Raijin, The Rank 0 of Asterisk
Chapter 1
Disclaimer: This fanfiction is only for enjoyment and not for monetary profit. I do not claim ownership of anything except my OCs, techniques and story.
“Asterisk” - Speech
“Asterisk” - Speaking in whisper
Asterisk - Thoughts
--Asterisk-- - Dreams, flashbacks
“Asterisk” - Machines and electronics
Raijin, The Rank 0 of Asterisk
Chapter 1
A Date and Memories of the Past
Many years ago, the earth was struck by a meteor shower. It devastated the earth, decimating many
countries and destroying population. After the meteor shower, the Integrated Enterprise Foundation
rose, taking control of the world’s economies and many kingdoms of the old rose to their former glory.
countries and destroying population. After the meteor shower, the Integrated Enterprise Foundation
rose, taking control of the world’s economies and many kingdoms of the old rose to their former glory.
The meteor shower, Invertia, also brought upon the birth of a new race of humans, the Genestella,
people who could manipulate an energy known as mana. In the Genestella, those who had special
abilities were even fewer. They were the Dante and Strega and they were treated as very rare.
abilities were even fewer. They were the Dante
Many Genestella resided in the floating city called Rikka, honing their abilities and participating in
competitions called Festa, to have their wishes granted and to test themselves. This city, Rikka, along
with its six schools, was known worldwide as Asterisk.
competitions called Festa
Sirius Dome, Lindwurm, Rikka
A young girl with violet hair crashed against the wall of the stadium and her violet eyes widened slightly
in pain as she gasped.
in pain as she gasped.
In the audience, in one of the VIP boxes of Seidoukan Academy sat two students. The male student
has bluish black hair and bluish-purple eyes. A dragon-shaped pendant hung around his neck. He
wore the Seidoukan Academy uniform, with the sole difference being that it had a white and blue color
scheme. The young teen was Tatsuya Narukami Hikaru, Raijin, and the strongest student of
Seidoukan Academy.
has bluish black hair and bluish-purple eyes. A dragon-shaped pendant hung around his neck. He
wore the Seidoukan Academy uniform, with the sole difference being that it had a white and blue color
scheme. The young teen was Tatsuya Narukami Hikaru, Raijin,
Seidoukan Academy.
The female student was Claudia Enfield, Seidoukan Academy’s Student Council President and Rank 2.
Claudia has long, wavy blonde hair with a split bangs at the crown of her head, and purple eyes. She
wears the Seidoukan Academy uniform jacket, but paired with a blouse with a frilly high collar and
three-frilled sleeves, and a two-tiered ruffled skirt. She wears dark boots, and stockings with garters.
Claudia has long, wavy blonde hair with a split bangs at the crown of her head, and purple eyes. She
wears the Seidoukan Academy uniform jacket, but paired with a blouse with a frilly high collar and
three-frilled sleeves, and a two-tiered ruffled skirt. She wears dark boots, and stockings with garters.
“Hikaru-kun, what are you thinking?” Claudia asked, taking her eyes off the match.
“Sylvie will lose. Ereshkigal is too powerful for her to handle. However…” He glared at the white-haired
Ereshkigal, who sent another hand of miasma at the Sigrdrifa and threw her against the wall once more.
“I see. She could have struck Sylvia-san’s badge and destroyed it from the beginning.” “That’s not it,
Claudia. She did strike her badge at the beginning. It was only a matter of time. Instead, she chose to
continue attacking her.”
Claudia. She did strike her badge at the beginning. It was only a matter of time. Instead, she chose to
continue attacking her.”
His hands balled into fists before Claudia put a hand on his shoulder. “Calm down, please.”
“Sorry. I will head over to take a closer look.” He walked towards the door and disappeared from the
room. A few moments later, he emerged near the stadium, standing near one of the stairwells.
room. A few moments later, he emerged near the stadium, standing near one of the stairwells.
Claudia sighed. “I can only hope he won’t do anything reckless.”
The beating continued for a few minutes like that as one of the announcers babbled. “Such an
exciting fight! However, it seems that Ereshkigal is not holding back. Sylvia Lyyneheym is
being pummeled ruthlessly and cannot fight back. Is this the end?”
exciting fight! However, it seems that Ereshkigal is not holding back. Sylvia Lyyneheym is
being pummeled ruthlessly and cannot fight back. Is this the end?”
Hikaru grit his teeth and punched the wall beside him, making a crater form.
“This is just too much.” A deep voice said from behind him. He acknowledged them with a nod without
turning back. “Ernest, Laetitia.”
turning back. “Ernest, Laetitia.”
“Why are you not stopping the match?” The female blonde asked.
“I want to stop the match. However, Sylvie’s feelings will be hurt if I do that. Unless she wants to stop
the match herself, I don’t want to make that choice for her.”
the match herself, I don’t want to make that choice for her.”
Another crash was heard as Sylvia was launched into a wall again.
Hikaru subconsciously activated his Dante abilities and lightning danced around him.
Suddenly, he ran towards the ring as Sylvia stood up again while a blade made of miasma flew
towards her at neck-breaking speeds. The low sound of the badge shattering was not heard by many
and the blade continued to move forward.
towards her at neck-breaking speeds. The low sound of the badge shattering was not heard by many
and the blade continued to move forward.
Suddenly, a blur clashed against the barrier set up around the ring, the sound of the gasps drowned by
the sound of a roaring dragon which destroyed the barrier. A blue and white blur appeared before the
Sigrdrifa, blocking Ereshkigal’s attack. Blood spilled on her and on the ground, dying parts of her hair
and uniform red. The light from the barrier exploding faded slowly.
the sound of a roaring dragon which destroyed the barrier. A blue and white blur appeared before the
Sigrdrifa, blocking Ereshkigal’s attack. Blood spilled on her and on the ground, dying parts of her hair
and uniform red. The light from the barrier exploding faded slowly.
“Hikaru-kun!” Sylvia cried out in shock and fear as Hikaru stood before her, his back turned on
Orphelia, pierced through his chest by the blade of miasma.
Orphelia, pierced through his chest by the blade of miasma.
“What is the meaning of this?!”
“Shut up! You are too goddamn annoying!” Hikaru shouted over the voice of the announcer.
He coughed up blood as the miasma spread inside his body before the blade disappeared.
“Ereshkigal, the match is over. Leave, now.” Hikaru said coldly, his eyes glaring at her. She stepped
back involuntarily in fear before asking, “Why did you step in and interfere?”
“Ereshkigal, the match is over. Leave, now.” Hikaru said coldly, his eyes glaring at her. She stepped
back involuntarily in fear before asking, “Why did you step in and interfere?”
The same question was asked by another voice, the new voice belonging to the Chairman of the
Steering Committee.
Steering Committee.
Hikaru looked at the man who had entered. He had brown hair and eyes and was wearing a formal suit.
“Chairman Madiath Mesa.” He acknowledged with a nod, standing up slowly.
“Chairman Madiath Mesa.” He acknowledged with a nod, standing up slowly.
“Due to your actions, Miss Lyyneheym may very well be disqualified due to outside interference, along
with you. She may even be expelled in the worst case.”
with you. She may even be expelled in the worst case.”
Lightning danced across his arms and slowly covered his form as Hikaru repeated, “Disqualification
and expulsion?” He laughed before saying, “You won’t do that, Chairman.” “Why will I not do that?”
and expulsion?” He laughed before saying, “You won’t do that, Chairman.” “Why will I not do that?”
“Simple. Sylvia Lyyneheym’s badge was broken already by the time I destroyed the barrier. In that case,
it turns into a case of defense, not outside interference in the Festa. So you cannot hold her
responsible for my actions.”
it turns into a case of defense, not outside interference in the Festa. So you cannot hold her
responsible for my actions.”
“That is true.” “This is the rule of the Festa. If the student’s badge is broken, then the attack should be
stopped. However, that is not the case. So I didn’t break any rules. The only rule I broke was outside
interference and possible danger to the audience.” He explained calmly before coughing blood again.
stopped. However, that is not the case. So I didn’t break any rules. The only rule I broke was outside
interference and possible danger to the audience.” He explained calmly before coughing blood again.
“You are right on all counts.” Madiath said. “And in this case, Miss Lyyneheym will not be held
responsible. However, you will be disqualified. And your participation in today’s final-”
responsible. However, you will be disqualified. And your participation in today’s final-”
“-will be cancelled and Ereshkigal will be declared the winner, with Sylvia the runner-up. Now, anything
else?” He interrupted and said, “I have to go to the hospital now.”
else?” He interrupted and said, “I have to go to the hospital now.”
“A pity. After you reached the finals… Your wish cannot be fulfilled-” The Chairman said in a low voice
before being interrupted. “It’s not something the Integrated Enterprise Foundation can grant me.” He
said finally before saying, “Sylvie, come with me.”
before being interrupted. “It’s not something the Integrated Enterprise Foundation can grant me.” He
said finally before saying, “Sylvie, come with me.”
He then turned around, walking towards the competitor’s rooms, leaving shocked expressions on the
people behind.
people behind.
Claudia met him halfway and she bonked him on the head. “Reckless idiot!”
He only exclaimed, “Ouch!” half-heartedly before a medical team personnel interrupted them.
“Sir, we request that you come with us for treatment of your wound.”
