Chapter 220: The Upcoming Mock Battle!
Phosphorescent flames scattered through the air, and with each wave of Stella's emotions, the surrounding temperature steadily climbed higher and higher.
The Natural Operation System that commanded flames - this was the power the young girl currently wielded.
"I heard the Principal say you're also an A-rank knight. Though I don't know where you're from, being A-rank like me at least proves you're no weakling."
"I don't believe you can't distinguish the magical power difference between me and that F-rank Knight."
"Saying I'm inferior to an F-rank... there should be a limit to looking down on people!"
China in this world was of a more traditional type, where people rarely boasted about their martial prowess.
This resulted in the outside world having limited knowledge about this major nation.
Although Luke was China's leading figure of this generation, due to the overall environment, ordinary people didn't know much about him.
Those who truly understood Luke's current identity were well-informed individuals who kept their eyes on international affairs.
'Mysterious' had always been other countries' first impression of China.
"I didn't mean to look down on you."
Realizing his viewpoint had caused a misunderstanding, Luke offered a brief explanation.
"As you said, the difference in magical power between you and Kurogane-san is indeed like heaven and earth."
"However, my earlier interest wasn't about magical power but rather skill."
However, Luke's explanation didn't calm Stella down; instead, it further provoked the young girl's competitive spirit.
Stella was born with powerful abilities, but this didn't mean she was strong from birth.
In fact, when she was young, she was even determined to be 'impossible to become a knight'.
Because Stella's power was too strong, and such powerful abilities required equally powerful control to utilize properly.
Before completely mastering this power, the flames would burn Stella herself.
She endured three full years under the pain of burning flames before finally mastering this power completely.
For small nations like the Vermillion Kingdom, powerful Blazers were extremely important.
Weak countries needed strong Mage Knights to have a voice before major powers.
Therefore, Stella never slacked off after mastering her ability, neglecting neither ability training nor sword technique practice.
She absolutely wouldn't allow others to look down on her efforts.
A true genius possessing both talent and diligence, moreover one who grew stronger while enduring the pain of burning flames.
This wasn't just about being better than F-rank - comparing her to F-rank at all was itself an insult.
Of course, this was within the bounds of 'common sense'.
However, what angered Stella most wasn't Luke comparing her with an F-rank.
She was furious about his consistently flat emotions throughout.
Honestly, when she first heard Principal Kurono say Luke was also an A-rank knight, Stella had been very excited.
Her purpose in leaving her homeland for Hagun Academy was to meet more powerful individuals.
And Luke was clearly the first strong person Stella had encountered.
An unstoppable fighting spirit burned in the girl's heart.
But he was completely opposite to her.
Luke remained calm throughout, looking at Ikki and Stella with barely any difference in his gaze.
As if in his perception, Ikki and Stella were truly of the same level.
That perfectly composed state made Stella feel like he wasn't considering her as an opponent at all.
This was what she found most unacceptable.
Luke naturally noticed Stella's abnormality. Though he didn't understand why she was so angry, it was clear that he was the target of her anger.
So Luke planned to explain further.
However, this time, before he could speak, Principal Kurono took the initiative:
"Ahem, in that case, why don't you two have a mock battle?"
"Since Luke hasn't taken the entrance exam and doesn't have a school ranking, let's consider this mock battle as your entrance exam."
Luke immediately understood Principal Kurono's thinking.
"You really have high hopes for Kurogane-san, don't you?"
After making this seemingly random comment, Luke turned his attention back to Stella.
"The Principal has suggested this, what do you think, Vermillion-san?"
Actually, Luke was quite satisfied with the mock battle proposal - chances to directly experience the actual combat power of a female protagonist like Stella were probably rare.
And the girl, still angry, naturally wouldn't refuse such an offer.
She agreed to the proposal almost instantly.
"That's exactly what I want!"
"I won't hold back - I'll show you my true strength, and then see if you still dare to look down on me!"
"Then it's settled. The mock battle will take place at Training Ground Three in one hour. I'll grant you authorization."
Finally, following Principal Kurono's order, the group headed to Training Ground Three.
...
While Luke and Stella were preparing for the upcoming mock battle in their respective preparation rooms,
Ikki followed Principal Kurono to the battle venue ahead of time.
"Um... Thank you for your consideration, Principal."
"Oh? You noticed?"
Principal Kurono replied casually while entering Luke and Stella's ability values into the large screen above the stage.
"Yes... whether it's the dormitory assignment or this mock battle, you guided things deliberately for my sake, didn't you?"
"And Luke-san's cooperation too... I'm really grateful."
Honestly, Ikki felt a bit lost at the moment.
It had been so long since he'd experienced kindness, so long that he didn't know how to face this help from strangers.
"No need for thanks, I'm doing this considering the school's performance as well."
"Also, Kurogane, tell me why I wanted you to watch this mock battle."
"Eh? Ah, it must be to let me understand the actual situation of 'geniuses' in advance, right?"
Hearing Principal Kurono's question, Ikki hesitated before answering.
"After all, with someone like Vermillion-san whose magic capability far surpasses the historical 'Seven Stars Sword King' champions of the Seven Star Sword Art Festival..."
"...So you think that way after all."
"Well, can't blame you, not many people know about him either."
Principal Kurono's sigh raised a strange feeling in Ikki's heart.
"What you need to watch isn't Vermillion, but the other one."
As Principal Kurono said this, she showed Ikki the screen of her electronic device.
"Though Vermillion is strong, your chances of victory against her aren't low at your current stage."
"But Luke is different - his presence isn't exactly good news for you."
Ikki stared blankly at Luke's ability values, utterly shocked by the 'S' rating in physical ability.
With the bonus of Falna, Luke's physical qualities were beyond what people of this world could imagine.
(PS: Enjoy the chapters. Though, I'm sorry for the late uploads. xD)
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