Chapter 1: Cutting the Gordian Knot Part 1

Osaka Bay City - a city planning project discarded halfway. Ordinarily a ghost town with nary a soul to be seen, its symbol of ruination -the Bay Dome- was now packed to capacity with uncounted numbers of people: all having come to watch the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, the festival of Japans knight apprentices.

You were the one who wanted somethin like this four-on-one! Show us a good time, Crimson Princess!

Time for Akatsuki to show us their stuff too!

Dont lose to them, Mikoto-chan!

The start signal for Block Bs fourth match -the match with the unprecedented four-versus-one rule- had already been sounded.

The excitement at this irregularity had swiftly whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

But this sentiment was limited to the stands.

At the heart of that whirlwind of excitement, Yui Tatara of Akatsuki Gakuens heart burned with a different emotion from where she was within the ring.

And that emotion was rage.

How dare she belittle me!

Naturally, that rage was directed at Stella.

She had been the one to suggest a four versus one. In other words, she believed that she could put herself at a numbers disadvantage and still be able to defeat them. Leaving aside Stellas original opponent Mikoto Tsuruya, who would have wished for this situation anyway, this was a favorable development for they who were here to dominate the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival. But for Yui, who had been forced onstage, this could not be more annoying - being looked down upon to this extent unbearably so.

Ill make you regret thinking so highly of yourself!

ey, Hiraga. This is an official match. Theyll write it off as an accident even if I kill my opponent, no?

Fufufu. Yes, of course. Our client will understand - Tsukikage is himself a knight, after all.

Gigigi. Then Im not gonna go easy on er!

Having obtained the consent of Hiraga, who was serving as the match overseer, she bared a fanged grin.

No holdin' back this time! Eat yer fill, Sweeping Centipede!

As she grinned, she reared back the starter cord of her Chainsaw-shaped Device, Sweeping Centipede.

The limb-like blades whirred to life with a sound like as to the ear-piercing shrieks of the fallen. Wielding her wailing weapon aloft, Yui gouged up the ring even as she rushed toward Stella.

Akatsuki Gakuens Yui Tatara is on the offensive, a strong a assault without any hesitation! On the other hand, Stella is...wha-?!

Suddenly, the commentator was rendered speechless.

The reason lay in Stellas hands.

Stella has yet to materialize her Device! What is the meaning of this?!

Similarly, an outcry ran through the stands.

The hell re ya doin! Draw your blade!

Hey now, hasnt the signal to begin been sounded? Could it be that she doesnt understand Japanese?

No, its in English. But then, why hasnt she drawn?

They did not understand why Stella had not drawn her weapon to face her opponent.

But even as this doubt hung all about, the battle was afoot.

Her body hugging the ground, long black hair trailing behind her like a serpent, she closed on Stella, and with a cry of-

Die!!!

-aimed a brutal strike at her undefended head with Sweeping Centipede.

It was too broad a stroke, too straightforward an attack - hardly any trouble to Stella, who possessed athleticism far beyond the norm.

With the slightest sway backwards she evaded the screaming saw.

Gyaaaa!!!

But Yui seemed unfazed by the evasion, employing her strength in a series of reckless swings. Her craft was graceless, her swordsmanship like children playing at samurai. But her weapon, the chainsaw, made all the difference. As a blade that was powered by magic, it required no technique - even the mere kiss of that saw sliced and splintered the specially-made flooring of the ring as it made for Stella.

Tatara dispensing with defense for an amazing offense-! Wielding her chainsaw mightily, she attacks and attacks!

However unrefined the swordsmanship, it would be difficult to continually evade that number of attacks.

Stella had to meet it with her sword.

But despite that, she had yet to draw Laevateinn.

Tataras firing on all cylinders here! Shes pursuing Stella, giving her no breathing room! What a prodigious assault, its almost like a tornado! Her technique is quite raw, and as such there are many openings to be exploited...but Stella is still empty-handed!

Uwaa! That timing there was really risky!

Is Tatara gradually beginning to grasp her movements?

Its scary just watching! Just hurry up and draw your sword!

Her opponent had come out all guns blazing from the starting signal, and yet Stella persisted in not drawing her blade - her actions filled the stadium with voices of confusion.

What on earth could she be thinking, they wondered.

But their doubts would be answered by the man in the analyst seat - ex-King of Knights A-League participant Muroto.

Shes most likely measuring her opponents attack timing.

Measuring...attack timings?

In this mornings third Block B match, Tatara had been up against Renteis Niidome. His axe strike was repelled by an unseen force, and she took advantage of the huge knock-back to slash and thus defeat him. Her ability is definitely the reflection of force - an incredibly potent combat-oriented power. One could leave a huge opening and thus self-destruct if one simply swings recklessly at her

...and given Stellas offensive power, it will not simply suffice to call it an opening.

After all, Yui Tataras Noble Art Total Reflect was an ability that grew in proportion to the power of her opponents offensive strength. If Stellas exceptional strength were to be reflected, it would not be strange to see her arms shattered.

In any case, one needs to get around the reflection process in order to defeat Reflectors like Yui Tatara. As such, Stellas strategy of observing her opponents timing while not materializing her Device or letting her opponent read her own attacks is a correct one.

In other words, she intends to hide her cards till the very last moment, before defeating Tatara in a single blow before she can use her ability. That is Stellas strategy, am I right?

That is how Id see it, yes.

Seated in the stands, Stellas friend Alice recalled a certain event at Murotos words.

Somehow, she reminds me of Ikki at that time. Do you remember, Shizuku?

I never forget anything about Onii-sama. You refer to the time we fought Rebellion at the shopping mall, dont you?

That was before the intra-school selection matches.

While the four of them had been out at the shopping mall, they had been attacked by a group of looters from Rebellion. Their leader had been a man named Bishou, who wielded an ability very similar to Yuis.

At that time, Stella had been right beside Onii-sama - she definitely remembers his strategy from having seen it.

At that time, Ikki had executed a slash exceeding Bishous dynamic vision while concealing his blade, and thus broke through his Reflect. Avoiding the Reflect using a super-high speed attack that surpassed the Reflectors reaction speed was an effective - and indeed the right way to go about dealing with a Reflector opponent.

