The audience couldn’t see the results, but they witnessed Drake’s strength.
No one could confidently withstand Drake’s attack or break his defense. Drake sensed fear from the audience, but those with unwavering fighting spirit stood out.
Stella was the most prominent; Drake felt her intense fighting spirit. If not for her composure, she might have challenged him. Others showed no weakness.
Hagun Academy seemed to have more female than male students with strong ki.
Kurono put down the results. "Congratulations, Drake-san. You’re an A-rank sword master, and among the best I know."
Drake sensed something was amiss; Kurono continued, "Since you’re here, how about a mock battle?"
Before Drake could react, several fighting spirits arose from the audience. Kurono wanted Drake to be a catalyst to invigorate the students. She wanted Drake to choose an opponent; choosing a specific person would achieve her goal.
Drake said, "A mock battle... fine! I choose the opponent?"
Kurono nodded. "Yes."
Stella was excited; Drake would likely choose her. She was the first classmate he’d met, and they were the only A-rank student knights.
A small girl with glasses started planning her headline: ""Clash of A-Rank Freshmen! Who is the Strongest?" That’ll do!"
Drake pointed to someone in the audience. "I choose him."
Everyone was shocked; Drake hadn’t chosen the strongest, Stella, but someone they all knew—the weakest, F-rank Kurogane Ikki. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NoveI-Fire.ɴet
Murmurs arose; they didn’t understand Drake’s choice. Was he unaware of the difference in ranks?
Ikki hadn’t expected Drake to choose him; he thought Drake was humiliating him. He’d been mocked and attacked by classmates at Hagun Academy. He didn’t know if it was due to prejudice or orders from the Kurogane family.
But Ikki saw Drake’s serious gaze. He understood Drake’s sincerity; this choice was based on genuine recognition of his strength.
Kurono had bet that Drake could see Ikki’s potential; she’d won.
Kurono said to Ikki, "Our exchange student chose you. Will you accept?"
"Of course! Fighting a sword master like Drake-san is a rare opportunity." Ikki replied decisively.
The audience was even more confused; Drake might have chosen poorly, but didn’t Ikki understand his limitations?
Stella noticed the commotion and asked the girl beside her, "Kagami, is that man famous at Hagun Academy?"
Kusakabe Kagami, a freshman sharing a dorm with Stella, considered herself non-combat and dreamed of becoming a journalist; she knew all the academy gossip.
She was shocked. "Kurogane Ikki... he’s a senior who repeated a year due to poor grades."
"A repeater?" Stella asked. "Does Hagun Academy have repeaters?"
Kagami nodded. "Kurogane-senpai is famous for being an F-rank sword master. His magic power is less than one-tenth the average; his ability is basic body enhancement; he’s called the Failing Knight."
Stella looked at Ikki and then at Drake. She couldn’t understand them. Sword masters followed the knightly way; she wouldn’t choose a much weaker opponent or accept a pointless, losing battle.
She asked them directly, "Wait! Drake, your opponent is an F-rank sword master! Ikki-san, why are you accepting? You can refuse; I’ll fight him."
Everyone focused on them, awaiting their answers.
Drake and Ikki exchanged glances. "I know Ikki-san’s situation."
Before Stella could ask further, Drake gave a shocking answer.
"Because Ikki-san is the strongest here, besides the principal, even stronger than Stella-san."
The arena erupted in disbelief. Who? Ikki? The strongest? Why? There were B and C-rank sword masters present, including student council members. How could Ikki be the strongest?
Drake remained firm. Stella, sensing his conviction, looked at Ikki.
Ikki said modestly, "Since Drake-san said so, I must respond. I’m looking forward to the mock battle."
Kurono silenced the audience. "Since both sides agree and understand the rules, let the battle begin!"
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