Chapter: 109. The Target of the Fantasy Monsters (4k8)
This is another collaboration between Teruhuan SEMA and the three major academies.
The loss of Dirette dealt a significant blow to the Moon Academy, and it also reminded Teruhuan SEMA and the three major academies that the lineup of fantasy monsters was strengthened by a more formidable force, compounded by the re-emergence of the End—
They had to respond immediately.
The topic of the new protagonist, “Tsukimi Kanade,” is currently the focus of discussion.
Teruhuan SEMA has repeatedly emphasized that Tsukimi Kanade is the new protagonist, possessing abilities not found in the database, and has achieved victories against “Dirette” and the “suspected End,” making this conclusion highly persuasive.
In the archives of Moon Academy, the fantasy monster “Dirette,” sealed within a black box, poses a threat level of 8 or higher; it is capable of repelling threat levels above 8 and could potentially cause the arrival of the End by using “disposables,” like Nanjo Akane.
“What a powerful force… If he could receive proper training, he would inevitably grow to become an Elemental Sovereign level… no, even a savior surpassing his own level.” A member of Teruhuan SEMA’s board, with his thick fingers tapping on the conference table, spoke with determination. His robust and athletic build resembled a small mountain, emanating an undeniable sense of pressure.
Since the topic of discussion is Teruhuan SEMA’s “New Protagonist Plan,” all three major academies sent representatives to the offline meeting at Teruhuan SEMA’s headquarters in Tokyo.
In the spacious conference room, Teruhuan SEMA board member “Adam” sat at the head of the table.
He exuded a clear Nordic ancestry aura, his physique more robust than any of the Asians present.
His young, chiseled handsome face complemented by a high-end gray suit highlighted his heroic presence, with the fabric stretched tightly over his bulging muscles, seemingly on the verge of tearing, leading one to question if this expensive suit, unless made of high-quality material, would have long been ripped apart by his latent musculature.
However, the other attendees were not intimidated by his appearance.
“I agree.” The voice came from an ordinary-looking middle-aged man, dressed in business attire, whose face bore the worn look of a corporate worker. His expensive-looking black suit now appeared disheveled, highlighting his chaotic state.
His statement surprised everyone present.
“How unexpected…” someone couldn’t help but whisper.
Hearing this, the middle-aged man—current president of Moon Academy—responded with a bitter smile.
In this extraordinary disaster, Moon Academy has lost too much; the public revelation of the “Disposables Plan” and the loss of the secret weapon “Dirette” have left the academy in a precarious position. In this situation, if they chose to oppose Teruhuan SEMA at every turn, it would only worsen their situation.
After receiving the president’s stance, Adam looked around and his gaze swept across the familiar elites at the table.
They were all ACE-level ability users from Teruhuan SEMA and the three major academies, and most of them were “insiders” regarding the truth. Many had tasted the savior’s blessings, holding powers far exceeding those of regular ACE-level users. Teruhuan SEMA and the three major academies were even considering establishing a new classification for them—X-level—a level similar yet distinct from the former protagonist’s “S-level,” where X stands for “unknown,” meaning their powers are an unknown variable.
After the re-emergence of the End incident, they were urgently recalled to discuss the threats humanity may face next—the threats posed by fantasy monsters.
After the death of the Elemental Sovereign, their activity has decreased, and they rarely cause serious extraordinary disasters.
However, with the appearance of a “new protagonist,” they might become active again.
“I also agree with both of you. The immediate priority should be to protect Tsukimi Kanade from being discovered by the fantasy monsters, regardless of whether he really is the ‘protagonist’ mentioned in the Book of the Future, as fantasy monsters may have similar ideas.” A girl sitting in the position of the representative for Sun Academy spoke.
She was a young girl, appearing to be around 17, with a slender frame and fair skin, resembling a delicate doll.
Her golden hair was soft and glossy, radiating an angelic purity.
But what stood out most were her eyes; the right one was a deep blue, while the left one was a vibrant green. This heterochromia seemed capable of seeing into the hearts of others.
This golden-haired girl with heterochromatic eyes represented Sun Academy in this offline meeting. Her name, as indicated by the nameplate in front of her, was—Seraphina Valerie Everhart.
In Latin, “Seraphina” means “angel” or “flame.”
This name made Adam’s expression grow serious.
—Angel.
The “Protagonist Plan” previously proposed by Sun Academy flashed through Adam’s mind.
“Without a doubt, the fantasy monsters will seek him out, so we need to attempt to relocate him to a safer place without arousing suspicion—no writing, no recording, leaving no trace.” Seraphina’s suggestion prompted nods from everyone present.
