So...been a while. Not writer's block. Not losing interest, just laziness. In life, I'm a reeeally lazy guy. Really lazy. But just as a way to communicate rather than just on the FF site (and so you know I haven't quit or died of stress)...go ahead and pm me and I'll send those(if any) my Line ID, and I guess I'll just pick up a chat whenever possible and those of you enjoying this story and Konoha Rising can bug me for updates(other stories count too) :D

Now a few things to address. Sylvia's reputation. Finally read the main storyline of Asterisk War, and turns out that Sylvia would have preferred to have a boyfriend hidden, as it may harm her reputation. In fact, some girls in Queenvail set up exactly 73 meetings to put her out of Rank One...whoops hehe. Now I have to chance my story just a bit. Making her a bit more cautious in this perspective.

Other stories...I'm not sure if or when I'll update them again. Gakusen I like the best because of when it takes place. Not only that, multiple LN out there (and anime) bear similarities with this, making it easier to gain ideas, make crossovers(characters and elements). Yes...there are also possible ways in other categories. Like Hundred, Sakura is the 'World Idol'. Sylvia too! And they look slightly similar! There's also the Julis and Claudia, Saya and Kirin in another anime. I was actually thinking of mixing the Twin Star Exorcist elements into Hundred and linking that to Asterisk War. Kregare replaces those Savages and those characters can be replaced by Gakusen ones...Like Bahamut. Lux Arcadia, OP. Ayato? OP!

Anyway, that's what I have to say for now. Until then!

I sat down next to Saya and she gave me a glance before turning back to the fight in front of her. More specifically, the mock fight between Julis and Claudia against Ayato and Kirin. "Not bad!" I called when they finished. "But there are improvements that need to be made. Luckily you all know what."

They stared and nodded, "Julis, Nova Spina will definitely give you an upper hand, just don't lose focus. Ayato, don't let up and don't distracted. Kirin, don't let up until you've actually won. Only Daiki can do that. Anyhow, you guys will do well. I'm sure of it. Keep it up you guys." I flashed an encouraging smile and they brightened in return.

Months later:

"Sorry I kept you waiting~"

"..."

"Is...something wrong?"

"No...nothing." Sylvia gave me a hug and I pecked her cheek, ignoring the tingling in my mind. It was now the start of the second school year and the two of us met now and then. During the time I brought together the potential team, and we had our own mock battles, but I still couldn't decide on whether to join the Festa or not. Because if we win, we would steal the wishes of Claudia's team, while we had no need for any of the wishes at all.

I mean it.

None.

Not Minato, Cao Cao, not even Tang. Not even Siegfried has a wish. We have no need to gain or spend money, so they understand my dilemma, but we all just want to join to fight. Until we finally agree and I decide, we are just fighting as a precaution, as the students of school runs drills to prepare for the real emergency.

I have high hopes in our victory if we do join. Siegfried can handle the four of us with ease, and he was just using just two of six arms. Just two of six. Minato is really unpredictable with his technique of the Lightning Thunder God and the specially-crafted kunai, a prana ball called Rasengan, and clones; Cao Cao has the seven treasures with the True Longinus, and Tang...her Lux can target the heart and it attacks with just her thrusting. The moment she points at them, the spear flies through space and time to destroy the badge, if the target is too slow. Enough said about that. Me...well, as you can see from my recollections, I'm just plain lucky. Nothing else.

Our training had been going on for the rest of the winter break, the final part of my junior year in Seidoukan, and now...I am in the senior class with Claudia. That reminded me...how could I participate in the Lindwurm Festa? My only option is college to make it possible...but I'm not looking forward to four more years of school. Joining the Soldiers of Dawn seems more entertaining.

As we strolled down the grounds of Seidoukan, I shared these thoughts and Sylvia considered them, "Well...I heard the college on Asterisk is usually a collaboration of all the academies. If you do plan to join the Soldiers of Dawn, we'll have to see each other once I finish my four years, then we can spend a lot of time together."

I glanced at her, "How?...Won't I be-"

"You can be my bodyguard~" She poked me playfully then stepped back, placing her hands on her hips, "Speaking of which...we need to work on that outfit of yours."

I glanced at myself, "What's wrong with this?"

She pouted and swiped off my sunglasses and cap, "The way you walk and dress makes you look like a hitman. And I don't want us to be approached as we are having a great time. Here!"

