Chapter 246 - Roy vs Ikki
"Why do you ask?" Roy asked with a smile.
"Earlier, when the Chairwoman mentioned monsters enrolling this year, her eyes flickered toward you for a split second," Ikki said truthfully.
"So I guessed you might be one of the people she was talking about."
"And right now, I'm perfectly sure."
Ikki looked at Roy with firm eyes, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "You are one of those monsters."
Roy didn't need to confess verbally; his calm expression and lack of denial were answer enough.
"Very keen observation," Roy nodded approvingly.
However, even after hearing Roy's admission, Ikki was still shocked internally. Just how strong was someone whom even the former World No. 3 called a monster? Ikki's curiosity was piqued.
"Roy..."
Ikki looked at him with a slightly shy but determined attitude. He hesitated, as if unsure how to phrase his next request.
"Speak. There's no need to hold back," Roy smiled gently.
"This might be a bit abrupt," Ikki took a deep breath and said seriously. "I want to experience that strength the Chairwoman spoke of."
He was a swordsman too. Meeting someone of the same age who was described as a monster aroused Ikki's fighting spirit.
"I'm not sure if... is that possible?"
Ikki felt his request might be rude, given they had just met, and looked a bit embarrassed.
"No problem. I also want to see your swordsmanship," Roy agreed readily.
The two returned to the Administration Building and knocked on the office door.
"You two again? My chair isn't even warm yet," Kurono said, looking quite speechless.
It had only been a few minutes since she left them at the school gate. She hadn't expected them to follow her back so quickly.
"Tell me, what's the matter?" Kurono asked directly.
"I want to request permission to release my Device," Ikki stated, explaining his desire to spar with Roy.
According to Hagun Academy regulations, student knights cannot summon their Devices freely. They require teacher permission or must be in a designated training area.
"You want to challenge Roy?"
Kurono glanced back and forth between the two with surprise. "Do you have any idea what Roy's level is?"
"I don't. But I know he must be strong. Incredible strong," Ikki said firmly.
"Correct," Kurono nodded with a smirk. "Roy is as strong as a monster. In my eyes, he is the strongest candidate for the championship in this year's Seven Star Sword Art Festival."
"The strongest candidate..." Ikki couldn't help but gasp.
To receive such an evaluation from the former World No. 3 meant Roy's strength was likely far beyond his imagination.
Hagun Academy still housed the Top 4 from the previous festival, yet Kurono placed Roy above them all.
"So, Kurogane," Kurono leaned back in her chair, resting her cheek on her hand. "Knowing this, do you still want to challenge him?"
With unwavering eyes, Ikki nodded. "If I want to reach the Top 4, I will likely have to face Roy eventually. I want to experience his strength now to prepare myself mentally."
"A thorough understanding," Kurono nodded with satisfaction. "Since you've made up your mind, I have no reason to refuse. A spar is fine."
The three of them arrived at the nearest arena.
Since this was a formal duel application between students, it was more official than Kurono's impromptu test. Kurono stood on the sidelines, holding a tablet to monitor the arena's systems and vital signs.
Roy and Ikki stepped into the ring, standing at opposite ends.
"Roy, your physical condition has improved. Is your Device ready to use?" Kurono asked.
"Not yet," Roy shrugged.
Transforming his mana to mimic Fate wasn't something he could finish overnight. According to Roy's estimate, it wouldn't be complete until after the school term started.
"Is that so?" Kurono rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Anyway, don't be as careless as you were when dueling me."
She knew that with her World Clock, she could prevent any fatal accidents, but she preferred not to intervene if possible.
"What... what do you two mean?" Ikki listened to their conversation, confused.
Roy made a casual motion and summoned Ascalon.
"My body hasn't fully adjusted yet, so I can't summon a Device. I can only duel you using this real sword."
"Yes, it's like that," Kurono sighed. "However, Kurogane, don't assume Roy's strength is limited. Even without a Device, he can still use magic."
"Of course, since he is using a real sword, you are permitted to use Real Form as well if you wish," Kurono told Ikki.
Usually, students fought in Phantom Form to prevent injury. But since Roy held physical steel, the rules of Phantom Form wouldn't apply to his strikes anyway.
"I'm already taking advantage of him," Ikki shook his head, looking at the katana manifesting in his hand his Device, Intetsu.
In his opinion, no matter how sharp a real sword was, it couldn't compare to a Device, a weapon formed from the soul, capable of conducting magic perfectly.
For him to use a Device while Roy used a piece of metal felt unfair.
However, he didn't feel Roy was underestimating him. This was the strongest candidate in Kurono's eyes. And Kurono had specifically warned him that Roy could use magic without a Device.
"Alright, prepare yourselves."
Kurono nodded. She swiped her finger on the tablet and pressed the start button.
"LET'S START!"
The electronic buzzer sounded, echoing throughout the arena.
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