“Treat Lyyneheym first.” “Sir, her injuries are not as sev-”
A blast of electricity interrupted him. “Treat her now if you don’t want to die!” Hikaru shouted, his eyes
a blood-red colour.
a blood-red colour.
“She is probably suffering from poison damage.” He said. “Get her a fresh supply of blood. And do it
quick. If I see that she is injured or not receiving any proper treatment, I will make sure you die in the
most violent and painful way possible.”
quick. If I see that she is injured or not receiving any proper treatment, I will make sure you die in the
most violent and painful way possible.”
The scared woman immediately replied, “Y-yes!” and dragged Sylvia away. Claudia then dragged him
away towards the medical ward, forcing him to lay down. She then began speaking to a nurse,
practically ordering her, with the tone of authority she used.
away towards the medical ward, forcing him to lay down. She then began speaking to a nurse,
practically ordering her, with the tone of authority she used.
“Please transfuse blood to him. There’s a high chance he’s been poisoned. And also bring bandages
and antiseptic.”
and antiseptic.”
As the nurses left, she sighed. “And after you said that you would win this Festa and all…”
“Woman, I’m injured and that’s what you say to me?” He asked dryly.
He let his Prana run through his body, acting on the wound in his chest.
“What are you doing?” Claudia asked, puzzled.
“Healing.” He said, not giving any further explanation.
“You really are overprotective, you know. Jumping in the way of an attack like that.”
“She is the one of the few people I trust and love, Enfield. You know that too.” He said solemnly and
Claudia didn’t say anything afterwards, only nodding gently and watched over Hikaru during the course
of his treatment.
Claudia didn’t say anything afterwards, only nodding gently and watched over Hikaru during the course
of his treatment.
Next day
Hikaru was in his dorm room, which was fairly big and comfortable enough to belong to a five star
hotel. Sylvia was standing in the doorway and had a small bag in her hands.
hotel. Sylvia was standing in the doorway and had a small bag in her hands.
“Sylvie, I’ve told you that you don’t need my permission to enter my room. Take a seat. I’ll be out in a
few minutes.” His voice came from the shower inside.
few minutes.” His voice came from the shower inside.
She walked in and sat down meekly on the couch, which was quite comfortable. Hikaru came out a few
minutes later, dressed in a white T-shirt and a pair of jeans. He sat opposite Sylvie and waited for her
to speak.
minutes later, dressed in a white T-shirt and a pair of jeans. He sat opposite Sylvie and waited for her
to speak.
“H-Hikaru-kun, I’m so sorry.”
That was a surprise to him. “Huh?”
“Because of me, you got hurt.”
He didn’t say anything, waiting for her to continue.
“And you were disqualified too. I know that you trained very hard for the Festa. You lost your chance
because of m-”
because of m-”
Hikaru silenced her by putting his finger on her lips. “Baka Sylvie.” He said kindly. “The Festa doesn’t
matter.”
matter.”
“B-but-”
“No buts. I said that it doesn’t matter. And who cares about disqualification? I knew that it could very
well happen. But I made the decision to interfere of my own volition.”
well happen. But I made the decision to interfere of my own volition.”
“Even if you say that!”
“It’s alright, Sylvie. Nothing happened to me.” He said calmingly and pulled her into a hug as she was
on the verge of tears.
on the verge of tears.
She broke down at his touch and sobbed into his shirt while he held onto her. She must have been
scared. Oh… who am I kidding? Sylvie was always worried when I got hurt, even slightly. There’s no
way she would have been alright after seeing me get so badly hurt.
scared. Oh… who am I kidding? Sylvie was always worried when I got hurt, even slightly. There’s no
way she would have been alright after seeing me get so badly hurt.
He looked at the bag which she was carrying before looking at the door.
Idiotic eavesdroppers. Good thing that I had my room specifically soundproofed.
He released her after she had significantly calmed down, her sobs stopping, and said, “Sylvie, you
brought cake, right?”
brought cake, right?”
“Hikaru-kun, that is the best thing I can make. Of course I did!” She said, proudly puffing her chest with
pride.
pride.
He ruffled her hair in answer and said, “You can open the box. Meanwhile, I’ll deal with our little
eavesdroppers here.”
eavesdroppers here.”
He then walked towards the door, lightning dancing around his fingers and opened the door.
A teen with brown hair and eyes and a scar on his left cheek faceplanted as the door he was leaning
on was suddenly opened. Many others behind him also fell down in a similar way.
on was suddenly opened. Many others behind him also fell down in a similar way.
“Looks like the Newspaper Club is trying hard, huh, Yabuki Eishirou?” Hikaru asked with a smirk, while
cracking his knuckles threateningly.
cracking his knuckles threateningly.
The teen at the front looked up to see Hikaru’s hands crackling with lightning. “Hehe… I guess. This
looked like a scoop.”
looked like a scoop.”
Hikaru gave his hand to the teen, letting him stand up, before gripping it very tightly.
“ARGHH!” Eishirou shouted in pain. “Just so you know, Eishirou, I am spending some time with the
people I love. So, I will say this just once and only once. Scram!”
people I love. So, I will say this just once and only once. Scram!”
The group of people are disappeared instantly, clouds of dust left in their wake.
He sighed and slammed the door closed, locking it for good measure. He turned back to Sylvie, who
placed a pure chocolate cake on the glass table.
placed a pure chocolate cake on the glass table.
Hikaru smiled as he tasted the cake before ruffling Sylvie’s hair again.
“Hikaru-kun! I spent a lot of time on my hair!” She exclaimed indignantly with a pout.
Hikaru only smiled before feeding her the cake. “It’s tasty, Sylvie. Like always.”
They finished the cake in no time and were sitting side-by-side, watching the TV.
“It’s Madiath Mesa. Looks like he’s presenting the award for winning the Festa.” Hikaru commented
and then switched the channel. “Boring.”
and then switched the channel. “Boring.”
He continued switching channels before settling on a show that Sylvie watched eagerly. Hikaru then
suddenly asked, “Sylvie, are you alright?”
suddenly asked, “Sylvie, are you alright?”
She seemed to be surprised at his question but answered anyway, “I am, Hikaru-kun. Thanks to you.”
Hikaru then nodded and stood up, going towards the bathroom. He removed the T-shirt and looked at
the scar on his chest.
the scar on his chest.
I can feel it. The effect of Ereshkigal’s miasma. I was poisoned at that time. And the location was near
my heart too. Even with my accelerated healing, I can’t heal that easily. He looked at the inactive Lux
strapped to his wrist. I know that he healed me. But why? He isn’t giving me any answers that I need.
And my Prana… I need to look at this from a different perspective.
my heart too. Even with my accelerated healing, I can’t heal that easily. He looked at the inactive Lux
strapped to his wrist. I know that he healed me. But why? He isn’t giving me any answers that I need.
And my Prana… I need to look at this from a different perspective.
He filed those thoughts away for another time and returned to the living room. He smiled as Sylvia was
humming a tune, while her Prana rose around her.
humming a tune, while her Prana rose around her.
He sat down on the couch next to her, her Prana covering him. He relaxed as the mystical and familiar
energy covered him, soothing and gentle. His eyes closed and his breathing steadied as sleep claimed
him.
energy covered him, soothing and gentle. His eyes closed and his breathing steadied as sleep claimed
him.
5 hours later
Claudia entered the room silently, making sure to not give away any hints of her presence. She tiptoed
to the couch and her lips twisted to a smirk as she pulled a camera out of nowhere, taking a few
photos from different angles.
to the couch and her lips twisted to a smirk as she pulled a camera out of nowhere, taking a few
photos from different angles.
She smiled darkly. “Fufufu…”
Both of the teens were asleep, with Hikaru’s head in Sylvie’s lap. Sylvia seemed to be petting his hair
as she fell asleep.
as she fell asleep.
Now I have good blackmail material on Hikaru.
She left just as silently. I didn’t think that being the Student Council President was this useful.
Next day
Sylvia woke up from her sleep as the sun filtered through the window and hit her face. She yawned
and stood up. Or tried to, anyway. A weight on her lap stopped her, making her look down to see
Hikaru sleeping peacefully. With a small smile, she slowly moved, leaving him sleeping on the couch.
She then went towards the bathroom and looked at the set of clothes in the walk-in closet that Hikaru
had bought for her.
and stood up. Or tried to, anyway. A weight on her lap stopped her, making her look down to see
Hikaru sleeping peacefully. With a small smile, she slowly moved, leaving him sleeping on the couch.
She then went towards the bathroom and looked at the set of clothes in the walk-in closet that Hikaru
had bought for her.
She stepped into the shower and turned on the water, letting the hot water run down her body.
Meanwhile, Hikaru woke up from his sleep, yawning before standing up. He walked towards the
bathroom, not noticing Sylvie’s discarded clothes in his sleepy state and opened the door.
bathroom, not noticing Sylvie’s discarded clothes in his sleepy state and opened the door.
Sylvie was drying her hair off with a towel while the steam slowly rose up. Suddenly, the door was
opened and Hikaru stood in the doorway. She let out a shriek, covering herself with her hands as
Hikaru shut the door immediately, cracking the glass from the force.
opened and Hikaru stood in the doorway. She let out a shriek, covering herself with her hands as
Hikaru shut the door immediately, cracking the glass from the force.
