I did not expect to see someone like Rixia Mao enter a public martial arts tournament like this. If we're speaking of her lineage, she belongs to a long, long line of assassins who have been prevalent throughout Calvard's history, both before and after the Revolution. It isn't often spoken about, but Calvard used to have nobles, just like Erebonia. They were uprooted and casted out, becoming a Democracy to what we see today. Elections are held. They hire senators. A President, like Calvard's current president President Rocksmith, is hired to keep the other parties in check. Very similar to the United States in my previous life, but they operate more like France. Rixia hails from such a country. Calvard is definitely on my go-to list of places to venture.
After all, I have to check up on Van and see how he's doing, haha!
I don't think Rixia has become an assassin quite yet. I think that is set to take place in these next couple of years. The sword she bears has a striking resemblance to Yin's blade, but it is not the same. Rixia is the fourth assassin-figure I have come across as of now. Ennea was the first. Enforcer III was the second, and Enforcer IX being the third. All of them live lives secretly to the public. Even I'm included in that regard, and so is Emma for being a Witch. The only one I haven't met yet is Sharon, I should pay a visit to Roer sometime soon. The closest I've gotten to the city was the Schwarz Drache Barrier.
As I wondered whether Rixia had become Yin or not, I saw Sherryl move her lips. It looks like she began a conversation with Rixia. The crowd was too loud for us to hear it though.
"So you came all the way from Calvard huh? I traveled around the place myself with Teacher. It's great for training.", Sherryl said, keeping her stance poised. She had her left fist formed while her right arm dropped down near her waist.
"There definitely are many places to train in Calvard. You really have been taught Taito. I've fought many Taito practitioners. You all will fall by my blade.", Rixia stated.
"Hehe. You might be older than me, but I won't go easy on you. I've been travelling the world with Teacher.", Sherryl said. Her own aura began to leak, causing a subtle quake to shake the ground. Rixia stood hers, but her eyes lifted.
"Battle qi at such a young age...?", Rixia uttered, genuinely surprised. I was even surprised to see an earthen green glow appear around Sherryl's body.
"Zin?", I decided to ask, shifting my eyes his way.
"Don't ask me. It just happened. I'm telling you, Sherryl's a genuine monster. Already at age ten, she has her battle qi unlocked. Her opponent is nothing to scoff at, though. She is quite agile. It will be an interesting match for sure.", Zin said. So even he doesn't know, eh? Likely a result from Gnosis, for sure.
"How absurd. Then again, The Immovable is your teacher. I won't go easy on you.", Rixia said, unleashing her own dense purple battle qi. The Arena started to shake even more.
"Hehe, I expect nothing less from someone like you, Rixia. You may be strong, but compared to Naoto's Fiancé...", Sherryl uttered.
"Did you say something just now?", Rixia asked.
"It's nothing.", Sherryl replied, simply smiling back. Yet, for some reason, Sherryl spoke that loud enough for those in the VIP stands to hear. She glanced her eyes around, and landed on mine. Sherryl smiled seeing me in the crowd, but she swiftly turned her head back toward Rixia.
"Cough, cough...", I uttered, letting out a dry cough after hearing that.
"Oh my. This is news to me. Since when have you had a Fiancé, Naoto?", Princess Alfin asked. Angelica just stared at me.
"This is new to me too. Out with it.", Angelica said, also inquiring about my present status.
"I am also unfamiliar with this person.", Kloe said, also surprised.
It's not like I was hiding it or anything...alright? I just didn't have a need to bring it up until now!
"Haha, I simply didn't have a need to bring her up before this. Due to certain circumstances, the actual engagement is on hold. That is, until a certain condition is met.", I began to say.
"Indeed. Naoto needs to beat me in a one-on-one duel, after all. Otherwise, he will never be able to claim my heart. You seem to be improving, at least. Quite an interesting assortment of people.", A sudden voice said, calling out to us. Before I could move, my vision suddenly turned dark. I felt two soft mounds press against my back while a pair of hands covered my eyes.
"Guess who?", A teasing voice said. Angelica's eyes turned wide in shock seeing this new person arrive.
