Act 1

Start of a Study Case

Chapter 4

Unseen Hypotheses

The snow had stopped falling this evening, she noticed.

Kirika didn't exactly mind that. This morning was enough, and since she was intending to go straight to the female dormitories, she would not be enjoying it even if it did snow.

Plus, she had more important matters to think about. Such as the lunch she just finished with Claudia roughly ten minutes ago: it was quite tasty.

Kirika had expected the food service for Claudia, the student council president, would be top-class. However, even with that in her mind, she was surprised – pleasantly of course – by the lunch provided.

Who would have guessed she would be getting some Wagyū beef as lunch? Granted, it was no longer as pricey as it was in Japan half a century ago, but it was still very much a traditional upper-class food among the Japanese cuisine even now.

To eat something like that for lunch, without paying anything for it, actually made her feel a little uncomfortable. It had once again proven that the Asterisk City really was built and funded by the most powerful international group in the world.

Though, the one I really should be grateful for is Claudia.

Claudia was the one who ordered the lunch in advance, after all. The president was a foreigner from the West, yet the blonde had purposefully ordered foods that were familiar to Kirika.

Most would probably call this common courtesy, but she appreciated acts of politeness more than the common folk.

Though, such friendly and thoughtful actions did leave Kirika pondering. Should she draw her conclusion about Claudia now?

There was absolutely no doubt that Claudia had taken a certain interest in her person, and now intent on befriending her.

But was the intention behind it sincere?

Student council presidents were figures of authority in the Asterisk City. If they were to be compared with governmental figures, the closest equivalent would be a 'Head Director of Intelligence Agency' with all the implications.

They commanded the combat academies from the spotlight and from within the dark. They gathered manpower and information against each other. They also had to protect the stability of the overall system, eliminating anyone who tried to defy.

It went without saying that, to even sit in such position, one had to be ruthless, manipulative, and opportunistic. Ready to take advantage of anything exploitable, and discard liabilities as soon as one was able to.

Claudia was that kind of person, and of this Kirika had zero doubt. When someone like that suddenly decided to be friendly to a stranger, it would be unnatural.

It was a logical assumption that it was not sincere. Such a thought process was common sense. That being said, Claudia was human.

Kirika could imagine it in her mind. Claudia had said she had been the student council president for three terms – there was no need to lie about such things – which meant the girl was early in her teens when she decided to put herself through the trials and tribulations necessary to reach her position of power.

If a girl of such a young age was forced to deny her conscience to become ruthless, lock away her heart to become manipulative, and rack her mind to consistently look for opportunities… The result would be rather tragic to behold.

Of course, this was under the assumption that Claudia was not some kind of sociopath since her childhood, in which case this friendliness was definitely not sincere.

"…"

In the end, the analysis was still inconclusive. It would be more productive to ponder about the matter later, with more information.

Clearing her thoughts, Kirika once again took note of her surroundings as she could finally see the girl's dormitory in her sight.

From the front, the female dormitories actually looked larger than when observed from behind the building. The entrance was a rather mundane fence gate that were colored white just like the fence itself, but there was a small garden decorating the courtyard.

The dormitory itself looked rather ordinary and classical compared to the school buildings – it resembled a fairly large Western hotel than anything else. The walls were red, the windows were rectangular and uniform, and there were white stairways across the whole front of the building.

"…Hum?"

There was someone on the stairs.

It was a feminine figure with the Seidoukan student uniform, and a long, rose-colored pink hair. Kirika didn't need two glances to know who it was.

Julis van Riessfeld.

Inwardly, Kirika smiled. Did the princess take the hint, after all? It seemed Julis had anticipated ahead of time that she would go to the dorm first after the school.

Julis seemed to notice her as well, judging from the way she suddenly crossed her arms.

Despite her realization though, Kirika kept her expression blank and her walking pace slow and relaxed. Even if she knew Julis was waiting for her, she didn't have an obligation to make it obvious.