She exited the shower a few minutes later, dressed in a simple blouse and jeans, along with her
signature wristband. She had a deep scarlet blush on her face and looked at the floor.
signature wristband. She had a deep scarlet blush on her face and looked at the floor.
Hikaru immediately bowed all the while saying, “Sorry Sylvie! I forgot that you were here!” She didn’t
register his words for a few moments before a devious smirk crept onto her face.
register his words for a few moments before a devious smirk crept onto her face.
“Y-you forgot that I was here!” She said in a fake angry voice along with a pout. “And you even walked
in on me in the shower!”
in on me in the shower!”
Hikaru winced with each accusation.
“Hikaru-kun, I’m upset!” Hikaru groaned internally. “I am sorry, Sylvie. I will do anything, so, forgive me,
please.”
please.”
She stayed silent for a good duration of 5 minutes and then finally said, “I will forgive you if you do
everything I say.”
everything I say.”
Hikaru nodded immediately. Best to not keep her angry for a long period of time. “Anything you
command, Sylvie.”
command, Sylvie.”
She smirked devilishly before schooling her features.
“Then, get freshened up. We are going out!”
Hikaru sighed internally and walked off. I somehow don’t like the feeling of this. Why do I get the
feeling that I will regret going along with her demands? He questioned himself.
feeling that I will regret going along with her demands? He questioned himself.
A few minutes later, they were standing on the balcony of his room. “Do we really have to do this,
Sylvie?”
Sylvie?”
“Yes.” She answered stubbornly.
Hikaru sighed and then jumped over the railing, holding Sylvie bridal-style. He applied his Prana to his
legs and stabilised his fall, while using his Prana to slow down their fall.
legs and stabilised his fall, while using his Prana to slow down their fall.
Unfortunately, a few students were on the ground and had therefore seen him dropping down onto the
ground.
ground.
Murmurs spread through the crowd immediately.
“Hey, did you see that?”
“Wasn’t that Narukami-san?”
“Hikaru-san was carrying someone in his arms right?”
“Kyaa! Hikaru-senpai is carrying Sylvia Lyyneheym in his arms!”
Hikaru groaned in annoyance before activating one of his abilities.
Lightning surrounded both him and Sylvia and they disappeared instantly.
Meanwhile, Sylvia was surprised slightly at the speed before recognising the technique.
“Hikaru-kun, was that-”
“-Denko Sekka? Yup. It’s too troublesome to deal with them.” He said and set her down.
“So where do you want to go, Sylvie hime-sama?” He asked teasingly, receiving a pout in return. “The
Central District.”
Central District.”
They left the premises of Seidoukan Academy together, Sylvia clinging to his arm.
Business District
Hikaru and Sylvia exited the train. “God, that was tiring.” The male grumbled at the attention that they
were receiving.
were receiving.
Leave it to Sylvie to choose the punishment.
They sat in a small cafe off the main street and gave their orders. He growled at the sound of shutters
closing and the sight of the flash going off. Meanwhile, Sylvia took it all in stride, waving at them with a
smile.
closing and the sight of the flash going off. Meanwhile, Sylvia took it all in stride, waving at them with a
smile.
“Hora, Hikaru-kun, wave for your fans.”
Hikaru wisely chose to not respond and calmly ate his food, internally screaming bloody murder at the
crowd while thinking of ways to disperse the crowd without hurting any of them.
crowd while thinking of ways to disperse the crowd without hurting any of them.
Killing them… nope. Maiming them… nope. Breaking one or two of their arms… nope. Use Denko
Sekka… Sylvie will kill me if I ditch her or if I carry her away from her fans. Scare the fans away…
Sylvie will kill me. And she is doing all this on purpose. Goddammit Sylvie. I will get my revenge one
day.
Sekka… Sylvie will kill me if I ditch her or if I carry her away from her fans. Scare the fans away…
Sylvie will kill me. And she is doing all this on purpose. Goddammit Sylvie. I will get my revenge one
day.
His ordeal continued for the better part of 2 hours and when the crowd dispersed, Hikaru let out a tired
sigh.
sigh.
“Now that breakfast is finished, let’s go shopping!”
He bit back a groan at her happy expression. At the very least, she is happy. I can bear this for a little
longer then.
longer then.
He let himself be dragged to a famous clothing store, the girl smiling happily.
Sylvia chose many sets of clothes, trying them on and asked for Hikaru’s opinion. After her selection
was done, Hikaru cried internally. My wallet is already feeling light.
was done, Hikaru cried internally. My wallet is already feeling light.
She then suddenly dragged him off to the men’s section and called one of them over.
“My friend wants a custom outfit, mainly for battle. It should be representing Seidoukan Academy, the
color scheme, white and blue. Two of them. And also a formal suit. It should be easier to move in.”
color scheme, white and blue. Two of them. And also a formal suit. It should be easier to move in.”
“Yes. Sir, if you would come here, we will take your measurements.”
Hikaru sighed as Sylvia leaned in to whisper, “Hikaru-kun, it will be over faster if you don’t resist.”
After 30 gruelling minutes of horrors, the two students walked out of the store.
“See? That wasn’t so bad, was it Hikaru-kun?”, Sylvia said, her voice ever so saccharinely sweet.
Instead of dignifying her teasing with a response, he simply upped his pace, causing Sylvia to have to
lightly jog to keep up with him, pouting all the while.
lightly jog to keep up with him, pouting all the while.
She then dragged him to a park and sat down on a bench beside him, before taking a box from her bag.
“Here, Hikaru-kun. I made sandwiches for us.”
Hikaru accepted one. “Hmm… grilled, with cheese and pieces of chicken in it.”
“I thought I’d try something new.” She answered back with a grin, some ketchup sticking to the side of
her mouth.
her mouth.
He cleaned it off with a tissue, saying, “Don’t talk while eating. Also, be more careful. There’s ketchup
on your face.”
on your face.”
They were interrupted by a ball hitting Hikaru's leg.
He looked down to see a beach ball at his legs. A few young children ran over to him, searching for the
ball. Hikaru gave a small smile and picked up the be ball before throwing it to the children. Sylvia
smiled at the action as the children thanked him and ran back to play.
ball. Hikaru gave a small smile and picked up the be ball before throwing it to the children. Sylvia
smiled at the action as the children thanked him and ran back to play.
He suddenly stood up and activated his power discreetly. “Who's there?” His question was answered by
a group of people coming out of the trees. He counted 7. All of them were dressed in black and were
wearing black gloves and black masks.
a group of people coming out of the trees. He counted 7. All of them were dressed in black and were
wearing black gloves and black masks.
Genestella!
“Sylvie, stand behind me. Be on your guard.” His voice was cold and serious, his orders brief.
He then turned to the men in black and asked coldly, “Who are you and what are your intentions?”
“We cannot disclose our identity. As for our intentions… prepare to die, Raijin.”
They plan to kill me. But they don't appear to be from a school. Independent assassins… then it would
be Rewolf, I guess. And Sylvie is here too. I may have to kill them.
be Rewolf, I guess. And Sylvie is here too. I may have to kill them.
“Sylvie, go back to the station. Claudia should be near the store two blocks from the station. Tell her the
situation. Immediately.”
situation. Immediately.”
“But… Hikaru-kun!”
“Now!” He shouted. He slid into a stance, his katana-type Lux in his hands. “Kagutsuchi!” He positioned
the blade in a reverse grip stance as the pitch-black blade of the Lux materialised fully, blue
flames dancing in the tip of the blade. He leveled his sword at his waist and said again, “Sylvie, go now!”
the blade in a reverse grip stance as the pitch-black blade of the Lux materialised fully, blue
“B-but!”
He then glared at the 7 assassins with cold eyes. “I was actually having fun and you fools interrupted
my day off. That is grounds for execution. Don't think too bad of me though."
my day off. That is grounds for execution. Don't think too bad of me though."
As he felt Sylvia turn around and run back, reluctantly, one of them, apparently the leader,
said, “Mongoose, kill her. And everyone in this park. Leave no witnesses.”
said, “Mongoose, kill her. And everyone in this park. Leave no witnesses.”
As one of the men disappeared in a burst of speed, the blue haired teen appeared behind the fleeing
girl and entered a defensive stance, stopping the man’s weapon, a double-bladed axe, mid-strike.
“You fools are not getting past me.”
girl and entered a defensive stance, stopping the man’s weapon, a double-bladed axe, mid-strike.
“You fools are not getting past me.”
He used Denko Sekka to appear behind his attacker before executing a roundhouse kick. As the man
fell down, knives made of lightning stabbed his body in various places.
fell down, knives made of lightning stabbed his body in various places.
The scream from his lips was silenced as a knife found its way to his neck, ending his life.
Hikaru turned around just in time to block an attack from a broadsword.
“You know, I am pissed off right now and I don’t want to hurt you so why don’t you surrender?” He
asked rhetorically, disappearing from view. The man with the broadsword fell to the ground as a
lightning bolt struck him, thoroughly electrocuting him.
asked rhetorically, disappearing from view. The man with the broadsword fell to the ground as a
lightning bolt struck him, thoroughly electrocuting him.
“Two down.”
