Multiverse: Library

Seidoukan Academy housed a massive multi-purpose arena—

A sprawling coliseum, built for high-stakes combat.

At its very center was the largest battle stage—a grand, expansive platform, surrounded by luxurious spectator seating, its construction an undeniable display of wealth and prestige.

Encircling the battlefield was a high-tech defensive barrier—

A dome of energy designed to withstand even the fiercest attacks.

Once activated, the barrier completely enclosed the stage, ensuring that even the most explosive battles posed zero risk to spectators.

The sheer scale and energy cost of maintaining such a system meant that only three battle stages in the entire arena were outfitted with this defense.

Most of the time, these stages remained off-limits.

But today—

The central arena was fully open.

A Gathering of Duelists and Spectators

Students, dressed in Seidoukan uniforms, streamed into the venue—

Their excitement palpable, their conversations lively.

One by one, they filled the stands, packing the entire spectator area to capacity.

Their sole reason for being here was obvious.

They had come to watch.

Today marked the second Official Ranking Battle of the year.

For many, this was a rare chance to witness the strongest fighters in Seidoukan—

Including the Page One, the academy's elite top twelve—in live combat.

Even beyond the academy, this event drew significant attention.

High-ranking academy officials, external VIPs, and even rival school representatives often attended.

And among them—

The most relentless were the media.

As a Duel City, Asterisk was home to countless journalists and content creators—

All eager to report on rising stars who might become future Festa champions.

With so much coverage, ranking battles across all six academies were always a packed spectacle.

Pre-Battle Discussions

Seated throughout the arena, students eagerly discussed the matchups.

"The second ranking battle of the year is finally here!"

"I wonder which duel will be the most exciting?"

"Isn't it obvious? The final match of the day!"

"The rank one battle?"

"Yeah! The current #1 ranked student is special. Even the other academies were shocked when she took the top spot last month."

"Her challenger is the #10 ranked fighter—Kasumi, the Phantom Witch, right?"

"A duel between the only two middle school students in the Page One… and both of them girls?"

"…Why does that sound even more exciting?"

"Hey, don't phrase it like that! You sound suspicious!"

Laughter and conversations like these echoed across the stands, filling the entire coliseum with a restless energy.

A Lone Rose Among the Crowd

In an exclusive VIP section, a young girl sat in solitude.

She appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen, likely a high school student.

Her sharp features, piercing blue-green eyes, and flawless pale skin gave her an aura of refined elegance.

But what stood out the most—

Was her waist-length rose-colored hair.

A vivid, natural shade—

The kind rarely seen before the Genestella era.

Now, however, such striking colors were commonplace, especially among Genestella.

Yet—

Even among them, this girl stood out.

She exuded a presence so intimidating, so cold, that no one dared to sit beside her.

That is—

Until—

"Oh my? I didn't expect to see you here, Julis."

A lighthearted voice broke the silence.

Instantly, the girl's icy aura shattered.

"…Claudia."

Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld—Seidoukan's fifth-ranked fighter—turned to face the newcomer.

Her expression soured.

As if she had just run into someone she would rather avoid.

And standing before her—

Was a golden-haired beauty, exuding a mature, seductive charm that rivaled Julis's own refined elegance.

Claudia Enfield.

Two Queens, One Conversation

"Surprised to see you here, Julis," Claudia greeted with a friendly familiarity. "I don't recall you receiving a challenge today."

"You didn't either," Julis shot back, narrowing her eyes. "I doubt the Commander of a Thousand Visions would get challenged so easily."

Then, with mild curiosity, she added—

"Or… are you finally planning to challenge for rank one?"

"Rank one…?"

Claudia didn't answer.

Instead, she suddenly smiled knowingly.

"Ohh… I see. You're here because of Kirin, aren't you?"

Julis clicked her tongue, visibly annoyed.

"…You're still as sharp as ever."

She crossed her arms, sighing.

"What choice do I have? She entered Seidoukan only a month ago, took down the former rank one in her very first ranking battle, and now she's at the top of the Named Charts."

"Everyone's wondering if she can hold onto her position this time."

"Or if she was just lucky last time," Claudia added, taking a seat beside Julis. "Especially those outside the academy—many still refuse to believe that a 13-year-old could take the top rank."

"Can you blame them?" Julis scoffed. "Even with footage of her duels circulating online, people still think it's impossible for a kid her age to be that strong."

"Hmm… does that include you?"

Julis's expression hardened.

Instead of answering, she redirected the question.

"And you? Don't tell me Seidoukan's ever-busy Student Council President actually came here just to watch the rank one battle."

"Hmm~"

Claudia tilted her head, offering a mysterious smile.

Her response?

Neither a confirmation nor a denial.

"Wait…"

Julis suddenly frowned.

"You're not here for Kirin's match?"

"Not exactly," Claudia admitted, her smile deepening.

Julis narrowed her eyes.

"If that's not your priority, then…"

Her curiosity was piqued.

"Who are you watching?"

Claudia chuckled, but said nothing.

"…Hmph."

Julis huffed and turned away.

But in her mind—

She had already made up her mind.

"I'll see for myself who's worth Claudia's attention."

Arena Announcements

Suddenly—

A mechanical voice rang throughout the coliseum.

"The Official Ranking Battle is about to begin. All spectators, please remain in your seats."

"Will the competitors for the first match please enter the stage."

From the opposing entrances, two figures stepped onto the battlefield.

And in response—

A deafening roar erupted from the audience.

The ranking battle had begun.

Meanwhile, in the Contestant Waiting Area…

Kaiser sat in a quiet corner, waiting.

Around him, other competitors prepared for their duels.

Yet, he remained still.

Silent.

Eyes closed.

Until—

"Will the competitors for the next match please enter the stage."

At that moment—

A soft glow flickered on the badge pinned to his chest.

Kaiser opened his eyes.

A sharp gleam flashed in them.

"…My turn?"

He muttered to himself.

There was no nervousness.

No fear.

Instead—

Excitement.

Kaiser wasn't just ready.

He was eager.