Abnormal Type-Moon

As the topic came up, Julis couldn't help but glance over.

Honestly, she was desperately looking for teammates right now.

But with the Phoenix Festa approaching fast, she still hadn't found a suitable partner. She was inwardly anxious but not used to showing her vulnerable side, so she kept her composure on the surface.

If she still couldn't find anyone by the deadline, she'd have to pick a random teammate, which would seriously hurt her chances. If Kirin Toudou was also planning to enter, then the two of them could totally—

"My uncle has always handled this part for me..."

Mentioning that made Kirin shrink back again.

"My uncle thinks I'm too young to enter now. He says I should wait another two years until I'm stronger before competing. That's safer..."

Her uncle's helping her manage things?

What's he thinking?

Doesn't he realize this Phoenix Festa is a great chance for Kirin to fulfill her wish?

Her uncle's attitude was clearly off. If he truly cared for Kirin, he'd gladly—even proactively—encourage her to use one of her chances now to test the waters, not tell her to wait two years.

"So, what do you think?"

Roy bent slightly to meet Kirin's eyes, locking gaze with her.

But Kirin didn't dare look at him, her eyes darting nervously. Her head sank into her shoulders like an ostrich hiding.

"I... don't know... I'm not very familiar with these things…"

The atmosphere stiffened.

Roy straightened, a deep gleam flickering in his eyes.

Julis also fell silent.

Seeing Kirin's expression, as if she'd cry if pressed further, neither of them wanted to push.

Julis sighed quietly, realizing she'd have to look for others after all.

"It's your training time next. Sorry for holding you up so long. Let's go."

Not wanting to waste more time, Julis glanced at Roy, signaling him to leave with her.

"Don't rush. Actually, I have something else to ask Kirin."

"...."

Seeing Roy approach Kirin again with a bright smile, Julis was speechless.

Is this guy trying to court Kirin? Is that why he keeps pestering her?

But she's only thirteen!

Even if her figure's good, don't you have any moral boundaries?

"Um, is there something else you want to ask?"

Kirin looked at Roy, a little puzzled.

By now, even innocent Kirin could tell Roy's enthusiasm was a bit over the top.

"Well, Kirin, I heard you're really good with swordsmanship?"

Roy kept smiling like he hadn't noticed the strange vibe between the two girls.

"Yes, swordsmanship is all I'm really good at..."

Kirin lowered her head and placed her hand on the sheath hanging at her waist, a hint of confidence added to her expression.

"Actually, I know a few sword techniques myself. I want to have a little spar with you."

"Really?"

Kirin's eyes lit up, visibly excited. The two little tufts of hair at the back of her head even perked up.

Julis's gaze sharpened, and her footsteps paused.

They're planning to spar?

This was a good chance to assess Roy's skill, and Julis wasn't about to let it slip.

"But... my uncle doesn't allow me to duel just anyone..."

Kirin suddenly remembered something; her excited expression vanished, and her hair tufts drooped.

"That's easy—just close the door."

"Eh? Ah..."

Kirin was confused but summoned the spatial window and closed the arena doors.

"All set. Now there's no problem."

Roy smiled like some shady uncle involved in illicit dealings.

"As long as we don't talk about it, no one will know we sparred. Besides, it's just swordsmanship practice, not a duel. It won't affect anything. Don't you think?"

"T-That's allowed?"

Kirin nervously glanced at Julis, eyes full of helpless confusion.

"Uh…"

Julis couldn't help but cover her twisted face and let out a pained groan.

She finally realized.

Roy seemed gentle on the surface, but he was actually extremely headstrong.

Once he made up his mind to do something, it was almost impossible to make him give up.

"...Since your uncle doesn't allow it, how about you two do a 'void sparring' instead?"

Julis sighed deeply, feeling mentally exhausted, and weakly suggested an idea.

"After all, it's only swordsmanship practice. As long as it's void sparring without actually making contact, it should be fine, right?"

"I see, that's a great idea!"

Kirin suddenly understood, the proposal was truly good. Her previously drooping hair tufts perked back up, and she looked re-energized.

"Indeed, surprising! Julis, your brain works pretty well after all!"

Roy also looked genuinely surprised as he praised Julis.

Julis gave Roy a subtle, speechless glare.

What do you mean by 'surprising'?

Did you think I wasn't smart before?

Soon, Roy and Kirin stood three meters apart, each gripping their sword, and assumed a perfectly standard middle stance centered in front of them.

Julis glanced briefly at Kirin but then focused entirely on Roy.

She already knew Kirin's strength well—she had even experienced it firsthand—it was astonishing. But Roy's true strength was still a mystery to her; she felt completely in the dark.

She hoped to get a clear look at his skill through this sparring.

Not to be understated, Roy's stance was quite proper; just standing there gave off an imposing aura.

Yet Kirin, looking at Roy's middle stance, showed a faint expression of puzzlement on her face for some reason.

"Begin!"

Julis, acting as referee, gave the command once both were ready.

At the moment the order was given, Roy took the initiative. As he stepped forward, he swung a very basic downward strike along the centerline.

Kirin saw this and used a footwork technique to sidestep with minimal movement, avoiding the strike. Then, with a wrist flick, she slashed diagonally upward toward Roy from below.

Roy narrowed his eyes—the blade was exactly parallel to his line of sight, making it difficult to gauge the sword's length—so he stepped back to avoid the blow.

Kirin immediately pressed the advantage, swinging a diagonal slash from the right side toward Roy.

Roy estimated the angle and range and used the same footwork technique to dodge. Taking the chance to turn, he condensed his power into the next strike.

But just as he turned, Kirin had already anticipated his move and thrust her sword directly at his chest, aiming for his heart.

"That's it. Winner: Kirin Toudou!"

Julis's announcement rang out from the side.

Kirin exhaled lightly, sheathed her sword, and bowed to Roy.

"Thank you for the lesson."

Roy, however, looked visibly frustrated.

"Kirin, if you don't mind, could you spar with me a bit more?"

"Ah, sure, no problem."

Kirin hesitated briefly, then drew her sword again and took up her stance.

***

Hey readers!

Want to read ahead? 📖 Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster.

🔹patreon.com/aarvan🔹