Casually strolling through the gate and the garden of the courtyard, Kirika kept focusing on Julis' figure, who returned the favor with a calm, calculated gaze of her own.

As the distance between them narrowed, it became apparent to Kirika that Julis really was a perpetual frowner – her cyan eyes and her curved lips left the impression of someone who seemed serious all the time.

Though I don't exactly reserve the right to comment about that.

For someone like her, who had even counted how many times she smiled in a day, it would be hypocritical to chide others about their behavior.

Opening her mouth, Kirika halted just as she reached the stairs, a few steps before Julis.

"You have been waiting for me."

Apparently expecting her to speak in German again, Julis raised a brow a bit, before she opened her mouth.

"After what you said in the class, I am expecting a talk. Or am I mistaken?"

Kirika shook her head slowly. From the serious tone of voice, it seemed Julis didn't want more ambiguity from her.

"No, you are not. I do have something to say to you. Though, I imagine you have a few things to talk about, first."

It was not a question, it was a statement. Julis sighed, as if she was embarrassed to admit it.

"…Yes. I think it was a mistake for me to confront you in the midst of the class like that. You don't like attention, do you?"

That deduction was spot on.

So, you are actually pretty sharp if your temper isn't tempered with.

Kirika respected people with keen insight, though she supposed this was to be expected of a princess.

The damage was already done, though - Kirika was already forced to talk with Julis in the midst of class, and in German at that. That would already fuel rumors about them knowing each other.

But there was no use crying over spilt milk. She didn't care about most rumors, and even though it was convenient to stay under the radar, attention would be inevitably upon her sooner or later.

Kirika nodded in affirmation, prompting Julis to speak again.

"That explains why you ignored me. Is it that easy to tell that I am strangely popular in this school?"

Strangely popular?

Kirika had to raise a brow at that word.

Was Julis underestimating her own qualities, or the weirdness of the masses?

"Why don't you ask yourself?"

She pointed a finger at the princess.

"Excuse me?"

Julis appeared confused by her words. It seemed that she had to spell this out.

Like a mother scolding a child, Kirika put her hands on her hips.

"You are beautiful like a blooming young rose. You are strong enough to be among the best twelve warriors in this school. You are also the first princess of an entire nation. What exactly makes it strange for you to be popular?"

Kirika made sure to stress every adjective she mentioned.

There was a single moment of shock forming on Julis' face, before her cheeks rapidly became red.

That expression suited her age, and for once, she actually looked like a normal, if flustered, young woman.

"W-what are you saying all of a sudden?! Are you making fun of me?"

Although her reaction was amusing, Kirika didn't really want it to sound like a flattery.

She described what she perceived. No more, no less. With that in mind, Kirika sighed.

"When a girl says another girl is beautiful. She means it."

Julis appeared to consider that for a moment, before she coughed to regain her composure.

"…I suppose I should thank you."

The princess was trying to sound dignified, but it was a failure.

The half-hearted frown on her lips just gave it away.

"A-anyway, we digress! I want to ask you something."

Apparently realizing that she was being painfully scrutinized, Julis quickly raised her tone and changed the subject.

Kirika merely waved her hand in return, as to gesture 'ask away'.

"Are you..." Julis hesitated for a second. "…from the United Land of Germany? I know your name is Japanese, but you really don't look like one. Your German could pass for a native, too."

It was not the first time Kirika had her nationality questioned, and it would probably be far from the last.

While her own facial features were Asian, it was easy to overlook that seeing her tall stature – her body was taller than most women her age – and because of Genestellar mutation, her hair and her irises had mutated their colors into shades which were decidedly not even human.

Still, what was factual should be enforced.

"No, I am a hundred-percent Japanese. I know I don't look like one, but I am."

"Huh... Forgive me for asking something personal, but then why did you learn German? These days, it really doesn't have any use outside of my country."

What Julis said was true. Only English and perhaps Latin had seen continued usage in international affairs since the Integrated Foundation Enterprise took control of the majority of the world.

