The Asterisk War (学戦都市アスタリスク)

Aaah!

Aaah!

I'm sorry. I had to...

During the previous century,

an unprecedented disaster known as the Invertia

struck the planet

and drastically changed the world as we knew it.

The powers of existing nations declined significantly

and paved the way for the Integrated Enterprise Foundation conglomerate

to seize leadership.

As time passed, global perceptions of ethics and principles

were forever altered.

But despite this turn of events,

the Invertia also gave the world new potential.

Oh, great. I can't believe this!

I see.

A new species of humans emerged,

graced with phenomenal physical abilities,

known as the Genestella.

Uh, I don't mean to intrude, but...

What the...?

The young men and women of the Genestella

vie for supremacy in the battle entertainment called Festas.

This is Rikka, the academy city on the water,

also known as Asterisk.

Uh...

I, uh...

I'm so sorry!

I mean, I... Oh, jeez.

I only came up here to bring you the handkerchief I found outside.

Turn around now.

You heard me! I told you to turn around right now!

Sorry!

Hang on a minute.

The only reason I'm even in here is to return what I found to the rightful owner.

Maybe if I can find a way to properly explain that to her, she'll understand.

‐Ugh. ‐ OK, I'm done.

‐Well, hand it over. ‐Hand wha...?

Didn't you just say something about a handkerchief?

Oh, that's right. Here it is.

Thank goodness.

So it is yours.

When I saw the open window, I thought it might be.

Indeed. I appreciate this.

It's something quite dear to me.

Oh, it's nothing. I just happened to be walking by.

Still, I'm in your debt. You have my eternal gratitude.

Hey, let's not go that far. All I did was bring you a handkerchief.

Now, then... think it's time for us to get back to business.

Yeah?

Prepare to die.

This presence...

A Strega?

Burst into bloom.

Amaryllis!

Impressive. There's not a scratch on you.

So be it.

Prepare yourself because I'm playing to win.

Whoa, weren't you just eternally grateful like a second ago?

Make no mistake, I'm very grateful for your efforts.

‐So... ‐ However,

you infiltrated the girls' dormitory and spied on an undressed maiden!

The only satisfactory punishment is for you to die!

Wait, that's going a little far.

No need to worry.

If you stay put, I'll appease my anger by only cooking you well done.

Crap, she's totally gonna roast me alive.

It's only my first day at the school,

so I had no idea that was the girls' dorm.

You gotta believe me!

I see. That much I'll believe.

‐ ‐But I'm sorry to say

my anger won't be dispelled that easily.

That said, tell me your name.

Ayato Amagiri.

My name is Julis, and I rank fifth at Seidoukan Academy.

In the unfaltering name of the Red Lotus,

I, Julis‐Alexia von Riessfeld,

hereby challenge you, Ayato Amagiri, to a duel!

Gotta be kidding.

Should you win, I shall accept your excuse and humbly withdraw.

But if I win, your fate will be subject to any and all of my whims.

Hold on a minute, this is crazy!

We have duels here at Asterisk. Surely you must be aware of that.

Of course I am, but wouldn't you know it, I don't even have a sword on me.

Then try using this one!

Hmm.

Let's go.

It looks like the stage is set, doesn't it?

I, Ayato Amagiri, hereby accept your challenge.

I swear to fight honorably.

I take it you're familiar with the rules.

Whoever destroys the other person's school badge wins.

Right.

Starting countdown!

Three...

two...

one...

Let the duel begin!

Now let's do this!

Burst into bloom!

Longiflorum!

Next wave. Longiflorum.

Try and dodge the spears at this speed.

Go!

Aaah!

The newbie's holding his own.

Not too shabby.

The princess must be holding back, right?

He's strong. An average opponent would have been reduced to cinders.

Even though I clearly have the upper hand, something's off.

Let's find out what it is!

Burst into bloom!

Amaryllis!

Dodging and going in for close combat, huh?

Nice try.

Explode!

An explosion at that proximity should finish him off.

Amagiri Shinmei‐style. Twin Dragons!

No way!

Get down, now!

What exactly are you doing?!

That spear of light was clearly aimed at me.

But he saved me anyway.

‐ Why did you do that? ‐What? It wasn't me.

I think you should save that question for the guy who fired the spear.

That's not what I meant. I want to know why you...

Aaah!

Aaah!

Whoa!

Hey, look, I... I am so sorry.

I know this looks really bad, but I swear it's not what you're thinking.

You... how dare you!

But I...

Now, now. I believe that's quite enough.

Unfortunately, I have no other option but to invalidate this particular duel.

Oh, it's you. Who gave you the authority to interfere?

By the power vested in me as school representative, this duel is voided.

Sorry, his transfer paperwork isn't finished.

So technically Ayato Amagiri isn't a full‐fledged Seidoukan Academy student yet.

Well, what do you know? Thanks, uh...

Right. I've yet to properly introduce myself.

Student Council President Claudia Enfield.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

What? You mean you're a first‐year, too, Madam President?

I am. My tenure began in junior high, so this is my third term.

Wow.

And since you and I are in the same grade,

feel free to speak to me in a more informal manner.

How about "Miss Claudia"?

"Claudia" is just fine, if it's all the same to you.

But you're the school rep, so I‐‐

Call me Clau‐di‐a!

Roger that, Claudia.

There.

In that case, you can call me Ayato.

Certainly, Ayato. Roger that.

You know, you don't have to be so polite.

Don't worry yourself about it. It's merely a habit of mine.

What do you mean?

I'm very devious, you see.

Therefore I maintain a courteous facade to conceal my true nature.

Devious, huh?

Yes, exceedingly so.

Inside me lurk thoughts so devious,

it's like they were created in some pitch‐black abyss

and drenched in black honey.

Actually, would you like to take a look?

‐ Uh... ‐See? Pitch‐black.

Whoa! What do you think you're doing?!

‐ Just kidding. ‐

You're simply too cute for words.

Right this way, please.

And here we are.

I humbly welcome you to Asterisk.

Now then, Ayato...

as a scholarship transfer student at Seidoukan Academy,

there is just one thing that we will expect of you.

Victory.

Garrardworth,

Arlequint,

Jie Long,

ReWolf,

Queenvail,

and finally Seidoukan.