As we walked alongside our instructor, Lord El-Melloi II, his voice suddenly broke the silence, sharp and commanding.
"Orphans, stay here. I have something to discuss. The rest of you, wait in front of the combat room until we return."
His words froze the group, and I exchanged glances with Ayaka and Yuji. Slowly, we stood up while the others filed out. The only ones left were me, Ayaka Sajyou, Yuji Nakamura, and Daybit Sem Void.
Lord El-Melloi II turned to face us, his piercing gaze scanning the four of us before settling on the three of us, deliberately ignoring Daybit for now.
"Be honest. Why did you come to the Academy?" he asked.
The question hung in the air, and I swallowed hard before stepping forward. "Knowledge," I said, the word carrying the weight of my determination. Information was power, and in my position as an orphan with no resources or support, the Academy was my only chance to learn the truth about the world—especially the enigmatic Demon Continent.
Ayaka stepped up next, her voice calm and composed. "To gain experience," she said. I knew her goal—to create a guild. But to do that, she needed to learn the intricacies of guild management and the world's political and magical landscapes.
Finally, it was Yuji's turn. He grinned shamelessly and, without an ounce of hesitation, said,
"We heard the Academy gives free food and lodging."
I felt my soul leave my body as Ayaka and I simultaneously cursed him in our minds.
'Buffoon.'
'Idiot.'
But to be fair, he wasn't entirely wrong. It was a factor in why we came here. We just didn't want to say it out loud.
To my horror, Daybit finally spoke up, his voice bored but resolute.
"I agree with him."
Of course, you do.
Feeling the awkwardness of Ayaka's intense glare, I sighed and admitted,
"I… I agree with Yuji too."
Ayaka looked at me as if I'd just betrayed her. I didn't dare meet her gaze, focusing instead on the amused expression of Lord El-Melloi II.
He laughed—a rare, genuine sound that broke through his usual stern demeanor.
"Interesting," he said, the smile lingering as he composed himself. "Since you've been honest, I'll give you few pieces of advice. Whether you heed them or not is up to you."
His tone turned serious, and we instinctively straightened up.
"First: Don't go against the noble factions in the Academy. Doing so will ruin your careers before they even start. For most students, their families can intervene, but..." He paused, his eyes hardening. "I've read your files. That doesn't apply to any of you."
We all stayed silent. His bluntness wasn't cruel—it was just the truth.
"Second," he continued, "your timing couldn't be worse. Demon attacks are increasing, dungeons are decreasing, and the world is bracing for a potential war against the Demon Continent."
I nodded inwardly. This confirmed what I'd gathered from my research. The Demon Continent was appeared in mystery in this world few years back, and I needed to learn its history and significance if I wanted to find the mystories of this world.
"However," Lord El-Melloi II said, his tone softening, "the Academy provides resources—food, lodging, potions, and a wide range of classes. More importantly, you'll meet people here who will accompany you on your journeys. Some may become lifelong companions."
His words were earnest, but I couldn't ignore the unspoken warning in them.
'And some might try to end that life,' I thought grimly.
"Third: Never share too much information about yourself, even with your closest friends."
Yuji tilted his head, puzzled. "Why?"
Lord El-Melloi II stared at him for a moment before answering. "Out there, demons and mana beasts aren't your only enemies. Humans can be just as dangerous, if not more so. The less people know about your abilities, the safer you'll be. And if you awaken a Gift, hide it."
The gravity of his words settled over us like a heavy blanket.
"The easiest way to defeat a powerful opponent is to exploit their weaknesses," he explained. "The Academy encourages students to share information, but once two people know a secret, it's no longer a secret. Even if the government and guilds don't intentionally leak your information to them, there are always people within their ranks who will."
It was a sobering thought, but it made perfect sense.
"Thank you, Master," Yuji said, surprisingly sincere.
Lord El-Melloi II nodded,
"Fourth," Lord El-Melloi II continued, "there will be a lot of courses to choose from: all types of combat training, deep dives into vulnerabilities, various types of sorcery, artifact studies, and more."
