seaweed Head with full force.

“AAAAHHH!”

Seaweed Head screamed as he was sent flying backward, his body looking as if it had been tossed into a microwave. He landed with smoke billowing from his scorched body, his clothes partially burned.

“Y-You bastard...!”

Grimacing in pain and anger, he struggled to get up.

*SHUA!*

Another burst of heat shot forward, hitting him before he could regain his footing.

“AAAAAHHH!”

His scream echoed again as he was sent flying for the second time, rolling helplessly on the ground.

Two searing gusts left him in tatters, his clothes torn and his body covered in burns.

“M-My hair...!”

Clutching his head, the man wailed pitifully. His once vibrant hairstyle was now charred black, leaving his head covered in soot.

Ark gripped Ser-Veresta, slowly approaching the fallen man. His face emotionless, he said coldly, “Be grateful this is just a match. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be the head on top that got roasted, but the one below.”

Hearing this, the soot-covered man froze, his entire body trembling. A searing heat seemed to envelop him—except for the sudden chill down below.