Chapter 24: Clash of Titans

Blazers, those gifted individuals who wield incredible powers, have always been a subject of public fascination. Even the mere mention of them tends to capture widespread attention. This phenomenon holds true not only for professional knights but also for student knights who are part of reserve forces. Their actions are closely watched by the media. And if they're exceptionally talented, like Stella, they're elevated to celebrity status, basking in the limelight as media darlings.

One event that exemplifies this spotlight is the annual Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival. This grand spectacle stands as the pinnacle of student knight competitions. Thousands of Blazers vie for supremacy, competing in a large-scale tournament to determine the strongest. The festival even receives television coverage and boasts staggering option money that reaches the billion-yuan mark.

Even the participants who are moderately formidable attract a significant fan following. And in the midst of this competitive frenzy, enters Jiangli, a first-year student at Hagun Academy. Unlike most newcomers, he arrives with no prior acclaim, thanks to the protective veil cast by his enigmatic mentor. The media remains oblivious to the fact that he's the disciple of the God of War himself.

However, his relatively anonymous existence changes abruptly. Merely four days ago, he engaged in a duel against Shinguuji Kurono, a battle that was orchestrated by none other than Kusakabe Kagami. The video of this showdown quickly spread across the internet, granting Jiangli a surge in popularity. Even before stepping into the classroom, he's become a recognizable name within the Hagun Academy walls.

Indeed, he holds a significant card in his deck: the victory against the former third-ranked knight in the world. In a school largely populated by E-Rank and D-Rank Blazers, his triumph reverberates like a resounding shockwave.

"Nangou-san! Nangou-san!"

Kusakabe Kagami sidles up to Jiangli, leaning into his personal space, her weapon of choice—her charm—effectively wielded as she playfully brushes her arm against his. Her youthful face and a smattering of scales on her cheek lend her an endearing aura. With her shining eyes, she asks, "I've been wanting to interview you. Can we find a time to chat?"

Her demeanor is tantalizingly contagious, an allure that's hard to resist. Without realizing it, Jiangli's defenses falter, and he finds himself agreeing to her request for a private conversation.

"Really?" she beams.

And just like that, he's ensnared. But his surrender isn't the only one. From a nearby corner, another girl's voice chimes in, "Actually, I'd like to have a private chat with Nangou-san too!"

Jiangli's caught between their magnetic appeal and the distinct feeling that he's wandered into a dangerous territory.

"Actually, I'm leaning more towards making Nangou-san bleed," a more aggressive voice joins the fray.

As the two girls begin to compete for his attention, the class meeting is about to commence. The teacher makes her presence known—a young woman with a slightly voluminous curtain of black hair, dressed in a typical work-appropriate ensemble of a white shirt and a short black skirt that accentuates her figure. Despite her good looks, her complexion is disturbingly pallid, almost like a walking corpse. Her voice, though worn and tired, manages to pierce through the room.

The announcement she's about to make casts a veil of seriousness upon the previously light-hearted atmosphere. The young students' chattering gradually subsides as the class meeting officially begins.

"Alright, everyone, let's congratulate each other on officially beginning our school journey!" The teacher's smile brightens her pale countenance as she exclaims, and a celebratory cannonade of colored paper is unleashed, raining down upon the students.

"I am Oreki Yuuri, your Year 1, Class 1 teacher. Although I'm new to this role, I look forward to becoming good friends with each and every one of you. So, don't be too formal—feel free to call me 'Yuuri-chan.' It'll make me really happy!"

Her cheerful tone starkly contrasts with her eerie appearance, which ironically only adds to the allure.

"Or, wait, shouldn't it be 'strange-er'? I mean, it's stranger to be friends with the teacher, right?"

"Actually, I think it might be strange-er to call the teacher a friend."

Audible whispers swirl around the room, teasing the teacher about her name. Amidst the banter, an unsettling cough catches everyone's attention, originating from the teacher herself.

"Anyway, since today is our first day, we won't be having classes. However, I do have an important announcement to make about the upcoming 'Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival Representative Selection Battle.'"

The name alone ignites a spark of curiosity in the hearts of the students. The Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival holds a revered place in the world of Blazers, and this battle of representatives is the ultimate proving ground for their prowess.

"As the name implies, this event selects the students who will represent our school in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival—a national-level tournament for Student Knights."

Oreki Yuuri stands confidently, despite her fatigued voice. She expertly navigates between excitement and weariness, holding the class's attention in her grasp.

"Our school, like many others, has a limited number of spots. But unlike the past, where selection was based on ability value, this year we're adopting an actual combat selection system."

She outlines the shift in selection criteria, a deviation from the previous focus on ability value. The room pulses with curiosity and a hint of uncertainty.

"The selection process involves round-robin competitions. Each student will participate in battles every three days, and over the course of the semester, you'll need to engage in at least ten battles. After this battle selection concludes, the school will choose the top six performers to represent Hagun Academy in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival."

These words hang in the air, a weighty declaration that changes the dynamics of the room. The students begin to realize that this is no mere competition; it's a chance to prove themselves in the crucible of combat, to showcase not only their skills but also their determination and adaptability.

Jiangli listens intently, his gaze focused as he contemplates the significance of this opportunity. The Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival is his proving ground, his chance to demonstrate his true worth as a Knight. As the teacher concludes her announcement, he can't help but feel the fire of determination burning within him. The Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival Representative Selection Battle is the arena where he'll forge his destiny.