Ritsuka gulped at the mention. His mind was already swirling with possibilities. From his past life, he had seen his Servants wield countless weapons with unmatched skill. Even though he had never practiced those techniques himself, observing them gave him enough knowledge to grasp their basics. Still, he couldn't rely on his summoning alone—not in this world.
The instructor's next question jolted him back to reality.
"City kids have tutors and schools to teach them useful skills. You orphans don't have that luxury. So tell me, what was the biggest threat to your life out there in the dangerous outside world?"
Ayaka and Yuji exchanged uncertain glances, trying to think of an answer. But Ritsuka, without hesitation, replied:
"Wilderness survival."
His answer surprised even Ayaka. Memories of Singularities and Lostbelts flashed through his mind. Those weren't battles of strength alone—they were struggles against the environment itself. Surviving the blistering sands of the desert, the suffocating cold of the tundra, or even the void of space required far more than just raw power.
Ritsuka thought grimly: 'Even with the strongest Servants by your side, if you can't breathe or eat, you'll still die.'
Lord El-Melloi II's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Smart. You've realized the key issue. You might know how to survive in a city, but the wilderness is another matter. Do you know how to make a fire? Procure food? Find safe shelter? The dungeons are primarily wilderness. You could be the best fighter in the Academy, but if you die from exposure or hunger, none of that will matter."
He leaned back slightly, his expression nostalgic. "Trust me—I learned that lesson the hard way when I was younger."
Ayaka frowned and adjusted her glasses, frustration flashing in her eyes. She hadn't considered any of this before. Her past experiences had blinded her to the harsh realities of the outside world. It was a sobering thought.
"The human mind is lazy," Lord El-Melloi II said, as if reading her thoughts. "Once you're used to a way of living, it's hard to think beyond it. But remember this: No one can survive the dangerous outside world alone. That's not an opinion; it's a fact. Try to get along with your peers. Even if they don't treat you well, they might save your life one day."
His gaze softened as he turned to Ritsuka and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"You've done well to survive this long. Make sure to keep yourself alive in the future, too."
Ritsuka felt a warmth in those words, a rare encouragement that struck a chord in his heart.
Ayaka nodded at the instructor's advice, her resolve strengthening. "Thank you," she said quietly, adjusting her glasses again as if shielding her thoughts.
Lord El-Melloi II straightened up, his tone shifting back to its authoritative edge. "Let's go. Your classmates are waiting for the next combat class."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Daybit, Ritsuka, Ayaka, and Yuji followed in silence, the weight of his words still lingering in the air.
-----
The dome-shaped training ground loomed over the students like a monolithic testament to discipline and preparation. Its sleek, futuristic walls of reinforced metal gleamed under the soft, circular floodlights embedded high in the ceiling. The ground stretched out across 150,000 square feet, divided into distinct sections—a sprawling fighting ring on one side and various training compartments on the other.
Ritsuka stood in silence, his eyes wide with wonder. The grandeur of the place was overwhelming, and the awe on his face mirrored that of his peers.
"It's beautiful," he muttered under his breath.
"It's huge. What a grand place to train," murmured others around him.
The collective admiration was quickly silenced by a sharp command.
"Silence," Lord El-Melloi II's authoritative voice cut through the murmurs, drawing all attention back to him.
The students quickly quieted, though not before earning a few disdainful glances from the noble-born among them, who clearly thought the awe was unbecoming of anyone worthy of the Academy.
Lord El-Melloi II led them toward the center ring, where a tall man with dark hair and a composed, yet fiery expression stood waiting. His sharp gaze swept across the group, sending a shiver down Yuji's spine.
"This guy seems intense," Yuji whispered to Ritsuka. "Even a newbie like me can feel the pressure."
The instructor gestured to the man. "This is the training ground, open 24 hours. However, this central ring is reserved for combat classes. Say hello to your combat instructor, Sir Souichirou Kuzuki."
Souichirou stepped forward, his presence commanding the attention of everyone present. "Hello, I am your combat training instructor. Nice to meet all of you. I hope my teachings will benefit you and help you in times of need."
His voice, contrary to their expectations, was warm and composed.
