readytorunbook Chapter 689 - 689
Chapter 689 - 689
"Anyone can see that!"Touka shrugged and spoke curiously.
"That momentum at the banquet just now was actually still restrained, right? Just what level have you reached?"
"You'll get to see it soon, senior sister!"
Eiji immediately laughed.
Yuudai Moroboshi wasn't an opponent to be taken lightly—it seemed necessary to give his senior sister some special guidance.
On the other side.
"Are you saying that earlier momentum was the work of that God of War's disciple?"
The room had no lights, as if the owner disliked turning them on.
In this dim space, Amane Shinomiya and a man in martial attire were chatting and laughing.
"Correct. I thought he'd be an opponent you'd appreciate, so I made some special arrangements~"
"Hmph, unnecessary actions."
The martial-attired man held a nodachi in his embrace, never letting it leave his person.
"If he's strong enough, we'll naturally face each other. Don't waste your clever tricks in the wrong places."
Amane Shinomiya's explanation couldn't sway him in the slightest.
He even referred to Amane Shinomiya's abilities as "clever tricks," his tone completely devoid of fear.
Amane Shinomiya choked back a subtle response.
"I just hope you won't defeat him too easily."
"Silence. It's not your place to instruct me."
The man looked down on him condescendingly, not taking him seriously at all.
"I'll handle this in my own style."
Amane Shinomiya quietly clicked his tongue in frustration.
Ouma wasn't someone easily swayed—he meant what he said and was stubborn enough that ten oxen couldn't pull him back.
These swordsmen, every last one of them had such strong personalities, didn't they?
Whatever.
If that guy couldn't even get past Ouma, then he'd just find another opportunity to "get along peacefully" with him!
"I was thinking of going out tonight... but never mind."
Kurogane Ouma sat by the bed and closed his eyes.
His breathing grew increasingly heavy, as if he were accumulating something.
That earlier momentum was truly extraordinary.
Unconsciously, he had already become serious.
...
The next day.
In the early morning, crowds flowed like tides toward the bay area.
Countless spectators entered the dome-shaped arena built by the seaside from all directions. Millions of tourists made the coastal city roar with excitement, bustling enough to reach the heavens.
That dome-shaped arena was precisely this year's venue for the Seven Star Sword Art Festival!
Even though it was midsummer, nothing could dampen people's enthusiasm.
"Wow, so many people!"
Renren Tomaru hugged a box of popcorn, looking utterly amazed.
Every one of the tens of thousands of seats in the entire arena was completely filled!
"Good thing Kanata bought our tickets in advance. Otherwise, we'd be sitting on the streets right now, watching the live broadcast on outdoor screens under the scorching sun!"
This year's Seven Star Sword Art Festival was incredibly popular, with tickets being extremely hard to obtain. Countless people were offering high prices online for scalped tickets—fortunately, they had a wealthy friend.
Kanata Totokubara smiled without speaking.
"They're here."
At one point, she gestured with her chin toward the area below the stands.
"They look like they're in good spirits."
Soon, the four members of Hagun Academy, led by Eiji, arrived in front of their spectator section.
The four of them appeared fully prepared, each brimming with energy.
It seemed they could all face today's matches in their best condition.
At the same time, representative competitors from various schools could be seen entering the arena through passageways from all directions.
"Wahahahaha! Little junior, it seems your draw luck isn't very good this time!"
Suddenly, a high-pitched, boisterous laugh rang out from the stands above.
"That voice..."
Just after meeting up with Kanata and the others, Eiji rubbed the goosebumps on his arms.
In a blur, a figure drifted down lightly from above.
The bright red kimono, the large bow, the iron fan in her hand, and her elementary school student-like physique—everything pointed to her identity.
"Expired loli, what are you doing here?"
Eiji wore an expression of disgust.
"Oh my, has the little brat grown up and started itching for a spanking?"
Saikyo Nene's face twisted.
"What did you just call me?"
"Expired loli!"
Eiji leaned back tactically, striking an irreverent pose.
Sorry, I'm feeling cocky!
I don't have to put up with the expired loli's attitude anymore, hahaha!
"Very well, it seems you've grown some backbone! Just wait until after the matches—I'll teach you a lesson!"
Saikyo Nene's small face was filled with ferocity.
"Hah, bring it on!"
Eiji's face was full of disdain.
I still remember clearly the faint trace of fear on your face when you talked about the Twin-Wings sword style!
Bet you didn't expect this!
I am the second Twin-Wings!
"Saikyo-sensei, where is Stella?"
Kurogane Ikki peered behind her, his expression puzzled.
"That girl and I didn't come together, but she should be on her way here now."
Saikyo Nene waved her iron fan a couple of times, looking meaningfully at the group.
"That girl truly surprised me—she might become your biggest obstacle in winning the championship this year!"
Stella had been undergoing special training with her until recently.
Judging by her demeanor, Stella's abilities might have improved tremendously.
Hearing this, Kurogane Ikki's expression turned serious for a moment, lost in thought.
Before long.
"Bzzzt—!"
A piercing microphone feedback sound came from the speakers.
Like dolphins responding to a signal, the tens of thousands of spectators in the arena quickly quieted down, watching the podium area with eager anticipation.
Eiji and the other competitors also grew solemn, awaiting the opening announcement.
"People say: Conflict is evil, for it breeds hatred.
People say: Peace is beautiful, for it nurtures excellence.
People say: Violence is sinful, for it harms the innocent.
People say: Harmony is good, for it shows care for others.
Those with conscience remaining all think this way.
But even so, people still yearn for strength!
Unparalleled power! Unmatched valor!
Overwhelming force that can sweep away thousands of troops!
Absolute power that allows one to act freely and move unhindered!
Who can claim they've never desired it? Who can claim they've never aspired to it?
The dream everyone yearns for from the moment they're born; the dream everyone must eventually abandon because it's too distant!
And today, young men and women stand on this stage, risking their lives to challenge one another
From Seven Stars Academy and the newly established private Akatsuki Academy, thirty-two elites selected from eight schools across the nation! Each one is a knight of exceptional valor, chosen from among thousands, but today only one shall become the nation's top-ranked 〈Seven Star Sword King〉!
To determine supremacy through the blades in their hands—this is the tradition of knights!
The time has come. Thirty-two elite knights, at this moment alone, none shall condemn you. Follow your hearts, exert your full strength, and compete until the very end!
Now then, I declare—the Sixty-Second Seven Star Sword Art Festival, begins!