First Floor Facility – Ceremonial Hall:
"Mimily Chatelet, I grant you the blessing of ice!"
"Phew."
Beam!
"Lyril Marze and Gordon Barret, you are granted admission into the Fire Faction!"
"Y-yes!!"
"Thank you, Sir! We won't let you down!"
Beam!
Beam!
All around the hall, the remaining Colorless of the 401st cohort were chosen—one after another, or in small clusters. The Second Bloom was drawing to a swift end.
From the stage, Kreutz Harlon observed it all with a faint scoff. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
"How far the elemental factions have fallen," he muttered. "I know they're desperate for fresh blood, but these are just children. Barely out of school."
He adjusted his gloves.
"They're still wet behind the ears. Spending some extended time among the Colorless would do them well. Let them learn how insignificant they really are."
Behind him, his assistant Charles forced a tight smile.
"You are truly wise, Paramount." …And cruel.
Above the crowd, Arbiter Creirwy Serah glided over the hall on her broom, eyes scanning the floor below. Her smile beamed with delight.
"Wow, everyone got selected. That might be a new record…"
Well, everyone who's here anyway.
Her smile faded, just for a moment. Then she snapped her fingers.
"Well, that's just how life works! Congratulations, everyone! The Bloom is almost over, so please go join your factions!"
From the stands, Colette and Wignall leapt up in alarm.
"But Will and Julius aren't here yet!"
"They'll be disqualified if the Bloom ends!"
Twitch.
Kreutz's ears pricked at their voices. Slowly, his mouth curled into a sharp, vicious grin. He stepped forward, arms open.
"Punctuality is the mark of an esteemed high mage. If Will Serfort and Julius Reinburg can't manage that, then they are truly unworthy of ascending the great Mercedes Caulis."
He let out a short, amused chuckle.
"Frankly, I suspect the laggards failed to produce an effective strategy… and now cower in despair, hiding to avoid the consequences."
He licked his lips.
"But not to worry. As Director of the Upper Institute, I vow—on my honor—to find them and punish them accordingly for daring to waste the time of the great Magia Vander and the rest of my distinguished colleagues."
His theatrics were met with rather varying reactions.
Around the chamber, faces twitched wryly.
Team Lihanna looked furious.
The chiefs and the Vander appeared indifferent, unmoved.
Above them, Creirwy clenched her wand, jaw tight.
Grr! Says the four-eyes who deliberately tried to sabotage them!
Reading her like a book, Kreutz's grin only deepened—cruel,cynical,hungry.
"Those who flee from the purgatory of magical academia and research have no place climbing this tower. We of the Upper Institute will ensure they are relocated—to make their fair contributions to our world."
His gaze shifted to the ice faction stage.
"All to uphold the sky. I trust you have no further objections, Lady Elfaria?"
No response.
"…?"
Kreutz faltered.
Elfaria Serfort wasn't looking at him. Her eyes were fixed on the grand entrance, lit with expectation, cheeks flushed, lips parting into a slow, bright smile.
And just like that—he had a very bad feeling.
Boom!
The towering obsidian twin doors burst open, kicked wide as a certain No-Talent strode in—his Carbuncle familiar bounding beside him.
"S-Sorry I'm late! Will Serfort is here for the Bloom!"
"Mreow!"
Tsk! Kreutz clicked his tongue, not even pretending to hide his dissatisfaction—not that it mattered anymore.
From their faction stands, Team Lihanna nearly leapt with joy.
"It's Will!"
"And Kiki!"
But they froze.
Their smiles faded, mirroring the rest of the 401st cohort.
From the ice faction—a certain Reinburg heir's lackeys—Lunais Alerht and Jhorua Moraine exchanged a glance before voicing what everyone else was thinking.
"Wait… where's Julius…?"
Silence fell over the hall.
All eyes turned to the space behind Will, expecting to see that familiar cocky head of icy blue hair stroll in at any second.
But no one came.
Mimily scratched her cheek, blinking. "Maybe… Serfort split up with him… or abandoned him?"
Silence deepened, heavier now. Dozens of eyes locked on Will—some wide, others narrowing.
They started to see him in a new light.
Elfaria pouted from her throne. What nonsense are they thinking?! Will would never do something like that!
From behind her Vander, Sarissa Alfeld narrowed her eyes.
Still… This is truly odd. Where has Julius Reinburg gone? Has some sort of accident occurred?
At the center of it all, Will stood frozen, feeling the sudden shift in air.
He was as puzzled as anyone.
Huh…? Where's Julius…? Shouldn't he be with Elfie?
His thoughts shattered as a sneering voice called down from above.
"I admit it, Serfort. I didn't think you had it in you to go this far…" Kreutz's voice dripped with condescension. "At least you're not entirely the idealistic waste your classmates are."
He clicked his tongue in mock amusement.
"I would've never guessed you, of all people, would be the first to adapt to this environment."
For the first time, Kreutz looked at Will with the faintest glimmer of approval.
The tower was a dog-eat-dog world. To rise, one must be ready to sever friendships and betray allies without hesitation.
Deciding that Will had done exactly what Mimily suggested, Kreutz felt a flash of admiration—thin, but real.
He was moved by the No-Talent's… pragmatism.
Incindia Barham seemed to agree.
Cariott Wiseman gave a quiet nod, his trademark suspicious smile curling at the edges.
"He truly is a good seed. I'm starting to warm up to him, wouldn't you say so, Logwell?"
Behind him, the blindfolded adjutant nodded. "Yes, Lord Cariott. The boy would make a fine soldier."
Sion and Leopold twitched.
Will nearly coughed up blood.
Being praised by two of the people I despise most in this world… in this way? I could do very well without it.
He noticed a few changes in the crowd. The warmth from earlier—smiles, cheers, relied—had dulled amongst nearly all his classmates.
Some looked confused. Others, reserved. A few… disappointed. Even hostile.
I'm telling you, I didn't abandon Julius!
But he had no answer to the inevitable question: Then where is he?
Clenching his jaw, Will exhaled through his nose.
His eyes rose to the upper stands—and met a familiar witch's gentle smile. She offered a simple hand sign: Everything is fine. Don't worry.
He sighed. Shoulders eased.
He turned away from the stares, gripped his sword, and slid into his stance.
Just trust the Headmistress, Will. Julius has ambition. Whatever he's doing… he's not the kind of guy to stay stuck on this floor.
"Mreow," Kiki purred to her master before hopping over to the Earth Faction's section. Will barely registered her, remaining focused.
Kreutz took Will's appearance and silence as confirmation of his acceptance—his lips twitching with something close to satisfaction—as if he was looking at a kindred spirit.
