Immediately after the match between Allen and Bubble was over.

　Right after the match between Allen and Babble, the Kembu Festival Steering Committee became as noisy as if they had poked a beehive.

　This was because Leia Rathnought, the chancellor of Senjin Academy, one of the five academies in the capital, suddenly came to visit them.

I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea.　It's a good thing that you're not the only one.

　The old man who was in charge of the festival was very upset, but he managed to conclude his words of thanks.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

This is the first time I've ever seen such a thing.

　In fact, this was her true intention.

　She had come here as a spectator to observe the Kenbu Festival.

　She was here as a spectator to observe the Kenbu Festival, but she happened to catch the attention of the management committee, and before she knew it, she was brought to the VIP section.

No, no, no!　That's not how it works!　I'm very sorry that this is the only place I can provide you with ......!

　The man then apologized.
　There's a reason why he's being such a coward.

　The chancellor of the five academies has tremendous social influence and power.
　If he were to offend Leia here, the Kembu Festival itself would easily disappear.

　It was understandable that he, as the person in charge of the festival, would be afraid to do so.

Please don't be so formal. I'm just here to see the competitors, not the festival.

　Leia then decided to tell a little story to ease the tension of the steering committee members.

　She did not want to watch the game in such a tense atmosphere.

I've been traveling around a lot lately for the further development of Senbi Academy. It's like scouting.

　In recent years, the quality of the students has been declining, and the status of the five academies has been in jeopardy.

　The previous chancellor resigned to take responsibility for the situation, and after an election was held, Leia became the new chancellor.

　In order to revive the academy, she inspected promising swordsmen from all over the country and offered them admission with tuition exemption if they were sure of their abilities.

　It is difficult to improve the quality of students all at once. Therefore, they embraced some of the very best students and worked to improve the quality of the school partially.

"I see. ...... So, is it the previous winner's 'bounty hunter' that you're looking for this time?

　A little less tense, the head of the sword festival asked Leia.

Yes, of course. The bounty hunter, Rose-Valencia, I wanted to see it with my own eyes.

　If she is as good as they say she is, I'm going to ask her for a recommendation right away.

"I see, sir. I've never seen a bounty hunter fight before during the last tournament,.......　I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

I'm looking forward to it. --But I didn't come here just to see Rose.

What do you mean, "......"?

I am a little bit hopeful that I might find some unexpected bargains.

　Leia then turned her keen eye to the stage.

.

　After breaking the bubble with the first sword, the Flying Shadow, I continued to win at a breakneck pace.

　Ten victories in ten battles--I never dreamed it would come to this.

　The next thing I know, I'm in the finals for the championship.
　As if the final game was ready, the play-by-play announcer began to announce.

Sorry for the wait!　We will now begin the final match of the day, the final match!　The pairing is Rose-Valencia versus Allen-Rhoddle!　Please come up to the stage, both players!

　The bounty hunter Rose-Valencia.
　That name sounds familiar. She's a gifted female swordswoman about my age.

　Whenever she enters a tournament with a bounty on her head, she always wins.
　She finds criminals with bounties on their heads, captures them and turns them in to the holy knights.

　I'm not sure what her purpose is, but she's a female swordswoman with a reputation for being very skilled.

　Rose and I both went up to the stage.

　She had a dignified face with distinctive red eyes and beautiful silver hair with a pinkish tinge that reached to her back. She was dressed in black with red accents, exposing a wide area from her stomach to the bottom of her breasts, making it a little difficult to look at her. Underneath were a pair of black, low-rise hot pants.

　I had been watching her fight from the side of the stage.

　Her sword fighting skills were truly impressive, as she was able to take on strong men with such a slender body.
　After confirming that the two were on the stage, the play-by-play man began to give a brief description of the two as usual.

Rose-Valencia is the rightful heir to the Sakuraga Itto Ryu, the secret sword handed down from one generation to the next!　Allen, on the other hand, is a self-made man!

　After saying that much, he takes a deep breath and continues.

But I can assure you!　But I can assure you that there is not a single person in this room who would make fun of Allen's self-made sword!

　The reporter was right, after the fight with Bubble, there was no one left to mock me.

　Now it's rather the opposite.
　If I'm not mistaken, a kind of respect has been paid to me.

　In fact, there were many people who wanted to shake hands with me, and a few even volunteered to become my disciples.

　I shook hands with them, but I refused to be their apprentice.
　I'm still a novice.
　I am not in a position to teach others swordsmanship.

　When the match was about to start, I bowed my head as usual.

Please take care of me.　

　And then.

"Nice to meet you too.



　The reply came in a clear voice like a ringing bell.
　When they had finished their greetings.

"Are you ready, both of you?　Let the final match begin!

　The announcer announced the start of the match.

　At the same time, Rose and I both drew our swords and took a formal eye stance.

