‘Gailen… What conversation did you have?’
There was no way this wasn’t tactical, but not for winning. That much could be seen just by looking at the match’s flow.
Attacks devoid of any killing intent.
The atmosphere reeked of typical upperclass treatment.
For some reason, Lux and Gailen having a long chat.
That guy blocking the audience’s view midway through.
And judging from the expressions of the two people, several possibilities arose.
Like, for example, match-fixing…
But does Lux even have a reason to do something like that?
With various thoughts swirling, my head started to get all tangled when Senna turned her head toward me and said,
“Surprisingly clean win, huh. I thought it’d be intense since it’s the semi-final.”
“Tch. Look at his boring expression. He probably never even intended to win in the first place.”
As expected from Ariana, who fights purely on instinct—her perceptiveness is razor-sharp. Though she doesn’t seem to suspect match-fixing yet. Well, thinking that far is pretty tough, isn’t it? I’m only at the level of suspicion myself.
…Thinking about it now, maybe I’m overthinking things.
“Anyway, he won, so that’s good~! Only the finals are left now.”
Stretching, Senna spoke, to which Ariana rebutted,
“What are you talking about? There are still two more matches before the finals.”
“Aah! The event matches! Totally forgot!”
Damn, I forgot too.
Senna and Ariana’s gazes turned toward me. Of course, since the bracket reveal also included info about the event matches. Meaning, the world now knows that I, Allen, will duel Leo, one of the Zodiac 12 Paladins.
“Can you win?”
Senna asked curiously. Her innocent eyes made me hesitate—should I be honest or keep up appearances for my student’s expectations?
Answering with false confidence would be pretty awkward if I lose, so honesty seems better.
Just as I was about to open my mouth…
“Allen will win.”
The voice, confident and unwavering, belonged to Black Wolf. Why must you burst in making useless comments?
I gave him an exasperated look.
“Hey, what nonsense are you spouting right after coming in?”
“Will you lose?”
“W-W-ell, not exactly, but…”
His blank expression had me stammering unintentionally.
Ariana blinked and asked,
“But Leo is part of the Zodiac 12. Is Professor Allen really that weak?”
“I’ve never seen Allen lose.”
“Hmm~”
At Black Wolf’s stiff reply, Ariana looked back at me with renewed curiosity. Her usual soft tone seems to revert under these circumstances. What triggers it?
Ah, but that’s not important now.
My mind wandered off for a second.
“Cough, well, yeah… When fighting with you, it’s life-or-death, so I grit my teeth and fight. But outside battlefields, I’ve lost plenty.”
Mostly getting beaten senseless by Sage. My brain cells must’ve decreased by 10% thanks to him. He relentlessly targeted my noggin.
“So, if you gamble your life, you can win?”
“That’s…”
Of course, with life on the line, you give it your all, but…
It’s just an event match. My life isn’t cheap enough to stake it here.
Seeing my conflicted expression, Ariana lit up and said,
“If you win, I’ll do something nice. I’ll grant you a wish!”
“Do I look like someone who needs your wish? Finish your graduation first.”
“Then I’ll wager my wish too! No matter how strong Amy’s brother is, I don’t want to see Professor lose!”
“Not really…”
Why such a big reaction over just an event match?
The opponent is from the Zodiac 12, after all. How am I supposed to beat such a lopsided force?
“That’s the same way you feel about your students. Just as you don’t want to see your students lose, they don’t want to see their teacher fall.”
…You’re surprisingly eloquent sometimes.
Such a solid argument left me speechless. Awkwardly scratching the back of my head, Senna quickly chimed in,
“Yeah! Probably Amy and Lux feel the same way?”
“If she wagers her wish too, that makes four! Wow, this means you absolutely have to win, right?”
Ariana playfully poked my side with a mischievous grin.
If you put it that way, there’s no choice. Despite lingering doubts, pride kept me from backing down. They trust me this much; I can’t let them down.
“Fine. I’ll win. Winning’s all that matters, right?”
“Professor is the best!”
Raising both hands, Senna grinned widely and hugged me. Ariana smirked and draped her arm over my shoulder.
