Chapter 25: The Quest for Supremacy

Kurogane Ikki occupies a central seat in the classroom, absorbing the announcement with a hidden sigh of relief. His Ittou Shura technique is undeniably powerful, but its heavy energy consumption limits its frequency of use. Given that each competition occurs every three days, he's spared the torment of confronting formidable opponents back-to-back within a short span.

The looming Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival is a compulsory event for him. Securing victory in this festival holds the key to his graduation—a condition set forth by Director Shinguuji Kurono himself. As an F-Rank Knight, he is relegated to a position of insignificance, deemed too weak to be considered a true Blazer by the League. Even in the eyes of powerful Blazers, he's viewed as nothing more than someone in need of protection—a liability, not an asset.

In essence, his social standing, as well as his position in the hierarchy, relegates him to obscurity. Graduating smoothly, obtaining the coveted Blazer license from Hagun Academy, remains an almost unattainable goal. This reality struck him hard last year when he failed to progress to the next grade.

However, Shinguuji Kurono granted him a lifeline this year. By emerging triumphant in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, he can achieve his graduation—a chance to receive recognition from the school. And this isn't just a matter of personal glory; it's about survival. To win the festival means securing his foothold as a Knight, a symbol of his ascendancy.

"Is it true?"

"Ugh, this is gonna ruin my plans for fun!"

"I have no interest in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival!"

Yet not everyone shares Ikki's perspective. As Oreki Yuuri's announcement reverberates through the classroom, a palpable sense of reluctance settles in. Given that Hagun Academy boasts over 700 students, the competition for the six available spots is fierce. For new students like them, the odds of surpassing the more experienced second and third-year students are slim.

Moreover, the method of competition—using real weaponry in the form of "Material Form" Devices—introduces significant risk. In contrast to the "Illusionary Form" that protects participants during training, the "Material Form" exposes them to actual harm. In other words, injuries and even life-threatening situations are genuine possibilities.

And there's precedent to prove it. In previous Seven Stars Sword-Art Festivals, student knights have fallen in battle, victims of their inferior skills. While modern medical facilities and on-site knight healers provide support, they can't prevent every mishap. The specter of death looms, a reminder that this journey isn't for the faint of heart.

However, a few brave souls embrace the challenge. These are individuals who understand that to become a Blazer isn't just a professional pursuit; it's a way of life. As defenders of humanity, they must be prepared to face the unpredictable and the unthinkable.

A hand rises, belonging to a student who wants answers. "If we withdraw or lose in the battle selection, will there be consequences?"

Oreki Yuuri sways slightly but maintains a determined composure. "No punishments will be imposed. And your withdrawal won't impact your academic standing. If anyone wishes not to participate, simply notify the executive committee in writing, and your name will be removed from the selection list."

With an unsteady voice, she continues, her resolve unwavering. "However, I believe that everyone deserves an equal opportunity. I see the potential for each of you to become the Seven Stars Sword King. That's why I encourage all of you to embrace this challenge, to strive toward a goal that will undoubtedly enrich your experience and define your growth as Blazers."

Her genuine encouragement pierces through the classroom, igniting the spark of determination. In the end, being a Blazer is about confronting challenges head-on. It's about preparing oneself for the real world, where danger and chaos are a constant presence.

"Students, for the year ahead, I urge you to commit yourselves fully to your studies! Let's do this together! Fight on, everyone! Fight on!"

Yet as the words linger, Oreki Yuuri's face turns ashen, and she abruptly coughs up a gout of blood. Gasps ripple through the room as her body buckles and she crumples, her entire aura seeming to drain away.

"Yuuri-chan?!"

"I knew she looked unwell..."

"Is this something more than just weakness?"

"Don't look at me, I've been vomiting blood every morning since I was a kid!"

"You must be proud of that."

Oreki Yuuri's sudden frailty causes the classroom to buzz with concern. Students jump into action, suggesting taking her to the medical office. Amidst the chaos, Kurogane Ikki swiftly moves to lift her into his arms and hurries her toward the infirmary.

"Did they know each other before?"

Jiangli watches the scene unfold, his mind whirring with curiosity.

"I heard that last year, Oreki-sensei—or Yuuri-chan, saved Ikki's application to Hagun Academy. Without her, he might not have even been able to enter the school."

Stella takes up a mop, wiping away traces of the turmoil as her words transform the platform into a crime scene. The admission criteria for Hagun Academy are set at a high E-Rank level. Kurogane Ikki's entry to the academy was facilitated by Yuuri-chan after their duel—a duel he won to earn her approval. Still, he failed to advance due to a lack of combat training opportunities last year.

"Nangou-san! Are you going to participate in the battle selection?"

Kusakabe Kagami, a walking embodiment of curiosity, approaches Jiangli with the zeal of a seasoned reporter.

"Of course," he responds calmly.

"Are you aiming to be the Seven Stars Sword King?"

Jiangli's gaze meets Kagami's, revealing a sigh and a glint of yearning.

"No, I'm not interested in being the Seven Stars Sword King. My goal is something else."

Kagami is taken aback by his unexpected response. She scrutinizes his profile, his expression a mixture of wistfulness and determination, an enigmatic yearning that she's just beginning to grasp.

"I aim to be the strongest in the world. That's my true objective."

In that moment, Kagami begins to understand the fire that drives him to risk his life, to confront the impossible. This young man's pursuit of strength is his lifeline, the force that propels him past the brink of danger and uncertainty.