Chapter 2: The First Battle's End Part 1

Once Stella had left, Alice heaved a huge sigh of relief as he leaned on the railings.

Well, she had me worried about what was going to happen for a while there.

Exactly. It was already enough that Onii-samas match was such a nailbiter.

Like, Im sorry?

Ikki flashed a wry grin at the jibe.

The safe victory of their close friend lent to an air of peace between the three. Yakushi Kiriko on the other hand, having no contact with Stella for her part, seemed quite shaken by the matchs explosive denouement.

That was an amazing technique, to be able to burn an area as large as the entire ring in a single instant. If one were to attempt to dodge by vaporizing oneself or something, the vaporized cells might be annihilated altogether. It was really fortunate that we could see it this early.

Honestly, I share that sentiment. It seems it would be best to avoid using Aoiro Rinne as much as possible when fighting against Stella.

However, evading a technique possessing such an extreme area-of-effect that it could casually cover the space of the ring using martial arts alone was impossible. Shizuku sighed as she pondered such unreasonableness.

No wonder she had walked in so confidently and called for a four-on-one match, Shizuku said as she turned to Ikki, as though expecting his approval. She really gained a ridiculous ability from her special training with the Yaksha Princess.

He however shook his head.

...No, I dont think thats the case.

Eh?

What was wrong?

It was that Shizuku had referred to Bahamut Soul as the ridiculous power that Stella had gained.

Bahamut Soul wasnt something that she gained from her special training with Saikyou-sensei. She could already do something like that when she had just started school.

I, is that so?! But we never even saw it once!

Of course. Such an indiscriminate technique could never be used when there were bystanders around, could it?

I agree with that.

Kurono concurred with Ikkis statement.

Most likely, as Muroto-senpai noted, Bahamut Soul is a Noble Art that resembles a loud shout in that it discards control right from the start. Thus, it isnt a technique that requires anything special, or any special training - its something anyone can use. Even though you could call betting on the people around her to cover for her and just cut loose growth, its a little lacking for a weeks worth of special training.

So her training didnt bear fruit? Shizuku asked.

Ikki shook his head again.

Thats also wrong, I think. When she was entering the ring, she had a confidence, a spirit that wasnt present in the Stella who had been defeated in battle with Ouma. So she did gain something from that training with Saikyou-sensei that allowed her to get over the shock of defeat, but that is not Bahamut Soul.

Which meant that-

Stella has only shown us a fraction of her strength.

...!

Everyone shivered a little, starting with Shizuku.

She remembered. The momentary illusion that had appeared during the battle. The form of the towering dragon behind Stella. Ikkis idea was no impossibility for someone whose pressure was enough to create such an image. To be stuck in the same Festival as such a person could only be considered a nightmare.

Shizuku and companys strained expressions were thus only normal.

But the one who had first mooted the idea of that nightmare, Ikki, had a different expression. Hardly stiff at all, he instead allowed a small smile onto his face.

You really are beautiful.

Of course, she was an opponent against whom considering the path to victory alone could give one a headache.

But more than that, Ikki was glad.

Glad that she was able to safely bounce back, even stronger than before.

I didnt know that being weak could be so painful

He did not want to see Stella distraught like that.

It made his heart hurt.

He wanted her to always hold herself high, shining like a star in the sky.

This was the Stella that he wanted to pursue.

I want to be closer to her than anyone, and yet I want her to be further from me than anyone...Im plenty selfish, huh.

Even as he thought thus, the Organizing Committee announcers voice came over the airwaves:

Everyone, your attention please. We will now have a twenty minute intermission while we clear and repair the ring. Once that is complete, we will proceed with the Block D matches. D Block Representatives, please gather in your holding rooms.

The first to make a move at that announcement was Kurono.

Ill make a move here: Theyll probably need my ability to repair the ring.

Taking another drag out of her cigarette, she leapt down into the ring.

The next to move were Shizuku and Kiriko, both entrants in the D Block.

Shall we go then, little sister?

Mm. Im tired of waiting anyway.

Both of them had traded their observers calm for their respective battle modes.

Perhaps it was due to watching Stellas match, but both their eyes shone with a prodigious will to fight.

Do your best both of you, Alice encouraged. Well support you from here.

Thanks, Alice. But, Onii-sama, you should go and rest. It might affect your performance tomorrow if you push yourself too hard.

Its fine, Shizuku. I cant do anything about my magic, but Im quite well rested up from the time I spent watching Stellas match - moreover, youre my important sister, and its your match. Ill cheer you on together with Alice.

Thank you

Shizukus cheeks warmed at Ikkis straightforward gentleness.

From behind her, Kiriko shot him an accusatory glare.

My~ arent you going to support me too? Am I such a stranger?

Well, we did only get to know each other yesterday...but of course we will be looking forward to your match as well. Ive heard, after all, that the White-Robed Knight is just as first-rate a knight as she is a doctor.

These were his honest feelings. Up till now, she had been of the view that she was a doctor and not a knight, and as such had not taken part in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival. However, it had been said of her that if she had done so she would have at least wound up in the Best 4, and she had proved that to Ikki during the party several days before. As such, he had deep interest in how a match like hers would play out.

There was also another reason for this.

...Im also worried about your opponent, Yakushi-san.

My opponent? You mean Akatsuki Academys Shinomiya?

Ikki nodded.

Indeed. Yakushi Kirikos opponent in the fourth match of Block D was someone Ikki could not ignore - Akatsukis Amane Shinomiya.

Hmmm. I dont think he has that kind of spirit as befits a member of Akatsuki...but why do you think so?

I...dont know.

You dont know?

I dont understand the reason why, but he worries me.

Is it love?

Hell no! Ikki nearly did a spit-take as he denied that outrageous misunderstanding. Its not like that, how do I say this...he just has an indescribable ominousness about him.

Ominousness, huh.

