Chapter 63

At the announcement of the Royal Academy's acceptance results.

Noel Fanatis, the heir of the renowned Fanatis Duke family and the next Sword Saint, appeared before me, who had successfully passed as the top student, with a sense of relief.

To my surprise, he immediately challenged me to a duel.

(---Hmm. I tried to summarize it, but I don't understand at all.)

To be honest, I want to leave this place right now, but...

Before that, I have one thing I want to ask.

"---No, no, that's too sudden. Besides, what exactly are you betting on in this duel?"

"Betting...? That's not necessary. I just want to see your skills with my own eyes."

"......"

Seeing Noel's clear red eyes assert this, I recalled another rumor about him.

Noel Fanatis.

The son of the current Royal Knights' Commander and a genius who inherited the talent of a Sword Saint.

Moreover, he doesn't pride himself on his talent alone; he trains diligently and strives to gain practical experience by hunting monsters.

Whenever he has a moment, he challenges higher-ranking knights in the Royal Knights to duels one after another, thoroughly and without hesitation.

---In short, this guy is a genuine sword fanatic.

(Hmm. This might be a bit of a problem.)

Realizing that the rumors were true, I couldn't help but frown.

If this guy had a clear malicious intent like Dione, I could have easily brushed him off, but it's probably not the case.

He simply can't resist testing the skills of a swordsman who, despite holding the [Void Emblem], which supposedly can't use skills, surpasses him.

To be honest, I can understand that feeling very well.

When I was still a Zeronity, I often challenged those above me, whether monsters or players, to test my honed sword techniques.

Well, things change a lot between a game and reality, but the desire to test one's skills is a natural part of being a swordsman.

(But, if you ask me whether I'll accept the duel, that's a different story.)

I have no obligation to accept the duel, and I don't want to draw unnecessary attention.

"Hey, seriously? The [Void Emblem] holder and Noel Fanatis are going to fight?"

"Looks like the mask will come off soon."

"Even though I'm second in the overall rankings, I feel really left out."

...Yeah, well, it might already be too late.

Moreover, I think there was something strange in the comments from the crowd...

But, that aside.

Since I have no intention of accepting the duel, I was about to refuse when—

---Suddenly, the scene fell completely silent.

The onlookers, who had been buzzing while watching Noel and me, fell silent all at once.

Not only that, they all turned their gazes in the same direction.

I turned my head in that direction a moment later.

There, I saw a girl.

She walked with her long, lustrous black hair flowing like the night sky.

She was slightly taller than average for a woman and had a beautiful face.

A sword was sheathed at her waist, and even from her walk, it was clear that she was an excellent swordsman.

"...Beautiful"

Suddenly, Shuna, who was standing next to me, whispered softly.

It seemed she wasn't the only one with that thought; everyone was speechless, captivated by the girl.

"......"

Even Noel, who had maintained a strong attitude until now, was no exception.

Amidst the quiet attention, the girl slowly walked over.

And then, the next moment—

"I've missed you so much! Zeros!"

"!"

She shouted and leaped at me.

Her speed was terrifyingly fast, and even I couldn't dodge it.

As a result, she forcefully embraced me.

"Ugh!"

The force was as strong as any monster I've fought.

...It's been a while since we met, but she's still the same.

"...Huh?"

Shuna let out a confused voice at the sudden turn of events.

Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury to explain to her while being squeezed with all her might.

I managed to squeeze out a muffled voice to the girl in front of me.

"...Long time no see, Reina."

"Yes! It's been 53 days, Zeros!"

The girl's name is Reina Sylph.

She is my older sister by two years, currently attending the Royal Academy—and a genius swordsman with overwhelming talent.

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