Gakusen Toshi Asterisk:Volume1 Capitulo1

Capitulo 1: Gruene RoseA Bruxa da Pétalas de Chamas

Ayato pegou isto quase por reflexo, como isso flutuava para baixo do céu.

Aparecendo para brilhar de forma brilhante nos primeiros raios de sol no início do verão, parecendo por um instante muito como uma pena branca de neve -- o que ele segurou em sua mão era nada tão espetacular, era apenas um lenço.

Julgando pelo bordado do adorável, ainda desajeitado padrão de flor, isso provávelmente não é um item fabricado, mas feito à mão. Parecia um pouco desgastado, e uma inspeção mais próxima revelava vestígios de reparos anteriores.

O sentimento profundo que o dono tinha por esse lenço era claramente transmitido. Era inconcebível que isso tenha sido intencionalmente descartado.

"... Foi roubada pelo vento?"

Se fosse esse o caso, então, de onde diabos isso veio...?

Olhando ao redor, enquanto ele pensava nisso, Ayato sorriu desajeitamente.

Afinal, Ayato tinha acabado de chegar nesta cidade -- e também acabado de chegar na Academia Seidoukan. Tendo chegado um pouco mais cedo do que o esperado, ele tinha ido para um passeio ao redor da escola para matar o tempo até a hora marcada, mas o local era tão grande que ele não tinha noção da sua localização atual. Mesmo se ele tivesse seguido a trilha, e assim não se perdido por si só, ainda não havia maneira de um recém-chegado para encontrar o dono do lenço.

"Isso não pode ser ajudado, eu vou levar isso para o escritório mais tarde."

De qualquer forma, já que ele iria se encontrar com o presidente do conselho estudantil depois disso, ele poderia entregar então.

Pensando isso, Ayato cuidadosamente dobrou o lenço e colocou ele no bolso.

A hora atual pode ainda ser considerada como o início da manhã, e o canto dos pássaros ecoou pelo calçadão cercado por árvores verdes brilhantes.

Olhando para o cenário, tão abundantemente favorecido com a graça da natureza, era difícil imaginar que isso era uma ilha artificial. No entanto, esta era uma seção da Cidade Asterisk Academia de Guerra, conhecida em todo o mundo. Sem dizer que nenhuma despesa foi poupada quando se trata de jardinagem.

No entanto, Ayato foi trazido para os seus sentidos depois de ouvir uma voz levemente em pânico do outro lado dessas árvores.

Clara como um sino, e amável o suficiente para não perder para os cantos dos pequenos pássaros, e ainda uma voz que revelou uma vontade forte.

"Ahhh! De todas as coisas que poderiam acontecer, por que em um momento como este...!"

Mas, ouvindo com cuidado, o conteúdo do que ele ouviu dificilmente poderia ser chamado de encantador.

Virando na direção da voz, ele olhou para um quarto com uma grande janela aberta.

Em um local um pouco longe da trilha estava um prédio de estrutura elegante e clássica.

"De qualquer forma, é melhor eu ir atrás antes que isso voe para longe...!"

A voz que flutuava sobre do outro lado da cortina tremulando estava cheia de urgência.

"... Entendo."

Ayato voltou seu olhar para o seu bolso antes de olhar mais uma vez para o quarto.

Originalmente, Ayato não era tão perspicaz uma pessoa.

No entanto, se isso era, afinal, uma situação tão fácil de entender como esta, então era outra questão.

"O quarto andar, huh... Bem, já que existem também pontos de apoio, eu acho que não deve ser um problema."

Embora houvesse uma cerca de ferro de aproximadamente dois metros de altura entre a passarela e o prédio, Ayato saltou por cima levemente, sem a necessidade de correr. Agarrando um galho de árvore próximo, ele casualmente subiu.

Para Ayato, um membro da Genestella<Starpulse Generation>, de fato trivial.

"Hup...!"

