Number 4

Gadget_boy: Didn't mean to make you misunderstand, but it'll be a harem for Ethan, with of course, Sylvia as the alpha

As a side note, any way we can request characters? I need my cute little idol :D

The blonde man at the podium raised his hand and the crowd grew silent. "Welcome to this year's Phoenix Festa. I am glad that everyone here is able to participate. Those of you new to Asterisk, welcome! Those of you in the audience..." I started to tune out his words as Ayato asked a question and Julis turned to me to explain for her.

"He's Mathias Mesa, a graduate of Seidoukan and once a winner of this Festa."

"Oh," Ayato looked up, "He must be very strong then."

"Yeah," I replied, "He joined this committee after his graduation, really strange in my opinion, but I don't mind honestly." I looked back up and noticed he was looking at Ayato and Kirito subtly. He saw my look and turned back to the crowd.

"Now, there are a few rules that have been changed. We cannot limit Luxes, nor autonomous Luxes." Saya immediately woke up, she was falling asleep while standing earlier and all signs of drowsiness went away. "So we have allowed the alternations of these autonomous Luxes, as you all know, we are doing this to allow fairness and not to let only one school win. That is all, and let the games begin! May the odds ever be in your academy's favor!"

Everyone started clapping and he gestured to the representatives of each school that were present. Claudia Enfield, Dirk Eberwein, and Ernest Fairclough. The one for Jie Long, Allekant, and of course, Queenvail was missing.

I was walking down the hallway when I turned, seeing Kirito missing. Confused, I looked around and saw him surrounded by girls. I sighed and started pushing through them, "Excuse me, thank you. Kirito, Ayato and Julis are inviting us for lunch." He gave a grateful smile and pushed through, but when we were leaving, someone grabbed my arm.

"I think you got the wrong pe-...Oh."

I smiled at the maroon-haired girl wearing the Rewolf uniform, blushing slightly, "I didn't. Hi Ethan."

"Priscilla! What are you doing here?"

Smiling, Priscilla said, "I was hoping to find you...so I can wish you luck." The last part came out timidly; I nodded in thanks.

"Want to eat lunch with us?" By this time, the others had caught up to us, wondering why I was taking so long.

Julis narrowed her eyes, sharply saying, "Why would you invite a Rewolf student?"

Priscilla looked hurt and I put an arm around her, "Priscilla isn't like the other Rewolf students, perfect student, honor roll and all that." She blushed at my compliments, "If it weren't for...someone, she'd be in another academy."

Nodding, Julis replied, "I see. I guess it is okay, but then again...you are in another academy."

Priscilla nodded, "You're right, I can't eat with you because of that reason, but thank you for the offer Ethan." Hugging her, she continued, but softly so only I could hear, "Also, I'm competing too, my sister is participating." I filed that away.

"Irene."

Kirito turned questionably, "What?"

"Hungry, let's get eating. I'll see you soon, Priscilla." She waved as we walked to the Seidoukan waiting room to eat.

"Ugh," Saya patted her fat belly, "I think I ate too much."

Julis sighed, "Think? You ate three or four of your riceballs."

I brought up my screen, "It's time...right...now." I tapped the fourth channel and two girls appeared on the screen. The one on the left was a pink-haired lady wearing a pink hat, facing the camera and on her left was a grey haired lady with a green hat.

"Alrighty, we're here at the Sirius Dome, site of today's first match. Live commentary will be provided by yours truly, Meeko Yanase, ABC reporter, along with Jie Long academy #7 graduate and current Executive Aladfar Pham Thi Tram."

"Looking forward to cooperate with you!"

"Now, right before the match, let's go over the rules: The Festa will last two weeks, with the First week being a preliminary round and our 256 pairs will be whittled down to 32 pairs. The final rounds will have set matchups, as everything is drawn in advance. Then a whole new tournament will start, right?"

"Yes, in the finals, points will be given beginning from the very start. Now, the match ends if both team members have their badge destroyed, when both team members are unconscious, or if one team member is unconscious and the other lost their badge. Other conditions will be by judging a lost, as giving up, deliberate stalling, and so on. This will be announced via badges."

"There are no referees as every match is automated."

Kirin turned to Ayato and Julis, "Your first opponents are from Galahadworth, right?"

Ayato nodded and Saya asked, "Can you beat them?"

"Hmm," Ayato thought, "It's rank #39 and #41, so we should be fine."

I looked away from the screen, "Any strategy?"

Julis smiled mischievously, "No, the opposite actually, you'll see." They got up and walked out as they were called up.

"Have fun!" I called after them, who both nodded in acknowledgement. After a few minutes, I dragged my chair to the window, despite the looks everyone gave me, "What?"

"Now, this match will be Block C, Round 1, Match 1! Who is making their way onstage from the East Corner? Seidoukan Academy with the team of Ayato Amagiri and Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld! Also known as Murakumo, Ayato Amagiri, believe it or not, became Rank One just recently!"

"Oh, yeah, your duel Kirin!" I said. A few weeks ago, after the lizard incident, Kirin asked Ayato to a duel, who accepted it, despite her uncle's wishes. In the end, Ayato won the duel, making Kirin's uncle furious. He threatened Kirin by revealing something, between the family mind you, but I backed up Kirin and Claudia threatened her uncle in return, making him leave Kirin to do as she wished. I'll get back to that story another day, maybe when I have free time, from the very beginning.