Ritsuka tilted his head, studying the man. "He seems tough on the outside, but I think he's soft on the inside," he murmured to himself.
Souichirou, dressed in his usual dark green suit and glasses, appeared lean yet perfectly defined. His body seemed to be a masterpiece of functionality, with every muscle serving a purpose. It was a quiet but imposing strength, one that demanded respect.
"Outer appearances can be deceptive," Ritsuka reminded himself. "Don't judge too quickly."
Souichirou glanced around at the students before speaking again.
"When you know your stats," he began, "most first-years fall between E-rank and D+ rank." His eyes lingered momentarily on the stronger students before moving on.
"Have any of you ever wondered what combat prowess truly is?"
The question hung in the air. Some students looked eager to respond, but none could find the words.
"Combat prowess," Souichirou continued, "can be divided into two aspects: the strength of your body and the sharpness of your mind. Training the body might seem tough, but it is, in fact, the simpler part. All it requires is dedication—repeating exercises, fighting, and accumulating experience until it becomes second nature.
"In a fight, things happen too fast. If you hesitate, even for a moment, it means death. Remember, this is coming from someone who has faced death more than a few times."
His words carried the weight of experience, striking a chord with the students. Ritsuka felt a chill run down his spine, but it wasn't fear—it was determination.
Souichirou paused, his intense gaze meeting theirs. "Your instincts are your most valuable tool. Humans naturally display superior instincts in moments of crisis. The goal of your training here is to refine those instincts, to push your body and mind to the limits so that, when the moment comes, you don't falter."
The students were captivated. His words, though simple, carried a profound truth that resonated deeply with them.
Ritsuka %100 agree with him. He too learned this in hard way.
Soichirou's gaze swept over the students, his sharp eyes catching every subtle shift in their expressions. His calm demeanor, juxtaposed with the intensity of his words, made it impossible for anyone to look away. Even the more arrogant nobles, who had initially shown disdain, were now silent, hanging on his every word.
"You can achieve initial success through practice," Soichirou continued, his tone measured and firm. "However, to truly fortify your strength and overcome the flaws in your technique, you need real experience. Training dummies and friendly spars can only take you so far. When faced with real danger, many falter."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "When the sword of death hangs over your head, most people lose their edge. Their minds become inefficient, leading to wrong decisions and wasted movements. This ultimately ends in their defeat—or their death."
The room was still. The weight of his words pressed on everyone like an invisible force.
"That's why the second, and perhaps most vital, aspect of combat is the mind," he said. "The moment you lose your calmness, you've already lost. But training the mind isn't simple. It's a lifelong endeavor.
"It also depends on your nature. The wild and brave may adapt quickly, while the fearful may freeze. But let me tell you this: cowards often live longer than the brave who throw their lives away recklessly. To truly survive, you need a balance—a disposition somewhere between the two."
The students nodded unconsciously, drawn in by the gravity of his words.
"So, remember this: once you reach a certain level, battles are as much a contest of minds as they are of strength. The outcome is often decided before the first blow is even struck, determined by the mental state of the two combatants. Fortify your mind. Learn to fight when necessary, retreat when prudent, and kill when you must. Always understand your situation with clarity."
His voice grew more solemn, and a flicker of something unspoken crossed his eyes. "And never forget: victory isn't always about winning or defeating your enemy. Sometimes, survival itself is the truest victory. But there will be moments—rare and terrible—when retreat isn't an option. When leaving an enemy alive would spell disaster. In those moments, you must know what must be done."
The students shifted uneasily, the seriousness of his speech settling over them like a heavy cloak. Ayaka looked down, her hands tightening around the hem of her uniform. She recalled the instructor's earlier warnings, the reality of what this training was preparing them for.
Ritsuka stood quietly, his face unreadable. But deep down, he felt a resonance with Soichirou's words. He had lived this truth. He had faced countless threats where survival was the only victory that mattered. He had killed when there was no other choice, even when his enemies were human. Even when they were just like him.
Unlike most of his classmates, Ritsuka wasn't a child. His mind was stronger, tempered by battles against impossible odds. He knew what it meant to stare death in the face and step forward anyway.
