-1386- Participants and Withdrawals

"....."

Upon hearing Shinguji Kurono's warning, everyone exchanged glances.

It was not surprising to anyone that Shinguji Kurono's would offer a warning.

"Although what you need to do hasn't changed, this time, without a doubt, you'll be dragged into political conflicts, seen as representatives of the League, and used by the League to crush Akatsuki Academy's plot."

Shinguji Kurono spoke frankly.

"Though you are still students, you will be used for political purposes. This might shatter your dreams. Can you accept that?"

Kurogane Ikki, for example. He aims to win the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, earn the title of Seven Stars Sword King, and qualify for graduation to become a Mage-Knight.

With Ikki's ability, achieving this dream wasn't difficult.

However, this year's Seven Stars Sword Art Festival had become a political battleground, not merely a test of strength.

Ikki might be distracted or face issues that affect his performance, causing him to lose the championship.

Furthermore, being used as the vanguard against Akatsuki Academy would make anyone resentful.

"Moreover, if Akatsuki Academy's members are indeed from the Rebellion, it means they're all elites from the underworld. Their strength is exceptional. Fighting them could present unprecedented obstacles. They might not fight you head-on and could use underhanded tactics, even different combat styles. One wrong move, and you could lose your life. They will show no mercy."

Shinguji Kurono spoke gravely.

"People who have been in the dark for years—you're just students and not adept at dealing with unscrupulous criminals. The danger is substantial."

For these reasons, this year's Seven Stars Sword Art Festival could be considered a hellish ordeal.

"Many representatives from other academies have already withdrawn. Some don't want to get involved in this event, some fear facing terrorists, and some don't want their dreams shattered. Some even agree with Prime Minister Tsukikage's policies and chose to withdraw voluntarily. It's evident that winning this year's Seven Stars Sword Art Festival will be infinitely more challenging, and you might have to endure unbearable consequences."

Shinguji Kurono's gaze swept across the students.

"Even so, do you still want to participate?"

This was what Shinguji Kurono wanted to confirm.

Rozen also agreed with this point.

"If your only pursuit is to achieve something in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, it's best not to get involved in this mess."

Rozen rarely voiced his opinion in such situations.

Even Edelweiss shared her opinion.

"Many of you are only first-year students. If you aim to achieve something in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, you can wait until next year. There's no need to force it this year."

This was Edelweiss' perspective.

"That's it," Shinguji Kurono said. "So, think it over carefully, especially you, Ikki. The Seven Stars Sword Art Festival is more than just a competition for you; it's about your future. This time, there are underlying issues. If you don't want to take the risk, you can postpone our agreement to the next time."

Shinguji Kurono made this promise.

Remember, Ikki's chance to graduate as an F-rank knight was Shinguji Kurono's promise.

If Ikki could win the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival and earn the title of Seven Stars Sword King, Kurono Shinguji promised he would ensure Ikki graduated smoothly and became a formal Mage-Knight.

Surely, the League wouldn't refuse to grant a knight's license to a student capable of becoming the Seven Stars Sword King, even if that student had low ability scores. With such an achievement, everything would fall into place.

Shinguji Kurono would accept if this promise were postponed to the following year.

Such was the peculiarity of this year's Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.

However...

"I will compete."

Ikki answered without hesitation.

"To me, this year's Seven Stars Sword Art Festival is no different from previous years. It's merely that the strong of the underworld have invaded the knights' festival of the surface world. Although there are more powerful opponents, if I retreat because of this, then forget becoming a Mage-Knight, I won't even be a qualified swordsman."

Ikki looked Shinguji Kurono straight in the eyes.

"Besides, Mage-Knights are not just athletes. Fighting criminals is something inevitable. Thinking about it this way, having the experience of fighting strong opponents from the underworld during my student years is something I welcome."

This was Ikki's perspective.

Moreover...

"I also have a lot to ask my brother." Ikki said quietly, "If he indeed joined the Rebellion and became a terrorist, I will personally defeat him."

It wasn't Shinguji Kurono who reacted to Ikki's words but Shizuku.

"Whatever my dear brother's decision is, it's mine as well," Shizuku said. "Although I never considered that person a relative, if he becomes a terrorist, I won't let it go."

Thus, the siblings made their decision.

However...

"His opponent is me."

Stella's eyes burned with determination as she recalled their previous battle.

"I will defeat him myself, regardless of whether he's a terrorist."

Stella's words conveyed a resolute battle spirit.

The previous battle with Kurogane Ouma had clearly ignited Stella's fighting spirit.

As for the others, there was no need to ask.

"As the student council president of Hagun Academy, I will repay them for what they did to this academy."

Todo Touka declared.

"The president's will is my will too."

Totokubara Kanata responded with a smile.

"Good luck!"

"Don't lose to those bastards!"

"It's a pity we can't participate!"

Misogi Utakata, Tomaru Renren, and Saijou Ikazuchi each spoke out.

Everyone made their decision, determined not to retreat.

Until...

"In that case, please allow me to withdraw."

Arisuin Nagi finally spoke with a faint smile, saying those words.

"Alice?"

Ikki, Stella, and others were shocked.

"Withdraw?"

Shizuku was also stunned.

Only Rozen, Edelweiss, and Kurono Shinguji gazed at Arisuin Nagi.

Their eyes held a hint of deeper meaning.

Especially Rozen.

"So, that's your choice."

Rozen observed Arisuin Nagi, eventually smiling as if he had let something go.

Edelweiss silently nodded, seemingly pleased with Arisuin Nagi's choice.

Shinguji Kurono also looked deeply at Arisuin Nagi, then nodded expressionlessly.

"Understood. Then, we will revoke your qualification as a representative."

These words brought a look of relief to Arisuin Nagi's face.

Thus, Hagun Academy decided to face the challenge head-on.

Participants: Five.

Withdrawals: One.