The sound of lightning crackling filled the air as his hair became spiky from the charge in the air, the
teen himself being covered in a blue lightning.
teen himself being covered in a blue lightning.
He then brought his palm forward before disappearing in a burst of lightning. An instant later, he stood
before one of the assassins who stood at the corner, his hand around the older man’s neck. In an
impressive show of strength, the teen lifted the assassin into the air before slamming him down while
releasing a burst of electricity directly to the neck.
before one of the assassins who stood at the corner, his hand around the older man’s neck. In an
impressive show of strength, the teen lifted the assassin into the air before slamming him down while
releasing a burst of electricity directly to the neck.
Smoke rose from the burned neck of the now dead man as his killer turned around to the group of
assassins hired to kill him, his hands crackling with lightning and his face set into a cruel smirk, his
eyes glaring at the men dressed in black.
assassins hired to kill him, his hands crackling with lightning and his face set into a cruel smirk, his
eyes glaring at the men dressed in black.
“You can’t defeat me.” He said in a matter-of-fact tone and ran towards them, lightning dancing across
the blade of his katana. Two of the men ran at him, a claymore in each hand. It was in vain as two
arms fell to the ground along with the two swords, the two weapons dissipating back to their usual
forms.
the blade of his katana. Two of the men ran at him, a claymore in each hand. It was in vain as two
arms fell to the ground along with the two swords, the two weapons dissipating back to their usual
forms.
A second later, blood spilled onto the ground as two bodies crumpled on the floor, blood pooling
around them.
around them.
“Only 2 more left.” He put his hands together, a gap between them, while the one of the two assassins
charged at him, a double-bladed axe in his hands.
charged at him, a double-bladed axe in his hands.
The distance between them shortened considerably as the man raised the axe over his head, looking
to chop off the head of his target.
to chop off the head of his target.
It won’t work. Rakurai. Bolts of electricity hit the attacking man. “And you are dead.” His words came
true as the blue lightning bolts pierced through the black clothes at various locations, including the
heart, electrocuting the man for further measure.
true as the blue lightning bolts pierced through the black clothes at various locations, including the
heart, electrocuting the man for further measure.
The corpse fell to the ground, smoking from the burns, the disgusting smell of burning flesh filling the
air. Hikaru then turned towards the leader.
air. Hikaru then turned towards the leader.
“Will you tell me what I want to know now?” Hikaru asked, flicking his sword, the blood dripping from
his blade now staining the ground.
his blade now staining the ground.
Just as he entered his stance, he felt his body stop, along with the surroundings themselves. He used
his Prana to cover himself, shielding him partially from the effects of the powers.
his Prana to cover himself, shielding him partially from the effects of the powers.
“Captain Helga Lindwall…” Hikaru muttered and then turned slightly. Looks like the Stjarnagarm is
here as well. And I can sense Sylvie and Claudia too, Eishirou following them.
here as well. And I can sense Sylvie and Claudia too, Eishirou following them.
He relaxed as the strongest Strega, Chronotemis, stopped her ability, allowing him to move. Not a second
later, he jumped back as a spear hit where he stood.
“Hey, that’s dangerous, you know?” A small blast of lightning hit the leader of the assassins. As the
man fell down, Hikaru said, “Relax. You are just paralyzed below your waist. You can still talk. And I
will ask you only one thing. Who sent you?”
man fell down, Hikaru said, “Relax. You are just paralyzed below your waist. You can still talk. And I
will ask you only one thing. Who sent you?”
“I won’t tell you.”
“You will answer him.” The Guard Captain’s voice came from behind the teen.
Hikaru smirked and cracked his knuckles as he walked over to the fallen man.
“Stop, Raijin.” One of the Stjarnagarm said. “Don’t worry. I will just get the info I want.” Hikaru said and
punched the leader in the gut before lifting him up by his hair. The man started to twitch involuntarily as
he was shocked by the teen’s abilities.
punched the leader in the gut before lifting him up by his hair. The man started to twitch involuntarily as
he was shocked by the teen’s abilities.
“I will up the volts for each time you don’t answer. At a specific point, you will break and tell me what I
want anyways. But it is gonna be very painful. You can take the easy way or the painful way.”
want anyways. But it is gonna be very painful. You can take the easy way or the painful way.”
10 minutes later
The leader assassin lay on the ground, twitching as leftover static shocked him now and then. Hikaru
then said, “Now that I know it was Rewolf who sent these idiots, I will be on my way.”
then said, “Now that I know it was Rewolf who sent these idiots, I will be on my way.”
“Wait. We have to interrogate you-”
“-I was in the park with my friend. They encountered us and I had my friend contact Ms.Enfield while I
held them back. I tried to hold them back long enough for the Stjarnagarm to arrive, however, they
were too powerful for me to stop with peaceful methods. Regrettably, I had to kill everyone except their
leader and was about to engage the leader in battle before Guard Captain Lindwall arrived. The rest,
you people know. If you would let me go, I need to rest as I have some work tomorrow.” Hikaru
interrupted smoothly and then walked away, gesturing for Sylvie and Claudia to lead the way.
held them back. I tried to hold them back long enough for the Stjarnagarm to arrive, however, they
were too powerful for me to stop with peaceful methods. Regrettably, I had to kill everyone except their
leader and was about to engage the leader in battle before Guard Captain Lindwall arrived. The rest,
you people know. If you would let me go, I need to rest as I have some work tomorrow.” Hikaru
interrupted smoothly and then walked away, gesturing for Sylvie and Claudia to lead the way.
“Captain! According to protocol he sh-”
“He didn’t do anything wrong. It was a case of self-defence. Don’t make a big mess out of this. Finish it
quickly. No media or intelligence organisation should get a hold of this situation.” She ordered crisply.
It’s not like we can defeat him alone without any casualties. He is the one who was able to defeat the
whole Void Order 5 years ago without any support. If we fight here, we’ll lose.
quickly. No media or intelligence organisation should get a hold of this situation.” She ordered crisply.
It’s not like we can defeat him alone without any casualties. He is the one who was able to defeat the
whole Void Order 5 years ago without any support. If we fight here, we’ll lose.
“Hiiragi, clean up this me quickly.”
Next day
Hikaru stood before a gravestone near a tree. “Setsura-nee, Arashi, seems like I had to kill again. But
still, my dream… our dream, I’ll fulfill it. No matter what, I’ll protect them. Sylvie, I’ll protect her in your
stead, Arashi. Even if I have to shed the blood of the whole world, I’ll protect her.”
still, my dream… our dream, I’ll fulfill it. No matter what, I’ll protect them. Sylvie, I’ll protect her in your
stead, Arashi. Even if I have to shed the blood of the whole world, I’ll protect her.”
1 hour later
Hotel Elnath
Rikka Garden Conference
Six individuals sat around a table, almost all of them having another person standing behind or beside
them.
them.
This was the Rikka Garden Conference, held among the six schools of Asterisk. Around the table sat
the Student Council Presidents of each school. Behind them stood their Vice-Presidents, Hikaru behind
Claudia, Laetitia behind Ernest and an orange-haired teen behind the president of Jie Long Seventh
Institute.
the Student Council Presidents of each school. Behind them stood their Vice-Presidents, Hikaru behind
Claudia, Laetitia behind Ernest and an orange-haired teen behind the president of Jie Long Seventh
Institute.
“So what is the purpose of this meeting, Enfield?” A red haired man asked, quite rudely. Hikaru sighed.
“Dirk Eberwein, I would appreciate it and not kill you if you addressed our president with respect.” His
voice was cold and filled with venom.
“Dirk Eberwein, I would appreciate it and not kill you if you addressed our president with respect.” His
voice was cold and filled with venom.
“And the reason behind the meeting is… well, there are more than 2 reasons. First, in light of upcoming
work, we are preponing the meeting. Second is this-” He threw the masks of the assassins from
yesterday along with their photos on the table. Some of the masks had blood stains on them. “-these
bloody masks are from 7 hired independent assassins, hired to kill me. I killed 6 of them, excluding the
leader. After some interrogation, he spilled the beans. The person who hired them was from Rewolf.
Some guy wearing a black hooded cloak.” Hikaru said, as some of them flinched at the mention of the
killing.
work, we are preponing the meeting. Second is this-” He threw the masks of the assassins from
yesterday along with their photos on the table. Some of the masks had blood stains on them. “-these
bloody masks are from 7 hired independent assassins, hired to kill me. I killed 6 of them, excluding the
leader. After some interrogation, he spilled the beans. The person who hired them was from Rewolf.
Some guy wearing a black hooded cloak.” Hikaru said, as some of them flinched at the mention of the
killing.
“Then why are you still here?” 'Banyuu Tenra' Fan Xinglou, the president of Jie Long, asked.
“They were not normal humans. They were Genestella. Since I had evidence that I was the target of
the attack, I had a good reason to kill them in self-defence. Couple that with the wish I had made as
the winner of the previous Festa and they let me off with but a slap on the wrist.” And they wouldn’t
dare cross me, not with Asterisk at stake.
the attack, I had a good reason to kill them in self-defence. Couple that with the wish I had made as
the winner of the previous Festa and they let me off with but a slap on the wrist.” And they wouldn’t
dare cross me, not with Asterisk at stake.
“What does that have to do with the meeting?” The Tyrant asked.
