Battle War; Magic, Sword and Dragon

Meeting Again

The next day the airship that Laila and the others boarded began to enter the territory of the city of Gehenna. From the window they could see the floating island of Avalon and also the magnificent city built not far from a large crater.

Just like the legend of the origin of the floating island, the great friend was one of the proofs that the floating island of Avalon was part of the mainland.

Gehenna itself is a city of tourist attractions. In addition to the main tourist in the form of floating islands, the city of Gehenna is more famous because the city has a hot spring.

The hot springs themselves come from a volcano that stands quite far from the city of Gehenna. Although still active, but the volcano has not erupted for 600 years.

"When viewed from above, the city is truly beautiful. I'm sorry I just came for a quick glance."

"You know how else, we just came to register. It would be different if from the beginning aim for tourism. Oh.. Lic, please take care of Riku to go alone."

Lic simply nodded and held onto Riku's hand. Riku was now able to walk without the help of others. Kids really grow up fast.

"You have a point. Hm.. Well then, wouldn't it be better if we just waited in this city?"

"That's not a good choice. We've already signed up, but Battle War is still two weeks away. We don't know what our opponents are doing to keep us from being present."

"Hm..."

"What?"

"I was just thinking how do they do it? You know for yourself that we are allowed to block other participants as long as they do not violate the criminal. Can it be done?"

Ruko was silent for a moment thinking back to what Laila had said. Indeed, if viewed logically, blocking other participants is a less appropriate choice. At the end of them all going to fight in Battle War, why bother taking risks?

In the previous Battle War, the same thing was rare. Ruko began to think that she was just too wary.

"Laila, no problem can be done or not. Battle War participants were all young magicians with abnormal abilities. That's why blocking participants before fighting is the most powerful way to get rid of opponents. The rule prohibiting criminal behavior is one of the obstacles, but also a test because participants are told to make a plan without dirtying their own hands."

"Ruko, when you explain it with such a serious face, you're really sweet. Kyaa... Why is my husband this sweet?"

"..."

Ruko let out a small sigh seeing Laila's excessive behavior. At the same time, he remembers being a toy for girls. Don't forget the moment when they all almost lost control and sexually assaulted her. It seems they really don't care anymore about the gender limit.

Even so, Ruko knew Laila understood what she was saying.

About 30 minutes later, the airship descended on the city of Gehenna. They've arrived.

✡️✡️✡️

Just like before, Laila's group joined Charlmilia's group. As they descend, they become the center of attention of the people around them.

Not only locals, but also passengers who get off other airships also glance at them. Understandably, their group consists of beautiful high-class girls.

This situation made Fila and Charlmilia feel useless they were disguised. They were also the center of attention before, but this time it was completely different.

But this situation is said to be quite normal. The city of Gehenna which is a tourist attraction has many visitors from all over the country. Especially during winter like this many people come because they want to enjoy a hot spring bath.

Laila is quite famous, but many have not seen her in person. In addition to Laila, Lic and Riku also provide their own charm. But of all that, the one that attracted the most attention was the silver-haired girl who hid her face with a mask.

Ruko's appearance covered makes her memorable mysterious. Then an enchantment that logic could not explain was unleashed by him. Everyone thought that if he were to take off his mask, he must be an angel.

Unfortunately, no one realized that the girl was actually a man who turned into a woman.

"Miss, can we check your identity?"

As usual there was a check done by Knight. The landing of the airship is located separate from the main city. It aims to be able to move quickly if there is an intruder.

"Is this enough?"

Laila gave her student identity card. The knight who was aware of Laila's identity was actually instantly shocked and changed attitude. This was natural since Laila was the daughter of the strongest general.

"I'm sorry, miss Laila. We have been disrespectful to you. Are they with you?"

"really. I guarantee their identity."

"Then please. And welcome to the city of Gehenna."

Laila smiled at the Knight who was arguably friendly.

Not checking identity can be considered a careless act, but Leon's influence is very large. This is just one proof.

"Laila, thank you. We can only trouble you."

"It's okay. This isn't the first time I've done this, is it? Or would you rather they know the princess is coming to town?"

