Chapter 027: You’ve Got Issues!

The layout of Asterisk resembled a hexagram, with its six academies—including Seidoukan Academy—situated at each of the star's six points.

Leaving the academy and following the main streets led directly into the city districts.

The city was divided into two primary areas: the Outer Residential District and the Central District.

The Outer Residential District was serviced by a circular light rail line, connecting the harbor and residential areas at the edges of Asterisk. This line also passed by the six academies, making it common to see students using the light rail to travel.

The Central District relied mainly on an underground subway system and was further split into the Commercial District and the Administrative District.

During the Festa tournaments, throngs of tourists flooded into Asterisk. To accommodate them, the Commercial and Administrative Districts were vast, with many dueling stages scattered throughout.

As a city built for dueling, Asterisk had more competition stages than any other facility.

There were three large-scale stages, seven medium-sized ones, and countless smaller stages. At the center of it all was the largest stage in Asterisk: the Sirius Dome.

In every Festa, all matches in the latter half of the tournament were held at the Sirius Dome. Located near the heart of Asterisk, the dome was essentially the city's centerpiece.

Naturally, the dome attracted massive crowds, even when no Festa was happening, making it a prime tourist destination.

To cater to the demand from both the Festa and the influx of tourists, the Commercial District had been developed into a bustling hub of activity.

It was the weekend, and the Commercial District was especially lively. Crowds filled the neatly paved streets, most wearing casual clothes adorned with academy crests, a required accessory even on holidays.

This rule existed for one reason: Asterisk was a dueling city.

Even on weekends, students, driven by youth and adrenaline, often initiated duels for various reasons. Without their crests, the duels wouldn't be recognized as valid.

Fortunately, today seemed peaceful. The streets were bustling with activity, but no one had started a duel.

Around midday, Aizen and his group of four arrived in the Commercial District.

"So many shops…"

Kirin Toudou, looking more relaxed, darted her eyes around curiously, marveling at the vibrant surroundings.

"There are so many people too," Ayato Amagiri added, gawking at the scene like a country bumpkin visiting the city for the first time.

"This area is full of restaurants," Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld chimed in, finally finding a chance to regain her composure.

"Each shop has its prices listed outside, so no one gets a nasty surprise after sitting down."

She continued, "The place we're heading to is nearby. It's closer to the Outer Residential District, a bit farther from the subway station, so it's not too crowded. It's highly rated online, and apparently, even students from Queenvail Academy frequent it."

Hearing this, Kirin turned to Julis with a curious expression.

"Queenvail Academy?"

"That's right, so it's worth looking forward to."

At the mention of "Queenvail," both Julis and Kirin had subtle but noticeable reactions, leaving Ayato scratching his head in confusion.

"What's so special about Queenvail?"

Of course, Ayato knew about Queenvail Academy.

As one of Asterisk's six academies, all of which were globally renowned for producing Festa competitors, even children knew their names.

The six academies—Seidoukan Academy, Saint Galahadworth Academy, Jie Long Seventh Institute, Le Wolfe Black Academy, Allekant Academy, and Queenvail Girls' Academy—each had their unique characteristics and backing from the Integrated Enterprise Foundation, which effectively ruled the world.

Seidoukan, for example, was symbolized by the unyielding crimson lotus on its crest. It prided itself on a liberal ethos, fostering student autonomy and ensuring magicians and witches wouldn't be treated as test subjects.

Queenvail Girls' Academy, on the other hand, was symbolized by the Nameless Goddess. Its atmosphere was cheerful and vibrant, but admission required not only combat ability and academic excellence but also one additional criterion: beauty.

In short, they didn't admit ugly students.

This policy stemmed from the fact that Queenvail prioritized grooming idols over Festa competitors. Backed by a corporate foundation that dominated the global entertainment industry, Queenvail encouraged its students to pursue careers in show business rather than focus solely on Festa rankings.

As a result, Queenvail was both the smallest and the only all-girls academy among the six, often finishing last in Festa rankings. However, its students prided themselves on their idol-level beauty, with many participating in idol activities and even becoming world-class celebrities.

For girls, Queenvail represented a world of dreams and aspirations.

For boys… it was the ultimate paradise.

While Julis and Kirin weren't particularly drawn to Queenvail, the mere mention of such an idyllic place naturally stirred their imaginations.

Of course…

"You wouldn't get it," Aizen said, patting Ayato on the shoulder.

"What do you mean?" Ayato asked, utterly baffled.

Expecting a typical light novel protagonist to understand the nuances of such topics was a lost cause.

Realizing this, Aizen didn't bother explaining, opting instead to shake his head and sigh.

With that, the group turned a corner into a small alley, stopping in front of a quaint shop.

"This is the place," Julis announced after checking the location and comparing it to the pictures she had seen online.

She opened the door and led the group inside.

The interior was bright and cozy, with no more than twenty seats, including those at the counter. Despite its small size, the shop was fairly crowded.

Most of the patrons were young women, all strikingly attractive, and wearing Queenvail crests on their chests.

"Are we really eating here?"

Ayato, surrounded by beautiful girls, looked completely out of place, squirming in discomfort.

Aizen, however, appeared unfazed, his attention momentarily drawn to the soft background music playing in the shop.

"Nice tune," he muttered.

Meanwhile, Julis and Kirin had already started looking at the menu.

"What about this one?" Julis asked.

"It looks delicious, but isn't it a bit pricey?" Kirin hesitated.

"Not at all. It's reasonably priced. Don't hold back—order whatever you like."

"If you say so…"

The two girls focused on choosing their meals while Aizen and Ayato sat idly across from them.

"Aren't you ordering anything?" Aizen asked Ayato.

"I'm fine with whatever. I can eat pretty much anything," Ayato replied nonchalantly, a lazy smile on his face.

But soon, Ayato began staring at Aizen intensely, making him feel uneasy.

Why is this guy staring at me like that?

This place is filled with beautiful girls, and yet you're staring at me, a guy?

And considering what he just said—"I can eat anything"…

You've got issues! !!!∑(ﾟДﾟノ)ノ