<h4>Volume 20, Final Chapter - Return to the Academy</h4>
Part 1
After experiencing the final battle in Astral Zero—
Kamito andpany stayed at the Divine Ritual Institute''s shrine for a week and a bit. Only after borrowing the sanctuary''s hot spring topletely recover from fatigue did they return to the human realm.
The entire student body of the Academy mobilized to wee the return of Team Scarlet.
Compared to the reception half a year ago when they qualified to enter the de Dance, attitudes werepletely different.
ire and Rinslet, formerly the problem children of Raven ss.
Ellis, alwayspared to her foster sister as captain of the Sylphid Knights.
Fianna, who was ridiculed as the Lost Queen after losing her power of the spirit contract.
No one was going to regard these girls with prejudiced eyes of the past anymore.
Even Kamito, who was shunned as the only male elementalist—
"Oh, it''s Kazehaya Kamito!" "How unbelievable. The Demon King of the Night actually saved the world..." "Wait, that''s too rude, you should call him Lord King of Lust!" "Yes, that''s right, Lord King of Lust..." "Awesome, Lord King of Lust." "In that case, Lord King of Lust, I—"
(...W-Why is my reputation the only one that''s unchanged!?)
While walking down the flying ship''s gangway, Kamito rolled his eyes and retorted in his thoughts.
...It seemed like things were even worse than before.
"Come on, Kamito, chest out and head up high."
Seeing Kamito like that, ire gave him a push from behind.
"After all, you have much to be proud of."
"Tonight,rades from the Sylphid Knights are apparently holding a big party to celebrate."
"Now that is something to look forward to."
"But I have to be a downer first. They''re apparently going to resume sses tomorrow."
ire spoke seriously.
"Eh, really... We haven''t kept up with sses at all..."
"H-Hmm, we must hurry and make up for lost progress..."
"I will have you know that I have been studying seriously. I shall teach the rest of youter."
"Oh, thanks."
"Yes, that would be helpful..."
As soon as Kamito andpany got off the flying ship, a huge number of students crowded around them.
Amid the tide of people, Kamito looked up at the clear blue sky.
(Back to student life again, huh...?)
Through Greyworth''s designs, he hade to the Academy, and entered the de Dance only because he wanted to find Restia. Now he had no more reasons to stay at the Academy.
However—
(...Graduating here wouldn''t be half bad, I guess.)
Standing under the blue sky was the school building under reconstruction. The dorm of Raven ss.
This was the ce where he and hispanions belonged, the ce he had protected.
—That night, during the celebration party and gathering of spirits, Kamito got drunk for the first time in his life.
Part 2
"...Mmm... Ughhh... Ooh..."
The next day, under sunlight, Kamito opened his eyes.
...What a headache. It looked like he had fallen asleep in his uniformst night.
Due to insistent pleading from Ellis with Rakka and Reishia joining in, Kamito had borrowed a princess maiden outfit from Fianna to perform a de dance. That was thest thing he remembered.
Although the spirits at the party looked quite happy—
...Kamito was sure he would not have done it if he were not drunk.
Raised by the Instructional School, Kamito had never been drunk before. By circting divine power through channels in his entire body, he was able to eliminate alcohol.
But this move did not work against the Dragon Wine brought by Leonora. This was wine prepared for spirits.
The party even weed the grand arrival of the Dragon King, who urged Kamito to drink Dragon Wine by the barrel. Unable to refuse the king of Dracunia, Kamito drank to his heart''s content, and that was how he ended up like this.
Without any recollection after the fact, he had managed to return to his room in the Raven ss dorm and copsed asleep.
(What the hell was I doing...)
Just as Kamito clutched his head in bed, plunged into self-loathing...
Boing. Boing.
He felt something soft against his stomach, like a water bag.
"...!?"
Kamito hastily lifted his nket. Just as he suspected, inside was—
"...E-Est!?"
The naked kneesocks sword spirit had secretly made her way into his bed.