“Nothing. I just wanted to give you a friendly suggestion. If you can, investigate who was behind this,
that'd be in all of our best interests. But I don’t think it will be easy. So I just want you to control your
students. We wouldn’t want any ‘accidents’ happening now, would we?”
that'd be in all of our best interests. But I don’t think it will be easy. So I just want you to control your
students. We wouldn’t want any ‘accidents’ happening now, would we?”
Claudia and Xinglou smirked in unison at his words and the underlying implication they had.
“Is that a threat, brat?!” Dirk Eberwein shouted, anger clearly visible in his features.
Hikaru laughed at that remark. “Whatever do you mean?” He asked innocently. “I was merely giving
you a suggestion. I don’t think that counts as a threat.”
you a suggestion. I don’t think that counts as a threat.”
“You-”
“Now then, moving on, shall we proceed with the meeting?” Hikaru interrupted the red haired man
again, making him fume.
again, making him fume.
The underlying meaning in Hikaru’s words was clear to everyone present.
Ever pull this shit again and I will slaughter them. I will totally destroy you if you ever mess with me.
And don’t try to threaten me, because I can kill you without any effort.
And don’t try to threaten me, because I can kill you without any effort.
Hikaru simply leaned on a pillar and watched the proceedings. Let’s send this message across to all
of them. The Raijin is not to be messed with.
of them. The Raijin is not to be messed with.
XXXXXXXXXX
Seidoukan Academy
A young teen with purple hair walked along the road, deep in thought. I was invited here as a special
student but why me specifically?
student but why me specifically?
He remembered the blue-haired teen whom he called brother.
Hikaru-nii, if what he says is true, then nee-san was here. If there is a chance of finding nee-san, then
it is in Asterisk.
it is in Asterisk.
Ayato caught it almost by reflex as it fluttered down from the sky.
Appearing to shine brilliantly in the first rays of the early summer sun, looking for an instant so much
like a snow-white feather - what he grasped in his hand was nothing quite so spectacular; it was just a
handkerchief.
like a snow-white feather - what he grasped in his hand was nothing quite so spectacular; it was just a
handkerchief.
It seemed a little worn, and closer inspection revealed the vestiges of past repairs.
At the same time, a faintly panicked voice came from the other side of the fence beside the footpath he
was walking on.
was walking on.
“Ahhh! Of all the things that could happen, why at a time like this...!”
Ayato looked up to the source, finding an open window on the fourth floor of the building.
Meanwhile
Hikaru was taking the scenic path to the main building, his bag held by one hand, his other hand in his
pocket.
pocket.
He yawned sleepily before taking a deep breath. The birdsong rang through the bright green trees
surrounding him as the sun rays filtered through the leaves.
surrounding him as the sun rays filtered through the leaves.
I should have woken up later. What the hell did Claudia want with me at this time anyway? It’s still too
early.
early.
A sudden explosion destroyed his peaceful morning and he turned towards the direction. “The girls’
dorm?”
dorm?”
He ran in the direction while using Denko Sekka, only to be blocked by a crowd.
“Huh?” He tapped a student on the shoulder and asked her, “What’s going on?”
The student seemed annoyed before noticing who he was and said, “It’s Gluhen Rose and she is
fighting with a new student.”
New student?
He moved through the crowd and watched the duel from the front. A purple-haired boy was standing in
the center of the crowd along with a pink-haired girl.
the center of the crowd along with a pink-haired girl.
“Ayato?” Hikaru muttered as he realised what happened from the conversation going on between them.
Ayato doesn’t know much about Asterisk and he has to fight Julis on his first day. I don’t know whose
luck is worse, mine or his.
luck is worse, mine or his.
“Say, can’t we just talk about this?”
“You peeked on a maiden changing clothes! Burning you to a crisp is the right thing to do.”
“But it was an accident! I came to return your handkerchief!”
“That is that and this is this!”
As the duel started, Hikaru watched with interest. If Ayato is as strong as he was, then he would be
able to win or at least fight her to a draw.
able to win or at least fight her to a draw.
Julis started with Longiflorum, which were dodged by Ayato, barely.
Hmm… she’s fighting seriously. However, Ayato is… there is something wrong with his Prana.
As a big fireball headed towards the transfer student, the gallery hastily ran backwards while Hikaru
stood in his place calmly, creating a small shield of Prana around him.
stood in his place calmly, creating a small shield of Prana around him.
As Ayato tried to dodge, Julis calculated the trajectory.
“Explode!”
The big fireball exploded and the sound was deafening.
“Amagiri Shinmeiryuu First Sword Futatsumizuchi!” Ayato exclaimed. He slashed the sword two times,
creating a cross, deflecting the fiery explosion.
creating a cross, deflecting the fiery explosion.
He lunged at the pink-haired girl, shouting, “Look out!”
At the same time, Hikaru appeared before the two students, his hand moving out to catch an arrow of
light, his face set into a cold glare.
light, his face set into a cold glare.
The arrow made of mana dissipated and he looked at the crowd. I know the general area but I can’t
risk the other students getting injured. I have to let them go this time.
risk the other students getting injured. I have to let them go this time.
Meanwhile, Ayato and Julis were on the ground.
“Hey he pushed the princess down!”
“That’s a passionate approach!”
Julis slapped Ayato after an exchange of words.
At the same time, Claudia entered the scene.
“Though this is very exciting, I have to stop this here.”
Hikaru turned around and nodded at her. Claudia then said, “I am afraid that I have to declare this duel
void.”
void.”
“Claudia, by what authority do you interfere?”
“Why, by my authority as the president of Seidoukan, of course.”
She then continued with a pleasant smile.
“Though Ayato has had the paperwork submitted and his badge authenticated, he still needs to go
through a final transfer paperwork. Essentially, he isn’t a student of this academy yet.”
through a final transfer paperwork. Essentially, he isn’t a student of this academy yet.”
Ayato sighed in relief, Safe, while Julis sent a frustrated glance at her.
“Now then, if you will follow me, Ayato.” Claudia said while Hikaru said, “Enfield, I’ll meet you after
homeroom.”
homeroom.”
She nodded before walking away, Ayato following her.
XXXXXXXXXX
Seidoukan Academy
Ayato walked alongside Claudia, looking around at the scenery. He caught notice of a particular
classroom which had students in it.
classroom which had students in it.
“Classes at 7:30?” He questioned the woman beside him.
“Those are remedial classes for the students. Normal classes start at 9:00.”
“I see.”
“By the way, we are of the same age, so it’s alright to speak informally.”
“I see, Claudia-san.” He spoke nervously.
“Claudia will do.” She said with a sweet smile.
“Right off the bat is…”
“Clau. Di. A!” She said forcefully, with a pout, making him raise his hands in surrender.
“Al-alright, Claudia.” He said. Hikaru-nii was right. She is very forceful.
They entered a room, authenticated by Claudia’s badge. Ayato could describe the room with only one
word: extravagant. The floor of the entryway was covered in a dark brown leather rug. A depiction of
Seidoukan’s grounds was hung on the wall. Placed before a large window, with room to spare, was a
heavy oaken conference desk with matching chairs.
word: extravagant. The floor of the entryway was covered in a dark brown leather rug. A depiction of
Seidoukan’s grounds was hung on the wall. Placed before a large window, with room to spare, was a
heavy oaken conference desk with matching chairs.
Is this a Student Council Office or a boardroom for some large corporation?
He remembered Hikaru’s words about the council office.
“Remember, Ayato. The Office and every official room will be extravagant. Don’t show too much
surprise at that.”
surprise at that.”
Claudia took a seat at the table with practised ease and tapped on the desk, starting up a screen and
manipulating the projected screen.
manipulating the projected screen.
“Once again, Amagiri Ayato, welcome to Seidoukan Academy. And, welcome to Asterisk.”
The room disappeared as a projection filled his vision. He found himself floating in the sky, over an
island. Asterisk, his mind supplied.
island. Asterisk, his mind supplied.
Six panels floated around him, one for each of the six combat schools of the island.
“As a special invitee transfer student, we of Seidoukan Academy expect only one thing out of you, and
that is victory.”
that is victory.”
He gazed upon the panels as she spoke. “Defeat Galahadsworth, subdue Arlequint, subjugate Jie Long,
overpower Rewolf and triumph over Queenvail. To obtain victory in the Festa.”
overpower Rewolf and triumph over Queenvail. To obtain victory in the Festa.”
At that moment, Hikaru entered the office, pushing the door open and closing it with a bang.
“Ayato, good to see you.”
“Hikaru-nii! Finally!”
“Hikaru-kun.” Hikaru nodded at the greeting. “Where was I? Ah yes, we expect you to ob-”
“Ayato, I searched for Haruka-nee and I didn’t find her. Winning the Festa is the only way for you to find
her now.”
her now.”
Claudia pouted at the interruption. “Hikaru-kun, it’s rude to interru-”
She was interrupted again by a call. “Yeah, it’s me. What do you need, Nestor?”
“Hikaru, I need some help. A few people got injured. Need your expertise.”
“Fine. I’ll be there in 5 minutes.” He then turned to Ayato and Claudia. “Ayato, you and I are in the
same class. We will talk afterwards. Enfield, we’ll have to hold a meeting to discuss the recent incidents.”
same class. We will talk afterwards. Enfield, we’ll have to hold a meeting to discuss the recent incidents.”
