Chapter 14

The entry list submitted by Hyōō Academy read as follows:

"First position: None, Second position: Cain = Material, Third position: Shido = Euclyus"

The teacher's eyes flared up, of course, at the part that read "First position: None."

In a three-on-three elimination match, the handicap of being one person short is tremendous, and it is normally unthinkable to have "None" as a registrant.

(No matter how inexperienced a swordsman, the usual judgment is to have them participate as a player and avoid a forfeit by default.)

From the perspective of information gathering, this is also certain.

However, Hyōō Academy deliberately created a forfeit by default.

They allowed Senrin Academy to win one match.

In other words, this was a clear provocation, saying, "Senrin Academy is so insignificant that two people can handle it however they want."

"Ugh, I'm so angry! What is this, are they joking!?"

"Indeed, it's unpleasant."

Not only Teacher Reia, but also Reia and Rose showed their frustration.

Of course.

A swordsman's match must always be a serious one.

No matter how great the difference in skill, there can be no holding back in a serious match.

Because that is the most insulting act to the opponent.

(Even I... this is a bit too much...)

As we trembled with anger, Teacher Reia confronted a female member of the organizing committee.

"If they're that way, we have a plan too! We're changing the participants! No registrants for the first and second positions! Allen as the third! We don't need two or three to defeat a mere Hyōō Academy! Allen alone is enough!"

The woman, intimidated by the formidable power and social influence of the principal of the Five Academies—Teacher Reia—shook as she responded firmly.

"I-I'm very sorry... The deadline for changing participants was two days ago..."

"The deadline doesn't matter! We're not increasing or changing the number of participants! There's no disadvantage for Hyōō Academy!"

"I-I'm very sorry... But, rules are rules..."

The young girl of the organizing committee, overwhelmed by the teacher's fierce demeanor, tried to speak through her tears.

Unable to help it, I tried to calm the teacher down at that moment.

"Oh, oh, how ungraceful. People who lack composure immediately lash out at others."

A woman laughed softly at Teacher Reia.

"What the...! You... Felis!?"

"It's been a while, Reia."

To our surprise, it was none other than Felis Dohraheim, the principal of Hyōō Academy.

Wearing a beautiful kimono in white and blue, her long, pale hair was elegantly tied up on the sides, and a hairpin shaped like a snow crystal added a touch of color. Her translucent white skin and sharp, fox-like eyes made it difficult to read her thoughts.

(She's probably in her late twenties... She looks a bit older than Teacher Reia.)

Behind her were two male students.

They were probably today's opponents.

Seeing Felis, Teacher Reia, with a vein popping on her forehead, thrust the Hyōō Academy's entry list at her.

"You really did it, 'Vixen'... I never dreamed you'd resort to such a 'despicable' tactic?"

"Oh, despicable? That's a bit exaggerated... We just sent the 'appropriate' number of participants... 'Muscle Master'?"

The two of them continued to exchange barbs with fake smiles on their faces.

In the end,

"You painted doll!"

"Shut up, simple-minded one!"

Their argument had degenerated to the level of elementary school girls' quarrels.

(These two are supposed to be in leadership positions in this country...)

The future of this country might be bleak...

"I declare! From this day on, we will revive 'that era'! The era of the strongest Senrin Academy!"

"You can say anything with your mouth! You'll be eating your words soon!"

Saying this, the two of them turned away with a "Hmph!"

It seemed that their long argument had finally come to a temporary conclusion.

"Let's go, Shido, Cain!"

"Uh-huh."

"Yes."

Felis led the two male students to the Hyōō Academy's waiting room.

"We're going too, Allen, Reia, Rose!"

And so, we headed to the Senrin Academy's waiting room.

There were only about thirty minutes left before the match started, and it was time for the final preparations.

■

As soon as we entered the waiting room, Teacher Reia opened her mouth with a serious expression.

"There are several reasons why Felis submitted such a ridiculous list of participants."

"Of course, it's to provoke us, right?"

"I think it's also a provocation."

Reia and Rose's opinions were met with a nod from the teacher.

"Of course, those two reasons are also true. However, the real aim is probably—'showing off strength.'"

"Showing off strength... to us?"

Shaking her head at Reia's question, the teacher continued.

"No, I don't think it's us. It's probably a challenge to the other Five Academies—the top three. 'Hyōō Academy can defeat Senrin Academy with just two people. We're different from before.'"

"What, what's that!? We're not even worth considering!?"

"An unpleasant story."

The teacher continued.

"Felis is cunning and sly, and she's as much of a sore loser as I am. If she's only sending two people, it means she's confident they can win. The swordsman trusted by that suspicious vixen... won't be easy to handle."

Saying this, the teacher made a face as if she had bitten into a bitter pill.