"Est, didn''t I say you can''t get into bed...?"
Kamito ced his hand on her silver-white hair and reminded her again.
He knew he was always indulging Est, but he ought to be more strict during times that demanded it.
"No, Kamito—"
However, Est expressionlessly shook her head.
"Last night, Kamito was the one who carried me into bed."
"...Is that for real...?"
Kamito''s face twitched.
...He had no idea at all. Although his memories were very hazy, after performing a de dance in a princess maiden outfit, he had apparently gone to bed while holding Est in sword form without letting go.
Back during his days at the Instructional School, Kamito had frequently gone to bed hugging Restia in sword form. Perhaps that childhood habit had reappeared without him knowing.
"S-Sorry..."
Kamito brought his palms together and apologized to Est.
"Not only that."
"Huh?"
Hearing Est grumble softly without any expression on her face, Kamito could not help but ask.
"While you were asleep, Kamito, you kept tugging at my kneesocks when I turned into human form."
"...I-I did that!?"
...Crap. He had no memory of it at all.
(...No, I think I had a dream ying tug-of-war with Est.)
Her clear violet eyes stared unerringly at Kamito.
"Kamito... You have a lot of pent up frustration, right?"
"...Ohhhhhhhh, Est, I''m the one at fault!"
Kamito immediately prostrated himself on the bed as fast as he could to apologize.
Even if it had happened without conscious intent, he never expected himself to do something like that—
...No wonder Est was angry.
"No, Kamito. I am your sword. If it is your wish... So be it."
Est swept up her draping long silver-white hair and stood up.
Her pale skin, as white as fresh snow, was disyed before Kamito''s eyes without reserve.
Her cheeks were so red that one could hardly believe they belonged to a sword spirit with steel affinity.
"...E-Est!?"
Kamito could not help but hold his breath.
He watched as Est hooked her kneesocks with her thumbs and began to pull them down.
When she reached the ankles, she paused for a moment, looking up at Kamito.
"...Are you sure you''re okay with removing your kneesocks, Est?"
Faced with Kamito''s doubt, Est nodded.
"Yes, Kamito. Please witness my all—"
She lightly lifted her feet and removed her kneesocks.
Toes as smooth as pearls.
Her adorable bare feet, white and tender as milk, werepletely exposed this moment.
"...How... is it, Kamito?"
Still in a posture with her bare feet raised, Est shyly turned her gaze away.
Probably due to extreme embarrassment, her shoulders kept shaking.
"U-Uh, very cute... So pretty."
Kamito stared intently and replied. Est instantly withdrew her feet into the nket.
"Uwah, do not stare like that."
"I-I can''t?"
"...It is not like you can''t."
Timidly, Est brought her bare feet out from the nket again... So cute.
"I-I do not mind, if you touch a little."
"Eh—"
"Special permission. After all, I am your contracted spirit—"
Est turned her head to the side and gently extended her petite legs.
"Est..."
Kamito held his breath and timidly stroked Est''s toes.
A soft sensation. Cool to the touch.
"Uwah... That tickles, Kamito."
Est screamed softly.
...Why? Est was normally so adorable already, yet she seemed even more adorable now.
Perhaps there were some lingering effects from the Dragon Wine drankst night.
His head in a haze, Kamito tried to scratch the sole of Est''s foot.
"K-Kamito, no... Uwahhhh!"
Est shut her eyes tightly and gripped a corner of the nket.
Just then—
"Fufu, you look like you''re having a lot of fun."
"Uwah..."
Suddenly, jet-ck feathers blocked Kamito''s view.
He looked back, only to see Restia standing there with her jet-ck wings outspread.
"R-Restia!?"
"Darkness spirit—!"
Est hastily hid behind Kamito''s back, concealing her bare feet.
"Oh dear, I''d like to have a look at Miss Sword Spirit''s feet too..."
Restia chuckled and controlled her wings deftly, trying to lift the nket.