“Alright, Hikaru-nii.”
“Understood. I’ll notify the others.”
Hikaru then disappeared from the room.
Claudia then stood from her seat, walking towards Ayato. “Well, that is it. Everything related to your
sister, Hikaru-kun will talk to you about that. Now, for the final procedure…”
sister, Hikaru-kun will talk to you about that. Now, for the final procedure…”
She suddenly hugged him from behind.
“Cl-Claudia!”
“At long last… at long last, we finally meet.”
Her voice was melancholic and filled with a sense of nostalgia, leaving Ayato surprised and shocked.
“Um, Claudia?”
She separated from him. “Fufu, that was just a joke.”
“A joke…?”
“Though Ayato has had submitted the paperwork and his badge authenticated, he still needs to go
through a final transfer paperwork.”
through a final transfer paperwork.”
“Um, Claudia, by any chance, is this the ‘final transfer paperwork’ that you talked about?”
With a giggle, she replied, “Ah, that was a lie.”
“A lie?”
“A perfectly justifiable one in my opinion. Julis… that girl is a stickler for rules. If it is a rule, then she
will follow it.”
will follow it.”
“Ah. If that is all, then, I’ll take your leave.”
“If you need any help, you can always ask me.”
Seidoukan Academy
Floor 15
Ayato opened the door and walked in towards the teacher’s desk.
Yatsuzaki 'Machiaverus' Kyouko stood at the desk, a nail bat in her hand. She introduced Ayato, rather
roughly, before ordering him to take an empty seat.
Hikaru smirked as he noticed a fact, one which was noticed by the purple-haired teen too.
There was only one empty seat, and it was right next to Julis’, making Ayato gulp in fear.
As she started taking attendance, Hikaru yawned, taking a small nap. Once she finished, he woke up
and sent a small bolt of lightning which went past her hair, dissipating before it hit the board.
and sent a small bolt of lightning which went past her hair, dissipating before it hit the board.
“Narukami, you are a 100 years too early to hit me.” She said.
“Kyouko-sensei, I didn’t think you were that old.” Hikaru retorted with a teasing smirk on his face.
The effect was instantaneous. A bolt of lightning, similar to his own, hit the place where he was seated,
while he himself was standing on the window ledge.
while he himself was standing on the window ledge.
“Come here you brat! I’m going to kill you.” She said, anger clear in her voice.
“I’ll pass, Kyouko-sensei. Why don’t you pick Eishirou this time?” He asked, making the brown-haired
teen shout “Hey!” in indignance.
teen shout “Hey!” in indignance.
Hikaru meanwhile mock-waved before swandiving down. Many of the students, particularly his fanclub,
gasped.
gasped.
A burst of lightning passed the window and Hikaru appeared outside the room, standing on a platform
of Prana.
of Prana.
Meanwhile, Eishirou was standing outside the room, holding buckets filled with heavy rocks in each
hand, along with weights strapped to each of his limbs and balancing another bucket on his head, filled
with water. He swore bloody vengeance against the Raijin.
hand, along with weights strapped to each of his limbs and balancing another bucket on his head, filled
with water. He swore bloody vengeance against the Raijin.
Student Council Room
Hikaru entered the room through the window and said, “President, it’s getting more serious.”
Claudia too had a serious and troubled expression on her face similar to his, along with a subtle wince
at the use of her title.
at the use of her title.
“Many students who were planning on participating in the Phoenix Festa are now incapacitated or
unwilling to participate as a result of the attacks. It seems they're purposely targeting potential Festa
candidates as they make up the bulk if the victims so far.”
unwilling to participate as a result of the attacks. It seems they're purposely targeting potential Festa
candidates as they make up the bulk if the victims so far.”
“Whoever is doing this is a student of Seidoukan cooperating with another school.”
“Who may be the suspects?”
“Queenvail and Galahadsworth have too much to lose and too little to gain. So they are out.” Hikaru
said, listing off.
said, listing off.
“And Jie Long can be removed too. That leaves Arlequint and Rewolf.”
“How is the investigation of the Kageboshi proceeding?”
“No leads. The culprit is damaging the surroundings too much and the victims themselves were
attacked from the back or from long-range. So no description. We have very little to go on.”
attacked from the back or from long-range. So no description. We have very little to go on.”
“I see. That’s troubling. *Sigh* Anyway, what do you think about Ayato?”
“You aren’t going to include him in your plans, are you?” He asked, voice slightly cold.
“No, no.” She held up her hands in a surrender. “I didn’t even tell him anything about his sister.” Geez,
why can’t you trust me a bit, Hikaru-kun?
why can’t you trust me a bit, Hikaru-kun?
“Fine. I want to be there when he’s testing for the Ser-Veresta.”
“The Ser-Veresta? Who said anything abo-”
“Woman, I know you. And I know him. I want to be there when he’s testing for the Ser-Veresta.”
With his piece said, the Raijin left the room in a burst of lightning. The blonde sighed as he left and
massaged her temples.
massaged her temples.
“Hikaru-kun is becoming ever-distant and now this mess…”
XXXXXXXXXX
A younger Hikaru stood frozen, his face and hair stained with blood. Blood pooled around his feet and
stained the tatami mats in the room. His eyes were widened in fear and the only image reflected in his
eyes was of his parents.
stained the tatami mats in the room. His eyes were widened in fear and the only image reflected in his
eyes was of his parents.
His mother and father were lying on the ground in a pool of blood, almost dead. A man with a blank
face mask, wearing a black hooded cloak was standing over them. There was an emblem of something
on the cloak.
face mask, wearing a black hooded cloak was standing over them. There was an emblem of something
on the cloak.
The man turned to the young boy, stating in a cold voice, “So that is the son, huh? Good for me that I
didn’t have to go searching for you.”
didn’t have to go searching for you.”
As the man took slow steps towards the frozen boy, two hands caught his legs, stopping him.
“Hikaru, run!” Both of his parents shouted at the same time. A spark of lightning and ice erupted around
the man before expanding outwards. The ball exploded, throwing the boy and the man away in opposite
directions, along with destroying the house they were in and causing a big explosion of sound and fire,
along with various shards of ice stabbed in various places.
the man before expanding outwards. The ball exploded, throwing the boy and the man away in opposite
directions, along with destroying the house they were in and causing a big explosion of sound and fire,
along with various shards of ice stabbed in various places.
The young boy fell off the building, shards of ice in his body, now unconscious.
XXXXXXXXXX
Hikaru woke up with a start, sweat rolling down his face.
That nightmare again?
He stood up slowly and walked towards the bathroom, stepping into the shower.
Even when he was in the class, he seemed deep in thought, not even noticing the murmurs spreading
among the students at the sight of Julis returning Ayato’s greeting.
among the students at the sight of Julis returning Ayato’s greeting.
He clenched his fist before looking out the window. Eishirou slapped a hand on his back, or tried to
anyway, only for the blue-haired teen to stop it by grabbing the brown-haired teen’s wrist tightly.
anyway, only for the blue-haired teen to stop it by grabbing the brown-haired teen’s wrist tightly.
As he cried out in pain, Hikaru released him, “Sorry, Eishirou.” and jumped out of the window again as
the teacher entered.
the teacher entered.
Why did I see that nightmare again?
Hikaru was still deep in thought and recalled his first meeting with Ayato and Haruka.
XXXXXXXXXX
Blue eyes gazed at a white ceiling as their owner took in his surroundings. “A hospital?” He muttered
and tried to sit up. Keyword, tried.
and tried to sit up. Keyword, tried.
“Huh?” His body was held in place by restraints tying him to the bed, which were quite strong. He
looked to his right to see two chairs with one of them empty and the other occupied by a blue-haired
girl, her hair tied into two low pigtails and wearing black horn-rimmed glasses. She was wearing a
uniform with black boots. Her gentle breathing made him assume that she was sleeping. He tried to
move again and sighed, before closing his eyes. He tried to activate the few abilities he had awakened,
making lightning dance around him in small arcs.
looked to his right to see two chairs with one of them empty and the other occupied by a blue-haired
girl, her hair tied into two low pigtails and wearing black horn-rimmed glasses. She was wearing a
uniform with black boots. Her gentle breathing made him assume that she was sleeping. He tried to
move again and sighed, before closing his eyes. He tried to activate the few abilities he had awakened,
making lightning dance around him in small arcs.
Suddenly, ethereal chains appeared around him, binding his power and making the lightning dissipate.
He screamed in pain, making the girl sitting beside him wake up with a start.
He screamed in pain, making the girl sitting beside him wake up with a start.
He felt the flow of Prana from her and the chains disappeared slowly. The restraints binding him were
released and she held him down. “Calm down, you are safe!” He slowly stopped moving, his body
regaining the mana and he slowly stood up.
released and she held him down. “Calm down, you are safe!” He slowly stopped moving, his body
regaining the mana and he slowly stood up.
“You shouldn’t use your power like that suddenly!”
“But I didn’t know that you would bind it, would I?!” He retorted, making her stare at him.
But she realised something and asked, “Wait, how did you know that I was the one who bound your
power?”
power?”
“I can see the flow of Prana. And you were the only person so… that explains it.” “Oh…”
“Anyway, who are you? I don’t think I’ve seen you anywhere.”