"He's the only #1 among the contestants at this time! From those viral videos, we know he has tremendous power!" Julis turned to him and said something while smirking, "If that's not enough, his tag partner is Julis von Reissfeld, aka the Gluhen Rose! Seidoukan's #5! It wouldn't be an overstatement to call them frontrunners, no?"

"Well, she is a princess. In terms of being a Strega, she is among the best of her generation." They leapt down onto the stage and then, "They're ready to go!" Julis walked away from Ayato and Ayato brought out Ser Veresta. He broke free of his seal and charged, instantly slicing both badges of the opposing team.

"Hah," I shouted. Kirito walked up to me with his hands on his hips. "Would you be able to handle that?" As Meeko started commenting about Ayato's power, I turned and flipped backwards, still sitting on the chair, something I've picked up on how to free myself if taken hostage.

"I can, but the downside is, you must handle Julis if I do face Ayato." Kirito frowned, then nodded, "If I must, then I'll signal, and we swap once you get up close to her."

Shrugging, "That's perfect, especially considering I-..." I faltered as I realized we weren't alone. He wiped imaginary sweat and I chuckled. "Well, let's congratulate them."

Minutes later:

"So, Yabuki, why are you here?" Ayato asked.

He laughed as he held the screen about the news of Ayato and Julis's performance, "Well, to see match #3 and #5."

"Arlequint academy?" Julis asked and Saya perked up.

"Yeah, I wanted to interview them, but they shut me out..." he said with a shrug.

"Bummer," was Saya's response.

Julis turned, "Hey, who is in match #5?"

"These two dozers over here," Yabuki said and I opened an eye.

"Hey, we aren't sleeping," I turned to Kirito and he didn't move a muscle, "Or...never mind."

Match three started soon after, it featured two Rewolf students, partners and both in Page One of Rewolf. They were fighting against the robots of Arlequint academy, RM-C and AR-D. What happened during the round, or before, was a one-minute grace period from the two robots. It seemed crazy, but AR-D was able to create a energy barrier mimicking that used in the Festa, and protected himself for the whole minute. Meanwhile, RM-C, she was able to dodge all the attacks that were thrown at her. So, needless to say, after the one minute was up, the Rewolf students took a pounding, even if Mortiz Nessler could control winds to use powerful moves like Boreas Spira and Borea Mordent. His partner Gerd Schiele had a Lux assault rifle and was a deadeye, but still no match for RM-C.

So anyway, there's a recording if you want to watch the whole battle, I just gave the gist of it.

Later that day:

"Well, nap time's over!" I declared and got up, "Let's get going." Kirito instantly snapped awake and jumped up with a flip. We walked down the hallway to our entrance and I said, "Remember, just like usual, I'll stay back and you just handle them. You remember how to use Saber's style of combat, right?" He nodded.

I inhaled and stepped up, "Out at the East Corner are the two surprisingly extraordinary fighters! First off is Kirigaya Kazuto, or as most know him from the Sword Art Online incident, Kirito! He is usually a boy who slacks off but yet can still fight on par of those in Page One, thanks to his experience in the VRMMORPG SAO!"

"His partner is just in the same boat, it's Kichirou Sakamoto." I sighed, "They just had to say my real name, huh?"

"Yes! Many are familiar to his so-called position as Vice-President, but because of it's illegitimacy, that is why he is able to participate in the Festa!"

"Aye, and not only that, he isn't unranked unlike Kirito here, but actually Rank Three of Seidoukan. There were rumors saying he rarely exerted any effort when beating the Gluhen Rose! We would like to see if those rumors are true in this match!" I face faulted onto the floor and Kirito sighed.

"Great, this is even more embarrassing than Ayato's..." I muttered as I sat up. Shrugging, "Well, who are we waiting for?"

"Nobody," he leapt down and I followed after. We faced Lester and Randy.

"Oh. Well, well," I said lightly, "Look at who we're facing!" Lester grunted in response.

"Quite the introduction they gave for you." I nodded.

"Not that it was fun..." Lester activated his Lux and Kirito took out Dark Repulser. I stepped back as Kirito walked forward. "Oh, are they going to follow the same strategy as Ayato and Julis Reissfeld?" Kirito stepped forward one and in a blink, he was in front of Lester, who managed to block the attack with his Leo. "Randy! Get the other kid!"

"Who you calling kid?" I said as Randy aimed his wrist gun at me. He fired an arrow and I simply leapt to the side, Randy leaping too as Kirito broke engagement with Lester and attacked him. I walked around the stage and noticed people watching me curiously. Kirito jumped high into the air and spun, landing facing me. I made a silent clap and he nodded grimly.

Lester turned, "Why are you standing there?!"

"I'm only spectating! Don't bother me!" I protested. "Oh! I wonder what Kichirou meant by that gesture?" I frowned, this live commentary would be a problem. Luckily, Randy and Lester didn't think much of it. Kirito changed targets again and engaged Lester, and Randy went back to me, with a look of relief. I smiled as I dashed forward and ran around the perimeter instead of strolling and went to an area closer to them while staying at the edge. Randy now faced Lester and Kirito and I smirked as Kirito stepped backwards, bringing the two opponents closer together.

