"What's going on?"
"That explosion was massive—was it a duel?"
"Who the hell is fighting to cause such destruction?"
"No clue, but if it's this intense, it has to be a Page One battle."
"Let's check it out!"
"If a Page One is fighting, missing it would be a crime!"
Conversations like these rippled through Seidoukan Academy as students flocked toward the girls' dormitory, drawn by the deafening explosion.
Kaiser, too, watched the billowing flames in the distance, observing the ongoing destruction.
Then, as if realizing something, he chuckled.
"So, it's finally happening."
Muttering under his breath, Kaiser turned and followed the crowds heading toward the site of the battle.
—
As he walked, many students recognized him.
"Isn't that [Blazing Star Swordsman]?"
"The one who's been gaining all the hype lately?"
"Yeah, it's him…"
The whispers spread.
—[Blazing Star Swordsman].
This was the title that had been bestowed upon Kaiser after his rise to Rank #13.
In Asterisk, prominent duelists all had titles—it was commonplace.
Toudou Kirin was known as [Keen-Edged Tempest],
Claudia Enfield was called [Commander of a Thousand Visions].
Often, these titles became more famous than their real names.
Now, Kaiser had been granted the same honor.
The reason?
It was simple.
"A swordsman whose blade flickers like a star in the heatwave."
That was the most memorable image from his Official Ranking Battle.
Thus—[Blazing Star Swordsman] was born.
—
Ignoring the murmurs, Kaiser approached the scene.
—
The Duel
A large crowd had already gathered near the girls' dormitory.
Because—
A duel was underway.
And the two combatants were—
One: A girl with long, flowing rose-colored hair, radiating a powerful, noble aura.
Kaiser immediately recalled her profile.
"Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld."
High School Division, Year 1.
Member of the Page One—Rank #5.
Title: [Glühen Rose]—Witch of Resplendent Flames
At that moment, she stood in the battlefield, her expression flustered yet furious,
her entire body engulfed in swirling Prana,
forming countless embers that danced around her.
As she unleashed her power, the Mana in the air reacted violently,
igniting into flames that coalesced into spear-like projectiles.
Then—
With a flick of her wrist, she launched them toward her opponent.
Kaiser watched with genuine interest.
"This is my first time seeing a Strega in action, huh?"
In the world of Asterisk, some Genestella were born with the ability to directly manipulate Mana—producing phenomena that defied logic.
Males were called "Dante."
Females were called "Strega."
These individuals possessed abilities akin to Orga Lux users.
And Julis was one such Strega—
A blazing witch who commanded flames.
The explosions earlier had all been caused by her attacks.
But—who was her opponent?
Kaiser turned his gaze.
—
Two: A boy with messy black-purple hair and a relaxed, lazy demeanor.
He looked unremarkable.
The kind of person no one would remember at first glance.
However—
Right now, he was being relentlessly bombarded by Julis' flaming spears.
His usual loose expression was replaced with visible distress.
Scrambling across the battlefield, he desperately dodged, barely avoiding the blazing projectiles that detonated all around him.
Each explosion erupted like blossoming flames, scorching the air in a violent inferno.
The boy was forced to evade constantly, unable to counterattack, looking exceptionally helpless.
—
"Who is that guy?"
"No clue. Never seen him before."
"He's not in the Named Charts."
"So, he's unranked?"
"Damn, I thought the one fighting Julis would be a Page One member or at least a high-ranked student…"
"An unranked guy, fighting the Witch of Resplendent Flames? That takes guts."
"Still, even if he looks pathetic, he's dodging all her attacks."
"Could he be another [Blazing Star Swordsman]?"
"Doubt it…"
The spectators chattered excitedly, some even comparing the boy to Kaiser.
Kaiser merely shrugged.
"That guy and I are nothing alike."
"I was actually weak when I fought. He's just playing dumb."
Even though this was Kaiser's first time seeing him—
He immediately identified him.
This boy was not a Seidoukan student.
At least, not before today.
He was a transfer student—a special admission.
Someone destined to attract attention.
Because he was none other than—
"Amagiri Ayato."
Kaiser muttered his name softly.
Then, he smirked.
"The original protagonist has finally arrived."
—
The Reason for the Duel
If Kaiser remembered correctly—
This entire fight started because Ayato accidentally trespassed into the girls' dormitory.
More specifically—
He had somehow ended up in Julis' room.
Thus—
She immediately labeled him a pervert and attacked him on sight.
And that—
Was how the battle began.
As the battle escalated, Julis grew frustrated.
Ayato's constant dodging was irritating her.
Her attacks became stronger—faster—more destructive.
Kaiser considered intervening.
But—
"Hmm?"
Something caught his attention.
In the corner of the crowd, a familiar figure stood hidden in the shadows.
A girl with silver hair, attempting to blend in.
"Toudou Kirin?"
Kaiser blinked in surprise.
"What is she doing here?"
She was obviously trying to avoid attention.
Considering how Rank 13 had drawn so many eyes—
If Rank 1 was spotted, it would cause a riot.
Kaiser didn't expect to see her here.
But—
Before he could decide whether to approach her,
Kirin suddenly moved.
Her gaze sharpened—
She whipped her head toward a specific direction.
Following her line of sight, Kaiser turned—
And saw it.
A streak of light.
A projectile.
A Mana-infused arrow tore through the air, traveling at supersonic speed— targeting Julis.
"Danger!"
Ayato's eyes widened as he shouted.
At the same time—
Kirin moved.
With blinding speed, she rushed forward, her movement outpacing the incoming arrow.
In an instant, she arrived in front of Julis.
—
"Clang!"
She drew her sword—
And deflected the arrow.
"What?!"
Julis stood frozen, confused by what just happened.
Kirin turned toward her, about to speak—
But—
Another arrow came flying.
Faster.
More lethal.
Before Kirin could react—
A different figure stepped forward.
"Clang!"
A pure-white blade slashed through the air—
Severing the arrow mid-flight.
—
The one who stopped it—
Was Kaiser.