Chapter 54: Camp turmoil, the favor of the special training instructor!
A medium-sized bus drove smoothly along the tree-lined forest road.
Arthur flipped through a travel guide, discussing the upcoming play plans with Fou in a low voice.
Stella, beside him, seemed a bit distracted, occasionally glancing at the Kurogane siblings in the back row of the bus.
Her expression, a mix of eagerly anticipating plot development and fearing the situation might get out of control, was truly amusing.
Mifune Ayase, the Vice President of the Student Council, held a guide flag and spoke with enthusiasm.
"Everyone, in about fifteen minutes, we will arrive at our training camp location."
"Toudou and Kisaragi have already gone ahead to make arrangements, so we can go straight up the mountain."
Stella scratched her cheek apologetically and nodded.
"It's a bit embarrassing to trouble them to prepare everything beforehand; I feel a little bad about it."
Mifune Ayase smiled kindly and waved her hand.
"Don't worry about it; this place is originally Kisaragi's family property and often serves as a holiday spot for the Student Council, so it does need to be tidied up first."
Stella gave an awkward smile, reluctantly agreeing.
"Is… is that so?"
Arthur closed the travel guide, giving a sidelong glance at Stella, whose expression was extremely unnatural, and teased.
"I've noticed you've been restless since we got on the bus. What exactly are you worrying about?"
"Nothing! Nothing at all!"
Stella's cheeks instantly flushed red, and her flame Magic Conduction power uncontrollably leaked out as she frantically waved her hands in denial.
"It's just a training camp stay! Being ambushed in my sleep or something… I, I wasn't thinking about those shameless things!"
Arthur nodded silently. Although he was somewhat curious about the target of Stella's imagined night attack, considering safety issues—
He decided not to provoke this truck, which could explode at any moment, for now.
…
Mountaintop mansion.
Arthur and the others, who had just put down their luggage, didn't even have time to meticulously examine the luxurious residence before being summoned back to the main hall.
Everyone stood in a line, waiting for the arrival of the KOK League professional Magic Knight and special training instructor.
According to Shinguuji Kurono, this person was a top-tier expert ranked among the best in KOK League competitions, more than capable of guiding a group of students like them.
A moment later, under the expectant gazes of the students, a woman dressed in a loose kimono gracefully walked in; it was Saikyō Nene.
She enthusiastically raised her hand in greeting: "Good morning, little ones."
"I am your special training instructor for this period, Saikyō Nene. Think carefully about how you should address me."
"Saikyō Nene? Isn't that the Yasha Princess, ranked third in the KOK League?"
"It is her. It seems the Chairwoman's connections are indeed unfathomable."
"Who is she? Do you all know her?"
"As expected, a big chest, no brain cow."
"Do you want to fight! Washboard!"
Listening to the low but still clearly audible discussions of the surrounding classmates, Toudou Touka, who was usually serious, showed a helpless expression and stepped forward to persuade.
"Senior Sister Ninne, please be serious."
"Senior Sister!?"
Everyone's gaze collectively turned to Toudou Touka, never having imagined she had such a connection with the famous Yasha Princess.
Saikyō Nene opened her iron fan, fanning herself unhurriedly, and replied.
"How am I not serious? Not only you, but I have also been keeping an eye on the situation of these little ones."
As she spoke, her gaze swept over the students present one by one, finally resting on Arthur, who appeared composed.
"Little Arthur," Saikyō Nene's lips curved into a slight smile, "I heard from little Kuu~chan… *cough*! I heard the Chairwoman mention that you also seem to be able to control gravity?"
'Control gravity?'
Arthur's eyes flickered, and the public information of this KOK League's current third-ranked expert quickly flashed through his mind.
…
Name: Saikyō Nene
Affiliation: KOK · A-rank League
Blazer Rank: A
Inherent Armament: Iron Fan · Crimson Phoenix
Ability: Natural Interference System controlling gravity
Blazer Secret Arts: Earth Binding Array, Forbidden Art · Overlord Heavenly Star.
Title: Yasha Princess
Attack Power: A
Defense Power: A
Magic Power: A
Magic Conduction Control: E
Physical Ability: A
Luck: A
…
Arthur then remembered that he had performed the Black Hole spell in front of Shinguuji Kurono not long ago.
That was not gravity control, but a Magic Conduction that simulated an ultra-dense gravitational field.
He figured Shinguuji Kurono was not very proficient in it, leading to a slight cognitive deviation in her retelling.
However, Arthur could indeed create neutron stars or white dwarfs with astonishing gravity, so saying he could control gravity was not wrong.
Arthur calmly responded: "I know a little. Does Teacher Saikyou have any instructions?"
Saikyō Nene chuckled upon hearing this, looking Arthur up and down with great interest, her eyes full of admiration.
"Nothing, nothing. I have high hopes for you in the upcoming special training."
"Thank you."
Arthur did not feel any ominous premonition, merely assuming this Yasha Princess was naturally like this, and did not delve deeper.
He stepped out of the line, looked at the others who were already poised and ready to throw themselves into special training, and said loudly.
"For the next month, we will complete the second phase of special training here."
"I hope no one falls behind, otherwise missing the third phase would be too regrettable."
Stella was completely confused and quickly raised her hand to ask.
"What is the third phase? Doesn't normal special training usually last until the Seven Star Sword Art Festival is about to begin?"
Arthur's lips curved into a playful arc, and he nodded, saying.
"That's right, normally it is. But when did I say this special training was normal?"
"Listen up! One month from now, we will go to the other six academies for 'harmonious and friendly' inter-school exchange activities!"
Everyone: Σ(°△°|||)
"Challenging… challenging other schools!?"
Arthur reached up to rub his ear, explaining nonchalantly.
"Why are you so excited? Who stipulated that we must wait until the Seven Star Sword Art Festival to make a move?"
"Hagun Academy has always upheld the philosophy of learning from each other and progressing together. Is it not permissible to proactively get closer to the other six schools and foster friendship?"
Everyone had a subtle expression of wanting to speak but stopping, then wanting to speak again.
They vaguely felt Arthur's words were pure sophistry, but upon closer thought, they couldn't seem to find any logical flaws.
Saikyō Nene, on the side, smiled pleasantly, finding Arthur more and more agreeable the more she looked at him.
She secretly thought this kid was definitely just like her.
Stella, whose combat desire was the most fervent, was the first to snap back to reality. Her fists clenched, her fighting spirit high.
"That's right! Anyway, we'll have to compete against other academies at the Seven Star Sword Art Festival sooner or later, so exchanging now, it's no big deal!"
Inspired by Stella, everyone also cheered up, preparing to fully commit to the upcoming hellish special training.
Arthur gazed at Stella, who always maintained this rare optimism, pondered for a moment, and then spoke.
"I don't dislike your attitude, but Stella, before you officially start special training, you first need to learn how to use your power correctly."
Stella was slightly stunned and quickly retorted.
"What do you mean by that? Is there something wrong with my power…?"
Facing the still bewildered Stella, Arthur gave up on gentle persuasion and chose the most direct method, revealing the truth clearly, word by word.
"Of course, it's wrong. You are not a Natural Interference System Blazer at all."
"Within your body, a dragon resides."