“Oh. my bad. I’m Amagiri Haruka. Nice to meet you.”
“Amagiri Haruka?” After some thinking, a light bulb lit over his head. “Ah! You are the girl who won the
kendo championship last year!”
kendo championship last year!”
“And I am the daughter of your father’s friend.” She added.
“Amagiri Masatsugu-san?”
“Yup.” She said before asking, “Do you know what happened?”
“I think some explosion happened… Wait, where are my parents?! Are they alright?!”
Her smile faded from her face and she said, “I’m sorry, Hikaru. But they weren’t able to save them.
Their injuries were too great.”
Their injuries were too great.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m sorry that I have to say this, but… your parents are no longer in this world.”
Realisation hit him full-force as the vague memory returned to him and tears streamed down his face
unconsciously.
unconsciously.
He was wrapped in a comforting hug by Haruka and he sobbed into her shoulder. He calmed down
after a long time and then asked, “Amagiri-san-”
after a long time and then asked, “Amagiri-san-”
“Haruka is fine.”
“Then, Haruka-san, did they find the culprit’s body?”
“Eh? What do you mean?” Confusion was written all over her face.
Hikaru’s eyes widened in shock and he clenched his fists in anger as his abilities activated
unconsciously.
unconsciously.
“Wa-wait! Calm down!”
She tried to bind his power again, only for him to control and reign in his power.
“Haruka-san, where will I be living from now on?”
The culprit’s body was not found. So they are still alive. And to defeat mom and dad, that means they
were a Genestella. I think this is being written off as an accident. And they know that I may or may not
be alive. I need to let this continue, till I hone my abilities to an acceptable level.
were a Genestella. I think this is being written off as an accident. And they know that I may or may not
be alive. I need to let this continue, till I hone my abilities to an acceptable level.
Haruka flashed him a smile, presenting a paper before him.
“This is your parents’ will.”
He read it carefully and then looked up. “So I will be living with you from now on?”
“If you don’t want to then it’s-”
“It’s alright. Haruka-san seems like a good person. So your family must be alright.” He said, before
turning around the page.
turning around the page.
Dad was a good friend of the Amagiri family. So he entrusted me with them should anything happen to
mom and dad. In the hopes that I get stronger. I will, dad, mom. And I will take up the company head
position. Tatsuya Corp. will continue and will become the top. I promise.
mom and dad. In the hopes that I get stronger. I will, dad, mom. And I will take up the company head
position. Tatsuya Corp. will continue and will become the top. I promise.
He turned to Haruka with a smile and said, “Then Haruka-nee, I will be in your care!”
XXXXXXXXXX
Hikaru entered the dojo, walking beside Haruka, and looked around.
He bowed to the purple-haired man and said, “I’m Tatsuya Narukami Hikaru. It’s a pleasure to meet
you, Amagiri-san. I will be in your care.”
you, Amagiri-san. I will be in your care.”
A purple-haired boy suddenly appeared in his field of vision. “Hello. I’m Amagiri Ayato. Nice to meet
you.”
you.”
Hikaru smiled at the younger boy and held out his hand. “Hello, Ayato. Nice to meet you too.”
“Ayato, be nice to him. He is going to be living with us from now on.” Haruka said sternly, making
Hikaru chuckle and Ayato nod.
Hikaru chuckle and Ayato nod.
“So, Hikaru-san, are you stronger than onee-chan?”
“Hmm… nope. My kenjutsu is average compared to my mother’s and my Dante abilities can easily be
negated by Haruka-nee’s ability. So I will get my ass kicked if I fight her.” He said.
negated by Haruka-nee’s ability. So I will get my ass kicked if I fight her.” He said.
“But-”
“Ayato, just go along.” Hikaru whispered lowly with a look that said, ‘Just go along or it will be more
complicated later on.’
complicated later on.’
Ayato nodded and then said, “Well then we will defeat onee-chan together!”
“Alright.” Hikaru nodded to the two others in the dojo.
I like this family. But I can’t sit around. Haruka-nee is stronger than Masatsugu-san, I can see that. It’s
obvious for me. There is only one option for me. One is to ask Haruka-nee to train me and also train by
myself. There are some tips left by mom. And there was also that Orga Lux there. Blade of the Black
Dragon, Narukami. If I master that, I can become stronger. I need to.
obvious for me. There is only one option for me. One is to ask Haruka-nee to train me and also train by
myself. There are some tips left by mom. And there was also that Orga Lux there. Blade of the Black
Dragon, Narukami. If I master that, I can become stronger. I need to.
He clutched the small Lux with his fist, gaining a determined look in his eyes.
XXXXXXXXXX
It was 2 years since he had arrived at the Amagiri dojo. He fit into the house quite quickly, making friends with the neighbours. During this time, he had improved his kenjutsu and Dante abilities, while also taking an interest in kyujutsu. Unknown to anyone, he also sneaked out at night to practise his sojutsu and taijutsu.
Hikaru got along well with both Ayato and Haruka, due to their passion for their martial arts. Hikaru had a single-minded drive to grow stronger; Ayato admired both Hikaru and Haruka for their strength and aspired to be like them; Haruka finally found her match in martial arts in Hikaru, the younger boy able to keep up with her despite her experience.
Life continued for the young boy as he trained every day.
XXXXXXXXXX
Hikaru and Haruka were standing in the middle of the dojo, each holding a wooden sword. Both of them wore training outfits and were staring at each other. To the side, a man and a boy with purple hair and eyes were looking intensely at the two of them.
As if on an unspoken signal, they dashed forward. Suddenly, Hikaru stopped and turned around, pointing his sword at the entrance to the dojo and a bolt of lightning hit the sliding door, blasting it to splinters.
“Whoever is there, come out!” He called out.
“Hikaru, there is no one there.” The man, Amagiri Masatsugu, said to him.
“No, there is. I felt it.” Hikaru said, still on guard. Rightly so, as suddenly a knife ripped through the air, cutting straight through his arm before lodging itself into the tatami mats. Hikaru bit back a scream of pain as his left arm hung at his side, now useless. “Hikaru!”
Haruka tried to run towards him, only for a barrier to appear around her and around Masatsugu and the boy, Ayato.
A woman materialised out of thin air right before Hikaru, holding knives in her hand, similar to the one that hurt Hikaru.
Hikaru glared at the woman and asked, “I can see that you are a Strega. What are you doing here?” He asked coldly, trying to activate his Denko Sekka.
“Even if you use your abilities, you cannot defeat me, silly boy.”
“We will see, won’t we?” He retorted challengingly and then appeared behind her before swinging the wooden sword in his hand.
It was blocked by a knife and another was lodged in his right arm. A kick to his stomach threw him into a wall.
“Hikaru!” All three of them cried out in worry.
He stood up slowly. Two more knives lodged themselves in his legs and he crumpled to the floor.
“Now that you are down, I will play with the other three for a bit before killing you.” The woman said sadistically.
She walked towards Ayato and Masatsugu before a cold voice stopped her. “Stop!” Hikaru glared at her, willing himself to stand up.
“That emblem, that symbol… are you that guy’s subordinate?!”
“What are you talking about?” She asked, trying to feign innocence.
“You… your leader killed my parents. Someone from your group otherwise. I know, because I remember that symbol. And now… you are here to kill me.”
She mock clapped. “You are bright. It pains me to put out that brightne-”
“Shut up and get it over with. I am not dying today and I won’t let you hurt the people I care about.”
He stood up, throwing the damaged wooden sword to the side while activating one of his abilities, Kanmuru and lightning flared around him. He took out something from his pocket, making the others gasp.
“What is that?” Ayato looked at it curiously.
“No! Hikaru, don’t use it!” Haruka shouted.
“Sorry, Haruka-nee. I have to do this. I am not strong enough to protect the people I love with my own strength.”
“But!”
“I already accepted the price. Getting the strength to protect the people I love is enough for me, even if I have to become absolute evil.”
He held the Lux in his hand and whispered to himself, “Sever the dark clouds of heaven and decimate the darkness of the earth! Destroy all that stands before me! Awaken and Obey! Blade of the Black Dragon, Narukami!”
An explosion ripped through the dojo as the Orga Lux was released. All the occupants of the dojo were thrown back, the barriers destroyed by the immense power. In the epicentre of the explosion stood a young boy, almost 11, his spiky blue hair now containing streaks of white. His blood-red eyes were covered by a sheen of ice, like a screen or glass.
He was surrounded by pure lightning which danced around him. A white kimono and hakama were now worn by him, his previous training outfit destroyed by the power released. A black dragon was on the back of the kimono, surrounded by lightning and ice. Lightning danced around him in a dangerous pattern along with small shards of ice which were barely visible. The energy slowly formed a dragon, the fearsome looking beast wrapping around him like a cloak. In his hands was now a katana, the hilt a pure white, with the blade a pure black. The tsuba was shaped like the head of a dragon with red eyes. Hikaru looked at the woman who attacked them and spoke, “Is this my new vessel?” His voice sounded distorted, as if two voices were speaking at the same time. “He doesn’t seem to be weak, and he has a strong will too, to make me obey like that. Let’s see.”
A bolt of lightning, far stronger and faster than his previous one, hit the woman, throwing her quite a distance away from the sheer force of it.