　In the exact same stance, we continued to stare at each other for a little while.

(Judging from her previous fights, her fighting style is the counter type.

　She is a defensive swordswoman, blocking her opponent's attacks and finding the slightest opening to strike a killing blow.
　It's a bad idea to slash at someone without a plan.

You'll be able to find a lot more information on this at .......

　And just as I was deciding on my next move...

"What?

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

(Breathing in sync with ......?

　I took a breath and blinked, just a fraction of a second before I saw her.

　It's a very high level of body manipulation.

"Sakurahana Itto Ryu - Sakura Sen!

　She lowered her center of gravity and unleashed a thrust that carried her full weight.

　But my heart is not weak enough to be crushed by a sudden approach.

"Ha!

　Her thrust aimed at my torso, and I met it with a thrust at the exact same angle of incidence.

　As a result, the tip of the sword and the tip of the sword--within a millimeter of the tip--clashed against each other in a state of antagonism.

　The steel and iron collided violently, and a high-pitched squeal echoed through the air.

"No way!

　Rose's eyes widened in disbelief at the unimaginable situation, but there was a slight opening.

　There was no way I was going to miss this chance.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

"Sh!

What?

　My thrust, timed perfectly, only grazed her side.

　She had been more than a beat behind, but she had managed to avoid the direct hit by forcibly twisting her body.

　She must have had a natural talent, but she must have put in an extraordinary amount of effort.

It's not ...... enough. It's still ......!

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

　Then she and I slashed each other again and again.

　All the while, the hall was quiet, a complete change from the past.

　There was no cheering or shouting.

　They just watched us fight in silence, occasionally spilling their thoughts.

"Hey, that bounty hunter Rose is like a child. ......

It's not half bad ........ I think I'll go back and apply for another apprenticeship. ......

Idiot, don't bother. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

　In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

I'm not sure what to do. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the best results.

　It's not something to be proud of.
　Please don't make me say it too many times.

Don't lie to me!　I'm not sure what to make of it.

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

I'm not sure what to do.

　It is true that my sword is filled with the weight of billions of years. I'm sure that's what she was referring to when she said "weight".

It's ...... just your imagination.

　I muttered to myself as I looked away.

　To be honest, I don't really want to talk about the 100 million year button.
　To be honest, I don't really want to talk about the 100-million-year button, and even if I did, no one would probably believe me.

　Then, as if he didn't like my answer, he said

"So you're just going to ...... keep a clean slate, are you?

　She looked a little annoyed.

"Fine. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. ...... In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

　This is the first time I've ever seen such a thing.

I'm not sure what to say.

　The beautiful, flowing technique, reminiscent of a cherry blossom blizzard, caught my attention for a moment.

　In the meantime, eight slashes attacked furiously.

　However - it was only a "series of blows".
　In between each strike, there was a very small gap.

　I made sure of that, and launched a technique for her inner workings.

Yatagarasu, the Eight of Swords.

　This is a technique to slay eight times with just one swing.

　Even though it is the same "eight," this is not a series of strikes--it literally cuts eight times at the same time.



　There is not the slightest space between each strike. It is truly a 'strike with eight slashes'.

　My Yatagarasu ate through the Kagamizakura Zan, even though I fired it more than a full beat later.

I'm sure you've heard of it.

　Rose's empty torso was exposed after her special move was defeated.

It's over.

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

　She fell to her knees and slowly slumped forward.
　As the room fell silent.

"The winner!　Allen-lo-o-dol!

　The announcer announced the result.

　At the same time, the audience erupted.
　It was a simple praise for me.

　Thus, I had won the Kemmu Festival, and I was rewarded with a large sum of money, 100,000 golds.

.

　One day, two days after the Kembu Festival.

　One day, two days after the Kembu Festival, I was swinging my sword alone in the schoolyard as usual, when the school's announcement sounded, and I was summoned to the principal's office alone.

　Somehow, I had a bad feeling about this.

(...... are you talking about the rumor?)

　There was a rumor that I had used a dark weapon in my duel with Dodriel, a rumor that had no basis in fact, that I had used a cowardly trick to deceive him.

　In a sacred duel, such underhanded tactics are forbidden.

　Of course I didn't do that, but I guess the academy doesn't care about the facts.

(haha .......) I think I might be expelled for once ......)

　Maybe Dodriel's family, the Barons of Burton, put some pressure on the school.

I'm not sure what to do. I'm in a position where I could be kicked out for poor grades at any time.

　Even if I hadn't had the duel with Dodriel, I probably would have been expelled sooner or later. The only difference is whether it was too late or too early.

(Well, fortunately, thanks to the 100 million year button, I got the minimum amount of power.

　If you are strong enough to win the Kemmu Festival, you can be admitted to a local knightly order.
　If you belong to a knight order and become a holy knight, you can get a stable salary.