If only you were a Wand, he mused. I would've let you work in my lab. Maybe even recommend you to a faction.
Snap.
He clicked his fingers and snorted. Whatever momentary admiration he held vanished from his face as he pushed the thought aside.
"That all being said…" He tilted his chin. "At the end of the day, you are a Sword. And so, you have no place among us."
Dun!
From the ground around Will, two Wors Ooze erupted—coiling like twin serpents. Their slow, fluid movements mirrored last week's encounter, but now they seemed larger… more menacing.
Will raised a brow. They seem a bit different… maybe bigger?
Kreutz folded his arms behind his back, reading the thought without needing to hear it.
"I haven't been idle this past week, Serfort," he said coolly. "I personally oversaw the recalibration of these monsters. And improved them."
He adjusted his glasses, eyes gleaming.
"I can now say with one hundred percent certainty… they're immune to Moria Silver."
His gaze hardened.
"Your tricks from last time won't work. Unless you truly use magic, you will not kill them."
He gestured slightly to Will's sword.
"And you are not—at any point—allowed to absorb another's spell. This test is made for you, and it will be carried out by you alone."
Will paused.
Then… almost smirked.
Keh. Now he can't make any more excuses.
Hah. Maybe this guy isn't so bad after all.
Across the platform, Kreutz's expression flattened into one of tired disinterest, as if he'd already decided the outcome.
"Do you agree to the terms, Will Serfort?" His tone grew clipped. "Honorable Magia Vander."
Cariott chuckled. "No arguments here."
Grk.
Will adjusted his goggles, then nodded. "Yes, Sir!"
Kreutz offered a dry nod.
"Then you may… begin!"
Vroom!
The Wors Ooze lunged toward Will.
He dodged smoothly.
And so began a slow, deliberate cat-and-mouse game—Will weaving through the circular stadium, stepping just out of reach, each movement calm and precise.
He wasn't panicking.
He was observing.
No one called out this time. No jeers. No mutters about posturing or wasted time.
Everyone could see it.
He was gauging them.
Clearing his mind. Reading his enemy.
Waiting for the moment to strike.
Ceridwen watched from the upper stands, a soft smile on her lips. Strangely, no one seemed to notice her presence—or they were pretending not to.
Thump.
Footsteps approached.
She turned her head just in time to spot a familiar blonde dwarf making his way toward her.
"Yo, Caldron," the dwarven guide waved, casual as ever.
Ceridwen gave him a smile that wasn't a smile. "Yo, Invess."
Finn twitched, then cleared his throat. "Let's try that again. Hey there, Ceridwen."
Her smile shifted into something gentler. "Hello to you, Finn. I'm a bit surprised. I was under the impression the tower was off-limits to non-mages."
Finn chuckled, settling into the seat beside her with ease.
"Hah hah, you know that rule never applied to me, O Ageless Witch."
Ceridwen adjusted the brim of her hat, as if brushing past the subject.
"Yeah. I also know you've been very busy these past two weeks."
Her gaze sharpened. "We had a deal. You were supposed to leave them alone."
Finn leaned back, resting against the wall behind him. He swung his small legs idly, laughing like a boy with nothing to lose.
"You broke the deal first, remember? You snatched my Sword away. I was just finding something to do with the sudden free time your greed left me with."
He met her stare—slowly, evenly.
"Surely you can't blame me for that, can you? That'd be just a bit hypocritical."
Ceridwen turned back to the arena.
"I suppose it would." Her voice was calm. "But I acted in Will's best interest. It's only here, in the tower, that he can truly Bloom."
Finn's smile deepened.
"And I chose not to intervene because I respect your judgment—and your willingness to place him here."
He followed her gaze downward.
"And now, it's time to see if I was right."
Ceridwen's eyes sparkled. "Then watch."
She placed a hand to her chest, proud.
You led him to the gate, she thought, and through my magic, the spiraling path of the Sword beyond it has already been opened.
Her voice shifted, as if speaking directly to Will now.
You should know the steps by now. So show me. Show us. The new world of the Sword.
Beside her, Finn narrowed his eyes.
Well… he certainly feels different now.
For the briefest moment, Cerdiwen's eyes flicked from Will to the ground beneath his feet.
She furrowed her brows.
What's up with the floor?
Noticing her momentary distraction, Finn chuckled to himself.
You'll see soon, old friend.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Will Serfort:
I closed my eyes.
The twin beasts lashed out around me, but I didn't flinch. My body moved on its own, guided by instinct—by ki. I weaved between their strikes like drifting wind, untouched.
My mind was elsewhere.
Picture it, I told myself.
Picture the book.
In that quiet void behind my eyes, I stood alone in a vast, empty space. But not for long. Across from me stood her—the little girl from all those years ago.
She smiled gently, dressed in white, and held out that book. Her book. Our book.
I reached out and took it, careful not to damage even a single corner.
Then I opened it.
Turn the page. Remember those feelings.
Fwip.
Fwip.
Fwip.
The pages moved, and the past replayed like a story written just for me. Ten years ago, that moment had been everything.
Back then, it was The Adventures of Denma.
Now?
It was The Adventures of Will Serfort.
A picture book—crafted by my hands, for no one but me.
In my palm, a soft silver glow began to gather, warm and ethereal. A rectangular slip of light took shape. A bookmark.
I flipped to the climax of the story.
To Wis' first manifestation.
Find the spot. Place the marker.
Read the lines again and again. Carve them into your soul.
I felt it.
Courage. Will. They surged through me like blood in my veins.
My hair began to turn white.
Retrace the path you've already walked. Relive the story you've already lived.
And now… write a new one.
Etch a new tale by reviving the magic already yours!
Vmm!
My eyes snapped open.
I gripped my sword—and it was no longer what it had been.
Gone was the crude blade wrapped in borrowed flame or ice.
Now it shone—gold and silver, radiant, whole. Not a mimic. Not a shell. A weapon that belonged to me.
It pulsed with something deeper than mana. Stronger than spellcraft.
This was no mere enchantment.
This was… complete.
Feelings Charged: Tearis Wis Reloaded!
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
"What?!" Kreutz froze.
Colette leaned over the railings, eyes wide. "I-Is that a blade of light…? But why does it feel like ice magic?!"
Kreutz clenched his jaw, refusing to accept what he saw. "Impossible! He produced Wis all on his own?!" I refuse to believe it! What trickery did he use this time?!
One of the monsters charged.
Will didn't move.
He raised his sword.
Swish.
He calmly slashed downward.
A burst of icy frost, laced with crackling silver light, erupted from the blade. It severed the Wors Ooze in half. The creature collapsed into a puddle of dissolving goo.
