Evening.
Eiji dragged his exhausted body back to the dorm.
"Junior, what happened to you?"
As soon as the door opened, Touka was startled by his state and quickly helped him inside.
"Don't even ask… that expired loli dragged me off again and put me through another brutal training session. Half a day later, my back's sore and my waist's killing me..."
Eiji collapsed onto the sofa, groaning and holding his lower back in pain.
Well, it was his own fault—he couldn't hold his tongue and actually made fun of Nene's body.
Nene's temper was already volatile, and out of all her sensitive spots, the last thing one should ever bring up was her completely flat, grade-schooler-level figure.
So today, he was "invited" to reflect in silence against a wall—for hours.
"Sister, help me shower. I'm drenched in sweat and don't feel like moving..."
"Okay, okay. Head into the bathroom first."
With a sweet smile, Touka helped him into the bathroom, then wrapped herself in a towel and thoroughly washed every inch of her junior's body with utmost care.
"You're totally out of energy, huh? Maybe you should just rest for tonight?"
"Actually... if you'd just agree to a tiny little request, I'd be energized right now!"
"Huh? Wait—how did you end up buying this kind of thing?"
"Because I like it!"
"Ugh... Well, if it's what you like, then... I'll wear it for you..."
Her face flushed bright red, obviously embarrassed to the point she couldn't even look him in the eye.
But when she saw Eiji's sparkling, expectant eyes, her heart softened, and she gave in.
That night, he was very energized.
Truly, necessity is the mother of motivation.
The next morning.
Half-asleep, he realized someone was missing from his arms.
"Sister, why are you up so early?"
Eiji opened his eyes and saw her already dressed in the academy uniform.
"Awake already? I've got a busy day—there's a match this afternoon."
As she spoke, Touka combed her chestnut hair in front of the mirror.
"A match? But you never got up early for one before."
Eiji sat up, revealing his toned upper body, and looked at her in surprise.
"Today's different. My opponent is strong."
Touka's expression was serious.
Though she always gave her opponents proper respect, she was still the academy's number one. Usually, the skill gap was obvious enough that she never bothered to prepare so meticulously.
But today's opponent was no pushover—she couldn't afford to be careless.
"Who is it?"
"Kurogane Shizuku."
At the name, Eiji paused.
Kurogane Shizuku—younger sister to Kurogane Ikki, a B-Rank Knight specializing in water manipulation. Her mana control was A-level. Though only a first-year student, she was already one of Hagun Academy's hidden powerhouses.
This year, Hagun was overflowing with dark horses.
"I'll be there. Go get 'em, Sister!"
"Hehe, if you're cheering for me, then I have to win!"
Touka was brimming with fighting spirit.
***
Afternoon.
After lunch, Eiji arrived early at Arena No. 9.
The crowd was massive—this match had drawn everyone in, whether they were interested in the selection battles or not. They all wanted a glimpse of what a clash between B-Rank Knights looked like.
Eiji picked a prime seat and immediately put on a cold, aloof expression.
At once, those nearby felt the chill from his aura—no one dared to sit near him. Even those already seated subtly scooted away, and fans hoping for an autograph hesitated, not daring to approach.
Charm, after all, often walks hand-in-hand with presence.
Once he activated his cold facade, his body naturally emitted a frosty aura that repelled others. Since synchronizing memories with his counterpart in the Type-Moon world, Eiji had learned this trick. It worked wonders for keeping people away.
"Oh? You really came!"
From the passage nearby, Stella's voice rang out.
Soon, a group of people approached confidently and sat down beside him without hesitation.
"Why the heck are you making that face? It so doesn't suit you—it's totally fake!"
Stella sat one seat away, leaning forward slightly, emphasizing her generous curves as she glared at Eiji with disdain.
Unlike others, she knew Eiji's personality inside and out. No amount of cold aura could fool her—she knew the guy was rotten to the core.
The two boys beside him weren't bothered by his expression either. In fact, one of them was staring at him with something like... admiration?
"You've grown stronger again in just one month."
To his right sat a black-haired boy with a similar build—Kurogane Ikki. His sharp gaze was fixed on Eiji.
"You can tell?"
Eiji smiled, ignoring Stella's grumbling, his modest tone barely hiding his smugness.
"Your aura is completely different. And your body's a lot sturdier than before. Honestly, I didn't even think a person could improve this much in a single month."
Ikki's perception was monstrous.
He could analyze someone's martial arts foundation in just minutes—and when it came to gauging strength, he could see what others couldn't.
"Now that you mention it, yeah."
Stella gave Eiji a once-over and nodded as if realizing something.
"No need to rush—we'll definitely fight one day."
From Ikki radiated a burning fighting spirit—his eyes showed clear intent to challenge, his whole being practically itching for battle.
He'd wanted to spar with Eiji a month ago but never got the chance. Seeing him this strong now made the itch unbearable.
Eiji knew—real swordsmen were never goody-goodies. Truth be told, he also wanted to face Ikki, but now wasn't the right time.
"You're right."
Ikki nodded slightly, taking deep breaths to calm his racing heart, slowly reining in his aura.
"Ahh~ male friendship really is the best!"
On Eiji's left sat a tall, slender man, feminine in both posture and tone. Cradling his chin in his hand, he watched the two with an amused, aunt-like smile—Arisuin Nagi.
"Hmph, what's so great about it."
Stella muttered from the side.
"Heh… heh heh…"
Under Nagi's strange gaze, Eiji's smile stiffened as he subtly shifted away.
Whenever Nagi looked at him like that, his backside always clenched on instinct.
Dangerous!
"Ahaha…"
Ikki laughed awkwardly too, subtly sliding closer to Stella, giving Eiji as much space as possible.
Though Nagi got along with him just fine, it was clear he was way more enthusiastic toward Eiji.
Sympathy, brother. You have mine.
***
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