Battle War; Magic, Sword and Dragon

A Letter

A week later, Kuro, Laila, Charlmilia, Fila and the other two winners of grub C gathered in the principal's room.

The two winners were third-graders who last year represented Kuryuu Academy in Battle War. Both of them were A rank magicians. In terms of combat experience they are not inferior to Laila or Kuro.

"I think you understand why I called you, but before that I thank you for representing our school in this year's Battle War."

Electra's tone was so serious. His face was also tense.

He glanced at the two third-rate people.

"Franco, Juno... This is the third time you've been to Battle War. I'm really proud of you both."

Franco Jorte and Juuno Hamia. Both were students in class 3-1. Their strength is not inferior to S rank magicians and also gets an S rank for the pair category. In other words, their true strength comes from good cooperation.

In last year's Battle War, the two managed to survive to the end. Both were defeated by Victoria.

"Thank you, Miss Electra." Reply to the young man with red hair. "We promise to avenge our defeat last year."

"We've been getting stronger since last year. We'll show you that our school isn't the lowest."

The one who wears sunglasses is Juuno. Besides being calm, he had a powerful aura. Juuno is also known as one of the best students of the third grade who has high grades in academic and magic practice.

Then unlike Juuno, Franco looks more like a delinquent. He was also one of the best students.

"good. I expect a lot from you two. One question I ask, what do you think of the other participants?"

Both did not answer directly. Both understand the core of Electra's question.

"For our strength to admit it, but I don't like their attitude."

"As long as they are reliable, their identity is not important." Answer Juuno. "After all the school knows that they are students who you deliberately put into school. This must have its own reasons. If we could we would like to know."

Electra put on a complicated face.

"Ah. I actually want to tell you, but I will only make you feel burdened, which is why I just want you guys to try your hardest to win. Kuro, Laila, Charlmilia and Fila, I also expect a lot from you."

"We understand."

Unlike the others, Kuro actually yawned wide with a bored face. When this speech was finished, all of it was painted on his face.

Juuno and Franco who saw that showed unhappy faces.

"Well, I don't think I need to explain at length anymore. Another reason why I'm calling you is to give you a notification regarding Battle War."

Everything gets serious. They understood what the word Electra meant.

"Yes, right. The battle has already begun."

✡️♦️♦️♦️✡️

Then, after receiving a letter from Electra and getting an explanation of the Battle War rules, they walked out of the principal's room.

"Finally it started... "

"Kuro, could this be what the stage of allowance means?"

"It's more precise if this is just a show of the location of this year's Battle War. But it can also be called that."

Kuro and Laila opened the contents of the notification letter. Not only the content of congratulations, but also contains a hint of the location of Battle War in the form of writing.

[The land that was never restrained with wings was made of rainbows.

People call it the land of heaven.

But that land will never be heaven.]

"We must go to the place described within 3 weeks. Kuro, do you know the place in question?"

"Hm... Let me think for a second. Charl, what about your lead?"

Not far from them, Fila and Charlmilia opened the contents of the notification with almost similar content.

But there was no sign that Charlmilia wanted to share it with the two.

"Sorry Kuro, Laila. According to the rules we have to solve the clues to find out the location of this year's Battle War, which is why we want to solve this problem ourselves. Not that we don't want to work together, but it's a test for us."

The first stage in Battle War is not a fight, but a race to get to the location of the Battle War.

In this case, participants are given 3 weeks to go to a location that is out of nowhere. It could also be in the capital, it could also be at the edge of the imperial territory. This sounds simple, but it's also a pretty complicated situation.

The thing that makes Battle War different from other (competition) battles is that there are no special rules in Battle War unless the participant must follow the Battle War flow.

In other words, even though the clue was already obtained and knew the location, it did not mean that it was finished. It's just beginning.

Within 3 weeks, participants can look for location clues or ask people who know the location. The only one they could not question was the principal, in other words Electra.

In that time, other participants may steal achievements or mislead clues to get other participants in the wrong direction. Then if in an unspecified time the participant is not present, then the participant is considered a failure.

But that doesn't mean that cooperation is not allowed. Each participant can choose what they think is the fastest and most efficient way.

In this case, working together is the fastest way.

"so apparently. I understand how you feel. After this, where are you going?"

Kuro surrendered. If both of them have decided like that, it means they are really trying. For them, this is also an exercise.

"We're going to the school library. I seem to have heard of a place with a description that is in this letter. But I don't remember much."

"I'll help Charl." Added Fila.

"Alright, but if you're in trouble, don't be afraid to ask for help. Battle War rules are not complicated, but that's where Battle War is interesting."

"We'll remember it."

Then, Fila and Charlmilia went to the library.

"Laila, what do you want to do?"

Kuro turned towards Laila who seemed to be thinking hard.

"Before that, I wonder if you already know the location?"

Given who Kuro was, it was likely that he already knew.

"More or less so. Right now I know there are three places that have such a similar description, but only two are in the imperial territory. I was planning on checking it out with Guila."

"About? When are you gonna take me?"

Laila's gaze was filled with jealousy. He still looks unhappy because Guila once monopolized Kuro for almost a week.

"It's only gonna take a couple hours the same. When you're done, I'll take you. There's a lot to think about anyway."

According to the rules when it has reached the location of the Battle War, participants will be met by the committee who noted the participants have been present. Then when the Battle War time starts, the committee will check the participants who have been recorded previously participated or not.

In other words, coming first or last would be just the same. During that time, participants will try to get rid of their opponents.

For Kuro who was used to such battles, this was no big deal. What he was thinking about the most right now was his son.

