At Seidoukan Academy, there stood a grand multipurpose arena.
The arena's centerpiece was a massive stage, surrounded by luxurious spectator seating that exuded extravagance. This stage was equipped with defensive barriers capable of withstanding attacks from Lux weapons and even long-range bombardments. These shields ensured the audience's safety, allowing them to enjoy even the most intense duels without worry.
The energy required to operate these barriers was immense, necessitating an extensive infrastructure. As a result, only three stages in the arena were equipped with such barriers.
On most days, the central stage remained closed to the public.
But today was an exception.
Students in uniforms poured into the arena, their excitement palpable as they filled the grand spectator seats to capacity.
The reason for their gathering was clear:
It was the day of Seidoukan Academy's Monthly Ranking Battle.
During these battles, students could witness the rare spectacle of the Page Ones—the top 12 ranked students—showcasing their prowess. They would also see numerous other ranked students demonstrate their skills, making the event a much-anticipated highlight.
Because of this, the Monthly Ranking Battle always drew a large crowd. Sometimes, even academy executives and influential figures from other schools attended. Reporters covering Asterisk's battle events often flocked to these matches, eager to uncover news about promising participants in the Phoenix Festa or other major competitions.
As the ultimate duel city, Asterisk thrived on such events. Every academy's ranking battles attracted massive attention, making overflowing audiences a common sight.
In the stands, the spectators buzzed with lively discussions while waiting for the battles to begin.
"The second ranking battle of the year is finally here! Which duel do you think will be the highlight?"
"Isn't it obvious? The final match of the day, of course!"
"The first-ranked duel?"
"Exactly. This year's first ranker is extraordinary. When she claimed the top spot, even other academies took notice."
"The challenger is supposed to be the tenth-ranked Witch of Deep Mist, right?"
"A duel between the only two middle schoolers in the Page Ones, and both of them girls? That's going to be something!"
"...Why am I even more excited now?"
"You're hopeless!"
Such conversations filled the arena, creating a lively and noisy atmosphere.
Amid this excitement, in a private VIP box sat a girl.
She appeared to be around 16 or 17, likely a high school student. Her eyes shimmered with a pale, verdant hue, resembling fresh leaves. Her nose was sharp, her complexion fair, and her features delicate.
However, the most striking aspect of her appearance was her waist-length, rose-colored hair.
The vibrant hue wasn't quite red or pink but a unique shade of rose. Before the advent of the Genestella, such vivid colors were rarely seen without artificial dyeing. But in the Genestella era, these eye-catching hair colors had become increasingly common, especially among students.
The girl with the rose-colored hair sat with a sharp and focused gaze, her demeanor radiating an unapproachable aura that kept others at a distance.
Until…
"Oh my, I didn't expect to see you here, Julis."
A playful, surprised voice shattered the icy atmosphere.
"...Claudia."
The girl, named Julis, turned toward the speaker with a look of mild irritation, as if facing someone she didn't particularly want to see.
Claudia, with her dazzling blonde hair and equally striking beauty—though more mature and alluring—approached gracefully.
"I didn't think you'd come to spectate, Julis," Claudia said, greeting her like an old friend. "I recall you don't have any scheduled matches today, do you?"
"The same goes for you," Julis retorted, frowning. "I can't imagine anyone daring to challenge Commander of a Thousand Visions, let alone you deciding to challenge the first ranker."
"Rank one… hmm?" Claudia tilted her head with a knowing smile. "Ah, I see. You're here to watch Keen-Edged Tempest, aren't you?"
"...You're as sharp as ever," Julis muttered with growing annoyance. She sighed before continuing, "What else would you expect? She took the top spot after defeating the former rank one in her first ranking battle, and she's only a first-year middle schooler. Of course, everyone's curious to see if she can defend her position in her second ranking battle."
"And I'm sure plenty of people want to know if she's truly as strong as her reputation suggests," Claudia said, sitting beside Julis. "Especially outsiders—they probably can't believe a 13-year-old could achieve such a feat."
"Who could blame them?" Julis crossed her arms, huffing. "Even with video evidence of her duels circulating online, many still refuse to believe a 13-year-old is capable of such skill."
"Oh? And what about you?" Claudia teased with a sly smile.
"...And what about you?" Julis shot back, narrowing her eyes. "Don't tell me the ever-busy student council president is here for something other than the rank-one duel."
"Well…" Claudia neither confirmed nor denied, her response intentionally vague.
"Really?" Julis raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is there another duel worth your attention? More important than the rank-one match?"
Claudia only chuckled mysteriously in response.
"Hmph."
Julis scoffed, turning away with a disgruntled expression, though her curiosity remained.
"I'll see for myself who could possibly interest you more," she muttered under her breath.
As Julis brooded, the arena's announcement system crackled to life.
"The official ranking battle is about to begin. Spectators, please remain in your seats."
"Will the participants for the first match please enter the stage."
Guided by the announcement, two figures emerged from opposite ends of the stage.
Cheers erupted from the crowd as the Monthly Ranking Battle officially commenced.
....
Meanwhile, Aizen waited in the competitor's lounge beneath the arena.
He wasn't alone—every participant scheduled for a match was there, quietly waiting for their turn.
Aizen leaned against a corner, keeping to himself, eyes closed in a meditative state.
Before long—
"Will the participants for the next match please enter the stage."
The school emblem on Aizen's chest lit up, prompting him to open his eyes.
"My turn already?"
His gaze sparkled with anticipation.
There wasn't a trace of nervousness in his demeanor.
On the contrary, Aizen felt exhilarated.