"...! Darkness spirit, do you wish to be destroyed?"
"It''s just a little look."
"No."
With Restia trying to catch her, thepletely naked Est hugged Kamito, refusing to let go.
"H-Hey...!"
Just as the three of them were wrestling on the bed...
"Sheesh, why is it so noisy this early in the morning... Hold on—Huaah, w-what, w-what are you doing!?"
Arriving to wake up Kamito, ire froze.
Scattered ck feathers. Completely naked Est. Kamito, hugged by her tightly. Even Restia, due to the tussle on the bed, her dress had slid down to her shoulders.
"Y-You, you lot..."
Her voice was shaking.
The twintails instantly burst into mes.
"W-Wait, there''s a reason for this—"
Kamito stammered.
...Even if he wanted to exin, he could note up with anything convincing to exin the current situation.
"Y-You lewd beast, turn into charcoal!"
For the first time in a long while, the sound of Fireball exploding returned to the room.
Part 3
"...Seriously, making so much noise early in the morning."
Rinslet, dressed in an apron, spoke with exasperation as she looked at the scorched and ckened hole in the wall.
Due to the explosion in the room, Kamito andpany had gone next door to eat breakfast at Rinslet''s room.
...Oh well, this was somewhatforting in how it was a return to their everyday life.
That being said, there was something wrong with returning to everyday life through a room explosion experience.
"Yes, seriously. How many times must you turn the dorm room into charcoal until you''re satisfied?"
In the same room, Fianna red at ire.
"...~! I-It''s all Kamito''s fault, doing that spirit sandwich!"
"Kamito-san, what is the meaning of this?"
Rinslet pouted after hearing what ire said and red at Kamito.
"L-Like I said, she got the wrong idea!"
"Kamito-kun, my, how energetic you are early in the morning. That''s nice."
Fianna was cheerful, with a malicious smile on her face.
Est and Restia had turned back into sword form.
Restia aside, Est normally turned into human form at breakfast time in the past. Probably because she was still embarrassed from baring her feet earlier, even the toasty aroma of bread could not bring out anyment from her.
"...Uwah, everybody, good morning~"
Still in her pajamas, Carol rubbed her eyes and got up.
Seeing Rinslet setting tes on the dining table...
"M-Mdy, allow me to help!"
She said hastily. However, Rinslet shook her head.
"Do not worry, just sit down there."
Saying that, Rinslet motioned to have Carol sit down on the chair next to hers... Still indulging her as always.
"I made a breakfast that is easy on the stomach due to the drinkingst night. As it so happens, I gathered high-quality vegetables from the Spirit Forest."
"Wow, it looks so delicious!"
Seeing the food on the dining table, ire''s eyes were glowing.
Wild mushrooms with vegetable sd. Walnut bread fresh out of the oven. Warm ck tea. Fresh milk and homemade butter. Fruit yogurt too.
Although the dishes were a tad simple, every ingredient had been carefully selected.
"Please enjoy, everyone."
"Yes, thanks for the food—"
Kamito politely brought his palms together then tore off a piece of freshly baked bread.
The bread was piping hot, giving off a toasty aroma that filled one''s nostrils.
"Meow—"
Scarlet was at his feet, giving him a longing look. Right now, she was perfectly capable of awakening as Ortlinde, but the hell cat spirit apparently enjoyed a cat''s life of unfettered freedom.
"Scarlet, that''s rude. Learn from Fenrir."
Seeing that, ire scolded her.
Fenrir was sitting properly on the floor, panting and drooling.
"Oh no? Butter has dripped onto my chest."
"...!?"
Fianna made a troubled expression and looked at Kamito beside her.
Kamito could not help but nce over, only to see a piece of melting butter in her cleavage.
"Kamito-kun, could you help me take it out?"
"Ah, no, well..."
Facing the princess who was asking him passionately, Kamito stammered and hesitated. Just then...
