〈Hunter〉, Shizuya Kirihara, a C-rank sword master, was last year’s top student, Hagun Academy’s representative at the Seven Star Sword Festival, and Ikki Kurogane’s former classmate.
He’d remained hidden thanks to his ultimate technique, Hunter’s Forest.
Drake didn’t like him; his secretive technique showed he wasn’t honorable. He’d also shown malice towards Ikki; he only restrained himself out of fear of Drake.
Drake left everything to Shizuya, not because he had seven girlfriends. Shizuya was reluctant, but Drake gave him no choice.
After the chaotic weekend, the intra-school selection tournament began. Ikki’s first opponent was Shizuya.
Ikki told Drake what happened between them. Perhaps because they were friends, Ikki spoke of his experiences for the first time.
It stemmed from the Kurogane family, Ikki’s prestigious family. They didn’t want an F-rank Ikki to tarnish their name; they created countless problems for him.
From a young age, Ikki wasn’t allowed to learn swordsmanship, forcing him to leave home. Even after he left, they continued targeting him.
The Kurogane family’s influence in Japan’s sword master community was immense; they were practically omnipotent.
Besides Ikki’s main family, there were numerous branch families and affiliated clans; their influence was widespread. Many influential figures in the Alliance’s Japanese branch were connected to the Kurogane family.
Hagun Academy’s former principal was one of the Kurogane family’s lackeys. He implemented a strategy against Ikki: students below the standard ability value couldn’t participate in practical training. Ikki missed the Seven Star Sword Festival and practical classes.
Rumors spread about Ikki; being close to him would attract the principal’s attention; associating with him would lower one’s evaluation.
This isolated Ikki; he had no friends that year. It was clearly the Kurogane family’s doing.
Shizuya Kirihara was the worst; others avoided Ikki; Shizuya attacked him—spreading rumors, playing pranks, and physically assaulting him with his Device, while teachers watched. He faced no punishment.
Ikki knew that if he hadn’t run, he would have been expelled.
Japan had many like Shizuya Kirihara; they abused those who seemed weak.
Drake regretted not punishing Shizuya earlier.
Preparing for morning training, Drake looked at Ikki. "Is this why you’re gloomy?"
Ikki shook his head. "I’m worried about today’s match. Shizuya’s ability is a poor match for me."
Drake nodded. "He hides his presence, appearance, ki, voice, and uses ranged Device—a bow and arrow. The best counter is a large-scale attack, which you can’t do.
But I have a way to counter Shizuya Kirihara’s ability."
Ikki looked at Drake. "Really?"
Drake nodded. "A technique from a respected senior; it reads opponents’ life force and emotions. Even if they hide their ki, their essential ki and hostility are unhidden."
Ikki hesitated. "Is it alright to teach me this?"
Drake smiled. "If I offered, you can learn it. But I have something to say first."
Drake said, "After hearing your story, I understand why your sword feels light."
Ikki was surprised; he was confident in his swordsmanship. He didn’t understand Drake’s assessment.
Drake continued, "Strong individuals have strong beliefs—to protect, for dreams, or for revenge. Their drive is powerful. You, unacknowledged, enduring malice, have come this far; you have your conviction.
But your conviction is weak. It’s the difference between ’dying to achieve something’ and ’living to achieve something.’"
Ikki pondered; his journey began with Kurogane Ryouma, the samurai who first acknowledged him.
"’Not giving up is proof you haven’t given up!’ ’Don’t give up on yourself!’ This is my belief."
But, as Drake said, he’d never sought a reason why he shouldn’t give up. Perhaps to prove himself, for a dream, or for his father’s approval... his sword felt light because it carried nothing important.
Drake sighed; he thought Ikki was like Asta, but Ikki was more complicated.
Thinking of Asta, Drake realized Asta’s success was due to Yuno.
Drake said, "You realize this, right? What’s your goal? Graduating from Hagun Academy and becoming a Magic Knight?
I’m not talking about the obvious; I mean ambition."
Ikki was silent; he’d focused on becoming a Seven Star Sword King to graduate, per his agreement with Kurono. He hadn’t thought about the future.
Drake approached. "You don’t have one! My ambition is to surpass everyone, to become the strongest, to see the view from the top!"
Ikki exclaimed, "An amazing dream!"
Drake extended his hand. "Want to see that view?"
Ikki looked at Drake, confused. Google seaʀᴄh novèlfire.net
Drake said, "Climbing alone is boring; a competition is more fun. Compete with me; let’s see who becomes the strongest!"
Ikki was surprised. "Strongest? I’m..."
"Don’t be disheartened; if you can’t do it now, train hard; your limit-breaking self will achieve it."
Drake interrupted, awakening Ikki.
Ikki shook Drake’s hand, smiling. "Alright! Let’s compete; let’s see who reaches the summit first!"
Drake smiled. "We’re rivals! Don’t forget; you’re my acknowledged rival! If you lose to anyone but me, I won’t forgive you!"
"What are you saying? As rivals, I won’t lose to you!"
"Ambitious! I’ll be watching!"
Stella watched them, stunned. Why did she see this upon arrival? Her biggest rival wasn’t her classmates but...?!
Ikki turned... why was there killing intent in Stella’s eyes?
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