Chapter 64
“Mock Battle — Sparks Fly” [Demon Princess Arc IV]
It was an autumn afternoon.
Standing out in the schoolyard, the sunlight felt soft, and the wind carried a faint chill.
The first- and second-year students of the Cross Class stood facing each other in neat lines.
The number of spectators had tripled — not just students from other classes but even teachers had gathered after hearing the rumor about the mock battle.
“Hey, did you hear? That first-year girl, Liricia — they say she’s on par with Lady Rutia.”
“The second-year Cross Class versus the first-year Cross Class… it’s like the academy’s championship match.”
The murmurs spread, and a mix of anticipation and tension filled the schoolyard.
◆◇◆
“Today’s rules are simple.”
Kai stood between the two sides and clapped his hands.
“No direct hits with the blade. The magic barrier’ll keep y’all safe, so you can go flashy if you like — but if you blow something all the way to the school building, I’ll dock points. And lemme tell ya, docked points hurt.”
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
“Alright, who’s up first?”
“I will.”
Liricia stepped forward.
Her violet eyes were unwavering, and her graceful stance radiated quiet confidence.
“Then I’ll face you.”
Rutia immediately stepped forward too, resting her sword on her shoulder.
Just seeing the two of them standing opposite each other made the audience hold their breath.
“Begin!”
At Kai’s signal, the sand burst upward.
Rutia’s sword ignited with flames that flickered like flower petals.
Liricia’s sword gathered a swirl of wind, pushing those petals back without breaking their form.
No sound of clashing metal rang out.
Before the blades even touched, the “surfaces” of their magical power collided and repelled each other.
“Amazing…”
“These two… a senior and a first-year?”
The audience whispered in awe.
Rutia pressed her attack. The flames shifted from a gentle rose to blazing crimson lotus fire.
Liricia didn’t lose her calm smile, her wind sharpening and countering with equal force.
Sand swirled, the air trembled, and the entire schoolyard became a storm of heat and cold intertwining.
(…Just as I thought.)
Kai furrowed his brow as he watched the duel.
(Normally, you’d see a little unevenness in the magical flow. But hers—Liricia’s—it’s too smooth. Like the moon reflected perfectly on still water.)
That uneasy feeling only grew stronger as the battle went on.
Liricia’s swordplay clearly followed human technique—but the “quality” of the magic underneath it was something beyond human.
“Not done yet!”
Rutia shouted, condensing her flames into a massive sword.
Cheers erupted from the crowd.
But Liricia didn’t falter.
Her wind blade met the flaming greatsword head-on, her steps smooth and seamless.
Her movements were too refined — flawless, even.
(—No hesitation. It’s as if she was born knowing how to wield these magic forms by instinct.)
◆◇◆
“Stop!”
Kai’s voice rang out.
The two swords halted an instant before striking.
Not a single grain of sand stirred — a perfect ending.
Thunderous applause filled the schoolyard.
“As expected, it’s a draw.”
Kai wiped the sweat from his brow.
“Good work, both of ya. That’s all for today.”
The two girls looked at each other and smiled.
“You really are strong.”
“You’re quite formidable yourself.”
They shook hands. Few words were exchanged, but mutual respect shone clearly in their eyes.
“Well done, Liricia!”
As the spectators began to disperse, Rutia threw herself at Kai.
“Kai! Why do you always praise Liricia first?!”
“She’s your junior, ain’t she?”
“That’s not the point!”
“Ahh, of course, of course. Rutia’s flames were as beautiful and fierce as ever.”
“…That’s it?”
“No, no, I said you were magnificent too, didn’t I?”
“Just ‘magnificent’? I won’t be satisfied unless my dear husband gives me a perfect score!”
“…Alright, alright. Perfect score. A hundred outta hundred, husband’s seal of approval.”
“See? That’s what you should’ve said from the start!”
Laughter rippled across the courtyard.
That evening, as the sun set, Kai remained alone, gazing at the traces of the mock battle — footprints, scattered sand, lingering auras.
It had all been impressive, yet that strange feeling still wouldn’t leave him.
(…Could it be? No, not yet. As long as they keep learning before the blackboard, students are still students.
Nothing more, nothing less.)
He took a candy from his pocket and popped it into his mouth.
The sweetness slid down his throat, easing the unease in his chest — just a little.