However, there is a problem if Stella wants to imitate Ikki.

And that problem would be?

White-robed Knight Yakushi Kiriko, who had remained with them after watching the match between Ikki and Moroboshi together, asked.

Speed. Certainly, Stella-chans is a greatsword that boasts unrivalled destructive power, but its speed is far from that of Ikkis Raikou. Moreover, since it spans a humans height in length its swing has to be broader. Can it really produce a speed that rivals Raikous, I wonder.

No, even if she is indeed able to do that, can she really deceive Rebellions famed hitman, the Unturning...?

Having once been a part of Rebellion himself under the moniker Black Assassin, Alice was ill at ease.

His unease would not fail to take a turn for the worse, for as she chased Stella about about wielding her chainsaw Yui let out a small chuckle.

This idiotic woman!

She scorned her opponents shallowness and folly.

Well of course I would have no time to activate my ability if I am defeated before I can recognize what is going on.

This was the right line of thought, but-

-doncha dare rope me in with the likes of that lil punk Bishou. I was raised in a clan of killers who served Rebellion from generation to generation - tried and tested hitmen!

She was different from Bishou, who had stepped onto crooked paths for his own enjoyment.

She was raised to be a killer natural born. There was nothing good or evil about that. The training had been fierce: in order to train her to be able to use Total Reflect whenever and wherever, her own father had constantly tried to kill her since she was three.

Those sleepless days where a bullet could fly at her at any moment went on for ten years, giving her eye-bags nigh impossible to get rid of...and also a focus and dynamic vision sufficient to perceive every single bullet in a hail of gunfire.

Thus, gunshots, explosions, cuts, even the skills Blazers used-

-she could reflect any threat, chasing down her target step by inexorable step till it was eliminated.

It was this fighting style that had earned her the moniker of Unturning.

Her eyes were such that she had been able to perceive clearly Ikkis show of Edelweiss swordsmanship.

Thus, it was impossible to deceive The Unturning Killer.

Regardless of how one tried to hide their aggression, waiting for an opportunity to strike - that moment would never come.

And anyway, I have no reason to play along with an opponent whos got no options!

Rinna! Get her-!

She roared hoarsely, calling to a young lady astride a black lion who had managed to creep up behind Stella while she had busied herself dodging Yuis wild blows - Beast Tamer Rinna Kazamatsuri.

Do not presume to give me orders! I have no need of your words!

So she rebutted, but nonetheless acted as Tatara had desired.

When it wore the Collar of Subordination, Kazamatsuris Device, her lion became able to utilize a Noble Arts - in this case, manipulating the concept of stoppage.

Cower! Kings Pressure!

Guuooohhhhh-!!!!

Tch!

A sonic blast came at Stella from behind her, right from her blind spot.

Her attention being drawn by Yui, she could not evade this blow. From the wide-open jaws of the lion issued forth a torrent of sound that struck her full-on, stripping her of all mobility.

Aaah! This is bad! Stellas been caught by the Beast Tamers Noble Art, Kings Pressure, the same one that robbed Bunkyoku Academys Komashiro of the ability to move in the first round! Theres no way Tatara will let this critical opportunity pass!

Ill finish ya before you ever draw! Just keep cowering there and die!"

Sawblades screamed as they drew a horizontal arc towards Stella, unable to move due to Kings Pressure, and struck home right in her defenseless midsection.

Raaaahh!!!

With a mighty swing, Yui blew Stella away.

Then-

Kings Charge!

-another strike came in as insurance.

It was the charge of a magically-empowered lion, a beast that already possessed physical mass and strength far surpassing that of man.

As such, it was only to be expected that Stella, weighing only as much as a normal girl, was knocked back with ease, bouncing like a rubber ball across and out of the ring.

The force sent her into the concrete wall just below the spectator stands, and with a crash and a cloud of plaster a portion of the masonry came crumbling down.

A, a keen blow! Tatara and Kazamatsuri with the clean one-two punch! Stella was blown right out of the ring - terrible, terrible damage!

Uwaa...that was horrible!

...Is she dead?

The stands were silenced as they witnessed something in a way more grotesque than a bloodletting: a human being blasted away like a bullet.

In that strange silence, the PA system started the ring-out countdown. If she was unable to return to the ring within ten counts, she would be judged as having lost by Ring-Out.

Stellas form cannot be made out, buried under that pile of dust and debris as she is. But that wall should have been able to withstand a direct hit from a tank cannon - that it is broken speaks volumes of the severity of the damage she must have taken is clear. Will she be able to make it back into the ring within ten counts?!

Hey, hey, get it together!

I was all hyped up to see what the famed Crimson Princess would be like too...

A four-versus-one was too reckless after all! She was so easily hit from behind!

You can hear the disappointment in the stands! It cant be helped - who could have expected that the Crimson Princess, a hot favorite to win it all, would be in such danger of defeat so easily?

Muroto shook his head at these words.

No. In any case this much was not unexpected. Rather, it was a matter of course.

Wh, what do you mean, Muroto-pro?

Im saying that fighting multiple opponents alone is this difficult. If we go by the numbers, it is a four-on-one, but if we factor in the difference in the number of attacks, the kinds of tactics that could arise from the different mix of abilities and thought processes, the difference in battle-strength does not follow the numbers. It could even be five or ten times more than that. The Crimson Princess can indeed be said to be at the level of one-in-a-million, but despite that this handicap is not light - the fact that she was hit from behind so easily is proof. Moreover, this field is also an issue.

This field, you say?

Yes. As you can see, the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festivals ring is a flat circle without any cover whatsoever. There is nowhere to hide oneself, or anywhere to conceal ones movements. This environment lends itself well to those who would assert the numbers advantage. The gap in power increases yet more when one factors this in as well.

So this result was expected, you mean.

Muroto nodded slightly.

Its fine to be confident, but going up against four people at once is recklessness, plain and simple. Vermillion is a brilliant A-Rank Knight, but her opponents are far from pushovers.