His emotional response could even be said to approach disgust.

But Ikki himself did not know why Amane turned his stomach so.

If it was because he was part of Akatsuki, which had attacked Hagun Academy, that would be simple to understand.

But he had already disliked him even before Amane had revealed that affiliation.

Simply put, it was hate at first sight.

Why? He did not understand...and that was what made it ominous.

Well, since the Worst One, whose strength lies in perceiving the true nature of others, feels that way...perhaps Amane does have something that we do not understand. Ill bear that in mind.

Alright. No matter what, just be careful-

Just as Ikki was seeing Kiriko off-

Ahahaha-! I finally found you, Ikki-kun!

...!

He heard a voice, high like that of a girl, and then someone hugging him from behind.

The impact was so small that they might as well have had no weight, and yet it made Ikki suck in a breath.

With pale blonde hair, a sweet young face and an affable expression, the one hugging Ikki was none other than their topic of conversation, Amane Shinomiya.

The umpire, having been knocked out by Bahamut Soul, had been unable to call the victor of Stellas match, her victory being announced by the commentator and the electronic billboards on-site instead. And of course, with the official television broadcast from the Organizing Committee declaring her the winner, that victory would also send shockwaves through all of Japan.

This information also reached the medical ward in faraway Tokyo where Touka was watching the match.

At her bedside was Kanata, who gave a thin smile as though amazed as they received the news.

Well, well, I guess I shouldnt have expected anything else...I guess when I said shed backed herself into a corner, it was just my own guilt speaking.

Only in the end did we realize that it was always one-sided, and that she hadnt shown us all she had. Amazing.

Will she continue like this all the way on to victory? Kanata asked.

Touka shook her head.

I dont think it will be that simple. After all, the Sword Emperor of Wind did manage to completely seal Bahamut Soul. Shes definitely one of the favorites, but by no means is her victory a definite thing.

So this Festival will be a survival of the fittest A-Rank?

Those two are a definite lock for the win, but they are not yet so outstanding that their clash will be all they wrote for this tournament. Aside from them, there are still others like the White-Robed Knight, Lorelei, Panzer Grizzly and the Worst One - it would not be so strange if any of them were to emerge triumphant.

It seems theres still much to look forward to then.

Mm...though if I could, I would have loved to take part.

Touka said, smiling wistfully.

She had already accepted her defeat at Ikkis hands, and yet such grudging words were what left her lips.

I really am a sore loser.

You could always challenge him again once the Festival is over.

...Fufu, that might be nice.

Just as they were about to get into some small talk-

Uuu

A groan could be heard from the bed next to Toukas, before the figure that had been sleeping atop it slowly arose - the somewhat pint-sized Utakata Misogi, Hagun Academys Council Vice-President, who like Touka had been in a comatose state.

Uta-kun?!

...Tou...ka

Youre awake, thas great! Touka said, unknowingly slipping into dialect in her excitement. You still hurtin anywhere?

Utakata nodded, though he had a somewhat blank expression, as though he was still finding his bearings.

Errr...um, yeah, Im fine

This is...the medical ward? Why am I here?

Uta-kun...you dont remember?

Touka asked.

Utakata nodded.

Even though it was just Illusory Form, the shock from damage that could put a person into a coma for a week or more might have muddled his memories.

Yes, that seems so.

That made things simple, though.

Illusory Form caused no physical damage to the body itself. As such, memory loss due to brain damage was impossible - the memories were surely still in Utakatas mind. As such, all they needed to do was explain the situation to him.

Touka cleared her throat.

When our school was attacked, she said, prodding his memory with a voice like one talking to a child, we fought and were defeated by the students from Akatsuki Academy. Dont you remember?

Akatsuki...Academy

He mumbled-

-!!

Then his eyes widened, his expression strained.

Kanata! he cried, alarm in his face. Have I really been out for a week?!

Um, yes. Thats correct.

You seem to have remembered. Thats good.

Ah, well...thats true, but what about the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival

It just started today. Kurogane-kun and Stella-san just broke through the first round without incident. Shizuku is replacing Kana-chan, and her match is about to begin.

Relating the events up till then to Utakata, Touka had expected that he might be pleased.

But he did not respond as expected.

Whats-kgh!

His face distressed, he shot up from his bed, casting his blanket aside. But his legs though uninjured were still creaking from a week-long sleep. They disobeyed him, pitching him off the antibacterial linoleum bed and onto the floor.

Agh!

U, Uta-kun?!

Please dont push yourself too hard. You've been out for a more than a week, you know? Theres no way you would be able to use your legs well.

But I have to tell them! ...Thats right, my notebook! Wheres my student notebook?!

His nose was bleeding, but he was rummaging through the pockets of his hospital gown without bothering to wipe it - quite the rare sight, this urgency from the usually flighty Utakata.

But this also meant that this was no ordinary situation.

Uta-kun, whats got you so worked up? Touka asked. What do you need to say, and who do you need to tell it to?

They must not...fight him Uta ground out.

Eh?

Akatsukis...Amane Shinomiya! They must not fight him! ...If they do, then all will be lost...!

Amane Shinomiya.

Of course Touka and Kanata knew that name: he had been one of the Akatsuki representatives who had attacked Hagun.

Now that you mention it, Uta-kun had been the one to fight him

All her faculties had been expended fighting Ouma, and as such Touka had not noticed the details of the other fights.

Is that kid really that strong?

Utakata shook his head.

Strong, weak...thats got nothing to do with it. Hes beyond that.

What do you mean beyond that?

At that time, we thought that he had the power of foresight. But we were wrong. We were mistaken. His ability is not foresight! Its something worse, more brutal...its absolute power! They mustnt fight him...or even associate with him...

...Theres no way they can win!

Long time no see, Ikki-kun! Congratulations on your first-round victory!