Soichirou's final words echoed in his mind, and Ritsuka silently vowed to carry them with him. If survival is the victory, then I'll survive. If killing is the only choice, then I'll make that choice. But I'll always understand why.
Soichirou's gaze lingered on Ritsuka for a moment, as though he could sense the steely resolve in the young man's heart. Then, he turned to the rest of the group.
Soichirou clapped his hands, breaking the tension in the room. "Now then," he said with a small smile, "things have become a bit heavy. Let's lighten the atmosphere."
He gestured toward the students. "Many of you already have techniques and weapons inherited from your families. For those who don't, the academy offers a basic set of martial arts and techniques for free. Advanced ones, however, will require academy points, which you must earn."
He paused, scanning the students. "Since we still have about twenty minutes, it's time for you to choose your weapons. Lord El-Melloi II will guide you to the armory."
Lord El-Melloi II stepped forward, his commanding presence quieting any murmurs. "Follow me," he said curtly, leading the students toward the weapon stands.
---
The group arrived in a large room filled with neatly arranged weapons. The sheer variety was overwhelming, with everything from daggers to halberds gleaming under the lights. Ritsuka couldn't help but marvel at the sight.
"There's a wide selection here," Lord El-Melloi II announced. "Take your time to choose what suits you best. But I warn you—if you damage any weapon, be prepared to pay up to 500,000. Yen"
His stern words immediately sobered the excited students, many of whom began eyeing the weapons like fragile relics.
"For those of you experimenting with unfamiliar weapons," he continued, his piercing grey eyes scanning the room, "proceed with caution. Recklessness is costly, and I doubt most of you can afford it. Once you've chosen your weapon, head to the main practice area. Soichirou will be waiting."
With that, he turned and exited the room, leaving the students to their choices.
---
Ritsuka scanned the weapons thoughtfully, feeling conflicted. A sword would have been a natural choice, but something about it didn't sit right with him after all. Eventually, he decided to align with his abilities as a Spirit Summoner. He turned to Ayaka and Yuji.
"Let's go," he said quietly, motioning for them to follow.
As they moved toward the exit, a group of noble students intercepted them, their smug expressions radiating disdain.
"Excuse us," Ritsuka said calmly, sensing trouble but hoping to defuse it. "We need to get through."
One of the nobles, a tall boy with an air of arrogance, sneered. "Why should I step aside for filthy commoners?"
Ritsuka glanced around subtly. There were no cameras in this corner of the room, no witnesses to what might unfold. He felt this a trap to close around them.
"Look at this trash," another noble jeered. "He thinks he's on our level. Like that other commoner bastard, lucky bastard Shirou."
Ayaka and Yuji tensed, their expressions darkening. Ritsuka raised a hand, silently urging them to stay calm.
"I'm sorry if we've offended you," Ritsuka said evenly, keeping his tone measured.
The noble sneered again. "Don't look at us like we're equals, you half-breed freak." His gaze narrowed. "With those blue eyes… your mother must've made a deal with a demon. Slept with it, then died like the worthless slut she was."
Yuji clenched his fists, and Ayaka's magic flared faintly at her fingertips. Ritsuka quickly stepped in front of them, his expression calm but his voice firm. "Enough," he said, more to his friends than the nobles.
"I'm sorry for being born this way," Ritsuka said, his voice steady but heavy with restraint.
The nobles laughed cruelly. "Look at this ugly thing, daring to talk back to us!"
But Ritsuka didn't waver. He stood tall, meeting their mocking gazes with unshakable composure. "If you're done, we'll be on our way," he said, his voice carrying a quiet authority that made even the nobles falter.
Suddenly, two of the students, seemingly twins, wore sadistic expressions.
"This girl... she looks like she's... 'breedable.'"
The second twin licked his lips, adding, "I can't wait to make her my slave in the future."
Ayaka, visibly upset, stood frozen for a moment. Yuji's anger surged, but Ritsuka stopped him with a raised hand.
"Bastards, what did you just say?" Yuji gritted his teeth. Ayaka almost had tears. But she stopped Yuji.