The Crimson Princess had underestimated the terrors of a battle against numbers.

Shizuku made a bitter face as she listened to Murotos analysis from her place in the spectator stands.

What on earth is that woman doing?!

Shizuku

Im an idiot - when she confidently asked for that four-versus-one match, I was actually expecting her to have gotten stronger in her training with Saikyou-sensei. To have confidence is one thing, but for her to be this careless makes no sense!

Indeed, getting taken by surprise so easily back there was too careless.

Really!

She could not help but give vent to her bubbling anger. But from where she stood, this anger was only normal. Her brothers lover, Stella, had taken that unique place in his heart that Shizuku desired...then she had just upped and left without notice to go somewhere, making him worry a great deal. That was difficult to forgive no matter what.

And to add to that, the one to come up with the suicidal modified four-versus-one rules that had to this present outcome had been none other than her. That made it even harder.

Even though she had made that promise to meet her brother in the Finals

Even though her brother had fought for that sake, overcoming a difficult foe

If she loses here...if she betrays the promise she made with Onii-sama here, Shizuku said poisonously, her small fists trembling, I will go down there into the ring and squeeze the life out of her myself!

Kurono smiled wryly from beside them at the seriousness in her voice.

I wish you wouldnt say that in front of me - I'm still a teacher, you know?

Well, she did know how much Shizuku loved her brother Ikki, and thus could understand her anger at her brothers lovers disappointing performance. If she was merely speaking in anger, Kurono would not have blamed her.

But you shouldnt blame Vermillion too much.

...Why? Shes making a laughingstock of herself out there.

Well, if you had to blame this one on anyone, it would have to be her teacher.

Her teacher?

The blame for having called for but being unable to deal with the disadvantages of a four-versus-one battle and being beaten down pathetically lay not with Stella, but rather with Saikyou.

Unable to comprehend Kuronos reasoning, Shizuku gave it some thought.

Are you saying that Saikyou-senseis teaching methods were subpar?

In response, Kurono flashed a wry smile- no, it was more the grin of the cat that got the cream, as though she was expecting something interesting to happen.

I guess this was bound to happen if shed even managed to pass on her slovenly ways. You see, that combo didnt hit Vermillion because she was careless, but because she found it too tiresome to dodge.

Eh?

In that instant, it happened.

With a crash that resounded throughout the stadium, a huge piece of rubble that might have weighed a ton was sent rocketing into the sky from where it had lain atop Stella.

Wha-!

At that sound, Shizukus eyes returned to the ring.

Naturally, the one who had knocked it away was Stella, who had been buried underneath. Having swept away the debris atop her with a skyward straight from her right fist, she leapt lightly back into the ring - just in time for the count of eight...

...and with nary a scratch on her from either the charge or the cut to the stomach, she casually swept the remaining dust from her uniform.

...Hmm. Thats all youve got, huh, she said, as though having understood something.

Wh-whaaaaaat?! Having taken direct hits from both the Kings Charge and the Sweeping Centipede, Stella was hurled from the ring! On the count of eight, she leisurely returns to the ring - and, and...beyond her uniform being torn up in several places, she hasnt a scratch on her! What on earth is this?!

Her unharmed state threw both the commentator and the audience alike into uproarious confusion.

But Yui, who had attacked her, already knew what the reason was.

Earlier, when her horizontal sweep had swept into Stellas stomach, she had not felt it tear into her flesh at all. Sweeping Centipedes revolving blades had sliced open her uniform, but had failed to eat into her skin.

Why?

The reason was magical power.

Earlier, in the battle between the Worst One and the Seven Stars Sword King, Moroboshi Yuudai had ensorceled an armor made of his own mana to use as a barrier against impacts. The power of such barriers was dependent on the amount of mana its user possessed.

Crimson Princess Stella Vermillions mana pool could be considered among the best in the entire world.

Thus the barrier that she subconsciously erected about herself was far from ordinary, strong enough to allow her to take full-blooded blows from Yui and Rinna head-on and yet cancel out all the damage she should have taken.

Stella had realized this, and as such had stopped dodging conscientiously. She did not feel the need to.

This truth wounded Yuis pride deeply.

You bastard...just how much did you look down on me, playing along like that

Dont make such a scary face, Stella said unapologetically, this couldnt be helped. After all, my opponent up till yesterday was the strongest knight in the Pan-Pacific region.

In all honesty, Stella was not the sort to intentionally humiliate her opponent.

They were simply on different planes.

After all, the one training Stella this whole week had been one of the strongest people in the world, the Yaksha Princess, a Gravity User who boasted such outrageous offensive power that she could pull a meteorite from beyond the atmosphere at two times escape velocity.

Thus, no matter how she tried she could not feel any sense of danger against this opponent, and because she could feel any danger it became tiresome to evade each and every attack.

When Kurono said that the fault lay with Saikyou, this was what she had meant.

This was, however, but one of the reasons.

Stella had another important reason for not resisting and allowing Yui to hit her.

Moreover, I wanted to confirm something before going on the offensive.

Confirm something?

Yes. I wanted to see what level of knights you are.

She could not leave this step out. After all-

If I were to unleash my full strength thoughtlessly, you could all die.

Tch!

Yes. Stella understood. She understood the extent of her strength.

If wielded against humans, her ability was nothing short of somewhat gratuitous brutality, to the point where reducing human life to ash was a thing of ease. So she had to be aware of the opponent she had to fight at all times, taking care so as to not burn them to death, even if they were a hated enemy who had hurt her friends.

Akatsuki owes us some revenge, and I wont rest till Ive gotten it. I dont intend to kill you.

She felt less than at peace with this, but above that-

But...thats because I dont see the value in doing that for you. You would indiscriminately display your intent to kill to anyone, but there is only one person in this world that I would value fighting as a knight, one opponent that I would give my all against.

There was only one such man so special, who could inspire such feeling and passion in Stella that she would forsake noblesse-oblige and fight him at her full strength.

Thats why I sought to ascertain your strength, be sure of your level - so I can know how far I must go to break you without killing you.

By this point, she had grasped the gist of it.