O quarto alvo estava localizado mais acima das árvores, mas Ayato pulou de um galho acessível para a moldura da janela de uma só vez. Arqueando o seu corpo como um gato, ele caiu quase silenciosamente.

"Errr, Desculpa apenas surgir assim. Por acaso há pouco tempo, este lenço..."

Ayato tinha escolhido o caminho mais rápido. Uma vez que o dono da voz parecia estar com bastante pressa, ele pensou que entregar o mais rapido era melhor depois de tudo.

Era uma simples, intenção pura. Certamente.

No entanto, suas boas intenções resultaram em problemas -- e aqueles dos grandes – foram deles dois.

Um deles era que o prédio era o Dormitório das Garotas do Colegial da Academia Seidoukan.

E outro foi que o dono do quarto estava se vestindo.

"Eh...?"

"Huh...?"

A menina, que estava colocando o pé em uma saia, e Ayato olharam para os rostos um do outro com expressões completamente perplexas.

A idade da garota parecia praticamente a mesmo que Ayato de, 16 ou 17 anos.

Com olhos verdes pálidos, como folhas jovens. Com a ponta do nariz, que era empinado (Muito empinado), e de pele branca como a neve fresca.

A cor do cabelo comprido que fluiu até a cintura não era tão profundo quanto para ser chamado de escarlate, embora também um vermelho muito brilhante para chamar de rosa. Se você tivesse que escolher uma cor... Seria rose .

Seu rosto era também admiravelmente belo. Apesar de ter sido a primeira vez vendo ela, Ayato foi cativado.

Além disso, a menina estava agora semi-nua.

"Errr, Desculpa apenas surgir assim. Por acaso há pouco tempo, este lenço..."

Os botões do uniforme estavam abertos em sua parte superior do corpo, e até mesmo sua roupa de baixo estava exposta. Desde que seu corpo estava inclinado, o peito estava também completamente visível.

A inchação dos seios era modesta, mas as curvas de seu corpo estavam distintamente feminina, e sua cintura era fina.

Suas pernas saudáveis e flexíveis estavam agilmente se alongando na ponta dos pés, e brilhando entre suas coxas era encantador, calcinha branca pura puxando o olhar.

Este tipo de aparência desajeitada, semi-nua definitivamente era mais sensacional do que a nudez total.

As duas pessoas, por um tempo, não se mexeram, como se estivessem congeladas sólidamente

. Desde que a menina estava em uma situação onde ela tinha uma perna levantada, pode-se dizer que ela tinha um incrível senso de equilíbrio.

Era como se o tempo tivesse parado, mas é claro, as coisas não poderiam simplesmente continuar dessa maneira.

Foi Ayato quem veio a seus sentidos primeiro.

"De-desculpa! Não, errr, eu nunca pretendi espiar!"

Apesar de alguma forma ele tentou explicar se, suas palavras se atrapalharam quando elas saíram.

Ele tentou cobrir os olhos com as duas mãos por enquanto, mas ele podia perfeitamente ver sua aparência encantadora do espaço entre os dedos.

"O-o q-o q ...!"

A menina, por outro lado, tinha finalmente compreendido a situação. Seu rosto tingido de vermelho brilhante, ela batia a boca abrindo e fechando.

Era por vergonha ou raiva, ou ambos?

Ayato se preparou para o grito que estava inevitavelmente vindo.

Como a menina respirou profundamente enquanto apressadamente cobrindo seu corpo, com lágrimas nas beiras de seus olhos, ela ferozmente olhou para Ayato.

"-- Vi-vire para o outro lado!"

Ela disse isso em voz baixa com as emoções mal reprimidas.

"Eh?"

"Está tudo bem, só se vire já!"

Naquele tom autoritário, ele obedeceu às pressas.

O som leve de roupas veio de trás dele. Além disso, houve também uma certa forma estranha de cheiro agradável.

Ayato foi incapaz de sossegar.

