A few days passed since that day, and finally the day for the Phantasia participant selection began. All students were informed about the explanation of this event in their respective classes. The teachers explained the details of the event until the students understood. Basically, students were not forced to participate, but all students were very enthusiastic about participating in the event. It's just that there were some students who were not interested in the event because they thought they were not very talented.
The teachers explained that we were asked to have weapons that were suitable for us for combat. Of course, Lunette and I had swords, but they weren't good enough because we had used them often for training so they were a bit blunt. We were given a few weeks to find them.
After the academy was over, we walked towards home. As usual, we were escorted by Big Sis Wave. Lunette looked as excited as usual as she headed towards the house.
"Big Sis, I want a new sword," Lunette said without further ado.
Big Sister Wave looked at her and said, "Sword? But we had one at home."
Lunette complained a little, "The one at home won't be strong enough!"
"Listen here, kiddo, swords are not toys for children," Big Sis Wave replied firmly with her hands on her hips.
Lunette pouted and complained again in a louder voice, "I'm not a child anymore! I'm 12 years old!"
Big Sis Wave replied even louder, "12 years old is still a child, you dumb!"
My head hurt seeing this scene. I felt like I was watching two little kids fighting over a toy. They kept arguing with Lunette forcing Big Sis Wave to find out why Lunette got the sword. They kept arguing on the way home. They were really noisy.
I said to Big Sister Wave, "Sis, I want a sword too," I said to Big Sis Wave."
Big Sis Wave looked surprised to hear what I said. Unlike Lunette, she immediately softened her gaze towards me. She didn't seem to forbid me or question why I wanted a sword.
"Okay, Luna. I'll take you to a blacksmith I trust tomorrow," Big Sis Wave replied to me.
Lunette frowned in dissatisfaction and said, "Why did Luna get permission so easily while I didn't?"
Big Sis Wave turned her face away from Lunette and said, "Luna must have her own reasons, unlike you, Lunette."
They continued to argue on the way home. I knew Big Sis Wave was just teasing Lunette after I asked for the sword, but it seemed like Lunette didn't realize it. I couldn't help but chuckle as I watched the scene. Without me realizing, as I chuckled Big Sis Wave patted my head and they stopped arguing. Her gaze was so gentle as if she was my real sister.
The next day, Big Sister Wave took us to the blacksmith that she said was the best in town. There was no one inside the blacksmith, but there were lots of weapons such as guns, swords, sickles, spears, and various other weapons. There was also armor on display that looked old and some that looked new. Unlike what I thought, this shop didn't look trustworthy in our eyes.
Because it was a blacksmith I thought it would be hot or maybe noisy with the sound of iron being forged, but it was really empty here. There was no sound at all, I even thought this place was closed at first.
"Hey! I said I would come, why isn't there anyone," Big Sister Wave shouted and sighed a little.
"I know you're lazy, but you're in front of customers," she added.
When she finished speaking, a man who looked shabby came out of the room and looked very sleepy. He rubbed his eyes and walked towards the cashier, but fell down in the middle of his journey.
"Big sis..." said Lunette who looked unsure of the person.
Big Sister Wave patted her head and said,"Don't worry, he's just a useless person with talent. We can trust his abilities, even if he's useless."
The person finally reached the cashier and looked at him. He put on his glasses and tried to focus on Big Sister Wave.
"I don't know who you are, but this place has been booked by an idol. So now leave, this place is closed," he said to her.
"I am the idol you dumbass, are you blind or something," she asked the person.
The person stared at her and not believing it, "You don't look like the idol, don't lie and leave."
Big Sister Wave immediately took off his hat and disguise to show his real face. Of course she had to, otherwise many people would have gathered around us to meet him.
"Oh, you finally came, Neon," the person said.
"Yes, idiot, I came and you don't know your own customer, Niel," she replied with a little annoyance.
Niel just rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment and chuckled. On the other hand, Lunette and I looked around the shop to find a good sword. However, I couldn't find a sword that suited me. They all looked rusty and not good. The condition of the shop was quite dusty and dirty. Lunette also tried to pick up the sword and swing it, but looked dissatisfied.
