The group of combatants from Arkanum Academy, led by Igurū, made their way to the battlefield. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and though everyone walked in silence, the anticipation was palpable.

  Igurū took the opportunity to give his final instructions.

  —I want you to give it your all in this battle. Don’t hold back.

  Kaiyō, ever carefree and with his characteristic smile, stepped forward, adjusting his coat confidently.

  —Don’t worry, brother. Since I’m fighting first, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

  Igurū looked at him seriously.

  —That’s exactly why I’m saying this. You tend to get overconfident in important battles.

  Kaiyō let out an awkward laugh.

  —You’re so cruel. At least wish me luck like a good brother.

  Before Igurū could respond, his eyes fixed on the group of combatants from Arkam Academy approaching from a distance. At the front was a boy with messy red hair and a challenging smile on his face.

  —Well, well… Igurū, it’s been a while.

  Igurū crossed his arms, his expression unreadable.

  —Not as long as I’d like.

  Ibuki, clearly amused, raised an eyebrow.

  —Aren’t you happy to see me?

  —Partly, yes.

  Ibuki let out a mocking laugh.

  —Why? Don’t our battles amuse you?

  Igurū allowed a faint smile, though it carried a hint of disdain.

  —It’s been a while since I’ve had a good fight… Especially since your top ranks can’t even defeat Remy.

  The comment caused some of Arkam’s combatants to murmur among themselves, but Ibuki simply laughed.

  —Haha, true… but I’m sure this year will be different.

  Igurū shook his head confidently.

  —I doubt it. This time, it’s not just me fighting… the second King of Arkanum will also be participating.

  The statement caused a stir among Arkam’s combatants.

  —The second King?

  —That’s right.

  Ibuki narrowed his eyes, intrigued.

  —And where is he?

  Igurū sighed, as if he’d been expecting the question.

  —Well… he’s…

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Before he could finish, a voice interrupted the conversation.

  —Sorry I’m late!

  Everyone turned just in time to see Kuro running up at full speed. His clothes were slightly disheveled, and his face had crumbs of cake on it.

  —I just wanted to grab a bite before the fights started… —he explained between gasps.

  The Arkam group stared at him in disbelief.

  Ibuki, in particular, studied him with a critical gaze, as if trying to assess his presence.

  —So, you’re the second King of Arkanum? —he said with obvious disdain—. I thought you’d be more… impressive.

  Kuro blinked, sensing the tension in the air.

  —Hey, that’s harsh… at least try to hide your disappointment, —he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

  But Ibuki didn’t seem done with his assessment. He frowned, as if trying to recall something.

  —Wait… haven’t I seen you before?

  Kuro, with a quick reflex, waved his hands in denial.

  —No, no, impossible. You must be confusing me with someone else.

  Suddenly, Ibuki’s expression shifted to a mix of surprise and mockery.

  —Ah! Now I remember… You’re Kuro, the freak, aren’t you?!

  The nickname hung in the air like a sharp blow.

  The Arkanum combatants were stunned, while the Arkam group watched with smug satisfaction.

  Sukasa’s thoughts:

  "Freak? What the hell?"

  Kuro, uncomfortable but trying to stay calm, forced a nervous smile.

  —Yeah, that’s me… Nice to see you again, Ibuki. Hehe…

  Ibuki kept his gaze fixed on him, his tone cold and sharp.

  —Kuro Akemi, I never thought I’d see you again. And certainly not as one of Arkanum’s Kings.

  Kuro laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.

  —Yeah, destiny’s weird, huh? Hehe…

  Igurū, observing the interaction with interest, decided to intervene.

  —How do you know Ibuki, Kuro?

  The tension in the air grew thicker. Kuro sighed before answering.

  —Well… Ibuki and I were classmates at the military school. We studied together for a couple of years, but I never thought I’d see him again… and certainly not in this situation. I thought he’d forgotten about me… hehe.

  He looked at Ibuki with a mix of nostalgia and caution.

  Ibuki, without breaking eye contact, smiled enigmatically. His tone grew darker.

  —Of course I haven’t forgotten you, Kuro. After all, you were the first one to defeat me. Remember?

  Kuro blinked, surprised.

  —Oh… honestly, I’d completely forgotten about that, hahaha…

  But Ibuki’s expression didn’t change.

  —I haven’t.

  The atmosphere grew heavier, as if a shadow had fallen over the place.

  —Even as a freak, you managed to defeat me.

  The tone of his voice made it clear he still hadn’t gotten over it.

  Kuro noticed the shift in the atmosphere and grew more serious.

  —Relax, Ibuki. We were kids. Besides, back then you didn’t even know how to use your Reiken properly.

  Ibuki clenched his fists, containing his frustration.

  —Even so, that defeat isn’t easy to forget. But this time… I won’t fall so easily to you.

  Kuro, with a firmer tone, responded:

  —Look, I’ve already forgiven you for what you and your friends did to me in the past. I’ve moved on. But it seems you haven’t.

  Ibuki smiled coldly.

  —No, I haven’t. And now I see something different in you… A confidence that the crying kid from back then never had.

  Kaiyō, who had been listening in silence, couldn’t hold back any longer.

  —What did you say, you idiot?!

  Kuro raised a hand, signaling him to calm down.

  —Relax, Kaiyō. He’s just trying to provoke me.

  Then he looked back at Ibuki, with a light smile but a challenging undertone.

  —I see you haven’t changed much either. You’re still the same arrogant guy who thinks the world revolves around him.

  Suddenly, an Arkam student stepped forward angrily.

  —What did you say about Lord Ibuki, you piece of…?

  Before he could go further, Ibuki raised a hand, stopping him without taking his eyes off Kuro.

  —Calm down, Komori.

  Then he stepped closer to Kuro, looking him straight in the eye.

  —I’ll make you eat your words on the battlefield.

  Kuro, far from being intimidated, smiled carefreely.

  —Ha, you seem pretty confident. What makes you think you’ll even get to face me?

  Ibuki kept his composure and turned around, walking away with his team.

  —Let’s just say I already have a strategy. See you, Kuro. I look forward to seeing the power of Arkanum’s second King.

  When the Arkam group was out of sight, Igurū sighed.

  —What an idiot.

  Kuro shrugged.

  —Yeah, he’s always been like that. I’m surprised he became Arkam’s King.

  Igurū, refocusing, turned his gaze to his team.

  —Putting that aside… Remember to give it your all in this fight. The prestige of our academy is at stake.

  His expression hardened slightly.

  —Activate your Reikens only when it’s your turn to fight. Don’t waste energy unnecessarily.

  Everyone nodded with determination.

  —Good luck to you all… Though I’m sure you won’t need it.