Sariss Alfeld flinched. Guildford Zurgas twitched beside her.
"It's strong!"
"Though… it may not be as strong as an externally charged Wis…"
Cariott finished for him, lounging on his throne. "Even so, it's far more refined. Its force lies somewhere between a middle and higher tier spell... What an unexpected surprise."
Will's brow twitched as he caught Cariott's voice.
Somewhere in between, huh?
No.
This time, I won't leave it to chance.
This time, I end it—with undeniable might.
He gripped his sword tighter.
Put my feelings into the blade. Use them to power it.
Vrm.
The glow around the sword deepened.
But that wasn't all.
Will recalled the sensation of circulating his ki—how it could build, then explode outward like a pressure burst.
Bzt!
Silver light crackled violently along the sword's edge. The energy surged, erratic and raw. He had to grip the hilt with both hands now. The blade trembled, as if charging something devastating.
From her throne, Elfaria let out a breathless gasp. "Will~"
Zeo slammed his armrest, fangs bared in a grin.
"Now that's what I'm talking about! But Anna, isn't that…?"
Annalie Theralde gave a relaxed nod from beside Vander. "Sure seems so, Zeo-bro."
Zeo's hungry gaze deepened.
From the top of the stands, Ceridwen hummed in delight.
"Full marks ♪! You get a gold star, Will."
Finn snorted. "Bit late for that. He's not your student anymore."
He paused, then whistled—fond and impressed.
"Still… seems I was right not to doubt you. Leaving everything in your hands never fails to surprise me."
Ceridwen nearly rolled her eyes. "Are you praising me, or yourself?"
But she smirked anyway.
"Don't pretend you haven't been working your own magic in the background. There's no way Slumland got their hands on a gem as rare as wist by themselves."
She snickered, sharp and amused.
"Real strength and gimmicks don't mix, you know. Spoiling him like this… it might make him dependent on that toy."
Finn didn't flinch.
"He's the new wielder of the fifth element. Surely you can overlook one miniscule gift—call it amends for missing sixteen birthdays."
Ceridwen said nothing.
A complicated expression clouded her face as Finn's softened.
He slowly sat up.
"His vessel is still developing. Right now, his magic amplification isn't strong enough to recharge alone."
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"But with the Wist-Set Silver, he should manage just fine."
He flexed his fingers, sensing Will's growing momentum.
"The memory loss… his hair turning white… Will wasn't ready before. Using Wis nearly broke him."
He glanced sideways.
"But now, after six years at the academy—under your watch—I can finally teach him a few things."
Ceridwen remained quiet. Then, with a soft sigh, she whispered almost to herself, almost to him:
"He might not need you. At all."
"...That's fine. Honestly, it's even better. A sword that can forge its own path, make its own decisions, overcome its trials alone… that's the best weapon you can ask for."
Her smile twisted into something sadder. Bitter.
"So in the end, he's just a weapon. Huh?"
"...That is our destiny."
Finn's gaze returned to the battle below.
The unknown which this witch wishes to see… will you be the one to show it to us? I can't wait to see.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Swish!
Will swung his blade again—and all across the stadium, save for a select few, everyone froze as monstrous magic erupted off him.
Vssh!
A blast of blinding blue light surged outward. Spectators shielded their eyes.
When the light faded and they looked again, they went still as statues.
The remaining Ooze was gone.
The only thing left on the battlefield, besides Will, was a jagged, towering iceberg—cold and terrible.
Kreutz Harlon stood paralyzed.
Charless turned to him, pale with concern. "Sir..!"
He shivered.
One jagged icicle extended from the glacier, aimed directly at Kreutz's face. Its tip touched the right lens of his glasses.
Just a nudge more, and it would've skewered the director's brain.
But it didn't.
Charless didn't believe in coincidences. Not for a second did he think that was an accident.
He swallowed hard, eyes flicking to the swordsman below.
Maybe we're onto something… maybe this boy isn't as pure as he looks.
"...Impossible… Impossible…"
Charless froze.
That voice.
He turned toward it—toward his boss.
Kreutz mumbled, wide-eyed and trembling. The icicle still pressed lightly against his glasses, threatening to pierce his eye.
Crack.
Frost crept across the lens. A fine web of fractures formed, on the brink of splintering.
But Kreutz just kept muttering.
Deranged.
Distant.
Disbelieving.
"Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible…"
"IMPOSSIBLE!!"
Snap!
With a crazed shriek, he slapped the icicle away using a surge from his wand.
Crack!
Shards of ice scattered. The jagged point was gone.
Charless stumbled back, heart racing. "Sir Kreutz?!"
From the stands, the eyes of Sion, Wignall, Colette, Lihanna, and Elfaria lit up.
Bap.
Ceridwen and Finn chuckled, sharing a light fistbump.
Rap. Rap. Rap.
From the Wind Faction's bleachers, Yuno tapped his armrest. His expression was unreadable. Behind him stood Sylor, Jozou, Emma, Arvin, and Monica—silent, tense.
Murmurs spread through the Darth and Dark factions.
"The creatures are all gone…!"
"That output and power—if he were truly magicless, like a dwarf, he could never produce that."
Hidden in the hallway of his faction's entrance, Edward Serfence watched from the shadows, arms crossed.
He snorted. "Isn't that obvious?"
His gaze drifted upward toward one of the floating platforms—toward Incindia Barham.
His eyes narrowed. Don't celebrate too soon, Serfort. The final word… is his.
Crack.
Vrm.
The towering iceberg shattered, vanishing into mist.
Will felt the power drain from his body, ebbing out through his veins.
He looked down at his sword. The glow was gone, dissolving into a faint mirror-like haze.
Back to a normal sword…
So the fifth element isn't limitless. When I charge it myself, the magic burns out faster. I'll have to use it sparingly—
"Not yet!"
The familiar voice sliced through his thoughts.
Will sighed, lifting his gaze. What now?
Naturally, it was Kreutz—furious, loud, and drawing every eye in the stadium.
"I can't accept this! His ilk can't use magic! I refuse to believe it!"
Floating lazily on her broom, Creirwy exhaled.
"...Come on, Kreutz. You're nitpicking now. And don't forget—he is a Rhizanth."
"I AM NOT!" Kreutz snapped like a child denied a toy, voice sharp and desperate.
"Will Serfort has never once been documented using magic until the Terminalia! He's even reported to lack our night vision!"
He gestured wildly toward the arena. "Nothing about this defective alien resembles us—aside from his appearance!"
Will clenched his fist.
Kreutz pointed straight at him, voice ringing.
"If he cannot explain the mystery of his powers, how can he call himself a mage?!"
He spread his arms wide, as if appealing to reason.
