The news of Akatsuki Academy’s attack on Hagun quickly circulated across the nation, along with video of Hagun Academy’s main building as it burned. The Seven Stars Battle Festival’s management committee was quick to take action against those who had committed the atrocity, beginning a deep investigation into who was responsible for it all while considering the option of stripping the students involved of their knight certifications. The people demanded they be subjected to strict punishment, captured, and confined. Of course, it was certain that they wouldn’t appear at the Seven Stars.

However, with the appearance of a man who claimed to be the director of Akatsuki Academy, everything changed. The name of the middle-aged man who proclaimed himself director was Bakuga Tsukikage, the Prime Minister of Japan. He held the highest position in the nation, yet despite the investigation into him, he did not apologize, nor did he even seem sorry in the slightest. Unbelievably, the man offered an invigorating smile as he made the claim.

“Wonderful, isn’t it? Were you all surprised? A Federation-affiliated school stood no chance against them. This is the strength of the National Akatsuki Academy, the school that will bear Japan’s future as it takes the place of the seven dogs of the Federation!”

He went on to speak of that very future. In it, National Akatsuki Academy would dominate the Seven Stars Battle Festival, ending the Mage-Knight Federation’s reign over Japanese Blazers and returning sovereignty over their education to Japan. His speech would mark a turn of events that nobody could have ever imagined.

Police and government alike took no action against the Akatsuki atrocity. Instead, the event was treated as if the attack on Hagun had been a false alarm, an accident that had occurred during mutually consented-to training. Normally, such a claim would have been laughable, but with the government doubling down on it, it was easy to convince the public that black was white.

Of course, Hagun Academy, the other six schools, and the Seven Stars’ management committee were furious. They quickly moved to block Akatsuki students from entering the Festival. Much to their dismay, however, they could not enforce such attempts, for they had received a direct command from the International Mage-Knight Federation: the Federation would not tolerate having the education of Japan’s Blazers wrested from their control. Therefore, they would put an end to Akatsuki Academy at the Seven Stars and prove that the Federation’s system of education was superior.

All had gone exactly as Hiraga had said it would. With the nation of Japan itself on the enemy’s side and even the Federation Headquarters declaring them as such, the management committee and the seven schools had little recourse available to them. Their claims were thrown out, and Akatsuki Academy became known as the up-and-coming powerhouse that had nearly destroyed Hagun with the power of a mere seven students. Their goal of formally entering the Seven Stars Battle Festival as an eighth school had been achieved.

◆◇◆◇◆

“I’m sorry.”

Recounting the events after the attack on Hagun, Kurono apologized to Ikki and Shizuku Kurogane for her own powerlessness.

“There’s no reason for you to apologize, Director,” Ikki told her, requesting that she lift her head.

“Big Brother is right. But what a shock that our own country was behind it all.”

“It’s been a ticking time bomb ever since World War II,” Kurono said in response to Shizuku.

The country’s entry into the Federation was anything but a unanimous decision. Using the weariness that followed the war as a tailwind, the prime minister at the time went as far as giving up territory to cooperate with other nations and stop the runaway imperialism that had been occurring. It was part of a greater campaign to get Japan to enter the Federation.

“But that action meant parting with our status as a world power,” Kurono continued. “There was backlash against it, of course, leading to a bloody internal political feud. Despite all that, the prime minister was adamant about international cooperation. The political discord still remains to this day. Many believe that Japan still has the strength to hold its own as a superpower—like the USA or Russia—without joining the Federation, many want to change the nation so that we can do that, and many believe that Japan’s inability to educate or punish Blazers without permission from the Federation is a major problem. These factions exist in both our government and in the Federation’s Japanese branch.”

“Even in the Federation itself?”

“The Federation’s Japanese branch as you know it is a remnant of the samurai of the past. Back when Blazers were still called samurai, a group of them working under the Japanese government split off and changed their name. Present relations with the Federation’s main branch, which snatched away their authority, are bad, to say the least. But, well, that’s what happens when you force everyone to go along with the “international cooperation” option. Not to mention the Anti-Federation sentiment that exists among the general populace. The government is what it is today as a result of it spending half a century expanding its power while under the pressure of public opinion. I guess it was more or less unavoidable that something like this would happen at some point.”