A-Amane-kun

Ikkis expression was strained at Amanes sudden appearance. He was already not particularly good at dealing with him, and to add on to that, he had just been...bad-mouthing Amane, which left him feeling rather embarrassed.

But Amane seemed unaware of that, instead hanging off of Ikki like a puppy wagging its tail.

I saw the match just now. You were so cool, so I just had to come down to find and congratulate you!

Umm...thanks?

I should be the one thanking you! After all, I was able to watch your match in person - watch you, whom I admire so! There could be no higher joy for a fan! And you really were awesome. You actually managed to do something like stealing Twin Wings swordsmanship! You were pretty good during the match against the Hunter too, so I thought that your Blade Steal was an accessory to Perfect Vision...and I was completely wrong! Amane, his breathing ragged, began to gesticulate excitedly like a little child as he related his thoughts on Ikkis match earlier. And was that Shinkirou? I saw it once on some video site, but it was pretty poor quality and lagged quite a bit since it was taken using a hidden mobile camera. So its a technique used to confuse the opponent! Youre really amazing, to be able to do something like that even without possessing any special abilities - Im so moved!

Ikki almost seemed to shrink a little. I know, I know, so...please calm down.

As expected, he was terrible at dealing with Amane. The boy himself seemed to be approaching him in such goodwill, and yet he himself could muster up none. That twisting of emotions left him feeling terrible.

He wanted to distance himself from Amane. Reject him.

But Ikki said nothing.

This was not weakness or cowardice. He did not wish to antagonize someone who seemed to admire him so over some inexplicable feeling of disgust.

But-

Excuse me.

Au-

But Shizuku, who stood beside him, was not one to entertain such thoughts.

Without hesitation, she leveled a kick at Amanes side, peeling him off Ikki, before interposing herself between them as though to protect her brother.

Ow, ow, ow...what are you doing Amane groaned tearfully, his hands on his stomach.

But Shizuku did not back down a step.

Please dont come near my Onii-sama. He doesnt like you, and feels disgusted by you. So could you stop being so familiar? Youre troubling him.

Of all things, she chose to reveal all of Ikkis inexplicable ill-will without a shred of hesitation.

Eh...is, is that so, Ikki-kun?

Shi-Shizuku.

His face steely, he tried to stop Shizuku-

Onii-sama, you detest the fact that you dislike someone for no reason. While I love that gentleness, there is no need to waste it on him and his ilk - save it for me instead. And claiming to be your fan after messing up our school like that...I dont see why you should give this weirdo the time of day. If you dont reject him clearly like this, he will just take advantage of you.

-but was in turn silenced by her all-too-accurate, all-too-direct assessment.

Uu.

And in the first place, that he had abetted in the attack on Hagun alone was reason enough to stand Amane in a bad stead from Shizukus perspective.

She harbored suspicions of her own that Ikki had already begun disliking Amane even before that incident, but at this point the order no longer mattered.

The girlish boy in front of them was an enemy who had done them harm.

Nothing more and nothing less.

In that sense, Ikki was too stiff, and Shizuku had to reject Amane in her brothers place.

Well, thats how it is, so please disappear from Onii-samas sight. Just as well, they were calling for the Block D participants. Shouldnt you be getting ready? Shizukus eyes shone with an ethereal jade light, her tone becoming threatening. ...Or should I bring you there? You might be missing a limb or two if I do, though.

Amane gulped, standing up but not approaching Ikki.

Uu...I guess so. I did deceive Ikki-kun after all. Of course you would hate me. Im really sorry.

He bowed his head.

Rejected.

Shizuku rebuffed his apology.

Um, I was apologizing to Ikki-kun

I wont allow you to apologize to Onii-sama, nor will I allow you to talk to him.

Youre...too brutal! I mean, you were already pretty frosty earlier, but whatever did I do to earn that hate?! I dont ever remember provoking you

You do not endear yourself to me by using that androgynous face to tempt Onii-sama, and that sissy voice of yours riles me.

Do you have to say such dreadful things?!

In the first place, even if I didnt go into detail, Onii-sama disliking you is reason enough for me to dislike you as well.

Uwaa, I dont have a leg to stand on, do I?!

(TN: he literally says, no islands to cling to!)

Are you saying Im flat?!

Now youre just finding reasons to hate me!

Realizing that trying to reach an understanding with Shizuku when she was in her Absolute Emnity mode was a futile endeavour, Amane could only send a sidelong pleading look Ikkis way as he spoke again.

Shizuku-chan doesnt want to forgive me, but I actually am sorry. So while I did really intend on congratulating you, I came to offer penance for that incident.

Penance?

Yes. I would like to make up with you...Im sure it will please you.

Something that would please me?

His interest piqued, Ikki sought answers. What do you mean by-

Attention, all Block D contestants,the rebroadcast cut in, drowning his words out. your matches will begin in ten minutes. Please head down to the holding rooms as soon as possible.

Below, the ring had been reconstructed in the meantime, and the Block D matches would soon begin.

At this moment Kiriko, who had been silent since Amane had arrived, spoke up.

Shinomiya-kun. Im an outsider either way, and didnt understand what you were saying, but it seems like its time. Im sure the teachers would be pissed if we didnt go to stand-by in the holding rooms. Dont you think it might be better to save this conversation for later?

Amane cocked his head, he question mark floating over it almost visible.

And then he opened his mouth.

Um...who are you again?

Kirikos eyes widened. That was abnormal - he didnt know the name of the opponent he was about to face.

Man, and I took pride in being a pretty public figure too...pleased to meet your acquaintance. I am Kiriko Yakushi, third year at Rentei. Doctor by trade.

Ohh. Sorry. Im not really familiar with any knights apart from Ikki-kun.

You should have at least heard my name. I am, after all, the one youll be facing in the fourth match of Block D.

...Oh, really. Cant say Im that interested, Amane said, as he flashed an obfuscating smile.