"Y-Y-You are...", Angelica stuttered. Even she backed away in fear observing this person now next to her.
"The Demon of Thors? Yes, I am in fact that person. You were referring to me just now, weren't you?", The person asked, appearing to belong to a breathtaking silver-haired woman. Angelica did a swipe of her hand, still shocked.
"H-How are you engaged to her!?", Angelica exclaimed.
"It's a long story. It's nice to see you again though, Aurelia.", I said. Hearing me guess her name right, she smiled, and my vision soon regained.
"I couldn't even hear her approach us. How intriguing.", Kilika murmured.
"Teehee. You seem in good health, Lady Aurelia. It is ever so nice to see you again.", Princess Alfin said, greeting her. "This is the first time you've talked about your status with Naoto. So you two are engaged."
"In a way. It isn't exactly set in stone. Moreover, Naoto here also has some plans of his own.", Aurelia said, grinning at me.
"He sure does alright...", Kloe said, uttering to herself. Perhaps Aurelia assumed things by now that I want to make a harem?
"How unbelievable. To think someone could capture the Demon of Thors's heart...", Angelica said, letting out a defeated sigh.
"Haha, you sure know a lot of interesting people, don't you, Naoto?", Zin asked, laughing.
"More the merrier as one would say!", Estelle happily said. "Just don't interrupt the fight."
"I know my place. And the capture hasn't happened yet.", Aurelia said, correcting Angelica. Taking the time, she found a spot next to Princess Alfin. "And you were just a little squirt when we met last, Your Highness. I did not expect you to come all the way out here."
"Nor did I. But right now, I am merely Alfin. Big Brother is back at the Embassy taking care of all the important business~", Princess Alfin happily replied.
"Very well. And you must be Marquis Rogner's daughter. You have interest in attending Thors, yes?", Aurelia asked.
"I do plan on attending Thors, yes. But I definitely won't turn out like you.", Angelica replied, sticking her tongue out.
"Haha. If we're speaking of those lines, I too have plans to study at Thors, considering my shared connections and all.", I also said, drawing everyone's eyes to me. Hearing that, Angelica's eyes lit up.
"Then it's possible we'll become classmates in the future!", Angelica said. Anticipation appeared in her eyes.
"We'll see."
"You really are interested in studying there, Naoto?", Kloe asked. She read my diary, but this is the first time she heard about it directly from my mouth.
"I am. I'll go over the plan with you later, Kloe.", I said.
"Well, alright.", Kloe replied, and nodded.
"Still, you seem oddly familiar. "Kloe", huh?", Aurelia asked. A playful smile appeared on her lips.
"Hehe, see it as you will.", Kloe simply said while smiling. She sure is being ambiguous about the whole Princess Klaudia thing, isn't she? Quite different from Princess Alfin. Though Princess Alfin is much more a public figure than Kloe is. I bet she's used to it by now.
"Anyway, do you really have to beat Aurelia in a duel? I almost feel sorry for you now.", Angelica said, looking back at me with a worried look.
"Why would you be sorry for me? I've grown a considerable amount in the years you haven't seen me, Aurelia. I'm sure you have as well.", I answered.
"I sure have. I am very much looking forward to us displaying our might. I wouldn't mind if it were in a crowd like this one here, haha!", Aurelia said and laughed.
"That's good to hear. You haven't forgotten about that certain phenomenon we experienced back in Heimdallr now, have you?", I decided to ask.
"How could I forget such an event? It's something I hold dear to my heart. Now that you've brought it up, I vaguely remember something about it being unfinished. Is that still true?", Aurelia asked back.
"It is. It is something I plan to tackle in the coming years. Would you be interested in joining?", I asked. I'm referring to the Vermillion Trials here. We only did Phase 0. I have until S1204 or so to finish the rest of Vermillion Trials. Phase 1 is next. I formed a Party last time, it wouldn't be a surprise to people if I formed one again.
"Absolutely. We only fought those weird knights last time. I'm looking for a bigger challenge this time around.", Aurelia said in agreement.