Ritsuka's calm demeanor shifted, a sharp edge in his gaze.
But suddenly something strange happened to Ritsuka.
The star on his hand, hidden beneath his academy dress, glowed faintly, and his eyes changed from their usual blue to black.
Visions flashed before him—horrifying images of his friends lying dead in a pool of blood. He saw their faces twisted in agony, the same twin killers standing over them with cruel smiles. His mind flashed back to Ordeal Call 2—painful memories of the past, of his friend', his fake family deaths in Dantes hands in his mind realm.
His hands clenched at his sides. He could feel the presence of something ominous—a dangerous shift in the air around them. His eyes flashed as the strange sensation intensified.
Anger boiled within him, an anger that had been suppressed for years, now exploding uncontrollably.
In his vision, a mysterious figure appeared—an adult with long black hair obscuring his face, standing in the darkness. The figure spoke with an ominous command.
This figure have shining blue eyes glowing and staring at him with dark aura
"Attack them."
[the Celtic goddess of fate affecting the destiny.]
A transparent screen appeared before him, confirming it—this was a glimpse into the future. He saw it unfolding in real time.
Ritsuka took a deep breath, clenching his fists. He could no longer hold back.
The twins, unaware of the storm brewing within him, continued to taunt. ""Okay filthy commoner. I will say again. That girl looks like bree-"
Punch!
Ritsuka's fist flew out. The moment it contacted the frist twin's cheek, a loud sound rang out.
"Ugh!"
Clatter!
Like a paper doll flying in the wind, that idiot's body flew out and collided against a wall. He made a loud cry as he fell, and the the twin toppled over like a garbage bag.
"Ahhhhh!"
"Ugh!"
The surrounding students stood frozen, but Ritsuka's expression remained cold, his anger unyielding.
The frist twin squirmed on the ground in pain. Along with a few perfectly white teeth, blood dripped out his mouth, and his cheeks instantly swelled up.
"Waw-Wawth are yaw….!"
With tears flowing out of his eyes, the idiot glared at Ritsuka and struggled to speak. It seemed like he was trying to say, 'What are you doing?' but because his pronunciation was off, it was hard to tell.
The calm expression on Ritsuka's face was gone. It was replaced by a murderous intent that was colder than the winter winds.
But Ritsuka saw twisted smile behind tears of frist twin mocking him.
He raised his hand with strong first.
Second twin's hand blocked Ritsuka hand from moving forward.
"How dare a commoner attack a noble? You dare to attack my innocent brother infornt of me for being noble kid?" He said
"Jealous Commoners? commoners are always filthy bastards" another one said
"Enough of your nonsense!" Yuji shouted,
Ritsuka's focus was unshakable as he locked eyes with the second twin, who tried to push him back, gripping his arm.
Instantly they started to make the situation change into Commoners attacked nobles shit plot.
"Fuck them Ritsuka!" Yuji cheered for him.
"Ritsuka! stop it" Ayaka Tried to stop them. They are falling trap.
Ritsuka felt this second twin grip on his hand is stronger than his own physical strength.
Yuji used his flash magic to generate light to distract second twin and help his friend.
Ritsuka used this chance—his training with Li Shuwen kicked in. He used a judo technique to break the grip, flipping the second twin onto the ground with ease.
Crash!
"Ugh!"
hikaru felt a great shock on the his body.
Thud!
Ritsuka pinned him down then used strong Hikite hit on face mainly on his nose which defeated him out cold. Blood covered his hand.
"Rank and status doesn't mean a damn thing," Ritsuka muttered coldly, standing tall over the defeated twin. Both idiots cried like bitch as they felt pain on their faces.
Just as the tension reached its peak, the sound of footsteps interrupted the standoff. Lord El-Melloi II and Soichirou appeared, their presence commanding the attention of the room.
"What's going on here?" Lord El-Melloi asked, his gaze sweeping over the scene.
The twins quickly scrambled to defend themselves, pointing fingers at Ritsuka and his friends, claiming they had attacked without provocation.
"They were the ones who started it!" Yuji snapped, glaring at them.