Além disso, ele ainda estava localizado na moldura da janela. Um momento de descuido seria tudo o que seria necessário para mergulhar abaixo.

Quase perdendo o equilíbrio por rajadas ocasionais de vento, ele esperou por alguns minutos.

"Phew ... T-tudo bem, está tudo bem."

Finalmente ouvindo a voz dela, Ayato virou a cabeça para trás e viu uma esplendidamente linda menina.

Aquela figura, que estava vestindo um uniforme impecável, estava cheia de graça e elegância, a tal ponto que sua aparência anterior parecia ser uma mentira. Apesar de sua expressão mal-humorada e seu olhar severo transmitiu claramente seu mau humor, ela ainda parecia de alguma forma encantadora.

Como Ayato estava involuntariamente admirando ela, a menina foi direto ao ponto.

"Então, o lenço?"

"...Sim?"

"Você não mencionou isso antes? Algo sobre um lenço."

"Ah, Oh yeah! Bem, é isso..."

Ayato pegou o lenço de mais cedo de seu bolso, e o mostrou para a garota.

"O vento carregou isso para mim mais cedo e eu peguei. Aqui, isso poderia ser seu?"

"..."

A menina arregalou bastante os olhos por um instante, e logo respirou profundamente como ela se sentiu aliviada.

"Graças a Deus..."

E como ela recebeu o lenço do Ayato, ela segurou-o suavemente em seu peito.

"... Desculpe. É algo muito... Muito precioso para mim."

"Não, eu só aconteci de se deparar com ele, totalmente por acaso..."

"Mesmo assim, você me salvou. Estou muito grata."

Para Ayato que coçou a cabeça ao ficar envergonhado, a menina se curvou profundamente educadamente.

- Mas.

"Agora, então, você acha que está tudo resolvido?"

Com a cabeça ainda abaixada, a menina murmurou isso.

A voz era diferente da de até agora, cheia de emoções que poderia explodir a qualquer momento.

"Eh ...?"

O rosto da menina, que lentamente levantou a cabeça, estava usando um sorriso. Mas seus olhos não estavam rindo nenhum pouco.

A borda dos lábios que formou um arco com um sorriso estava convulsivamente contorcendo.

"Então - Vá para o inferno!"

No momento seguinte, toda a atmosfera do quarto mudou.

A PranaStar-Power da menina aumentou explosivamente, e a atmosfera retumbou. Um elemento químico foi convertido pela Mana, que dada direção, despertou o fenômeno.

(Esta presença, não me diga que ela é ...!)

"Entre em floração – AmaryllisSix-Petal Burst Firebloom!"

Naquele momento, uma enorme bola de fogo apareceu diante da menina, e estava mirando em Ayato.

"Uma Strega<Witch>!?"

Suddenly jumping from the window, he adjusted his posture in the air and landed.

A roaring sound echoed almost at the same time. Looking up, a huge firebloom (flame flower) opened its bud in the air. It was a large flower of exploding flame, with overlapping blazing petals.

The air vibrated as the gust of heat rushed past. It showed just how the explosion possessed a tremendous power.

"...No, no, no."

As Ayato was taken aback, inside where sparks poured down, the girl let her body lightly leap from the opened window. Like Ayato, she gracefully dropped to the ground without problem from the height of the fourth floor.

The girl was a Genestella<Starpulse Generation> who possessed a phenomenal physical ability due to her adaptability with Mana -- and besides, judging from the ability she used earlier, there was no doubt she would be a Strega<Witch>, whose existence was especially unique even among them (Genestella).

Starting with this Seidoukan Academy, most of the Students of the six Academies present in Asterisk were Genestella<Starpulse Generation>. Even Ayato, who was almost completely uninterested in the Festa<Star War Festival>, knew at least this. And though by adapting the "Mana", Strega<Witch> and Danchi<Magician> could bend even the physical laws of this world, he also knew just how rare of an existence they were.

