Kazuto woke up earlier than usual, his messy bed-hair sticking out like some kind of wild hedgehog. Arisa was still rubbing her eyes, but when Kazuto grabbed his bag and yawned, she tilted her head.
"Eh? Where are you going this early? School doesn't start for another hour."
Kazuto smirked, stretching like some kind of anime protagonist who thought he was cool (spoiler: he wasn't).
"To town. I have something to buy."
"Something to buy?"
"Yep you'll see.But for now I'll off!"
The Blacksmith's Shop
The town was already lively. Merchants yelling prices, children chasing each other, and knights clanking around in armor. Kazuto wandered through the cobblestone streets until he spotted a blacksmith's sign hanging from a rusty chain.
"This blacksmith looks cool.This shop must have good weapons."
Inside, the shop, there were lot of swords, spears, and shields displayed at the walls. Kazuto's eyes locked onto one.
A long, sleek, black one-handed sword. Its blade shimmered faintly under the lantern light.
Kazuto's eyes sparkled.
"Oh… oh my god. This is it."
The shop owner, an old man with arms like steel beams, raised an eyebrow.
"This one looks good! Right kid?"
Kazuto looked excited.
"I have a request."
"Can I… test it?"
The shopowner nodded and accept.
"Go ahead, kid. Just don't damage it."
Kazuto held the sword and gave it a swing. He tried a few moves. His movements were far from pro-level, but for him it was good enough for him to fight.
"Perfect…!"
But then—his eyes darted to another identical sword hanging on the wall. His lips curled into a grin.
"Wait… what if I…"
The shopkeeper crossed his arms.
"Don't tell me you're thinking about dual-wielding."
Kazuto said proudly.
"Sir… you're looking at the man who watched Sword Art Online. Of course I'm dual-wielding."
The blacksmith blinked.
"What's a sword art online?"
"Something.. PEAK."
"Don't worry, readers, You get the reference."
Moments later, Kazuto walked out of the shop with two black swords strapped on his back in a cross. His steps were heavy, but his smile was brighter than the sun.
"Finally! I've become the black sword man!"
Back at the Academy
Arisa spotted him the moment he stepped onto campus. Her eyes widened, pointing at the swords.
"Why do you… have two swords on your back?! Are you planning to fight a dragon or something?"
Kazuto puffed out his chest.
"Listen, Arisa. I can't use magic, but if I still want to fight, I need weapons."
Arisa's expression surprised.
"I see…That a great idea! Are you going to change into Magic Warrior?
"Only if I can."
Then they walked back to their class and saw a poster in front of their class and said—
"Attention, students! The annual PvP competition will be held soon! Those who wish to participate, please register with your teachers after class!"
Arisa gasped.
"PvP…? Kazuto, don't tell me you're thinking—"
Kazuto's grin split wide.
"Of course I'm joining!! This is literally my chance to famous!"
"Well that must be your chance to delete your name– A mage without mana."
"I'll rewrite my history again!"
Registration
After classes, Kazuto and Arisa walked straight to the teacher's office. The instructor glanced at Kazuto's F-rank badge, then at the twin swords.
"You want to join PvP…? Are you sure, kid?"
"You can't even use magic."
Kazuto slammed his fist onto the desk dramatically.
"Yes! Even if I'm F-class, even if I have zero mana, I'll fight with these blades!"
Arisa just stood beside him, smiling awkwardly.
"If you joined then…I'll join too, sensei."
The teacher wrote their names into the roster, shaking his head.
"Sigh.. Well good luck on your goal kids!"
Later That Evening
Back at the apartment, Kazuto tapped his chin.
"Arisa, I'm heading to the library for a bit. Gotta research something."
Arisa crossed her arms, leaning on the doorframe.
"Don't stay out too late, okay?"
She gave him a gentle smile. Kazuto's face went red instantly.
"U-Uh… yeah! I won't be late! Definitely! Probably! Maybe!"
Kazuto thinking.Damn it, if she still doing this I'll start liking her...Ohh yeah I'm already liking her...
The Library
The academy library was massive, lined with towering shelves. Kazuto strolled through, eyes darting at every title.
"Mana control for beginners? Pass. Fireball theory? Pass. …Oh, this one—'Battle Between Humans and Demons.' Sounds cool."
He reached out for the book, but at the same moment, another hand reached too. Their fingers brushed.
Kazuto froze. The girl beside him, with light lavender hair tied into a braid, immediately pulled her hand back, her face turning pink.
"I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to—"
Kazuto calmly replied.
"Nah, I don't mind it. You go ahead."
She fiddled with her braid nervously.
"U-Um… were you going to read this book too?"
Kazuto hesitated. Then, with a smile, he pushed the book toward her.
"You can take it. I'll find something else."
Her eyes widened.
"R-Really?"
"Of course. It's just a book. Besides… it looks like you wanted it more."
She hugged the book to her chest and gave a shy bow.
"Thank you… My name is Lyria."
"I'm Kazuto! Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too..Umm I'm in hurry I must go now."
Lyria gave him a small smile before hurrying away, her braid swaying behind her. Kazuto scratched his head.
"Damn..She is soo..Cute."
Then he glanced at the clock. His heart dropped.
"Oh crap! Arisa's gonna kill me if I'm late!"
The Return
Kazuto bolted out of the library like his life depended on it.
Readers, if I don't make it back alive… tell Arisa I loved her smile.Ohh right I forgot! I'm main character.So I can't die haha.