Big Sister Wave said to Niel, "As you can see, I want you to make my cute little sisters a sword that suits them."
Niel smiled slightly and said, "Are you sure you brought them to the right place?"
"Yes, I'm sure. You're my fan, right? Of course you'll give me a discount, right? Then who do you think made me such a great sword back then?" Big Sis Wave gave him a look that looked very trusting while teasing him a little.
"I guess I can't say no when an idol asks for something. Then I'm glad you're still keeping the sword I gave you back then," he said as he stood up.
Big Sister Wave giggled a little and said, "Right, who would've thought that a fan would suddenly come carrying a sword so happily? You looked like you wanted to cause a riot back then."
Niel just chuckled and said, "I'm sorry about that time. Besides, I've liked you and your songs for a long time. Of course I'm crazy about you."
Then Niel looked at us and said, "Little girls, come here."
We turned to him and I saw Lunette immediately walking towards Niel. I wasn't too sure what to expect, especially since the condition of this shop was a bit sketchy. But if what Big Sister Wave said was true, he was probably a great blacksmith.
Niel immediately asked us for some details about the weapons we wanted. We immediately answered the questions honestly without hiding anything. However, the questions he asked sounded more and more like an interrogation. I felt a little uncomfortable when he started asking strange things. He asked me about the magic I had, my height, my weight, and so on. He even asked about my body shape, the shape of my legs, and even my arms.
Niel continued his questions before stopping and looking scared when he saw something. There was Big Sister Wave who seemed to be giving him a murderous glare for asking something like that. The look she gave seemed to say, "If you ask my cute little sister a question like that I won't kill you," while folding her arms in front of her chest.
"Okay, Neon, I'm sorry, but I already got the information I needed. So, don't look at me like that, okay," he said with a little fear.
Lunette laughed as she trying to lighten the atmosphere that had just happened while saying, "Uncle looked really scared seeing big sis."
Niel nodded and answered her, "Even though she used to look cute and sweet on stage, but when we got to know each other I didn't expect her to be a scary person when she was angry."
I guess that's true, people will look scary when they're angry. Idols like Big Sister Wave do have to look attractive on stage, even though we've never seen it because she forbids us. But I guess someone will definitely have some side that they don't want other people to know like she hides her affection for us from everyone.
Niel immediately walked towards his workplace and we watched him curiously. He made a gesture as if inviting us to see how he worked on forging a sword. Lunette followed him without hesitation with enthusiasm, while I looked at Big Sister Wave as if asking for his permission. Big Sister Wave noticed this and patted my back and gave me a gentle nudge inviting me to look at him.
"Alright girls, it's time for me to show you my charms. I'll prove to you who the famous Iron Crimson is," he said to us.
I wanted to tell him that I didn't know who Iron Crimson was, but I felt a little reluctant because he looked like he wanted to show off his cool side to Big Sister Wave. Lunette didn't seem to know the nickname either. Maybe he just gave himself the nickname to look cool. I looked at Big Sister Wave with curious eyes, and she nodded his head. It seemed like he did give himself the nickname, I wasn't sure what to say.
"Keep your spirits up, uncle," I said, trying to encourage him but hesitantly.
Niel stopped for a moment and looked at me. His gaze was both shocked and disappointed at the same time.
"Luna… I'm not that old to be called an uncle yet," he said to me and continued his work.
Big Sister Wave just laughed and gave me a thumbs up. I don't understand, where did I go wrong? I don't think I did anything wrong, right?
Suddenly the atmosphere in the room felt heavy. I could feel the change in Niel's personality. He looked very serious now. The sound of iron being hammered could be heard throughout the room along with the flames. The temperature of the room increased little by little. Even though Niel was sweating profusely, he didn't stop for a moment.
The work that Niel did was very orderly and fast. He looked like a different person compared to before. His movements were like a skilled craftsman. The iron he was hammering slowly began to change shape little by little. Big Sisterr Wave patted our shoulders and gestured for us to go towards him.
"What's wrong, big sis?" I said while tilting my head to the side.