It seemed he truly did not recognize Kiriko, and that was certainly not pleasant news in her eyes, which narrowed.

...Arent you rather confident.

There was little warmth left in her voice.

Being begged by the Director, I had no choice but to be here...but youve piqued my interest a little. I wonder if you can show me strength in keeping with that confidence.

A silent rage burned within her, clear for all to see. She would definitely go all-out against Amane right from the start of their match. There would be no mercy.

Ah...that probably wont happen, I think?

But her simmering anger failed to wipe the smile off Amanes face.

What do you mean, I wonder?

Well, I, um, Kiriko-san, was it? I wont be fighting you, so theres no rush to get to the holding room.

His words bewildered all present.

The tournament schedule and matches had already been decided, and they would soon face each other. How could he say something that he couldnt fight her now?

What are you saying- Kiriko began to ask-

-but at that moment, the student handbook in her pocket began to ring. Angered as she was over Amanes disregarding her, she very much wanted to ignore that call, but for the siren-like ring tone that sounded from her handbook. That meant neither a message from friend or family, but a call from the Yakushi General Hospital of which she was Director.

She could not ignore it.

Hang on a moment, she apologized, as she fished for the phone. -Hello. Whats happening? Im having my match soon-

Doctor! An anguished voice belonging to the Vice-Director -and its present head in Kirikos absence- of the hospital, Kajiwara Mio, ripped through the ears of all present.W-we have a problem! A big problem!

Behind her, there were sounds of a panicked tumult that should have been foreign to a hospital.

Kiriko caught on to that unnatural situation quickly.

Wait. Whats going on?

The patients conditions have worsened greatly - theyre in critical!

What?!

Kiriko gasped, her face one of disbelief. She had had to make sure that her patients were in a stable condition and would not take any sudden turns for the worse while she was gone - that had been her absolute condition for taking part in the Festival.

That she was here meant that this condition should have been fulfilled. No doctor would simply leave patients whose conditions could deteriorate at any time to their own devices, after all.

And indeed she had, as the number one doctor in Japan, judged that there had been no risk of her patients deteriorating for the period of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival.

Unease bubbled up within her.

My diagnosis was...mistaken?!

But she quashed it swiftly. This was neither the time nor place to curse her own incompetence. She had to get a hold of the situation first.

Who exactly is in critical condition?

Mios voice shook terribly.

A..all the patients!

The color drained from Kirikos face.

Wh...what?!

The staff are doing all they can, but we dont have the manpower or the facilities to deal with this! Moreover, we have no idea how this happened so suddenly, or what might have it caused it...our techniques arent working at all either! So...

...

Kiriko knew it then.

This was impossible.

It might be reasonable for her to have overlooked one or two people, but for her to have misdiagnosed all her patients - that could not be.

So, how had it happened?

There could only be one reason.

I understand. Send a chopper, Ill be right over.

Ive already done that! It should arrive in ten minutes! Im...really*sob*...sorry...! It was supposed to be a big match for you...

Dont cry. I was the one who asked you all to call me back if anything happened. And the deterioration of their conditions wasnt your responsibility. In any case, hold the line till I get back. Can you do it?

Y, yes! I can!

Thats a good answer. Im counting on you.

Kiriko hung up, and then turning to Amane leveled a gaze filled with murderous fury on him.

So, she asked, her tone unrelenting, may I ask what this is about, Shinomiya-kun?

Since the mistake did not lie in her diagnoses, there could only be one reason for this situation: the interference of a third party.

What have you done to my patients?

Hey, hey now, thats harsh. What could I, being in Osaka, possibly have done to people in a hospital in Hiroshima?

This third person had created this situation in order to force her out of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival. If her patients were to be in critical condition, she would not be able to concern herself with such things as a tournament match. She would have to forfeit.

And that culprit was without a doubt the young man in front of her who had just spouted those deceptively meaningful lines.

But here he was, Amane Shinomiya, waving his arms about in a flustered manner as he tried to sell his alibi.

Indeed, there was very little a person in Osaka could do to people in Hiroshima. Even if they had help from the start, there was no way they could have bypassed the vigilance of medical professionals to induce critical conditions in all the patients in a hospital.

But this assumed that one was speaking of a normal person.

...

To the side, Ikki recalled something that Kagami had told him shortly before they left for Osaka.

Senpai. You called me before to say that you were concerned about the ex-Kyomon student, Amane Shinomiya, correct? So I looked up his intra-school selection results...he had six wins by forfeit in six matches. Theres something really weird about that.

In that instant, all the pieces came together for him.

Huh. So thats it. Thats what this is about...I understand now.

Onii-sama?

In other words...thats your real ability.

Ikki-kun? My true ability...what do you mean? I thought you knew that my ability was foresight? I knew that Kiriko-san would have to retire, but besides that, I didnt-

Ikki shook his head.

No, thats not possible. It would be one thing if she misdiagnosed one or two patients, but for her to do that for all of them is simply impossible. And there is no way that you could foresee something that could not possibly happen.

Well, this...ahaha, such cruel words, Ikki-kun, Amane said with a troubled expression. Dont they say, even a wise man stumbles? And Ive even performed quite a few predictions in front of you too...

He did speak the truth. He had foretold the future against a criminal at their first meeting, and had seen through Alices betrayal. It was now as it was then: Amane was displaying his knowledge of the future.

No, you dont actually foretell the future. The order of things is reversed here.

...

At these words, the smile that Amane usually had plastered on his face dissipated, a shadow falling over it.

Wait, Ikki. Alice cut in. What do you mean by reversed?

I should have realized this when he defeated Vice President Utakata. The Vice Pres ability, Fifty-Fifty, manipulates probability such that he can twist a result that had already been decided. Since the manipulation is limited to what he can achieve with his own abilities, it lacks offensive power, but he should have been nigh invincible as long as he focused on defense. But he lost. He lost to Amane. Someone who lacks any martial ability at all, possessing only Future Sight. Do you think this is possible?