According to a theory, even among the Genestella<Starpulse Generation>, those who revealed talent as Strega<Witch> or Danchi<Magician> were only a few percent. In the first place, even though there was an increasing tendency, the Genestella<Starpulse Generation> themselves were still a rare species. Speaking of that rarity, it could be easily inferred.

Ayato himself had actually so far come in contact with only one Strega<Witch>.

"Oho... To be able to dodge that, you are pretty good."

The girl's anger spread in her voice, as she gave a little admiration.

"Fine then, if that's the case, I will take you a little more seriously."

Sensing the girl's PranaStar-Power rising again, Ayato hastily raised both his hands calmingly.

"Woah, woah, just wait a minute!"

"What? If you would have just stayed still, I could have just cooked you to well done and let you off."

"Are you really overflowing with desire to roast me alive?"

Without even feeling the slightest hesitation.

"Or rather, I want to know why you're going for my life..."

"Since you peeped on a maiden changing clothes, it would be only natural to compensate with your life."

The girl calmly declared such a dangerous thing.

"If that's the case, then what was the thanks you gave me earlier...?"

"I'm of course thankful to you for returning the handkerchief. But... this and that are different issues."

"...Couldn't you be a little flexible about this?"

"Unfortunately, I hate the word 'flexible'."

While smiling, she drastically discarded that option.

There was no way to get along.

"In the first place, there was no need to return it by coming through the window, right? Besides, it's not unreasonable to beat up a pervert who sneaks into the girl's dormitory."

"...Eh? Girl's dormitory?"

Ayato, with a stunned look, slowly compared the girl and building.

Sweat quickly flowed from Ayato's temple.

"Don't tell me... you didn't know?"

"Not knowing or whatever, I'm a stranger who planned to transfer into this Academy today, and besides, I just recently arrived here. I swear it's not a lie."

As Ayato said so, he showed his brand-new uniform.

Since he had not yet gotten used to wearing the brand-new uniform, both the jacket and the pants were still quite firm.

The girl stared at Ayato with doubtful eyes for a while, but she soon emitted a deep sigh.

"OK. I'll believe you."

The moment Ayato was going to heave a sigh of relief at those words.

"But, after all, this and that are different issues."

Around the girl who said so with a smile, fireballs appeared again. Though smaller in size compared to that of earlier, this time there were nine in total.

"Come into bloom -- Dancing Nine-Tower-Flower!"

"Uwah!"

Nine fireballs in the form of a lovely primrose, each with a different orbit attacked Ayato.

As Ayato twisted his body and dodged them, the fireballs that hit the ground burst and disappeared along with a dull sound of an explosion.

The concrete pavement, set in the style of cobblestones, had holes completely gouged out. Though it might be preferable to the earlier explosion, this power was also enough to let a chill run down one's spine.

Regarding the body tissues, the muscles of the Genestella<Starpulse Generation> were made stronger than those of ordinary humans; if the PranaStar-Power was concentrated, even the physical body could raise a defensive force enough to at least protect against a bullet, but still if it hit directly, one could not get away unscathed.

In addition, the remaining fireballs incessantly attacked Ayato from all directions.

"Wa-wa-wah...!"

However, Ayato outdid those attacks by a hairbreadth.

Sometimes by leaping vertically, and sometimes by bending his body, he dodged them at the limit.

At those movements, the girl was surprised once again and opened her eyes wide.

"I see, you don't seem to be just a pervert."

Ayato, who took in color at the clear praise for that voice, wiped the sweat from his forehead relieved.

She seemed once again to revise her opinion of him.

Perhaps, it might be somehow manageable.

"You're an extraordinary pervert."

Or not.

"It seems that a mutual understanding will be difficult..."

He unintentionally raised such a complaint.

"Hmph, it is a joke."

Then the girl, while glaring at Ayato with half-opened eyes, flicked back her hair.

