“Looks like Lux is getting pretty serious, Brother.”
Felix squinted his eyes and spoke. Due to the explosion of light, the arena was no longer visible. If he hadn’t protected his eyes with mana beforehand, he would have gone blind from the intense brightness.
“Though we’re safe from blindness thanks to the barrier, there will be quite a few people who won’t see for a while.”
Theron muttered as priests rushed toward the audience stands. Thankfully, the priests’ presence meant the aftereffects wouldn’t last long.
Turning his gaze back, Theron looked at his younger sister fiercely battling above the arena.
“What a star magic… Such magic shouldn’t be wasted in this tournament.”
In this world, countless types of magic exist. Among them are rare kinds only special beings can wield—like star magic, which only royalty blessed by the stars at birth can use.
“Will it be alright? There seem to be many foreign mages present.”
Felix asked worriedly. Star magic was an exclusive ability passed down only through the direct royal line. To hide its true nature, the royal palace had disguised it as “starry light magic,” blending it with light magic for public consumption. Allen believed it to be something only royalty could handle because of this deception.
While there wasn’t a rule against showing it publicly, there were reasons why they’d kept it hidden so far. Felix was concerned about potential repercussions from Lux using star magic.
“Don’t worry. The creation of ‘starry light magic’ was precisely to prepare for moments like these. No one but us—and perhaps the Infantry Palace—could uncover the truth about star magic.”
Erias, who had served the royal family for centuries, couldn’t possibly remain unaware of star magic. At those words, Felix nodded.
“You’re right. Still, it’s uncommon for royalty to display their magic in front of others…”
The most recent instance of star magic being shown was when Theron demonstrated it during a war mobilization ceremony to boost morale. Royal magic was indeed that extraordinary—sometimes its mere concealment acted as power.
“It shows how serious she is.”
“What could have made her take this seriously?”
Academy grades? Hardly. Lux’s grades were already top-tier. Even though she lost first place due to a curse for some time, her academic standing wasn’t low enough to warrant such dedication in a competition.
Competition? Raised as royalty from childhood, Lux was far too mature to get hung up on trivial rivalries. She knew well that the only ones worthy of competing with royalty were other royals. Moreover, Lux had long since given up aspirations for the throne. How could someone so detached from worldly ambitions suddenly pour herself into a contest among peers?
Then what was it?
What could make Lux, who could obtain anything she wanted, strive so earnestly?
Theron and Felix, unfamiliar with her academy life, couldn’t guess.
It was simply the first time a girl realized something precious…
Love.
How could they know?
***
“That magic just now was shocking! Hiding something this terrifying all along, huh? So mischievous.”
Ariana emerged from the light explosion, smirking. The impact still weighed heavily on her. It was powerful enough to knock her unconscious if she hadn’t been careful.
“Still, I think you’re impressive for blocking it. Was it your weapon’s effect?”
Lux coolly stared at Ariana’s sword. Her star magic, which should have caught her off-guard perfectly, was thwarted by the sword. Its dense energy neutralized the starlight, reducing the shockwave. Ariana grinned, confirming her suspicion.
“Yeah. This sword can accumulate my energy bit by bit. Without that, it would’ve been dangerous.”
“A relic at least. Where did you get such a weapon…?”
“Hmph. Jealous? Only I got such a great gift, huh?”
Seizing the opportunity, Ariana taunted with a sly smile.
“Given to me by your favorite Professor Allen. Jealous? Twisted inside? The weapon you received from someone you like might become the biggest obstacle to your victory!”
“…”
For the first time, Lux’s expression changed. Despite not showing it openly, she secretly envied Ariana for receiving a gift from Allen. Especially since it wasn’t just any ordinary weapon—it was a legendary blade infused with dragon parts. How did such a fine sword end up in the Capital Defense Force?
Of course, Allen probably didn’t intend to give something this good…
(At least, that was Lux’s assumption.)
Already irritated that her carefully planned trap failed to deal significant damage, it was even more frustrating knowing Allen’s gift was responsible.
Pointless thoughts flooded her mind, distorting Lux’s usually stoic face.
‘That’s enough…!’