She stroked my head and said, "Want to go shopping while you wait?"
I turned to Lunette who looked impatient for her new sword and didn't care about her surroundings. I tried to walk towards her to pat her shoulder, but Big Sister Wave patted my shoulder and told me to not bother Lunette with his body gesture. I don't understand why, but for now I nodded.
When we were outside, Big Sister Wave stretched his body and turned to me.
She said, "Fresh air is the best, right?"
I didn't understand why but I followed her lead and I answered, "Yeah, it's really hot inside."
Big Sister Wave took my hand and escorted me while saying, "Lunette seems more interested in there, she doesn't care about anything else but her sword."
"I guess big sis is right, she looks really excited waiting for her new sword," I said.
We walked around town, looking around while waiting for Niel to finish his work. I was a little confused about his magic since he said he could finish it in one day. He also seemed to activate his magic as soon as he started his work.
We walked around town, entering shopping areas and some markets. We looked at some unusual looking food and snacks. I rarely pay attention to my surroundings, so I don't really know much about these things.
After a few minutes, Big Sister Wave left me for a while to buy some snacks for the two of us. Well, I guess I'll just walk around the area to look for books. This city is Euler, an academy city, there are many bookstores around us. The books on display are of various types, ranging from basic learning, survival, magic, even some about war strategies. I think I will just read a light book.
When I took a book someone nudged me from behind.
"Hey! Look around! Don't you know who I am?" The person shouted at me.
However, I just continued to open my book and read it as if nothing had happened.
The person shouted at me again, "Hey! I'm talking to you, you dumbass!"
I didn't want to get in trouble so I just continued reading the book I was holding while mumbling a little. I put the book away and looked for another one.
The person then got annoyed, he grabbed my shoulders and spun me around forcefully before shouting again, "Hey, idiot! Are you deaf?! Don't you know who I am?!"
"Sorry, but I don't know," I replied in an innocent tone.
The person looked very annoyed as if he was embarrassed before being surprised when he saw me.
He looked at my face carefully before laughing and saying, "Aren't you that poor girl in the academy who jumps from building to building with your friends?"
I tilted my head and asked, "Who are you?"
The person laughed along with his two followers behind him and said, "Don't you know your manners? I guess I should teach you some manners."
The man looked like a noble. From the way he spoke, it seemed like we knew each other at the academy. He took off his gloves and glared at me.
"I, Albert Delorado, challenge you to a duel," he said as he threw his gloves at my chest.
I was confused about how to respond, so I just took them out of reflex before they hit my chest. He just smiled and prepared himself by touching his sword. A few moments later, Big Sister Wave came towards me and was surprised to see what happened.
"Lunaaa…" he sighed as if she looked tired seeing me involved in trouble.
I looked at him with an innocent face and didn't know anything. I knew that I accepted the duel if I took his gloves. But my reflexes said otherwise so I accidentally took them before they hit my chest. I didn't expect something like this to happen.
Big Sister Wave sighed and walked into the middle of us.
Albert said to him, "Who are you? Don't stop us!"
Big Sis Wave, "I won't stop you guys. Luna took them and it's a rule to follow them no matter what. And I'm her big sister."
Albert just smiled evilly at me, "It seems like your sister knows about manners more than you, and it seems like she's throwing you away."
I just stood there without taking a stance, looking at Big Sister Wave with a little confusion. Big Sister Wave shook her head as if to say that she couldn't do anything about it.
I took a deep breath and prepared for the worst. Albert was in a fighting stance, and so was I. We stared at each other. The only difference was that he was staring at me sharply, while I was staring at him as usual as if nothing was wrong.
"Luna," Big Sister Wave said to me, who was the mediator between us.
I looked at her with a little confusion. She just smiled at me gently and took out her sword before throwing it at me. Of course, I caught the sword reflexively.
The sword was so beautiful and looked futuristic. The scabbard was very beautiful in blue and pink. The hilt also looked very beautiful. However, I was confused if this sword was really made for fighting or just for display. It looked very flashy for fighting. It was quite heavy and long when I held it. However, it felt strangely right in my hand.