Kirito looked up at my movements and I tapped my temple with two fingers. "Sakamoto Assault Style, Beginner Technique. Twin Vipers!" He let go, making Lester slam his axe into the floor and suddenly, I was in front of Lester, swapping places with Kirito, throwing my left fist forward. It broke the badge and before announcement could be made, I leapt to Randy and punched too, the arrow cutting my cheek as he fired from reflex but my fist struck his badge.

Badges broken, team Kirigaya and Kichirou has won. The crowd was silent for a moment then went wild.

Lester stalked over, "How did you know what to do?"

"Tut! That'll ruin our advantage over others! But let's go with, we have ways to communicate."

"Woah! What was that move in the very end? Kichirou managed to swap places with Kirigaya in an instant, allowing Kichirou to destroy the badges with his knowledge of his hand-to-hand combat! Either they have a technique hidden or both are faster than any of us can expect!"

"You can say that again! He showed no effort! It seems like the rumors were true! Let's hope one match we can see Kichirou's full power!"

I smiled and waved at the crowd, so did Kirito, he was happy about winning his first round, me...I have another reason for facing the audience, to face the camera. Ophelia, I know you are somewhere, watching this. This may be only one victory out of many that I have to get, but I will make it to the finals...and win. Ophelia didn't answer, so it was either, she didn't hear (which I doubt), she ignored me, or...she wasn't watching me. I was betting option #2.

Kirito sheathed his sword and we bumped fists, "Just keep this up, keep them out of our sights, and we can handle this."

Smiling, he nodded, "Yeah, that last move made me dizzy when I landed."

Walking off stage and away from the cheering crowd, "Don't worry, you will feel vertigo if you aren't used to it. I felt that same way as I was younger. At least you didn't fall flat on the floor on your first time." He laughed and I said, "No, really! I did fall flat on my butt on the first time!"

"Day one! Perfect!"

"Day Two":

"Huh, what's going on?" I asked as Kirito and I saw a crowd.

"Don't tell me..." Hearing the agitated voice, I turned and saw Priscilla, "Is she really...?"

"Priscilla!" I called and she turned, frowning. I faltered and she stopped frowning.

"I'm not angry at you, I think it's my sister." I blinked and laughed.

"Well, let's go see." We pushed our way and we felt a strange energy. "Uhh-"

"Faster!" We pushed our way through, Priscilla leading, "Hey, you!" And the person at the center of attention...was Irene. "Really sister! Fighting without permission! Again!" Irene looked nervous as she hid her Gravi-Sheath. Priscilla bowed to the people Irene challenged, Julis and Ayato, and said, "I'm so sorry! My sister caused you trouble!"

Julis was surprised, "No, that's not what happene-"

"My sister is too!" Priscilla reached up and grabbed Irene's head.

"I am not!" Irene protested.

"Yes you are! I'm sorry!"

"I-I'm sorry too..." Irene grumbled. I laughed and held Priscilla's shoulder and suddenly, Irene shot up, glaring and put Priscilla behind her as she kicked up. I ducked under it and smashed my forearm against a punch, shot my left arm forward and grabbed her throat, surprising her. "Only one person can do that..."

-Flashback-

I shot my head up at the sound of the pebble falling. It was the alert that someone entered the canyon that was an outsider. How I knew? The family set it up so only those in the family know the way around without knocking down that single pebble. I saw a maroon-haired woman. I frowned at the Rewolf institute uniform. "So, Dirk really sent someone to find me? To continue the testing with Ophelia? He is pretty determined."

The woman laughed, "You have guts to run away. And you act like you have a choice for a nine-year old." My teacher took a step but I held up a hand, strong as she was, she wouldn't have a chance against a Genestella.

"Are you here to kill me? Or does he really want me back?"

The woman bared her fangs, and I realized that she was part vampire, if possible, "To drag your little body back. However, if I must, I'd have to kill you."

I curled my finger, "Then let's see how powerful the grunt he sent. Bring it."

She laughed, "You talk confident for a child." She charged and activated her Lux. I started at the familiarity of it. It was the Gravi-Sheath. Then the wielder must be...

I leapt up and spun in midair, "You must be Irene Urzaiz." She raised an eyebrow as she turned, "I had to stock up on knowledge while under Dirk. I have to thank him." Suddenly, I fell to my knees due to the intensification of gravity. "Gah!"

"Well, looks like I don't have to hold back anymore." I grunted and she charged, but my vision turned and I was behind her and she stabbed down. At death, my clone quickly collapsed and I smacked her aside with a shadow. The arm raised to protect me if needed. When the dust cleared, she noticed my hand was gripped around her throat. "What? You aren't a normal kid!"

I rolled my eyes, "Of course not? Didn't he tell you to be careful, like...at all?"

Irene glared, "No, not like I'd be careful around a kid!" She averted her gaze, "Although, I guess that's why I lost."

I was reluctant to remove my hand, "So, what now?"

She shrugged, "I failed. That means only Ophelia is the only one to stop you, or I try again."

"Ah...she's doing well?" We were interrupted by quick footsteps.

"Sister! Don't tell me you ran off to fi-..." Priscilla looked in our direction and saw her mature sister in almost a death grip by a nine-year old. "What happened here?"