"Scarlet, lick her clean."
"Meow—!"
"Kyah!?"
Scarlet pounced on Fianna''s chest and licked the butter furiously.
"Wait, that tickles... Ahhh, I hate you, ire!
While twisting her body, Fianna red at ire angrily.
Part 4
While having breakfast in a lively gathering, Kamito andpany began to discuss the future.
"The situation on the continent, ahmm... I think there will be many changes."
"...Yeah."
Listening to ire speaking while eating bread, Kamito concurred.
The Elemental Lords, corrupted by Otherworldly Darkness, had all been freed by Kamito.
Due to theplete destruction of the Gate, Astral Zero should note into contact again with the world origin. Likewise, Angels belonging to Otherworldly Light were probably not going to descend again.
With the Holy Lord and the Darkness Elemental Lord gone, only the four Elemental Lords of fire, water, earth and wind remained.
Although Belphal and Lode Gear were back to normal, freed from the the Holy Lord''s control, their power as Elemental Lords was greatly diminished. Currently, they were merely powerful individual spirits.
Perhaps, the job of Elemental Lords as rulers of the world hade to an end too.
In that case, perhaps the rtionship between Astral Zero and the human realm would change dramatically.
Teleported to Ragna Ys, the Holy Capital had vanished from the human realm. Having instigated chaos across the continent, the Holy Kingdom of Lugia was going to be monitored by the other countries from now on. Records of viting numerous military agreements, the conspiracy in Ordesia and Des Esseinte''s covert operations, etc, were presumably going to be publicized. Incidentally, the leader of the monitoring team was reportedly Virrey Branford, the special operative knight of Numbers.
"...By the way, how is it going with studying the lecture notes?"
Just then, the topic shifted from the continent''s situation back to the Academy.
To be honest, matters on this front were far more important for Kamito and his friends.
"We already won the de Dance, I can''t believe it doesn''t count for academic credit, that''s so mean."
"That goes without saying."
ire remarked helplessly.
"We have to find a way to make up."
"Yes, Mireille and Mi will be enrolling in elementary school next year. I have no wish of being held back a year and humiliating myself in front of my sisters."
Mireille and Mi Bassett were apparently entering the Eluor Elementary Academy at the imperial capital this year.
A prestigious school for nobles, it was also where ire and Rinslet studied during their childhood.
Like Carol, Mi was apparently entering as an apanying maid. Unlike Carol, Mi was very reliable, so with her there, there was probably nothing to worry about.
“Come to think of it, Mireille will be our underssmen.”
“Yes. Once Judia’s eyes are healed, I expect she will study at the academy too.”
Rinslet nodded happily.
“I’m so d Judia will recover.”
“It is all thanks you, Kamito-san.”
Judia’s blinded eyes were reportedly recovering rapidly. Most likely, it was because the principal body of the Water Elemental Lord, who had struck her with a curse of ice, was gone.
“Speaking of which, what will happen to Laurenfrost territory?”
Fianna asked.
“I shall inherit it after graduating from the Academy.”
Rinslet shrugged and replied in response.
“To be honest, my wish is to open a restaurant in the imperial capital, leaving the territory to Judia or Mireille to govern. Yes, I already came up with a name, the White Wolf Pavilion.”
Under the dining table, Fenrir barked.
“A restaurant opened by you, Rinslet, will surely be very popr.”
“Yes, all of us will go and eat there.”
Saying that, ire nodded vigorously.
“Say, Fianna, are you really not nning to be queen?”
Seeing the conversation topic shift to her, Fianna shook her head slowly.
“The Emperor’s health has improved. Besides, I am not suitable either.” “Really? I think you’d make an excellent queen—”
“Thank you. These kind thoughts are enough for me.”
Fianna smiled wryly.
ording to her, the imperial council’s authority in the Ordesia Empire had increased currently. Many of the Numbers were also going to be changed with fresh personnel. While he was recuperating at Ragna Ys, Virrey once asked Kamito if he wanted to join the ranks of the Numbers, but of course, Kamito refused.
