Fantasy Libary 14

Title: Official Ranked Battle

At Seidoukan Academy, there is a magnificent multipurpose arena.

This arena is enormous, especially its main stage—the largest and most spacious of all. The spectator seats surrounding it are luxurious, clearly indicating a significant investment in its construction.

Around the stage, a defensive barrier system is installed. Once activated, this system envelops the entire stage. The barrier is not only capable of withstanding attacks from Orga Lux but can also deflect such attacks, ensuring the safety of the audience and allowing them to witness thrilling duels without fear of collateral damage.

This barrier is no ordinary structure. Activating it consumes a substantial amount of energy and requires large-scale machinery. As a result, only three stages in the arena are equipped with such a barrier.

Typically, the largest stage is not open for general use.

However, today is different.

The students of the Official Ranked Battle enter the arena one by one, their excitement palpable. The seats around the large stage quickly fill up. It’s clear that everyone has gathered for one purpose: to witness the battles.

At this moment, the arena is set to host Seidoukan Academy’s Monthly Official Ranked Battle.

During these Official Ranked Battles, students can witness the rare spectacle of Page One in action—students who seldom engage in personal duels. Additionally, they can see other skilled individuals ranked in the Named Charts showcase their abilities. This event is a rare treat.

Therefore, the Official Ranked Battle attracts a large audience every month. Sometimes, even senior academy officials and prominent figures from other schools come to watch. Members of the press, especially those covering the Asterisk dueling scene, are regular attendees, akin to sharks smelling blood.

After all, Asterisk is a city of duels, and the students from the six academies are participants in the Festa. Gaining new insights into famous and powerful competitors is sure to draw significant attention.

This phenomenon is not limited to Seidoukan Academy. Any school hosting a similar Official Ranked Battle experiences a substantial increase in audience numbers.

At this moment, the audience eagerly awaits the start of the battles.

“The second Official Ranked Battle of the year has finally arrived. Which duel do you think will be the most exciting?”

“Isn’t it obvious? The last duel of the day, of course!”

“The one involving the top-ranked contenders?”

“Exactly! This year’s number one is quite special. Rumors say their rise to the top has even caught the attention of other academies.”

“This time’s challenger is ranked tenth, the Deep Mist Witch, right?”

“Two female students, both from the middle school division, dueling here? That’s rare!”

“Why does that make me even more excited?”

“There’s something wrong with you!”

Conversations like these echo throughout the audience, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Amidst this noise, a figure sits alone in the VIP seating area.

The girl, around sixteen or seventeen years old, appears to be from the high school division. She has a beautiful and charming face, with striking pale blue eyes resembling fresh leaves, a straight nose, and flawless skin. Her appearance is undeniably stunning.

However, the most attention-grabbing aspect of the girl is her waist-length, shimmering pink hair.

This vivid color is not red or pink but a unique reddish hue. Before the emergence of Genestella, such striking hair colors could only be achieved through dyeing. However, after the appearance of Genestella, naturally vivid hair colors like this have become increasingly common.

The girl with pink hair sits quietly, her sharp and focused gaze combined with an indifferent demeanor that seems to keep others at a distance.

Until...

“Oh my, I didn’t expect to see you here, Julis.”

A small laugh tinged with surprise breaks the cold atmosphere around the girl.

“...Claudia.”

The girl called Julis frowns as if she has encountered someone she’d rather not meet. She glances sideways, her expression tinged with annoyance.

There, a figure approaches—a girl with shimmering golden hair, equally stunning in appearance but exuding a more mature and alluring charm.

“I didn’t expect you to come and watch, Julis.” Claudia greets her in a friendly tone, as if speaking to an old friend. “If I recall correctly, you don’t have a challenge today, do you?”

“Isn’t it the same for you?” Julis retorts, her brow furrowing. “I doubt someone as feared as the Thousand Sights Monarch would be challenged. Or have you finally decided to aim for the top spot yourself?”

“The top rank...?” Claudia seems to ponder the question before answering as if a realization has dawned. “So, you’re here to watch the Lightning Blade?”

“...You’re as sharp as ever.” Julis mutters, her annoyance growing. She sighs and adds in a soft voice, “I can’t help it. Someone who, just one month after enrolling, managed to defeat the previous Rank One during their first Official Ranked Battle and rose to the strongest position in the academy—anyone would be curious to see if they can maintain their position in the second Official Ranked Battle.”

“Not to mention, many are curious if that child is truly as strong as they say.” Claudia says as she sits beside Julis. “Especially outsiders. They must find it hard to believe that a first-year middle school student who just enrolled could claim the top rank.”

“That’s because she’s only thirteen years old.” Julis says with a sneer, crossing her arms. “Even with her duel recordings circulating, many still refuse to believe that it’s the power of a thirteen-year-old girl.”

“Is that so?” Claudia tilts her head with a soft smile. “Does that include you?”

“...What about you?” Julis counters, avoiding the question. “Don’t tell me the always-busy student council president came here today for something other than the top-rank duel.”

“Hmm...” Claudia neither confirms nor denies the claim, her answer deliberately ambiguous.

“What?” Julis, somewhat familiar with Claudia, raises her eyebrows in surprise. “You mean you’re not here for the top-rank duel?”

“It would be a lie to say I’m not interested.” Claudia admits with a faint smile. “But I’m more curious about another duel happening today.”

Claudia’s words immediately pique Julis’s curiosity.

“Another duel worthy of your attention? And it takes precedence over the top-rank duel?” Julis asks directly. “Who is it?”

Claudia doesn’t answer. Instead, she simply chuckles softly.

“Hmph.”

Julis snorts coldly and turns her face away, though she can’t help but mutter to herself.

‘I want to see who has caught your attention.’

As Julis grumbles to herself, a mechanical announcement echoes throughout the arena.

“The Official Ranked Battle will begin shortly. Spectators are requested to remain seated.”

“Will the first duel participants please enter the stage?”

Guided by the announcement, two figures emerge from the tunnels on either side of the duel stage.

The audience cheers loudly, officially marking the start of the Official Ranked Battle.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Meanwhile, Ark is waiting in the arena’s competition area.

He is not alone—everyone scheduled for a duel is there, quietly awaiting their turn.

Leaning in a corner, Ark is by himself, closing his eyes as he rests.

Not long after—

“Will the next duel participants please enter the stage.”

The school emblem pinned to Ark’s right chest lights up, prompting him to open his eyes.

“Now it’s my turn?”

Ark’s eyes shine with indescribable excitement.

He doesn’t feel nervous.

On the contrary, at this moment...

He feels exhilarated.