Chapter 1.14

Before progressing back to the main story, allow me to tell you the origins about the tournament which Persia mentioned, and which I was going to participate in.

With that, things will start from the history of ‘World War 4’ that happened a few hundred years ago. Needless to say, ‘world war’ is a world-scaled military conflict, and the word ‘4’ means such a large scale conflict happened for the fourth time.

So… World War 4, was the deadliest military conflict that has ever been recorded in history.

The participants are as so…

Humans, elves, fairies, spirits, vampires, dwarves, beast-mans, giants, angels, demons, dragons, magical beasts, and even the celestial gods. An estimated total of 1.048 billion people perished, which was about 14% of the world population (estimated 7.7 billion).

It lasted for 23 years.

Or rather, in a mere 23 years… World War 4 pushed the world to the verge of destruction.

That's when on the 23rd year, July 1st. One of the legendary twelve apostles of the God of Creation suddenly appeared, and ‘it’ decided to put an end to everything. ‘It’ destroyed several of the strongest and main cause countries of World War 4 in just three days by itself, alone.

Even with full preparation to meet against his attacks, not a single one of them is able to take down the apostle— even if it's the powerful celestial gods who are just one rank below them.

After another three days— July 6th, the whole world surrendered to it. Those of the remaining countries which still exist were compromised to sign a peace treaty.

The conditions for the peace treaty:

1.  Cease war for 300 years.

2.  No attempts or provocations to start a war for 300 years.

3.  Compensations from war will be covered by respective governments.

4.  All conflicts will be settled by duels between the strongest teams of each respective country, the duel location will be decided by the apostle once every 50 years.

5.  All countries who signed this peace treaty must participate every year.

6.  All countries must choose only one representative to be the judge of the duel.

7.  A reward will be granted to the winning team by the apostle.

8.  Those who signed and do not obey the peace treaty will be erased by the apostle.

Such a condition was like the era of the knights. Battle with pride, fame and honour.

Thus, this duel created by the apostle was then named as the <Knight's Tournament>.

Of course, everyone obeyed the conditions at first. But in a mere 15 restricted years, one country broke the treaty by attacking his neighbouring country who signed the peace treaty and was weaker.

No one knew what was the reason that country attacked. Whether it is for fortune, resources, or perhaps they`ve never seen the wrath of the apostle. The consequences were pretty obvious. It's exactly as what was written in the peace treaty. That very country was wiped out— completely erased from the map. Not a single trace of its existence was left behind. Ever since then, not a single one of the rest dare to make another attempt.

And so, peace was able to last for another 285 years, at least. Though military conflicts still occur nowadays, there hasn't been any world-scaled military conflicts ever since.

By the way, the <Knight's Tournament> was quite successful during the 300 restricted years. Even after the restricted years, the <Knight's Tournament> somehow became a friendly battle entertainment after a few tweaks on the rules and regulations. Even if time passes for several hundred years and eras have changed— the <Knight's Tournament> still goes on and now boasts as the world`s largest fan population battle entertainment. Of course, the rules and regulation was reformed over and over throughout the eras.

Despite the change in rules and regulations, one tradition from the old rules was passed down. That is, the location is still decided by the apostle once every 50 years.

However, there was one exception he made 17 years ago. He changed the location to Central Imperial Island, where it was located at the centre of many nations. Central Imperial Island was founded by a human 22 years ago, and he is now the king of the Central Imperial Island. It was said that this very island is favoured by the apostle, and even received his blessing— this island now rose to become one of the strongest countries nowadays.

Anyways, allow me to explain the current rules and regulation of the <Knight's Tournament>.

The rules and regulation to participate:

1.  This tournament is open to every student with their school and nationality acknowledged by the chairman of the <Knight's Tournament>.

2.  Registration must be submitted to the tournament`s official website.

3.  Only one registration per person is permitted.

4.  Upon registration, the image of student id must be submitted and confirmed that it is you and does not infringe on any other right of third party.

5.  Only students aged 16-18 in terms of human age are allowed to participate, parent`s permission is required except for Imperial Knights Academy.

6.  The maximum number of times in which a student can participate in the tournament is 3 times.

7.  The maximum number of participants in one school of each country other than Central Imperial Island is 100.

8.  The maximum number of participants for Imperial Knights Academy is 300.

9.  Each participant is required to battle individually, as pairs, and as a team.

10. The number of participants in each team must range between 2-100.

11. The tournament will accept participants until June 16th XX93, 2.59 pm, time zone (UTC – 4 hours).

As for the newest rules of the battle, it will be announced after 3 days.

Well, some old rules from last year probably will still be kept the same. Such as to win the battle, you are required to knock down all of your opponents first or make them surrender. Not being able to make it to the match in time will be considered a forfeit. Breaking the rules— or foul, in short, will immediately be disqualified.

...As confusing as it may be, perhaps I'm able to understand once I had the actual duel.

Because my opponent is Kuroyuki Shiroha.

She's an <Ice Elemental User>;

A tactician;

A swordswoman with a god-like reaction speed;

With superhuman strength.

I may have engaged myself in a fight against her because of some circumstances and learnt about her abilities, but I still need to be cautious— I know she still had tons of skills hiding inside her sleeves. I can learn a lot from her since she's strong.