"And how do we know his sword isn't a magic item?! That's a Wist gem in the hilt, isn't it? A crystal known to amplify—and occasionally produce—magical energy!"
Cariott offered a calm nod and an unbothered smile.
"Well, that's certainly true."
From the Earth Faction's seats, one of the elders—Rose's grandfather—tapped his cane lightly.
"However… it's not unheard of for wands to be made with similar material. And if you consider his sword to be his wand, then…"
A figure cloaked in black from the Dark Faction shifted, voice low.
"Either way, this is without precedent. Especially if he's using the Wist as a source, not merely an amplifier…"
He leaned forward slightly.
"We must be prudent in how we proceed."
Sarissa gulped from the Ice Faction's section.
This only proves how much of an outlier Will Serfort is. Even the faction leaders can't agree on how to handle him. However…
Rumble.
She, along with the other new recruits of the Ice Faction, instinctively backed away from Vander's throne as Elfaria's brooding deepened. Her expression grew darker with every breath.
She was very close to blowing.
The only ones who can really settle this are the Magia Vander. But with Lord Cariott's position unclear, and Lady Elfaria unable to intervene due to her… questionable history with Serfort—lest she be accused of favoritism—Kreutz will have his way.
Sarissa's gaze drifted across the other platforms—to Thorzeus Fudge and Elleaf Cannan.
Is there no way to get another Magia Vander on our side?
Emboldened by the lack of resistance, the Upper Institute director raised his voice louder.
"Use of any equipment in the Bloom, save for a wand, has been strictly prohibited for 500 years! We must thoroughly investigate this variable to ensure he is in full compliance with the rules—"
"Must we?"
The chamber fell silent.
A soft voice had cut Kreutz off.
Will blinked.
Kreutz did too.
Everyone turned.
To the Wind Faction.
To Solphis Neamhain.
Kreutz squinted behind his glasses.
"What was that, Yuno Grinberryall?"
Yuno rested his cheek against his palm, looking utterly indifferent.
"You heard me, Kreutz. But I'll repeat it."
He met Kreutz's gaze. "Must we put up with your farce any longer?"
Kreutz's expression soured. "Mind your tone, Sir Grinberryall. You're insinuating baseless rhetoric—"
"Am I?" Yuno cut in, his stare flat and razor-sharp.
"Oho?"
Across the chamber, Finn raised a brow, a subtle smile tugging at his lips.
He was very much enjoying where this was going.
Yuno pointed up at Kreutz from his seat. "You've consistently undermined Will Serfort's attempts to join a faction. Your excuses grow weaker—and more pathetic—by the second."
Will blinked. Who is this guy… and why is he helping me?
From the Fairy Faction, Wignall narrowed his eyes. So this is the mysterious Wind Chief.
Kreutz ground his teeth. "They aren't pathetic excuses—"
"Yes, they are."
Yuno cut him off again, voice flat.
"I wasn't present, but according to reports from the last Bloom, you said that should Will Serfort slay the Wors Ooze again, you'd stop opposing faction interest in him."
He spread his hands.
"Yet here we are."
He tilted his head. "And don't treat us like fools. We all have eyes and ears on the first floor. We know exactly what kind of trap you sprung on him earlier this week."
Members of the 401st cohort exchanged confused glances.
Trap? What trap?
They turned to their superiors—but the highmages remained unreadable, their gazes tight and silent, watching Yuno with thinly veiled interest.
Yuno's eyes flicked toward the grand doors.
"Julius Reinburg's absence is… quite concerning."
He turned his attention back to Kreutz.
"The Tower upholds the principle of giving everyone a fair chance to prove their worth. And yet you sullied that ancient creed."
His voice sharpened. "Now you even have the gall to invoke tradition—after breaking protocol yourself? How hypocritical."
The cohort snapped their eyes to Kreutz, the Ice Faction members leading the charge.
What did this guy do to Julius?!
Kreutz flushed. "Silence! And stop cutting me off!"
"I am completely within my station to assess any threats to this Tower—and deal with any who disturb it! It is my duty to manage the Colorless and oversee the factions as a neutral party—"
"Incorrect."
Yuno's voice struck like thunder.
The Paramount was left speechless.
Yuno rose from his seat, walking with calm precision to the front railing.
He leaned forward, casting a brief glance at Will, then turned to face Kreutz—and the watching factions.
"Your role is to assist us Blessed. Not to manage us. And certainly not to interfere with us."
His golden eyes glinted as his voice dropped lower, colder.
"You are the Director of the Upper Institute Colorless—a kind of chief in your own right. But you are not a neutral party."
He lifted a hand toward the arbiter. "She is."
"Tee he."
Creirwy flashed a peace sign.
Yuno continued without pause.
"Yet you've vastly overstepped your authority. And now you dare to tell us which candidates we can and can't scout?"
He narrowed his gaze. "That's audacious."
"As an Ascendant and a Chief of an Elemental Faction, you rank below me—both as a highmage and as a tower leader."
His voice turned steely.
"So I'd love to know where you got the gall to lecture me... let alone a Vander."
He gestured to Elfaria.
"T-That?!"
Kreutz flinched as the once-fixed stares on Yuno began to drift—now turning sharply toward him, and not with kindness.
Cariott kept smiling, but it no longer resembled anything warm. His gaze fixed on Kreutz, sharp and unkind.
"Yuno is right, Kreutz," he said coolly. "I was merely showing you some respect… and to think you'd take things this far."
He stretched in his seat, exaggerated and leisurely.
Then his eyes snapped open—revealing blazing crimson pupils that seemed to burn straight through flesh and soul.
"I feel rather… insulted, Kreutz. No one likes being taken advantage of."
Cold sweat rolled down Kreutz's spine. His knees threatened to buckle.
But he forced himself upright and jabbed a finger at Yuno, voice cracking.
"Silence! You! Look at you, lounging in that glorified chair of yours! Do you really think you're a Vander?! You have no right to threaten me!"
Yuno didn't even blink.
He stared down with mild disgust. "If facts threaten you, it only proves you're on the wrong side of history."
Kreutz flushed again. His lips curled.
"I WON'T HAVE MY GOOD NAME BESMIRCHED BY A FILTHY TRAITOR!!!"
Yuno's eyes narrowed.
Behind Kreutz, Charless forced a tight smile. Sir… I thought you didn't want to antagonize him.
"Traitor?"
Everyone turned.
Incindia Barham spoke again, calmly stroking his chin, his tone light but intrigued.
Cariott raised a hand. "That's quite the accusation, Kreutz. I hope you have proof for it… otherwise..."
Kreutz gulped.
But then he straightened, clearing his throat.
"Yes. I have an announcement to make."
