-1384- Akatsuki Academy

Thus, the sudden disaster that left Hagun Academy in flames, with many students and staff unconscious and Wallenstein's corpse left behind, concluded with the attackers' retreat.

After the incident, news of the attack on Hagun Academy, along with images of the burning campus, was reported nationwide.

The attackers boldly revealed themselves as representatives of other academies, and their photos appeared in news reports.

Upon learning that the representatives of the other academies were responsible for this unprecedented atrocity, not only was Hagun Academy enraged, but the chairmen of the other six academies and the high-ranking members of the league were also shocked and angry.

They immediately announced that they would investigate the incident, revoke the six students' representative qualifications, strip them of their Blazer status, arrest them, and bring them to trial.

Nationwide, people learned the names of the six attackers and paid close attention to the event, discussing it intensely.

Everyone believed that these attackers would face severe punishment, arrest, and responsibility for their actions.

It was thought that they would no longer be eligible to participate in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.

Everyone thought so.

Unexpectedly, amidst the nationwide discussion, one person stood up and appeared in news reports.

"Actually, I orchestrated this incident."

The person who declared himself as the mastermind behind the event was Tsukikage Bakuga, the current Prime Minister.

In other words, this person was the highest leader of the country.

When such a figure stood up and openly declared that he planned the incident, the entire nation was shocked.

However, Tsukikage Bakuga showed no remorse. Instead, he stated confidently:

"Although this might be excessive, everyone can see that the academies under the league are fundamentally weak, as they couldn't withstand a few students."

"I can tell you that these students were cultivated by our own country."

"Their strength and abilities are evident to all."

"Therefore, I must say that the Seven Stars Academies under the league are insignificant. Only we can bear the future of this country."

"Hence, I solemnly announce that our national academy, Akatsuki Academy, will be officially established, taking over the education, training, and management of Blazers from the league, to truly cultivate our talents and become self-reliant."

"The mentioned student knights are the first batch of students from this academy."

"And I am the chairman of this academy, personally cultivating our nation's talents."

"This is the first and strongest academy in our country—Akatsuki Academy."

Tsukikage Moya's declaration was like a thunderbolt striking the hearts of the nation's people.

The Prime Minister even announced that Akatsuki Academy would win the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, showcasing its strength to everyone.

"The education system for Blazers under the league will no longer exist, and we will regain our sovereignty."

With this declaration, Tsukikage Bakuga ended his speech, leaving the nation in an uproar.

People were divided; some protested against Tsukikage Bakuga's excessive actions, while others supported him, believing the country should reclaim its sovereignty and strengthen itself.

The league planned to hold Tsukikage Bakuga accountable but was met with:

"Akatsuki Academy welcomes challenges from the Seven Academies."

In other words, Akatsuki Academy claimed it was a legitimate challenge, not a crime. They welcomed challengers if the students from the Seven Academies could match their abilities.

This infuriated the league and the seven academies, led by Hagun Academy.

However, they ultimately couldn't hold Akatsuki Academy accountable.

Soon, another announcement appeared in public view.

"As the responsible entity for Blazer education and management under the league, we cannot overlook such lawless behavior."

"Therefore, we will defeat Akatsuki Academy at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival to prove the legitimacy of our order and authority."

"We hereby permit Akatsuki Academy's representatives to join the competition as the eighth academy."

"Everything will be settled at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival."

This was the League's official announcement.

As Rozen had predicted, the League's had to respond to Akatsuki Academy's challenge by defeating them at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival to uphold its legitimacy.

Otherwise, they would lose control over Blazer education, training, and management, and the league would become an empty shell.

This was something the league couldn't allow.

As a result, everything played into Tsukikage Bakuga's plan, making the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival a battleground for power.

Thus, this year's Seven Stars Sword Art Festival attracted unprecedented attention, as it could determine the future of the League and many countries.

This year's festival was destined to be extraordinary.

This caused many representatives from the Seven Stars Academies to have concerns, leading to numerous withdrawals, reducing the number of participants.

However, those confident in their abilities remained.

Therefore, although the number of participants decreased, this year's festival became a gathering of unprecedented elites.

A commotion was about to begin.

As the starting point of the incident, Hagun Academy also had to respond.

...

"Sorry, we're late."

In the principal's office, Shinguji Kurono, who had hurried back, stood up and bowed to Rozen and the others, who had been summoned, with a voice full of remorse, frustration, and apology.

"As the principal of Hagun, I failed to protect the academy and its students and staff. This is my failure. I'm sorry."

Shinguji Kurono apologized.

This made many people flustered.

"Please... please lift your head."

Todo Touka quickly said.

"This is not your fault."

Kurogane Ikki helped Shinguji Kurono up.

"It's not the director's fault at all, right?"

Stella Vermillion insisted.

"Although the attackers took advantage of your and Saikyo-sensei's absence to attack, the fault lies with them, not the director."

Even Kurogane Shizuku spoke up.

Others also voiced their support.

Only Rozen and Arisuin Nagi remained silent, one looking indifferent and the other exceptionally quiet.

As for Edelweiss, she stood by silently observing.

Saikyo Nene was not present, as she was handling various post-attack matters within the academy.

In this situation, Shinguji Kurono spoke with a complex expression.

"I didn't expect things to turn out this way."

Her words left everyone speechless.