That being said, the reason Kirika studied German was because–

Sasamiya Saya.

Just thinking of that name made her smile unconsciously. Not enough for anyone but herself to notice, but…

Fifth time already in the first day, eh?

It surpassed her initial expectations. It was a surprisingly comfortable thought.

Well, since she was in a good mood, telling Julis about Saya wouldn't hurt, Kirika supposed.

"A friend of mine lives in Berlin. I haven't seen her for years by now, and I plan to visit her some time. I want to surprise her by learning German."

Julis opened her eyes wide. "Wait, are you serious?"

Kirika raised a brow. "I am. What makes you ask that?"

"You learned an entire language just to surprise a friend? Is this friend unable to speak with you otherwise?"

The princess was almost shouting, but Kirika didn't understand why.

Was that even a question?

"No, of course she can. She can speak Japanese and English like me."

"Then why did you even bother to learn German in the first place?"

"I just want to surprise her."

Julis stared at her, apparently expecting her to elaborate for more reasons.

However, after seeing her didn't speak further, the princess palmed her face.

"God, you are actually serious…"

Kirika merely rolled her eyes.

It might be indeed overkill for most people to learn an entire language just to surprise a friend, but she was not 'most people'.

It seemed as though Julis were part of those people, though.

"Don't be so surprised. Don't you have people for whom you would do anything for?"

Kirika had expected Julis to say 'no' but much to her surprise, the princess snapped her eyes open and gazed at her intensely.

It was not an angry reaction either, it was something like… an affirmation. A way to test one's own resolve.

"Yes. I certainly do. That's why I am here."

The words came out calm, but Kirika could sense the determination underneath the composure.

The intent behind every word was so clear that she could almost physically feel it, through prana projected by the speaker.

Hmm… so this princess hides steel beneath the silk.

This wasn't something Kirika expected of Julis, but it was a welcome turn of events for her curious mind. More things to ponder about.

"If I may ask, what is it that you seek here?"

"I did ask something personal from you, so I will return the favor. I only seek money."

Kirika narrowed her eyes. Money?

Any nation under the IEF's influence should be fed with a steady amount of funds in order to pacify their governments and keep them in check. It was how the Foundation had kept their power over most of the world in the last century, after all.

As the first princess of Lieseltania, a small nation under the United Land of Germany managed by two different companies of the IEF, she should not have any problems concerning wealth. Why would Julis need even more money?

While she was in thought, Julis took her silence as a sign to continue.

"Fighting here and winning the Festa is the quickest way to amass wealth. Seizing the crown of victory of all three events… that is my goal."

Now Kirika became skeptical. Winning all three Festas?

Partner battles, team battles and individual battles all had different requirements, abilities and forms of combat to master.

To think one could win all three without an immense amount of experience or power was both arrogant and naive.

Though, the rumors said winning just one of those events was enough for an entire lifetime's assurance of money. Julis' motivation was probably not personal greed then.

"To pull off a 'grand slam'? Are you aware how small your chances are?"

It was borderline mockery, but Julis accepted her words without retaliation.

"I am aware. But at the very least, I intend to win the Phoenix Festa. I need the money from that."

The steel in those words was not lost on Kirika. Julis was very serious about getting money. For what purpose, it was not clear yet.

Interesting …

It seemed Julis was not just a mere Genestellar trying to compete in this wretched hive to perpetuate the system. In fact, the princess seemed to be an interesting existence. She should be analyzed further.

Luckily, Julis didn't seem anything like Claudia, who was very good at hiding her true nature and intentions. In comparison to the student council president, this princess was almost like an open book.

I suppose going with ' that ' as my favor is a good idea, after all.

The thought made Kirika quite, quite excited. She had to suppress the urge to lick her own lips in anticipation.

In the end, even a place as wretched as this academy could bring an amusing experience, it seemed.

"Julis."