He glanced around, letting the moment hang.
"Solphis Neamhain officially captured Floor 40 as of last week."
"Huh?"
"Really?"
"Floor 40?"
"No way!"
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Kreutz nodded again, his voice laced with theatrical triumph.
"It may sound impressive… but I hope no one's forgotten the Terminalia."
His tone darkened. "Without a certain notorious monster, Floor 40 might not have been any more of a challenge than Floor 37."
The audience froze as realization began to creep through their minds.
Cariott sat up straighter, a shadowed smile curling across his lips.
"You mean…?"
"Yes, Lord Cariott!" Kreutz jabbed a finger at Yuno. "What a perfect time it was to capture one of the High Ten, without the Devander present! I refuse to believe such luck was just a coincidence!"
Will tensed.
The Devander…?
Does this guy have something to do with that? Is that why he's standing up for me…?
But when he reached out with his ki, Will felt no malevolence from Yuno.
That didn't comfort him.
Because he didn't feel anything at all.
Yuno's presence was like still air—cold, unreadable.
Will took a small step back.
Yuno twitched.
He'd noticed.
As did the room.
Tap. Tap.
Cariott rapped his knuckles lazily against his armrest, then let out a sharp laugh.
"Kreutz… if you're suggesting something as high as treason over baseless speculation, then you've truly disappointed me."
Kreutz shook his head. "Of course not, Lord Cariott!"
"Then?"
Kreutz turned back to the Wind Faction and thrust his arm skyward.
"Reports—from the Wind Chief himself—state that he challenged Floor 40, a dead floor, with a mere group of three! Alongside Sylor Silvamillion and Terzo Auguste Pennacallis!"
He swept his arms wide.
"Surely you see what I'm getting at? To go that low—to challenge such a floor without even a proper party? Grinberryall must be delusional, thinking himself on the level of the VANDER—"
He paused for effect.
"Or he knew."
His voice dropped, sharp with accusation.
"He knew capturing the floor would be a breeze. And given his evident intelligence, it's clear it's the latter. Which means—he was aware of the Devander's absence beforehand!"
Kreutz laughed, high and triumphant.
"What's more, his background has always been suspicious! He's been flagged as an individual of interest for years! If this isn't grounds for espionage and treachery, then what is?!"
Selia let out a deranged chuckle from the Fairy Faction. "Is this guy really calling my brother a traitor?"
Wignall shivered.
Hah.
Yuno let out a slow, exasperated sigh.
The weight of the room shifted again.
Almost every stare now bored into him—cold, harsh, suspicious. Just like they had for Kreutz, moments earlier.
He'd been expecting it.
But still…
Six long years. Down the drain.
Yuno Grinberryall made a quiet, solemn vow to himself.
The next time I see Mereoleona… it's on sight.
Yuno ran a frustrated hand through his hair. Across from him, Cariott pointed with a composed smile.
"Yuno Grinberryall, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Yuno raised a brow.
Kreutz froze. "Sir?! Why're you letting this criminal speak—"
Cariott lifted a hand, silencing him. "Although you've certainly connected several foreboding dots, it's still just conjecture."
He offered Kreutz a dark smile. "You don't expect me to sentence a chief and ascendant on such frivolities without giving him the chance to respond, do you?"
Kreutz gulped and lowered his gaze. "O-of course not, Lord Cariott."
Just whose side is this guy on?!
All eyes turned to Yuno.
He studied Cariott for a long moment, then nodded. "Very well. If we're entertaining guesses and conspiracies, I have one of my own. It also concerns the Terminalia. Would you like to hear it?"
Cariott folded his arms in his lap like the noble he was. "Please. Go ahead."
Yuno crossed his arms. "I first ask myself—and my distinguished colleagues—when the sky, or more specifically the tower, is under threat, who is the first line of defense?"
"The Colorless, of course," Cariott answered.
Yuno nodded. "Exactly. So then, why was it that during the invasion—when Urbus Rigarden was under siege—there wasn't a single report of backup or response from the Upper Institute or the Colorless?"
Kreutz stiffened. The highmages exchanged uneasy glances.
Yuno clicked his tongue. "Quite suspicious, wouldn't you say? The Blessed were ordered to remain in place by Lord Masterias, from what I heard. But what excuse did the Colorless have? The only ones who fought were our patrolling highmages, academy members, and the dwarves."
His gaze cut toward Kreutz. "According to my adjutant, there were definitely pleas for support—from my mages and yours. Yet the Upper Institute remained silent when they were needed most."
Cariott nodded slowly. "Quite suspicious indeed."
"Tch!" Kreutz ground his teeth, cold sweat clinging to his face. "T-that's because we couldn't leave the first floor empty and unguarded—"
"That's what we have the Guardians for," Yuno cut in, then shrugged. "Besides, with the numbers from my faction, along with the Dark and Earth, we could've split up to guard both floors—with or without you."
He snapped his fingers. "Fast forward to today. Every faction, save for the Light and Elves, has lost a hefty number of subordinates. And now Kreutz is sending us scouting recommendations… for the Colorless."
Yuno's voice sharpened. "Colorless who, I remind you, have been under his purview for years—likely loyal to him. If he gets his way, he'll embed them within all our factions, slowly encroaching with his own authority… until he's the true king of this tower."
Kreutz shivered as the room turned on him. But Yuno wasn't finished.
"Even if Kreutz Harlon didn't assist the invaders directly, the gross negligence of withholding support makes him complicit in the losses."
Yuno's gaze dropped. "Losses that would've been astronomically higher if this one hadn't stepped up. And yet, how do we repay his kindness? With ingratitude. I say that reflects more poorly on us than anyone."
Will's eyes widened. His vision misted slightly as he felt something new pulsing in Yuno's ki.
Acknowledgement.
Really? Who is this guy?
Kreutz's face twisted. "This is all heresy! A pathetic attempt to sow discord and dissent between me and the rest of you—"
"So?" Yuno interrupted coldly. "Isn't that exactly what you just tried to do with me? If you want an investigation on me, fine. Just be sure to consent to a thorough search of your lab in return. I assume there's nothing in there that shouldn't be… right?"
Kreutz stiffened.
Yuno pressed on. "After all, the Colorless were absent during the invasion. No monsters were captured alive, according to every report. So surely you—or your subordinates—didn't sneak out during the chaos to fulfill your own twisted ambitions, ignoring the calls and pleas of your comrades… right?"
He narrowed his eyes. "Because that is the highest form of treason."
Yuno turned to Cariott. "Or am I wrong?"
Cariott chuckled and shook his head. "Not at all."
He looked down at Kreutz, who was still sweating bullets.
"So what will it be, Paramount?"