“Hmm… this guy’s body can handle my power. But he still hasn’t fully released the power. Maybe he will after feeling loss.”
He fired another bolt of lightning at the attacker and suddenly disappeared before appearing before her.
A fist broke her nose and a sword pierced through her gut. She gasped in pain before the sword was stabbed through her limbs and then her chest.
Screams of pain were released from her as the boy then pointed the sword at the woman before swinging it, releasing a bolt of electricity covered by ice at her.
Darkness consumed the boy and the last thing he heard was an explosion ringing in his ears.
XXXXXXXXXX
“Ouch… I’m here again?” Hikaru muttered as he opened his eyes. Beside him in another bed was Haruka, who looked relatively uninjured.
She was mumbling in her sleep. “I can’t eat anymore chocolate. And throw those glasses away. I don’t like them.”
“Haruka-nee?” He called, but received no answer. He tried to activate his ability but sighed after feeling the chains binding him.
“Haruka-nee!” He exclaimed loudly, causing her to wake up with a start.
“Hai! I’m not sleeping, sensei!” She shouted suddenly, making the other blue-haired teen crunch his face in confusion.
What is she talking about?
She looked to her side and saw Hikaru sitting up on the bed, looking at her with an amused smirk on his face.
“Three things. What were you dreaming about? Two, I’m not your sensei. Three, you were definitely sleeping there.”
She bopped him on the head, making him wince, as she exclaimed, “B-baka! You worried us!”
“Sorry. But that was the only choice I had.” He said bluntly. “Where are Ayato and Masatsugu-san?”
“Ayato is asleep at home. Tou-san is looking after him.”
“I see. Any injuries?”
“Nope. Just small scratches and the like. Nothing serious.”
“That’s good to hear. Can you bring me my phone?”
“Um… here you go.”
He navigated through the various apps and contacts with practised ease without even looking at the screen as he continued talking with Haruka.
“What happened to the woman?”
“I don’t know, Hikaru. We were unconscious.”
“I see.” Hikaru said as he waited for the person on the opposite side of the line to answer.
I know. I was the one who killed her. And the force of my last attack decimated her body without any trace. That’s a relief, partially, I guess.
“Hello. What do you need, Hikaru-sama?”
“Ryu, good. Is the little project finished?”
“Yes. It’s ready. You can use it anytime.”
“Good. Get it prepared.”
He then swung his legs off the bed, standing up without any weakness in his step. He frowned as he noticed one thing. “Haruka-nee, where are my clothes?”
“Ah… they were destroyed?”
“Forget it. Ryu, get me a set of clothes and a car to pick us up.”
“Understood, Hikaru-sama.”
He cut the call and sat on the bed again, swinging his legs absentmindedly and absently thought, I think I have some semblance of control over my Orga Lux. Wait… where is it? I can sense it but I can’t see it.
He concentrated some Prana to his hands and in a flash of bright light, the Orga Lux appeared in its sealed state.
“So the Orga Lux can be summoned discreetly.” He summarised and then said, “Haruka-nee, I have somewhere to go. Can you go home back on your own? I’m sending a car for you.”
“W-wait… car?” She asked, confusion written all over her face.
“Tatsuya Corp., the head’s car. I have something to do so I will be late. I want you to return home. A friend of mine will drop you in her car.” He clarified and turned towards the door just as a young man with silvery-blue hair and striking golden eyes entered the room, holding a bag in his hand.
“Ryu, good to see you.”
“Hikaru-sama, you used that Orga Lux?” His voice was condescending and had undertones of scolding and disappointment in it.
“Hey, don’t blame me. Blame the stupid woman who attacked us.” He said bluntly and then asked, “Where is the car? And where is Rei-san?”
“Rei is in the car at the entrance. Said she didn’t want to come.”
“That’s fine I guess. Can you take Haruka-nee to the car and have Rei-san drop her off at home?”
“Sure.” He led the still shocked girl out of the room and returned a few minutes later.
Meanwhile, Hikaru had changed into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, his Orga Lux strapped to his arm.
He then said, “Ryu, I want you to run a few tests. The power output of each of my different techniques.” His tone had turned very serious.
“Hai, Hikaru-sama.” Ryu’s voice was also very serious and his face showed seriousness all over it. “Has your power changed in any way?”
“My power has increased. And during the attack, this Lux was possessing me. I was conscious of my actions but I couldn’t control them.”
“That is a problem.”
“I know.”
“And also… I have the special Orga Lux you asked for prepared.”
“Really? That’s good to hear.”
“And the registration for Seidoukan Academy. In 1 year, you will be eligible to join Asterisk and attend Seidoukan Academy. I also had the paperwork for the Orga Lux also done.”
“I take it you combined the two Orga Luxes already?”
“You can test it at the facility, Hikaru-sama.”
“Let’s go.” In a sudden flash. Both of them disappeared.
Tatsuya Corp. Main Office
Basement
Hikaru and Ryu stood in a room filled with blue tiles. The younger of the two gazed at the room.
“Good work, Ryu.” “I know.”
Hikaru walked towards the center of the room and held his Orga Lux in his hands.
“Obey! Narukami!”
A burst of power rippled outwards with him in the centre as a black ethereal dragon formed out of the aura around him and coiled around himself like a cloak.
He was now clad in a white kimono and hakama, with a black dragon on the back of the kimono. The pitch-black blade of the katana was pulsing with energy.
Hikaru did a few slashes in different directions, each slash sending forward an arc of lightning. He then used the Narukami as a medium and used one of his techniques. Rakurai hit the blue tiles a few feet before him and immediately destroyed them, leaving no trace.
“That’s all.” Ryu’s voice came over the intercom and he stopped, sealing his Orga Lux back again. The kimono stayed like that but the ethereal dragon dissipated slowly, leaving no trace of its existence. Ryu appeared before him and said, “I observed the readings. The power is significantly stronger than before.”
“Is that so?”
Then it means that Narukami is amplifying my power, at least when it comes to lightning. And this kimono seems to activate when I unseal it. Maybe a sign of the wielder.
“Ryu, can’t you talk with the president of Seidoukan and have me admitted there?”
“I apologise, Hikaru-sama. But that is not possible right now. You are still not mature enough for me to let you live alone, without supervision, in a combat school, in an island where duels are the norm.”
“Fine.” He said grumpily. “Then I want you to have a house built on the land that mom owned at Seidoukan Academy grounds. Contact the authorities, tell them about me, that I wish to train in solitude. The papers are in the vault.” “Yes.” “And I want it built with high security measures. And high durability. Enough to handle 100 times the power output of just now.”
“Understood. Am I to take the money from the company or…?”
“Take the money my parents left in their will for me. Build it comfortably. Big, like a mansion. Just like my previous home.”
“Taken note of.” Ryu answered with a smile.
“When can I expect it to be finished?”
“By when do you want it finished?”
“The deadline is 1 year. I will leave home then. Whether you will allow it or not.”
“Then I will have a room built for you in the meantime and then the mansion.”
“Do whatever suits you.”
“And I will be accompanying you, Hikaru-sama.”
“As long as Tatsuya Corp. is not in any danger, you can do whatever you want, Ryu. You have the full authority, as my assistant.”
“I will have Rei help me.”
“Then fine.”
XXXXXXXXXX
The door to Hikaru’s room was open when Haruka entered it. “Weird. Hikaru always keeps his door closed.”
A piece of paper caught her eye and he started to read it. A shriek followed shortly after.
As Ayato and Masatsugu entered the room, they found her in the middle of the room holding a piece of paper, staring at it with a shocked look in her eyes.
Ayato noticed the lack of things in the room.
“Eh? Where are Hikaru-nii’s things? And where is Hikaru-nii?”
The paper fell to the ground and Ayato picked it up. “A letter?”
I am leaving and going to my new house. I didn’t tell any of you about this because you would try to stop me. Don’t try to search for me. No one except a trusted few know about my whereabouts. I need to get stronger and this is the only way.
Masatsugu-san, I don’t have any way to show you my gratitude for taking me in and helping me.
Haruka-nee, thanks for teaching me kenjutsu. But I think I should apologise, because I worried you many times and also hurt you right now. But I have to do this. There is no other choice. My definition of strength is different from yours and I cannot achieve that strength right now.
Ayato, grow stronger. I know you can. And control yourself. That attitude will hurt those dear to you. Sorry, but we can’t defeat Haruka-nee together. But I think you can grow strong enough on your own. Haruka-nee will teach you. I’m sure of that.
I think the only way that I can show you my gratitude is by growing stronger. I have to, even if I lose myself. That is the only way that I can protect what is dear to me.
I don’t want you to understand why I did this, but I do want you guys to accept my choice and move on.
Until we meet next time then,
Hikaru
The letter was brief but explained everything to the three of them.
Both Haruka and Ayato were crying silently as the boy they considered a brother disappeared from their lives.
XXXXXXXXXX
Suijou Gakuen Toshi Rikka
A young boy of 12 and a young man of 22 both stepped off the plane, the younger holding a bag in his hand while the other was dragging a trolley behind him.
“So, Hikaru-sama, what is our first objective?”
“Simple, Ryu. I’m going to get stronger in this Asterisk once I enter Seidoukan Academy. Strong enough to not lose anyone.”
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