It was the first time Kirika had called the name to the owner's face, and she had skipped formality straight to the first name basis.

It was somewhat rude and perhaps she was being too personal, but Kirika didn't care at the moment.

"Eh?"

Surprised at the sudden mention of her first name, Julis let a dumbfounded sound escape her lips.

"The thing I want to say… is a favor to ask."

It was a follow up on Julis' promise this morning, and Kirika was sure Julis still recalled the event very clearly, that much was clear from that 'oh' expression.

"You have already decided on one? The favor I owe you isn't something trivial. Anything up to a reasonable degree is okay, you know?"

Those words made Kirika almost chuckle. Did Julis actually want to interact with her that much? How amusingly dishonest.

Don ' t worry, Julis. I think I will be around you a lot.

"I have already thought of it, and I am fully aware of who I am talking with. Because it is you, I can ask this favor."

Kirika placed her hand on her chest, where the Seidoukan Academys's school badge – actually a small piece of machinery powered by a small manadyte, decorated with the emblem 'red lotus' as befitting the Academy's name - was placed.

"I wish to challenge you to a duel."

Julis' eyes bulged in surprise, and her jaw dropped open.

"Duel…?"

As Julis muttered that word in surprise, the school badge on her chest as well as Kirika's emitted a red light, as if responding.

The Artificial Water City - Rikka, which floated on a huge crater-lake located in North Kanto, was the stage known as Asterisk held once a year; the students from each of the six Academies wielded weapons in an extreme competition for supremacy.

The Festa, or the Star War Festival was a type of battle entertainment, boasting the world's largest fan population. Of course, this did not mean that it was a fight to the death.

In accordance with these rules, it was stipulated in the agreement called [Stella Carta] – the Star Wars Charter, but long story short, it said that 'the person who destroys the school badge of their opponent wins'.

Although intentional cruelty was prohibited, if there was the purpose of weakening an opponent's combat efficiency, attacks to any place other than the school badge were permitted, and since weapons were used, there would naturally be injured people.

There were occasionally also cases when it didn't end with just injuries. Nonetheless, that young people still came from all over the world to this city was due to the fact that it was only here that they could hope to fulfill their wish.

And, the opportunity for them to fight was not only in the Festa.

If hot-blooded young men and women confident in their ability gathered in the same place, quite a few troubles would be expected to occur. In such cases, private wars (personal struggles) in conformity with rules were permitted in Asterisk.

That was the duel.

Though victory or defeat was decided by destroying the school badge as in the Festa, the reinforced school badge also contained the data processing functions, performed the duel application negotiation, the combat data transfer, and so on with the host computer.

Especially in a duel between students belonging to the same Academy, given that the rank would change depending on the result – victory or defeat – there was a meaning beyond just a private battle.

Though for Kirika, all of those were meaningless. What she wanted was–

"Yes, a duel. That's what I ask of you, to accept my challenge."

Recovering from her daze, Julis' body tensed – as if she was ready for an attack at any second – and her expression turned serious.

"I don't intend to refuse, but why do you suddenly want to duel me? If it is a duel request, you don't need any favors from me."

It was faint, but Kirika could still hear the hint of bewilderment in her tone.

I should elaborate, then.

It would not do to fight against a hesitating opponent, after all.

"Don't misunderstand. It has always been my intention since I came here… to find out about the power of the Page Ones."

That was not a lie, although it was far from her main intentions.

Hearing her statement, Julis had an understanding expression in her face, but she didn't lower her guard.

"I see. You wish to gauge the Page Ones by challenging me, who stands at roughly the middle point of the top twelve?"

"Correct. However, let me make it clear; I have no interest for the rankings, or to attract others with our duel. Because you stand to gain nothing from this, think of it as a favor from me."

The princess narrowed her eyes at this.

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said. We will duel with no strings attached, it will not affect our ranks, and it will not be recorded by anyone. It will be a duel known to only the both of us."

At those words, Julis became exasperated.