“I’ve arranged for our academy’s ACE to handle this matter; he seems to be close to Tsukimi Kanade, and we can use him to transfer Tsukimi Kanade to a safer place without raising any suspicion,” said the president of Moon Academy proactively.
He exchanged a glance with Adam.
The latter continued, “Moon Academy and Teruhuan SEMA have arranged for an ACE to secretly protect Tsukimi Kanade at Ark Academy. To avoid alerting the enemy, we plan to temporarily leave Tsukimi Kanade as an ordinary student at Ark Academy and then find a suitable opportunity to transfer him to Moon Academy as an exchange student.”
“Staying at Ark Academy? Just recently, the End re-emerged there; is it safe to leave him there?” A representative from Sun Academy, an X-level ability user, raised a hand and asked.
“Or we could set off together to protect him and forcibly transfer him to one of the three major academies?” another X-level ability user from Sun Academy suggested, glancing around at the other ability users present.
Given the number of ability users present, transferring one person to a major academy would not be difficult.
“No, we absolutely cannot conduct such a high-profile action. The traces will draw them here… Let’s not forget, we are always at a disadvantage when it comes to timing against fantasy monsters.” Adam dismissed the bold and aggressive suggestions of the two ability users.
…
Regarding this relocation plan, all parties present offered their insights, refining various details.
Except for one man, he had been observing everyone with curious eyes, a faint smile on his lips, remaining silent throughout.
Until the meeting reached its final stages.
Adam summarized the entire plan to everyone through verbal means—
Allowing Tsukimi Kanade to stay at Ark Academy like an ordinary student, with ACEs arranged by Moon Academy secretly prohibiting him from engaging in conspicuous actions, and then at the end of this semester, leveraging his exchange student status to transfer him to Moon Academy, ultimately nurturing him in secret into the new savior.
“I have no objections.” The president of Moon Academy raised his hand first, his tired and weary expression suggesting he no longer wished to waste breath on this matter.
His agreement represented Moon Academy’s stance.
“I also agree.” Seraphina raised her fair hand as well.
Sun Academy consented to Teruhuan SEMA’s plan.
Immediately, everyone’s gaze fell unanimously on the last person present.
He was the representative for Star Academy, the only person from that institution.
This man’s appearance seemed unremarkable, even giving off a “normal” vibe, dressed in a simple gray suit that seemed out of place in this company. His black bangs partially concealed his eyes, but the silvery-white light flickering in the depths of his gaze still shone brightly.
His eyes were gentle yet profound, radiating a refined aura that evoked a sense of familiarity among those present, although they couldn’t quite pinpoint where they had seen him before.
“Since three votes have been cast in favor, why should you concern yourselves with my opinion?” The man, under the scrutiny of everyone, appeared unfazed, shrugging instead.
Three to one, regardless, this plan would be executed.
“Even so, I still want to know Star Academy’s perspective.” Seraphina replied politely, also asking a question that had been on her mind since entering the conference room: “By the way, I don’t believe I have asked for your name.”
The nameplate in front of the man simply read “Representative of Star Academy,” lacking any personal name.
Had it not been for Star Academy’s president informing Adam of his stance in advance, he probably would not have been allowed in the conference room at all.
“Before that, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Seraphina Valerie Everhart, the student council president of Sun Academy; you can call me ‘Sera’ or ‘Fina’.” Seraphina made her introduction with impeccable noble etiquette, elegantly presenting herself.
“That is indeed rude of me~” Under the attentive gaze of everyone, the black-haired man placed his hand on the conference table.
“I come from Star Academy, my identity… ah, yes, I am the ‘kept man’ of the president?” The man smiled wryly.
But his words made the X-level ability users present tense up.
Even the president of Moon Academy couldn’t help but sit up straighter, his eyes fixed intently on the man before him, as if he had seen something incredible, his hands gripping tightly under the table.
“N-no way, has Star Academy already…” he muttered inwardly.
The man’s index finger lightly tapped on the table, made of some kind of black crystal.
This became the only sound in the room, and everyone held their breath, awaiting his words.
“My name is—Light?” The man introduced himself, his tone uncertain towards the end.
“You can simply call me—”
“Elemental Sovereign” or “Protagonist.”
The silvery-white star-like pupils in his eyes shone like a sun that never sets.
“…” The room fell silent once more due to the self-introduction of the “Elemental Sovereign.”
But he paid no mind to the reactions of others and continued with the topic.
