"Kurogane-kun...?"
"Shizuku...?"
Seeing Ikki's expression turning bitter and Shizuku's becoming sinister, the crowd was momentarily at a loss.
And understandably so.
Mentioning his biological older brother and seeing such reactions from both Ikki and Shizuku, anyone would feel confused.
If it were just Ikki, it would be understandable.
After all, Ikki's situation is unique. The Kurogane family already considers him a useless obstacle, and having an older brother who is the only A-rank knight among all Japanese students would naturally make Ikki's expression look so helpless and bitter.
But Shizuku's hostile reaction was indeed beyond everyone's expectations.
Even though Shizuku, who loves her older brother deeply, shares an unfriendly attitude toward the Kurogane family due to Ikki's treatment, it's still unexpected for her to be outright hostile.
However, when it comes to Kurogane Ouma, Shizuku's hostility is very real, which is indeed surprising.
But there's no helping it.
"I've always been isolated in the family, but Ouma-nii-san is also isolated in a way."
While patting Shizuku's head to comfort his sister, Ikki explained.
"Neither Shizuku nor I have ever had any interaction with Ouma-nii-san. In fact, even the family members have had little interaction with him, as if he's a stranger. Or rather, to Ouma-nii-san, whether it's us or the rest of the family, we are all like insignificant weeds."
The reason for this is quite simple.
"Ouma-nii-san is only interested in getting stronger."
Ikki spoke seriously.
"He has no interest in a weaker brother."
"He has no interest in a weaker sister."
"He has no interest in a weaker father."
"He has no interest in the rest of the family who are weaker."
"That person is only interested in becoming stronger or fighting powerful opponents."
Ikki said so.
"That's why Ouma-nii-san never participates in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival or other public competitions. According to him, there are no opponents in the seven academies worth fighting."
Because of this, Kurogane Ouma doesn't participate in any public competitions and doesn't attend classes, instead traveling alone.
"There's no opponent in the seven academies worth fighting?" Stella raised an eyebrow. "He really has confidence."
This sentiment wasn't exclusive to Stella; many others felt the same way.
"But Ouma-nii-san is truly very strong."
Ikki said with an unprecedentedly serious expression.
"Although I haven't seen him in many years, I still remember the overwhelming pressure I felt every time I saw him in the past. This pressure is still vivid in my memory."
After all, he's the only A-rank knight among Japanese students, a martial artist who is only interested in becoming stronger. Given his talent, dedication, and persistence, his strength is naturally expected.
"So, I agree with what Rozen just said. Ouma-nii-san is likely stronger than the Seven Stars Sword King, Moroboshi Yuudai. At the very least, I can't imagine Ouma-nii-san losing to him."
Ikki's statement made the crowd's expressions turn serious.
Does that mean...
"This year, we not only have to face the three strongest from Bukyoku Academy but also an enemy who is likely stronger than the Seven Stars Sword King?"
Toudou Touka spoke softly, causing the atmosphere to grow increasingly heavy.
In terms of Blazer rank, Kurogane Ouma is higher than anyone present.
Only one person can match him.
"Many people online are already expressing anticipation. Some foreigners are even planning to come and see the battle between the Crimson Princess and the Sword Emperor of Wind."
Rozen said with a smile, waving his student handbook at Stella.
"As the only two A-rank knights in this year's Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, the public has already started comparing you two and is eagerly awaiting a match between you."
That's how it is.
It's been many years since two A-rank knights faced each other in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
In previous years, there was either only one A-rank knight or none at all. Achieving an A-rank evaluation during student years is not an easy task.
"The last time two A-rank student knights faced off in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival was many years ago."
Rozen said.
"That time, it was a competition between the World Clock and the Yaksha Princess during their student years."
Now, Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene have achieved the third rank in the world within the League.
After many years, another A-rank knight duel will occur in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, making it impossible not to look forward to.
Moreover, this duel is also between representatives of Hagun Academy and Bukyoku Academy.
At that time, Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene came from these two academies, just like Stella and Kurogane Ouma now.
"I think Kurogane Ouma suddenly became a representative because he's aiming for you."
Rozen shrugged at Stella.
"After all, encountering another A-rank student knight is rare worldwide. If that person is only interested in becoming stronger and doesn't participate in competitions because he thinks no one is worthy, it's not surprising that he would immediately rush back and join the competition upon hearing about you, who has the world's strongest magical power among students."
This should be the reason Kurogane Ouma decided to compete in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
The purpose is solely to fight Stella.
Regarding this...
"That's just what I wanted."
Stella spoke without hesitation.
Originally, Stella came to this country seeking strong opponents.
Now, the opportunity to fight the only A-rank knight among Japanese students is something Stella naturally welcomes.
In fact, upon learning about a stronger opponent than Moroboshi Yuudai, Stella wasn't worried but rather delighted.
According to everyone, while Moroboshi Yuudai is strong, he's only on par with Toudou Touka.
And Stella had already defeated Toudou Touka, overcoming her Noble Art Raikiri head-on.
Even though that duel was a close win, and another battle might have a different outcome, let's not forget that Stella didn't use her trump card — Dragon Spirit.
The appearance of an opponent stronger than Moroboshi Yuudai and Toudou Touka, forcing her to use Dragon Spirit and fight with all her might, is something Stella eagerly looks forward to.
Initially, Stella thought Ikki would be the only one in this year's Seven Stars Sword Art Festival who could make her go all out.
But now, there might be another person.
Stella was pleased.
However, before that, Stella wanted to ask a subtle question.
"Rozen is also an A-rank student knight. Will Kurogane Ouma challenge him?"
At this, the room fell silent again.
But this time, the expressions were not heavy but rather subtle.
Seeing Rozen smiling, everyone couldn't help but shiver.
Challenge this rule-breaking monster?
In that case, Kurogane Ouma might really meet his end.
At this moment, everyone thought in unison.
(Let's hope Kurogane Ouma doesn't do anything rash.)
Otherwise, cleaning up the aftermath would be troublesome.
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