If she put herself into third gear, she could probably just about accommodate them. Keeping this in mind, she finally materialized her Device, Laevateinn.

Im going to attack from here on out.

In an instant, a heat wave billowed out around her, warping the very air. It was an overwhelming presence, as though the summer sun had drew near to the earth - the presence of a knight far from ordinary.

But Yui was unafraid.

Interestin...Come at me then, if youve got the stuff!

With a roar, she kicked off the ground with all her might and attacked Stella for the third time, not caring that her attack had failed to make any dent on Stella.

Had her blood run too hot, making her forget that fact?

No.

She was well-trained. Born a killer. She had learned how to keep a cool head amid heated emotions. She was certainly surprised that her clean hit had done no damage. But a Blazers world was full of those who played against common logic. To find a Blazer who could not be harmed by direct attacks was not rare. She herself belonged to that category of Blazers, after all.

There were ways around it. This, she already understood.

My blade cant do it, but yours is a different story, ain't it?!

In that case, she only needed to reflect it. Her arrogance, her attack, the uncommon magical might that powered that attack - all of them.

Even one such as the Crimson Princess could not emerge unscathed after having her full strength reflected back at her.

Her arms would certainly be rendered unusable, and once she was wounded to that extent then Yui could take care of her at her own leisure.

For that to happen, she had to allow Stella to attack first.

Thus, Yui forged ahead straight as an arrow, baiting out that full-power attack.

Then, Ill help myself.

In response to her scheme, Stella met her directly, advancing to close the distance between them with Laevateinn brandished in her right hand as she aimed a diagonal downward slash for Yuis shoulder.

This reaction was exactly as Yui had thought.

If this slash was bounced back by Total Reflect, Stella would get a taste of her own medicine.

But right at that moment when she was about to activate Total Reflect-

Ah-?

-she smelled a rat. Her years of experience as a killer warned her that something was off.

Since Sweeping Centipede itself could deal no damage, Yui aimed to use Total Reflect to compensate. That should have been obvious.

Then why was Stella still wielding her sword to cut, like a fool?

It was a trap - that was the only possible reason.

Listening closely, the sound of the blade as it whistled through the air was too soft.

That slash had speed, but there was no strength behind it.

And from the first, Stellas weapon was a greatsword. To wield it in only one hand was by itself already odd.

No damage would be done even if she reflected this; it would push her back at the very most.

The right side is just a feint. The real strike comes from the left-!

With keen eye and swift mind Yui perceived all this with precision, that within the shadow of the falling blade a cocked fist laid in wait.

Stella likely had this plan in mind: when Yui used Total Reflect on that downward racing blade, it would knock her right side back, and in tandem her left flank would be thrust forward, sending her left fist into Yuis side at speeds beyond her ability to react.

It was a plan that had even taken her abilities and their effects into account.

And its a good one, but that don't mean jack if Ive caught on to it!

The tables had turned from the moment she had noticed the trap. The hunter was now the hunted.

To this end, Yui played Stellas script right to the hilt. The instant their blades met, she projected her Reflecting barrier from her body, distorting the vector of Stellas strike and repelling her.

And in that same moment, Stella moved exactly as Yui had anticipated.

Using the opening that had been created by the Reflection of her blade, she unleashed her surprise attack, her hidden ace: a liver shot.

Her opponent, lured by that opening, had put her full strength into that punch. Seizing the moment, Yui reactivated Total Reflect.

That was a blow that had borrowed both Stellas strength and the rotational force she had redirected from the initial Reflection on her right side to give more power to her strike from the left.

From this surely her fist, even her entire arm, would be shattered.

Having committed for the opening, Stella could not retract her fist either.

Having seen through it all, her opponent dancing in the palm of her hand, Yuis lips quirked upward in dark amusement.

Gyari-!

With the sound of flesh and bone breaking-

Gah...hak-!

Stellas left fist -that fist that should have been reflected- burrowed deep into Yuis side.

And thats one down.

Tataras body, having taken Stellas mighty blow to the side, folded in two at the waist, and with a spray of spittle and blood collapsed upon the ring floor.

A direct hit with a powerful liver shot! Tatara falls face-first to the ring. She not moving! Shes not getting up! Shes out cold! With but one single blow, Stella has brought down her opponent!

Uwaa! That was a super scary sound!

Shes bent at that weird 90-degree angle...what kind of arm strength does that girl have?

The stands too are shaken by the might of Stellas fist! Nonetheless, I wonder: from where I was, Tatara very apparently saw through her ruse, and activated her Total Reflect on her hidden left fist...so how did Stella manage to dodge Total Reflect?

The one who answered was Muroto.

She did not do anything of that sort.

Eh?!

Look at her left hand.

....!Upon seeing Stellas left hand at Murotos suggestion, the commentator could not help but cry out.Th, this!

This is horrible! Stellas left hand is all torn up, almost like its been twisted using a corkscrew! But, then this means that...

Yes. The Crimson Princess didnt avoid Total Reflect. As Tatara had foreseen, the Total Reflect did indeed shatter her left hand - she certainly hit the mark there...but for one thing. She had not expected that the Crimson Princess would follow through and hit her with that shattered arm without any regard for her injury!

Humans were most liable to let their guard down when they saw that all was going as they planned.

Yui was no exception to the rule.

When she saw that she had broken Stellas hand as planned, she had smirked.

That smirk had become her downfall.

Stella had been aiming for that very moment. Pivoting on her feet, she had brought the full strength of that fist -along with the power of Total Reflect- to bear in that blow.

There was nothing beautiful about that move. It was a breakthrough via brute force.

But even with her arm destroyed to such an extent, Stella still knocked Yui unconscious in one strike.

And it was even using a body blow, with which it was normally hard to knock a person out.

Shes insane...!

Standing and bearing witness all this while in the same ring, Kyomon Academys third year student, Icy Sneer Mikoto Tsuruya, was shaken.

Shes too strong...!

Yuis techniques, tactics...they had all been overwhelmed by that strategic-class arm strength.

And that was to say nothing of her will, that had been unafraid of the injury that she herself would receive.

A strong body, a strong mind, and the cunning to use them well.