Kreutz lowered his gaze, trembling.
H-how does he know that!? Is he just bluffing? Has he been spying on me?! But how? Do I have a traitor among my staff… but who?!
He stiffened. The only other person who should know about that Dinoboros… was behind him.
Kreutz gulped.
I'll deal with that later.
For now, he shook his head, eyes lowered.
"I-I apologize for my earlier outburst. It was made in the heat of the moment. I-I rescind my accusation of Sir Grinberryall, b-but I maintain my stance that Will Serfort simply doesn't belong here—"
"Oh, for fuck's sake."
Zap!
Every head turned toward the Thunder Faction platform.
Thorzeus Fudge was on his feet, lightning crackling across his body as he dug a finger into his ear with a deep frown.
"So all of Pretty Boy's talking was useless? I'm done with this shit. If you want a Vander's stamp of approval, let's just see what he's made of the old fashioned way."
The Wand of Thunder smirked slowly, casting a hungry stare down at Will that sent a shiver straight through him.
Elfaria rose to her feet. She didn't like that look. "Zeo—?!"
Zeo's earrings swayed as he pointed a finger down at Will.
"Oi. Four-eyes. Yeah, you. One hit."
Will blinked. "Huh?" Why does this guy seem so familiar?
Bzt.
A tiny ball of lightning spiraled at Zeo's fingertips.
Komari let out a sigh and pulled Lihanna a few steps back, surprising her.
Zeo didn't stop.
"Survive. And you got my vote, alright?"
Vmm.
He didn't wait for an answer.
"Thunder Roar: Zalgia Saga."
He said it casually, almost lazy.
A nearly incantationless spell shot from his fingers as he mimed a gun pointed straight down at Will.
But that wasn't a gun.
It was a beam—a full-on cannon of piercing thunder.
Elfaria's eyes widened in horror. "Will!! Run!!!"
But where could he run?
Before he could even blink, the attack was already inches from him.
Time slowed. His mind kicked into overdrive.
Evasion? Impossible. The lingering explosion will still kill me.
Defense? Also impossible… unless—
Boom!
The blast struck him head-on, a thunderous explosion erupting into a towering mushroom cloud of flame and smoke.
"WILL?!" Elfaria hissed, voice sharp with fear.
Team Lihanna stood frozen, pupils dilated in dread, waiting for the smoke to clear… and reveal nothing left.
But it didn't.
"Gh… ga-hagh!"
"?!"
Nearly everyone jumped to their feet as coughing echoed through the haze—then Will emerged.
His clothes were singed, dust clinging to him, but otherwise… he was fine. More than fine.
In his hands, a crackling lightning blade roared to life.
"Zalgia Wis!!!"
Guilford blinked in disbelief. "H-he actually survived Great Mage Zeo's attack?! But how—?"
Lihanna's eyes darkened. Do you want my friend dead?
Annalie rolled her eyes. "You really need to do something about that worshipping of yours. Have you forgotten he can literally absorb spells? He charged the thunderbolt the moment it hit and halved the power."
Guilford flushed. "S-shut up, Theralde. Even so, surviving half of Lord Zeo's attack is still unbelievable!"
Annalie waved him off. "And that's why he looks roughed up, dummy."
"Who are you calling dummy?!"
"You! Dummy!"
"Silence, Theralde! I'll have you running laps all night!"
"Oooh? You want me alone at night? Sweaty to boot? How forward, Guilford. I didn't know you had it in you."
"S-shut up! L-learn some shame, you harlot!"
"Who ya calling harlot, gay boy?!"
"I'm not gay!!"
As the two bickered behind him, Zeo ignored his subordinates and threw his head back, howling with laughter.
"Pft! Ha ha ha ha ha!!"
He looked down at Will, grinning. "You did it, kid! You survived an attack from Thorzeus Fudge!"
He turned to the crowd, arms wide. "You all saw that, right?! He took an attack from a Magia Vander and he's still standing—what more proof do you need?!"
"You have my approval! You don't belong on the bottom!"
Snap.
Zeo snapped his fingers, and his blessing beamed down on Will.
"Come up to the top where you belong, Will Serfort!"
Yuno nodded stoically from his platform. "I concur. I heard my Adjutant gave you his blessing last time, but let me personally extend my faction's invitation again."
Beam!
The blessing of wind descended upon Will as well, leaving him frozen as the lightning blade in his hands slowly faded.
Kreutz watched in horror. He opened his mouth to object—
Zip!
"Huh?!" He stumbled backward, falling onto his rear as Zeo suddenly appeared on his railing, finger pointed directly at his forehead.
As if he knew what Kreutz was going to do before he could.
"You still dare object when a Vander himself has passed judgment?" Zeo sneered. "Well then… if that's the case, survive the same attack and then I'll hear you out."
He tilted his head. "Whaddaya say, Four-eyes?"
Kreutz shivered, then slowly bowed his head.
He understood. Today, he had lost in every way.
"I-I hereby acknowledge Will Serfort's right to ascend the tower."
"Heh." Zeo scoffed and turned away.
Colette blinked. "W-wait, doesn't that mean—?"
Rose patted her on the back, smiling. "That your lover boy finally gets to climb the tower? Yeah!"
Colette flushed and shook her head. "N-no! I mean—yeah, b-but doesn't this mean Will's gotten every faction's blessing… aside from Elleaf Canann?"
The Light Faction didn't count.
The crowd stirred, having heard her.
"S-she's right… that must be some sort of record!"
A dark chuckle rippled from the shadows of the Dark Faction. The hooded figure spoke again.
"Oh, the irony. But I suppose this place wouldn't be called the Graveyard of Wands if we weren't shown up on our own turf by a Sword. This truly is where mages come to gain the world… or lose everything."
The Earth Faction's elders nodded solemnly.
"Yes indeed. Now the only question left is who gets the Sword. But I suppose… that's not really up for debate."
Not a moment after the man had spoken, Elfaria Albis Serfort dashed from her throne and leapt into the air.
"Lady Elfaria?!" Sarissa yelped.
Will blinked. "Elfie—"
Thump!
His words were cut short as she crashed into him, arms wrapping around his body in a tight embrace. His face flushed red.
She rested her chin on his shoulder, tears slipping down her cheeks.
"I'm so glad… I'm so happy for you, Will…"
"..." Sarissa was speechless.
Crk.
Colette cracked the railing she leaned over, fists trembling.
Will stood frozen as Elfaria whispered into his ear, her voice soft and remorseful.
"I'm so sorry. I couldn't help… I wanted to."
Will's shoulders sagged. His expression softened.
Heart pounding, he slowly hugged her back.