Laila had done something similar, so this was no big deal to her. After all they have one person who has a problem in self-identity and gender.

"Don't do that."

Their usual appearance was already the center of attention. What happens if the princess turns out to be in their group? Because they're not all the kind of people who like to be the center of attention, they don't want to imagine it.

After passing through the gate on the 10-meter-high wall, they finally actually entered the city. Most of the buildings are inns that are also hot springs.

The first thing they do is register. Of course the ones who did it were Fila and Charlmilia.

"Where is that place anyway?"

They walked through the city, but the place that showed it as a registration place was completely invisible. Since this was Battle War, most likely figuring out the location was also a challenge.

Fila and Charlmilia have promised not to rely on Ruko. If they asked about the location, they broke that promise. But they don't care or forget about it.

"The place is actually easy to see. Just by tracing the city for a few minutes, I'm sure you've found it."

"Heeehhh..."

An answer they expected from Ruko.

Then after walking for a few more minutes, they finally found him. A Knight's office with the inscription 'Registration Place of Battle War Participants' was rousing on the wall. You could say this is very striking.

"...."

"...."

Is this a joke? If yes, it's not funny at all.

"You two should not be surprised. The location of Battle War from the beginning was not hidden. Break the code or not, you'll find this place from rumors or from other sources."

"I heard this also aims to attract tourists. Since it's here, we're separated here." Added Laila.

Why not give it a normal location? The question was clearly on the faces of the two.

But as if no one cared, Laila and the others stepped foot on their way. Only Gemini and Sagita remain.

"If you want to stay overnight, you can come to this address."

Before leaving Ruko gave a small note containing the address. Given who Ruko is, it must be the address of one of the places she owns.

"We'll be there."

Charlmilia and Fila eventually parted ways with Laila and the others.

After that they walked into the office and were immediately greeted by the Knight. Fila conveyed the intent of their arrival. Knight nodded then asked for proof they were participants.

Fila and Charlmilia did not really understand, but there was one thing that appeared in their thinking. A letter they received.

Knight checked the letter and confirmed it was genuine. It seemed that the letter was made of special materials and added a magic as a marker.

Both were taken to a room. There they met an old man with a long beard and wore a pointy hat.

The old man was named Roland Grasia. He was one of the organizers who took care of the Battle War.

Roland was surprised at first when he realized who had come, but he quickly understood why Charlmilia had changed her appearance.

After that Charlmilia gave a letter as proof that they were official participants of the Battle War.

Roland received the letter and placed it on a crystal. A magic circle appeared and the crystal glowed.

"With this you have officially registered. After this, I want you to keep this until Battle War arrives."

Roland gave an object resembling a crystal ball the size of a ping pong ball. It was a magic stone of the highest quality. Inside was a magic formula that was so complicated and moved like a fish swimming in a pond.

"What is this magic stone for?"

"You must have understood that in the second round participants can already fight each other. But participants can only fight against participants who have registered. If a participant attacks a participant who has not registered, they will be immediately disqualified. This magic stone is a testament to the participants who have already signed up."

"Eh?"

They did not hold back from being surprised. Both of them knew the rules of the second half, but did not expect there to be such a complicated rule.

No. gabe. In retrospect, a letter giving clues to an undisclosed location is strange. In other words, there was another rule that they probably didn't know about this second half.

"In addition to the evidence, what other functions does this magic stone have?" Ask Fila.

"You're smart enough to realize this, young lady." Roland smiled happily. "As I said earlier, participants are only allowed to attack officially registered participants. The question is, how do they fight? This is where the magic stone functions."

"Can you explain it in more detail?"

"Participants who fight each other must not involve other people or civilians. To that end, official participants who fought had to fight in a special area. The magic stone served as an arena as well as a protector. In the school you have a duel arena, you could say the crystal is an arena that can be taken anywhere. But in order to activate it, the two parties must agree to fight each other. If one refuses, then the crystal won't activate."

A simple explanation, but Fila realized it wasn't that simple.

Aware of other possibilities, Fila did not want to waste the opportunity to ask further.

"What happened to the losing side?"

"They're automatically eliminated."

An easy answer to guess.

"What are the conditions for not being eliminated?"