She was simply a gem.

I dont even match up at all...

But she had to win.

The Festival was an elimination tournament - even a single loss could not be tolerated. Not even if, as though toying with her, fate had sent her the worst possible opponent for her first round match.

That was why she had shamelessly borrowed Akatsukis strength, and now that shed gone this far already, a loss was all the more an unacceptable notion.

Her pride would not allow her to accept that result no matter what.

Besides, if I pull through here, I will be able to dominate the entire B Block...!

It was with this confidence that she urged her quailing heart on.

Worry not. We will win.

A tepid, almost half-hearted attempt at a statement was voiced behind her.

The owner of that voice was the ominous, pierrot-clad man - Akatsuki Academys Puppeteer, Reisen Hiraga.

...You mean to say you have some kind of plan against a monster who wont even be hurt after taking a direct hit from a Device?

Her tone was prickly, the aura of dubiousness that he exuded making him rather unlikeable. But he did not seem to mind, instead laughing throatily.

Fufu. While it is indeed surprising that a direct hit from Yuis Sweeping Centipede failed to accomplish anything...in the end, that was merely the effect of mana itself. The Crimson Princess is not a defense-oriented Blazer, and as such breaking her barrier of mana is simple. My own ace should be able to see us victorious in one strike.

Well it sure would have been helpful if youd used it sooner.

Reisen shook his head.

While I would have very much liked to have done so, it is most regrettable that this Noble Art requires some time.

So you cant use it.

Fufu. I am ashamed. However, if we can last that long, I assure you that my ace shall break her with ease. Thus, if I may so trouble you, could you buy me a little time to until I have completed the preparations for my technique? We of Akatsuki would be rid of the troublesome Crimson Princess, while you would clear this hellish first round - it is to our mutual benefit that we should aid one another now, as people on the same team, is it not?

...

Mikoto responded with silence and a displeased furrowing of her brows.

It was his voice. There was scorn in every word he said, as though he were mocking the world and everything in it. It made her sick; just hearing it rubbed her the wrong way.

But on the other hand, he had a point. Right now, they were fighting on the same side. Cooperation would be the efficient course of action.

Moreover-

I dont have any means of beating Stella, but this guy says he does.

If only for this alone, she had no reason to refuse him.

I understand. But - I cant guarantee this will go well.

How timid.

If I did have confidence, then I wouldnt have had to rely on the cooperation of shady folk like you and your ilk.

With that said, she placed her left palm over her right eye, and swept it across to reveal a monocle - Icy Sneer Mikoto Tsuruyas Device.

Done with the hush-hush chit-chat?

Mikoto entered a stance, and beyond the rim of her monocle was the levelled gaze of the crimson-eyed knight, her red hair trailing wisps of flame.

Did you wait for us on purpose?

Yes. I came late from the first, and then -even though it was with your agreement- made you go along with my desire to vent my anger. Im really sorry about that...so Ill be more gentle on you.

Thats considerate of you. I wonder if you could considerately cede this match?

Fufu. I like your thick skin, Tsuruya-san, but thats impossible. After all, this fight is very important to me.

That so? Cant be helped then.

Yes. Im afraid the complimentary service ends there. Im coming over now. If you want to resign, the earlier the better. I will not retract my blade once Ive swung it!

With that, Stella kicked off the ground and charged towards Mikoto.

Tch-!

That embodiment of violence, that had taken down Yui without a thought for her ruined arm, was now closing in with that greatsword in her good hand. Coming to destroy her.

Nothing good would come of taking that strike on. It would most probably make all the hurts shed taken so far feel like mere tickling.

She might even die.

The fear that pierced Tsuruyas heart could paralyse her mind.

But even so, she was one of the previous years national Best Eight.

She was one of Japans elite. She would not retreat or show fear.

The magic she unleashed from her monocle -a rare sight among Devices- was one that could instantly reduce the temperature of a selected area within her vision to Absolute Zero.

Satin Ice!

A glaring light wrapped in a frigid, cutting shroud shot forth from the monocle.

This magics speciality was that its effect triggered instantly upon her focusing on a target. In other words, this magic travelled at what was effectively the speed of light.

In a split-second, the temperature around Stella fell below freezing point right through to absolute zero. Even liquid nitrogen, which was well-known to be able to freeze objects instantly, reached only around minus 200 degrees Celsius. No human could remain unharmed when exposed to temperatures even lower than that. It would freeze them right down to the marrow - their heart having stopped long before that.

No matter the terms in which one spoke of it -activation speed, range or stopping power- it was a first-rate ability.

With it Mikoto could go toe-to-toe with any of the powerhouses in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Tournament.

That was true.

Only one person-

Empress Dress

-the strongest fire user in the world, was exempt.

Turning the entirety of the utterly frozen atmosphere into steam under extreme heat, she caused it to dissipate before the raiment of roiling flames that was clad about her.

As I thought, thats how that would go, huh.

In truth, Mikoto had known it would turn out this way.

Satin Ice was at its simplest the manipulation of temperature. Fire users on the other hand could raise temperatures, thus making it hard for this technique to beat them. If those two abilities were to clash, then the difference between victory and defeat lay with each individuals mana pool.

In this, the Crimson Princess Stella Vermillion was unmatched, and as such Mikoto stood no chance from the beginning.

But she had managed to slow her down, just for a moment.

And thats more than sufficient to fulfill my role!

Tear my enemies asunder, Sphinx!

Gooohhhh!!!!

Having waited on the sidelines away from Stella, Rinna now took advantage of the momentary pause in her movements and struck out with Kings Pressure.

Yes. One moment was enough.

If she but stopped Stella for a moment, Rinna could land a clean hit with Kings Pressure, rendering Stella immobile.

The lion leapt into pursuit immediately, aiming for her head. Earlier, its blow had done no damage - that must have been quite a blow to its pride as the King of Beasts, for even without Rinnas orders it opened its mouth wide, preparing to crush Stellas head between its fanged jaws.

Even Stella could not possibly emerged unharmed from being mauled by a lion as large as an elephant and empowered by magic as it was.