"I'm the one who should be sorry—for making you wait so long. So don't apologize. I'd rather see you smile."
Elfaria blushed, letting out a small whimper.
"Y-you promise?"
Will laughed gently, resting his forehead against hers. "Yeah. I promise. From now on, it's going back to the old times. You and me."
Overhead, Creirwy nearly spat blood.
Dammit, Elfaria! I even let you into my secret base! Some kind of single witch you turned out to be, you traitor!!!
Still… the Arbiter couldn't help but smile.
"I don't think we need to ask," she said warmly, "but which faction would you like to join, Will Serfort?"
Will pulled back from Elfaria and turned to Creirwy with a confident smile.
"Yes. I'm going to join Elfie in—eep?!"
Yoink.
A strong arm suddenly looped around his neck, yanking him away.
"Nope." Zeo grinned with a flash of fang. "He's coming with me."
Elfaria paused.
Then a vein pulsed on her temple as her face twisted into a deranged smile.
"What was that?"
The room iced over as a blast of magical energy erupted upward from her. She clenched her fist tightly.
"Read the room, Zeo. Are you an idiot?"
"Are you a pea-brained, witless, man-stealing thief?"
"'He's coming with me'? Who do you think you are? One shameless homewrecker after another…"
"I ought to freeze you to death, you heretic criminal."
Will shivered, struggling to escape Zeo Thorzeus Reinbolt's grip.
"Elfie, calm down!"
He squirmed harder and looked up at Zeo. "Um, Sir? I appreciate what you did for me, really, but please let me go. I'm going with El—agh!!!"
A sudden current surged through them both, blasting out countless joules of electric energy.
Zeo stood unharmed.
Will's eyes rolled back. Steam poured from his clothes. He slumped over like a dead fish—unconscious.
"Will?!"
Zeo casually pushed the limp boy to his knees and placed a hand on his head.
"What was that, kid? You wanna join the Thunder Faction? Well, I guess I'll let you in. Be grateful."
Clack!
Elfaria clicked her tongue, heels stomping across the arena floor as she charged.
"I've had enough of your antics, Zeo!"
She dropped to her knees and grabbed Will. "Give him back!"
Zeo smirked. "Nah."
"Damn you!!"
"What's going on down there…?" Colette sweatdropped as she watched two VANDER play tug-of-war with her crush.
Rose Prenhite scratched her cheek, sheepish. "Looks like Will's being headhunted…"
"I see…" Colette mumbled, then turned around—eyes spinning, a line of drool hanging from her mouth.
"Then maybe the Earth Faction should join in too?! You saw how powerful he is! It'd be great for us! I promise it's not because I want to be near him in the tower!"
Rose sweatdropped. "S-simmer down, Colette…"
But the last remnant of House Loire wasn't listening. She spun toward the Earth Faction elders behind her.
"Come on! What are you waiting for?! You already gave him your blessing—so take him!"
The three old men looked visibly distressed, eyes shifting as they averted her gaze and whistled awkwardly.
"I-it's not that we don't value his… abilities," one muttered.
"N-nor are we scared," another added.
"It's just… when the Vander wants something, that's the sign for the rest of us to back off. Not doing so is suicidal—"
"Wait just a moment."
A loud, stoic voice cut in from above.
Everyone froze.
Their heads turned slowly… back down to the stadium.
An additional figure had stepped forward, staring down at Zeo and Elfaria with complete indifference.
Yuno Grinberryall folded his arms. "I don't like talking."
"..." Everyone blinked.
From her broom above, Creirwy twitched and coughed into her fist. "A-ahem. Yuno, is there a point you're trying to make?"
"…Because if that was it—while we're thankful for your input, which we have no clue what to do with—this is neither the time nor place."
Komari stifled a laugh.
Yuno's expression darkened as he turned toward the bickering Vanders below.
"My point is, I'm not the type to put myself out there for someone else's sake." He jabbed a thumb at his chest. "But I spoke up for him first. So Will Serfort's coming with me."
Elfaria's face darkened as she shot to her feet. "Dammit! It's really men and women alike! Why do you even want him?! Will doesn't suit an emo like you!"
Yuno shrugged. "He seems useful. Besides…" He glanced at the unconscious Will. "I like his type."
Elfaria's complexion darkened even more.
Yuno rolled his eyes. "Not in the way your rotten mind's thinking. Not that it matters. Your reasons aren't exactly pure either."
Zeo laughed. "Prettyboy's right! This guy would be wasted on you."
Yuno snorted. "Stop calling me 'Prettyboy.' I'm older than you."
Zeo didn't get the chance to retort.
"Shut up, Zeo!!" Elfaria snapped. "If you really wanted Will, you would've scouted him at the start like I did! You don't get to show up at the last second and snatch him!"
Zeo still gripped Will by the head, fingers curved like talons.
"I didn't want him then. Now I do. Simple as that."
"Grr!!"
"..."
Elfaria ground her teeth. Yuno stared, unimpressed.
Zeo only smiled—wide and malicious.
"You don't put chains on desire. Just one of the little maxims I live by. Riches, drink, woman, man—I take it all. Whenever I want. However I want. That's what I do."
At that moment, every woman in the room had the same collective thought:
He's an absolute savage.
Guilford nodded from the Thunder Faction stage. "You're truly a paragon of logic and reason, Great Mage Zeo!"
Annalie rolled her eyes. "Augh, you just don't stop."
Picking up on Guilford's voice, Elfaria pointed her hand toward him—pale and graceful, yet dripping with menace as ice danced at her fingertips.
"Forgive me, O great Mage of Logic…" she sneered.
Then she yanked Will back into her arms. "But I don't intend on letting anyone take Will from me… and I'll annihilate anyone who tries!"
She roared, cheeks burning red with determination.
Will, still unconscious, nearly vomited as she hooked him by the stomach.
Zeo's eyes lit up with a predatory grin.
"Hah! Now you're talking my language, Ice Witch! You drive a hard bargain—so let's go, you and me! Winner gets Will! Sounds good?!"
Elfaria nodded sharply. "Sounds perfect!"
Creirwy started trembling, cold sweat running down her neck.
"Nuh-uh. No way am I letting two Magia Vanders duke it out on my watch—and over a boy, no less! Knock it off, both of you—"
"My dear upperclassman, I don't think things will be as simple as you hope" a calm voice interrupted, silencing her.
Cariott.
Creirwy flinched. It was only now she remembered—there was someone else there.
Yuno twitched, unamused. "Are you deliberately ignoring me, or do I not even register in your presence? As I said before, Serfort will be coming with me—"
"Stuff it!" Zeo guffawed.
"This is no place for you to talk!" Elfaria snapped, somehow agreeing with her current enemy.