Putting extremists aside, it wasn’t all too surprising that many would take issue with their nation’s army being made up of people trained by another entity’s educational system. Even so, joining the Federation came with its own multitude of benefits, so it was hard to say for sure which side was correct.

“So, in short, Prime Minister Tsukikage’s plan is to use the Seven Stars—the Federation’s stage for putting the results of their training on display—to refute their methods by showing off his own students’ strength and take back our right to educate Blazers from the Federation?”

“Well, that would be the best outcome. The worst-case scenario is that he might be trying to completely sever ties with the Federation.”

“Does nobody care that he’s using human resources provided by the Rebellion, a group of actual terrorists?”

“The only evidence that Akatsuki’s students are members of Rebellion comes from Alisuin’s testimony. If they play innocent, there’s nothing we can do. Even if we had irrefutable evidence, the government would probably just suppress it by force, just like what they did with the attack on Hagun.” Kurono sighed, then put a cigarette to her lips with a bitter groan. “But I still can’t believe Director Tsukikage would do something like this.”

“Director? Do you know the Prime Minister personally?”

“He was the director of Hagun Academy back when I was a student. I remember him as an intellectual, rational man. What the hell did the government do to him?” she pondered as she lit her cigarette. Upon closer inspection, the ashtray on Kurono’s desk had been stabbed with so many cigarette butts that it looked like a sea urchin. She was clearly stressed. “Anyway, Akatsuki Academy’s spot at the Seven Stars is all but secured. They’re all elites with ties to crime syndicates, so it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that this year’s Festival will be a hell of a lot different from last year’s. As a result, we instructors believe we should ask you representatives once more: are you absolutely willing to go up against people like that? That’s the reason I had you come here today.”

“It is?” Ikki asked, the reason he had been summoned to Kurono’s office finally revealed to him.

“Alisuin, Toutokubara, and the Hagure twins have all given up their spots. Looks like Alisuin feels responsible for what happened, while Toutokubara wanted to stay with Toudou, since she’s yet to wake up. Kikyou and Botan Hagure seem to have merely folded before the power of the Akatsuki.”

“I… see. I guess that’s not too surprising.”

“And you? What are you going to do? Circumstances as they are, our deal can wait—”

“No,” Ikki declared, cutting her off. “I have no issue with continuing. I’m going to the Seven Stars. Our promise won’t change.”

He didn’t need the compromise she was trying to offer. He had long since made up his mind.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. After all, I don’t see this year’s Festival being that much different from last year’s. All that’s changed is that knights from criminal organizations have joined what used to be a more exclusive event.” Ikki’s voice was strong, with clear resolve backing it up. “If the Festival exists to find out who’s the strongest student knight in Japan, then really, this is the Festival in its truest form, and that’s perfect for me. We student knights don’t have the slightest idea what the prime minister is thinking. All I can do is to fight fair and square until I meet with Stella at the top. Besides, there’s someone I’m interested in there.”

“The Gale Sword Emperor?”

“No,” Ikki answered quickly. “Not that I’m not interested in Ouma, but this is different.”

“Who’s got you more interested than the Gale Sword Emperor?”

“It’s a student from Kyomon’s roster, Amane Shinomiya.”

“Was that the boy with the adorable face, Big Brother?”

Ikki answered Shizuku’s question with a nod. That piqued Kurono’s curiosity, causing her to raise an eyebrow.

“He didn’t seem especially interesting to me,” she said.

“I’d agree with that,” Ikki replied, confusing Kurono all the more.

“Hmm?”

“He doesn’t have the incredible drive that Ouma does. Even among the Akatsuki students, that boy didn’t seem to leave much of an impression. And I think we’re both right to think that way; he probably isn’t a very strong knight compared to the rest of Akatsuki Academy. But still, I just can’t get him out of my head for some reason, and I always feel this surprisingly intense aversion toward him. I don’t know why I feel so repulsed by him, but I want to find out.”

Ikki’s inability to explain why he felt so put off by Amane in particular made him all the more uncomfortable about it. Even if he didn’t know the reason, though, there must have been one. Seeming to accept that answer, Kurono nodded.

“Well, Kurogane, you never struck me as the type to hate others for no reason. Maybe there’s something about that Shinomiya boy that only you have figured out so far. Anyway, I understand your commitment. I’ll take care of the details of your participation.”