Seeing Lux’s unprecedented emotional expression, Ariana inwardly rejoiced. Magic required meticulous control, and losing composure increased the chance of failure. Even without magic, being swept away by emotions hindered rational judgment—a fatal mistake in battle.
“Angry? Irritated? Want to beat me up?”
“…Shut up.”
“Wow~ Look at the mighty princess lose her temper. Should I frame this moment as my greatest achievement?”
Taking advantage of the situation, Ariana stroked her sword teasingly, mocking Lux’s lack of similar possessions. The calmness infuriated Lux, who clenched her lips.
“You…!”
“What’s wrong? Feeling neglected because no one took care of you? If you’re upset, just ask for a gift too~ Seeing how Allen gave me this wonderful sword, maybe he considers me more ‘special’?”
The word ‘special’ flipped Lux’s world upside down.
[Star Magic: Angelus Stellae (Angel of Stars)]
A massive angel radiating brilliant light manifested from immense mana.
“Eh, what…?”
Ariana’s eyes widened at the sight of an unfamiliar magic and its overwhelming power.
She didn’t know. Lux, among the star-blessed royals, possessed the boon known as “Spring of Mana.” Simply put…
An endless supply of mana that never ran dry, no matter how much she used.
“Prepare yourself.”
The suppressed star magic, meticulously controlled by Lux, erupted uncontrollably.
“This is insane…!”
Terrified by the approaching angelic spear, Ariana swung her sword.
[Moonlight Swordsmanship: Crescent Slash]
The spear of starlight clashed with the crescent-shaped moon energy.
“Gah…!”
Overwhelmed by Lux’s mana, Ariana began retreating. Realizing she was outmatched physically, she swallowed the rising bile and dropped her sword.
– BOOM!
The spear pierced the ground, creating a massive crater, kicking up clouds of dust where Ariana hid. Like in her previous match against Satis Eckelart, she intended to exploit stealth techniques to find an opening.
But tricks seen once wouldn’t work on Lux.
“Do you really think that’ll work on me?”
[Star Magic: Stella Lumen]
Starlight exploded again, dispersing the dust. Lux immediately spotted Ariana’s hidden form.
“I can see through your stealth as easily as Professor Allen’s.”
Her crimson eyes glowed ominously.
“Damn, what a talent freak!”
Ariana shouted loudly, dodging the angel’s attack. Judging it impossible to withstand head-on, she focused strength in her legs.
“Think I’ll just sit here?”
She assumed Lux, despite her large figure, couldn’t keep up with the speed she honed training with Black Wolf. However, Lux pursued her with unwavering determination.
“No matter how fast you run…”
Lux’s angel spread its wings magnificently.
“You can’t outrun light itself.”
Countless feather-like beams of starlight chased Ariana like arrows.
“What kind of ridiculous cheat magic is this!”
[Moonlight Swordsmanship: New Moon Dance]
Frantically swinging her sword, Ariana closed the distance between herself and Lux, deflecting the beams. But before reaching her target, the Angel blocked her path.
“The only way you can attack me is by defeating the angel.”
Ariana realized Lux wasn’t bluffing. Despite charging with explosive energy, she couldn’t surpass the angel’s speed. Neither strength nor agility could help her overcome Lux.
“…Shit.”
Unconsciously mimicking Allen’s catchphrase, Ariana cursed. Though unsure of its meaning, it helped calm her nerves somewhat.
‘Should I stop here?’
Her resistance stemmed solely from disliking Lux’s attitude. Ariana knew well that Lux wasn’t the type to brazenly wish for romantic involvement with Allen, even if she won. Probably just a date or two. Wouldn’t it be better to support her friend’s love straightforwardly?
‘This should be enough. I’ve tormented her plenty.’
With such a gap in abilities, Ariana wasn’t the type to struggle desperately.
Still…
Thinking of Allen smiling brightly beside Lux made her stomach churn. Why she felt jealous, Ariana herself didn’t fully understand. Or perhaps, she did…
“Ugh… Could it be…”
Does she actually like Allen?
[Bloodline Liberation: Selene’s Eclipse]
The moment she subconsciously acknowledged the hidden feelings buried deep within…
The divine technique of the Selene family, blessed by the Goddess of the Moon, was unleashed.