"In addition to not being able to commit crimes, they also cannot lose. They must also be present in the third round. I think that's all that matters. Is there anything she wants to ask again?"

"...No. gabe. I think that's enough."

Although Roland said he would answer Fila's question again, Fila understood that it was a warning that Roland would not answer honestly. In other words, what Roland explained was a service from the committee.

After the business is over, they say goodbye. The two then went to the address given by Ruko.

"I don't know if we made a mistake, but what we did was pretty sloppy."

Their biggest mistake was not signing up, but not finding out more details about the second half.

The second round of Battle War each year is almost similar, but there will be differences in rules and processes. This year is also different because it requires participants to fight using a special arena.

"Challenging participants who are willing to fight is the key to this second half. But not challenging, no problem. We can also choose to wait in this city until the third round begins."

Charlmilia nodded her head thinking the same thing.

Then the city of Gehenna was also only a place of registration. Participants can go home without having to challenge other participants.

"For now, before we get more information, we must not challenge or accept the challenge."

"I agree, Fila."

Then they went to the address Ruko gave them. As they expected, the address was the site of the most luxurious inn in the city of Gehenna.

When they arrived, they were greeted by the waiter. Looks like Ruko told you first.

The four of them were then invited to the inside of the room. Precisely one of the rooms devoted to VIP guests.

"Miss can change the clothes in the closet. We'll prepare the dish soon."

The waiter closed the door and left.

They all stared at each other because they did not expect to get such a luxurious treatment. At first glance the inn was not too different from Himawari's restaurant, but the inn was even more extraordinary. Not just the building, but the service.

Fila checked the closet. He found some sort of mattress and also clothes with unusual designs he saw.

"I wonder which country Ruko is from?"

No one answered that question. But they all had the same thoughts about Ruko.

He's too mysterious.

Where'd it come from? Who exactly is he? Was he just a King who appeared and was about to disappear? Or more than that?

That question is hard to answer. Not because there was no answer, but every time they approached the answer, it seemed to move away.

"Come away, maybe Ruko imitated the culture of the country she had visited. Do you guys know anything?"

"Sorry, daughter of Charlmilia. We never thought this was such a strange thing because buildings in this style are quite easy to find in the empire."

"Only, if we investigate the cultural origin of which country, we don't know it at all." Added Gemini.

In the end, they decided not to care. Of course this could be one of the clues, but they are not sure it has any effect on their goals.

After changing clothes, not long after the waiter came with a dish.

The dish is arguably similar to what is served at Himawari restaurant. The dish is so delicious because it is served in a warm room.

After eating, the waiter tells Laila and Ruko that they are waiting for them in the other room. Or rather another facility.

Again they were taken by the waiter. Their purpose is a building that is in a separate part of the main building.

Upon arriving, they are greeted by Laila. He wears the same clothes as them. Then her hair was tied up and wearing a flower-shaped hair ornament that was so beautiful.

The mature aura that so felt made them dumbfounded and once again made their differences with Laila aware.

"Are you satisfied with his service?"

"Y-yeah, we're very satisfied."

"so. I'm glad to hear that. Please come in."

They enter the room. At first glance not much different from the room they occupy, but the atmosphere of family is so felt.

They then sat on the tatami floor in the seiza position. Fila and the others just followed Laila's sitting position.

That unusual sitting position could be a problem, but for now they will.

"Where's Ruko?"

"He played with Riku and Lic in another room. I've had enough."

The atmosphere becomes heavy. It's serious time.

"Because you've signed up, I'm sure you've already made a decision on what you're going to do in this second half."

"You're the same as us, right?"

Laila nodded in confirming.

"really. In this year's Battle War, I want to be champion no matter what. Other than because I don't want the school to close, I don't want Ku-Ruko getting engaged to Riana-chan for the sake of the gift. If you can, Riana-chan should compete like you."

Both of them can only laugh.

"I finally decided, instead of fighting later, that it's not better sooner?"

Laila's gaze became sharp and the aura released was more pressing.

They all knew what Laila wanted to say next.

"Do you want to fight with us?"