-Flashback End-

"I know," I said cheerfully.

"It's just you..." Irene said slightly digusted.

"Yup!" I said in the same manner as I gave before, "So, want to keep going?"

She shook her head, "No, I was ordered to avoid you instead of my original...job." She said that bit slightly embarrassed.

"Ah, it came from him himself, right?" This got a nod, "Ah, I knew it!"

Priscilla gave a huff, "Irene! Really! You know the two of us are close friends!"

"I know, but still! He can't just touch you like that!"

"I'm fine," Priscilla assured her, then blushed, "Not like that! But...I'm not too worried around him!" She turned to us, "I'll make sure to give my sister an earful, I'll see you all later! Let's go." Priscilla smiled and started leaving, with Irene reluctantly following. Julis walked up to me, along with Kirito and Ayato.

"That was so awesome!" Kirito exclaimed, "Your reaction speed was so quick!"

Julis interrupted before I could answer, "You know her?"

I nodded, "Through Priscilla, and don't worry, Irene isn't always like this. You have your next match soon, no?"

"Shoot! Let's go!" Julis shouted and we all followed.

I smirked at the simplicity of the past few days' rounds. Kirin and Saya easily defeated their opponents, with Kirin dodged most of her opponent's attacks and sliced the badge. I smirked at the similarity of my situation and this situation, from when I first fought her, getting up close with Murasame. Saya also handled her opponent well. She used her Lux as a melee weapon and blocked all her opponent's attacks, and then used the gun to defeat him when he leaped up.

I sighed as I laid on the bed and tried calling Sylvia, but she was busy, as usual. Oh, you wonder what my opponent was? Well, they were from Galahadworth, luckily the two used swords, as we did. I asked Kirito if he minded going against both while I stayed back and he didn't mind.

He engaged them for a moment before they noticed me, then went for me.

-Flashback-

"Hey, that kid isn't doing anything! Maybe this one is forced to drag him along," one said, smirking.

"Yes, let's put him out of his misery if this is the case," the other said gravely.

As they charged, I laughed, "So I guess none of you saw yesterday's match, huh?" They made a cross with their blades and I leapt as one cut sideways at my badge and the other sliced up. Kirito watched, not doing anything and I knew that he understood I could take care of myself. They sliced air and yelled in confusion. "Too slow." I said simply, at the other side of the stage. They gaped and saw the imprint I made at where I stood, the exact pattern at the bottom of my shoe.

I sniffed and Kirito engaged them again, but they ignored him once again and I shook my head, holding up a hand and clenching it, brought it down swiftly. He stopped and nodded. I took a step forward, crouching, when they split up, one went directly for me and the other to the right. The one in front of me raised his sword and thrust forward, but I had already leapt in the air when he was a meter in front of me. He looked up and gasped, bringing up his sword to block my downward kick.

"Goodbye~" I said, bringing my foot back and kicking the blade, making him stumble and fall. I landed and saw his partner charge at me. I dashed to the fallen opponent and kicked him up, making both collide with each other. I raised a hand and Elucidator was thrown to me. I let it fall close to the ground and kicked it up, the sword spinning. It was falling and at waist level when I caught it, at the blade, blood running down the blade and dripping onto the stadium. "...Ow."

Kirito walked up to us, amused and told our opponents, "I'm not 'carrying' him, we agreed on this strategy." We cut the badges of the groaning opponents.

[Badges broken, winner: Team Kirigaya and Kichirou]

I scratched my head, "A bit too easy, no?" Kirito laughed in reply.

-End Flashback-

Ayato and Julis's round went pretty smoothly, Ayato backed out this time and Julis handled them. She defeated one of them with Primrose. The other got overconfident and get defeated by Julis's trap, Semiserata. She didn't last long, and the round didn't last long either.

I stopped smirking when I thought about the final most notable round. The final round of this week was Irene and Priscilla, their opponents targeted Priscilla, and Irene became disgusted. She stopped both quite easily, but when one opponent was more resilient than the other and managed to hit her, she drank some of Priscilla's blood and easily wiped out the remaining guy. What worried me was the Gravi-Sheath feeding on Irene and Priscilla's blood. I also found out that Irene really was a vampire practically and Priscilla was a Regenerative.

"Good work today~" I heard a voice and faced Claudia. I nodded and turned back outside.

"Thanks."

"Is something troubling you?" she asked as she sat down on the bed next to me.

"In a way, we're going against Irene in my final preliminary match. I'm worried I won't win. A bit stressful..." I mumbled. Claudia giggled.

"Well, not as stressful as me, I have to match up all the contestants for the finals."

I looked, "You gave me all the easy people, right?"

"That's exactly what I have to deal with, it must be evenly matched up until the very end," she put her hand over her mouth and I laughed. I stood and looked out the window.

"Claudia?"

"Yes, Kichirou?"

I pouted, "I told you, I don't like that name!"

"But you are a lucky son."

"Whatever...how did you get in the boys' dorm?"

Finger at her lips, "My personal secret."

It was a day off from the Festa, as they were held on the weekdays, leaving us free time on the weekends. I stretched and stuffed my hands in my pocket as I strolled down the impressive Business Sector. I saw Ayato and jogged up to him, "Hey, Ayato. Waiting for Julis for another date?"