“What about you, ire, so you’re not returning to Elstein?”
“I have already decided my career direction.”
Hearing Fianna’s question, ire replied resolutely.
“I remember you saying you wanted to be a teacher at the Academy, yes?”
“Indeed.”
“A teacher, huh? I see.”
True, in addition to a serious personality and excellent grades, ire was also very good at teaching others.
...Being a teacher might be quite a good match for her.
“Originally, I wanted to entrust Elstein matters to Nee-sama—”
Saying that, a hint of gloom shed across ire’s face.
After the decisive battle at the Holy Capital, Kamito andpany had stayed at the hot spring on Ragna Ys. However, Rubia soon disappeared.
“After all, Rubia-sama always liked her solitary ways—”
Just then, Fenrir stood up and went “woof.”
“Oh, it is almost time.”
“Beingte on the first day will be bad, let’s hurry.”
Finishing his cup of freshly brewed ck tea, Kamito stood up from his seat.
Part 5
After swiftly getting prepared, Kamito andpany passed through a beautiful garden on their way to the school building.
“The damaged school building has beenpletely restored.” “Yes, I heard that the Academy received plenty of donations from within Ordesia.”
“The courtyard is even grander than before.”
Passing by the church that served as the Sylphid Knights’ base of operations, they happened to encounter Rakka’s rock spirit clearing away the emptied barrels of alcoholic beverages that had been consumed during the partyst night.
“Hello, Mr. Hero—”
Rakka greeted without reservation.
“You showed a lot of good stuff to everyonest night.”
Next to her, Reishia chuckled.
“I’m sorry, I can’t remember much of it...”
...What the hell did I do?
Just as Kamito was cringing inside...
“G-Good morning, Kamito—”
Ellis appeared in her uniform.
Probably because she had just taken a bath, the tip of her ponytail was still moist.
“Ellis, you resumed your morning training the first day back?”
“Yes, with my esteemed sister. We did spear training.”
Saying that, Ellis smiled wryly.
“I can’t believe you...”
ire was speechless.
“Rakka, I am sorry for leaving cleanup work to you.”
“It’s okay. You just got back, Captain, so rx and rest.”
Rakka smiled and waved her hands.
“By the way, Captain, did you store ’’that’’ properly fromst night?”
“...Ah, yes, of course.”
Hearing Reishia, Ellis nodded somewhat embarrassedly.
“Store what?”
In response to Kamito’s question...
“Your crossdressing de dance from the party. The Captain has been very working hard recording it.”
“R-Rakka!?”
Rakka answered without thinking, causing Ellis to turn bright red in the face instantly.
“W-Wait a sec, what is going on here!?”
“Uh, umm... Well, uh...”
Ellis avoided eye contact while scratching her cheek.
“Isn’t there a spirit crystal that can store images from before your eyes? That’s probably what’s being used to record crossdressing Kamito’s de dance, right?”
“W-What?”
“Reishia!?”
Ellis panicked, her secret exposed.
...Kamito had no memory of it all. So Ellis even did something like this.
“Ellis...”
Kamito stared at her.
“...U-Uh, I simply wanted to collect, as a precious memory, the sight of Ren Ashbe-sama dancing before my eyes. That is why I could not help but...”
Fidgeting with her fingers, she exined awkwardly. Although she looked quite adorable, Kamito was determined that such a living record of his dark history could not be allowed to exist in this world.
“Destroy that spirit crystal. Now.”
“N-No!”
Ellis shook her head repeatedly.
“I was really hurt by the fact that you hid your identity of being Ren Ashbell-sama. C-Can I not keep just a little record of my idol!?”
“Hmm...”
…She had a point. Kamito felt guilty for hiding things from her for so long.
Ellis was Ren Ashbell’s loyal fan and had even joined the fan club in the Academy. Seeing her all teary-eyed, Kamito sighed.
