The meeting room was thick with tension. The Sentinels, restless, exchanged glances and murmured among themselves as they waited to learn the reason for the urgent summons.

  —Why were we called so suddenly?

  —Could it be something serious?

  The murmurs died down as the doors slammed open. Igurū, Kuro, Remy, and three of the academy’s four Jotas entered with determined strides. In a coordinated movement, all the Sentinels stood up and bowed.

  —You may take your seats, —Igurū said in a calm yet firm tone.

  The attendees obeyed instantly, their attention fixed on Igurū.

  —We’ve gathered you here because we’ve received a challenge from our sister academy, Arkam Academy.

  The announcement landed like a spark on gunpowder. The room buzzed with surprised murmurs.

  —A challenge? So soon?

  —This can’t just be a coincidence…

  Sukasa’s thoughts:

  "What does he mean by a challenge...?"

  Igurū, anticipating the questions, continued his explanation clearly:

  —For the newcomers, a challenge is a confrontation between academies. The strongest students are chosen to fight in a test battle, usually six combatants per team. Typically, the participants are from the higher ranks of the hierarchy.

  The tension in the room grew as Igurū paused briefly.

  —However, —he continued—, Arkam Academy has sent a request with a special condition: at least two of the six participants must be first-years. This will allow them to evaluate their new recruits and give us the chance to do the same with ours.

  The surprise among the Sentinels was evident.

  —Two first-years? That’s never happened before…

  —And who will be chosen?

  Igurū looked at them with determination before revealing the names.

  —After evaluating their performance in the selection trials, I’ve decided that the first-year representatives will be… Sukasa Kaze and Hino Tora.

  A murmur swept through the room as all eyes turned to the two girls.

  —The challenge will take place in one hour, —Igurū continued—. A large number of Arkam Academy students will come to support their participants. They’re determined to break our undefeated streak, which has lasted for years, and as you know, the relationship between our academies isn’t exactly cordial.

  His gaze grew even more severe.

  —That’s why I’m entrusting you with maintaining order and discipline. I don’t want our academy’s image to be tarnished.

  The Sentinels nodded with determination.

  —Yes, sir!

  Igurū shifted his gaze to two particular figures.

  —Isein and Blaike, you’ll be in charge of welcoming the Arkam students. I trust you’ll do a good job.

  Isein smiled confidently.

  —Don’t worry, Igurū. Leave it to us.

  Blaike nodded seriously.

  —We swear we won’t let you down.

  Igurū showed a faint smile of confidence.

  —I know you won’t.

  But then, his expression hardened slightly.

  —By the way… where’s Arc?

  The atmosphere grew awkward. Isein and Blaike exchanged nervous glances before responding.

  —He… must be… —Isein stammered, searching for words.

  —We haven’t seen him all day, sir, —Blaike interjected apologetically—. In fact, since the Sentinel selection meeting, he hasn’t shown up. We’re sorry for not reporting it sooner.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  Igurū sighed, maintaining his composure.

  —Don’t worry… I know it’s not easy having a com… no, a friend who always runs away from his responsibilities.

  As he spoke, his gaze fixed directly on Kuro, who, oblivious to the tension, had already started eating with complete nonchalance.

  —You may leave now, —Igurū concluded firmly.

  The Sentinels began to file out of the meeting room, but Sukasa and Hino remained in their seats. Before they could fully process the situation, Remy approached with a radiant smile and enthusiastically hugged them.

  —Wow, who would’ve thought we’d be fighting side by side in such a tough battle? —she laughed lightly, her tone carefree.

  Igurū quickly stepped in to calm the mood.

  —Don’t scare them, Remy. I know this is sudden, but I trust you’ll do well.

  Sukasa, however, still had doubts. She crossed her arms and looked at Igurū with a serious expression.

  —Thanks for the confidence, Igurū, but… do you really think we’re ready for a challenge like this?

  Igurū stepped forward firmly, his composure unwavering.

  —You two are the most suitable for this. Don’t doubt your abilities. I chose you because you demonstrated your strength and skill in the selection trials. I expect you won’t disappoint me.

  Before Sukasa could respond, Kuro interjected with a mocking tone.

  —Or you could just step aside and let others take your place. It won’t affect us at all.

  Sukasa’s thoughts:

  "This jerk..."

  Igurū shook his head, ignoring the comment.

  —That’s impossible, —he replied sternly—. One of the other first-year candidates is in the infirmary because of what happened this morning.

  Sukasa was surprised. "How did he find out so quickly?"

  Kuro shrugged, his provocative attitude intact.

