Dilemma

While Tsukasa and Stella stared at each other, anticipating the battle they were about to face in the final, many people were far from calm.

The might of Tsukasa and Stella was stronger than they imagined.

Tsukasa had mastered the strongest swordsmanship, and his ability was also quite a mystery since there weren't many people who knew much about his "Concept of Weapon" ability.

On the other hand, Stella showed an overwhelming might to everyone. Her might was enough to bring them to their knees, staring at her as if they were her devoted followers. The might of the dragon resided on her body. It wouldn't be weird to call her a dragon in human skin.

Yet her beauty, pride, and might were something that made all of them in awe.

If Tsukasa had mastery over his technique to the limit, Stella was the ultimate strength that destroyed everything.

The fight between the two was something that everyone was looking for.

However, while the audiences wanted to see their fights, the expressions of the players were far from good.

Shizuku, Kiriko, Touka, and Ikki, who watched this fight, had different emotions in their hearts.

Aside from Kiriko, since she wasn't interested in this event. As for why she participated in this event, it was because the principal and teachers of her school kowtowed, begging her to participate in this event since, besides her, the Rentei Academy didn't have strong Blazers.

Instead of spending time on this event, she felt it was better to continue her research, especially when Tsukasa had brought him many unique things that interested her and could make them even wealthy. By then, even if she wanted to do any research she wanted to, no one would stop her since they were loaded with money.

Still, watching Stella's power, she realized that it was impossible for her to win against Stella.

As for passing the B-block, she didn't think it was difficult since she felt all of her enemies were quite weak.

However, it would be impossible for her to give up so easily.

Kiriko had been taught by Tsukasa, and she was going to show her everything in this match.

'Fufufu... it seems I have been affected by him.'

Kiriko anticipated her match against Stella.

As for Shizuku, Kiriko didn't put her in her eyes since she knew who was better among them, especially when she was also Shizuku's teacher.

However, Shizuku, who was on the B-block, felt immense pressure. If she wanted to pass through the B-block, she had to face Kiriko. Then, if she wanted to enter the final, she had to fight Stella.

Whether Kiriko or Stella, they were all monsters.

'Onii-sama...'

Shizuku thought about her promise to Ikki to fight each other in the final, but when she thought about her opponents, she felt it was utterly unrealistic.

Shizuku wasn't the only one who was frustrated. Touka was the same. When she saw Tsukasa's eyes and smiled after he saw Stella's might, she felt at a loss. She knew how strong he had become. While she was proud of him, she also wanted him to see her as an opponent.

However, after being taught by him, she also knew how strong he was.

'Desperado...'

Touka was in the middle of the process of reaching this stage and had already become one, but she hadn't fully mastered her ability. However, if she mastered her ability, then she would become even stronger. By then, he would look at her with this expression.

'But...'

Touka closed her eyes, and the scenes they had been together flashed in her eyes like an old movie. Those memories were precious and beautiful. She still remembered every time, and those memories were also the ones who gave her power.

While he was her whole world, that didn't seem to be the case with him. She had accepted everyone's relationship with him, but if she was asked if she didn't have some selfish feelings, then she would be lying.

Well, she was already being conquered by him, but the flame of resistance still existed in her eyes.

'Then, in this match...'

She thought about something and made up her decision.

She looked at Nangou, who was still beside them and approached him. "Sensei, can you teach me about Desperado?" Her voice was quiet, and hopefully, it could only be heard by Nangou.

Unfortunately, it was impossible to hide her voice.

But fortunately, Nangou reacted faster and made Touka's voice could only be heard by him. His lips twitched, and he asked, "Did that brat tell you?"

"No, I have become one."

"...really?" Nangou was speechless.

"Yes." Touka nodded. "Last night, Tsukasa helped me."

"........"

'How?'

However, Nangou swallowed this question in his mouth. He looked at his disciple's determined eyes and knew she wanted to get stronger. While being taught by Tsukasa could make her stronger, it was impossible to make her stronger than him.

Lastly, if she was taught by Nangou, she could keep one or two secret skills, which could be used as a surprise attack.

"Okay."

Nangou agreed without hesitation and thought Touka would bring Tsukasa a surprise.

However, the one who felt frustrated among them was, without a doubt, Ikki.

If Ikki wanted to graduate and become a knight-mage, he had to become the champion of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival. However, when he thought about his opponents, it was hard to say how he could win against them.

Amane Shinomiya, Touka Toudou, Sara Bloodlily, Stella Vermillion, and lastly, Tsukasa Kugayama.

He was on the D-block, so he was on the same block as Amane and Tsukasa.

Whether Amane or Tsukasa, he knew how strong they were.

While no one believed it, he knew that Amane had the ability to let his wish be granted with his ability. It was an unreasonable and ridiculous ability that no one believed such an ability would exist.

However, he wouldn't face Amane since Amane had to face Tsukasa first.

Between Tsukasa and Amane, the winner would face him.

As for who would be the winner between them, he stared at Tsukasa, who talked relaxedly with Kanata. He still remembered that slash and that scene lingered in his mind, impossible to erase, yet no matter how much he tried, it was impossible to learn it. Even if he tried to learn it, his body couldn't respond and moved jerkily, which affected his performance.

'If I can't do anything about this, then...'

Ikki was afraid that his path to becoming the mage-knight would disappear.

However...

He had walked on this path so far. He had gotten used to this thorny and full of mockery path. In the past, he didn't have anyone to support him, but it was different now since he had Shizuku.

'For Shizuku...'

For his little sister.

For the dear woman that he loved.

He had to win the championship of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival since that way, he could proudly say that he was his older brother, and as a man, he had to win!

He clenched his fists, trying to firm his heart, believing he would win.

However, could he?