Thats

Impossible. Utterly impossible. If we assume it were possible, then the only way is to use a probability manipulation technique strong enough to force certainty onto Fifty-Fifty. For example...an ability that can change probability according to your wishes.

...!

Like this, all can be explained. In other words, Amanes future sight is not in fact a foretelling of the future. The truth behind the criminal, Alices betrayal, and now the collapse of Yakushi-sans patients...these are all futures that he simply created. Am I wrong, Amane?

Having said his piece, Ikki leveled his gaze at Amane, who had not said a word since earlier, merely looking at Ikki in silence.

...Haa.

He sighed, shoulders drooping, and then flashed a resigned smile.

As expected of Ikki-kun, I guess. You covered everything that I could say. I was going to reveal it to you together with the my penance, but youre too good. My poor subterfuge was nothing before the demonic mirror of the Crownless Sword King.

So its true that youre the one who did something to Yakushi-sans patients.

Ah, W-wait! Wait! Thats not it!

Sensing Ikkis enmity, Amane quickly added to his analysis of his own ability.

It is as you said, but I would like to make a correction. Yes, my ability is indeed not Future Sight, but I do not wield some god-like ability as Ikki says. You know...I only make wishes.

Wishes?

Yes, just wishes. I cannot change every little thing about fate. I only wished to have a dramatic first meeting with Ikki-kun, for the assault on Hagun to go off without a hitch, or it would be troublesome to have to fight. Just that. And when I do so, everything will change such that it will eventually go as I wish, but without my knowledge. Thats the true form of my ability Bad Luck - they call it Nameless Glory.

Ikki and companys expressions strained.

What...thats...insane...

So, what, Shizuku asked, could you call the moon to crash down onto the earth if you wished for it?

Amane cocked an eyebrow in displeasure.

Scary- I would never wish for that to happen; wouldnt it be terrible if that were to come true? After all, there has never been a single wish of mine up till now that has not come to be.

...!

No one could suppress a shiver at the matter-of-factness in his voice.

At how confident he was that he was able to do such a thing.

They could not help but be more wary of him, who could overturn the common sense of destiny in that manner.

A weight descended on the conversation

...before Kiriko took a step towards Amane.

In other words, your ability to have any wish come true can also be put as an impossible amount of luck, huh.

Thats absolutely correct. Just that it takes a roundabout route to fulfilling my wish, and that the method by which it fulfills it something unknown to me, he said, palms pressed together. So really, I didnt mean to or predict that I would endanger the lives of your patients. Sorry about that.

And yet it felt like he was apologizing for someone else; there was no guilt in his tone.

In fact, he did regard it as someone elses business.

He had only wished to not have to fight Kiriko. He had not wished to take the lives of her patients. It wasnt his fault.

But such an attitude would of course anger Kiriko.

In an instant, a trio of scalpels found their way into either hand.

So what if I just killed you here and now, and return that evil fate to normal?

Her tone was even, but the anger roiling forth from her eyes said that all she wanted to do was to attack Amane right there and then.

But he merely shrugged, unfazed by the pressure she exuded.

Of course my death would nullify the effects of my ability, but I wouldnt recommend it. After all, if that were to happen, I would wish to not die. From my experience, there are a lot of ways that this could make you not fight me. For example, if an earthquake were to strike this place that is all but filled to the brim with people, and there were a great many casualties, you wouldnt be able to spare the time to fight me, no?

Can you really do that?

Well, Id rather not of course. But if it comes down to it, Im not taking responsibility, so Id rather you not push it

...Tch.

With a click of her tongue, Kiriko ended their exchange and dismissed her scalpels.

She could not tell whether or not Amane spoke the truth. But there was one thing for certain: if she stepped out right now with the intent to kill, then his words might just come true.

That was a risk she could not take, as one who called herself a doctor.

That was her bottomline.

Seeing that Kiriko had lost the will to fight, Amane continued speaking, turning from her to face Ikki.

Well, now that everyone understand why Im in no rush to go to my holding room, Ill continue; Id really like for Ikki-kun to accept my repayment for last time.

Ikki did not meet Amanes eyes, his brows furrowing as that feeling of distaste welled up within him again.

As I said before, I wanted to tell Ikki-kun about my true ability as penance for having deceived him up till now...I was already seen through though, how embarrassing. Of course, I didnt think I would be able to pay back the debt of having cheated him for this long with just that, he said with an amiable smile. So I thought about it. What would make Ikki-kun happy? What could I do to make him happy?

Ikki felt the hairs of his skin stand on end at that.

He had a bad feeling about this.

That he must not let Amane finish speaking.

But Amane was not to be stopped.

And so, I remembered. That if Ikki-kun couldnt come in first at the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, he wouldnt be able to graduate! Terrible, isnt it? To not acknowledge a knight as strong as Ikki-kun. As a fan of his, how could I take that? Totally unacceptable. So, that is my present to Ikki-kun...

His smile turned as incandescent as his words were unbelievable.

...First place at the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival.

H-Haa?!

What are you saying...!

Shizuku and Alice both looked shaken, their voices trembling, but Amane merely cocked his head to the side.

Is it really that shocking? Isnt it a lot simpler than causing an earthquake, or causing the moon to fall to the earth?

His smile broadened as he pressed in on Ikki.

Arent you happy, Ikki-kun? I will use my ability to wish...for your victory! Like this, youll be able to become the Seven Star Sword King with hardly any effort at all! Isnt it great? Your hard work up till now will finally be rewarded! Do not fret: neither the Crimson Princess nor the Sword Emperor of Wind are a problem before my Nameless Glory! I will take out the rest of the competition, making sure that you will certainly become the Seven Star Sword King! Well, that might incur the wrath of Rebellion, but thats fine. I would do anything for you, Ikki-ku-

In that moment, with a thud that resounded through the participant-reserved stands-

-Ikki pushed Amane away with all his might.