I held the hairpin in my fingers and looked at her dumbly, "But..."

"Come on! Just say it's a thing I had you wear! I'm sure most couples would do that!"

As I put on the hairpin, I asked, "You sure?"

She blushed at my staring, "Actually don't know." This brought a chuckle from me, "Hey! Just because I'm famous and all doesn't make me have a lot of dates! Okay?"

"Right, right." When I started to stand she made me sit and stepped back once again.

"Do I look fine? I wanted to wear something more but...I was afraid it would have been too eye-catching."

I am not one person to ask for fashion appearances. Ever. I said so but she wouldn't have any of it and continued insisting that I tell her what I thought. Reluctantly, I said she looked neither flashy nor too drab and that allowed the day to really start. I showed her around Seidoukan and bought her ice-cream as she wasn't paying attention, surprising and slightly embarrassing her. Just as I finished my cone, I heard distant announcements and headed towards that area, with Sylvia following out of curiosity.

We both saw Saya shoot down one final student challenger as the crowd watched in awe and students grumbling about their loss. When spoken to by the announcer, Saya seemed to complain that she wasn't getting much of a challenge. At that point, Sylvia shoved me forward with a giggle, "Shimon Ichirou says you're not as good as him!"

This caused Saya to raise an eyebrow at the challenge and I looked at Sylvia with a look of horror. She winked and pushed to the front of the audience as I questioned if I had the opportunity to change first. Saya nodded consent and I returned to see Sylvia smiling encouragement as the rest of the crowd looking in contempt as they had seen Saya's skills from earlier.

I only made it to the edge of the pool when I saw the blue lens appeared and I had to leap onto the next island of concrete. I rolled when I heard the sound of Saya flying through the air and fired blindly as she landed, looking up in time to see her agilely dodge the shot and take aim at me.

Day Two of the Festival:

Sylvia nudged me slightly and I shook myself out of my stupor, "Huh?"

"Still thinking about how you lost?" She smiled teasingly and I turned away in a huff. That water fight took almost twenty minutes, with the crowd tensing multiple times as Saya's shots came close to me and mine coming close into her. It was exhilarating and overall great, but I ended up losing when I had slipped on a puddle on water from an earlier shot and landed in the pool, accounting for my loss. Although luckily the contempt from the beginning vanished. Unluckily though, I became the center of attention but Sylvia managed to vanish the two of us before I had explain myself and who I was.

Now we were strolling down the pathways of Queenvail and I admired the elegant look of such an academy and sighed as many boys paid too much attention to the students of Queenvail. Suddenly, I felt a pull on my arm and from Sylvia's look, she didn't attract my attention because she wanted to show me something. "I think we're being tailed. We sh-"

"Split up. Sure. Just give me a split second call when you are in trouble. I'll do so too."

She smiled and murmured, "We'll meet at that that busy cafe across the street afterwards. Five minutes to see which of us is being followed, and if we could, why." Sylvia changed direction, going right as I continued straight. As I entered the gym I realized it wouldn't be such a great idea. Backing up, I bumped into someone who smiled brightly.

"So, I suppose you're Ethan Sakamoto." The girl who spoke to me was slightly shorter than me, wearing a pink shirt with a frilly collar and a very short plaid skirt ending at her upper thigh. Her hair was tied in a pony tail and two bangs traveling down on either side of her head. Her pink eyes glittered not brightly, but slightly mischievously.

"Yes...?" I answered cautiously and she giggled.

"Nice to meet you, I'm glad that there's a troublemaker like me around here!"

"'Troublemaker?'" I raised an eyebrow and the girl started to inch closer to me when I held her out, "Hey. I think you'd already know about Sylvia and I."

There was a look of confusion that passed over her face, "You...and her? But..." I became concerned, and she noticed it, "I thought...she was already meeting someone. She said she likes him and all..."

I blinked, "When did she say that?"

"Oh, about...a week ago. Or a week and a half. I thought I saw him yesterday saying farewell to her before she went for Seidoukan." I thought back to yesterday, which would explain...why she was late. But...Sylvia wouldn't...do that. Would she? Suddenly, I saw fingers snapping at my face, "Hello? Ethan?"

"Huh?" I managed to get out. The girl looked worried at my expression but she grabbed my arm.

"I...I don't know what else to say. But I felt like I shouldn't have brought that up."

