Today's match—she most likely wouldn't be able to participate.
Physical stamina was one thing, but magical power couldn't possibly recover much in just an hour or two.
As for Kurogane Shizuku, it was even more impossible. Severely anemic, the fact that she was rely unconscious now was thanks to Kiriko Yakushi's assistance in sustaining her. There was no way she could take the stage.
Their journey in the Seven Star Sword Art Festival had co to a complete end here.
Eiji looked out the window.
The sun had fully risen above the horizon.
Less than an hour remained until the start of the second day's matches.
Travelers throughout the city grew excited along with it, and the clamor returned to the land.
"Speaking of which, why didn't you answer when I called you earlier?"
"Call? Ah, my battery died at so point."
Kiriko Yakushi pulled out her Rentei Academy student handbook and muttered to herself.
"Anyway, I'm going to rest now. As for transfusing blood for Kurogane's little sister, find another doctor to handle it."
After saying that, Kiriko Yakushi left the hospital on her own.
"So coincidental, just happening to run out of battery last night?"
Saikyo Nene leaned closer, her tone aningful.
"..."
Eiji didn't speak.
From his calm face, not a trace of emotion could be discerned.
Saikyo Nene's fan-waving paused slightly, and she promptly closed her mouth.
...
In his dazed state, he suddenly recalled the bloody battle before losing consciousness and abruptly woke up.
As soon as he regained consciousness, an unfamiliar hospital room greeted his eyes.
"Wasn't I fighting the One-Ard Swordsman, and then..."
Kurogane Ikki looked utterly bewildered.
And then he died.
The sensation of his body temperature gradually fading away—he rembered it clearly.
At the brink of death, his regret toward Stella had driven him to make one last call with great effort. He'd promised to face her again in the Seven Star Sword Art Festival, yet he'd gone and died on his own.
After apologizing, he'd lost consciousness.
So where was this place?
Heaven?
It didn't seem like it.
"Ikki? You're finally awake!"
Just then, a familiar voice ca from beside him.
Turning his head, he saw Stella's figure sitting nearby, now looking at him with delighted surprise.
"Stella, what's...?"
"Ikki, how are you feeling now?"
"Uh, I feel fine, pretty energetic actually."
Kurogane Ikki found it utterly unbelievable.
Had soone saved him from the brink of death?
"That's great!"
Stella's spirits imdiately lifted.
"No ti to explain! Let's go! The second round is about to start!"
anwhile.
In the do-shaped arena.
After the previous day's buildup, the arena was already bustling with noise and excitent early in the morning. Countless people held up banners, cheering for their favorite competitors.
Among them, those supporting Eiji made up ninety-nine percent.
The na "Sword God" could be seen everywhere throughout the arena.
Tens of thousands of people were shouting, cheering him on.
In one corner of the arena.
Within the area designated as the Hagun Academy spectator seats, most of Hagun Academy's competitors and cheer squad had gathered here.
"I wonder if Ikki-kohai will make it in ti?"
Touka's face showed concern.
If he couldn't, Hagun Academy would lose two competitors at once.
All because of one unexpected enemy attack.
"Should be able to make it in ti."
Kanata Totokubara said this, though she herself wasn't certain.
Having Kiriko Yakushi and Kurogane Shizuku withdraw all at once was solely for the purpose of Kurogane Ikki's return to the arena.
If he couldn't make it back in ti, their efforts would have been completely wasted!
"Speaking of which, there are unexpectedly many dia outlets here today!"
Renren Tomaru shielded her eyes with her hand as she scanned the surroundings.
"There seem to be many foreigners. How did so many foreign dia suddenly appear overnight?"
Utakata Misogi scratched his head in confusion.
"The host is taking the stage."
At that mont, Eiji suddenly spoke up.
He sat there motionless, his voice as calm as ever.
Everyone's attention was drawn back, their gazes collectively turning toward the direction of the podium.
"Ahem... To all the audience mbers and competitors present, the committee has sothing very important to announce."
As soon as the host's voice rang out, the venue quickly quieted down.
"Due to so uncontrollable factors, the schedule for this year's Seven Star Sword Art Festival will be adjusted. Originally, the second round of this year's competition was scheduled for today. After review, the committee has decided that both the second and third rounds will be held simultaneously today!"
"This ans that today, we will determine the winners of each bracket all at once! We will decide the top four finalists of this tournant!"
"All competitors in each bracket, please prepare yourselves. The first match in Bracket A will begin in ten minutes!"
After finishing his announcent, the host left the podium.
"What's going on? Why the sudden schedule change?"
"Who knows! But this way, we'll get to watch two matches of the Sword God today, right?"
"Excellent! Though I don't know who's responsible, I thank you for your contribution!"
A wave of excitent erupted from the audience stands.
The vast majority of spectators were overjoyed. Many of them had only purchased tickets for today, and being able to watch two matches in one day was undoubtedly a huge bargain.
Moreover, getting to see their idol compete twice in one day—what could be more exciting for them?
"Two consecutive matches?"
Touka deeply furrowed her brows.
"This is bad. Leaving aside and my junior for now, Stella has already advanced, but for Ikki-kun..."
This would undoubtedly be an enormous burden for Kurogane Ikki!
Kurogane Ikki's One-Blade Asura could only be used once per day!
And both opponents he would face today were no pushovers!
Today's matches would be quite unfavorable for Hagun Academy!
"Why did the committee suddenly change the schedule? Was there no prior information at all?"
Touka looked toward Saikyo Nene.
But Saikyo Nene could only shrug.
She was indeed responsible for so matters, but only for protecting the spectators. She knew nothing about other arrangents, nor did she want to bother with them.
"Regarding that, allow to explain!"
At that mont, a figure leisurely erged from nearby.
"Actually, this has quite a lot to do with Eiji-kun too!"
With chestnut-brown short hair, wearing glasses, possessing remarkable luck, and holding a cara.
This energetically smiling girl was none other than their old acquaintance.
"Kagami? You're here too?"
Renren Tomaru looked at her with surprise.
"I'm the news club president, after all! How could I not co to this treasure trove to dig up big stories!"
Kagami Kusakabe proudly patted her chest.
Actually, the video she posted online so ti ago of Akatsuki Academy vs. Hagun Academy had already made her a nationally renowned journalist. But her ambition was to reach the pinnacle of the journalist's path—how could she stagnate here?
"What do you an when you say it's related to ?"
Eiji pondered for a while but couldn't figure out the connection, so he asked her.
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