Fantasy Libary 43

Title: Curiosity or Hatred

Just as Ark and Kirin officially partnered up and began their targeted training, news of their participation in the Phoenix Festa spread across the internet like wildfire, as expected.

The first to know about this, of course, were Seidoukan’s rival academies. More specifically, the student council presidents, who held significant authority and influence within their respective schools.

“—Hmph, that sword again?”

In a dimly lit room, a man wearing a black uniform adorned with a double-sword emblem on his chest snorted coldly.

The man was somewhat overweight, short in stature, and had an unremarkable appearance. However, his eyes radiated a sharp intensity, and the constant frown on his face made him seem unapproachable.

A virtual window projected in front of him displayed a video—the entire duel between Ark and Kirin.

The man’s sharp gaze remained fixed on the screen, or more precisely, on Ser-Veresta in Ark’s hand.

As Ark unleashed its power, enveloping himself in waves of heat and starlight, the man’s expression subtly changed. His gaze grew heavier and colder.

Opening another window beside it, the man reviewed Ark’s profile in detail.

The report was thorough, rivaling the one Kouichirou had given Kirin.

“...He’s only had that sword for a little over a month, yet he’s already able to wield its power to that extent?”

The man muttered coldly to himself.

After a moment of contemplation, he picked up the phone—a communication device exclusive to student council presidents.

“Although it might be excessive, preparations must begin early to avoid past mistakes.”

His eyes gleamed as he made the call.

“Release that woman and have her register for the Phoenix Festa.” He ordered in a cold tone.

“Tell her the mission is to crush someone.”

“The current top-ranked student of Seidoukan Academy—Ark.”

“Destroy him for me.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The setting was a stark contrast to the modern urban style of the city: classical and imperial Chinese aesthetics.

There were pavilions and bridges, flowing streams, and grand architecture exuding an ancient aura of majesty. The space resembled a royal palace from a bygone era.

At the center of this scene was a young girl seated on a throne-like chair, with a golden dragon emblem at its top. The emblem matched the badge on her uniform.

She watched the video of Ark and Kirin’s duel with great interest.

“Hehe, not bad.”

Clapping her hands gleefully as the video ended, the girl spoke in a strangely mature tone, mismatched with her youthful appearance.

“Still a bit raw, but his style is beginning to mature. Exceptional potential—truly remarkable.”

“All good seeds. If only he were a Jie Long student, I would’ve already taken him under my wing.”

Her gaze lingered on Ark in the video, her expression unreadable as she observed his glowing figure amidst the waves of heat.

“An unfamiliar technique and a fighting style never seen before—so unrefined, yet so natural and seamless as if innate.”

“Rather than being an unpolished gem carefully carved, he is a raw stone growing stronger on its own.”

“What lies beneath that ever-thickening outer layer? Even I cannot see it clearly.”

Her smile widened, almost appearing wild.

“Interesting. That’s why this city is so fascinating.”

“Although not a product of Jie Long, it will be interesting to see how far this boy can go.”

“Grow strong quickly, boy. I look forward to the thrill you’ll give me!”

Her face transformed into a ferocious grin, like a beast ready to devour its prey.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Asterisk, redevelopment zone.

This area, not yet officially incorporated into the city’s layout, was little more than a slum.

The zone was notorious as a haven for those who failed to enter academies or criminal Genestella fleeing from outside. It was a lawless and dangerous place—the dark side of Asterisk, filled with gangs, illicit activities, and unregulated businesses.

Amidst the ruins of this zone, a girl appeared.

Dressed simply with a beret perched on her head, her long brown hair cascaded down her back, softening her delicate and slender frame.

She sat on a piece of broken wall, one hand resting on its jagged edge while the other moved gracefully, as if playing a piano, to navigate the virtual screen before her.

“Ark... is it?”

Her melodious voice was accompanied by a soft laugh as she watched the boy draw Ser-Veresta and defeat Kirin.

“As expected, he’s strong.”

She recalled the incident at a shop frequented by students from her academy. A light laugh escaped her lips again.

“A wielder of one of the Four Demon Swords, like those at Saint Galahadworth. Yet, despite having Ser-Veresta for such a short time, he’s already able to wield its power like this. Good thing I kept an eye on him.”

Initially, she hadn’t paid much attention to him.

To her, Orga Lux users weren’t anything special. Even if they had the potential to rise in rank, it rarely caught her interest.

But the incident at the shop had been a turning point.

She remembered seeing how Ser-Veresta refused to let anyone else touch it, only willing to remain in Ark’s hands.

Her unique ability had detected the faint yet undeniable will emanating from the sword—a mix of resistance and loyalty.

That was when she realized Ark wasn’t just an ordinary user.

He was the sword’s true master.

The acknowledged king.

As she investigated his background through her connections and resources, she was surprised to find that his compatibility with the sword had surpassed a critical threshold.

From that moment on, she couldn’t contain her curiosity.

“I wonder if he’ll participate in the Gryps Festa.” She mused aloud.

“It would be fun to face him there.”

With a snap of her fingers, the virtual window disappeared. The girl hopped lightly off the collapsed wall, her movements graceful and effortless.

“I can’t wait to meet you again, Ark-kun.”

She sang the words as she walked away, her melody hauntingly beautiful.

Behind her, the ground was littered with the motionless bodies of criminals and gang members, their Lux scattered, and not a single one showed signs of stirring.