Fantasy Libary 45

Title: The Opening Arrives On Schedule

It has been almost three months since Ark gained the highest authority over weaponry. During this time, he has continuously enhanced his abilities and affirmed the unique nature of his authority through various trials.

In terms of sword techniques, as Kirin mentioned, Ark’s skills are neither advanced nor sophisticated. Instead, his authority allows him to fully utilize the power of any weapon he wields. His proficiency is directly linked to the strength of the weapon in his hand.

For example, if Ark were given a wooden sword, he would not be able to cut through steel with it. The material of the weapon limits his capabilities—no matter how perfectly he channels his power, a wooden sword cannot surpass steel.

On the other hand, a legendary swordsman might draw a wooden sword and, through unparalleled skill, succeed in cutting through steel.

Conversely, if a legendary holy sword were given to an ordinary swordsman, they would not be able to unleash its full potential. The extraordinary power of the sword would far exceed the user’s level, and they would only be able to harness a fraction of its capabilities.

However, with Ark, things are different.

As long as his body can withstand it, Ark can unleash the full power of the holy sword, instantly stepping into a realm far beyond that of the swordsman.

This is what sets Ark apart. To wield god-level sword techniques, he requires a god-level weapon.

Thus, Kirin’s statement is not entirely accurate. Ark’s ability to surpass him in swordsmanship is due to his use of Ser-Veresta, which can withstand his full power. This allows Ark to unleash sword techniques that surpass Kirin’s.

If Ark were to use ordinary weaponry, he would not be able to reach such heights in swordsmanship, let alone defeat Kirin with technique alone.

However, swordsmanship is not the only story.

Over the past month, Ark has asked Claudia to provide him with a new supply of Manadyte. By absorbing this material, his strength has significantly increased. His physical abilities and Prana have now far surpassed Kirin’s, enabling him to defeat him even with standard weaponry.

Unfortunately...

“At this stage, ordinary Manadyte is completely useless to me. It no longer provides any benefit.” Ark thought to himself as he discussed his training insights with Kirin.

“To further increase my strength, I might need Urm Manadyte instead.”

The purity of ordinary Manadyte is too low, and the mana it contains is insufficient. No matter how much he obtains, it no longer affects Ark.

Urm Manadyte is a different story.

“Urm Manadyte is extremely pure and contains far more concentrated mana. If I can absorb it, my strength will surely grow even more.”

However, obtaining Urm Manadyte is not easy.

Unlike ordinary Manadyte, Urm Manadyte is highly valuable and almost entirely controlled by the Integrated Enterprise Foundation worldwide. Acquiring it through other means is nearly impossible.

Even obtaining it through official channels requires a legitimate reason. For example, the Alicante Research Institute, one of the Six Academies, houses many brilliant students with strong research capabilities. If these students show promising results, they can apply for Urm Manadyte as research material.

Ark does not know if Seidoukan Academy has a similar system, but even if it does, he cannot rely on such methods to obtain Urm Manadyte.

“Claudia might not be able to help me either, or even if she can, the cost would be enormous.” Ark pondered.

Fortunately...

“The Phoenix Festa is about to begin.”

Winning the Phoenix Festa would give Ark the opportunity to make a request to the Integrated Enterprise Foundation, such as obtaining enough Urm Manadyte to further his development.

“It seems I have another reason to aim for the championship at the Phoenix Festa.” Ark thought.

As he pondered this, Kirin spoke beside him.

“By the way, the academy holiday is almost here.”

Ark snapped out of his reverie and nodded.

“That’s right. Our homeroom teacher mentioned the holiday in class yesterday.”

Indeed, Ark still attends classes. However, he is beginning to grow bored with them. After absorbing all the knowledge he needs about the history and events of this world, he is considering focusing solely on training and disregarding his studies altogether.

But...

“Since the holiday is here, does that mean our training will also end?” Kirin’s voice softened.

“Yes.” Ark understood her meaning and nodded. “The moment has finally arrived.”

The Phoenix Festa is scheduled to begin during the summer holiday. Specifically, the event will officially start next week on the first day of the holiday.

“Claudia sent me a message yesterday, asking us to visit the student council office today. She might discuss the Phoenix Festa.” Ark said, opening a virtual window to display the message and letting it float in front of Kirin.

“How about we head over now?” Kirin asked, glancing at him.

“Of course.” Ark smiled. “Let’s go.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

In the student council office on the top floor of the high school division building, Ark and Kirin arrived, chatting and laughing. They soon realized they were not the only ones summoned.

“Amagiri-senpai? And Riessfeld-senpai?” Kirin exclaimed in surprise.

Standing near the table with Claudia were Ayato and Julis.

“Ah, you’re here, Ark and Toudou.” Ayato greeted them with his usual relaxed smile.

“It seems you’ve just finished training?” Julis observed them as if trying to uncover something. She smirked provocatively. “How were the results? Satisfactory?”

Her expression seemed to say, If not, this time we will be the champions.

“And you?” Ark replied calmly. “Judging from your confidence, your results must be good too?”

Julis exchanged glances with Ayato, and they both smiled knowingly. Clearly, they had been training intensively and had developed strong synergy.

“If we face each other on stage, we won’t hold back.” Julis said.

“Let’s give it our best.” Ayato added.

“Of course.” Ark and Kirin answered in unison, their synchronization as smooth as their rivals’.

Claudia, who had been quietly observing, chuckled softly.

“Seeing the four of you like this, I am even more confident in Seidoukan Academy’s chances of winning the championship this year.” she said.

The four of them are not the only participants from the academy in the Phoenix Festa, but they are undoubtedly the strongest contenders for the championship in Claudia’s mind.

“The tournament will begin next week, and the committee has released the groupings. I received them earlier. Let me show you.”

Claudia extended her hand, opening a virtual window.