"No...It's fine," I frowned, "It's a good thing you mentioned it. I should go now..." She nodded and told me that she had to leave too. I clenched and unclenched my fist as I started towards the café, then decided to leave the academy altogether.

Day Three of the Festival:

"You!" I shouted to the maroon-haired girl who is currently selling food on the streets of Rewolf.

Priscilla looked at me in surprise and stuttered, "H-hello! Have we met before?"

I smiled, "Of course we ha-" That moment I felt an insane killing intent. I stepped back as Priscilla looked shocked and tried to stop something. Or someone.

"Move away from her. Now." A man growled and I stepped back to look at the new person. He was my height and of a bigger build than I. I stared at him and his brown eyes and matching brown hair. The cut on his forehead running from the upper left to his temple.

Finally, I saw the mark where they had inserted the needle to kill him. Many years ago. So...

Long...

Ago?

"Taka...hashi?" I asked in disbelief and he froze completely.

"Nobody knows that name of mine," he muttered, "I haven't been called that in years...Your aura...Kichirou? You've changed your looks."

I removed my, or Sylvia's hairpin, flattening my hair and put out my hand for my supposedly dead comrade. "It's me. And you're you."

"Kichirou!" he shouted tearfully and tackled me in a hug.

"You're alive...after all these years I thought you were dead...you're alive!" I cried over his shoulder. "I'm so sorry I couldn't do anything then! I couldn't! I wanted to! But-"

He patted my back, "It's fine. It's all fine. As long as the final three are alive...Just as long as we know we are alive. You're aware of Ophellia, no?"

My smile fell and I wiped my tears, "Not good. She's under the supervision of Dirk Eberwin and she still is listening to the future sight ability given to her."

Takahashi nodded, "But at least she's just as powerful as ever. Ah! Nice job in the Festa. Shame you blew yourself up, I would definitely wanted to see the fight." I smiled timidly and he looked over my shoulder, as if expecting someone, "Hmm...Hmm...Sylvia Lyyneheym? Where is she? I'm actually quite a fan."

My smile faded and he noticed it. "I...don't really want to talk about it now."

He tapped my forehead and I glanced up at his frowning face, that glazed for a moment before focusing. When he spoke, it held controlled anger, managing to grind out, "She meant a lot to you."

"I know," I replied listlessly.

"You meant a lot to her."

"Not enough, I suppose."

"You say that with no definitive proof! That girl didn't show how it could be true." I blinked, "I'm seeing your memories. All she said was that Sylvia knows someone else that is keeping her happy about life. Nothing more but a coincidence. Why would you think that she would leave you? Why would she see you as a burden?"

He rose his voice to a shout, "Why? Tell me!"

"...I've been nothing but a burden. Haven't I? I Just threw everything at her. I wouldn't and shouldn't have been surprised about this," I mumbled.

"That's where you're wrong. She did ask you to share. Sylvia was willing to help you with our past."

I didn't replied and only stared. Our past...

"You do know that this is going to be something killing us if we aren't strong enough to deal with it ourselves. So we'll need someone to help us in that case."

"Frankly, only Kichirou will need someone's help."

"Hey!"

"No, Kichirou, Ophellia isn't making a joke. We both know you'll need help."

"No! I don't!"

"Trust us, you will."

"Your near future will be pretty harsh, but you'll find someone that will help you."

"How do you know?"

"Hey, she's Ophellia, trust her. If someone approaches you with solace, let them."

Then it was the time, "Get up. We need another test. Older boy, follow us. You two, stick with those two."

"Right?" I nodded. "She offered you what you needed. As we said, you couldn't do it yourself."

"Now...What's her name...Miluse? She had nothing to support the claim that Sylvia loved you no more. Yes, you rarely are able to be with her, but Sylvia treasures every moment. I know from her faces in your memories. And no, I skipped the hotel one, I left that alone. But let me ask again...aren't I right? Even without much time to stay together, Sylvia hasn't shown any sign or intention to leave you?" I sighed before nodding and he smirked, "Still, after all this time, you can still be an idiot. Go see her now."

"But...I'm not even sure where she is." I felt a hand on my shoulder slowly turning me around.

I felt Takahashi pat my head and step back with Priscilla when I looked down at Sylvia who was looking at me with a distraught face. The two of us were silent as we waited for someone to speak first. Sylvia spoke first.