O-Oniisama?!

I-Ikki...kun

Everyone, whether it was the people around him or the suddenly floored Amane himself, was dumbfounded at the usually gentle Ikkis sudden violence.

But to Ikki himself, it was a most reasonable course of action.

He had long been unable to reconcile his unreasonable distaste for Amane, but now, finally, he could understand why he felt that way.

...All this time, I didnt say this, because no matter how I thought it over, I couldnt understand why.

But at last he could speak from his heart.

He glared at Amane.

I hate you.

...

Amanes eyes widened as he trembled.

He probably could not understand why he was being rejected by Ikki. It was for Ikkis own sake, after all, that Amane had wanted him to become the Seven Star Sword King.

But for Ikki, this was the last straw, that last thing that allowed him to throw away what reservations he might have had about Amane.

For Amane was trying to take something most important to Ikki away from him. The work he had put in up till now, and all that that meant.

Including the promise he had made with his beloved, the promise that had seen him through many times. In that moment, his mottle of emotions gave way to a clear disgust, to the point where there was no longer a need for a reason to feel that way.

You try to mess with my battle, he said, undisguised fury in his eyes, and this will not be settled with just a push or a shove.

...

Amane stood in silence with his head bowed, his expression unreadable under his fringe.

Perhaps he was crying.

He turned on his heel, facing his back to Ikki and the others.

I understand.

Then, turning around-

-he smiled more brilliantly than ever before.

...!

That was unexpected. Ikkis face showed as much.

Even after being rejected in that manner, his attitude had not changed in the least.

I will not wish for anything Ikki-kun wouldnt wish for. I promise!

An ominous feeling seized Ikki, like a worm crawling about his heart.

Amane seemed as friendly he had always been in both appearance and tone, and yet-

As expected, Ikki-kun is cool...you will never accept a victory that you didnt earn with your own two hands. My, Im becoming more of a fan!

-his eyes were different.

Or rather, Ikki only noticed now that Amanes eyes were different.

He had subconsciously refused to meet those eyes up till now, preoccupied as he was with that unknown feeling of disgust he had borne toward him. But now that he had made his stand clear, he could look him in the eye...and so he noticed.

While he showered glittering praises upon Ikki, the depths of his sky-blue eyes held a quagmire of spiralling darkness, threatening to suck a person in.

When up against opponents of overwhelming power, you give your all, sacrifice everything, and fight to the bitter end. Its so cool...I envy you. How stoic, how spartan a living! Weaker than everyone, yet desiring victory more than anyone - and for victorys sake, you burn your soul as you advance, without any regrets, no matter how torn up you become as a result! Thats the Worst One! And you know what, Ikki-kun? You know what? I. Love. You. For. It.

A negative chaos.

A dark swirl of hate, revulsion, enmity, malice, murderousness

A whirlpool deluged by myriad negativities, so much so that one could no longer tell which was his original thought.

His lips steepled into a smile even as his eyes bored into Ikki, filled as they were with despair, malice, and a hatred against the world itself, drawing the selfsame ill-omened arc as the red crescent moon.

And so...and so...hurt more. Bleed more. Cut more. I will cheer for that Ikki-kun until I grow hoarse. I want to see you break, break, and break as you keep on defying your fate!

...!

For the first time, Ikki was afraid of Amane.

This was no longer disgust. No longer rejection.

He was afraid of the young man in front of him.

Of the hatred he held for the world, hidden deep within his eyes.

And above all, the way that gaze was affixed upon himself.

So...keep working hard, eh?

And with that last show of support that no one echoed, Amane left, that unfailingly friendly smile still on his face.

But having experienced the unfathomable darkness that lay behind that smile, Ikkis hands trembled, as though they were frozen.

The sudden failure of the White-Robed Knight to show up notwithstanding, the Block D matches of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival proceeded more smoothly than Block C, in which the Seven Star Sword King had been defeated by an F-Ranked Knight, and Block B, in which an unprecedented four-versus-one match had taken place.

Shizuku Kurogane appeared in the 3rd match of Block D. There, she showed off her prowess as the blocks only B-Ranked Knight with little incident, blowing her opponent out of the water and advancing to the second round without so much as a scratch.

With this, all of Hagun Academys representatives successfully proceeded to the second round: a ten-out-of-ten start that certainly boded well.

This, however, had not lifted Ikkis spirits.

Blub-blub

It was night, and Ikki was submerged up to the mouth in the bathtub of his hotel room, his face scrunched up in gloomy thought.

And that which he was pondering with that clouded expression was the matter of Amane Bad Luck Shinomiya.

He had afterward been contacted by Kanata, who informed him that Touka and Utakata had awoken, and also informed him about Amanes ability. It seemed that Amanes own detailing of his abilities had not been false.

The ability to make all things under heaven bend for his good was truly not one that was easy to go up against.

But Ikki was not merely concerned about the ability itself.

What Im worried about...are those eyes.

That chaos of negativity that he had seen in Amanes eyes as he left.

That toxic hatred of everything in the world.

When he had looked into those eyes, he had felt that-

-Ive seen those eyes before somewhere, sometime in the past...

...

Closing his eyes, he searched his memories, plumbing its depths as one would a bottomless, dark well.

Deeper and deeper, further and further he searched-

-and he met those eyes at the very bottom.

Even in the pitch darkness, a black silhouette staring at him could be made out, its eyes filled with a hatred for the world.

His insides churned with revulsion, but more so with fear.

Indeed...He had met this person, this young man - somewhere in the distant past.

And he knew then, that the reason for his inexplicable distaste for Amane -indeed, of all his questions about him- had to lie in that first meeting. Their first meeting had been both root and key.