"It seems to be a fact that you were returning the handkerchief to me with good intentions, my, um... S- Seeing me changing, too, w-well, I can believe it wasn't on purpose, in a sense. B-But, only in a sense!"

"...Really?"

He tried asking prudently, because he so far has repeatedly rejoiced prematurely.

The girl reluctant, while nodding, continued speaking.

"However, not confirming what building it was, was your mistake, the attitude of suddenly coming in from the window, you understand that not everything can be forgiven just because you didn't do it on purpose, right?"

"That's... quite right."

There were no words of rebuttal.

"You have made your point, but it doesn't settle my anger. And so, we will follow the rules of this city. Fortunately, you seem to be talented in your own way, you won't complain, right?"

The girl said this, and stared straight at Ayato's face.

"What is your name?"

"Amagiri Ayato."

"I see. I'm Julis. Ranked fifth in Seidoukan Academy, Julis-Alexia van Riessfeld."

The girl, who named herself Julis, raised her right hand to the Seidoukan Academy's school badge, a "red lotus", adorning her chest.

"In the name of the red lotus serving as proof of the inflexible, I, Julis-Alexia van Riessfeld hereby challenged you, Ayato Amagiri, to a duel!"

"Duel!?"

To Ayato's surprise the school badge on his chest started emitting a red light in response.

When petitioning for a duel, the decision whether to accept or reject it must be requested.

"If you win, I'll quietly withdraw my complaint. But if I win, you'll do whatever I want you to do."

Saying so as if it was natural, Julis grinned and laughed.

"W-Wait a minute. I can't just --"

"Since you have transferred here, no matter what, you do know at least of the duel, right?"

He was peremptorily asked.

"...Well, I did hear something about it but..."

Thinking it through completely, one might say that all the students who lived in this Asterisk were gathered here in order to fight.

The world's largest battle entertainment Festa<Star Wars Festival>. Here was the stage, since the students of each Academy were all player candidates.

"Then, hurry up and accept it. There is even a crowd forming."

Ayato looked around after being told this, and realized that the two of them had certainly become the center of attention.

They probably heard the commotion and came. Though most were likely female students from the girl's dormitory, there were also figures of male students here and there watching from the distant circle formed by the crowd.

"Hey, hey, what, what?"

"The Gruene Rose<Petalblaze Witch> seems to want a duel!"

"Seriously!? Isn't she a Page OneTop Twelve? They can't overlook that!"

"So, who is the opponent and where does he come from?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen his face before... How about the net?"

"I'm looking now... But, he doesn't appear in the Named CardsBattle Omnicon."

"Is he not on the list? Well it's a courageous challenger again."

"How long will he last? That 'Princess' doesn't have it in her nature to go easy on her opponents."

"Three minutes."

"One minute."

"Wait wait, the odds of the net will come out very soon... Well, within three minutes, it's the double."

"There is a bookmaker who is already opened. You guys are being quick-eared as always."

"The journalism club is already providing live commentary. Hey, here or there?"

While listening to the voices of such outfield, Ayato frowned, and was troubled.

He disliked being the center of attention.

"Why is this getting such attention...?"

"There are two reasons. The first one is the collection of data of the key students -- in this case, my data. I may look like this, but I am one of the Page OneTop Twelve of this Academy, if there is a chance, there are a lot of people who aim to defeat others."

"Page OneTop Twelve?"

"…Must I explain it from the beginning?"

Julis stared at Ayato with dubious eyes.

"Fine then, you know that each academy of Asterisk has a ranking system, right? Although the rules differ from one academy to another, each academy has a ranking list that clarifies who sits at the top of each academy; that is the Named CardsBattle Omnicon. There is a limit of 72 names in the book. The top twelve among them who have their names appear on the first page of the list are commonly known as Page OneTop Twelve."

I see.

"And the second reason is simple and clear, all the guys here are just fools who are dying to watch a match here."