"Miluse...I know her because she tries to taint my reputation. In many ways she has failed. You thought I'd be that...unfaithful." I couldn't meet her eyes and she continued, "I waited for a while, worrying about you yesterday. I didn't want to think something was wrong. You never showed up. I thought the same thing as you did at midnight when the cafe closed. So I set out to look for you today."

"..." I blinked once slowly.

"I saw you today and tailed you. I was cautious at first, but it became apparent that you weren't paying attention. How you felt yesterday was how I felt when I saw you walk up to Priscilla. Then came your friend. He saw me, and explained to me indirectly by speaking loudly what you thought. Why?" Her voice trembled when she asked. "Why would you think I'd do such a thing?"

"I told my reasons to Takahashi. I thought I was a burden and you needed to leave me behind as you didn't need me." Sylvia buried her head in my arms as I hugged her.

"I would never! Even if you are, you are going to be the only burden I would carry far and wide. Even Hell and back. With all my efforts and dedication. People don't view me as highly now that we are official, but I don't care about that. At the least I found someone I like. I'm just very glad this didn't get spread very quickly. Our reputation would take a hit."

I sighed, "Right."

Sylvia looked at the stand, "How about food?"

I answered with a grin, "I'll pay! Let's eat!" We spent a few minutes eating in silence and after Sylvia complimented the cooking, she asked for the recipe, embarrassing Priscilla as she modestly stated it wasn't the best. Takahashi teased her for her coyness and only when I noticed their subtle intimate gestures I asked the question:

"Priscilla, are you two together?" She blushed furiously and covered her face and Takahashi gave a nervous smile.

"Yeah, the two of us are. We...uh...actually kinda met in Rewolf, but didn't really talk until recently. I...actually liked her for a while."

Confused by his statement, "Rewolf?"

"Meh. Why not? Roughen me up a little. Besides, it wasn't too hard to trick people. So...yeah. When you quote and quote died, she was devastated and strangely I was the only one who knew what to say. We...kinda got close then...and that...led to that."

"I'm sorry, Ethan," Priscilla bowed and I held her shoulder, making her look up.

"It's fine. At least you have someone who could care for you and you can do the same back. I wouldn't have been able because of Sylvie." I beamed, "Not only that, he could protect you!"

Takahashi punched me roughly and I shrugged it off, as this is how we encouraged each other to carry on, always saying: "This pain is nothing! We are suffering worse!"

"Shut up, she's training herself, you know."

I widened my eyes as it now hit me, "That's why you seem more muscular! I thought the arm was more firm. And the shoulders a little broader. Same with the hips, a bit wider."

Priscilla blushed and Sylvia hit me playfully as Takahashi chuckled, "Yeah. She's not confident about herself, but she's good."

"I-I'm not!"

He playfully flicked her, "You need to work on your self-esteem."

"H-hai!"

I stood and laughed, "Well, Sylvie and I have to get going. We still need to shoot a visit to Jie Long." Takahashi nodded and saluted before a look of confusion crossed his face.

"Say...I haven't heard a word about you two visiting Allekant." Ethan put a finger to his lips and said quietly.

"We never did..." Takahashi nodded in reply.

"Ah, I see. Not interested in technology...shame." I shrugged in reply and Sylvia linked arms with me as she put the hairpin back in place.

"Let's go~" We left Rewolf and hopped onto the express train that would travel to each academy to transport the tourists for the Festival, in addition to students. We admired the futuristic look of Allekant, with technology flying through the air and putting up a fantastic advancement in technology. Then smiled the looming precense of Seidoukan, who was able to boast the largest population of Genestellas, including Stregas and Dantes, complete with being the wealthiest of the Academies. We both found Queenvail amusing as almost the entire male occupants of the train left for this academy, much to the female students' chagrin. Although to make them feel better, we did catch one person entering with fresh wounds and bruises, complaining that he had 'mistakenly' walked into the locker room of the academy.

Before we knew it, we saw the bright ocean sparkling in the afternoon to the left of our destination academy, Sylvia pointed joyously and I placed my hand on her head.

[We have approached Jie Long. Those leaving please stand from your seats and wait at the exit. Thank you.]

We left the doors and admired the grand entrance, "Man...I really want to enter this academy."

Sylvia raised an eyebrow, "Because of the lack of the Enterprise influence?"