"Weird phenomenon? If this is Erebonia's capital we are talking about here, you wouldn't happen to refer to that strange circle formation that suddenly appeared in Dreichel's Plaza, would you?", Kilika suddenly asked us. "It's been sparking interest not only to Erebonia but to Calvard as well. It's almost as if it is waiting for someone. Or something."
"That's quite astute of you, Kilika. That is indeed what we are referring to here. After all, it was none other than us who caused that circle formation to appear.", I suddenly said. Everyone was shocked hearing that.
"You really were the cause behind it...", Kilika uttered to herself. "It seems like it's in an inactive state. Does that mean you have the ability to turn whatever it is on?"
"You could say that.", I said, nodding my head.
"Hmm. Would it be alright if I partook in this event of yours, Your Highness?", Kilika decided to ask. It sounds like you participated with a group last time it happened. This should still be doable, yes?", Kilika suddenly asked, wanting to know if she could participate in the upcoming Vermillion Trials.
I didn't expect to hear such a suggestion. But Kilika's strength isn't something to scoff at. She isn't like Zin or Sherryl in that matter of Taito. She knows how to attack with a weapon called Chakrams. They're big looped blades that one can launch from afar at her enemies. They're really cool weapons!
"Haha, you sure are quick to take action. I don't mind you joining us. We had quite the group last time. If you include Aurelia and I, you'd be the third. There's three spots left.", I said, laughing.
"So it's like that. Mind leaving a spot for me then? I'm really interested in what's happening back in Erebonia. I haven't really taken Sherryl there either. We finished our business in Calvard, and once we're wrapped up here in Liberl, that's our next destination.", Zin explained.
"I don't mind. Having you two will be a good assurance. I'm sure by then, Sherryl's business will be wrapped up too.", I said, and nodded.
"We'll see. If her business is unfinished when it starts, I'll need someone to look after her, just for a little while. Can I leave that to you?", Zin asked, looking at Angelica this time.
"No problem. Should it lead to that, you can leave it to me.", Angelica happily responded, and made a gesture with one of her arms.
"Haha, I see a party is formin' already. Mind leavin' one of them spots to me? Pretty please?", A voice suddenly called out to us. We saw two figures arrive in the VIP stands. One of them was a man who was turning seventeen later this year. I immediately spotted his onion-like green hair. Next to him was a younger girl. More around Angelica's age, with long red hair. She had a striking appearance of a nun. Just like what you'd expect seeing someone from the Septian Church.
"K-Kevin? Is that really you?", I asked, shocked to see Kevin Graham. He had that thick accent as ever. Even thicker than Xeno.
"'Sup. Sure has been a hot minute, hasn't it, Naoto? Ries and I have been itchin' to try out some of Liberl's delicacies ya see. We've some spare time on our hands currently.", Kevin said, letting out a laugh as he greeted us. He was so casual he even kept his hands behind his head.
"Uh-huh. And I thought you were ditching your duties in supporting Bishop Reval to come watch the tournament.", Ries said, squinting her eyes at Kevin with a deadpan look in her eyes.
"Oof. Ya really know where to strike dont'cha, Ries?", Kevin replied, and sighed.
"Haha, either way, you two came. The battle is currently underway---?", I tried to say and welcome Kevin and Ries. All of a sudden, we heard a loud strike of clashing metal. Following that, a loud bang struck our ears, and a painful yell immediately after.
"Ahhh!", Rixia's voice called out, obviously in pain. A swift shadow got blasted away by a powerful punch. Blood splattered in the air, painting the grass nearby red...
"Sherryl managed to render her opponent's defense useless and landed a devastating blow. Do we have our winner!?", The announcer excitedly asked, causing a roaring cheer from the crowd.
"Heh. Looks like the fight is well underway. We came at a good time.", Kevin mused.
"Right? Let's talk about this letter and enjoy the rest of the fight.", I said to everyone. Thankfully everyone was in agreement. Kevin and Ries joined up, and we all watched on. Sherryl's match against Rixia continued to unfold before our very eyes.
Rixia managed to stand up from receiving that attack just now, and continued her onslaught. Before I knew it, clash after clash of metal against fists struck the Grand Arena, creating a thrilling battle for all to enjoy...
But as the saying goes, there can only be one winner!