-1286- Won't be easily injured

Outside the bustling entrance of the training grounds, in the midst of the crowd, Shizuku appeared as if she had just arrived.

Upon closer inspection, Shizuku's uniform was dirty and dusty in every corner, as if she had just returned from a long, grueling journey, giving the impression of having weathered the elements.

However, Shizuku's demeanor did not seem hurried or frantic; instead, she appeared composed and unbothered as she slowly approached Rozen and Stella.

"Didn't expect you two to wait for me here. Our relationship isn't that good, is it?"

As soon as she arrived, Shizuku's sharp tongue and bluntness were on full display.

"You...you ungrateful person, we waited here for you out of kindness, and you're complaining?" Stella expressed her dissatisfaction immediately.

"That's why I said such kindness is unnecessary," Shizuku responded ungratefully, making Stella even more furious.

"You're still so unlikable!"

"And you're still so big. Maybe it's time to lose some weight?"

"I'm not fat! I'm just curvy!"

"Really? Isn't excess flesh just fat? What are those two lumps hanging on you, then?"

"I'm saying! It's not excess flesh! And it's not fat! It's curves! You flat-chested girl!"

"...Bread tin!"

"Jelly cup!"

"Hot dog!"

"Skinny ribs!"

"Double cheeseburger!"

At the entrance of the Fifteenth Training Ground, Stella and Shizuku suddenly started arguing, their glares becoming fierce, with veins bulging on their temples, pressing their foreheads against each other in a heated confrontation.

The students passing by were stunned by this scene, momentarily unable to react.

As for Rozen...

"Are you two kids? Your level of arguing is so low," Rozen couldn't stand it and spoke up.

These two were still the same as before; it was hard to say whether they got along or didn't.

"Well, I guess they do get along," Rozen inadvertently revealed his thoughts.

"Who gets along with her...!?" Stella and Shizuku reacted simultaneously, retorting to Rozen in unison.

However...

"Aren't you getting along like this?" Rozen rolled his eyes.

Seeing that Stella and Shizuku were about to continue arguing, Rozen quickly intervened.

"Save the arguing for later. The match is about to start. If you don't arrive five minutes early, you might be disqualified. Better hurry inside."

Rozen said impatiently.

"Hmph!" Stella and Shizuku snorted simultaneously, turning their heads away from each other.

Then...

"Give me ten minutes."

Shizuku left these concise words and headed towards the entrance.

Her demeanor and attitude were exactly like Stella's earlier.

"She's really not cute at all," Stella grumbled angrily.

Rozen, however, chuckled.

Indeed, despite their vastly different personalities, these two girls got along surprisingly well.

Not long after...

"Match over! The final match of the first day of the selection battles, the highly anticipated and popular showdown between first-year Kurogane Shizuku and third-year Shigenobu Suga! Within three seconds, Shigenobu Suga was blasted away by a high-pressure water cannon! The battle was almost identical to Stella Vermillion's victory earlier! Thus, the winner is Hagun Academy's B-rank knight, first-year Kurogane Shizuku!"

The announcer's voice, filled with shock and excitement, echoed from the training ground, accompanied by the cheers of the audience, causing Rozen and Stella to look at each other and smile.

"This year's first-years are really strong! Both the Crimson Princess and the Witch of the Deep Sea are overwhelmingly powerful! The upperclassmen have no way to stop them! Is Hagun Academy going to rise this year?"

"Can't wait!"

"This year's Seven Stars Sword Art Festival is going to be amazing!"

Amidst the excited voice of the announcer and the cheers of the students, Stella and Shizuku's first selection battles ended smoothly.

Both Stella and Shizuku made a perfect debut, showcasing their strength to the world.

Today's most anticipated matches ended amidst the excitement and cheers of the announcer and the students.

From now on, the matches would only get more exciting.

...

As dusk fell, the first day's selection battles at Hagun Academy concluded.

Throughout the day, Stella and Shizuku completed their debuts, displaying some of their strengths. Other students experienced joy and sorrow; some celebrated their initial victories, while others were dejected by early defeats. Many were filled with nerves and excitement, anticipating their upcoming matches, inspired by the day's impressive battles.

As for the students who had already given up on the selection battles and their participation in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, they treated the selection battles as entertainment, discussing them enthusiastically.

It was clear that from today onwards, the academy would be abuzz with discussions.

Among the numerous topics, Stella and Shizuku naturally became frequently mentioned names.

However, at this moment, the center of so many discussions, Stella and Shizuku, were having dinner with Rozen in the student cafeteria.

Originally, Shizuku was reluctant to hang out with Rozen and Stella in Ikki's absence, but Stella had forcefully dragged her along, leaving Shizuku displeased.

Still, Shizuku did not completely reject Rozen and Stella, eventually joining them reluctantly for a meal in the cafeteria.

Then...

"Hey, Shizuku."

Stella, in front of a pile of food, finally addressed Shizuku.

"Since you're back, what about your brother?"

Stella voiced her concern.

"... Onii-sama won't be back yet."

Shizuku remained silent for a moment before giving a flat response.

But this response reassured Stella.

Not just Stella, but Rozen also raised an eyebrow.

"So Kurogane persisted and wasn't killed by Altera?" Rozen said bluntly.

"Yes." Shizuku seemed to recall something, her expression a mix of pride and complexity. "Onii-sama worked very hard. Although he sustained at least one fatal injury daily, my healing magic always managed to save him in time."

From these words alone, one could infer how tough and dangerous Ikki's days had been.

If not for Shizuku, Ikki might indeed have died.

"Thanks to the repeated healing of such severe injuries, my control and mastery of my abilities have improved significantly. My strength has also increased, though I'm unsure whether to be grateful or lament."

Shizuku spoke with a complex expression.

However...

"Are you sure it's okay for you to come back now?" Stella frowned. "What if Kurogane gets seriously injured again after you leave?"

This question was met with an unwavering response.

"No problem." Shizuku confidently replied, "Onii-sama won't be easily injured anymore."

This statement left Stella momentarily stunned and caused Rozen's eyes to gleam.

In his eyes, a spark of insight flickered.