If it went through, this would decide the battle.

But even as that faint expectation blossomed within Mikoto-

Gaaaaoohhh!!!!!

-Stella led out a sudden earthshaking roar aimed at the black lion the Beast Tamer commanded.

!?!?!?

The lion came to a dead halt just as it was about to lay into her.

As though it itself were affected by the Kings Pressure.

S, Sphinx?! What ails?! Rinna berated the beast at its sudden disobedience. Wherefore did you cease?!

But even so, the lion did not budge.

Why? The answer was simple. Animals in the wild walked far closer with death than humans did. The strong devoured the weak. This was how that lion had lived long before Rinna had ever tamed it.

Thus, it understood, could not help but recognize the vision that hovered behind that young woman.

That vision of a towering, winged dragon.

The crimson-haired girl before it was by far a superior predator.

There was no way it could intimidate her, for how could a mere cat frighten a dragon?

Thus, upon meeting a predator whose capabilities far surpassed its own, wild animals would choose only to do one thing.

Run.

Nyaaaaaaa~n-!!!

Eh?! Kyaau-!

Oh dear! What is this! The lion that should have been controlled by the Beast Tamers Collar of Subordination, having been defeated by Stellas intimidation, has fled with its tail literally tucked between its legs, leaving its master in the lurch! And even now, Stella strikes at the defenseless Kazamatsuri-!

Once again, Stella brandished her sword in her right hand alone as she put her full weight into a diagonal slash.

It was a broad stroke that leveraged on momentum alone, but having been thrown from atop the lion Rinna had landed on her bottom.

There was no way she could dodge that.

The same heavy hand of Stellas that had taken Yui out in a single strike fell upon Rinna, hitting not only her but also collapsing a portion of the ring itself.

It was unmistakably a killing blow.

...

But Stella did not count to two.

The reason for that was a voice that spoke from within the dust cloud churned up by that explosive impact.

Even in my dreams, Crimson Princess, I did not think that during these parlor games I would be forced to lean on mine favored right hand, and thus bring forth my sin-drenched, fell-branded knight - she whose form was blessed by powers dark: the Sealing Arts of Accursed King!

My lady means to say Thanks, Charlotte, you saved me! No, no my lady, you need not thank me. I am your personal maid, and also your sword and shield.

As the wind carried the dust away, it gradually ceased to veil the eyes, and what had transpired in the ring became clear to all.

Stellas blade had failed to reach Rinna.

The ground beneath her feet broken and cracked, the apron-clad maid Charlotte Cord stood between Stella and her master...

...having stopped Laevateinn with but a single index finger.

Wh, what, this is bad! A Blazer from within the stands has stepped in, coming to Kazamatsuris aid!

Isnt that the maid thats always with her?

Its a foul! Umpire, call it!

The sudden entrance of the the stoic maid threw the entire dome into an uproar.

Once the referee halted the match, they would then await the judgement of the Organizing Committee. This was procedure, but-

Wh, what is going on here? The commentator cried out disbelievingly.The referee has not stopped the match!

But there was a reason for this, of course.

Of course. There werent any rules being broken, anyway.

Muroto-pro, how is that?

Look at that girls neck.

Even as he said this, the Domes cameras zoomed in on Charlottes neck, and as that image was broadcasted on the giant monitors in the Dome, everyone understood what Muroto had meant.

Th, thats indeed the same Collar of Subordination that the lion the Beast Tamer rode wore! I, I say!

Yes. And like that lion, that girl has become the Device of the Beast Tamer, the Blazer that controls others. As such, there was no reason to stop the match.

Well, the role of umpires are taken up by experienced mage knights. They rarely miss such a thing.

In the first place, Blazers were capable of detecting the ambient mana surrounding an object. Rinnas mana permeated Charlotte, a non-Blazer, just as it had the lion. So even without having to look at her collar, Stella knew that she was one of the Beast Tamers chess pieces.

I see...I thought you werent a normal maid, but to think that you were Rinnas real Device, her ace, huh.

I am Charlotte Cord. I shall be in you care from here on.

Flicking Laevateinn backwards with her index finger, she hitched up the edges of her skirt and curtsied, full of elegance and grace.

But instead of returning the greeting-

Save the pleasantries, if you please!

-Stella brandished Laevateinn, once again striking at Charlotte.

Bloom, Ichirin Junka!

With a harsh, ringing clang, she once again stopped the blade with her opened hand.

Was she made of steel? No, this was an act of magic.

This was the ability that Charlotte could unleash thanks to Beast Tamer Kazamatsuri Rinnas Device, the Collar of Subordination, which could transform animals and non-Blazers into Blazers.

Stella saw through this in the two blows they had exchanged.

Tch...its like hitting steel. It looks like you blocked it with your bare hands, but if one looks closely, there is a one millimeter gap between your skin and the blade. So the ability that you are able to use under Rinnas influence is the projection of a defensive barrier.

Very observant of you, Charlotte praised her earnestly for having hit the mark.

At the same time, the space between the blade and her hand glowed with peach-pink hue, forming a flower-shaped shield.

You have good eyes, Crimson Princess, to have been able to see through my ability after only having gone two rounds with me. However, you were wrong about one thing.

What would that be?

My Ichirin Junka is not an ability specialized in defense.

Then, repelling the blade she had parried using Ichirin Junka-

Flower Blade - Ryuuzetsuran!

A blade-like barrier formed in her two hands, and she let fly that blade toward Stella.

Tch!

Her stance broken as her blade was repelled, this was not an attack Stella could avoid normally. but in a flash of inspiration she did not seek to correct her stance but instead leaned further back into a backflip, evading Charlottes slash.

She did not quite make it, however. The blade shallowly nicked her face - the skin that had withstood the chainsaw-shaped Sweeping Centipede without blemish.

And Charlottes onslaught did not stop there. Like a bloodhound in a frenzy she pursued Stella, who responded with a horizontal sweep of her blade, meaning to counter her with that.

Now, Charlotte could do two things in response. She could halt her advance to evade the blade, or she could halt her advance and use Ichirin Junkan to block it. Either way, she would have to stop - and this was enough for Stella.

