Hagun Academy, one of the training grounds.
During the selection battles, almost all the training grounds in Hagun Academy were used to host numerous matches, drawing large crowds of spectators. The cheers and screams could be heard clearly from every corner of the academy.
However, to be prepared for any emergency, the academy kept two or three training grounds empty.
For example, the training ground that Rozen and Stella had been using was still vacant. In fact, that training ground had been damaged countless times due to Rozen and Stella's unrestrained use, yet now it stood there perfectly intact, making one question their eyes.
"The chairwoman really is diligent. A training ground this big was repaired quickly thanks to her ability," Rozen remarked with a hint of amazement as he looked at the training ground.
Behind him were Ikki, Stella, and Shizuku. The expressions on their faces were filled with uncertainty.
"Hey," Stella approached and asked, "Is the student council president really here?"
Stella asked this because Rozen had claimed at the school gate that he would fulfill their wish, then brought everyone here.
"Do you think I'd deceive you?" Rozen rolled his eyes, too lazy to explain further. "Anyway, follow me inside."
With that, Rozen led the way, prompting everyone to quickly follow.
The group walked into the training ground, through the passage, and into the battle ring.
Here...
"...!"
Ikki, Stella, and Shizuku suddenly stopped, looking surprised.
"Oh? Seems you arrived on time," Rozen smiled nonchalantly.
In front of them, a short distance away in the center of the battle ring, stood a group of people.
These were students emitting extraordinary magical power, clearly no ordinary individuals.
There were five students in total.
Moreover, both Rozen, Ikki, Stella, and Shizuku recognized them.
Because they were members of the Hagun Academy student council, some of the most renowned figures in the academy.
"So the first-year juniors have come," spoke a burly man with a flat top haircut, wearing a long uniform coat that draped like a cape. He had his arms crossed and exuded a formidable presence.
He was Saijou Ikazuchi, the student council secretary, a second-year student ranked fourth in the school's rankings, known as the C-rank knight "Destroyer."
"Wahaha! Long time no see!" exclaimed a lively girl with healthy bronze skin, wearing a tracksuit and constantly bouncing around like an athlete.
She was Tomaru Renren, the student council administrator, a second-year student ranked third in the school's rankings, her strength surpassing Ikazuchi's, known as the C-rank knight "Runner's High."
"Well, well, I didn't expect the president to really bring the four famous first-years here. Quite surprising," said another student, a tall, elegant girl dressed like a French noblewoman in a pure white dress. She held a parasol indoors and wore a wide-brimmed hat, smiling charmingly at them.
She was the student council treasurer, a third-year student in Class 2, ranked second in the school, second only to Todo Touka in strength. Known as the B-rank knight "Scharlach Frau," she was Totokubara Kanata.
"Indeed, seeing the four of you together feels like witnessing the future of Hagun Academy. It's rare to see you all at once. I've been wanting to meet you."
The last person to speak had a friendly and cheerful voice. He was a small boy who looked like an elementary school student, or even a preschooler.
He was Misogi Utakata, the student council vice president, a third-year student in Class 3. Despite looking like a child, he was actually the same age as Todo Touka and was close to graduation. He had no ranking in the school and had never participated in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, opting out before the selection battles like Rozen. Despite this, his popularity was nearly equal to Touka's. Known as the D-rank knight "Fifty-fifty."
And then...
"I'm glad to meet you here, first-year students," Todo Touka said with a gentle smile, bowing slightly.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Todo Touka, the student council president."
The strongest student council president, along with her team, awaited the group's arrival.
The five individuals standing before Rozen's group were the entire student council of Hagun Academy. Four of them ranked among the top in the academy, and the remaining one was exceptionally unique. Standing together, they exuded an overwhelming aura.
However, Rozen's group stood their ground, unyielding under the pressure.
"Tomaru-senpai is here too?" Ikki said, showing a bit of surprise towards Tomaru Renren.
"And Saijou-senpai as well?" Stella was equally surprised.
It was clear that both Ikki and Stella not only knew these two members of the student council but also had some interactions with them.
Naturally.
"Ah, Kurogane-kun. This is our second meeting since the selection battles, right?" Tomaru Renren greeted warmly.
"After losing to you in the selection battles, we haven't seen each other. I didn't expect we'd meet again under these circumstances," Saijou Ikazuchi nodded seriously, resembling a stern monk from a temple.
The reason these two had interacted with Ikki and Stella was because they had faced each other in the recent selection battles. Ikki and Stella had competed against Tomaru Renren and Saijou Ikazuchi, respectively, defeating the third and fourth-ranked students in the academy with ease.
So, the four had gotten to know each other through battle.
On the other hand, Shizuku had not encountered any of these opponents, nor did she know any of them personally, so she remained silent, watching from the sidelines.
In this situation...
"As promised, I've brought them here, Todo-senpai," Rozen shrugged, addressing Todo Touka.
To this, Touka responded with a slightly exasperated look.
"When Arnett-kun suggested you as an intermediary to facilitate a little sparring, I thought it would take some time to arrange. But you notified me immediately that everything was set. I almost rushed over in a panic."
One could imagine how hurriedly Todo Touka had come.
However...
"With this, I can achieve my wish," Touka suddenly smiled.
Her gaze, however, turned sharp.