"Naw," I replied, raising a fist to the door, "I heard that the brutal training is for the sake of brutal training. Jie Long only wishes to become stronger. They join the Festas, but only to test how strong they are. They use it to see if they have reached their maximum potential."

Sylvia led me through the doors, "I suppose. But that means you have less time to take days off-I see that look! Don't mention it Ethan!" She stomped her foot onto mine as she pouted, knowing I was starting to mention her tours and concerts. We saw people performing the most traditional of Asian entertainment, from a dancing dragon to acrobatics. As we entered the dojo, we saw crowds of students still practicing.

"See?" I gestured, "Even now most still pra-AH!"

Sylvia had grabbed me by the ear and yanked my head down to her level, "Are you sure you would rather spend the day like that or with me?"

"With your of course! Of course! You'd brighten up practically all my days! It's really true! No day with you has been dull!" I quickly answered. She gave a huff and turned away, not allowing me to see her smile and blush. Before more could be said, we were dragged away from the dojo and when we were placed into another room, the vertigo hit both of us. I fell to a knee as Sylvia stumbled, recovering first. We both looked up to see a young child smirking.

"Hope that wasn't too much of a problem. I didn't want an uproar in Jie Long." I blinked and realization came to me.

"Fan Xinglou."

"Mhm. Ms. Diva, it's been a while."

Sylvia mumbled, "Could say the same..."

"Brother, it's been quite a while." Silence ensured. Then I glanced around before back at Fan Xinglou, then pointed at myself in disbelief, "Yup."

The world spun and I held onto Sylvia, who caught me, "Fan Xinglou, I don't think joking like that is good."

"Ho? This is no joke. I suppose you don't know?" I shook my head in bewilderment, "Ah. Then I did well. Not a memory."

"What are you going on about?" Sylvia demanded, "You can't possibly tell me that Ethan is over a...a thousand years old, much less your sibling n-" Fan Xinglou had stomped up to Sylvia and looked up at her with a nonchalant look, seemingly threatless, but her eyes showed otherwise.

I pulled back Sylvia and put a hand in front of her, "Please, Xinglou. Tell me. Just how are we siblings?"

"Well, you do know that you were born a human? Made by the Starpulse Generation?" I nodded. "There are actually Genestella existing before the Invertia." She glared at Sylvia who quickly lapsed into silence not managing her interruption. "Glad you know your place~"

Xinglou turned to me, "But of course...we are seen the same way then as today. You know?"

"I...I can guess," I replied.

"Of course. And of course, we had to live with that. But our family...we didn't mind. We knew we were superior than them all. We could have waged war, we could have annihilated anything, with limits of course...which to add, I doubt we had any...Back on topic, you were the first to be born a pure, normal human. The family had wanted a heir, but a daughter wouldn't do. A son must be the heir. When you were born, you would already have five sisters. Everyone was overjoyed, but all that was short-lived. Soon, they realized that you were unable to match up to any of us. Nobody knew why at first...until it hit them. They refused to believe it, until it became quite clear...

"By then...you were barely starting to actually be able to think. So they wanted to be rid of you before you were old enough. So they plotted your murder." Sylvia squeezed my arm and I laughed lightly.

"So...even then, I seemed to get a lot of tough luck even then?" I asked.

Fan Xinglou smirked, "Yes...if you are trying to include this life, in actuality your true life, yes."

"But...you're telling me I lived?"

Fan Xinglou shrugged, "Depends on how you will view it. Essentially, me being the way I am, I couldn't just allow you to be killed like that. So I manipulated their memories and had them assume that they had killed you already, days ago. From there, I sent you far away from home, so you could live without our distaste towards you."

"I have a question, how-"

"Hush, I was getting there. While I manipulated their memories of you, I did so with mine too. They believe that they killed me as I was protecting you. That allowed me to watch over you while you lived with another family. The two of us were adopted orphans from the streets. They never knew about me being one of the Genestella daughters of the Fan family, and we lived well. You lived until your adolescence and met one you loved. Until they found out..." Fiery anger shone in her eyes and she smiled cruelly, "Apparently, they did and wanted to continue the unfinished work, discontent with the fact you are no longer associated with them. They hunted the two of us. Fortunately, I handled my assailants easily. Unfortunately..."

"I died?" I asked when she drifted off. Fan Xinglou shook her head.

