Drake’s flight speed was incredible; he accelerated beyond the speed of sound, creating sonic booms.
He quickly reached Hagun Academy; black smoke was rising from it.
He saw the situation at the school gate.
Ikki Kurogane and the others returned from Kyomon Academy’s training camp; they saw the black smoke.
After parking, they saw the attackers—six were contestants from the other six Seven Star Academies participating in the Seven Star Sword Festival.
They claimed to be students from Akatsuki Academy; their goal was to get Akatsuki Academy into the Seven Star Sword Festival.
Hagun Academy was a strong school recognized by the International Magic Knight Alliance; being attacked by students from other schools was more than a loss of face.
The Alliance monopolized sword master education in Japan; the annual Seven Star Sword Festival showcased their educational achievements, preventing public questioning of their policies.
But if another institution trained stronger sword masters, it would be problematic.
The Alliance couldn’t back down from Akatsuki Academy’s challenge; they’d allow Akatsuki Academy to participate.
Akatsuki Academy, confident in challenging the Alliance’s decades-long system, had the strength to do so.
Hidden in the shadows, Akatsuki Academy’s members were all underground world elites, hired from Rebellion by "an organization" to target the Alliance.
Ikki Kurogane and the others, facing seven people... and a black lion, sensed their power and killing intent.
With a boom, a figure enveloped in flames fell between them, like a meteorite.
The flames and dust cleared, revealing Drake. He looked at the seven from Akatsuki Academy, then at Nagi Arisuin.
"Alice, explain Kagami!"
Nagi Arisuin chuckled; his plan was ruined. No one expected Drake’s dramatic entrance.
Ikki Kurogane stood before Nagi Arisuin. "He’s our comrade!"
Drake seemed to understand, turning.
"Those were decoys to test Alice!"
Nagi Arisuin was surprised. He’d confessed on the bus and proposed attacking Akatsuki Academy.
But they were decoys; he hadn’t revealed anything; how was he exposed?
It must be a sword master ability he didn’t know.
"Alice, watch out!" Ikki Kurogane, who could also sense ki, warned.
Nagi Arisuin, understanding, used his ability, sinking into his shadow.
Silver daggers struck the ground; if Nagi Arisuin hadn’t dodged, he would have been pierced.
Nagi Arisuin emerged from the shadow, seeing a figure behind them.
It was a short boy with an innocent smile, holding a silver dagger.
"Shiranoi Amane! It’s you!"
Nagi Arisuin understood how his betrayal was exposed; this seemingly weak boy could read minds.
"Too bad; I missed a good opportunity. But you’re sharp; you noticed my ability so quickly!"
He looked at Ikki Kurogane, smiling. "Kurogane-senpai, it’s great to see you again!"
Ikki Kurogane frowned; they’d met during training.
Ikki Kurogane had encountered a random killer; Shiranoi Amane had prevented it in an inexplicable way.
Shiranoi Amane claimed to be Ikki Kurogane’s fan; he was enthusiastic. But Ikki Kurogane sensed malice.
Ikki Kurogane didn’t believe him.
Drake reached out; the air wrinkled; a person in thick clothing appeared.
Drake grabbed her chainsaw-like Device.
"〈Unturning〉 Tatara Yui, your killing intent is too strong for a sneak attack."
Even with her face hidden, Tatara Yui was surprised. From an assassin family, with her companion’s ability to conceal their presence, she hadn’t expected her attack to be discovered.
Drake’s grip was too strong; unable to retrieve her Device, Tatara Yui retreated.
"I told you; that Shinryuu Temple student isn’t easy to deal with!"
More figures emerged from a transparent mist.
The seven who’d faced them fell; the sound of wood colliding revealed they were puppets.
Drake said, "Those were wooden puppets; a puppeteer controlled them; someone else used illusion magic!"
Hiraga Reisen, dressed as a clown, applauded. "Good eye! Sharara Burari’s art and I did that."
Drake looked at Sharara Burari, covered in paint, then at Hiraga Reisen.
"That magic... you’re the one who attacked us in Okutama with puppets!"
Hiraga Reisen was surprised; people used abilities, not magic, to identify each other.
He hadn’t expected to be exposed.
A flash of fire; Hiraga Reisen was enveloped by a fiery hand.
Drake slammed Hiraga Reisen to the ground. Hiraga Reisen was crushed; his mask shattered!
"Sneaky bastard! Another puppet! But I’ll find you!"
Akatsuki Academy lost a member instantly. They understood why Drake was the biggest variable in their plan.
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