"Pillar of Strength"
Hagun Academy, Magic Knight Alliance Japanese Branch, tenth underground floor.
Those brought in for questioning by the Ethics Committee weren't treated well.
Ikki Kurogane was in a cramped, dark room, like a coffin. He'd been there for…
He'd initially judged time by the changing light through the small window, but as his condition worsened, he lost track of time.
Ikki Kurogane was sure his weakness wasn't from a summer cold.
His weakness was likely due to the meager food and water; the reaction was from something like truth serum!
But it wasn't these tactics that broke him; Ikki Kurogane coughed, a bitter smile on his face.
The heaviest blow came from his father, Kurogane Itsuki.
Ikki Kurogane could still hear Kurogane Itsuki's cold, heartless words.
Ikki Kurogane, despite his strength, was human; he craved his family's recognition.
But Kurogane Itsuki shattered his hopes.
As a father, Kurogane Itsuki felt no affection for Ikki Kurogane. The lack of even aversion, born from unmet expectations, was the most despairing.
As the head of the Kurogane family, controlling all of Japan's sword masters, Kurogane Itsuki's management style was based on "hierarchy."
"Avoid excessive ambition; stick to your duty; this is the path to happiness for most."
This was Kurogane Itsuki's belief; Ikki Kurogane's actions challenged it.
Not everyone could overcome their incompetence like Ikki. Excessive expectations and unrealistic confidence only caused losses.
Ikki Kurogane couldn't understand; he felt despair.
He'd believed, even without Kurogane Itsuki's expression, that there was a bond between them; they'd understand each other someday.
But Kurogane Itsuki clearly stated that having feelings for him was foolish. His pillar of strength crumbled; that's why Ikki Kurogane broke.
Ikki Kurogane considered giving up, sinking into despair. But in the darkness, he heard a voice.
"Then we're rivals!"
Even if his father didn't care, someone acknowledged him as a rival.
"If you lose to anyone but me, I won't forgive you!"
Before settling the score with you, he couldn't lose. Losing to this conspiracy would shame him before those who acknowledged him.
"Never forget; you're my acknowledged rival!"
Ikki Kurogane opened his bloodshot eyes; a smile appeared on his lips.
He couldn't give up; someone was waiting for their duel!
The door opened; Akaza Mamoru, in a red suit, entered.
"Congratulations; you passed the Ethics Committee's questioning; you're free to go!"
Ikki Kurogane didn't believe Akaza Mamoru would willingly release him; there was another conspiracy behind that cheerful face.
Akaza Mamoru said, "Your goal is the Seven Star Sword King title; you're closer.
Your final match in the Hagun Academy selection tournament is coming; victory will give you Hagun Academy's representative spot."
Ikki Kurogane guessed Akaza Mamoru's cheerful demeanor meant his final opponent was formidable.
"For your final match, your opponent is the strongest—Hagun Academy's Student Council President, fourth place at last year's Seven Star Sword Festival, Raikiri, Touka Toudou.
What, you're scared? Will you forfeit?"
This was Akaza Mamoru's final tactic—using Raikiri to destroy Ikki Kurogane's path as a sword master.
Ikki Kurogane had seen Touka Toudou's strength at Kurogane Shizuku's match.
Even at his best, victory against Touka Toudou wasn't guaranteed. Now, he was at his limit.
But… Ikki Kurogane stood, steadying himself against the wall.
"I understand. Can I leave now?"
His tone was calm, showing no nervousness.
Akaza Mamoru, surprised by the lack of expected reaction, lost his false demeanor.
He said angrily, "Let's see how you defeat Raikiri and become Seven Star Sword King. This is the end; you can't even graduate, yet you want to be a magic knight…"
Ikki Kurogane ignored him, leaving his prison.
No matter the opponent, he wouldn't lose; he'd defeat all opponents until facing his rival.
…
Hagun Academy, Principal's office.
Drake, Stella, and the Student Council executives were there; they knew about Ikki Kurogane's final match.
Kurogane Shizuku slammed her hand on Kurono Shinguuji's desk.
"No, brother's in bad shape; he can't win against the Student Council President!"
Kurogane Shizuku had heard the recording; she was angry at Akaza Mamoru and worried about Ikki Kurogane.
She knew from his voice how bad his condition was.
Having fought Touka Toudou, she knew Raikiri's power. Kurogane Shizuku couldn't remain calm.
Kurono Shinguuji frowned. "I apologize; I didn't expect this!"
Drake sensed Kurono Shinguuji's anger.
Ikki Kurogane wasn't supposed to face Touka Toudou. This was deliberate.
She hadn't been thorough enough; there were still high-ranking branch members at Hagun Academy. They'd done this.
She couldn't escape responsibility; Ikki Kurogane was in a desperate situation because of her oversight.
Kurogane Shizuku looked at Touka Toudou. "Student Council President, will you accept this unfair fight?"
Touka Toudou lowered her head. "Sorry, as Student Council President, I can't refuse a scheduled match!"
"Then…"
Kurogane Shizuku was about to speak, but Drake interrupted.
"Shizuku! Don't; the President has reasons to fight."
Kurogane Shizuku knew asking Touka Toudou to lose was unreasonable, but she was frustrated.
Seeing Kurogane Shizuku's expression, Drake said, "With respect to the President, I believe in Ikki. That man won't lose here!"
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