"She died." I looked up and saw Fan Xinglou pointing at one person. The only one else in the room. Sylvia's grip tightened and she drew closer to me, "Yes, the two of you knew each other millennium ago. And loved each other as much as you did then as you did now. They..." Fan Xinglou looked at Sylvia, "would you want me to continue, Diva?"

Sylvia nodded, gaining a grunt of satisfaction, "Good. They butchered her, tortured her, made her suffer for being with scum that wasn't supposed to exist. A disgusting being who was supposed to be superior to humans, but fell down to their measly rank at birth. A failure. It was complex beyond means. You were a Genestella in their eyes, unworthy of being with a human lover. But yet...you just weren't at their level, unworthy of living. At the Diva's death, two of your sisters were disgusted beyond comprehension and tried to bring her back to life. The other two shunned you. Once I came along..." Fan Xinglou chuckled, "Nobody standing against me stood a chance. All were wiped out at a flick of my wrist, full of anger at the dismissal of two humans."

She clenched her fist, "They were unworthy of living. Much more than you in their eyes. You fell into despair, into the worst of depression. Masami, Sayuri, nor I could get you to move, not even when we had given the Diva a proper burial. We never knew her name, and you never spoke a word. So I promised myself to help you once more in that life. To eradicate your memory completely to the point where not even I could access them any longer. Then I sealed you in a capsule in space, to sleep for eternity until you had another chance to spend a full life with her."

I wrapped an arm around Sylvia, "That...dedicated?"

"You? Yes. Me? I would have been like our family, if not of their treatment of you. It irritated me of how much they resented you, to the point where they didn't bother training any longer. They missed your potential. You were definitely capable of surpassing me in that life. Key word: That life. I'm far stronger than I was then. After that day, your sisters vowed to stray from the egotistic values of our own family. They stayed in contact with one another while I left them on my own path. To ensure you happiness.

"Our sisters' families live today, but after so much time, even I have forgotten whose name both own now. I will let that be. Only you are my focus. When I felt that she had come back, I reversed the effects of time on you, bringing you to such a child, and sent you to the foster family of the Sakamotos, a close family friend of our sisters. Now...look at today. I'm glad I have gone through all that work."

Fan Xinglou smiled sweetly and bowed politely. But when she rose, Sylvia was kneeling before her, "Di-"

"If what you say is true, then you have my utmost gratitude." Sylvia raised her head, tears in her eyes, "I was actually thinking of you in a negative way...until this story. If it's true...it explains why I have such a feeling towards Ethan. It's not your doing?"

Fan Xinglou shrugged, "Well, the sisters told me that you did state that you had promised that in the next time you were born you would make sure you two would manage to live the full life I was heading for...that may be on your preceding life's effects. Not me." We heard a door open and a voice shout in surprise.

"Master! What's with the tense air? You aren't possibly fighting-"

"Am not HuFeng, no need to worry. Just some serious talk. Now, we have the Grand Coliseum event to attend to. Maybe one day I will show you what had happened, brother. Not today though."

"Master?"

Fan Xinglou gave Zhao HuFeng a serious look, "It is nothing." This was enough to make the student stand down and nod surrender.

As the ship was flying across the sky, Xinglou crossed her arms as HuFeng chattered avidly with Sylvia when speaking to me, "He's a big fan."

I smiled, "I can tell. Are you going to attend the event...uh-"

"Sister is fine at times like these. In public...I think it would be best, and smart, to just call me Xinglou. And no, I won't be attending the Grand Coliseum challenge. XuFeng is going to take my place."

He made a face, "I didn't want to...but I have to for master."

Sylvia laughed and as the coliseum came into view, we got ready to enter. When Xinglou brought up a topic, "Ah, brother, the Holy Knight is also taking part of this event. How long, I won't know. But he is. You may want the chance to come in contact with all the presidents as a normal student. It'll help you in your reputaiton."

Sylvia showed immediate interest, "Hey, Xinglou, can we still register?"

"I thought you have already due to brother joining?"

Sylvia shook her head, "I wasn't telling the truth about that. He was going to participate himself, but this is a rare chance, so I would like to see him." Fan Xinglou smiled slightly.

[Now it is time for the main event! I, Yabuki Eishirou, am glad all of you can participate in watching this event! If you go home without watching it, you're missing a lot in your life! The first round will start soon!]

"Yo, thanks for nothing," I turned to see Irene standing beside me, "I've dropped ranks now because of my loss of the Gravi-Sheath."