“Thank you.” Ikki expressed his gratitude, then asked about something that he had been wondering about. “Um, Director? Is Stella going to be there too?”

“I asked her this morning,” Kurono replied with a small chuckle. “She didn’t hesitate for a second when she said yes. ‘You think I’d give up that easily after they made a fool out of me?!’”

“Big Brother, that does sound like Stella.”

“It sure does,” Ikki said and nodded slightly.

“Oh. That reminds me, Kurogane. I have a message from her. She told me to tell you, ‘I won’t be coming back to the dorm this week even though it’s the week before the Seven Stars, but that doesn’t mean you can let Shizuku stay over.’”

“Ignore that message,” Shizuku answered immediately before turning to Ikki. “But still, I wonder why she isn’t coming back this week.”

“…Yeah. I’m sure Stella has a lot on her mind.”

Ikki was reminded of what Stella had said when the two had visited the still-unconscious Touka and Utakata the day before. As she stared teary-eyed at the two sleeping council members, she spoke shakily, clenching her fists so tightly that they nearly started to bleed. “I never knew that weakness felt so bitter,” she’d said. She probably wouldn’t have wanted others to know what she’d said or that she’d cried, so Ikki left Shizuku with a vague answer.

“In any case, I’ve got an important question for you, Shizuku Kurogane.”

Kurono turned her attention toward Shizuku, who had been sitting silently next to Ikki for most of the meeting.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“As you’ve heard, four of our representatives have given up their spots at the Seven Stars. As it so happens, one of them requested to transfer their status to you. In all of the mess that we faced, you were the sole knight to seize victory in the fights against Akatsuki. In terms of strength, you’re not lacking in any sense of the word. If you consent to this transfer, I could arrange for your entry. What do you think?”

There was no surprise on Shizuku’s face. Alice must have mentioned it to her beforehand. Showing no real signs of uncertainty, Shizuku answered with a nod.

“Of course. I’d be happy to join.”

“Then I’ll make the arrangements,” Kurono said, jotting something down on a document on her desk and stamping her seal. She then looked up and spoke to the two students standing before her with a fearless grin on her face. “This year’s had some crazy developments right off the bat, none of which we could’ve imagined last year. But as you’ve explained, Ikki Kurogane, you have no need to fear the ploys of certain men. The stars of the Seven Stars are, as ever, you student knights. This will be a good opportunity for you to trade blows with Rebellion troops, too, as they’re an enemy you’d rarely get to fight otherwise. Maybe a Seven Stars that includes every kind of student knight in Japan won’t be too bad after all. It’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to stand on a stage where you can test the limits of your strength to your hearts’ content!”

“Yes, ma’am!” the Kurogane siblings declared in unison.

◆◇◆◇◆

While Ikki and Shizuku were meeting with Kurono, Stella Vermillion stood in front of the KoK league’s specialized gym within the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. She was waiting for a certain person.

“Well, well. Fancy meeting you here.”

The person who greeted her was Nene Saikyou, the Demon Princess. The facility they were at was one that she used regularly during her stay at Hagun.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Ms. Nene.”

“Oh? Does that mean you want something from me, Princess?”

With that guess, Saikyou urged Stella to state her business. Wearing an expression that was either earnestness or nervousness, she gave her reply.

“I’d like you to help me train for the Seven Stars this week.”

“Well, this is a sudden request. What for?”

Stella bit her lip when she heard the question, then strained to answer it.

“Ever since I failed to surpass Touka, I’ve had a vague feeling about something. But what happened at Hagun really drove it home for me.” Stella’s hands still throbbed from having been pushed back by Ouma’s Kusanagi. It was the first time she’d ever lost in her domain, a battle of raw strength. The shock of that failure, combined with Touka’s continuing unconsciousness as a result of protecting Stella, thrust one undeniable truth upon her. “…I’m weak. If I don’t get stronger, I’ll never be able to meet Ikki at the top.”

“So that’s what makes you want my help?”

Stella nodded vigorously.

“As far as I can see, you’re the strongest person in the whole school! So, Ms. Nene, I want you to train me in the week I have left! Please!”

“…And if I say no?”

Stella had lowered her head deeply, but when asked that question, she looked back up at Saikyou.