These girls… Aren’t they being a bit too touchy-feely?
“Get off. It’s hot. You brats.”
“Aww~ Come on, enjoy it~”
Watching Ariana act like some uncle, I sighed inwardly. Are these two really the future of the Empire?
They’ve got a long way to go before maturing mentally.
“…”
Black Wolf silently snuggled into my arms. This kid hasn’t grown up either, has he?
“Is Amy okay?”
“No problem.”
Black Wolf confidently gestured a V with his hand.
If he says so, then it must be true. He surely gave her a thorough ‘massage.’
Definitely hellish pain, no doubt.
Praying for Amy’s peace in my heart, I pet Black Wolf’s head. He perked his ears in satisfaction.
“Let’s go eat together then.”
We headed out for dinner, which has become a routine lately.
***
Unfortunately, our group dinner didn’t happen.
Amy fell sound asleep, making it impossible to wake her. We couldn’t eat without her, so we ended up having dinner at the hotel that day.
Time passed, and the next day arrived.
We gathered again in the VIP lounge to watch the second event match.
“To witness a duel between members of the Zodiac 12 feels like such a blessing.”
Sena, munching on cookies, gleamed with excitement. Indeed, the Zodiac 12 are almost godlike figures within the empire, rarely seen, especially in combat. Lucky me for encountering them often.
“Pay attention. Watching alone can teach you a lot.”
“Understood!”
“And you too, Ariana.”
“Got it.”
My heart raced. While Sage and Erias’ skills were familiar, I’ve never seen battles between Thousand Gale Palace and Opposite Palace. Would’ve been great to see during Wyvern hunting.
Reflecting now, it’s probably better. I can look forward with pure anticipation.
“Let’s begin.”
At Black Wolf’s words, I looked down onto the arena where two familiar faces appeared.
The dual-sword wielder with curly hair.
From Opposite Palace, Gamifer Altarph.
The silver-haired woman wielding a long spear.
From Thousand Gale Palace, Gliese Antares.
Two masters revealed themselves on the field.
***
“Yo~ Didja sleep well, Dual-Blade?”
Gliese teased with her signature playful attitude.
Gamifer shrugged nonchalantly.
“Sure did. Are you ready, sis?”
“What prep? To crush you?”
“Nah. To lose.”
Both wore smiles, but their eyes remained cold. Despite recent friendlier interactions, the battlefield remains merciless. Without the desire to become stronger, none of them would’ve reached the heights of the Zodiac 12.
No one thought they’d lose.
“It’s disappointing you can only use Aura. Could’ve mashed that mouth of yours.”
“Ah, if Aura alone isn’t enough, I’m confident my blade will suffice.”
Gliese’s smile deepened at Gamifer’s provocation. The rising killing intent enveloped the arena.
“You talk big. Are you psyched?”
“Words? Or shall we dance? Or should I make the first move?”
“Haha…”
Gliese’s gaze shifted as she chuckled lowly. In an instant, she drew her spear.
[Antares Spear Art: Sandstorm Fury]
Her spear, imbued with silvery Aura, split into dozens of strikes targeting Gamifer’s vital points. Movements akin to a desert storm.
“Planning to kill me? This is just an ‘event match,’ remember?”
Gamifer smiled coolly while speaking. His swords moved swiftly.
[Altarph Blade Art: Heatwave Counter]
Desert heat-infused Aura blocked the numerous silver spears. Flowing movements deflected Gliese’s assault. Without missing a beat, Gamifer swung his larger sword.
[Altarph Blade Art: Twin Fang Slash]
Crossing his dual blades unleashed a massive shockwave. Gliese leaped back to absorb the impact.
“Not bad. Getting interesting, huh?”
Gliese pointed her spear and grinned. Any traces of anger from provocation transformed into exhilaration.
“Right? Would’ve been more fun with Divine Powers.”
Gamifer smirked too, ready to unleash his powers at any moment.
“Guess we’ll have to settle for this.”
“Rules are rules.”
Both, harboring unsatisfied desires, suppressed them and ignited potent Auras. Then, without waiting for each other, they charged.
KABOOM!
Silver and crimson Auras exploded.