"That's impossible. We cannot duel anywhere in this academy without being seen, and our badges are connected to the school's database."

The princess pointed to the badge in her chest.

"You see this red light? It is a sign that the school's computer has already accepted your request and is about to start a duel, it is just waiting for the confirmation of our names."

Kirika had to resist the urge to mock her. Did she really think she didn't know that?

"I am aware. But the system is neither foolproof nor perfect."

Turning around, Kirika walked to the opposite direction of the dormitory.

"Follow me, Julis."

"Wait! Where are we going?"

"The lake behind our dormitory."

Julis was now sure, that today was indeed the most unusual day in her life.

When Kirika scolded her in the class earlier – in her own language, no less – Julis could feel astonishment and shame mixing into one within herself.

Once again, she had instantly assumed the worst out of someone who was only trying to remain under the radar. She should have known better about the downsides of being the center of attention, yet she allowed her temper to burst out of perceived rudeness.

When Julis thought about it, Kirika probably didn't intend to offend her this morning, either. The lack of obvious emotion and the tendency not to speak unless needed was not Kirika being dismissive of Julis, but simply because that was normal for her.

It was rude, yes, but not for any particularly unpleasant reasons. If anything, the white-haired girl was just very peculiar. Certainly odd, but not malicious.

In comparison to that, Julis had been nothing but intolerable in her treatment of Kirika since the moment they met.

And to make the exact same mistake to the exact same person twice in a row in the exact same day … ahhhh! What am I, some sort of a child?!

…For some reason, Julis had a foreboding feeling that events like today would be repeated quite a lot in the future.

Still, this was no time to think about those things.

Right now, her mind was stuck on the duel challenge Kirika had issued to her. To say it was surprising for her would be an understatement.

It was not that the request itself was strange – this was a combat academy, to challenge and be challenged were the norm. However, for Kirika, who had made her disgust with attention very clear, it was completely unexpected.

The transfer student said it was because she was curious about the Page Ones… but was it the truth? Or rather, was it the whole truth? Most likely, that was not all there was to it.

There is something more to her words … but what is it?

In addition, she said something about the recording system of the school being imperfect. Did that mean Kirika was about to sabotage it to ensure their duel would not be witnessed?

Julis was not exactly a fan of the Integrated Enterprise Foundation and their international governing system, much less obeying the rules of this school.

However, it did make her curious, to see how Kirika would get around the school system, and how Claudia would respond to this.

"Alright…"

The soft, melodious voice of Kirika's halted her thoughts.

Snapping back to reality, Julis found herself standing right before the lake behind the female dormitory, which was coincidentally the location she had first met Kirika.

Julis noticed that Kirika was about to, just like this morning, step onto the lake's surface. Immediately, she decided to focus her attention.

As a Genestellar, Julis could sense the mana in the environment and the prana within Genestellars alike. When a Genestellar wanted to use abilities beyond what their enhanced physicality could offer, they would use their prana to interact with the mana in the environment to manipulate the laws of physics to an extent and achieve their desired result.

If I could see the process … maybe I would find what I was lacking.

As if on cue, as soon as the prana on the soles of Kirika's shoes were about to touch the surface water, the water's mana seemed to concentrate, and within milliseconds – Julis wouldn't have been able to see it if her eyes were that of a normal human's – the surface of the lake around her feet became still and tranquil, despite the wind.

So my theory about manipulating the surface tension was right …

Although slightly joyful that her theory was right, Julis didn't change her expression as Kirika once again proved her mastery over prana control by ambling to the center of the lake.

Much to Julis' surprise, once Kirika reached the center, she descended to her left knee, and placed her left hand on the surface of the lake.

In just a few seconds, without warning, the whole body of the lake glowed brightly; a brilliant shade of azure. It was nowhere near bright enough to blind her, and Julis could feel her body relax as the light of the lake bathed her, even through her clothing.

