Then, the school festival arrived as scheduled.
Though spring hadn't yet come, the winter chill couldn't dampen the students' enthusiasm. The annual festival was a lively occasion even for those who had long given up on the Festa, and on this day, the entire city of Asterisk buzzed with excitement.
Not only did students from different schools visit each other's campuses, but each academy also prepared various celebratory events. The competitions hosted by different clubs were particularly eye-catching, attracting many visitors who specifically timed their trips to Asterisk to witness the splendor of the six great academies.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
In a quieter corner of Seidoukan Academy—a place few visited even during the festival—Sylvia, now in disguise, arrived following the map's directions and spotted a black-haired boy wearing sunglasses.
Though his outfit made him look like he was trying too hard to be cool, Sylvia immediately recognized him as Roy. The headphones he wore were likely the same type of disguise tool as hers, capable of changing hair color with a single button press.
"You've really thought this through!"
Sylvia approached Roy, giving him a once-over.
Those familiar with him might recognize his build, but to strangers, there was no way they'd guess this was the Festa champion.
"I can't afford to be careless when going out with the world-famous Songstress."
Roy chuckled lightly, casually complimenting Sylvia.
If word got out that he was strolling around with her, her fans would undoubtedly cyberbully him across the globe.
Though Sylvia herself was easygoing, her fanbase spanned all ages and regions—meaning every possible type of fan existed. It would undoubtedly turn into the internet's most chaotic drama of the year. Better to play it safe.
Having already made plans with Sylvia, he couldn't just cancel on her. Besides, Claudia, as student council president, would be swamped during the festival, making it a bad time to ask her out.
As long as Julis and the others didn't find out he was with Sylvia, everything would be fine!
"Thanks for the praise. So, no luck with Xinglou?"
Sylvia covered her lips with a light laugh, her crystal-like eyes twinkling as she looked at Roy.
"I got kicked out."
Roy shrugged helplessly.
"So I was your second choice, then?"
Sylvia nodded knowingly, her tone deliberately nonchalant.
Huh?
Roy suddenly sensed the trap in her words.
But he had no idea how to answer!
Because it was true—she was his second (or even third) choice! No matter how he replied, it would sound like an excuse.
"Any places you want to visit today?"
Roy stiffened his neck, pretending not to catch the hidden meaning in her words as he casually changed the subject.
"Yep! Let's explore Seidoukan this morning and head to Rewolf in the afternoon!"
Sylvia pouted slightly, as if mildly displeased, but she didn't press further, quickly brushing it aside.
The two left the quiet corner and began their tour of Seidoukan.
Throughout the period, Roy had been carefully hiding himself, deliberately concealing his presence to avoid being noticed by any acquaintances within the academy. Fortunately, Claudia was busy, Julis and Kirin were training in the arena to familiarize themselves with their enhanced powers, and Yabuki seemed to have gone off-campus. Aside from them, Roy didn't have any particularly close friends, so the morning passed peacefully.
Sylvia, on the other hand, seemed to be having a great time. She wandered around the academy, enthusiastically participating in competitions hosted by various school clubs and even won several championships.
However, she appeared quite familiar with the place.
"This isn't your first time here, is it?"
Roy leaned close to Sylvia's ear and whispered the question to her.
Warm breath brushed against her, causing Sylvia's ears to instantly turn red.
She lightly brushed aside the stray hair near her ear, covering it as if nothing had happened, and smiled nonchalantly.
"That's right. I came here once last year, but I was alone then and didn't participate in any activities. It was a bit of a pity, so this year I'm making up for it! Every stage of life should be lived to the fullest, don't you think? Otherwise, you'd regret it."
So that's how it was. Sylvia was someone who was very passionate about "living a complete youth."
Roy neither agreed nor disagreed with that sentiment.
For him, life didn't have such distinct stages.
As noon approached, the two left Seidoukan and headed to the Rewolf Black Institute.
Rewolf, with its battle-hungry atmosphere, had activities during the school festival that carried its distinct personality. The fortress-like buildings scattered across the campus had all been transformed into challenge arenas, surrounded by crowds of enthusiastic students. Numerous betting stalls had sprung up around them, with gamblers shouting themselves hoarse, their faces flushed. The entire school was steeped in an underworld vibe.
"It's better to stay away from places like this."
Sylvia frowned and kept her distance from the arenas and betting stalls.
"Let's find somewhere to have lunch!"
Though she was generally tolerant of many things, Roy could still see the clear distaste—even disdain—on her face for Rewolf's style.
"Agreed. I'm not fond of all this noisy commotion either."
Roy nodded in approval and followed Sylvia to a fried rice stall.
After leaving Seidoukan, he had relaxed considerably. If no one inside the academy had recognized him, it was even less likely anyone outside would.
It seemed Sylvia was quite familiar with Rewolf as well.
"Oh my, what a coincidence."
While waiting for their food, Sylvia's gaze fell on the kitchen area.
"So this is the Bloody Valkyrie's stall!"
Following her line of sight, Roy saw a pair of strikingly similar sisters bustling around the stove.
"Priscilla, where does this go?"
"Priscilla, how do I turn this on?"
"Priscilla…"
"Enough! Big sister, go attend to the customers!"
"Oh! Right! Leave it to me!"
Both sisters had vibrant red hair, though the elder sister's was closer to a dark, blood-like shade, and her hairstyle was rather messy, fitting her boisterous personality. The younger sister's hair was lighter, and her demeanor far more refined.
Roy didn't know the younger sister, but he recognized the older one—Irene Urzaiz, ranked third in the Rewolf sequence known as the Bloody Valkyrie. Wielding the Orga Lux "Bloody Scythe," achieving third rank in the fiercely competitive Rewolf spoke volumes about her exceptional strength. In one-on-one combat, even Kirin and Claudia before their power-ups would have struggled against her.
"Their sisterly bond is truly heartwarming!"
Sylvia's gaze softened as she watched the bickering sisters.
"If only Ursula were here with me... Would it be like this too...?"
"Ursula?"
Roy turned his attention to Sylvia beside him, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"Oh dear, did I let that slip?"
Realizing her mistake, Sylvia quickly covered her lips.
"My apologies."
Recognizing this touched upon her private matters, Roy tactfully created distance and remained silent.
"No need to worry—it's nothing I can't share."
Sylvia waved her hand with a smile, signaling he needn't be so formal.
"Ursula was my teacher—the one who taught me singing and guided me in surviving as a Genestellar..."
***
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