The Absolute Godspeed of Infinite Worlds

"That was amazing, wasn't it? Utterly astonishing! The League-affiliated schools couldn't put up any resistance at all!"

On television, a middle-aged man with a thick beard laughed heartily.

"This is the might of the 'National Akatsuki Academy'! They will replace the League's lapdogs—the Seven Star Academies—and shoulder Japan's future!"

That man was none other than Japan's current Prime Minister, Bakuga Tsukikage.

His words were nothing short of shocking.

With this televised address, events finally began spiraling out of control, hurtling toward an unpredictable future.

His intentions were crystal clear.

By having the Akatsuki Academy win the Seven Star Sword Art Festival, he aimed to dismantle the Blazer education system controlled by the <League of Mage-Knight Nations> and reclaim Japan's sovereignty over Blazers.

Neither the police nor the judiciary took any action regarding Akatsuki Academy's violent acts.

Worse still, they even claimed that "the attack on Hagun Academy was merely a false report—an accident that occurred with mutual consent," attempting to muddy the waters.

In theory, such claims should have been impossible to uphold.

But with state power backing them, turning black into white became frighteningly simple.

Under pressure from government agencies, the media launched an overwhelming propaganda campaign, painting Akatsuki Academy as Japan's hope while branding the Seven Star Academies as the League's lapdogs—completely reversing public perception.

"Can't we prove they're terrorists?"

"It's no use."

Kurono shook her head.

"The only evidence we have is Arisuin Nagi's testimony. It's not compelling enough. If they refuse to admit it, there's nothing we can do. Even if we had irrefutable proof, it would be useless against an enemy backed by the entire nation."

This time, their enemy was the country itself.

With the state overwhelmingly favoring Akatsuki Academy, there was no way to topple them.

"What about the League's response?"

"The Seven Star Sword Art Festival's organizing committee was furious, of course. They initially planned to ban Akatsuki Academy from participating, but then orders came from the League headquarters..."

The directive from the League headquarters was clear: Defeat Akatsuki Academy at the Seven Star Sword Art Festival.

The brazen attack on Hagun Academy was a direct slap to the League's face.

No matter what, to prove that the League still wielded formidable power, they had to crush Akatsuki Academy publicly and make them submit.

Everything unfolded exactly as Reisen Hiraga had predicted.

Using Hagun Academy as a stepping stone, Akatsuki Academy successfully entered the stage of the Seven Star Sword Art Festival.

—As the eighth participating school.

"There's one more thing."

Kurono thought of something else and continued.

"Arisuin Nagi has decided to withdraw from this year's Seven Star Sword Art Festival. Not just him—the attack has shaken many other participants from the Seven Star Academies. Quite a few have chosen to drop out."

It couldn't be helped.

After all, rumors suggested that Akatsuki Academy might be composed of terrorists.

Fighting among the Seven Star Academies was one thing—everyone knew their limits, and the risks were minimal. But if terrorists were involved... people could actually die!

Unsurprisingly, many withdrew out of fear.

Each academy had one or several representative players who chose to withdraw from the competition.

As for Arisuin Nagi, he felt he should take responsibility for this defeat and withdrew out of guilt.

"...When will senior wake up?"

Eiji glanced at Touka, who was still asleep on the adjacent bed.

He had taken most of the damage for her, so she shouldn't be unconscious for too many days.

But right now, he actually hoped Touka would stay asleep a little longer.

The Seven Star Sword Art Festival would begin in ten days.

If they were to face Akatsuki Academy—especially Kurogane Ouma and the other two—Touka's current strength would likely be no match for them.

"Within two or three days."

Kurono relayed the doctor's estimate.

"So for this Seven Star Sword Art Festival, Hagun Academy will be represented by the five of you... Honestly, it's not too late to withdraw now."

Akatsuki Academy was too strong.

Each of them was an elite from the underground world. Even professional knights would struggle against them, let alone student knights.

Out of concern for their safety, Kurono was even considering advising them to forfeit.

The League's orders couldn't be ignored, but what mattered more than the students' lives?

"No, I'm competing."

Eiji clenched his fist, a cold smirk curling his lips.

"I need to settle the score this time!"

If he didn't beat them to a pulp, how could he make up for how badly he'd been beaten before?

Wait, he hadn't actually taken that many hits.

He'd only been knocked out in the final clash with Twin-Wings. Before that, he'd been completely unharmed—his defense was solid enough that even Kurogane Ouma couldn't break through.

In that case, he just needed to reclaim his pride.

And he had to avenge senior too!

Basically, he was just pissed!

"Be careful out there."

Kurono didn't stop him. She respected each student's decision and only offered a word of caution.

"By the way, before the Seven Star Sword Art Festival begins, I plan to go out for some training."

Eiji suddenly remembered something and informed the two of them.

"How long?"

"Not sure."

"Again with this?"

Nene rolled her eyes hard.

"Last time you disappeared for a whole month. What if you miss the Seven Star Sword Art Festival this time?"

"I'll try to be back by then."

Eiji replied noncommittally.

If he couldn't make it back in time, he'd just hunt down each member of Akatsuki Academy one by one and beat them up.

After all, his only reason for joining the Seven Star Sword Art Festival was to get revenge on Akatsuki Academy.

He had no interest in the title of Seven Star Sword King. It'd be great if he could make it, but if not, so be it.

"When are you leaving?"

"Right now!"

"So soon?"

"I can't stand waiting another second!"

Eiji threw off the covers, full of energy.

That mysterious black gate had actually lit up two days ago, but Eiji had held off on leaving to deal with the Akatsuki Academy situation.

Leaving the infirmary, Eiji returned to his dorm, repacked his luggage, and slung it over his shoulder.

Then he made a special trip to say goodbye to Kanata, the wealthy lady.

"Aren't you going to wait for Touka to wake up first?"

"No. The sooner I leave, the sooner I'll be back."

"Alright, take care out there."

Kanata leaned in reluctantly and kissed him.

"What about Kurogane Ikki and the others?"

"They're all training. They took quite a hit too."

"I see. I'm off!"

Eiji shouldered his backpack and left Hagun Academy unnoticed, venturing deep into the mountains.

With a single thought, the pitch-black gate materialized before his eyes once more.

Steeling himself, he took a decisive step forward and crossed the threshold!

***

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