Without waiting any longer, the duel began. Albert looked like he couldn't laugh as if he wanted to mock me.
"You want to fight me with that toy sword? Don't make me laugh," Albert said to me.
"Don't make me laugh," that was a sentence that someone usually said when mocking and belittling someone else.
I answered the person who was already laughing out loud, "You're already laughing, is that good?"
The other people who were surrounding us to watch seemed to laugh at my words that sounded a little innocent. I don't know why but it seemed like Albert was very upset hearing what I said.
Big Sister Wave who was giggling a little immediately calmed herself down and said, "Alright, the duel begins now."
Albert immediately charged towards me and unsheathed his sword from its sheath.
"DIE," Albert shouted at me very loudly and slashed at me.
His charge was very fast. At least that's what I thought when he charged at me. But the reality was different, his charge looked slow. I could even avoid it easily. Right, left, head, then continued with a stab towards my chest. A very obvious pattern. If Big Sister Wave had trained him, he would have clearly been hit many times and immediately lost in less than 1 second.
"Why didn't it hit her," Albert shouted at me in annoyance while swinging his sword in the same pattern continuously.
I don't know, don't ask me. If it doesn't hit the target, you should think of another way that is more suitable by adjusting the type of target. I was confused as to why a noble like him couldn't swing the sword well. "Ah, because he's a noble so he can't swing it well huh," my thoughts came out of my mouth and were accidentally heard by him.
The people around tried to hold back their laughter with great difficulty. They didn't seem to want to laugh because Albert was a noble, and that could cause trouble for them.
Albert heard my words and shouted very loudly, "WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"
I immediately tried to cover my ears with my hands while my right hand was still holding the sheathed sword. Stop it, I'm going to go deaf if I have to hear you shout continuously every time we talk.
"ARE YOU JOKING AT ME?! TAKE YOUR TOY SWORD OUT OF YOUR SHEATH IMMEDIATELY!!" Albert shouted at me again.
I immediately answered him as loudly as I could, "You're noisy, I can hear you even if you don't shout." Even so, my voice was not as loud as his and it didn't sound like someone shouting.
I immediately opened the sword's guard and took it out of its sheath. Big Sister Wave's sword looked bright. The blade glowed pink and glittered like a sky full of stars. I was a little surprised, even though the blade was thin like a katana, it felt heavy and fit my hand.
Albert smiled at me and said, "You finally pulled it out. Now go ahead, attack me from wherever you want. I will destroy your pride along with your stupid sword."
Alright, if that's what you want. I stepped forward and raised my sword and charged into range. When he raised his sword, I quickly moved behind him. Albert seemed confused seeing me disappear. Like an athlete who sees time passing slowly, now time seems to stop for both of us. Albert's sword seemed to move very slowly. I swung my sword at Albert's back quickly. Of course, I tried my best not to hurt him. I used a quick attack that caused minimal damage to him.
Albert immediately fell with 1 attack of mine. It seemed like the attack was effective enough to fight people without causing major damage. However, I was sure that I wasn't skilled enough in using it. Albert didn't seem to be able to avoid it or even see it. Did I do something bad?
Albert tried to stand up and looked at me in annoyance then continued to grab his sword again. This time his movements didn't look as elegant as before. He was like a cactus full of anger because he was humiliated, but why?
"I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!!" Albert shouted while grabbing the sword carelessly.
Really, this guy really likes to scream loudly. It seems like I really don't like this guy. He doesn't look like a noble anymore. He just looks like someone with a narrow neck. I guess I should end this soon.
I immediately blocked it repeatedly calmly and surely as Big Sister Wave taught me. Then when there was an opening, BOOM! I broke his attack and pointed my sword right in front of his throat. Instantly we both fell silent and Albert looked even more annoyed. I don't know why, but I felt that I couldn't lose in this one-on-one fight.
A few seconds later, I accidentally saw Lunette together with Big Sister Wave while laughing. Big Sister Wave could only sigh about what happened to me. I don't know why lately she has been sighing a lot as if he was very tired. In Lunette's hands were 2 swords that were quite long but quite thin. It seemed like the swords were finished.
