Third Round
After his battle with Amane, the committee prepared the battle circle, fixing them as soon as possible.
On the other hand, Yuuzou and the host were slightly overwhelmed since their job was to talk, so no one got bored during this match. Naturally, their topic was Tsukasa, but they didn't dare to talk about him that much since they were afraid of being targeted by him.
With Tsukasa's ability, even if he didn't take their lives, he could kill them with something else, especially Yuuzou, since he didn't want to become an ordinary person, so in the end, they talked about the battle in the third round.
As it was announced previously, the second and third rounds were held on the same day.
As the second round ended, the third round started.
There were only three battles in the third round.
The first battle was to determine who would qualify to enter the semi-finals from the B-Block.
"This fight will be interesting."
"Yeah, I think so too. Whether Lorelei or White-Robed Knight, they're Blazers with the ability to manipulate water. Their abilities are similar to each other, and they also have a famous name too, but..."
"But...?"
"I have to say that Lorelei will have a disadvantage over the White-Robed Knight."
This was the conclusion that Yuuzou could conclude.
In this world, there were many Blazers that had the ability to manipulate water. It was also one of the most popular abilities because of how versatile it was. Even the Great Hero, Kurogane Ryouma, also had the ability to manipulate water.
70% of the human body is also made from water.
With the development of science, medicine, and technology, it was easy for one to tell how dangerous the water manipulation ability was.
Still, this was also a great ability since it could help with healing and medicine.
Having this ability also made Kiriko Yakushi the number-one doctor in this country.
This was also the reason why Yuuzou believed that Kiriko would win.
Kiriko might be known as the best doctor in this country, but she was also an A-Rank Blazer.
On the other hand, Shizuku was a B-Rank Blazer. However, it seemed because of her increased control over her magic increased. She also became an A-Rank Blazer. While it was hard for one to change the rank of one, her father was the leader of the League of Mage-Knight Nations Japan Branch, so it was easy for her to do many things.
However, even so, it didn't change the fact that Shizuku would lose.
Even if they were in a similar rank, their experience was far from different.
Kiriko was also Shizuku's teacher, so wasn't it natural for them to think that Kiriko would win?
---
"Those people really talk whatever they want..."
"Yeah, they're really rude." Arisuin Nagi pouted.
Shizuku stayed in the waiting room, listening to the noisy ramble of the hosts. While she wanted to calm down, she couldn't, so she listened to the commentator. Yet she didn't expect their words would make her annoyed.
Still, even if she was annoyed, she couldn't refute their words since this was the fact.
She didn't think that she would be able to win against Kiriko.
At that moment, she wanted her older brother to accompany her.
Unfortunately, Ikki also would have his match soon and compared to her. His match was even more dangerous. Her big brother was doing their best, so how could she be scared?
Yet, even so, she had to say she really didn't see a chance for her to win.
"Are you nervous, Shizuku?"
"Can you tell, Alice?" Shizuku asked helplessly. She looked at the older sister figure in front of her and couldn't help but show her true self.
"You're strong, Shizuku. Why don't you believe in yourself? You are also her student, so you should understand all of her power, right?"
While Shizuku was helpless, Arusuin Nagi still believed in Shizuku.
"You don't understand, Alice." Shizuku shook her head and said, "It's because I am her student that I understand how powerful she is." She knew how powerful Kiriko was, and it was also the reason why she couldn't refute the hosts' words.
What could Arisuin say in this situation?
Nothing.
He could do nothing when he saw Tsukasa and Edelweiss fight each other, and this situation was similar to this. However, he couldn't let this continue, and he could only hug Shizuku's frail body tightly.
"Just do your best."
"I know."
This was the only thing she could do.
She didn't want to lose, and that's why she was going to do her best.
---
"Now, the battle circle has been fixed, and it is time for us to start the third round of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival."
"Finally, it is time."
"Well, let's not waste our time anymore! Let us welcome them! The Hagun Academy, Lorelei, Shizuku Kurogane! Rentei Academy, White Robed Knight, Kiriko Yakushi! Please come in!"
As the host's voice fell, Shizuku and Kiriko walked out from the gate at the same time. Yet the expression given by the two participants was different.
If Kiriko showed a calm, collected, yet mature charm.
Then, Shizuku showed a determined expression, yet it seemed forceful.
"It's surprising that we're going to fight each other here, but even if I am your teacher, I won't hold back, Shizuku-chan."
"Yes, I know. You don't need to hold back. Please give your all, Kiriko-san!"
Kiriko only smiled and didn't say anything. Honestly, she didn't need to use all of her power to defeat Shizuku, and she also didn't really want to use her real power since she wanted to keep it a secret when she faced Stella in the semi-final.
"Let's go ahead!"
As that voice fell, the battle between them started.
---
Ikki knew that it was time for Shizuku to have a match, but he didn't come to visit her or watch her. Instead, he was in his own battle, trying to imagine his own fight against Tsukasa.
"You can do it, Shizuku!"
He wasn't sure whether his words could be heard, but he had a feeling that Shizuku could hear his voice.
---
"Onii-sama..."
Shizuku said weakly before she passed out.
On the other hand, Kiriko stood calmly in the center of the stage without moving from her spot or sweating, showing an overwhelming victory.
"The-The winner is Rentei Academy, White Robed Knight, Kiriko Yakushi!"
Even if Shizuku could hear her big brother's voice, the reality was cruel since she lost miserably.
"You have become strong, but the one that I have been looking far ahead of you, Shizuku-chan."
Kiriko looked up and looked into Stella, who also looked in her direction at this moment.
When their eyes met, they knew their battle wouldn't be easy, and they definitely refused to lose.