✡️✡️✡️

Meanwhile, Ku-Ruko who plays with Lic and Riku is overwhelmed by Riku's increasingly agile behavior. Lic helps with simple toys such as balls made of the same material as dolls. Riku played, but quickly got bored.

Although Riku was not the type of child who easily cried, but what he felt was easily visible from his expression.

"Pa-Mama, how about we take Riku on the road? He looks bored."

"Lic, don't force yourself to call me mama. I was a man. Yeah, but I agree with you. Riku's tired, but we've only been here a few hours."

Riku's a smart, funny, adorable kid. His face came from Laila while his aura came from Ruko. Other traits such as liking and true behavior are similar to both. Especially Riku part likes big chest.

Of all that, the most striking is that Riku is easily bored and very curious about what is around him. Once he knew enough, he would be bored as he was now.

Taking Riku on the road to look around is the most powerful way. After all, they had just arrived in the city of Gehenna. There are many places they can visit. Then considering the time is still daytime, the road is not a bad idea.

"alright. Should we take Laila?"

"Umm. I asked my mom over telepathy. He said he'd follow after his business was done."

Ruko immediately felt uncomfortable after hearing that. He knew what Laila was trying to do, but fighting was not the top priority at the moment. It doesn't mean he's not ready to fight.

Ruko finally decided not to think about it so much. He will follow what Laila decides.

Then Ruko, Lic and Riku exited the inn using the back door. The building they occupy is a private building that Ruko uses when she has a holiday.

Before leaving, they changed into warm clothes. For Ruko, she wears a mask so as not to attract the attention of others. It would be terrible if he was attacked by passers-by.

After coming out, Riku became even more cheerful. He quickly walked on a road full of snow. Although the level of snowfall in the city of Gehenna is quite high, the snow that rained down on the city is fairly low. This is thanks to city protectors that function to protect from monsters and also serve as snow filters.

The way the shield works is quite simple, which is to melt the snow that falls excessively. Protectors with two functions like this use a lot of energy, which is why this type of protector is rarely used in big cities. For the city of Gehenna itself, this city is special because it is a tourist attraction.

"Riku, heart of slippery streets. You can fall."

As if not concerned with Ruko's warning, Riku continued to run around in the middle of the road. People around them smiled happily when they saw Riku's behavior. They think that Riku is a funny boy.

But Ruko's warning isn't without reason. The road is slippery because of the ice. For a child who has not been able to run smoothly, this is quite dangerous. And then something that can be said happens.

Riku fell with his head hitting the road. Ruko quickly tried to help her up, but she stopped.

Someone else did it first. And it's not Lic.

"Are you okay?"

Riku is not a crybaby. The impact on the head was quite hard and painful. But that wasn't enough to make her cry.

But Riku stopped moving and dumbfoundedly continued to stare at the person who was helping him. He seems fascinated.

Not only Riku, Ruko also did not move. But for a different reason. He did not move in surprise.

He had not long heard that the person was likely still alive and was following the Battle War. By living in the city of Gehenna, there was a possibility that he would meet her.

But Ruko did not expect it to be this fast.

"Arisa, she's so funny. Hey.. are you her mother?"

"...."

Ruko did not answer. He looked like a puppet whose thread was cut off. Instead Lic came and held onto Riku.

"Thank you for helping Riku, brother. Riku, don't do that again because it's dangerous. Do you want to scold mama?"

"Your.."

Feeling guilty, Riku lowered his head. He's really smart.

The two girls who were helping him just smiled faintly at the two brothers' behavior. Then they finally focused on Ruko.

Their eyes meet.

"You mother? You're lucky to have a child as funny as him. If I have kids later, I want to be like Riku."

"..."

A smile so pure and pure. His black hair was as dark as night and his eyes were like eternal darkness, but his eyes emitted such a warm tenderness.

His face, his voice, his curves and his personality. All of that has not changed at all.

He was still the same as when Ruko last met him.

"Ah.. sorry, could it be that we were wrong? Even though you're wearing a mask, I know you're young. Could it be that you are actually the two of their sisters?"

Ruko couldn't answer. His head was currently empty and filled with confusion.

But of all that, one thing is certain. A question popped into his head

Since when have you been in this world?