However, Charlottes response was literally one level above.

She took flight.

She did not leap; instead, Ichirin Junkan had bloomed at her heels as she soared into the air. Now directly above Stella, the petals of that flower wrapped themselves about her right leg, and with an elegant flip she aimed an axe kick right for Stellas head.

Having missed with her sweeping slash, Stellas right arm and blade were in an over-extended position, leaving her no time to bring them up to defend her head. Seeing no choice in the matter, she squeezed out what strength she could into the shoulder of her broken left arm, using her somewhat less damaged upper arm to take the brunt of the axe kick.

But this blow was even more brutal than the ones before it, easily snapping the bones of her upper arm.

Kuh!

Do you now understand? Like this, the impenetrable toughness that yielded not an inch to your strike becomes a slender blade, and a hammer that strikes harder than any steel.

Charlotte said this even as Stellas faced wrenched from the agony of having her bones broken.

This was why she was both Rinnas sword and shield.

But Stella was not the sort of woman to be tamed by one or two broken bones.

Empress Dress!

While that was a mighty blow, Charlotte had made a poor move. Using close-combat maneuvers on Stella that involved bodily contact was close to suicidal.

Summoning the fiery raiment about herself, she raised its output to the maximum.

The flames ran up her forearm and onto Charlottes leg, and then her whole body was aflame. Stellas flames too were magical, and they would not abate unless she dismissed them, or was herself dismissed from life.

Thus, it was a decisive error for an opponent to allow themselves to catch on fire at her hands.

And yet-

...Its not working?!

-this logic fell flat in the face of Charlotte.

Despite being shrouded in the roaring flames, her stoic mask did not break.

Her barrier did not merely shield her from impact, but was also her mighty aegis against heat and electricity. Wrapped around her whole body as it was, it completely shut out the extreme temperatures of the Empress Dress.

Ah. Additionally-

Disregarding Stellas counterattack, Charlotte continued to pursue her own assault. Using Stellas left arm as a platform, she launched herself into the air.

I am also her gun.

Ichirin Junka materialized as tens of long, sleek blades that she gripped between her fingers in a fan shape before hurling them at Stella.

She's using her barrier like shuriken!

She had already experienced the keenness of her barrier first hand.

It would be troublesome if she was hit by them.

Yaaaaah!

Judging thus, she swung Laevateinn with all her might, blasting the hail of shurikens away with the force of a sonic boom, swirling up a gale like with a giant Uchiwa fan.

What a terrifying sword-arm. That strike was an imposing sight.

But then something happened that was outside Stellas expectations.

Around ten or so of those blades, sent flying every which way, were now streaking towards the stands.

U, uwaaaa! This is bad! Stray shots incoming!

Everyone, run!

Many rose from their seats at the sight of the incoming projectiles.

This was a natural reaction: after all, none of the audience members who did not possess magic could stand against Ichirin Junka, that had even been able to wound someone guarded by such powerful magic as Stella was.

Please do not leave your seats, a commanding voice rang out, stopping those who had stood up.You would be in more danger if you moved.

The Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival was an event that showcased modern magicians wielding supernatural power. There were already measures in place to ensure the crowds safety and eliminate. There were powerful mage knights waiting in the wings all across the stands to shoot down such stray fire.

And the one assigned to wait in the area about to be bombarded by Ichirin Junka was World Clock Kurono Shinguuji, the Director of Hagun Academy and A-Rank Mage Knight.

Materializing the silver gun Ennoia, she leveled its barrel at the ten or so blades that were inbound.

Clock Draw.

A single gunshot rang out.

Yes. Only one - but it was sufficient to ensure that not a single blade reached the stands as they were all knocked clean out of the air.

Eh?! What was that?

Its her trademark Clock Draw. Stopping time for an instant, she uses that time to pelt her target with a hail of bullets! Look at her feet!

Uwa, for real! Look at that mountain of casings!

Amazing!

Kuronos brilliant technique met with applause from the stands, and in the midst of that clapping-

As expected of the Knight who was originally ranked 3rd in the K.O.K League, huh.

It was a gentle voice, and one that Kurono knew when she heard it. Turning her head, she laid eyes upon a black-haired young man approaching while himself clapping.

It was the Worst One, Ikki Kurogane.

Your skills havent rusted at all since your days of active service.

Ha. Theres been no reason to become dull, thats all there is to it. This is part of our job as teachers after all.

With her reply, Ikkis friends too became aware of his return.

Ikki!

O, Onii-sama! How are your injuries?

Im fine now, Shizuku. The doctor at the sick bay used magic to patch up my wounds earlier.

You didnt use a Capsule, but got people to heal you with magic? Kiriko pursed her lips, as though sulking. You could have just asked, and I would have done that for you.

Ikki scratched his head uneasily.

Well, you still have a match later, Yakushi-san. I couldnt possibly ask you for a favor like that.

As much as she thought of herself as a doctor before she was a knight, it went against all common logic for a knight before a match to use magic willy-nilly for their own personal use.

But Onii-sama, didnt you use Ittou Shura during your match? Doesnt it hurt just standing up?

Well, I cant say it isnt difficult, but Im more concerned about this match. Id feel worse just lying there.

So saying, he made his way next to Kurono before looking down at the ring. At the match his lover, who had promised to meet him in the finals, was in.

To feel that he had to watch was normal.

Understanding her brothers feelings, she held her words of concern for his health in and did not push him.

By the way, Kurogane, what do you think of the match so far?

Well, it all looks to have gone as expected right now. The Icy Sneer was always of opposing elements with Stella, and was no match magically. And while Reflectors are indeed the bane of power types like Stella, she isnt the sort of knight who would be pinned down by only one technique. Nonetheless

As he replied, his eyes drifted over to the outskirts of the ring, where the Puppeteer Reisen Hiraga stood, spookily unmoving, keeping his distance from Stella.

It seems it might get messy from here - that man is giving off an ominous aura. I wouldnt claim to know what he is doing, but I sense an uncanny amount of focus. Taking him down before he finishes whatever he is preparing for would be best.