He blushed and shook his head, "No, Saya got lost and I'm looking for her right now."

"Uh...how?"

"She's...directionally challenged," he admitted. I gave an 'ah'.

"Well, good hunting Ayato," I started off on my stroll again when Ayato stopped me.

"Ethan, how come you always avoid saying good luck? I've noticed that in every situation where 'good luck' will fit, you replace it with something else."

I smiled slightly, "Let's say I've never had much luck with 'good luck' so I don't usually take 'good luck' and refrain from giving out that." He seemed confused but nodded regardless. I waved goodbye and walked down, looking at the different businesses that prospered on the streets. It was six and I sighed at the lack of event today and the thought just came to my head when someone ran out of the alley and bumped into me.

We both looked at each other, "Hey."

"Help, Ethan," she held on to my arms.

I tilted my head and heard shouting, "Oh. I see...gah. Your sister's doing, no?" She didn't answer as I leapt up and kicked myself between the walls, landing at the top of one building and waving, "Ta, ta~"

"Get down here and you won't be harmed!"

"Oh, sure!" I called back and Priscialla gasped, but I leapt down on my own, "Yeah?"

"Why didn't you bring the girl?!" the fat man, obviously the leader, demanded.

"You didn't say anything!" I protested, "But in that case, bye!" I leapt back up.

"Bring the girl down, kid!"

I shouted down, "But you'll harm the girl. Too bad, punks!" I heard angry protests as I walked away from the gap and looked at the horizon, "Nice sunset."

She smiled at my comment, as if I didn't save her from the gang earlier, "Thank you, Ethan."

"Hey, no worries Priscilla, at this close of a bond, it's unnecessary," I put my arm around her and she blushed, then started speaking.

"..." She sighed, "I'm disappointed that Irene didn't settle her scores with that gang. There's a gambling house nearby, and the last time she went there, she started a fight with everyone, and still hasn't paid for all the damages."

"Ah, so that's why they were chasing you, to use you to make her pay."

"Yes...I've called her the moment I was in trouble, so she'll be here soon," she started pouting, "She always fights, just fight, fight, and fight! Honestly, it gets on my nerves! She just can't be more composed like you! You like to fight, but you wait for the fight to come to you instead of starting them."

I laughed, "Thanks for the compliment."

"Tha-" she stopped and laid her head against my shoulder, "I guess so."

"Uh, P-Priscilla?" I stuttered.

"Ethan...I like you."

I started, then laughed, "Well...Priscilla, if you don't mind, I have three more girls that like me."

She smiled, "Then I have competition. I'll be the first."

"For what?" I asked, surprised, then her lips were an inch away from mine, I understood and went forward myself when I was grabbed from behind and thrown onto the floor of the roof. I looked up and saw Irene glaring.

"You are friends with her, and are the only one who can get near her, but that does not give you permission to do this." I got up with my hands raised.

"Sorry! Sorry!"

Priscilla held Irene's arm, "Sister, it's fine."

"It is not! I can't believe he seduced you!"

"He didn't seduce me!" she shouted back.

Putting my hands out in front of me, I added, "If she fell for me, I didn't mean it, Irene. I was there to protect her along with the Cats, and help her with her school assignments. We went to hang out a few times, but again, I didn't mean to do anything to make her like me."

"..." Irene glared and activated her Gravi-Sheath and I stepped back a few steps until Priscilla walked in front of me, glaring at her sister.

"You won't split us up, Irene."

The two sisters glared at each other for a moment longer as I watched over Priscilla's shoulder from behind, then Irene deactivated her Lux and sighed, smiling slightly, "I guess it can't be helped."

Priscilla smiled, "I always knew you were soft on the inside."

"I am not!"

"So...we're good?" I asked tentatively.

"Not that I like it," Irene shot back, then started grumbling, not meeting my eyes, "but if my sister likes you, be sure to take care of her even more, will you?"

"Of course I would. You didn't even have to ask." I went up to Irene, hugging her, "H-hey! I'm not a huggable teddy! Let go!"

I chuckled, "Sorry. Thanks."

"Honestly," Irene mumbled, "Thanking me is all you need to do, and that's not even necessary. Why did you have to go to hugging?"

"Dunno, I'm just like that."

I shrugged and Priscilla perked up, "Ethan, mind if you come over tomorrow for dinner at our house?"

""WHAT?!"" Irene and I shouted.

"So...yeah," I finished and Kirito stared.

"Huh, well, I'd actually would like to go, but I can't."

"Huh?"

"Asuna called me a few moments ago and where she was, she saw our fights onstage. She enjoyed the them and wants me to talk to her. How I managed the teamwork, how I fought like that, and even our signals," Kirito explained. Nodding, I crossed my arms.

"That's fine. I'm not going to stop you. It'll seem selfish."

He bowed, "Thank you."

"Hey, no need for any of that. Thanks is enough."

Next day:

It was sunset when I woke up and looked at the time, about time for dinner at Priscilla's house. I went to the mirror and spiked up my hair with gel, then looking at myself, nodded happily. I went and swapped from the Seidoukan uniform into a hoodie. Putting on shorts, I started my way out, but turned and grabbed my sunglasses. I put them on and grinned as I recalled the trinket that I made based on Sylvia's cap.

