"A Chance Encounter"
The invitation to join the Student Council was so sudden that none of them reacted immediately.
Ikazuchi Saijou, observing their surprise, said, "The plan was for the President to invite you personally after assessment. My companion was too curious, so she came to observe.
If we caused any trouble, we apologize." Ikazuchi Saijou patted Renren Tomaru's head, sighing.
Renren Tomaru swatted his hand away. "You were curious about this year's famous freshmen, don't put it all on me!"
Watching them bicker, Drake understood. The Student Council's troublemakers were curious about the famous first-years and used the assessment as an excuse to observe them.
Drake wasn't here to enjoy campus life; he wasn't interested in the Student Council. Surprisingly, the others also politely declined.
Joining the Student Council symbolized elite status, but they all had reasons to decline.
Renren Tomaru and Ikazuchi Saijou didn't mind; they asked them to reconsider.
Life became routine—classes, training, matches. Drake lived a regular, uneventful life.
The intra-school selection tournament progressed; everyone had six or seven matches.
According to Kurono Shinguuji, to qualify for the Seven Star Sword Festival, they needed to win every match.
Only Drake's group remained undefeated. Ikki Kurogane also won every match; his title changed from Worst One to Another One.
His last opponent was Renren Tomaru; Ikki subdued her within five seconds.
Renren Tomaru's ability was infinite acceleration; it was powerful. Accumulating speed surpassed human perception; most would be defeated before they could react.
However, if interrupted, she had to start over; her own reactions couldn't keep up with her speed.
Within Ikki Kurogane's attack range, Renren Tomaru was captured and subdued, losing her ability to resist and forfeiting.
Stella overpowered Ikazuchi Saijou, a power-type, demonstrating the weight of A-rank.
Another weekend arrived; Drake and Stella trained as usual. Stella no longer collapsed after long runs; she might be A-rank now.
After the run, Drake gave Stella a sports drink. She drank it readily.
Drake had noticed Stella's metabolism was faster than normal; she ate six or seven times more than others. The cafeteria got a special rice cooker for her.
Drake suspected it was related to her unawakened abilities. If she was a Dragon-type Concept Interference user, her appetite and metabolism made sense.
As her teacher, Drake provided sports drinks. Stella, who initially blushed, now accepted them naturally.
Stella finished the drink. "Where are Ikki and Shizuku?"
Drake replied, "We met Senpai Ayatsuji Ayase; there's a problem at her home; Ikki went to help. Shizuku went too."
"Ikki-san meddles too much; he has his own problems and still helps others!" Stella said.
Drake waved his hand. "It involves the Last Samurai; he's one of Ikki's idols."
Two days ago, Ikki found someone following him—third-year Ayatsuji Ayase. She was extremely shy; she followed Ikki because she admired his swordsmanship and wanted guidance.
Ikki never refused requests; he taught Ayatsuji Ayase, despite Shizuku's displeasure. He corrected her stance by touching her thighs. She didn't faint.
Ikki learned about Ayatsuji Ayase's situation. Unlike Ikki, she'd learned swordsmanship from her father, Ayatsuji Kaito, the Last Samurai, who displayed amazing swordsmanship in various competitions, despite not being a sword master.
However, the Last Samurai had a problem and was hospitalized, still unconscious. Ikki was busy with this; Drake wasn't interested in the details.
After the run, Drake and Stella sparred. Stella didn't need swordsmanship; unleashing her power was enough. But combat skills needed training; awakening power and mastering it were different.
Stella swung Lævateinn, attacking Drake relentlessly. Her attacks, strong enough to overpower Ikazuchi Saijou, were countered by Drake. Drake even pointed out her flaws.
With no classes or matches, they trained until the sun was high. Stella's sword vanished; she sat panting. Drake turned; her breathing caused incredible ki fluctuations—was this even scientific?
Drake helped Stella to the cafeteria. After a meal, she'd recover.
Drake looked at the towering plates and the nearly empty giant rice cooker. Thankfully, Stella was a princess; otherwise, no one could afford to feed her.
But… Drake looked at Stella's flat stomach; where did all that food go?
His gaze shifted upwards; he seemed to find the answer.
Leaving the cafeteria, they headed towards the dormitory.
Stella was talking to Drake, unaware of someone approaching around the corner.
Drake saw them and stopped Stella from colliding.
The person jumped, falling backward. She was carrying a stack of files taller than herself, obscuring her face. She tripped, dropping the files.
Drake saw her back—a chestnut-haired girl with three braids.
Stella covered Drake's eyes.
"Drake, what are you looking at? That girl's underwear is showing!"
"Ah! Sorry! My glasses… where are they?"
Drake facepalmed; she hadn't done anything wrong; she fell because they startled her. Was she airheaded?
"Found them!"
The girl's voice rang out; Stella removed her hand after the girl composed herself.
The girl adjusted her glasses and brushed herself off; she'd been looking for her glasses.
Drake and Stella helped her pick up the files.
When Drake handed her the files, he saw her face. He realized they'd encountered a prominent figure at Hagun Academy.
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