I Was the Strongest Sword God in My Past Life

part 68

“Casteen.”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go to the conference room.”

“Yes.”

Zzzz… zzzz…

Casteen’s eyes, like those of a fish, were fixed on the travel brochure. It was still a distant story for him.

* * *

The beautiful night view of Cornet City.

In the city center, a small restaurant had three members of the design team, Desire, seated.

“Wow, this guy is a total monster!”

Fatal gazed at his phone in admiration, his tongue flashing a 5.

“This is a student? And today, the leader of AIA turned it over to one person, and you’re asking him all these questions? Look, real-time search. Jean Russell, Arkan… Ah, but you missed a girl, too?”

Fatal wagged his phone like a joke, and Chloe’s forehead furrowed.

“…I’m just a low-ranking officer, what can I do? Even if I’m ranked 7th.”

Chloe smiled slightly and looked at the tall, handsome man sitting next to her.

“The responsibility lies with Illusion, who’s ranked 3rd.”

As the signs of division appeared, Fatal’s words grew faster.

“That’s right! Chloe’s combat power is well-known, but she’s only 4th grade. But you, Illusion, are 6th grade and you’re letting her get away.”

Illusion didn’t respond.

He just looked at Fatal with cold eyes and then licked his lips.

“…Hmm.”

“Hey, that’s too much! But when the leader comes, I’ll ask again, but can you leave it like this?”

Fatal’s question was met with Chloe’s response, which was a casual, noncommittal tone.

“What?”

“The name of the designer doesn’t matter. We each pursue what we want. That’s the end.”

In line with Illusion’s words, the Desire members each had their own goals. The only one who could bind these free-spirited individuals together was the leader.

Except for the leader, most Desire members didn’t care about each other.

“So, leave it or kill it! Do as you please! The scheduled meeting time is already 10 minutes past, and no one’s coming, and the leader’s not here! Just do as you please!”

As Fatal left the cafe, the people who had been frozen like dolls began to move again.

“What’s the matter with the clock?”

“Is that what you ordered… all gone?”

At the sight of this, Chloe let out a sigh and whispered to Illusion in a soft tone, unlike before.

“Can’t you get the kids to behave? What’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

“That kid, Ji-en, is quite intimidating, isn’t he?”

Just thinking about Ji-en made Chloe’s side ache, as if she had left an open wound. Yet, Illusion’s evaluation was stern.

“It’s all about exceptional swordsmanship.”

“Hmm, unexpected? But there’s something fishy. Are you hiding something?”

Saying this, Chloe drew closer to Illusion. The numbers 7 on her collarbone, revealed by the deep neckline of her shirt, seemed to gleam faintly.

“Just a student, barely. There’s no danger from Desire yet. But if we’re blocked in front of us, then……”

Illusion spoke coldly, finishing her sentence.

“I’ll take care of it myself.”

Although the other members hadn’t arrived, Chloe stood up from her seat. She glanced at the building across the street, then pulled out her wand, a velvet cloak, from her bag.

“I get it. But before the commander arrives, can we take care of this ourselves? Let’s have some fun.”

“……If it becomes a burden, we’ll abandon it.”

Illusion and Chloe headed towards the building on the opposite side. This building, known as AIA, was the most heavily guarded artifact repository in Cornet City, famous for its strict security. However, today’s opponent was a 6th-grade SABER of Desire.

Illusion’s shoes changed to boots, and a dark, shadowy aura enveloped the building.

“……Ji-en Russell. Who are you, exactly?”

With a complex expression on her face, Illusion put on a mask.

* * *

After the competition.

Selphie and Raymond, the two deans, received an invitation from the chief of the Gate Management Agency, Metis.

[The Devourer]

A high-class restaurant, prepared with a private guest room, served exquisite courses non-stop.

“It’s an honor to bring together two deans at one table. Truly, a great privilege.”

Metis spoke softly, humbly, and Raymond responded with a pleased expression.

“Not at all. We’re busier than you, Chief. But what’s the matter at Central?”

“Before we discuss the matter, I’d like to express my gratitude. Thanks to Arkan and Selya, my position has become more prominent, after all.”

Metis’s policy was straightforward.

“Now, with limited hands. The Gate Agency needs the help of such talented individuals.”

The current Saber is strong, even among students. They can also participate in the Gate.

Methys had already expected Cellius’s response, and he answered with a loud laugh.

“Hah hah hah! We’ve already heard the truth. Who else would take on the Arkana if we didn’t?”

Raymond agreed.

After all, the first starting point is a virtual Gate. Considering it as a student’s experience, it’s an unconditional advantage.

“Hah hah! We’re fine with that. How many people do we need?”

Raymond asked with a friendly tone, and Methys raised three fingers.

“Three people are enough.”

“Wow, only three people for a 4th-grade Gate! Even if we’re Arkana, it’s not going to be easy! Hah hah hah!”

Cellius’s humility was rejected by Methys, who shook his head.

“No, the Gates that students can clear are 5th-grade.”

The restaurant fell silent.