The light faded as soon as it came to being however, and soon after both the warmth and the light disappeared from the lake, as if nothing ever happened. As though she was done, Kirika stood back up, and walked back to her direction.

Without even thinking, Julis voiced her curiosity.

"What did you do?"

"You will see. Though, you will need this."

Kirika took out something from her skirt pocket, and gently threw it at her direction.

By reflex, Julis caught it perfectly with her left hand.

"This is… a case for glasses?"

Judging from its shape, it was a case made of leather, intended to store a pair of glasses. Out of curiosity, she decided to open it.

Unexpectedly, the glasses were quite cute-looking – the frames were black with silvery snowflake patterns, and both the frames and the lenses looked like it had been polished every day – and it was quite large, probably to accommodate for different eye sizes.

It seemed Kirika had a preference for snow and winter-themed accessories, judging from this design. Probably to match her appearance?

I guess it will be cute if she wears it, but …

What was Kirika's intention by giving this to her?

As if she was reading her mind, Kirika answered. "You will need it to see through the fog."

Julis raised a brow. "Fog? What do you…"

Soon after that, Julis suddenly felt chill, which caused her to trail off.

For some reason, the temperature near the lake seemed to have lowered drastically; even more inexplicably, behind Kirika, mist began to form from the lake.

It was barely visible at first, but in seconds, the fog gradually became thicker, and the scenery beyond the lake were disappearing at an alarming rate.

"...What is this?"

"This is a lake with a high concentration of mana. Catalyzing a chain reaction for it to rapidly lower its temperature and produce fog are simple matters once you know what to do."

She supposed that made sense – so this was the extent of Kirika's abilities.

If the fog was produced this fast, then it would cover the entire female dormitory in just a few minutes.

That meant, no one would be able to see anything happening here unless the fog was cleared. But still–

"But, it would not stop our school badge from recording our duel, wouldn't it?"

Kirika shook her head.

"It would. Our school badge is connected to the host computer the school controls through wireless signal… this mana-concentrated fog will disrupt it."

The implications behind those words were not lost on Julis. That meant–

Kirika finished her thoughts. "Although someone like Claudia would probably be able to tell someone had taken advantage of this fog, no one will be able to trace it to us, and no one will witness our duel."

Julis stared at her surroundings. The fog had already reached the small forest separating the female dormitory and the lake behind Kirika.

"Then… these glasses are?"

"Like I said, for visibility."

Nonchalantly, Kirika took out another pair of identical-looking glasses from her other skirt pocket.

"Once it gets thick enough, even we wouldn't be able to see beyond two or three meters ahead of us. These glasses would allow us to see through the fog."

Quickly, she brushed the strands of the snow white hair around her forehead with a hand, and pushed the glasses to her face with another.

Julis had to pause at the result – as she had expected, the glasses seemed to frame Kirika's face perfectly, but for some reason, it seemed like her eyes had magically transformed.

Since their first meeting, Kirika's eyes always seemed to be dull and unfeeling – which coincidentally reminded her of Orphelia's – almost as if the owner was coldhearted and uncaring of its surroundings.

But now, her gaze had a certain light to them – it seemed more relaxed, as if the blankness it once had was now filled with something akin to joy or amusement.

The impression was different. Very different. Kirika looked closer to her age now, and she actually seemed more…

Innocent? Is that it?

Julis really wasn't sure-

"Hump. Like what you see?"

The sudden question startled her almost like a lightning bolt.

Julis was flabbergasted. There was even an unmistakable teasing tone in her voice now! Did Kirika just turn on some sort of a switch?

"W-what, so you are not some kind of robot, after all."

…That didn't make sense, why did she stutter?

As if she was seeing through Julis' mind, Kirika's eyes suddenly looked as if it was all-knowing. Infuriatingly so.

"Beep, boop."

Okay, that ' s it.

Kirika was definitely making fun of her.

"Don't tease me! You are not a robot!"

"Hehehe."

That actually made Julis halt. She couldn't decide whether to feel annoyed or delighted at that cute giggling sound. It reminded her of children much younger than themselves.