I left the building and walked down the streets to the apartment, nodding at passersby and saluting at some, all the while smiling. Sometimes, you must change your looks and personalities. Including your gait, as that is unique to each and every person. Recently, I've never been targeted by Dirk. I didn't know f he let me go or gave up. He would never give up. I didn't want people to hunt me on the streets in case he was laying low.

Which is why I needed to inspect Sylvia's cap. And why the glasses was based off it, I was completely someone else like this. My built body always hidden behind long sleeves and jeans or the uniform. So I was just an athletic pedestrian.

Reaching the room of Sylvia's house, I took off mt sunglasses and flattened my hair, and shook my head, sending the hair flying. I knocked kn the door and waited, and Irene appeared at the door. She grunted and let me in, I bowed, "Thank you."

I was inside when she slammed the door and pushed me to the dining room. Priscilla nodded hello and I asked Irene, "I apologize if I'm going into something touchy, how's the debt?" The sisters' faces grew grim and Priscilla left.

"I'll check on the food, I was cooking before you came."

Irene sighed, "It's not much progress from before. I tried gambling, but no luck."

"Yeah...I saw those men." Irene and Priscilla had been in debt to Dirk long before I met them. It went as long as Irene was in debt, she had to listen to his orders and take jobs from him. She could pay it off, although Festa money was off-limits and void.

"It was why I took on the job to drag you back. He promised that my success would grant me all the remaining money." I remembered, but the thing was, why didn't I just turn myself in to free Irene? Well, because Dirk had a huge, large spy network that didn't just limit to humans and Genestella. You heard, not limited. I once saw birds and 'stray' dogs. If we planned it out, Dirk would find out.

"I'm sorry, if I had known..."

Irene gave a sharp laugh, "Well, if it didn't happen, you wouldn't be protecting my sister, would you?"

We were silent for a while until I perked up, "Hey, why are you participating in the Festa? Dirk didn't allow you guys to use that money to pay."

Irene looked nervous and I waited, then she sighed, "That's your reason for coming, eh?...To kill the Amagiri kid." I suddenly stood up but she added, "Or destroy the Ser Veresta. That's another option."

"But...why?" I asked as I sat back down.

"Dirk believes that the Ser Veresta will interfere with his later plans. He says that he saw another person wield that Ogre Lux years ago."

I tapped the table, knowing that Ayato and Julis had to be told about this, "So...I see now. But you aren't fighting them in the preliminaries, right?"

Irene shook her head, "No, it's you and the Kazuto kid. But I will win, and beat them too. So I get paid for both jobs."

I smirked, "Well, good luck on that, the two of us won't be going easy either. In case you haven't noticed. I still haven't made my true powers known yet."

Irene gave a large grin, "Well me too. I really hope you do give a good battle."

"But Irene," I said seriously, "I'm concerned. You really have the Gravi-Sheath under control?" I unfortunately didn't put too much thought into it, as Irene immediately closed up. Priscilla returned with a dish, smiling.

"Here's my seafood, mushroom paella!"

"Yes, I do."

"Bu-"

"I mean it. Anyway, let's eat. Once you try Priscilla's paella dish, there's nothing else that can top it!" I sighed and nodded, sitting straighter. After some complaining, Irene agreed to split it equally between the three of us. Irene was right, after eating it, I can't think of any other meal I ate that was as good as Priscilla's seafood mushroom paella. We talked about other things, such as where Irene told me to inform her about what Priscilla and I did while she was locked up, hoping to have a reason to beat me up. Although completely avoiding the topic of her Lux.

It was late when I left, and Priscilla saw me off, "Thank you for agreeing to come by."

I hugged her as she looked at the floor, "Haha, no problem. I didn't have much to do today regardless...So, I guess we'll be fighting Monday then, huh?"

She nodded, "Yeah..."

I placed my hand on her shoulder, "You really don't mind her drinking your blood?"

"Not at all," Priscilla shook her head, "I'm just glad I can be of use. She just scares me when she uses the Gravi-Sheath. She becomes so ferocious, becomes...a different person...It's like lately, it's becoming worse too. I'm worried."

I put my hand on her cheek and made her look up, my weary eyes looking into her worried ones, "I know, Priscilla. I was actually talking about it with Irene earlier."

"..." she started at me.

"I'm going to do all I can to bring her back to you as your sister, not whatever she becomes when she uses it. I promise. Even if I must die, or if the Gravi-Sheath must go."

She exhaled, "Thank you, I knew it was good to be with you. I can count on you to help me." I ruffled her hair and waved before turning. After I got around the corner, I put on the sunglasses again and brought up my hair. Afterwards, I brought up my screen and made a call.

"'Ello?" I asked as I opened the window door hybrid thing, never knew its real name. "Claudia?" I saw her dozing off at her desk and I smiled, "Well, I guess it can't be helped. Light sleeping coupled with healthy sleep in two hours is really why I'm awake at all, at...three in the morning?"

However, when I got closer, something felt off. Claudia was crying silent tears and she was sweating. I narrowed my eyes and reached forward. I realized it was happening again when she shot up, one eye pink, the other cyan, "Claudia!"