...I see.

"Well, if you don't want to fight no matter what, then it can't be helped. You also have the right to refuse the duel. But, in that case, I'm going to hand it over to the vigilance committee of the girl's dormitory."

Before he knew it, the escape route had completely disappeared.

"Ah, But you know, I don't carry a weapon."

Even so, he tried to struggle until the bitter end.

It seemed that some students enrolled with their own weapon-armaments, but most people were basically using customized supplies from the Academy. Since Ayato intended to do so if necessary, he naturally did not bring any weapons.

"You're not a Danchi<Magician>, right? What weapon do you use?"

"...a sword."

"Could someone lend him a weapon? A sword is fine."

After Julis asked the spectators, a reaction came back immediately.

"All right, he can use this."

With those words, something was thrown towards Ayato from the crowd.

What he received was a short rod-shaped apparatus. Fitting perfectly in one hand, there was an emerald green crystal at the tip -- a 'Mana Dite' was inserted.

It was an activation tool for the LuxShining Type Armament.

"If you don't know how to use it, I'm not going to tell you."

Julis saying so fearlessly smiled.

"Haa..."

As Ayato deeply sighed, he activated the LuxShining Type Armament in his hand.

The element pattern stored by the Mana Dite was reconstructed, and a mechanical "guard" instantly appeared at the acute angle from nowhere. Furthermore, when shifting from standby mode to the activation state, a dazzling light blade of concentrated Mana grew in the empty space.

The length of the blade was about one meter. Since appropriate adjustments had hardly been carried out, it was a normal LuxShining Type Armament.

Seeing that, Julis also took out her activation tool from the holder at the waist of her uniform, and activated her LuxShining Type Armament.

In fact, unlike Ayato's, it was a rapier of a thin flexible light.

"Well, are you ready?"

While elegantly posing her fine sword, Julis' eyes fixed upon Ayato.

In reality, the LuxShining Type Armament was too light and was not Ayato's preference, but as it had come to this, he had no choice.

"...I, Amagiri Ayato accept the duel request of Julis."

Ayato held up his hand to the chest school badge, and muttered so with a sigh.

As proof of acceptance, Ayato's school badge once again shone red.

＊

The Festa<Star War Festival> was a battle entertainment boasting the world's largest fan population.

The Artificial Water City -- Rikka, which floated in a huge crater-lake in North Kanto, was the stage known as Asterisk held once a year; the students of each of the six Academies wielded weapons in an extreme competition for supremacy.

Of course this did not mean that it was to the death.

In accordance with these rules, it was stipulated in the agreement called Stella CartaStar Wars Charter, but long story short, it said that "the person who destroys the school badge of their opponent wins". Although intentional cruelty was prohibited, if there was the purpose of weakening combat efficiency, attacks to any place other than the school badge were permitted, and since weapons were used, there would naturally be injured people. There were occasionally also cases when it didn't end with just injuries.

Nonetheless, that young people still came from all over the world to this city was due to the fact that it was only here that they could hope to fulfill their wish.

And, the opportunity for them to fight was not only in the Festa<Star War Festival>.

If hot-blooded young men confident in their ability gathered in the same place, quite a few troubles would be expected to occur. In such cases, private wars (personal struggles) in conformity with rules were permitted in Asterisk.

That was the duel.

Though victory or defeat was decided by destroying the school badge as in the Festa<Star War Festival>, the reinforced school badge also contained the data processing functions, performed the duel application negotiation, the combat data transfer, and so on with the host computer.

Especially in a duel between students belonging to the same Academy, given that the rank would change depending on the result (victory or defeat), there was a meaning beyond just a private battle.

Julis herself fought successfully through many duels and had obtained the position of fifth ranked.

But for Julis, the young boy in front of her -- she could not determine the ability of Amagiri Ayato at all.

"Come into bloom -- LongiflorumWhite Firebloom of the Sharp Spear!"

