From the moment the night enveloped the heavens,
Almost every member of the Ten Master Clans, the Eighteen Assistant Families, and even Ichijou Masaki in the midst of the match looked up in shock, their scalps tingling and bodies trembling uncontrollably.
The ink-black, profound night barrier;
Adorned with countless dazzling stars;
And the beams of light as the stars tore through the night sky, descending upon the earth...
"It's actually... the magic of the 'Queen of the Night,' Yotsuba Maya—'Meteor Stream'!"
Was it unexpected?
Extremely so—completely beyond imagination.
"Meteor Stream" was unlike any other magic.
It was the trump card of one of the strongest magicians, Yotsuba Maya, known as the "Demon King of the Far East" and the "Queen of the Night"!
Trapping the opponent within a night-bound barrier filled with countless floating orbs of light, then transforming those orbs into innumerable piercing rays to penetrate the target.
It was said that even the "Phalanx" of the Joumonji family—renowned as the strongest defense—could not withstand it.
Who would have thought we'd witness it here and now, during the Nine Schools Competition!
The event committee members trembled in fear upon seeing it.
The fame of "Meteor Stream" was no less than that of strategic-class magic, let alone when cast by the head of the Yotsuba family—the implications were extraordinary!
Kudou Retsu, Yotsuba Maya's mentor, stared intently at the arena with furrowed brows, remaining silent.
Tatsuya's expression grew unprecedentedly grave—the power of this magic surpassed even when his aunt had wielded it!
Even Miyuki was utterly mesmerized by the dazzling starlight, her mind completely captivated.
Until the night finally dispersed.
Until Ichijou Masaki's defeat was declared.
Only then did Miyuki snap back to reality, murmuring unconsciously:
"...Mahiro-nii-sama... actually used Aunt's magic..."
"Hmm? Miyuki, what did you say?"
Erika, with her sharp ears, caught Miyuki's whisper but didn't quite hear it clearly, only picking up something about an aunt.
Just then, an alluring laugh drifted from the seats a few rows behind:
"Giggle... To think this child has even mastered this technique."
Hearing the voice, Miyuki shuddered, her face paling in shock!
Even Tatsuya instantly assumed a defensive stance as if facing a formidable enemy!
Turning toward the sound, they saw—merely three rows away—an elegant noblewoman sitting gracefully.
Her long black hair was tied into a loose high ponytail.
An aged butler respectfully held a black parasol above her, shielding her from the sun.
Her dark, conservative gown couldn't conceal her voluptuous figure.
Her exquisitely enchanting face bore a faint smile, her crimson lips curving into a bewitching arc.
Her youthful charm, sensuality, and nobility made her appear no older than twenty.
As elegant and captivating as the night itself!
"It's been a while, Miyuki. And Tatsuya," she greeted softly.
"Aunt... Maya-sama."
Miyuki responded in disbelief.
Before them stood none other than the ruler of the Yotsuba family—Yotsuba Maya!
But what Miyuki couldn't fathom was why her aunt would personally attend the Nine Schools Competition.
Not only that.
Beside her sat a young girl.
Dressed in a deep crimson dress, with long black hair, wine-red eyes, and graceful poise—her features bore a striking resemblance to Maya!
"Long time no see, Miyuki-nee, and Tatsuya-san." The girl smiled and waved.
"Ayako? Even you..."
Miyuki's gaze continued to wander.
When she caught sight of another familiar figure, she couldn't help but cover her mouth.
'How is this possible?!'
That person looked exactly like Sakurai Honami, who had once protected Mother!
Sakurai Minami also noticed Miyuki's shocked gaze and responded with a polite smile, giving a slight bow.
"Hmm~ Found you."
At that moment, Maya suddenly stood up, the crisp sound of her high heels tapping against the steps resonating like a weight pressing on everyone's hearts.
Ignoring Miyuki's astonishment and Tatsuya's wariness, she stopped right in front of Sayaka under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
Under the gaze of this elegant woman towering over her, Sayaka seemed flustered.
Though she didn't know who this woman was, she inexplicably felt that she must have a deep connection with Mahiro-kun!
Especially when she looked up and met her eyes.
Those pitch-black pupils, identical to Mahiro's, reflected her own image.
This refined woman seemed to be scrutinizing her, and deep within those pupils, there was an inexplicable hint of amusement.
The curve of her lips grew even more pronounced.
"You must be Mibu Sayaka, correct?"
Maya's voice was intoxicatingly sweet, carrying a mesmerizing charm.
"Ah... yes, I'm Mibu Sayaka. Nice to meet you..." Sayaka's palms were sweating from nervousness.
"Your taste isn't bad."
Seeing her slightly awkward demeanor, Maya couldn't help but chuckle softly:
"But there's no need to be so tense. As you can see, I am Yotsuba Maya, head of the Yotsuba family—and also Mahiro-kun's... mother."
...
...
...
The competition had ended.
The results for the male division were announced—
Champion: First High School, Yotsuba Mahiro
Runner-up: Third High School, Ichijou Masaki
Third Place: First High School, Hattori Gyoubushoujo Hanzou
Without a doubt, Mahiro had fought fiercely against all odds under the biased rules of the Operations Committee, and amidst the cheers of First High, he became the undisputed champion of the Ice Pillar Break.
Warm applause filled the entire venue.
Every school, every competitor, was thoroughly convinced of his victory.
By the time Mahiro stepped out of the competitor's passageway, the students of First High had already crowded the entrance.
Aside from those who were still competing and couldn't make it, nearly everyone had come—even casual spectators.
All waiting to welcome their hero.
"Congratulations, Mahiro-kun, for winning the championship!"
"Congratulations."
The first to rush forward with congratulations were Honoka and Shizuku, who had been waiting eagerly.
"I mean... is this really necessary?"
Surrounded by so many people, he felt extremely uncomfortable.
Never in his life—not even in his past one—had he been this popular.
"Of course it is! The match was amazing, and everyone's still hyped up!"
Leading the group, Mayumi stepped forward to offer her congratulations while gazing at him with what seemed like concern.
"But it must've been tough on you, Mahiro-kouhai. To secure First High's victory, you even used that magic."
"Indeed, as Saegusa said, it's truly remarkable to withstand the committee's targeted actions and defeat Ichijou Masaki. We're very grateful for all you've done for First High School."
Juumonji Katsuto, the broad-shouldered man with thick eyebrows, stepped forward as usual with his stern demeanor.
The gaze directed at him was somewhat profound.
The magic they referred to was naturally the Meteor Stream used to defeat Ichijou Masaki in the end.
Could a spell used on a whim really have caused such a sensation throughout the entire Nine Schools Competition?
Surely not?
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