So he had to know.

When had they first met?

What happened then?

What happened to make him hate Amane so?

He continued to search.

But he found no more.

Remembered no more.

Only those eyes, gazing at him in the darkness.

Despite having beaten the Seven Star Sword King, you look rather unhappy for the man of the hour.

In contrast to Ikkis scrunched up face, Alice leaned back in his corner of the furo, submerged below the thighs.

I mean, he is quite the ominous fellow, but its best not to think about it too much. Thinking about someone who defies logical explanation is just going to make your head hurt. Or, here his smile turned impish, do you need someone to help you take your mind off things?

Ill pass.

Haha. I was kidding. I dont want to get killed by Stella-chan or Shizuku.

Ikki would rather Alice not joke about it at all, as a wave of cold ran through him despite being immersed in the hot bath - but thanks to that, he was no longer in the mood to brood.

Nothing Ikkis curious state, Alice continued.

In any case, theres no need for you to be concerned about this and that. If you two continue to progress, you would only meet in Round 4 - the semi-finals. And Amane is in Block D. For him to reach the semis, he will have to meet Shizuku in the Block finals.

Are you saying that since Shizuku will win, I wont have to fight Amane-kun?

Exactly. Heh, Bad Luck may have a powerful ability, but it might have been a mistake to get cocky and go on telling us all about it. Shizuku seems to think that she has a way to defeat Nameless Glory.

Eh, really? Then what-

Its a pity, but she hasnt told me either. Well, if she told me and then I told you, it would be unfair as fellow participants in the same tournament, no? But I dont think that Shizuku would have said this without basis. She must have something close to a concrete plan.

Indeed.

As Alice had said, Shizuku was not the sort to either speak to seem strong to or deceive others.

As her brother, he knew this quite well.

So, she must have had something figured out.

It might be thus more advisable to run simulations of fighting Shizuku instead of Amane, dont you think?

...That may be so.

It was natural for Ikki to root for his sister over Amane.

And so he nodded, wishing to meet her in battle.

At that moment-

Youre worrying about the semi-finals already, a voice they did not recognize rang out, Crownless Sword King?

There in the doorway stood a intelligent-looking young man with gracefully narrowed eyes.

Youre quite hasty, considering that the first matches have just ended, he mumbled.

Ikki knew this young man.

Bya-Byakuya-san!

Well met. I dont think we have, since the party.

Indeed, this was Byakuya Jougasaki, a third year from Bukyoku Academy who had come to the party together with Moroboshi. He was the one who came in second the previous year...and was Ikkis second round opponent.

Congratulations on your victory today. To think that Yuu would be defeated in his first match...that wasnt the outcome that I expected at all. How surprising.

Th, thanks. You didnt have a hard time in your match, did you? As expected of Byakuya-san.

I was blessed with a weaker opponent, thats all. In any case, thats Hagun Academys Black Sonia, Arisuin Nagi, yes?

Ara, you know about me?

I did some research into you since you were initially entered as one of Haguns representative. Know thyself and thine enemy, and you need not fear a hundred battles - thats my motto...even though it proved to be unnecessary in the end.

Im sorry. I had my circumstances.

So Ive heard, more or less, but ultimately thats your own problem. Ill avoid butting in with my piece. More importantly

So saying, he looked straight at Ikki, a slightly dangerous look in his narrow eyes.

Why?

The reason was a simple one.

You seem to be pretty relaxed, Kurogane-kun; disregarding your match with me tomorrow and just going straight to simulating your semi-final match.

Uu!

Embarrassed, Ikki leapt out of the bath, wrapping the towel about his waist, and tried to explain himself.

Ah, well, n-no! I would never underestimate Byakuya-san! Its just that...theres this really troublesome fellow -or rather should I say that he and I cant get along?- and so I just cant help but be more conscious of him than I should be.

Indeed, Ikki had never intended to look down on Byakuya. In fact, he was more than a little embarrassed that Byakuya had heard everything.

For his part Byakuya smiled a little at the obviously flustered Ikki.

Haha. I was kidding. I know that youre not the sort of person who would look down on his opponent. I was just trying to get your goat. Sorry about that.

W, well, as long as you understand, thats great.

It seemed that Byakuya wasnt actually angry, but was just pulling Ikkis leg a bit. That relieved him some.

Still, I thought so when I first saw you at the party, but you really do have an amazing physique when viewed up close. I now understand those superhuman movements you made during the match today. That is no shallow effort you made to train your body to that extent. You have my respect.

You dont have to be...I dont have anything other than my sword, and theres nothing I can do with it apart from honing myself.

Dont be so humble. Thats not something just anyone could do.

Eh?

In that instant, a sound both agonized cry and shocked shriek escaped from Ikkis lips.

For Byakuyas fingers were upon his chest.

Now that Ive touched it with my own hands, I understand. Each strand of muscle fibre has definition to the core, but not a one has lost its suppleness. The muscles themselves are light but strong - very impressive. Not an ounce of fat, nor an ounce of excess, for-show-only muscle. This is, indeed, the body of a trueborn swordsman, created only to wield his blade. An elegant design, created to display that purity of will. It is truly beautiful - one does not tire of touching it.

...!!!!!

Every hair on Ikkis body stood on end as Byakuyas fingers toured the lines of his musculature, his shapely eyes gazing at him under long lashes.

Wasnt this a dangerous situation?

Gripped by an unspeakable fear, he leapt out of the bath.

Alice, he all but yelled at his friend, isnt it time for-

-me to get in on the action?

Im being pincered?!

But alas, there were only the three of them there. A tiger before, and a wolf behind. A horrid predicament.

Ikki broke into a profuse cold sweat.

At that moment-

You pervert-!!!

-with a resounding warcry, a figure burst from the entrance to the bath, and pried Byakuya off Ikki with a kick, sending him flying into a corner of the bath.

