Chapter 75

Following the commentator's instructions, the students from all schools except Senrin Academy and Werewolf Academy descended from the stage and headed to the locker rooms.

As the majority of the swordsmen moved, I glanced at the audience.

(There are so many spectators...)

The venue was packed to the brim—there wasn't a single empty seat.

Sure enough, this is the Sword King Festival. Even though it's still the preliminary round, the attention it's receiving is on a whole different level.

(Finding Rea in this crowd is going to be extremely difficult...)

Finding Rea among the tens of thousands of spectators, whose location is unknown, is... frankly, unrealistic.

Still, I cast my gaze over the audience in a last-ditch effort.

"Alright, from this point on, we will begin the 'Vanguard Battle' between Werewolf Academy and Senrin Academy!"

The female commentator declared this loudly.

In the next instant, the atmosphere in the venue reached its peak, and a roar like an earthquake echoed through the air.

"Alright, now that the atmosphere has warmed up, let's proceed to the introduction of the participants!"

The commentator cleared her throat and began the introductions with enthusiasm.

"First, from Werewolf Academy, the vanguard—Garo Yundler! According to the information we have, he is a super genius swordsman who manifested his Soul Armor at the age of ten! Furthermore, he is a master of the famous 'Hakurei Ranbu' style from the west! He was even accepted into one of the Five Academies, but due to a violent incident just before enrollment, he ended up attending Werewolf Academy! In other words, his sheer strength is on par with the Five Academies!"

A swordsman slowly ascended the stage after being introduced.

Garo Yundler. His flashy blonde hair was neatly styled with gel. His well-defined face was filled with great confidence. He was slightly taller than me, probably around 175 centimeters. He was dressed in Werewolf Academy's uniform, which featured a black fabric with a crimson cross.

Then,

"Oooh! Give him a bloodbath, Garo!"

"Kill all the scum from Senrin Academy!"

"Show those 'Fallen Losers' that the times have changed!"

From a section of the audience, foul cheers were hurled. They were all wearing the same uniform as Garo, likely students from Werewolf Academy.

As Lirim-senpai mentioned, it doesn't seem to be a particularly reputable academy.

"Next, from Senrin Academy, the vanguard—Allen Roder! According to the information we have, he... eh? ...ah, um... He doesn't belong to any school and practices silently every day... His Soul Armor... ah, hasn't manifested yet..."

It was a rather tragically sad introduction.

(Everything she said is correct... but couldn't she have given a slightly more normal introduction?)

As I was thinking this,

"Ha ha ha ha! 'Unaffiliated swordsman,' what a joke!"

"Is the quality of students that bad, eh?"

"Has Senrin Academy fallen so low? Maybe it's time to kick them out of the 'Five Academies'?"

From the Werewolf Academy's cheering section, harsh laughter and insults were hurled.

(Something like this hasn't happened in a while...)

Recently, thanks to gradually gaining more friends, I've encountered fewer such insults. Besides, I had almost forgotten that I was unaffiliated, given the tumultuous days I've been having.

Then,

"Allen! I'm supporting you! Don't lose to these guys!"

Directly behind me, in the front row of the audience, Rea was shouting loudly and waving her hands.

Looking behind her, I saw the rest of Class A, including Rose and Tessa, and the seniors in Senrin Academy's uniforms.

(Rea... and everyone else...)

As I waved to Rea, I felt a slight sense of unease.

(That's strange...)

Despite the insults directed at Senrin Academy, the class and seniors were strangely quiet. They even had smirks on their faces.

(What's going on?)

As I tilted my head in confusion,

"Hey, what's wrong? If you're scared, you can forfeit, you know?"

Garo mocked me.

"...No, I'm fine."

I'm used to the insults from the audience.

(And I'm not alone anymore...)

Rea's single cheer easily overpowered ten thousand insults.

Then,

"Heh heh, that's right... Well, just relax. Against a no-school, no-Soul Armor, third-rate swordsman... ha ha! I won't even need to get serious..."

Garo repeated his provocations, shaking his shoulders.

As a swordsman, I couldn't ignore this.

"...A swordsman's duel is a serious matter."

It's true that I haven't been accepted into any school and haven't manifested my Soul Armor yet.

Still, I am a 'swordsman.'

To hold back in a serious duel is a grossly disrespectful act.

Then,

"Hey, you're saying some interesting things... A super genius like me... facing a nobody like you in a 'serious duel'? Ha, it won't be a proper 'duel'... Besides, if you get too cocky... I'll kill you."

Garo glared at me with sharp eyes.

"...Is that so?"

Since he insists on not getting serious, there's no point in arguing.

I can only do one thing.

(I have to keep attacking until Garo has no choice but to get serious...)

As a swordsman, I felt a burning desire to fight.

Right after that,

"Are both sides ready? Then, the first match between Senrin Academy and Werewolf Academy—begin!"

The commentator announced the start of the match.

At the same time, I kicked the ground hard to close the distance.

In the next instant, I was already right in front of Garo.

"...Huh?"

"...What?"

We both exclaimed in shock.

(What...?)

I had intended to close the distance slightly to gauge Garo's reaction...

But I inadvertently stepped into the 'deadly range'—no, I stepped into it without realizing it.

Due to my intense training in the dark, I hadn't noticed that my physical abilities had significantly improved as I became more accustomed to the darkness.

(What should I do...?)

Attacking an opponent who hasn't drawn their sword seemed inappropriate as a swordsman.

(But this is a serious duel...)

Holding back here would be an insult to Garo.

(I can't attack an unarmed opponent... but I can't hold back either...)

Caught between these conflicting principles, I decided to compromise and delivered a front kick.

"—Sei!"

The kick, intended as a minor feint,

"Ha...!?"

Pierced deep into Garo's abdomen, sending him flying like a ball.

"Wh... What?"

The entire venue fell silent in shock.

Garo, who had flown horizontally, hit the wall with his entire body and lost consciousness.

An eerie silence enveloped the Orest National Arena, which was packed with tens of thousands of people.

"U-Uh... Excuse me! The winner is Allen Roder!"

The commentator, genuinely confused, declared the winner.

"Y-Yeah! Yeah!"

The silence was suddenly broken as the Senrin Academy seniors erupted in cheers.

"Did you see that, Werewolf Academy? This is our Allen Roder!"

"Who would have thought he wouldn't even use a sword... Insult for insult—this is our hidden boss!"

"Ha ha ha! We'll take the next and middle battles too!"

The seniors, elated by the unexpected victory, started shouting strange things.

"Who would have thought he could defeat Garo with just one hit... I thought Senrin Academy had fallen, but they have an incredible talent this year..."

"But to not even use a sword in a serious duel... Poor Garo... Whether he can recover as a swordsman is uncertain..."

"Allen Roder... He has a gentle face, but he hides a cruel nature..."

Rumors about me began to spread among the audience.

My 'misleading bad reputation' was spreading beyond Senrin Academy to the general public.

"Phew... I hope nothing troublesome happens..."

I sighed deeply and slowly descended from the stage.

In any case, I had won the vanguard battle against Garo Yundler in a splendid victory.