She didn't hear as she grabbed Pan-dora off the desk and activated swinging the blades at me. In that state, she couldn't hear, just focused on killing and ridding herself of the nightmares. I fell back onto the couch, making the foldable couch bed flatten. She stabbed down with both swords. But I kicked and she fell forward, eyes wide. She returned to her senses, surprised, "Ethan?" I looked at her and smiled.

"Glad you're back, for what? The fifth time now?" My smile was not a happy smile, but a grim one.

"I'm sorry. Y-" she looked at where my hands are, "Ara, are you enjoying yourself there?" I looked and saw that my hands were on her breasts, both. I yelped and brought my hands back. Bad move, she fell now that she had no support and we were face-to-face, chest on each other, and legs spread.

"Uh..." I didn't know what to say, but she wrapped her legs around my back, sitting on my lap. "Uh..."

"I'm sorry for what happened," I put my hands on her shoulders.

"Hey, I've seen it happen before, you don't need to say it again. It's not your fault, but it would make me feel better if you explained why it happenes." She leaned forward again, laying her head on my chest.

"Ara, your heart's beating really quickly~"

"You're not helping, my doing this" I pointed out helpfully, but she giggled.

"Well, before we do that, may you join my Gryphs Festa team next year?"

I deflated, I didn't want to tell her this, but I had to, "Sorry, Claudia, I can't."

Her face showed worry and sadness, "Why...not?"

I closed my eyes and said, "Well, I plan on running a team on my own."

"Oh?" her emotions shifted, and now she was curious.

"Yeah, hah...I plan on having my older sister Tang, join, along with her boyfriend, Cao Mengde. Kirito...or Kazuto too, of course."

She seemed impressed, "You mean, the descendant of the Cao Cao of the Three Kingdoms? Wielder of the first Ogre Lux, True Longinus?"

I smiled, "Something like that."

"Oh my, that means my chance of winning is even lower..." she was disappointed, "He never fought, but his skill is undeniable. Your sister too...and looking at Kazuto."

I laughed, "They didn't want to be a Page One, but they slightly regret it now. Also, they don't want to duel us, as they have experience and Lux advantages. Next year will be their last year before graduation...so they'd like to make a good appearance in public before they go."

She sighed, "I guess it can't be helped. I will win though! I won't be going easy on you!"

Hugging her close, I patted her lower back, making her gasp, "I know you won't~"

"Sadly, that means I won't reveal to you why it happens."

I narrowed my eyes tiredly, "So, that means you won't reveal it to me because I'm on your team, but because you want to get that weight off your shoulders."

She slapped me, "You take the fun out of everything! I didn't even get a chance to tease you about it!"

"My bad," I grumbled.

She gave a cheerful tone, "Have you ever experienced death?"

I scratched my nose, aware she still sat on me, "Uh...got close to dying a few times, but I didn't actually, die."

"I myself died one thousand and two hundred times."

"..." I stared in her eyes, mine wide open.

"What this seeks in return for my use of it, it to make me experience my own death. Each time I sleep, I see my own death in my dreams." She glanced at the Lux on the side of the couch bed. I looked too and they gleamed malevolently. "It also never shows the same death twice. It's cruel that way.

"Illnesses, starvation, suicide, death...by another. That's the reason why nobody can master this Lux, even with tremendous skills such as precognition. Most wielders go insane after three days." I held her arm.

To think that..."So, since you got them in junior high, day one...You've used them...for three years, three months, and nearly two weeks. Tomorrow will make it officially two weeks. How can you stand that? Aren't you...losing your mind at all?"

"Are you worried about me?" her tone seemed pleased and I nodded, "Thank you. But...I need to achieve a dream, and I must use this to achieve it. I've gotten used to it."

"Claudia...you are probably the toughest person I've met. To be able to stand that torture for so long..."

"So, you needed something else?"

"Well, yes. About the Gravi-sheath."

"Ah, as you know, it has a personality too. Good and bad." I glanced at Murasame, "Ahaha, your Murasame may be a good one. But, just a bit stubborn and timid."

"What about Pan-dora?"

She gave a girlish smile, "Of course, this one has the worst! Just like my personality!" We both laughed and she brightened. "Now...I don't want to speak badly of another Ogre Lux from another school, but the Gravi-Sheath just screams danger. It isn't a good one, at all. It definitely is one that interferes with the host."

"Interferes? I've never heard of that case."

"At times, an Ogre Lux would change a wielder's mindset, personality, and even body to fit its own needs." My mind flashed to Ophelia, but I brushed it away, hers is a different case. She wielded no Lux, but her powers make it impossible for her to enjoy herself any longer.

"Ah, I see. That's helpful, very helpful. I'll be going now, mind if you...like, get off?"

She leaned on me again, "You can stay tonight if you'd like~"

I looked out the window, and then at the clock, it was four twenty, in the morning. Not like I have anything to lose...except my vir- I heard Claudia speak, "Huh?"

"So?"

"Uh, I'll stay."

She exhaled, "That's nice." The moment she finished, she slowly closed her eyes and fell asleep on me. I blinked and watched her, but she didn't seem to be acting. I shrugged and pushed us higher up and pried her legs off me. Hugging her, I fell asleep myself only minutes later, listening to her soft breaths.