“...Don’t let anyone see it, especially Greyworth.”
“Yes, of course! I will treasure it as my own personal memory.”
Hearing Kamito’s answer, Ellis instantly smiled with radiance, nodding again and again.
...Seeing such a happy smile on her, Kamito feltpelled to keep his word and not take back the permission he had granted.
"I am so happy for you, Captain."
Rakka patted Ellis'' shoulder.
"Excuse me, everybody, we are going to bete."
Rinslet frowned and reminded them.
Part 6
“Okay Ellis, see youter.”
"Yes."
Parting ways at the corridor with Ellis, who belonged to Weasel ss, Kamito andpany entered the ssroom of Raven ss.
It had been many months since theyst attended a real lesson here.
After defeating Velsaria to qualify for representing the Academy at the de Dance, Team Scarlet had spent most of the time on training. The next time they returned to the Academy, Kamito had lost his memory due to the shock of losing Restia. After that, there was the expedition to Laurenfrost then the rescue of Fianna, oh well, it was certainly a long story—
"Let''s sit there."
Kamito andpany sat down in the back row and opened their textbooks on spiritnguage.
"Looks like the textbooks will need a major overhaul."
"...Yeah."
Reading the textbook, ire murmured quietly and Kamito concurred.
After all, the Holy Lord, leader of the Elemental Lords, was gone, while the rest of the Elemental Lords had also lost the incredible power they used to hold.
Also, Kamito''s team had conveyed many truths to the Divine Ritual Institute, including that of the Otherworldly Darkness and the Angels, the Spirit War six thousand years ago, the existence of Ren Ashdoll the Darkness Elemental Lord, the inside story of Demon King Solomon a thousand years ago, as well as the spirit Iris and Sacred Maiden Areishia, etc—
Although they had no idea how much the Divine Ritual Institute was going to disclose, research in spiritology was definitely going to undergo momentous change.
"I heard that the Divine Ritual Institute intends to add mdy''s pancake recipe to their curriculum."
"I am not surprised. After all, those are the pancakes that captivated an Elemental Lord."
Hearing Carol talk happily, Fianna concurred.
"They are just ordinary pancakes..."
Looking a bit troubled, Rinslet cocked her head.
"Speaking of which, we need to report about my sister''s and my mes."
The Otherworldly mes that the Elemental Lords had stolen in the ancient past and passed on to the human race.
ire apparently intended to research those mes thoroughly before she graduated.
"Also, there''s Scarlet''s sisters and details of the Spirit War, there''s so much I want to research—"
At her feet, Scarlet meowed.
"—You lot, hurry and sit down."
Just then, Ms. Freya entered the ssroom.
Standing at the stage, she rolled up her materials to tap the lectern.
"Ah, allow me to introduce a part-time teacher today."
She cleared her throat and spoke.
"Part-time teacher?"
ire and Rinslet exchanged a look.
"Perhaps there is a shortage in avable teachers."
Fianna wondered.
...She was right. The Millennia Sanctus'' attack on the Academy and the demon spirit summoning incident caused by Astral Shift had definitely injured many teachers. In addition, reconstruction of the imperial capital had also drafted a great many aplished elementalists, hence there were shortages everywhere.
—Just then, a woman dressed in a suit arrived dashingly before the lectern.
"—Starting today, I, Ren Ashbell, shall be working here as a teacher. Pleased to meet you."
It was a woman with long beautiful crimson hair. She was wearing a scarlet mask&mash;
"Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?"
ire''s voice resounded across the entire ssroom.
Part 7
At the cafeteria space outside the school building...
Due to the unlimited supply of free bread provided to students, this was a popr ce to hang out.
After waiting for and meeting up with Ellis after her elementary spiritology ss, Kamito''s group were at the cafeteria, questioning the masked teacher.
"...! Why are you here, Nee-sama!?"