　That way, you can give your mother a comfortable life back home.

(Maybe that's the way to go. ......)

　As I walked along, I could see the principal's office ahead of me.
　I knocked on the door, which was a little more elegant than the other classrooms, and was about to say my name.

"Oh, Mr. Allen. I've been waiting for you!

　The door opened with a bang, and out of the door came the vice principal, who seemed to be in a very good mood.

(Not only the principal, but also the vice principal ......)

　I'm sure of it.
　Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to be forced to quit this school today. 　

I'm afraid I'm going to have to quit today. Come on in, please!

...... Excuse me.

　The vice principal led me into the room, and I was greeted by the principal, who also seemed to be in a good mood.

"Oh, Mr. Allen!　Thank you for coming!

Hi, there.

　For some reason, both of them were in a very good mood.

　They were probably happy to see the day when they could get rid of the failures of the ...... school.

　Then, as I was sighing heavily in my mind.

As I sighed heavily in my heart, "Actually, I've been offered a ...... recommendation for you!

　The principal said something I hadn't expected.

"You mean ......?

Yes!　It's also from one of the five most prestigious schools, Senjin Academy!

　Even I know the name Senjin Academy. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

　It's a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything that might help you. The Thousand Blades Academy is a high school for students between the ages of 16 and 18.

"The Grand Academy of Swordsmanship in the countryside has produced students who have gone on to study at all five academies. --That's an incredible feat!

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.　It's a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web.

　The principal and vice principal were talking excitedly from beginning to end.

The principal and vice principal were talking excitedly all the time. "You did really, really well, Mr. Allen!

"That's our student!　You've done your job very well!

　They grabbed me firmly by the hands and shoulders.　

"Ha, ha. ......

　I just replied to them.

I'm not sure what to make of this.　Actually, I had high hopes for you from the start!

"Yes!　I'll have you read my acceptance speech as the valedictorian!　Of course, you'll pass with flying colors!

　After that, they praised me enthusiastically, and praised me incessantly.
　I looked at them with a somewhat cold eye.



(You've been letting them bully me all this time. ....... (You've been letting them bully me all this time, and now they're doing this just as soon as I get a recommendation from Senbei Academy. ......)

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.
　I'm sure there's some sort of foil that will be attached to this Grand Academy of Swordsmanship.

　But what to do with this right of admission recommendation is not a matter for me to decide alone.

I'm sorry. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

　The moment I told him my intentions.

"Well, what do you mean, think about it?

"Does that mean you're not going to take the recommendation?

　The two men's eyes changed color and they closed in on me.

I'm not sure if I'm going to go to the Thousand Blades Academy, join the Knights as a holy knight, or work for people as a mage. --To be honest, we haven't decided yet.

　That's right.
　This choice is a very important one that will greatly affect my life in the future.

I need to discuss this with my mother, who I left behind back home, and I can't give you an answer right now.

　I think you should go back to your hometown and talk with your mother before giving an answer.

"You idiot!　I'm not sure what to do.

If you graduate from the five academies in the capital, you can even become a senior holy knight!　I'm sure you'll have a brilliant career ahead of you.

...... Sorry. I don't know what I'm going to do yet.

　I'm not sure what to make of it.

　In the end, they finally gave in and said, "We'll be waiting for a good answer," and the conversation came to an end.

The conversation ended with both of them saying, "I'll be waiting to hear a good answer. ...... Now, if you'll excuse me.

　When I left the room, I wondered if the principal and the others had called for me. Or maybe they heard the announcement. At any rate, there were a lot of teachers there.

"Allen!　Just as I suspected, you have talent!　Why don't you join our Shinmei school now?

"No, no, no!　No, no, no! My Shinku style suits him. What do you think, Mr. Allen?　I'm offering you a special position as associate master!

"What are you talking about?　I'm not sure what to say.

　I'm not sure what to make of this.

　Three years ago, when I was a freshman, I asked to be admitted to the school and was rejected out of hand by the teachers.

　Normally, if I tried to ask them a question about swordsmanship, they would make a blatantly disgusted face and ignore me, but ...... now they are like this.

(I guess this is what you call a 'flip-flop' ......)

　Of course, I had no intention of belonging to the school of these terrible teachers.

　These people are probably recruiting me enthusiastically in order to advertise that "a student from our school has entered the prestigious Senba Academy.

　In other words, they are just looking at me as a tool to attract customers.

"...... Excuse me, excuse me.

"Oh, hey, Mr. Allen!　Let's at least talk!

　Then I walked quickly past the teachers and headed home alone.

(haha .......) I'm going to have to go back to my hometown this weekend and talk to my mom about it.

　Anyway, ...... I feel like I've seen too much of the dirty side of humanity today.

　I feel like I need to meet my mother and Paula, people who are human and honest, to cleanse my mind a little.

　So I went back to the dormitory for a while.