“Honestly, about this plan, based on my memories, it will undoubtedly fail—”
“Tsukimi Kanade, he is undoubtedly the new protagonist, but he still lacks something to become the savior… hmm… the heroine… Moon-Viewing Yukino? Or was it someone’s death…”
The Elemental Sovereign recollected the memories that shaped him, explaining to the serious-faced crowd before him.
“…Star Academy.” Adam glared at the man, grinding his teeth as he muttered.
Now he understood why Star Academy only sent this man.
This was the proof of their “Protagonist Plan’s” success.
This damned plan has indeed “revived” the Elemental Sovereign.
Star Academy had, in such a dismissive manner, conveyed to the others present that there was no need to care about who the so-called “new protagonist” was because he was right here at this moment—
In the end.
The meeting concluded with a statement from the Elemental Sovereign—
“He cannot become the new savior until the heroine by his side dies—”
————————————-
Ark Academy.
Kanade walked cautiously, step by step, toward the competition arena, feeling the gazes of the students behind him.
Did he sense someone approaching?
The azure barrier emitted from the white pillar quickly dissipated, leaving a passage for him.
The artificial turf on the training ground was now covered in a deep gray special alloy, cold and hard to the touch, with a fine anti-slip texture on the surface, as if it could withstand any impact. Whenever someone stepped here, their footsteps would be absorbed, creating an almost eerie silence.
As Kanade entered the arena, the pillars projected intertwined azure light once more, forming a translucent barrier that sealed the venue tightly.
His opponent had long been waiting inside the arena.
“Finally, I’ve waited for this day, Tsukimi Kanade—” Shishido, also dressed in athletic wear, showed a combative expression as his fluffy golden hair reflected the light like the sun.
Once unattainable, Kanade marveled silently that he could now stand on the same stage as Shishido.
Though it might seem disrespectful to Shishido, Kanade felt completely unmotivated for this match.
“The match will last 5 minutes, using a magic barrier with a limit of 200%. The summoning of fantasy weapons and contract beasts is unrestricted, as is the form of combat; leaving the arena or surrendering will result in loss.” A teacher announced the rules from below.
Simultaneously, a blue light from the arena connected to the silver wristbands worn by Kanade and Shishido.
At this moment, all they needed to do was infuse mana into the wristbands, which would envelop them in a layer of magical film—this film represented each person’s remaining HP. The magical film would deplete when attacked during the match, and when completely worn away, the pillars would pull the person out of the arena to ensure student safety.
The 200% limit means they can inject 200% of the normal magical storage capacity of the wristbands.
Kanade had never had the opportunity to experience such simulated combat matches.
—It sounded just like a fighting game…..
This series of rules left Kanade feeling a certain way.
As Kanade and Shishido infused mana into their respective wristbands, a layer of blue light covering them elicited gasps from all the new students present.
For them, this was their first encounter with true extraordinary power aside from the “childification” process.
“Tsukimi Kanade, let me see your true power—” Shishido clasped his hands and shouted loudly: “Fantasy Spirit Gear, unfold—”
A sword without a sheath, accompanied by a burst of magical light, materialized from his hands.
The Fantasy Spirit Gear is the manifestation of an ability user’s powers, often providing complementary effects to their abilities and is seen as a second form of the ability user.
Every ability user generally experiences two phases: “Ability Awakening” and “Summoning Fantasy Spirit Gear.”
At this moment, Kanade had not mastered his own Fantasy Spirit Gear.
By conventional standards, he might be weaker than Shishido, who could summon his Fantasy Spirit Gear….
“Anyway, there’s no need to win, so I won’t use Rewind…” Kanade thought to himself while catching a glimpse of Kurokawa outside the arena.
The battle remained evenly matched.
As he focused back on Shishido, the light golden hue in his eyes flashed with a golden glow indicating rising mana—
…….
…….
Initially, Kanade believed this was just an ordinary match; as long as he completed it as planned, he could return to the daily life of an ordinary person and spend a tranquil and happy future with Nagi.
Too much had recently happened due to disasters caused by ability users, making Kanade gradually forget their existence.
They are the rulers of this real extraordinary world—
“Hehehehe~~~ Found it~ Small fry~ Small fry~”
Time seemed to freeze at this moment; the people around, even ability users like Kurokawa, turned into monotone gray.
Countless halos flashed before his eyes, echoing with terrifying laughter.
“Let me see your strength~” “Though by all accounts you’re just a small fry~” “Small fry, small fry~”…..
Endless light particles, like petals fluttering in the wind, flew toward the seats below—
Wherein Nagi and Yukino’s figures seemed frozen along with the entire space.
