"..."
As the time for the match drew closer and closer, Ikki still failed to appear. One by one, everyone fell silent, and a tense atmosphere spread through the air.
There was nothing they could do.
If Ikki failed to arrive on time, the consequences would be severe.
This match was extremely important to Ikki. If he could not arrive in time, he would surely be disqualified, losing his chance to participate in the Seven Star Sword Festival—and his chance to become the Seven Star Sword King. He would also be unable to graduate from Hagun Academy successfully and receive his official Magic Knight license.
When that happened, Ikki's wish to become an outstanding Magic Knight would be shattered as well.
Although missing this year's Seven Star Sword Festival would not necessarily matter—Ikki could simply challenge it again next year—no one knew what the situation would be like then.
Perhaps Shinguji Kuroono would no longer be around next year, and the academy would once again oppose Ikki.
Perhaps the representatives would no longer be chosen through a selection tournament, but by ability rankings once more.
If things really turned out that way, Ikki would find it extremely difficult to get another chance to graduate.
That was why this year was an exceptionally rare opportunity for Ikki. If he missed it, it might become a lifelong regret.
Therefore, Ikki would never miss the match. He would definitely come.
And yet, Ikki still had not arrived.
Was he merely late? Or was Ikki no longer able to arrive at all?
How could the tension not spread when they thought of that possibility?
"Shizuku." Stella could not help asking, "Is Kurogane really going to be all right?"
"Of course he will." Shizuku replied without hesitation. "Big Brother will definitely arrive in time. Absolutely."