Fantasy Libary 16

Title: A Shocking Display of Power

In the dazzling red light, the pitch-black Orga Lux activates.

A blade of pure white, formed from scorching heat, extends from the weapon, emitting a low hum.

“Is that Ser-Veresta?”

Many students in attendance, including Julis, can’t help but focus their attention on the Orga Lux in Ark’s hand.

But soon, their attention shifts to the weapon Arcadi has drawn, leaving them stunned.

“A gun?”

“Isn’t Arcadi Finken a swordsman?”

“Did he really switch his weapon?”

True. At that moment, Arcadi reveals his weapon—a pistol.

This firearm has a relatively short barrel but a large frame, resembling a light machine gun. However, compared to a typical light machine gun, this weapon has a more mechanical and high-tech appearance, clearly a Lux.

Some are surprised by his choice, while others understand it.

“He came prepared.” Julis comments.

Even Ark, holding the activated Orga Lux, shares his thoughts.

“So that’s it. He prepared this specifically for our duel?”

Ark narrows his eyes.

Based on the data he reviewed, Arcadi has always used a sword-type Lux and specializes in close combat, not long-range attacks.

Yet, for this duel, his opponent deliberately abandoned his usual sword in favor of a gun-type Lux. It’s clearly a strategy designed specifically to counter Ark.

‘The Four Bewitched Swords are indeed famous, but their abilities aren’t a secret,’ Ark thinks.

“Especially Ser-Veresta. As one of the Orga Lux managed by Seidoukan Academy, its capabilities are well-documented.”

“The power to burn through everything is truly troublesome. If I were still using a sword, I wouldn’t dare face Ser-Veresta’s blade.”

Arcadi seems pleased by the astonishment etched on everyone’s faces, curling his lips into a smirk as he speaks casually.

“However, as long as I avoid close combat with that sword, I don’t have to worry about my weapon being destroyed.”

For this reason, Arcadi specifically acquired this weapon outside the academy.

“This is the latest G12 Scatterbeam Rifle. It has exceptional range and the best rapid-fire capability of any gun-type Lux on the market.”

Arcadi even explains its features, as if trying to mentally pressure Ark.

“With this, getting close to me won’t be so easy, kouhai.”

In response, Ark simply smiles faintly.

That enigmatic expression makes Arcadi visibly uncomfortable.

“Enough talk.” Ark says calmly. “Let’s begin.”

“Hmph.” Arcadi snorts coldly, unwilling to back down. “Let’s begin.”

Both men extend their hands and press them against the badges on their right chests.

The badges bear the emblem of a deep red lotus—the symbol of Seidoukan Academy.

In this academy, and throughout Asterisk, these badges hold immense significance.

The badges serve as student identification and determine victory in duels. Whether it’s a personal duel or a world-class tournament like the Festa, victory is determined by the condition of these badges.

If a participant’s badge is damaged, they lose the duel.

Thus, all badges in Asterisk undergo hardening treatments and are embedded with information-processing capabilities to facilitate dual arbitration.

In other words, the badge is the fairest judge in a duel.

It announces victory, monitors the duel’s progress, and manages all relevant procedures.

As the duel between Ark and Arcadi begins, their badges glow and emit a mechanical voice synchronized with the event.

“Seidoukan Academy Official Ranked Battle, Group Seven, Match Seven: Ark versus Arcadi Finken.”

“Begin!”

Simultaneously with the announcement, a window displaying the duelists’ names appears above the stage. The window spins like a scoreboard, shifting to both sides before dramatically colliding.

*BOOM!*

Hearing the resounding signal, Arcadi immediately stomps the ground and retreats rapidly.

*BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!*

The next moment, Arcadi opens fire.

The G12 Scatterbeam Rifle in his hand quickly gathers Mana. Its green Manadyte reacts instantly, condensing energy into light bullets that explode one after another toward Ark.

Since these bullets are made of Mana, they don’t require reloading or account for wind resistance and other factors. The light bullets rain down like a storm, surpassing the speed of sound as they target Ark with overwhelming force.

Judging by their power, these bullets clearly surpass ordinary ones.

This is the advantage of gun-type Lux!

Facing the raging storm of bullets, Ark realizes he can clearly discern their trajectories.

While an ordinary person would struggle to react to such an attack, Ark can now precisely evade—or even physically block them.

Focusing his Prana, Ark moves like a gust of wind, darting to the side and letting the storm of bullets hit where he stood moments ago.

Pushing off the ground forcefully and keeping his body low, Ark displays astonishing speed, defying inertia as he zigzags toward Arcadi.

“…!”

Arcadi’s expression changes as he witnesses this, quickly increasing the distance between them.

The spectators in the stands exclaim in surprise.

“That speed… impressive!”

“I thought he was just a lucky guy relying on an Orga Lux, but he has physical abilities like this too?”

“He hid it well. Speed like this isn’t something an average fighter can achieve!”

“Based on this speed alone, he’s on par with those ranked between 30 and 40.”

Amid their astonished murmurs, Ark dashes forward with incredible speed, dragging the pure white Orga Lux behind him. The sword leaves a trail of steam in its wake, evidence of its intense heat.

*BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!*

Arcadi doesn’t dare let Ark get close and continues retreating while repeatedly pulling the trigger. Bullets scatter out, chasing Ark’s silhouette.

As the distance between them narrows, Ark can no longer easily evade the relentless storm of bullets.

However, as the bullets rain down on him, his hand moves instinctively.

*CLANG!*

Ser-Veresta flashes and deflects the incoming bullet.

*CLANG!* *CLANG!* *CLANG!*

*CLANG!* *CLANG!* *CLANG!*

Countless bullets are deflected with astonishing speed and precision by the pure white blade. Some are even sliced in half, reverting to their original Mana form and vanishing instantly.

Ark advances with incredible speed, no longer dodging the bullets. Instead, he unleashes an extremely fast sword dance with the Orga Lux, cutting through every projectile.

In this way, Ark quickly closes in on the retreating Arcadi, whose pupils shrink in disbelief.

“Impossible…!”

It’s as if Arcadi can’t fathom that Ark possesses such power.

“What phenomenal swordsmanship!”

The shock isn’t limited to Arcadi. Many in the audience look equally stunned.

If Ark’s earlier physical display only surprised them, revealing he had hidden some of his potential, his current performance leaves them utterly dumbfounded.

His speed and precision far surpass that of an ordinary person. Even some of the Named Charts can’t boast such skill!

*HUM!*

As everyone watches in disbelief, Ark swings Ser-Veresta again, the blade humming ominously.

*CLANG!*

The last bullet is effortlessly deflected. Ark charges forward, closing the remaining distance between him and Arcadi.

“Tch…!”

Arcadi clicks his tongue in frustration, desperately trying to evade.

But at that moment, Ser-Veresta slashes downward.

*SSSTTT!*

The sound of high-temperature metal cutting through the air echoes as the blade slices sharply through the pistol in Arcadi’s hand.

Then, without pause, the pure white blade curves toward the badge on Arcadi’s chest, slicing through the air at high speed.