Raymond seemed to be considering something, putting down his utensils and asking.

“Even if we’re from the same school, 1st-graders clearing a 5th-grade Gate is too much of a challenge. And three people… “

“It’s not that. The number of participants is three from each school. We have a 5th-grade Gate with a minimum of six people, so it’s fine if there are more.”

Methys wanted to bring along the members who had participated in the competition, including Gee, Isabelle, and Chris from Arkana, and Lucia, Kua, and Demona from Seliya. With these members, they would have an unbeatable team, unmatched by any other 1st-grade team.

“Ah, so you’re saying that the school and Arkana should unite?”

Raymond didn’t hide his discomfort, and Methys continued speaking in a softer tone.

“It’s virtual, but… 1st-graders clearing a 5th-grade Gate. This is an unprecedented event in history. To achieve this, the only way is for Arkana and Seliya to combine their strength.”

The union of Seliya and Arkana.

The first-ever clearance of a 5th-grade Gate by 1st-graders. The two principals intensely thought and then shook hands.

“Anyway, Raymond.”

“Go ahead, Cellius.”

“Since we’re going to unite, we’ll need to have the members live together… That’s only natural for our school, of course.”

“Ha ha! What a ridiculous idea! It’s only natural for Seliya to build a new building.”

Since the principals couldn’t reach an agreement, Methys pointed to a plate on the table.

“What do you think? Let’s make a bet with Number Cookies.”

Number Cookies are small pieces of paper with numbers from 1 to 9 written on them.

“The side with the higher number wins.”

Selfiglia held a cookie in her hand and gazed at Raymonde with a sidelong glance.

“Good!”

A 5th-grade student from the 1st grade’s challenge to the gate.

And the alliance of Arcana and Sylia.

That historical moment began with a cookie while sitting in the restaurant.

The day after the competition ended.

Outside the Arcana’s periphery, a vast lake, Jien spread out a blanket and lay down. The harmony of the cool breeze and warm sunlight was just right.

‘It’s still a good rest after working hard……’

Jien could relax so comfortably, thanks to Selfiglia’s consideration. It was the festival promise.

Jien didn’t know, but it seemed that Selfiglia had declared that if Arcana won the competition, he would hold a festival the next day.

‘When did he make such a promise……’

Selfiglia was indeed a consistent person.

He was generous to students who achieved good results. But since Jien had brought back the championship, Selfiglia’s mouth was agape, saying:

[Oh, yes! Since our school’s hero has returned, this is the least we can do!]

So, he gave everyone, including students and faculty, a group holiday.

The festival was held immediately, without delay.

However, the festival was only the beginning of Selfiglia’s reward.

[What if the reporters and guild scouts come? Where can Jien rest then?]

Selfiglia controlled the entry of journalists and guild scouts for Jien. For Selfiglia, who prioritized the school’s honor and publicity, it was a bold move.

And Selfiglia didn’t forget the material benefits.

500 SP and a trophy.

[The dormitory is now yours to enjoy! And in addition, I’ve prepared a separate subsidy for the dormitory, so you can use it for a big deal.]

Selfiglia made a circle with her thumb and laughed, then left.

‘What a consistent person indeed.’

And thanks to that consideration, Jien was finally able to rest properly.

About an hour later, a familiar voice echoed.

“I found you! You’re here! Here!”

Chris approached noisily.

“Ah, this is fine, I guess.”

Isabel’s eyes were glued to the pudding.

“Ey! Party host! Why is the main character of the festival here, sulking around?”

Amy, who had started using honorific language at some point, looked at Jen with a puzzled expression.

Jen, who was still lying down, asked, “What’s here?”

Still lying down, Jen asked, “What is this?”

Chris sat down beside Jen and said, “It seems to be a quiet place, but since we’re all freshmen and sophomores, nobody’s looking for anyone.”

“That’s the power of broadcasting!”

Amy’s expression suddenly turned complacent as she continued to talk.

“Hehe, it’s not just the school that’s the topic. Look at this!”

Amy pulled out a large smartphone from her pocket, revealing the largest Saver-related community site.

“Mostly, it’s just the battle survival story. Most of them are talking about Arkanas……”

“Ay, Amy, is this a drinking broadcast?”

From noble mtl dot come

Amy was interrupted mid-sentence as Chris touched a post.

[Believe it!]

The video was short.

Amy, with a bright smile, spun around in her school uniform jacket, laughing and saying “Yahahah!”

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward.

Chris glanced around uneasily, and Amy narrowed her eyes.

“……What are you looking at? My broadcast is always like this.”

“Don’t bother looking at that. A collection of gluttonous Arkanas? What’s this?”

The content of the post was far from exciting. Isabel was eating chocolate, cookies, and candy, her mouth full of treats…….

“…….”

Before Isabel could see it, Chris quietly pressed the back button.

The other posts were all the same.

“A collection of innocent smiles. Chris’s differences……”

Chris handed the phone back to Amy, his eyes confused.

“……That’s all for this theme.”

Amy, who had calmed down a bit, quietly put the phone away.

A moment of silence.