Ritsuka felt the trap closing around them. They had been lured into this situation, and now the nobles were trying to manipulate the narrative.
"Silence," Soichirou's voice was sharp, silencing the bickering nobles immediately.
Lord El-Melloi, using healing magic, revived the twins, who slowly regained their composure. The twins' expressions shifted as they stood up, now playing the victim.
"Those bastards attacked us," the first twin, Koumei Kaigu, began with a false claim.
"Yeah, that girl tried to seduce my brother," the second twin, Hikaru Kaigu, added with a twisted smile. "We were simply trying to be noble, but they attacked us first."
"Lies," Yuji shouted , unable to hide his disgust.
Ritsuka knew they were manipulating the situation to make themselves appear innocent while casting Ritsuka and his friends as the aggressors.
'Even a cheap, third-rate novel wouldn't be this cliché,' Ritsuka thought, his resolve hardening.'We fell in their trap. But I am sure those future visions of alternate timelines. Theses bastards killed my friends and did horrible things to Ayaka. I should cut them into pieces for it. But I don't remember what I saw after those future visions. I felt I forgot what I saw afterwards. And suddenly I felt so much angry to the point I lost control over myself. But one thing is sure. These guys are targeting me personally and will definitely do horrible acts in future. I need to stop them and they will pay for it.'
Lord El-Melloi II stood tall, his gaze heavy with disappointment. "What do you have to say to that?" he asked, his voice firm as it echoed in the room.
'If they trying to play games as players then I will become Game master and destroy their little play'
Ritsuka met his eyes without flinching and, with a calm but resolute tone, replied, "It was probably those two, wasn't it?" He pointed at the twin brothers without hesitation.
"Yes, about what you did to—!"
"I sincerely apologize, Lord El-Melloi," Ritsuka interrupted, bowing his head deeply. His sudden shift in tone caught everyone off guard, especially Lord El-Melloi, who narrowed his eyes in suspicion. But what happened next was even more unexpected.
"I'm sorry for bothering you because I didn't clean up my mess properly," Ritsuka said, his voice steady. "From now on, I'll handle matters like this more... thoroughly."
Without another word, Ritsuka walked to a corner of the room where a katana rested. The room grew tense as he picked it up, unsheathing it in the measured manner of a seasoned samurai. The blade gleamed under the light, its edge sharp and unforgiving.
"What are you doing?" Soichirou demanded, his tone sharp as he stepped forward, ready to intervene.
Ritsuka turned to face them, katana in hand, his expression cold and unyielding. "Didn't I tell you, sir? I'm going to clean up my mess. These bastards insulted my friend, calling her a 'slut' and claiming they'd make her their slave. They deserve to face the consequences."
Gasps filled the room as Ayaka's face turned pale. She clenched her fists, trembling as she finally spoke up. "It's true! They said those things and provoked us first!"
The instructors exchanged glances, their expressions hardening. Soichirou inspected the room and noted, "The cameras here are missing. Someone must've removed them."
'Then someone from academy helped them. And I know who would help noble kids to bully commoners.' Lord El-Melloi thought and looked at them with serious grey eyes.
The twins scrambled to defend themselves, their voices dripping with false indignation. "Sir, we would never do something so disgraceful!" Koumei Kaigu exclaimed, his face a mask of mock sincerity.
"Yes, they're lying!" Hikaru Kaigu added, his tone desperate.
Both Instructors instantly understood what happened. But they don't have any proof's. And also Kaigu family is important noble family in Japan. They can't touch them directly.
Lord El-Melloi really wanted to beat them.
Ritsuka's gaze darkened. "So you're saying we're the liars?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with menace.
"T-that…" Koumei stammered, momentarily silenced by Ritsuka's cold, unrelenting glare.
Hikaru, emboldened by the nobles kids who had started murmuring their support, stepped forward. "Yes! You commoners are lying! You just want to cover up your barbaric behavior!"
Ritsuka chuckled, a low, chilling sound that made Hikaru flinch. "Funny to hear a noble talk about barbaric behavior," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Weren't you the one crying like a baby after I knocked you out earlier? Do all nobles crumble so easily?"