"I am not sorry."

…She didn't know whether it was the smug unapologetic tone, or the unnecessary emphasis in the sentence, or the bright look on Kirika's face which made her mad.

Probably all three.

"You will be, once I am done with you."

Julis would make sure of that. She didn't care if Kirika had displayed an ability on par with, or perhaps above her level. It was a duel, after all. And regardless of who her opponent was, Julis had no intention of losing.

Kirika's expression turned surprisingly feral – her glasses glistened, and her small smile turned into a toothy grin – as if she had been waiting for those words.

"You are ready for our duel, then?"

Kirika gestured to their surroundings, which had already been flooded with the gray because of both the fog and the gloomy winter sky. Julis couldn't even see the lake behind Kirika anymore.

As soon Julis put the glasses on her face however, the fog suddenly became something different – it was almost like the fog had transformed into a thin, see-through fabric.

The lake looked like it was burning brightly with mana, and the fog looked almost identical to smoke coming out of a furnace.

It was a surreal sight, to say the least. What did this Lux actually do? Infuse light with mana to pierce the mana-infused fog?

"Amazing… I didn't know there is a Lux of this type. These glasses are Luxes, right?"

"Yes. Now… shall we?"

Kirika widened her arms as she took a few steps away from her. Julis didn't need to be told what that meant, and she did the same.

Once they reached a reasonable distance from each other, Julis saw that Kirika was not idle.

No, she was bouncing up and down a little. On closer loo, her feet was indeed tiptoeing in place.

She was impatient. Perhaps even excited. There was no trace of the nearly emotionless girl from a few minutes ago on her now.

It was, in a word, exhilarating. The excitement was contagious. For some odd reason, Julis felt the tell-tale of excitement, too.

What… are her intentions, really?

This duel definitely had a deeper meaning beyond simply a test of strength.

Julis felt like she had to know. The feeling bothered her as much as it interested her.

"I will add conditions to this duel."

"Go ahead."

If Kirika was surprised, she didn't show any signs of it. The response was almost automatic.

"The loser will have to obey one of the winner's orders."

"Hump."

Kirika let out a hum that sounded more amused than anything.

"I don't mind. I will have you do me another favour if I win, then."

The way Kirika said it was… ominous-sounding, for some reason.

"I accept."

"I expect nothing less. Now then…"

Kirika took a deep breath.

"I, Amagiri Kirika, hereby challenge you, Julis Alexia van Riessfeld, to a duel."

Her declaration was surprisingly calm.

Judging from how excited Kirika looked, Julis was almost expecting her to yell at the top of her lungs.

There was no need to comment on that, though. She didn't care about how it was delivered either way.

"I, Julis Alexia van Riessfeld, accepted the duel request of Amagiri Kirika."

Heheh, how was it? Leave your thoughts in the reviews!

It has been a while since the last time I updated this, and you might notice that this fic's status had been elevated from SIDE FIC to MAIN FIC. This is because the story turns out to be useful for my skills, and I decided to give it more thoughts.

This fanfiction would be quite extensive, and likely adapt the entirety of the novels plus some more. However, the main purpose of this fic would be a testbed for several characters and plotlines of my own creation. Let this be your warning: although not soon, this fic will introduce large numbers of Original Characters over time for this purpose.

Similarly, future arcs would have different events due to the presence of several OCs. In fact, there will be completely original arcs regarding events of both past and future. While I have confidence in writing OCs, some people simply dislike fanfic stories with too many OCs on principle, and if so, I respect that, which is why I give a warning in advance.

On a different matter, it has been a while since I wrote for fanfics and while Kirika is my own character (thus I have absolute confidence in writing her), Julis is not, so you can point out any Out of Character Alert that she had displayed in this chapter. I have been rusty after all, due to exams and assignments and life in general.

Well, that's all I have to say. Thank you for following the development of 'Asterisk Winter' so far!