Multiverse: Library

"Another Magic Sword?"

The moment Ayato spoke those words, the entire group froze.

Especially Kaiser—his face showing clear surprise.

"Are you talking about another one of the Four-Colored Magic Swords?"

Kirin asked with a puzzled expression.

The Four-Colored Magic Swords were a set of four special Orga Lux.

Ser-Veresta was just one of them.

Alongside it, there were three others, each also bearing the title of a Magic Sword.

So if Ayato was talking about another Magic Sword, then he was most likely referring to one of the remaining three.

"Why would they suddenly transfer another Four-Colored Magic Sword to Seidoukan Academy?"

Even Julis was confused.

"That… I'm not really sure," Ayato admitted.

"The Student Council President only told me that it had something to do with Ser-Veresta."

Hearing this, Kaiser's mind clicked into motion.

Could it be… because his compatibility rate with Ser-Veresta had surpassed the limit?

A compatibility rate exceeding 100% was unprecedented.

Without a doubt, this anomaly must have caught the attention of not only the academies but also the Integrated Enterprise Foundation itself.

In such a scenario, it would be entirely reasonable for researchers to investigate whether this phenomenon was unique to Ser-Veresta or if it could occur in other Orga Lux as well.

And if they were to research a weapon—

It would make perfect sense to start with the other Four-Colored Magic Swords.

The Four-Colored Magic Swords were not just similar in name.

They had all been created in the same laboratory, sharing a common origin far deeper than most outsiders could imagine.

If Ser-Veresta had broken its compatibility limit, then it was entirely possible that the others could too.

Thus, Seidoukan Academy likely arranged for another Four-Colored Magic Sword to be transferred in.

And, naturally—

To test whether its compatibility rate could also surpass the limit, they needed someone to wield it.

That was where Ayato came in.

Even if Ayato couldn't break compatibility limits like Kaiser, as long as his rate was high enough, it would allow Seidoukan to collect valuable data.

By comparing his performance with Kaiser's, they could analyze the potential of the Four-Colored Magic Swords in greater depth.

"Unbelievable."

Kaiser exhaled sharply, looking at Ayato with an amused expression.

"He lost Ser-Veresta, and immediately, another high-tier Orga Lux is being sent straight to him?"

The harem protagonist buff was insane.

Meanwhile, Julis, who had no idea about all these underlying connections, simply stared at Ayato before scoffing.

"If you really become the wielder of another Four-Colored Magic Sword…"

Her arms crossed as she hmphed.

"Then I'd like to fight you again."

Something about Ayato bothered her.

During their duel, he had been clumsy and unimpressive.

His fighting style had seemed off—as if something was missing.

And yet…

She couldn't shake the suspicion that he was hiding something.

After all, he was a Special Scholarship Student.

That alone meant that he wasn't ordinary.

The six academies constantly scouted top talents from all over the world, offering them Special Scholarship Student status.

Those selected were given numerous privileges:

Full tuition exemption

Living expense stipends

Priority access to equipment

The right to borrow an Orga Lux

To be granted this status, one had to be exceptional.

And if Ayato, a Special Scholarship Student, got his hands on a Four-Colored Magic Sword—

Then, without a doubt, he would become a dark horse in the academy rankings.

As this thought crossed Julis' mind, she cast a side glance at Kaiser—

Another dark horse who had recently risen to prominence.

At the same time, Kirin also looked at Ayato, her gaze turning serious.

"Ayato-senpai… really does seem deeper than he appears," Kirin murmured softly.

Kaiser, meanwhile, couldn't help but smirk.

"Oh? Feeling pressured?"

"Ahaha…"

Now fully in the spotlight, Ayato could only offer a sheepish laugh.

"W-Well… shall we order?"

In an attempt to change the subject, Ayato quickly stood up, looking for a waiter.

However—

At that exact moment, someone was already walking past him.

A customer had just finished their meal and was heading out, coincidentally crossing paths with Ayato.

"Watch out!"

Both Julis and Kirin noticed at the same time, calling out a warning.

But—

Before their voices even reached Ayato—

"Oh my?"

The customer dodged effortlessly—

Not just with precision, but with an unexpected grace that seemed almost unnatural.

The movement was so smooth, so elegant, that it left Ayato, Julis, and Kirin completely stunned.

So much so—

That none of them reacted when the person's beret slipped off in the process.

Kaiser, on the other hand, reacted instinctively—

His hand shot out, catching the beret midair before it could hit the ground.

"Ah… I'm sorry!"

Finally snapping out of it, Ayato quickly bowed in apology.

"I didn't notice you behind me! That was my fault!"

Hearing this, the customer let out a soft laugh.

It was a laugh as graceful as the movement had been.

Light, melodious, and strangely captivating.

"Be more careful next time, alright?"

She smiled.

"You've got pretty good reflexes, you know? If you don't watch where you're going, you might end up hurting someone by accident."

"I-I will!"

Ayato nodded, his voice earnest.

"Thank you for the warning."

"It's nothing."

The girl waved her hand casually.

Even this small gesture carried a sense of refined elegance.

"Here."

Standing up, Kaiser handed the beret back to her.

Only then did he finally get a good look at her.

She was a young girl, around their age.

She had long, chestnut-brown hair and wore a casual outfit—jeans and a loose-fitting blouse.

Her appearance was simple, yet her posture, her movement, and the way she carried herself gave off a uniquely graceful charm.

She looked light, effortless, almost like an untethered spirit.

However—

Because her bangs were long, partially covering her face, Kaiser couldn't see her features clearly.

But—

Judging by her smooth skin, her delicate jawline, and the hints of her facial structure—

She was undoubtedly beautiful.

Perhaps even rivaling Claudia.

"Thank you."

The girl stepped closer, reaching out to take back her beret.

At that moment—

A strange feeling stirred within Kaiser.

"…Have we met before?"

The words left his mouth before he could even think about them.

The girl paused.

Then—

She let out another gentle laugh.

"Perhaps."

She neither confirmed nor denied it.

Instead, she lightly patted Kaiser's shoulder—

And whispered something intriguing.

"If we get the chance…"

She said softly.

"Let's talk more about your Ser-Veresta, shall we?"

"Kaiser of Seidoukan Academy."

Before Kaiser could even react—

The girl turned and walked away, her steps as light as a drifting feather.

Leaving behind a lingering mystery.

"…Who was that?"

Kaiser frowned, staring after her.

The feeling in his chest—

The sense of familiarity—

Didn't fade.

Instead—

It only grew stronger.

Inside the restaurant, the background music continued playing.

A soft, soothing melody.

One that sounded—

Strangely similar to the girl's voice.

----

Author's Note:

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One more reminder—if we hit the Top 5, I'll drop the entire first volume (up to Chapter 80) this week! After that, we'll dive straight into the DxD world!

So wake up, vote for me, and let's make this novel great agai—!