Hikaru's face turned crimson with anger and humiliation. "Y-you bastard!"
The tension in the room thickened as Ritsuka raised the katana and tapped it against Hikaru's blade. "Let's stop wasting time with words. There's a better way to settle this."
"…Are you suggesting a duel?" Hikaru asked, his voice unsteady.
Ritsuka shrugged. "Isn't it obvious? Or are you too scared to face me without your little entourage backing you up?"
Hikaru's pride flared. "Fine! I accept your challenge!" he declared, his grip on his sword tightening.
Ritsuka turned to Lord El-Melloi, his expression calm but resolute. "Sir, as you can see, we've reached an agreement. Please allow us to duel."
Lord El-Melloi studied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well. The duel will take place this evening in the main practice area. Prepare yourselves."
Soichirou stepped forward, his gaze lingering on Ritsuka. "You'd better be ready, Fujimaru, they maybe dumb but they have skills which matters in fight and you don't. I can tell just looking at your body. Be careful and kick their ass. We support you" he said with smile before turning to leave with Lord El-Melloi.
Ritsuka smiled at Soichirou support and murmured himself ' Definitely Sir, I won't disappoint in the show. Look forward to it'
"It seems Sir Soichirou is chill guy" Yuji said and Ritsuka agreed.
The room cleared, leaving Ritsuka, Ayaka, and Yuji behind. Ayaka grabbed Ritsuka's hand, her voice trembling. "Why are you doing this? You don't have to go this far…"
Ritsuka placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Because we're friends, Ayaka. Friends stand by each other, no matter what."
Yuji grinned and pulled both of them into a hug. "That's what I'm talking about! We've got your back, Ayaka."
Tears welled up in Ayaka's eyes as she whispered, "Thank you."
Yuji turned to Ritsuka, a teasing smile on his face. "But are you seriously going to use a katana? You've never trained with one before!"
Ritsuka smirked, gripping the hilt of the blade. "Don't worry. I won't lose to some noble kids who couldn't even handle me barehanded."
'Don't worry guys, They maybe stronger than me. I am sure I can defeat them. Because of our gap between experience And I won't kill them but I make sure they will never think with lust if they see any women in future. And Ofcourse I won't buy any skills from System. I will defeat them on my own hard work.'
With that, the three of them headed to the practice area to prepare, their bond stronger than ever.
---
Ritsuka watched as Yuji headed toward the bow training dummies, while Ayaka chose the caster dummies. What caught his attention was the shimmering barrier that surrounded each student. It was impenetrable, preventing anyone from seeing what happened inside.
"So, today's practice is all about individual training, huh?" he mused.
Ritsuka approached the katana training area, noticing that he was the only one in Class 1A to choose the katana. As he stepped up to a dummy, a barrier formed around him, and the world shifted. Suddenly, he was inside a vast, empty training space.
"Space magic and territory creation magic," he muttered, marveling at the seamless integration of such advanced spells. "No wonder Hero Academies are considered top-notch."
Glancing at the clock, Ritsuka noted, "Still six hours until my training before 4'o clock and challenge with those brats."
Closing his eyes, he focused, gripping the katana tightly.
Shing!
In one smooth motion, he unsheathed the blade, slicing forward with a speed so sharp and swift it was invisible to the naked eye.
Shing!
The blade swung in a diagonal arc from his left shoulder.
Shing!
A powerful thrust came from his right.
Each movement was precise, calculated to flow into the next, creating a deadly synergy of strikes.
Shing! Shing!
Ritsuka repeated the sequence again and again, his focus sharpening with every slash. It was Okita Souji's signature technique: Hyakkidou-ri, or the "Three-Piece Thrust." The move targeted the neck, left shoulder, and right shoulder with overwhelming precision. Though Okita's technique was said to hit all three simultaneously, Ritsuka understood he was far from mastering such a feat.
As the hours passed, Ritsuka refined his movements, his breathing steady but deep.
Slash!
The air seemed to hum as his blade cut through it.
Swish! Swish!
Each step became more fluid, his footwork perfectly complementing his strikes. The dirt beneath him kicked up faint streams of dust with every step.