For what hidden skills she has, I have no idea. And it's not like I`d reveal my cards to her or anybody too.

The only thing she knew about my ability— is my superhuman strength. I only showed her that much, that's why she wants to fight me.

If possible, I`d like to avoid this— but I guess it`d be useless.

If possible, I`d like to win— but I know it`s greedy to even think so.

I know I can`t win— not in my current state.

That's why—

[Ding dong dang dong]

Crap, the digital school bell rang.

Our class for today has ended— without a teacher for the whole day.

Where the hell are they…?

“…it's time.” Kuroyuki murmurs as she stands up from her chair.

It's as if she's murmuring to herself, but she's actually talking to me. Although I`ve already expected this, but dang, this is bad.

Time to play dumb.

“Time? For what?”

“…I'M WARNING YOU.”

Eek! She completely saw through my intentions! Such a cold, terrifying glare!

“C-Can we do it tomorrow—”

“…NO.”

“…………”

Seeming to have no choice, I stood up from my chair sluggishly and stretched my back.

“…Follow me.”

Kuroyuki made a ‘come’ gesture with her hand without looking at me.

Though there was an urge to grab her hand for a moment, I stopped myself and followed behind unwillingly to the lift. I was forced to comply with her.

The lift is going down.

“Where will you be going?” I asked.

“…You will know soon.”

Not a single hint.

The lift opens. We reached the ground floor.

Kuroyuki calmly exits the lift and heads to the right, where the main entrance is.

With me still standing inside the lift, I am thinking of using this chance to sneak back.

But just right before I was going to press the close button, Kuroyuki realized and quickly took a step backward to the door and jerked my necktie with her right hand— pulling my body forth. I could struggle all I want against her, but the tie is right on where the lift door is going to close. If it closes and moves up, I would get dragged downwards, then the lift will be in great trouble— that guy will definitely tell me to pay for the reparations. He's even aiming on my funds lately.

Thinking that, I immediately gave up and exited the lift.

“…I'm afraid you can't avoid it for today.” Kuroyuki said with a smirk.

She continues to walk without giving me another ounce of concern, and this time— she's still pulling my tie. It's as if she knew I would`ve escaped whenever I had the chance to.

Click, click, click, clack.

Her footsteps proceeded and I was pulled along.

Today or tomorrow— I don`t think there will be any difference whenever I think about it. If it's a fight, that is. Her persistence made me feel it`s entirely something else. But what was that ‘something else’? I just can't think of an answer.

In that case, based from what I remembered… especially code #73284 from her fan-club, I predict she's going outside. A place where she could grab the attention which she hates…

It's quite an irony, so I'm quite certain this is more than just a simple duel.

“What are you trying to do?” I asked.

Kuroyuki seemed to have paused for a moment when she heard my remark. She took a quick glance on me as she said…

“…You will know soon.”

…with a pleased look.

From that, this means she knew what I meant and she`s not telling me… no, maybe she's postponing the answer on purpose.

I had no idea what she's trying to do. She's full of mystery.

My lack of sleep is causing disturbance in my thoughts. I decided to stop thinking for now.

………………

We passed the main entrance.

………………

Afterwards, the force field.

“Erm, Kuroyuki? Can you let go already?” I murmured.

“…You will run away.”

“I won`t, okay? I merely don't want you to pull my tie like you are walking a dog. Why did you choose to grab my tie in the first place?”

“…The lift won't close if I grab your sleeve.”

Because if she grabs my sleeve, my hand will be in the way for the door to close.

“As expected, you are evil!”

“…Evil, huh?”

For some reason, Kuroyuki grinned.

“Grk…!”

She pulled even harder. I don't want my tie to tear off so I leaned forward and let her drag me like a dog this time.

At any rate…

Kuroyuki pulled me further away from the force field of the White Mansion. I guess I had been keeping in this ‘leaning forward’ pose and walked for another several hundred meters. How embarrassing, I hope no one else sees me.

On my left, is a forest that I was slightly familiar with, or rather, acquainted with. For some reason, I got lost there this morning, and still can't figure out the reason.

On my right, there`s nothing but grass. But the grass was dyed to gold colour due to the sunset rays, it looks fascinating.

If Kuroyuki took my hand instead of pulling my necktie— things would've felt completely different. It will be more like a date instead of torture…

“…I will warn just in case.” Kuroyuki suddenly murmurs. “If you surrender, I will just have to force the forced duel system on you to make you submit.”

Such confidence she possesses.

Personally, I think she went a little too far.

“Okay, okay.” I replied vaguely. “If you are willing to go so far then I will just fight properly.”

“…Good. I'm glad you understand.”

Saying that, Kuroyuki loosen her fingers from my neck tie and activated her screen.

Phew… finally! My lower back feels a little sprained and exhausted.

Suddenly, a warning sign window with a radius of 15 cm circulated around my waist.

[BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP]

A warning alarm rang afterwards.

It's coming from my device…! What happened?!

‘FORCED DUEL ACTIVATED.’

“What…………?” I was stunned for a moment. “Is this really necessary…!?”

“…Of course.”

What's with that smug?

“…If you don`t mind, please wait for a minute.” She added.

“I don't really mind already.” I replied vaguely.

I don't think I could actually do anything even if I mind or not. So let's just go along with the flow.