Chapter 52 - New semester and First-Year War [4] (1/2)

52. New semester and First-Year War [4]

After defeating Raise-san in the first round, I continued to win in the second and third round as well.

Finally, I advanced to the semi-finals.

「Now, the First-Year War has finally entered the final act! Then, everyone, I would like to ask for a big round of applause for the swordsmen who have overcome many battles to reach this stage!」

When the commentator said so, the audience gave a round of applause to us, who were on the stage.

I, Ria, Rose and Tessa, advanced through to the semi-finals.

「Allen, finally …!」

「The real thing starts from here on…」

「Aa, let’s have a great match!」

And when the three of us were talking,

「Oi, Oi, don’t forget me…」

Tessa said while shrugging his shoulders.

Honed Iron Cutting Style and muscular body – I can’t forget him, who is one of the best in Class A.

「Aa, I’m looking forward to fighting with Tessa.」

「Hehe, well thanks.」

And when the conversation has just finished,

「Then, from now on, we will decide the match cards of the semi-finals!」

The commentator girl announced loudly and put her hand into the transparent box containing small balls.

「Well, the first contestant of the semi-final! The Evil Star who advanced almost unscathed so far! Allen Rodore!」

At that moment, the audience seats boiled with excitement.

(…… Evil Star, huh)

From the standpoint of commentary on the live situation, I can understand the necessity of exciting the audiences…

Even so, I want you to come up with a more decent name.

「And on the other hand – the legendary secret sword which is said to be peerless! Sakura Blossom One-Sword Style, the legitimate successor – Rose Valencia!」

When the commentator introduces Rose very accurately,

「Kya, Rose-san!」

「Here, please turn over here!」

「Good luck! I’m rooting for you…!」

High pitched cheering burst out.

Looking at it, many of the female students in the audience were waving to Rose.

Apparently she seems to be very popular among the same sex.

(Well, Rose is cool after all…)

Dignified features characterized by red eyes.

Pinkish silver hair extending tied at the back.

She’s an extremely weak morning person, but… It might be an attractive weakness depending on how you see it.

As I was thinking about that, Rose had a warlike smile.

「I’ve been looking forward to this since I lost at the Sword Festival.」

「I’ve always been looking forward to crossing swords with Rose. Let’s do our best today!」

And when I held out my right hand,

「Of course, I’m going to do just that!」

Rose grasped my hand tightly.

「Now, are you both ready? So the first semi-final match – Begin!」

At the same time as the signal to start the match, I and Rose pulled out our swords.

Our stance was exactly the same – the sword held in front of the navel, Seigan no Kamae.

Rose’s gaze intersected with mine, and a tense air permeated the venue.

(It’s been a long time since I faced Rose like this…)

It is already slightly more than half a year ago that we crossed swords at the Sword Festival.

At that time, I never dreamed of us attending the same swordsmanship academy.

「…Here I come, Allen.」

「Aa.」

The moment I nodded.

「……」

Rose had already drawn close to my nose tip.

Matching her opponents breathing and getting close in that slight blink of an eye – her special movement technique.

(I knew it was coming, but my response was still delayed by one breath …)

As usual, it was tremendously advanced bodywork.

「Sakura Blossom One-Sword Style – Sakura Flash!」

Rose shot a sharp thrust with her whole weight without losing any speed.

I greeted her thrust which was aimed directly at my torso, with a thrust of my own at the exact same angle.

「HA!!」

The tip of the swords collided, creating an antagonistic state.

This sequence is exactly the same as previously at the Sword Festival.

(Here is where I attack…!)

When I dropped my center of gravity and slipped towards Rose’s chest.

「The same move won’t work twice…!」

She, who had read my movement, was already moving on to the next attack.

「Sakura Blossom One-Sword Style – Evening Sakura!」

An amazing diagonal slash at an unstoppable speed.

(Fast…!?)

Simultaneously as I closed in – the naked sword was unleashed at the perfect timing.

In the past, I would have been unable to react.

But now, I’ve overcome a number of struggles to the death – It’s not at the level I can’t dodge!

「-Naive!」

I avoided that blow by a hair’s breadth,

「No way…!?」

And landed a strong kick on her defenseless body.

「Guh…!?」

Rose’s feet left the stage and she was blown away greatly.