His movements alternated between sharp and precise to heavy and deliberate, mimicking techniques he had seen and learned from his others servants. Each style brought a unique rhythm, blending into something entirely his own.
Eventually, he stopped, sheathed his katana, and took a deep breath. His body was drenched in sweat, his muscles aching.
"Not bad," he muttered, clenching and unclenching his rough, pale hands. "The previous owner of this body didn't know swordsmanship even with good talent, but that's actually a blessing in disguise."
Ritsuka glanced at his hands again, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"This body is like a blank canvas. No bad habits to unlearn, no flawed techniques ingrained. If I pour my experience into it, I can build something extraordinary."
His gaze turned serious. "Still, my mana control is another matter entirely."
Taking a deep breath, Ritsuka sat cross-legged on the ground, closing his eyes and centering himself. Slowly, he tuned out the external sensations—the breeze against his skin, the firm ground beneath him. Instead, he turned his focus inward.
Deep within, he sensed it: a massive reservoir of power, dormant and tightly coiled. It was an overwhelming presence, more than enough to level an entire city.
'Focus,' he told himself, reaching out with his mind.
Finally, a faint twitch—an acknowledgment of his presence.
Thud!
The connection broke, and Ritsuka fell to the ground, his knees giving out.
"Damn it!" he cursed, slamming a fist into the dirt. "Why is my mana so stubborn? Is it because of the transmigration? My own mana feels like a stranger to me!"
Frustration bubbled up, but he forced himself to calm down. Resting a hand over his heart, he closed his eyes again. Despite his struggles, a faint blue glow began to emanate from his katana.
"At least this is enough to handle those noble brats," he muttered, standing back up.
He thought of his upcoming duel. "I'm not doing this for glory. I'm doing it to protect my friend's honor."
"Damn, now I think about this. I actually decided to not use any weapons but ended up with katana. Well it's good thing. I mean now I can't use my shadow servants. So I need to be careful in a situation where my servants aren't gonna help me. I should probably train with a Bow too in future. For now this is enough"
Ritsuka's grip tightened on his katana as he gazed at the faint blue light coated with his mana on it. Memories of his past life began to surface.
"Okita Souji," he whispered, her name carrying a warmth that spread through his chest.
Her image came to him vividly—her cheerful smile, her playful attempts to grab his attention, her unwavering support. She had been more than a comrade; she had been his best friend, his one of light, his love.
"I miss you," he said, his voice trembling. Tears slid down his cheeks. "Your voice, your smile… I miss everyone."
The weight of loss bore down on him, but he didn't shy away from it. Instead, he embraced it, letting the memories fill him with bittersweet strength.
"I hope you're watching, Okita," he said, wiping his tears. "Your boyfriend's about to fight for the first time here with weapon, I mean I can't count A.A fight with Oberon even if she is my sword. Anyway Cheer me on, okay?"
He said shamelessly. He did what a good boyfriend does who misses his girlfriend. To others he may look werido for saying it. But he doesn't care about others statements. He only cares about his loved ones. They are the one who gives him confidence.
He sheathed his katana, assuming the proper stance of a samurai. For a moment, he could almost hear her voice encouraging him.
Ritsuka closed his eyes, letting the weight of the katana in his hands anchor him to the moment. Yet, in his mind, he wasn't in the training room. He was back in Chaldea, standing in the snow-covered simulation field where Okita first demonstrated her technique.
"Master, watch carefully! You can't blink even for a second, or you'll miss it!" she had said, her voice filled with excitement and pride.
He remembered how her scarf fluttered in the cold wind, her movements a blur of precision and grace. Okita's enthusiasm was infectious; her unwavering determination had always inspired him to push beyond his limits.
"I'm watching, Okita," he murmured softly, as if she were there beside him.
With newfound confidence, Ritsuka stepped out of the training room, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.
To be continued…
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Note: hope you liked this. Ritsuka won't be swordsman but he will use all suitable weapons. Remember he can't use his shadow servants like in game and story here. And look forward to next chapter. I hope guys will like the fight in next chapter and I'm planning to introduce more characters.