When Julis swung the fine sword like a baton, spears of huge pale flames manifested along the arc. The flames which carried the shape of the trumpet lily were flying, just like that, to pierce through Ayato with the momentum of a rocket.

"Argh!"

Though Ayato somehow parried it with the sword as a shield, the shock sent him flying wildly.

Although he barely took a defensive position, his breathing increased considerably.

"Oho, that newcomer isn't bad at all."

"He endures the flames of that Princess well. Well, his skill is so so."

"Hmm, I think that he's fairly skilled."

"He's not so bad. But he's not so good, either."

"Isn't the Princess going easy on him?"

Julis slightly frowned at the voices of such a gallery.

She was not going easy on him at all. But that didn't also mean she was fighting at full strength; she was seriously fighting her opponent.

In fact, no matter how one looked at it, Julis was the one predominant. On the other hand, Ayato, who was defending since the beginning, could not even decently get close to her.

Since it was Julis's basic tactic to suppress her opponent with overwhelming firepower, while keeping her distance, one could only say it was all according to the plan.

This fine sword <Aspera Spina> was to the bitter end for checks when it came to close range combat.

--However, Julis felt a strong sense of incongruity. She did not know what it was. She just knew that something did not feel right.

It might be a fact that she had the upper hand, but his response was somehow dull. And Ayato, even if barely, fully dodged all of Julis' attacks.

For an instant, she thought that Ayato might be going easy on her, but seeing his figure, which greatly gasped for breath, she reconsidered that it did not seem to be acting.

She was feeling a sense of incongruity, and yet at the same time her interest was perked, even if only a little.

Surveying his figure again, there was still the boyish innocence left and his features looked good in his own way.

Though he had a somewhat slender physique, looking at his agility, she understood that he was well trained.

Even though they were fighting, his brown eyes were calm, and Ayato wore a slightly easygoing atmosphere. One might say that he was carefree.

"Errr, Julis...-san? Will you soon forgive me?"

While finally catching his breath and lowering his eyebrows, Ayato raised both his hands.

"Julis is fine. So, may I take that as a declaration of surrendering intentionally?"

"Well, that is... No, to begin with, I had no intention of fighting."

"Well, I don't mind, but in that case, do you want to be slowly and carefully roasted as a pervert by me, or do you after all want to hand it to the vigilance committee of the girl's dormitory? By the way, the underwear thief who was caught by the vigilance committee the other day was only able to speak about the result of the 'Punishment', and after leaving the room also seemed to suffer from a mental condition."

"...I think I will do my best a bit longer."

Ayato set up the sword again while having a stiff smile.

It's fine like this.

At this rate, even Julis won't be satisfied with this.

'I must ascertain the real nature of that sense of incongruity at all costs'. Making up her mind, Julis concentrated her PranaStar-Power.

The PranaStar-Power was the root of the power of the Genestella<Starpulse Generation>. It was something like an invisible aura, but one could raise his offensive or defensive abilities by concentrating it. And for the Strega<Witch> or Danchi<Magician> like Julis, it was also an energy necessary for the activation of their ability.

In fact, due to the nature of their ability, Strega<Witch> or Danchi<Magician> must use their PranaStar-Power in their ability, the ratio of the PranaStar-Power to invest in defense by all means would lower, and in hand-to-hand combat, that also tended to become a weak point and thus disadvantageous.

But, such a thing, unless one got closer, was a resolved problem.

"Come into bloom -- AmaryllisSix-Petal Burst Firebloom!"

'I won't miss this time.'

As a huge fire ball appeared before Julis, the gallery stirred.

It was the same technique she used to kick out Ayato from her room, but it was twice as big this time.

"That's not good! It's her best move!"

"Wai-, it’s not a joke!"

"Retreat, retreat!"

Even if one was caught and injured, it would be of course at their own risk. The gallery hastily retreated further.