"Anyway, stay focused, Allen. Today's opponent is a formidable swordsman, unlike any you've faced before."

"Yes, I understand."

Just as the conversation ended, the announcer's voice rang out.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have kept you waiting. The first match between Senrin Academy and Hyōō Academy is about to begin!"

The Great Five Holy Festival was finally starting.

"Phew..."

I took a deep breath.

(This isn't just my fight.)

I represent all the students of Senrin Academy.

Thinking this, my heart raced, and sweat began to seep into my palms.

(Just the right amount of tension. And my condition isn't bad either.)

With my spirits high, I opened my eyes,

"Good luck! Allen, you can definitely win!"

Reia squeezed my hand tightly.

"Thank you, Reia. I'll give it my all."

Gently squeezing her hand back, I turned towards the stage.

Then,

"Allen, win."

Rose sent me a passionate gaze with her crimson eyes.

"Yeah, I'll do my best."

Finally, the teacher patted my back.

"Alright! Go out there and show them what you've got, Allen!"

"Yes!"

Just then, the announcement for the participants' entrance rang out.

"Next, from the West Gate—Senrin Academy's first position, Allen Lordle, is entering!"

Receiving everyone's encouragement, I stepped onto the stage with a determination to win.

And the next moment—I was overwhelmed.

"Yaaaah! Go, Allen!"

"Take down Hyōō Academy!"

"We won't forgive you if you lose!"

The West side—Senrin Academy's spectator seats—were packed with people.

Starting with the students of Class 1-A, students from other classes, and even seniors from the second and third years had come to support us.

(That's right... it's different now.)

It's different from when I dueled Dodoriel at the Grand Sword Academy.

Back then, everyone wished for my humiliating defeat.

(But... it's different now!)

Everyone is cheering for me.

Everyone is supporting me.

Everyone is wishing for my victory.

(I'm not alone anymore!)

The painful, difficult, and lonely battles are over.

From now on, I will wield my sword for everyone, with everyone.

(I will definitely win.)

Burning with inner fighting spirit, I waited quietly for my opponent to appear.

"Next, from the East Gate—Hyōō Academy's second position, Cain Material, is entering!"

At that moment, a deafening cheer erupted from the East side—Hyōō Academy's spectator seats.

"Kyaa! Master Cain! Look this way!"

"K-Kyou, you look great today! Please do your best!"

"Take down Senrin Academy with one person!"

Amidst the overwhelming cheers, Cain Material appeared.

Cain Material. A man with a handsome face, dressed in Hyōō Academy's white uniform, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a silver pendant shaped like a cross around his neck.

(This guy is quite experienced...)

Cain raised his right hand in response to the enthusiastic cheers.

Despite the grand stage, he showed no signs of being flustered.

He was firmly grounded.

It was clear at a glance that he was a formidable opponent who could not be underestimated.

When we stood in the center of the stage,

"Are both sides ready? Then—begin the match!"

The announcer declared the start of the match.

I quickly drew my sword and placed it in front of my navel.

The orthodox stance of Seigan—ready to defend, evade, or counterattack immediately, no matter what move the opponent makes—this is my basic posture.

On the other hand, Cain suddenly clenched both hands tightly and knelt as if praying to a god.

Seeing this, a strong sense of foreboding ran through my body.

(Could this be...!?)

"May the whip of time be bestowed upon the devout—'A Hundred Years of Hell'!"

In the next moment, a large crack appeared in the empty space, and a sword emerged.

With a distorted blade like the hands of a clock, it emitted something instinctively repulsive.

"A Soul Armament...!?"

I was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.

I never imagined that the 'Second Position' would use a Soul Armament, let alone the 'Third Position'.

Cain lovingly stroked the blade and fixed a sharp gaze on me.

"Judgment time has come! I'm going to—no, I'm going to end this!"

Without waiting for my shock to subside, he immediately closed the distance.

(Damn, he's fast!?)

As expected of a representative of Hyōō Academy, one of the Five Academies.

Not only did he manifest a Soul Armament, but his physical abilities were also at a high level.

His pure speed was on par with Reia, perhaps a bit below Rose.

"Receive the judgment of God!"

He thrust his sword straight at me, closing the distance relentlessly.

(He's fast... but there are many openings...!)

If he continues on this path, his strike will only graze my shoulder.

On the other hand, my strike can firmly pierce his chest.

(The return is worth the risk...)

With the awareness of taking some damage, I took a step forward.

"Watch out, Allen!"

Teacher Reia's angry shout echoed.

"Huh?"

"—Too slow!"

The next moment, his sword tip cut through my thin skin.

"Hehe, farewell—foolish swordsman."

My consciousness sank into darkness.

■

When I came to, I found myself in an unfamiliar place.

"Huh...? Where am I...?"