"What number?" I asked and someone else answered.

"Eighteen. Still good. Self-taught Taijutsu against the best of the best? Great!" Irene grabbed Takahashi's throat, "Hey now. I didn't expect that I'd win that easily."

Irene gave a huff, "Your buddy here took my place as Rank Three. Taking advantage of my recently lost Ogre Lux."

Takahashi shrugged, "My bad~"

[In this first round, if you get touched, you lose! Those who finished untouched, you can proceed to the second round! Now we'll be introducing special guests in this event! First, we have the two-time winner of the Gryphs, the Holy Knight Ernest Fairclough!]

The crowd cheered and I smiled at the enthusiasm.

[We also have Rank One of Seidoukan, Ayato Amagiri! The default winner of the Phoenix Festa and the Murakumo!]

He looked a bit nervous at the attention, but I encouraged him

[Next, we have one within Page One of Seidoukan, but well-known for the preventer of the Phoenix Festa's disaster, Ethan Sakamoto!]

I nodded wistfully as there were plenty more cheers and clapping than I had expected. Gladly not as enthusiastic.

[Finally, the most surprising of them all, we have Rank One of Queenvail participating, Sylvia Lyyneheym!]

This gained the most applause and at this point, not even cheering, shrieking. Fanboys and girls alike, they encouraged her to win. "Quite the idol, huh?" Takahashi had stepped up to me and tilted his head at Sylvia. I grinned and nodded.

"I'm more interested about XuFeng," Irene gestured to the representative of Jie Long and Takahashi shrugged.

"Yeah...him too."

[Finally, as rules! Reminder, you fail the condition of the match, you are disqualified. No attacking other players! If you wish to use a Lux, you will use the one provided to you for fairness, can't have cheap tricks being used with an Ogre Lux! Finally! No abilities! That means you Ethan!]

The crowd laughed and Takahashi cursed, "What is it?"

He simply grinned childishly, "No Sharingan. Shame. No worries! I have it basically fused in me, thanks to the doc. I can sense everything around me and everything seems easy to read. When do we start?"

[Now, begin!]

Takahashi and I backed to the center of the field as the users of the Long-Range Induction Armament:Rectolux flew onto the field, swords and guns shining. I counted twenty people as Takahashi widened his eyes, "Ah, so these are the prototypes! Interesting~ We have...thirty people here, twenty targets...ahaha! I get it."

He brought a fist down on my shoulder, hard enough to knock down a normal person easily, "Let's go."

We sprinted at the first target and as Takahashi turned to me, I pointed and he rolled away. So, what's the plan? Abilities are banned, but not techniques?

How about a challenge? Nothing but our own fists and Luxes.

He grinned wickedly and pointed behind me back before jumping away from a flash of blades. I whirled and saw Kirito and Asuna, "Hey, you're here too?"

Kirito smiled, "Just for fun. I see a new partner?"

"Old-time friend. You two and us two see who can clear the phase first?"

Kirito turned to Asuna who nodded grimly before thrusting the Lux like a rapier to deflect a blade, "Sounds great! Want to begin now?"

I put up a fist and he laughed before leaping back. Takahashi-

I heard. Let's get this going!

I regrouped with Takahashi and he flipped over a blade as I used it to jumped onto the blade as a launch pad, going for the red target. It saw me and flew to the side, Takahashi calmly tracking it as he jogged. LEFT!

He seemed to vanish as a bullet missed him, immediately under our first target. We have another behind you. Amagiri almost has one. Really close. That Kirito guy too.

[What's this? Ethan and a contestant is working together? Almost unheard of! Our only exception is the famous duo of SAO right before our eyes!]

The crowd went silent when they saw Kirito and Asuna, who both destroyed a target each, the former before the latter. I smirked as Takahashi raised an eyebrow and dodged another sword before jumping up them as if skipping stairs, launching myself at a target: Now!

As I took down my target, a sword flew faster than most people could see as Takahashi threw his Lux at his target, getting his. We jogged to Kirito and Asuna, who both grinned, "We won."

Takahashi answered, "Because we gave you a chance~" They laughed and we watched the rest of the round, before people started dropping like flies due to pressure. In the end, we were left with eighteen contestants, thirteen who were hit, forfeited, or passed the time limit.

As I knelt, waiting for the second round, Takahashi sat down, crossing his legs as if to meditate, Gaining energy?