The young man who had done this was also from Bukyoku, and was Byakuyas friend - Yuudai Moroboshi.

Moroboshi-san!

Yo, Kurogane. Somehow it feels like it was just like this yesterday too.

Yuudai greeted unabashedly, even before the one who had just defeated him just a while ago that day.

On the other hand, Byakuya frowned at the one who had sent him flying.

What are you doing all of a sudden, Yuu? Horseplay in the baths is dangerous.

The dangerous one was you and yo touchy-feely stuff sissyin up the whole place!

How rude. Momiji is the one I love. I was only touching Kurogane-kun as a fellow one who lives for battle. It was a sign of respect.

I know that, but think of how people would see it! Kuroganes crawlin in his own skin, yo!

Oh. Then I apologize. I hadnt intended to scare you. I just wanted to get to know you better.

...Eh.

Dats why I said choose yer words carefully!

Smacking his friend on the back of the head, Moroboshi proceeded to cover for him.

Sorry bout that, Kurogane. He does some scary stuff, but his sexual tastes are where youd expect - dont worry bout it. Its just the way he does and acts.

Aha, ahaha...its a misunderstanding, so its fine. Really.

He meant it enough, but though the misunderstanding had been cleared, Ikki still felt uncomfortable around -of course- Yuudai.

Though it had been an honorable duel, Ikki had ultimately knocked him out to break through the first round. He wasnt sorry about it, but it was still hard to meet his eyes. While Yuudai did not show it, he was surely still a little sore.

In that case, Alice said, seeming to read his thoughts, should we go, Ikki?

He was not joking this time.

Yeah. Should we go get something to drink at the vendor?

Ikki leapt onto that lifeboat, and they made to depart.

Just then, Byakuya spoke up.

Oh, youre both getting out already?

Ikki nodded.

I think weve spent enough time in the water. Any more and we might get faint.

Thats a shame. And I got into this misunderstanding with you to boot. I originally wanted to apologize by washing your back.

U-um, no, its alright.

In that case-

Byakuya snapped his fingers-

-and something surprising happened.

Out of thin air, a bottle of green tea landed in Ikkis right hand, while Alice grasped a can of black coffee in his.

Arara?

This is!

At least accept this much.

As though to say well then, Byakuya then turned his back to them before heading to the showers together with Yuudai. As they did so-

Shiro. Im from a merchant house too, yknow? Ybetter have paid for those drinks.

How rude. Of course I placed coins into the vending machine.

-could be heard.

Leaving the bath, the two of them shut the door, keeping the hot steam from leaking out.

Alice pointed at the can that had suddenly appeared in his hands in surprise.

Ikki...is this in fact his ability?

Ikki nodded.

This is the Noble Art of last years second place, Eye of Heaven Byakuya Jougasaki - God Hand.

It was an ability that allowed him to manipulate the placement of any object within a 50 metre radius of himself via teleportation. Nondescript in theory, but very formidable in practice - especially so in a tournament that utilized a 10-countdown loss by ring-out rule. In fact, he had used this ability to bring his opponent out of the ring and thereby winning.

...So once again its a rather tricky ability.

It is a powerful ability, but its not easy to use. If the target object is immobile, then he can freely change their position like he did earlier. But for moving targets like humans, he has to wound them with his Device first before initiating the teleportation. Its probably a matter of locking onto a target via contact.

So you mean that if you dont get touched, itll be fine. I guess then the result of the battle will be quite up the air.

Yes. Which is why...when I fight him, I will have to be wary of his other ability, the one that gave him his nickname.

And that is?

Whats in your hand, Alice?

Ikki asked, indicating the green tea bottle in his hand.

Its coffee. How lucky; I was just thinking to buy one after the bath.

I, too, wanted to buy green tea after getting out of the bath.

...

If you gave two people the same drink, it is possible for you to have matched one of their preferences, but to give two people different drinks and guess their preferences is a different thing, wouldnt you think?

Well, it would be a little difficult...so in other words, this is-?

Yes. Byakuya-san is a fighter famous for gathering an excessive amount of data on his opponents. Furthermore, he isnt limited to information gathered during combat, but his data-gathering also extends to the subtleties of everyday life.

Now that you mention it, he did say that he was checking us out. But what does this mean?

It may not be information that means anything to us, but its a very different matter to him. Of course he does take note of movements in combat or the movement of eyes, but he combines that with these small things to figure out a humans personality and inclinations. He is well known for being to expose the roots of another persons thought - their logic.

Exposing their logic.

So, Alice asked in response to that praise, could he replicate the effects of your Perfect Vision?

Yes. Our approaches are different, but they are of a similar type...though Byakuya-sans method wins by far in terms of functionality. After all, my Perfect Vision is fairly reliant on collecting information in the midst of battles. But he would already have grasped his opponents logic before the battle thank to his meticulous investigation, and he would take control of a fight the moment it begins. Those monstrous powers of observation, that sees through all like the eyes of a god, are what gives him the moniker Eye of Heaven.

Manipulating his opponent with that godlike power of analysis, and then getting the one slash that would trigger his Teleportation - that was Byakuyas style. His touching of Ikki previously had probably been for the sake of estimating his physical capabilities.

He had already begun gathering data for the battle tomorrow.

Indeed, this isnt the time or place to be worrying about the semi-finals.

Having seen Byakuyas ability up close, Ikki felt this keenly.

He was participating in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival. A tough contest with the creme-de-la-creme of Japans apprentice mage knights. Not one of them would be an easy customer to handle.

First, the second match. I need to give beating Byakuya-san my all.

He could leave thinking about the matter of Amane for later - so Ikki swore to himself.

Ikki and Alice parted soon after leaving the bath in the basement, with the latter heading for the normal hotel rooms, and the former heading for his room on the tenth floor via the stairs.

There were two re