"It was at Dame Greyworth''s request. ire, your cor ribbon is messed up."
However, Rubia waspletely unfazed and even rxed enough to adjust ire''s ribbon for her.
"Where did you go? You made ire so worried."
"I borrowed a military ship from the Theocracy and sent the Instructional School orphans back to their homnds."
Rubia replied.
"After all, the war is over. There is no need for Team Inferno''s continued existence."
"I see..."
How nice, to have homnds to return to, Kamito thought. Previous to this, there had never been a single child who could return home after being taken to the Instructional School.
Children of unknown origins were reportedly staying at a facility in the imperial capital for the time being. Specialized in intel gathering, Lily was devoting her full efforts to investigating the girls'' homnds.
"May I ask why you are wearing a mask?"
This time, it was Fianna''s turn to ask.
"It is not like I can show the true face of the Cmity Queen. I shall continue to borrow your name, Kamito."
Indeed, the world''s impression of her still remained at the point when she had participated in the de Dance as the masked elementalist Ren Ashbell, leader of Team Inferno.
"My lessons are very strict. Do not expect me to go easy on my own little sister."
Rubia spoke solemnly to ire while picking up a piece of freshly baked melon bread.
"Y-Yes, Nee-sama..."
ire nodded with a nervous expression. Just then—
"Oh—, it''s Onii-sama!"
Apanying the familiar voice was a patter of light footsteps.
Kamito looked back, as was surprised to see Muir Alenstarl dressed in the Academy''s uniform.
"Why are you here, Muir!?"
"She said she wanted to study here, so I had spoke with Dame Greyworth."
"Look, "
Muir spun on the spot, causing her skirt and ash-gray hair to flutter up.
"I see, ah..."
Considering Muir''s psychosocial development, attending school at the Academy might be a good thing after all. Though given her age, she ought to be going to Eluor Elementary Academy instead—
(...Once Mireille enters the Academy, they could very well be good friends.)
Just as he was thinking that...
"—Over here."
"Leonora—"
This time, it was Leonora approaching them with her dragon greatsword hanging at her waist.
Due to an exchange activity between Dracunia and the Academy, Leonora was apparently going to be staying here for a while.
Last night, she had clearly drunk as much Dragon Wine as Kamito, but right now, she seemed totally unaffected. Impressive as ever, a princess maiden contracted to a dragon spirit, blessed with an especially resilient body.
"The food at the student cafeteria here is extremely delicious. I like it."
Leonora sat down at the same table as Kamito''s group.
This brought quiet cheering to the surrounding tables immediately.
Back when the Academy town was attacked by swarms of demon spirits, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor hade as reinforcements and repelled the enemies. Thanks to that, Leonora was extremely popr at Areishia Spirit Academy.
"The morning training is over?"
"Yes. The students here are quite good."
Leonora nodded. She was currently a de dance instructor at the Academy.
"Kamito, I wish to be your partner if any chance should arise in the near future—"
Staring straight into Kamito''s eyes, Leonora smiled fearlessly.
With Greyworth teaching her the Absolute de Arts, the dragon knight was clearly getting stronger and stronger.
"If it is a de dance you want, I am ready for you any time."
"de Dance of the Night?"
"...! I-Idiot, of course I mean in the daytime!"
Kamito could not help but choke.
"Engaging in a de Dance of the Night during the daytime, what a pervert you are, Kamito."
Leonora blushed, fidgeted and murmured.
"W-Wait a sec, what are you two chatting about!?"
"L-Leonora-dono, that is too immoral!"
ire and Ellis spoke out.
Next Leonora cleared her throat and regainedposure.
"—By the way, I have good news to convey to all of you."
"...?"
Faced with Leonora''s sudden change of the subject, Kamito andpany exchanged looks with one another.
"What do you mean by good news?"
Leonora took a light breath and said:
"—The next de Dance has been confirmed."
"Ehhhhhhh!?"
ire and the others eximed in surprise.