"Let's think about this somewhere else."

"I agree."

The two then walked home. Although the school was still busy as usual, this was an exception for Battle War participants like them.

"Wait a minute. Can we talk?"

It was then that Franco and Juuno came along.

✡️♦️♦️♦️✡️

Battle War is also known as the battle between the 7 magic schools that exist in the Houou empire. That was true, but at the same time it was also the biggest annual entertainment of the Houou empire.

Battle War is divided into several stages.

The first stage is selection. Each school is required to send their three best partners to be representatives or participants. The way free elections are conducted by the school, but must be fair and open.

The way that Kuryuu Academy used was the most common way used. But there are also those who choose the participants with the most votes such as elections.

The second stage is a race. Called like that because each participant must go to the place that became the location of the Battle War later. The location can be anywhere, whether it is forest or urban.

At this stage, the participants are allowed to compete. Either it hinders the opponent from being present or uses more cunning means such as political pressure.

It is permissible to use criminal organizations and involve innocent citizens. If caught, the school will get a penalty and participants are automatically disqualified.

Then the third and final stage. This stage was the main peak of Battle War.

Battle War peaks do not always have to fight. Each year Battle War will have a different type of fight to the previous year. In other words, participants will not know what type of fight they will do until the committee tells them.

But one thing is for sure, the winner will get it all. And also a request granted.

✡️♦️♦️♦️✡️

"Is there anything I can help you with, Senior?"

Kuro is not very happy, but he tries to respect them.

"I'm sorry if this makes you unhappy before, but can we see what clues you have?"

"..."

Kuro's surprised. This was something he had not expected before.

Ever since learning of Grub C's winners, Kuro has been figuring out who they are and their abilities. If you look at that, solving the clues is not something that is difficult for them.

"Don't get me wrong, we can't break the lead. But getting additional leads would be better. We are allowed to work anyway"

"Senior Juuno, can you tell me what you want?"

Juuno smiled faintly. His expression was different from the one that had looked plain.

"...Looks like your reputation suits you. You seem to be a pretty sharp person."

Is correct. It was just a small test. Butwhy?

"If you're so direct, can you tell me what really happened to this school?"

"Why can you think like that? School is fine."

Kuro knows what they want. However, after hearing Electra's words, there was no way they would not think that way.

That's when Franco approached.

"Haha.that's a funny question. Did you forget that we were here longer than you? Then we became Battle War representatives for 3 consecutive years. That's reason enough to get us both close to Electra"

"As you heard yourself. If the school doesn't go through anything bad, then Electra won't be acting weird this late. In addition, I also heard bad news such as 'if Kuryuu Academy can't win the Battle War, the school will be closed'. As a student of this school, I can't stand still, do you understand?"

"...."

Kuro narrowed his eyes.

Indeed, the news of closing the school has a point, but according to Electra, the news is only a few people know. Even Kuro had to ask Emperor Sei to find out.

"From your expression is that true?"

Kuro still put on a flat face, even he showed a non-excessive reaction. But only then did Juuno already know what Kuro was thinking.

"Juuno, this is really serious. If it's like that, we have to win no matter what."

"We don't really have a choice. Besides, this is our last chance. Franco, don't try to play."

"Yes yes.."

Both of them showed Kuro's unexpected reaction. It seems they are ready for it.

"Senior can I ask you something?"

"Laila-, of course we'll be happy to answer your question." Answer Franco.

"May I know how you feel about us?"

Franco and Juuno glanced at each other.

"I thought you wanted to ask me something more important, but it turns out this. Haha.well, I understand why you doubt us. We are your seniors anyway."

"Just like in the principal's room, our answers remain the same. Indeed, many are not happy with the achievements of the two of you and the daughter of Charlmilia. But we're both not stupid." Juuno replied while confirming the position of his glasses. "Everyone has their own talents and abilities. Those who are able to develop their talents and abilities will be the strongest. I saw that from you guys. But the story will be different if you don't use your powers for the sake of others."

"Are you satisfied? We might be rivals in Battle War, but this situation made me think of cooperating with other participants. Hows it? For the sake of this school, I don't think it's a bad decision?"

Kuro did not answer immediately, but he finally understood that they were telling honestly and sincerely wanted to save the school.

"I understand. I'll work with you guys. I'll also tell Charl and Fila about this."

"thank you. That's very helpful."

After the decision is made and agreed, Kuro shows what instructions are on the notice. And so did Juuno and Franco.

With the clues in Franco and Juuno, Kuro was finally able to ascertain which spot was the most correct.

Then they split up with both.

"They're good people."

"so. With this we can make sure that they really like this school. But there's one big problem to face."

"It's about the rumors, isn't it?"

Kuro nodded.

"We don't know who spread the rumors, but one thing is clear. The Battle War seems to have started earlier than we thought."

✡️♦️♦️✡️

Meanwhile, in the library. Charmilia and Fila were looking for a book on imperial geography.

The instructions they receive are...

[Garden of heaven trying to be free from the world.

Separate yourself with wings of wonder.

But the garden of heaven is bound by an invisible chain and prevents it from leaving the earthly]

"The pointer wasn't made so difficult. We can break it easily."

"Yes, Charl. I've also heard of that place."

"Unfortunately even though we know, somehow we can't imagine the place."

"Maybe because we've never been to that place before. If my feelings are right, the place of the fight this time is very special."

They both searched for books, but had not found them. Until the moment Fila opened a page about a very special place in the empire.

"We agree on this?"

"I was also this place when I found him."

Undoubtedly, the place of this year's Battle War is...

""Avalon's floating island""