Chapter 48 - Prelude to the Finals!
"Are you planning to enroll next year, Todo Kirin?"
Luke treated Todo Kirin to a drink.
Watching the girl sit beside him, happily sipping her beverage, Luke felt like he was being healed.
People who can genuinely express their joy after receiving kindness from others are rare in modern society.
It's worth noting that emotions like happiness, joy, smiles, and bliss can infect those around you. This is one of the reasons why Luke often smiles.
"Yes, Senpai. According to my uncle's request, I will be enrolling in Seidoukan Academy next year. I have already moved to this city for residence, considering it as an early familiarization with the environment."
Todo Kirin held the cup with both hands, and due to her height, sitting on the chair, her feet couldn't reach the ground, swaying in the air.
"After watching senpai's match, I did consider entering Jielong Seventh Institute, but my uncle did not allow it. The enrollment procedures must be handled by the guardian, so..."
At this point, Todo Kirin's expression became somewhat disappointed.
"Wait, you wanted to enter Jielong Seventh Institute after watching my match?"
This was a thought that Luke hadn't anticipated from Todo Kirin.
"Before coming to Asterisk City, I conducted a simple investigation of the six schools. Logically, entering Jielong Seventh Institute would allow me to become stronger."
"However, my uncle said that the strength of Seidoukan Academy has significantly declined in recent years. If I enter Seidoukan Academy, it will be easier for me to achieve my goal."
Todo Kirin became more and more aggrieved as she spoke, but being of a young age, she had no idea how to proceed if she were to refuse her uncle's arrangements.
"Ashburn-senpai must have undergone various types of training within Jielong Seventh Institute to become as powerful as he is now, right?"
"Uh, that's indeed one way to put it."
Luke thought about it. It seemed true that without Fan Xinglu laying a solid foundation for him and several senior brothers/sisters practicing with him, he would probably only be a half-baked swordsman.
"As expected..."
Hearing Luke's response, Todo Kirin felt even more upset.
"Since coming to Asterisk City, the time I spend on training has been decreasing. I can't even find someone to practice with. My uncle told me that after enrollment, I'll have to participate in many duels, and the time for training will only get shorter."
"For the first time in my life, I feel that my progress in swordsmanship has stalled. To be honest, this feeling is terrible."
Perhaps due to not having had anyone to confide in for a long time, coupled with the fact that Luke appeared easy to talk to, Todo Kirin unconsciously shared recent events and worries with him.
"I see. Well then, how about practicing with me from now on, Kirin?"
Luke's words were not just to accommodate Todo Kirin; he genuinely needed a sparring partner with sufficient swordsmanship expertise.
Although he could find countless sparring partners at Jielong Seventh Institute, there was not a single person qualified to spar with him in terms of swordsmanship.
In the original work, Todo Kirin became the first in rank of Seidoukan Academy within just three months of enrollment.
Moreover, she was neither a Strega nor possessed an Orga Lux. Relying on an ordinary longsword and her formidable swordsmanship, she firmly held onto the top spot in the rankings.
Luke's proposal was beneficial for both of them.
"Ah?! Can I really? But won't this delay senpai's training?"
Todo Kirin was initially surprised but then hesitated. In her view, Luke, as a senior, was taking care of her, and she didn't want her capriciousness to impede his training.
Seeing Todo Kirin's nervous expression, Luke reached out and patted her head.
"It's okay; I also happen to need a sparring partner in swordsmanship. I believe Kirin-chan, as the heir of the Todo style, will surely be up to the task."
Blushing from Luke's head-patting, Todo Kirin lowered her head and replied softly, "Then, Senpai, please teach me a lot."
...
After that, Luke and Todo Kirin exchanged contact information. After chatting for a while, they bid farewell and left.
In what felt like a fleeting moment, half a day passed, and Luke once again arrived at the stage of "Sirius Dome."
Today was the day of the finals.
This final match had now become a globally anticipated event. The news about the clash between Luke and Orphelia had spread like wildfire since the end of the semi-finals yesterday.
"Festa" was the most important event in Asterisk City. However, under normal circumstances, this grand event didn't welcome overly powerful participants.
Therefore, it lacked entertainment value.
Of course, there were exceptions. In the past, the second-generation "Banyuu Tenra," Wang Xiaoyuan, excelled at guiding opponents to unleash their full potential during matches, allowing them to fully showcase their talents before defeating them.
The commentator for this edition of "Lindwurm" was Tracy Harnett, the fourth-generation "Sword Saint." He exclusively employed sword techniques that were not only magnificent but also highly entertaining. Even in matches that ended in an instant, the audience could be captivated by his skills.
Orphelia, in a way, could be considered an exception, despite having no intention of catering to the public.
However, her overwhelming and transcendent demeanor displayed during matches surprisingly gained her a considerable following among the audience.
Some even said that Orphelia's battles weren't competitions but rather a kind of ritual.
The opponents were sacrificial offerings, and the audience were devotees enamored with her cruel posture.
Apart from these exceptions, players like Luke Ashburn, who swiftly concluded battles each time, were generally not welcomed by "Festa."
However, this time was different. There were more than a few participants with exceptionally strong abilities.
After Luke defeated Sylvia Lyyneheym, news of this historically high-quality Lindwurm Finals had already become widely known.
Luke walked slowly along the participant's corridor, making his way to the stage.
Before the competition, Sylvia found him and sang the prearranged song to help stabilize his emotional fluctuations.
Feeling the battle spirit churning in his chest, Luke's current state was surprisingly perfect.
However, contrary to Luke's state, the audience's reactions were exceptionally unusual.
Typically, at the beginning of each match, the audience would cheer loudly, but now, they sat quietly in their seats, staring solemnly at the competition stage.
There was nothing to be done about it. It wasn't their fault.
After all, from the moment Luke and Orphelia appeared on stage, the collision of their intense auras swept through the entire venue.
Not only the audience but even the hosts in the broadcast seats remained silent, closely watching the stage.
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