They both raised a finger and pointed at Yuno in perfect unison.
Bzt! Brr!
Lightning and ice surged from their fingertips, coiling together midair and amplifying in intensity as they shot toward him.
Yuno watched the upper-tier attack spiral toward him, utterly indifferent.
With equal disinterest, he calmly waved his arm.
Whoos.
A soft gust blew from the motion, and the blast gracefully dissipated into nothing.
The room froze.
Everyone—except Elleaf Cannan and Incindia Barham—shot to their feet. But even they wore expressions of interest. Because nameless or not, someone had just nullified a joint Vander attack… effortlessly.
Kreutz blanked.
Yuno sighed, running a hand through his hair again. "Let me be transparent. The reason I challenged Floor 40 with such a small party wasn't due to some treasonous intel or grand delusions, but simple faith in my own abilities."
His expression hardened. "But I know talk is cheap. So I'll silence any lingering doubt with proof. I want in on this battle."
Zeo paused, then licked his lips. "I always knew you were the real deal, Prettyboy. I'm game!"
Yuno's eyes twitched. Stop calling me that.
Elfaria shook her head, visibly less enthused than Zeo. "Absolutely not! As a Magia Vander, I order you to stand down. This is between me and Zeo!"
Zeo sighed. "What a shame… I wanted a good ol' brawl." He turned to Yuno with a click of his tongue.
"Normally I'd back you up just to spite her, but right now, the only thing I desire is the boy. So you heard the witch—beat it."
Yuno sighed. Orders are absolute, huh?
He looked over his shoulder at his faction.
Emma was watching him curiously.
Monica, with a countenance of absolute shock.
Sylor and Jozou seemed indifferent, but he was certain the two were snickering inside.
And last but not least… his adjutant.
Arvin Olus looked at him with an expectant gaze.
Yuno sighed again. Well, I did make him a promise.
He turned and looked up at the floating platforms, focusing on Cariott.
"I believe the allotted period is still active."
Cariott chuckled, amused. "You still have two weeks left. Would you like to exercise your right?"
Yuno didn't hesitate. "I do."
Ellenor Ljos Alf narrowed her eyes. "You do understand the consequences."
Yuno nodded. "I do. I wish to proceed."
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the stadium and hall grew solemn.
Kreutz went slackjawed.
Creirwy gulped.
Edward stiffened from the hallway.
Finn stood up, hands in his pockets. "Well I'll be."
Ceridwen nodded beside him. "I certainly wasn't expecting this."
Guilford and Sarissa looked shocked.
Zeo was electrified. "Hah hah hah, now this is what I'm talking about—bring it on, Prettyboy!"
Elfaria let out a resigned sigh. "Fine, let's get this over with."
The 401st cohort was greatly confused by the sudden 180 from their superiors.
Sion looked to his side in bewilderment. "What's wrong, Mr. Vermillion? What's happening? Why're all of you acting so weird?"
His voice was loud enough to draw the attention of all his former classmates.
Leopold responded stoically, indifferent to all the stares.
"Once a year. At the beginning of the year. All ascendants have the right to challenge the Vander for their thrones… and Sir Grinberryall just exercised that right."
The former students froze.
"W-what?!"
"There's no way!"
Emma Clever went slack-jawed as she looked at her superiors.
"Is Sir that strong?! He's actually on the level of a Vander?!"
Monica trembled. There's no way. There's no way. This is just a dream. This is just a dream. There's no way. There's no way.
Arvin beamed brightly. "The truth will be made clear in a moment."
Yuno cocked his head, challengingly. "If one of you wins, nothing changes. But if I do, I'll be taking both Serfort… and one of your seats. You understand that, right?"
Not that you're allowed to refuse.
Zeo grinned. "You're on, Prettyboy!"
Elfaria clenched her fist. "You'll be walking away with nothing!"
Yuno glanced over at her, indifferently. "On the contrary. I'll be taking everything."
Creirwy snapped her head to the remaining Vander. "You're really going to let this happen?! Now is not the time for a power struggle!"
Cariott shrugged her off with a smile. "The rules are the rules. I don't make them—just exercise them. Yuno is completely within his rights. Moreover, this will shine a light on Kreutz's earlier accusations. I need to see Grinberryall in action."
Ellenor nodded. "Besides, this will only do us good. Losing the sloth or the savage—I for one prefer they kill each other. Paradise knows this tower is in need of a thorough cleaning."
"Oh come on!" Creirwy cursed.
Finn chuckled from his seat. "Well, what can you do? The Vander are free to act as they please. And Yuno isn't breaking any rules here."
Snap!
From the stadium, Yuno flicked his fingers—and suddenly, Will's unconscious form was lifted by a gust of wind.
Then he was launched into the stands like a cannonball.
Elfaria hissed. "What do you think you're doing?!" she yelled, anxious and sharp.
Yuno replied flatly. "Sending the prize to a neutral party."
"Huh?" She paused, watching with Zeo as Will dropped from the ceiling toward a pair seated at the top.
Finn whistled. "Caldron. Incoming."
"..." Ceridwen blinked, then gently flicked her finger.
Before Will could smash face-first into the ground—likely dying or earning a permanent concussion—he froze mid-air, stopped by levitation magic.
Ceridwen calmly set him down beside Finn.
The dwarf smiled at the trio. "We'll take good care of the Sword. Have fun!"
Zeo smiled and took a step back. Elfaria did too, but not without giving Yuno the stinkeye.
Soon they stood across from each other, almost equidistant in a triangle.
Yuno heard a voice in his head.
Hmmp? Who does this brat think she is, staring at my darling? Let's destroy her first—
No, Bell, Yuno cut Sylph off.
Huh? he heard her confused voice ring in his mind.
He clenched his fist, responding mentally. I won't be using you. Nor star magic. Doing so would be meritless.
I'm going to win, here and now, with my wind alone. That—and only that—will mean something, and show that I'm finally at the level I've been training for six long years.
Never again will Yuno Grinberryall accept being helpless and useless when his grimoires and spirit were stripped from him.
…Do as you please.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Author's Notes:
[1] Finally. After 28 long chapters, I'm finally at the part of the story—the battle I've been dying to write since the very beginning. Honestly, it's the biggest reason I started this fanfic in the first place.
[2] I'm heading out on a five-day trip to Pittsburgh starting Thursday. You might get one more update before then, but otherwise, the next chapter won't drop until around next Wednesday. It's going to take a while—not necessarily because of length, but because turning a 1v1 into a 1v1v1 is no small task.
[3] If you'd like to chat, discuss the story, or hang out, feel free to join the Discord: https://discord.gg/s3MME8X8ar