Julis, without looking at such curious onlookers, instantly calculated the most optimal trajectory and released the fire ball. Though Ayato bent his waist and stood ready, just before he dodged, Julis tightly clenched her fist.

"Explode!"

"...!"

Upon command, the fireball exploded in front of Ayato's eyes.

Even if it was difficult to make it hit directly, it would be impossible to completely dodge it if the explosion occurred at this distance. If caught in this explosion at point-blank range, Genestella<Starpulse Generation> or not, he would not be able to move for a while.

The visibility was lost due to the raging flames. While protecting her face from the thunderous blast, Julis was convinced of her victory.

--However.

"Amagiri Dragon Arts First Sword Fighting Skill -- Twin Water Dragons!"

As what one would think looked like a sword slash flashed, the flame petals were torn up crosswise.

"Wha-... Don't tell me, the Meteor ArtsFalling Stars Arts?"

The Meteor ArtsFalling Stars Arts was a skill which temporarily raised the output of the LuxShining Type Armament by pouring the PranaStar-Power into the Mana Dite.

It was officially known as "over-excitation total response phenomenon", but it was not something that could be learnt in a day.

A suitable training, and above all thorough adjustments of the LuxShining Type Armament were required.

If it was pulled off with just a borrowed LuxShining Type Armament --

The next moment when Julis felt something close to a shiver, a black shadow which appeared from the break of the flame closed the distance in one breath.

Once she recognized that the shadow was Ayato, he had already jumped into her bosom.

It was an incredible speed. It was in another league compared to his movements up to now.

--For an instant, Ayato had a feeling that something like spark of light was scattered around him, but he could not be concerned with that.

"Y-You!"

Julis who reflexively tried to attack, was struck by Ayato's sharp voice.

"Get down!"

Before Julis understood what was going on, she was pushed down.

Ayato's face was within a hair's breadth and her heart leapt.

The light that dwelt in those eyes was earnest, as if it was a different person.

"Y-You, what are you...!"

Still, raising her voice in protest -- she unintentionally opened her eyes wide.

There was a shining arrow stuck in the ground where Julis had been standing until now.

It was not a physical item. It was something created by a LuxShining Type Armament.

The LuxShining Type Armament temporarily concentrated Mana, and generated a blade or a bullet. The maintained weapon did not have any problem keeping it's shape within the activation tool, like a sword; however a ranged weapon could not maintain it's form for long once fired. It became particles of light and faded away before her eyes.

"What are you doing?"

It was obviously an attack aimed at Julis.

It was probably a planned surprise attack under the cover of the explosion. In fact, whatever had been shooting from wherever, it must not have been noticed by anyone at the time. Though extremely reluctant admit this, if Ayato hadn't saved her, it would have completely succeeded.

"What am I doing?...I don't want to hear that from the person who was shooting at me."

Ayato answered, just as troubled.

"Not that! What exactly with my --"

As she spoke up to that point, realization struck.

Someone’s hand had grabbed Julis' developing bulges with all his might.

In fact, it was not just anyone.

Since at this point it could not just be anyone, but Ayato who bent over as he tightly hugged Julis, he would inevitably be the owner of that hand.

As soon as she realized it, Julis's face dimly dyed red.

"...Ah."

Ayato who then also realized, hurriedly jumped back and lowered his head.

"So-Sorry! No, errr, I didn’t have such an intention at all!"

It was a deja vu.

"Oh! What that bastard, he pushed down the princess!"

"Hugh! He has guts!"

"It’s a passionate approach."

The gallery who came back without anyone noticing got excited at its own convenience.

That again enflamed Julis' anger.

"Y-Y-Y-You...!"

In response to Julis' anger, flame flowed around her.

She could not control her PranaStar-Power because of excessive anger.

Ayato without being able to voice his defense, was only able to frantically shake his head.

--And.

"Yes, yes, we will leave it at that."

Together with a calm, profound voice, a dry slap rang out.

References

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