Third Person POV:

Opening her eyes, Claudia felt that something was off, something was wrong. When you wake up, you either wake up on your own, or if someone wakes you up. But...something woke her up this time, not an alarm clock, but a uneasy feeling. She glanced at Pan-dora and picked them up, activating them, she stalked out of the living room and felt a presence in the kitchen. She took a glance in and saw Ethan cooking, wearing her apron while smiling in her direction, "Hey! Morning Claudia, thought I'd make you breakfast while I'm here!"

She relaxed and when he reached for the toaster oven, the oven exploded, sending shrapnel flying. Claudia diving behind the doorway, but when she looked around the corner, she saw Ethan lifeless on the floor, a metal shard in his neck, right eye, head, and glass in various areas of his chest.

She screamed and then blinked. She saw Ethan alive, turning back to the pan when he looked at the clock then the toaster oven.

It was Pan-dora showing her the future.

Claudia didn't hesitate as she dove, tackling him to the floor just as the oven blew up. He shouted as he fell and turned midair to make his back face the explosion. He looked into her eyes, "How di-" he saw her eye's, the pink and cyan eyes, and immediately understood what happened, "You saw, you used it again..."

"At least it saved you," she replied, her eyes returning to their normal color.

He got up, flinching as the stray shards cut into his back. He gritted his teeth, "Yeah, it did." Claudia reached for his face when he grabbed her arm, it was bloody and it came from her upper arm, "You're hurt." Then blinked, "Well, duh."

"I'm fine. I think I didn't deactivate my Lux in time," Claudia assured him. He grabbed the towel on the handlebar of the stove and dried as much blood as possible. Claudia flinched and smiled when he removed her jacket and long-sleeve, leaving her in her tank top. She needed to find a time to tease him about that later. When it was mostly dry, leaving streaks of blood, Ethan sniffed the air.

"Oh damn! The fire!" Ethan quickly soaked another towel in cold water, quickly unplugging the device, burning his hand in the process, and dropped it onto the fiery toaster oven, smothering the fire. He ran around the room, looking for the old reliable fire extinguisher and aimed at the base of the fire before spraying and praying it went out. That left only the smoke to remain, which he got rid of by opening the windows. Soon there was knocking on the door and girls' voices. "Oh, uh, Claudia. I'll go jump out the window now. I...don't want the girls to start rumors."

Claudia gave an understanding smile and waved him to go. He kept his word and literally jumped out the window, falling down the ten floors onto school grounds, making Claudia giggle. She walked over to the door and opened it, allowing the girls in. They helped her clean up the mess after seeing her injury. What will the students think if they saw Ethan running from here with those shards on his back? Will they accuse him of causing harm to me? I hope you will hide yourself Ethan, and not make them suspicious for no reason.

That was the first thing that came to Ethan's mind when he was about to run into public. He stopped short and took unused paths, all the way back to the boys dorm.

Normal POV:

"Oh my, Ethan."

"Yes?" I asked as I stretched, flinching at the pain from earlier today. I hoped none of the cuts open again. Grabbing my spoon, I accidentally brushed my hand against hers and she smiled.

"Earlier this morning, I had my oven blow up, it was frightening and I didn't know why it did so." I laughed nervously at Claudia's recollection of this morning. "I was alone in my room, so I felt like someone just tried to kill me."

I was at a loss of words, "Uh...who though?"

"I don't know either, someone close to me, or who has access to my room~" I blushed furiously as she continued to talk. Not like I did anything! You think I'd go ahead and get myself killed to blow up Claudia? That's silly!

"Is your arm better?" Claudia glanced at her arm, although you can't see the bandages. She touched it absent mindedly and nodded. "I still have to thank you."

"You don't have to," Claudia tried to tell me, but it was pointless.

"Nonsense! Helping doesn't require thanks, but if you have your life saved, for sure you have to!" I clinked my spoon on hers again and smiled.

A voice interrupted, "Who saved who now?" Julis sat down with Ayato when she asked and I saw something wrong.

"Ah, nothing. Just a...a not-so-childhood story from junior high," I replied. Then I saw it, Julis seemed a bit irritated, and...jealous? I thought I saw jealously in her eyes, but it faded. I mentally shook my head, She's with Ayato, no? Why would she be jealous? "Anyway, glad you guys are here."

Ayato asked first, "Why's that?"

"Irene Urzaiz, the woman who apologized earlier last week. There are things you need to know in case I don't make it to the finals." Julis and Ayato looked at each other then looked at me. I waited for their response when Claudia clinked her spoon against mine.

"They've been waiting for a while now~"

"Oh! I thought you'd tell me to start."

Julis smiled and touched my hand before she quickly pulled away, blushing, "Sorry, it's my fault. could you begin?"

"Okay, first things first. She wants Ayato dead." It wasn't a good way to start. I had to spend at least ten minutes to calm down Julis, then afterwards, it was quite simple.

Chapter four's done! I've decided to have Julis with Ethan in his harem! I just have to make her hint at it and all, and will have her tell him why she partnered with Ayato if she could have asked him ;)

Anyway here's the girls for Ethan:

Sylvia (Alpha - I may get into why she doesn't appear much)

Claudia

Priscilla

Julis

*Kirin isn't I made it seem like it, but it's like a sensei/student thing, or father/daughter love. Not lover love. Kirin's with Ayato.