Everyone present would agree with Ikki. They could all feel Reisens eerie aura.

But that was not all.

From their birds-eye vantage point, one could see all the combatants movements. It was clear as day that, Mikoto Tsuruya included, the Akatsuki camp were all moving to defend him.

He was their ace, no doubt about it.

In that case, it was best to nip his plan in the bud as soon as possible. This was the unspoken consensus of all present, and it was surely on Stellas mind as well.

However, that looks to be difficult.

I wonder what you mean by that, Director?

Alice asked.

Kurono pointed. Look.

There, at the edge of the stands, was a glimmering object embedded deep into the concrete.

It was one of the Ichirin Junka blades that she had shot down using Clock Draw.

I brought it down in a spot where no one is, but look. Theres not a scratch on it - thats unnatural toughness. I havent ever met a Barrier User this good, not even in the K.O.K. A-League. This might be Vermillion we speak of, but breaking through that with just her right hand is going to be difficult...in fact, that maid may even be able to block Vermillions strongest attack - Kalsariteo Salamandra.

Kuronos unease was, unfortunately, right on the mark.

Stella attacks again and again, but to no avail! She is unable to break through the frighteningly redoubtable defenses of Beast Tamer Rinna Kazamatsuris ace, Charlotte Cord! In fact, Charlottes counterattacks are blunting her assault bit by bit!

If her left arm were usable, she could probably go up against that barrier, but she cant use it to hold her sword right now. The Crimson Princess is in a tough spot.

Just as the commentator and analyst had said, Stellas attacks had so far failed to make a dent in Ichirin Junkas guard. On the other hand, Charlottes consistent counterattacks were wearing her down.

Anyone could see that the match was not going well for her.

Stellas shoulders drooped as she sighed.

My, my...you really are outrageously tough. All those slashes did nothing whatsoever. It seems that as expected, nothing will come of using one hand.

Unproductive actions sapped the spirit as much if not more than the body, and an exhausted spirit lacked strength. At Stellas weak tone, Charlotte felt sure that the battle was within her grasp.

A little more. Just a little more, and this knight would fall.

There was no need to wait till the Puppeteers Noble Art was ready.

Of course. Protecting my lady is the reason for my existence - the reason why I am both sword and shield. Your sword will not reach her, Crimson Princess. As long as I am here, as long as I draw breath, you will not singe a hair on her head.

Such loyalty. I dont dislike that.

Charlotte did not respond to Stellas praise.

Even if she had said nothing, Charlotte understood that her loyalty was a feeling that wouldnt lose out to anything else in the world. She had sworn to live for that adorable young girl, Rinna Kazamatsuri, ever since the day Rinna had picked her out of that garbage dump. She would give everything, from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet, for her.

And she had given her all.

Never leaving that girls side, she swept all danger away from her. If she wished for a cat, she would be that cat. If she wished for a dog, she would be that dog. Having done that much, she had been frustrated to no end when Rinna had began to keep Sphinx as a pet, so much so that she had wanted to stew it for dinner.

But then, the young mistress said that to me:

You should just be a human being. I would be quite troubled if my right hand were a cat, so please, stop eating cat food on all fours.

So saying, she had returned to Charlotte the clothes she had discarded in order to become a cat.

Aah, my lady, my lady! How gentle you are!

To think that Rinna would treasure her so greatly - she, who was so lowborn as to be no better than a dog or a cat.

That was why she gave her all, in order to repay her expectations. Her loyalty was firm as a rock - it would not lose. She would not lose.

This was her belief. This was her pride.

NonethelessIm sorry, but its impossible for you.

So said the red-headed knight facing her.

It was almost as if she was pitying her.

What do you mean by impossible?

You wont be able to protect your master.

Charlotte laughed at Stella.

Now thats odd. You say such things, and yet you were powerless against my Ichirin Junka. You admitted it yourself that there was nothing you could do, did you not? To speak so brazenly now without any grounds for it cannot be called anything but unseemly, no?

My, you seem to have forgotten something important, Miss Maid.

...?

I said that I could do nothing. Albeit...with only one hand, that is.

In that instant, the Empress Dress that shrouded her suddenly began exhibited strange behavior, concentrating its flame around a single point - her left arm, that had been broken and immobilized by Yuis Total Reflect.

What is she doing?

Charlotte could not comprehend the meaning behind Stellas actions.

But soon, something even further from her understanding would occur.

Somehow, in that searing heat, that arm that should have been shattered began to move!

Wha-!

The twisted arm regained its former straightness; crushed fingers formed a fist, and then released it. Rinse. Repeat.

The flames then dissipated, and Stella held Laevateinn in her once-broken left hand.

A greatsword like that, always having meant to be wielded in two hands, was now so wielded.

It shouldnt have been possible with a broken arm.

That she could, meant that she had healed that arm.

And yet a fire user like Stella could not use healing magic.

So how-

...!

Something flashed across Charlottes mind, something reckless, incoherent.

Could she said, her voice almost pained, could it be that you used your fires to melt and weld your broken bones back together...?!

Stella did not reply.

She merely smiled in triumph.

That smile said it all.

It was exactly that: she had melted down the calcium in her broken bones and put them back together.

And now with both her hands restored to her, she was no longer held back by anything.

Pierce the heavens, O you fires of purgatory-

Holding her sword aloft, she activated her mightiest Noble Art.

A pillar of crimson fire burst forth from Laevateinn, searing through the sky, its incomparable flame turning blue even as it grew ever hotter and hotter, before finally losing all coloration - becoming light.

A blade of light fifty meters long, with which to mercilessly incinerate all in its path.

So what will you do, Miss Maid? My Kalsariteo Salamandra is about to cut the Master behind you down. You are not a representative - I will not pursue you if you flee, you know?

Tch!

The pressure that Stellas words exuded weighed heavily on Charlottes back.

She knew.

This was her final warning.

If she did not remove herself, the Crimson Princess would bring that holy blade of light, forged of her unnatural birth-right of magic, to bear on her without holding back.

She was powerless before something of that order.

But-

Foolishness!

She did not retreat.

Standing in front of Rinna to shi