Big Sister Wave stepped forward and said, "The duel is over, Albert's defeat."
Albert was shocked and shouted, "I didn't lose! I was just thinking of a strategy to win! I can't possibly lose against this commoner!"
Big Sister Wave said again calmly, "Make as many excuses as you want, but you've already lost."
Albert immediately stood up and pointed his sword at her while saying, "Who do you think you are to order me around?"
Isn't this dangerous? If it were me, I might just beat him up a little. If it were Lunette, she would definitely play with him until she was satisfied. But if Big Sister Wave was a little… she wouldn't show him any mercy.
"Be aware of what you're doing, kiddo," Big Sister Wave spoke with a darkened expression.
Albert frowned and said to him, "So what? I do know what I am doing."
Big Sister Wave replied, "Isn't it enough to be humiliated by my sister?"
Albert seemed to force a laugh in front of Big Sister Wave and said, "Humiliated? I just gave her a break, it won't be like this anymore."
Then she directed her gaze at me. Her gaze seemed to be asking me to return her sword. As usual, her gaze was very gentle towards me. It was different when she was with Lunette, she gave her a look as if he was going to tease her at any time, and when she met a stranger her gaze would be quite cold even though he was smiling.
I quickly threw the sword back and stood beside Lunette.
"You guys got yourself into big trouble huh," Lunette said to me with a little laugh.
"I guess so," I replied in a tired tone because of the situation.
Big Sister Wave immediately took off her hat and drew her sword. Her true form was immediately revealed in front of the public and people recognized her. "Is that the famous idol," the crowd started whispering and shouting excitedly at seeing Big Sister Wave. I didn't know she would be this famous.
Lunette patted my shoulder and said, "Finally, Luna. We can see our big sister in action."
I nodded slightly and looked back at it.
Albert looked confused, but his pride wouldn't allow him to lose to Big Sister Wave. Honestly, I don't think he could beat Big Sister Wave no matter what. His life in front of the public would be over.
Albert said, "So what if you're an idol? You're going to defeat me with a song?" Albert moved forward while shouting and attacking Big Sis Wave.
Big Sister Wave only answered him while avoiding him casually, "You want me to sing? Okay, if you want to hear me sing. I'll grant my fan's wish."
The people around shouted as if waiting for him to sing excitedly. The previously tense atmosphere changed into a joyful atmosphere filled with enthusiasm. Big Sis Wave immediately opened his mouth as if he was preparing.
"JUST TRY IT," Albert shouted and pointed his sword at his throat.
At that moment, everyone looked panicked because they thought she would be in danger. However, I could see her open her mouth casually and let it go as if nothing had happened.
For the first time I saw Big Sister Wave use her magic. I'm not sure what will happen when she uses sound magic, but what I heard was she used it to strengthen herself and others and create a wall from loud sounds. At a glance I saw her pupils change too like people in general when they activate their magic. The color of her eyes changed into rainbow colors.
I could hear her clearly, but the sound she made was quite small. "BANG," she said. The words were only very small, even like a whisper. However, there was a blow that threw Albert along with his sword quite far away.
Big Sister Wave then spoke, "What are you doing? I haven't even had a chance to say a word."
However, Albert was seen lying unconscious on the floor because of the blow. No one saw her do anything. It was natural, the sound couldn't be seen and she only made a small sound. But, how could a whisper produce such an explosion? The people around didn't seem to know anything either. They just looked more excited and cheered him on loudly.
Big Sister Wave moved towards me and Lunette, then waved her hand with a smile. I smiled a little. It seemed like Big Sister Wave had always protected us and looked after us. He even solved the problems I created. When Lunette and I were about to walk towards him, a crowd of people ran towards her and asked for her handsign or even wanted to shake his hand. They surrounded Big Sister Wave like hyenas surrounding their prey.
They didn't seem to give her any other choice and she seemed to have to serve them all. I guess Big Sister Wave had her own difficulties. Even the space she had seemed to be limited, or even no space to move at all.