"...de Dance, are you for real?"
"Yes. The Dragon King told me."
No mistake. Leonora nodded.
"But didn''t they just finish holding one recently—"
"This de Dance is apparently rted to the reorganization of Astral Zero."
"I see."
Fianna nodded with a pensive look.
With the Holy Lord''s demise, the rtionship between Astral Zero and the human realm was beginning to change. Through the de Dance festival that connected humans and spirits, they were probably trying to explore the path forward in building a new rtionship.
"de dancing to bring joy to all spirits in Astral Zero instead of a kagura ritual offering to the Elemental Lords, huh?"
A great idea perhaps, it might bring vitality back to the continent that had been ravaged by war. Kamito wondered if the one who had suggested the idea was Water Elemental Lord Iseria or the festival-loving Volcanicus.
"The time will be half a year from now."
"Time is tight, we''ll need to reconsider new team tactics."
"ire, it is not certain yet whether it is a team battle."
"The regtions will apparently be the same asst time''s. As the captain of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, I look forward to a rematch against Team Scarlet."
"Yes, we are not going to lose!"
ire and Leonora shook hands lightly.
"Muir can join Team Scarlet!"
"No. A team has a maximum of five members. Find another team to join."
"Eh—!"
Muir pouted unhappily.
(...A de Dance, huh? It feels so nostalgic even though thest one wasn''t that far back.)
Looking up at the sunny blue sky, Kamito muttered in his thoughts.
Princess Linfa and Shao Fu of the Quina Empire, Luminaris whom he had fought at the Holy Capital, surely they were going to enter again, right?
"We must not becent even though we were the victorious teamst time. I heard that a male elementalist calling himself the Demon King''s sessor has appeared in the Theocracy. He is quite good, they say—"
"...I have a feeling he''s not a stranger."
A look of annoyance appeared on Kamito''s face.
But times had changed. ire and the others could probably win easily even though they faced such a tough battle in the past.
"Kamito, using divine power of darkness is forbidden. The spirits will be displeased."
Rubia reminded him ahead of time.
"Yeah, I know."
He had no intention of using that power to begin with... After all, it ced too great a strain on his body too.
"I am so looking forward to it."
Fenrir barked.
"It is almost time for afternoon lessons—"
"Yes, let''s go."
Saying that, ire got up from the table.
Just as Kamito was about to leave and follow her.
"Kamito—"
Rubia stopped him.
"Hmm?"
"Who among them have you chosen?"
"...!?"
He looked back, only to see a mischievous gaze from Rubia who had taken off his mask.
It was his first time to see such an expression on Rubia''s face.
"Although I think you should simply choose my sister, if you really cannot make up your mind, remember I am an option too—"
Kamito did not know if she was joking or what—
With a chuckle, she turned around and left.
Part 8
"—Oh my, it''s already time to prepare for the next de Dance. I really can''t retire in peace."
From the window of the headmistress'' office, watching the scene below, Greyworth shrugged mildly.
As soon as the de Dance was announced officially, the Academy had to arrange a special program centered on the theme of tournament matches. Things were going to get busy, presumably.
Putting that aside—
"—Looks like thed has found where he belongs."
Looking at her disciple walking among hispanions, Greyworth grinned.
"Oh dear, are you preparing to retire? The Dusk Witch?"
Just then, a gust of wind blew while ck feathers floated down.
With jet-ck wings outspread, the darkness spiritnded on the room''s windowsill.
The two of them had witnessed the whole journey of Kamito''s growth.
Although these two had not always been on the same side, they got along with familiarity like old friends.
"...No way. I still have to watch this Academy''s development a while longer."
"Is that so?"
Restia turned her gaze to outside the window, gazing tenderly upon Kamito.
The boy, whose heart used to be closed tightly, had found the ce where he belonged—
(...Perhaps my mission was to guide him to this ce.)
Whispering softly, Restia smiled serenely.