Naw, I'm energetic as a boy before his manhood in front an undressed woman. Just trying to hone my future foresight skills.

Wait! L-

Yes, like Ophellia.

Before I could speak more, he raised a hand as if pointing to my right and I turned.

"I suppose you are Ethan Sakamoto? It's nice to meet you." I looked up and stood.

"Ah. Ernest Fairclough, right?" He smiled and held out a hand, to which I shook. "An honor. Truly."

Ernest shook his head, "No need. I would like to speak with you, but right now may not be the time. And with your partner." Takahashi noticeably tensed, to my eyes only, but relaxed. Nobody else saw, even Ernest, who was watching him at that moment.

"Sure. But what about?"

"Ah-Here they come," Ernest pointed. We looked up to see...

"Puppets?" I questioned, shocked.

"No," Ernest replied, "Exosuits."

[For this round, all you have to do is to simply dodge any attacks from the enemy! You can attack if you'd like, but stopping them is impossible! Good luck everyone!]

Let's go!

I stood but Takahashi grabbed my arm, suddenly standing and worry in his eyes. I saw his grief, sadness, hesitation. I need to talk with you. Telepathically. It's not good and...you have to make a choice soon.

We dodged an attack and he continued, Sylvia...she's going to put herself in danger. Ursula...her old teacher, is here. She'll see her, and confront her. I saw her die because she refused to let her teacher leave. She wanted to fight, and fought against the Ogre Lux's power, which caused them to violently react. She'll be in a coma state with no sign of the Lux's power for about a few months, then die. I want you to know, so you can prevent that if you wish. I won't know what will happen to you, but...I know this for sure. If you interfere, you will live. But...we may not see each other again. Nobody may ever see you.

I saw Sylvia fighting with Ernest, how she enjoyed this event, her smile, her energy.

Would be gone.

Because of her love for her teacher.

Which I can prevent.

For my life? Would it be worth it?

I bit my lip and clenched my teeth as I made my decision. It would leave Sylvia in my position now, but at the least...I would have a chance at living. But where, I wouldn't know.

So I decided. "Forfeit!" I shouted and the counter dropped a digit. Sylvia shot her head my way, bewildered, the same for everyone else who knew me. The teacher is leaving a room currently. She'll be heading for the east exit.

Thanks. I owe you.

It'll be sad to see Sylvia after this. Should I tell her?

Sure. But do so slowly.

I ran into a woman with blue hair an unnatural look of emptiness. "Ursula?"

"You are associated with this body?"

"No."

"Then..." The unearthly voice seemed to speak, "Why have you stopped this woman?"

"I want to make a deal."

"I'm sorry. That won't be necessary. Having to sacrifice something won't be within my liking." A feeling of pure, black pain filled my head and I grunted before pushing it all away, dispelling the darkness. I glared up at the woman, who showed no emotion, but now I realized that the woman wasn't the main speaker here, but the necklace.

"I want a deal. One that I assure you will be much more beneficial for you."

The necklace seemed interested now, "Sure...You're quite strong I have to mention."

I flinched, "Thank you. Sooner or later, there will be a student of this person who will approach you."

"Mhm..." the necklace seemed to hum.

"And she won't allow you to leave. You would force her to forget what she sees, who she sees, and she'll fight back. In the end, she'll be dead."

"But...humans don't care for one another as far as I have learned through these centuries. Brothers left each other for war and greed. Couples were unfaithful, what makes you different?"

I shook my head, "This girl matters to me. I don't want her to die."

"How sweet," the necklace chuckled, "But I'm now genuinely curious, what is your deal?"

I looked up and inhaled, "Have your current host move you to me. And once you have possession over me, feel free to use my powers in any way you want, but leave anyone that matters to me alone. If they approach you, or me technically, don't force them to forget using your own Lux powers, just leave. Teleport away. I'm capable of doing that and if you tap into my powers and prana, you will be able to do so."

There was a moment of silence, then, "Fair enough. A new host, a powerful with much potential no less, in exchange for sparing those you know." I nodded and as the hands reached for the Lux, my mind vanished. "Sleep well my friend. You'll be fine."

Once again, sorry for not updating! And, if you wish to contact me easily, PM me and I'll give my Line ID! Easy! Now, the next arc will be centered around Sylvia and Takahashi, of course, as they are the SAR team too...Hideki company! Have a good day and see you all next time!