“When showered with sparks, anyone would be forced to brush them away. Know what I mean?”

There was a glimmer in Stella’s eye, showing through her drooping bangs as she stared at Saikyou. If she would not help her willingly, Stella would force her to. If she were to refuse, Stella would not hesitate to attack. Realizing that that was what her stare implied, Saikyou sighed internally.

Well, she’s got me there.

She had noticed that Stella was desperate. An overwhelming loss the likes of which she had never experienced before and a sense of powerlessness the likes of which she had never felt before had put her in an incredibly difficult position; she was struggling desperately to confront the desire to do anything she could while not knowing where to begin. In asking for Saikyou’s help, she was likely attempting to do that which was most difficult for her. It was the only option she had, because if she did nothing, she would be crushed by the discomfort.

The first thing Stella needed to do, though, was to calm down. Forced training spurred on by impatience was more than just dangerous. Frankly, there was little to nothing that Saikyou could actually teach her. The untapped potential within her was something she was simply unable to match. If a commoner were to teach her bad habits, Stella, the genius with the most magic power in the world, would have her potential limited. In order to prevent that, in order to avoid creating the worst possible deficit, trying to calm her down was the best decision for a teacher to make.

But man, I actually feel bad for her.

Looking at how stressed Stella was—nearly to the point of crying—Saikyou began to think. Indeed, calming her down may have been the best decision for the long term. Stella’s potential was a cut above the rest; by the time she graduated from Hagun, even the Gale Sword Emperor wouldn’t stand a chance against her. Saikyou could easily imagine that future for her.

But that was three whole years down the road, and the impatience that Stella felt was not without reason. If she didn’t get stronger before the Seven Stars, reaching the finals would prove difficult, if not outright impossible. She knew as much, hence she was so desperate.

You’re just a late bloomer, clearly… Pfft. No way someone her age would listen to bullshit like that.

Saikyou grinned wryly, remembering her own days as a student. When she was young, she had constantly pushed others to help her get stronger and show results. The time she forfeited her match with Kurono and nearly killed her was a prime example of that. Back then, all she’d cared about was the present; the future hadn’t mattered to her one bit. She had been willing to die if it meant victory.

Stella was young, and people her age had their own sets of values. Those values may have been irrational and unworldly, but trying to force children to think logically when they normally only saw things their way was nothing if not illogical. To that end, Saikyou made a proposal.

“All right, Stella. I’ve got one condition. If you accept it, I might spare some time for you.”

“R-Really?! What is it?!”

“Simple. I’ll join you in your training, but I won’t teach you anything.”

“Huh?”

“Basically, this coming week will be a twenty-four seven beatdown, starring me. I might destroy your body, or, who knows, maybe your mind will break first. And I’m just gonna keep on going, no mercy. If you’re okay with that kind of training, then let’s do it.”

“So you’re saying I should figure it out on my own as we go?”

“Yep. But I can’t guarantee you’ll be able to. So, whaddaya say?”

That was the best idea Saikyou could come up with: just show Stella what true strength looked like, make her realize how powerless she truly was. It was up to her to find a solution. If she couldn’t, then, well, too bad.

As poor a proposal it was to come from a teacher, of all people, it was more than enough to lure her in. She was desperate; all she really wanted was some sense of direction, an opportunity to take the next step toward greater strength. If there was a chance that she could find it, she had no reason to refuse.

“That’s perfect! Thank you so much!”

“Come with me, then. Get ready for a week of hell on earth.”

◆◇◆◇◆

Everyone involved with the Seven Stars passed the final week before the event in their own way. Good and evil, adult and child alike, all were enveloped in a tempest of hopes and ambitions as they barreled toward the Seven Stars.

Two days prior to the Festival, the bracket was announced. With the abstaining parties removed from the bracket, only thirty-two contestants remained. One such contestant, Ikki Kurogane, smirked as he looked over the matchups. Perhaps he was confident, or perhaps his smirk betrayed something more bitter, as from among the other thirty-one participants, Ikki was tasked with fighting a third-year from Bukyoku Academy in the first round. His first opponent was to be the winner of the previous year’s Festival and the man who stood indisputably at the top of Japan’s student knight population: the Seven Stars King, Yuudai Moroboshi.