I was sure I had fought Cain in the Great Five Holy Festival... and then...

"Right. I lost consciousness the moment I was cut by his Soul Armament."

Looking around, I saw a small, dilapidated house.

And another thing—numbers floating in the air.

99 years 12 months 31 days 23 hours 59 minutes 42 seconds.

The numbers were counting down second by second, probably indicating the time limit in this world.

"Could this be... a prison of time?"

The air and atmosphere felt slightly similar to that otherworld.

(This must be the ability of his Soul Armament, 'A Hundred Years of Hell'.)

From the current situation, it seems that the ability is to seal the target in this world until the clock reaches 00 years 01 month 01 day 00 hours 00 minutes 00 seconds—essentially, for a hundred years.

"Let's try a light swing."

If this world is similar to or the same as that otherworld, I should be able to cut through it.

I focused moderately and swung my sword lightly.

"Ha!"

The space where the sword passed shook violently.

(Good, there's a solid feel to it.)

With this, I should be able to escape whenever I want.

(But, it would be a waste to do so...)

Since I've been given a hundred years, I should make the most of it.

"Let's start by checking the environment..."

This is my second time in such a situation, and this time I have a way to escape, so I was able to act very calmly.

I spent about an hour investigating this world.

In conclusion, this world was also a small sphere.

Walking straight from the dilapidated house, I quickly reached the back door.

And fortunately, the house had everything necessary for life, albeit of poor quality.

The bare minimum food.

A bathtub just large enough to stretch my legs.

A tattered futon and blanket.

"Yep, it's enough."

It's not as luxurious as that otherworld, but the necessary supplies are there.

Having grasped the current situation, I decided,

"Alright, let's do some practice swings!"

Since I can leave whenever I want, unlike the hellish loop, it's a very relaxed experience.

Free from fear, anxiety, and unease, I can focus purely on my swordsmanship.

And so, for ten years,

I practiced swings every day.

Breathing steadily, raising my sword, and bringing it down.

I repeated this motion countless times.

With each swing, my heart felt cleansed.

(Ah, I'm so happy...)

Being able to swing my sword quietly and alone, without anyone to disturb me, was invaluable, and my heart was content.

Eating.

Sleeping.

Swinging my sword.

Living this wonderful life, there was one thing that burned in my heart.

(There are only ninety years left...!)

Indeed, the remaining time.

The clock in the air now read 89 years 07 months 10 days 19 hours 15 minutes, and the remaining time was less than ninety years.

(There's still so much I want to do...! I have to hurry...!)

The years passed at the speed of light—twenty, thirty, forty.

By the time fifty years had passed, the fruits of my training began to show.

"Sakura Hana Ittō-ryū—Sakura Flash!"

"Zantetsu-ryū—Rust Removal!"

"Kumo Kage-ryū—Scaly Cloud!"

Referring to the basic principles, forms, and essence of the schools I had heard from my friends in Class A, I successfully recreated them.

I had only seen Sakura Hana Ittō-ryū, but I managed to learn it surprisingly quickly.

However, I couldn't manifest a Soul Armament.

I still don't know the method—how to train to manifest a Soul Armament.

(I hope we cover it in class soon...)

Thinking this, I continued to swing my sword every day.

Finally, it was 00 years 01 month 01 day 00 hours 00 minutes 01 seconds.

A second later—the white world began to collapse with a sound.

"No way... It's over already...?"

It really happened in the blink of an eye.

(I was planning to do some moderate training and then cut the world to return to the original world...)

I didn't have enough time to do just the moderate training.

For someone who had internalized the time sense of "one billion years per loop," a hundred years was far too short.

(I haven't even done a tenth of what I wanted to do...)

I was left with a strong sense of dissatisfaction.

(While my desire to practice swings was satisfied... I want to train more, more...)

I tried to think of a way to stop the world from collapsing.

However, no matter how much I thought, I couldn't find an answer.

A sword is inherently for cutting, not for weaving.

(I guess... I have to give up...)

Sighing as I watched the world collapse, a bolt of lightning shot through my mind.

(No, not yet. It's not over yet...)

Perhaps this world could loop forever, just like the billion-year button did!

It's too early to give up.

There's still hope.

(Please, please...)

As I slowly opened my eyes, Cain was just putting away his Soul Armament.

(This is definitely the real world...)

Unfortunately, the hundred-year bonus time was a one-time thing, and there was no loop.

(Sigh... Of course, there's no such good thing...)

As I slumped, the spectators on the Hyōō Academy side suddenly started to cheer.

"Amazing! A one-hit kill, just as expected!"

"Master Cain! Please do the same for the next opponent!"

"Hehe, maybe the Senrin Academy guys will forfeit? They'll be scared stiff after seeing this match!"

For some reason, they were already celebrating as if Cain had won.

Fe