  —Then let the new Sentinel, Kimura, replace one of them… especially the troublemaker girl.

  Sukasa clenched her fists, feeling anger rise in her chest.

  —What did you say? —her eyes flashed with fury.

  Before the situation could escalate, Igurū spoke calmly but with authority.

  —Don’t talk nonsense. Sukasa and Hino were the top performers in the trials. And, besides… it was Sukasa who defeated you with a single strike.

  Kuro winced and scratched his head, uncomfortable.

  —Mmm… well, that’s true. Fine. I’ll be supporting you from the stands.

  With a carefree smile, he turned to leave, but before he could take a step, Igurū grabbed him by the hood of his coat and stopped him in his tracks.

  —Where do you think you’re going? You’re fighting too.

  Kuro slowly turned around, his expression feigning surprise.

  —What? When did I agree to that?

  Igurū looked at him calmly, though his tone brooked no argument.

  —You’re one of the Kings of Arkanum. You can’t keep running away from your responsibilities. For years, you’ve avoided participating in challenges, but this time I won’t allow it.

  Kuro sighed in annoyance.

  —And what are you going to do to make me?

  Igurū narrowed his eyes and, with a slight smile, delivered the ultimate threat:

  —I’ll tell Ms. Fukuko to stop saving your portion of chocolate cake and let me eat it instead.

  The effect was immediate. Kuro dramatically dropped to his knees and extended his hands in supplication.

  —No! Anything but that! I beg you, have mercy!

  Igurū, arms crossed, stared him down.

  —So… will you participate?

  Kuro lowered his head in resignation.

  —Ugh… fine. But I want something in return.

  Igurū raised an eyebrow, expectant.

  —What do you want?

  —To fight last.

  Everyone in the room was surprised by his request.

  Igurū, unfazed, nodded.

  —Mmm… alright. In fact, I already planned to put you last.

  Kuro smirked smugly.

  —Obviously, because the best is always saved for last, right?

  Igurū looked at him indifferently.

  —No. It’s because you tend to get overconfident. That’s the only reason.

  —Ouch! That hurt… but fine, I’ll take it. —He crossed his arms and then added—. Hey, by the way… how exactly do these challenges work?

  Igurū blinked a couple of times before frowning.

  —Seriously? You’ve never even watched one?

  Kuro shrugged shamelessly.

  —Nah. I always preferred going out to eat something with Ms. Fukuko.

  Igurū rubbed his forehead, visibly irritated.

  —By Erebus… anyway. Listen carefully. The rules are simple. They’re similar to the selection trials, with one big difference: there’s no platform.

  Except for Kaiyō and Remy, everyone was surprised by the change.

  —These battles will determine the strength of both academies. The only way to win is to make your opponent drop their sword or Reiken.

  Sukasa processed the information before speaking.

  —So… it’s a battle of endurance.

  Igurū nodded.

  —Exactly. That’s why I’ve organized a strategy. Kaiyō will fight first. His stamina and energy will wear down the opponents. Then it’ll be your turn, Sukasa.

  She was surprised by the decision.

  —Why put me in the second spot?

  Kuro, curious, chimed in.

  —Yeah, why give that position to the troublemaker girl?

  Igurū explained without hesitation.

  —If Kaiyō loses… though I doubt it, since he’ll be facing first-years, Sukasa will be responsible for finishing off the remaining opponents. I trust her skill.

  Kuro sighed, conceding to the strategy.

  —Well, if you say so. I’ll have to accept your tactics… as usual.

  Igurū continued.

  —After Sukasa, Hino will fight, followed by Remy, then me, and finally you, Kuro. Any questions?

  Kuro smiled with satisfaction.

  —At least you kept your promise. Hehe.

  Before anyone else could speak, Igurū added firmly:

  —Oh, and one more thing. Under no circumstances are you to interfere in each other’s battles.

  Sukasa frowned, intrigued.

  —Why?

  Igurū’s gaze turned serious.

  —Because if you do, the Kami no Batsu will be activated.

  Kuro raised an eyebrow.

  —Mmm… and what’s that? Some kind of dish?

  Igurū sighed in exasperation.

  —It’s not food, idiot. It’s a strict rule. If someone interferes, the opposing team has the right to face all participants in a group battle against the rule-breaker. So, trust me, you don’t want to cause trouble.

  Kuro shrugged.

  —Ah, I see… I thought it’d be something more interesting.

  Everyone facepalmed, mentally exhausted by his attitude.

  Igurū, massaging his temples in frustration, muttered:

  —Sometimes I wonder why we’re still friends…