Watching the Japanese coastline grow larger outside the window, Drake asked the man in the black suit beside him, "So, what's my identity in Japan?"
The black-suited man, a government official accompanying Drake, replied, "You'll be an exchange student at Japan's Hagun Academy. Don't reveal your purpose."
Drake understood; Fū Shaorī's escape from Shinryuu Temple could cause international incidents, especially given the strained relations between the two countries.
"An exchange student… did the Great Teacher or you arrange this?" Drake asked.
The black-suited man replied, "The Great Teacher wrote to Mr. Torajirou Nangou in Japan; he arranged the exchange student status."
Drake nodded; he knew Torajirou Nangou—the only Japanese person to win the Fighting God Cup and earn the title of Fighting God. The Fighting God Cup was held by Shinryuu Temple.
Drake hadn't expected Torajirou to arrange his enrollment at Hagun Academy.
After the World War, Japan reluctantly joined the International Magic Knights Alliance, surrendering many rights to preserve the nation. Most importantly, they relinquished control over the education and management of Magic Knights.
Sword masters were rare, but each one was a force to be reckoned with. In Japan, to become a Magic Knight, sword masters had to graduate from one of the seven Magic Knight Academies under the Alliance.
The Japanese government had no control over Magic Knight education; they couldn't revoke the Magic Knight status of even criminal sword masters.
Japan's seven Magic Knight Academies were named after the Big Dipper stars. Drake was to attend Hagun Academy.
Drake knew that these seven academies held an annual Seven Star Sword Festival, with students competing; the winner earned the title of Seven Star Sword King.
Hagun Academy was once a top academy, winning many Seven Star Sword King trophies. However, its performance had declined in recent years.
Drake wasn't in Japan to study; the academy's reputation didn't matter.
Drake didn't understand how he could retrieve Fū Shaorī while being an exchange student, limiting his freedom.
The black-suited man explained, "The Seven Star Sword Festival is approaching. Information suggests something will happen. Edelweiss is in Japan because of this; the Immortal might also appear at the festival."
Drake rubbed his forehead. "So I have to participate in the Seven Star Sword Festival?"
The black-suited man said, "Hagun Academy has a new principal; they're selecting participants for the Seven Star Sword Festival. You'll have no problem."
He recalled their conversation with Shinryuu Temple. Knowing Shinryuu Temple's precepts—warrior monks couldn't participate in competitions other than the Fighting God Cup—they'd asked the Great Teacher if the plan needed changing.
The Great Teacher said Drake wasn't a Shinryuu Temple warrior monk and didn't have to follow the precepts. Drake had mastered Shinryuu Temple's techniques; only the title was missing.
The Great Teacher hadn't inducted Drake to avoid the precepts becoming a constraint. The black-suited man almost suspected Drake's background.
Drake had noticed this preferential treatment; it was why he couldn't refuse the mission.
After training at Shinryuu Temple, Drake didn't want to participate in a student competition. But he had to complete the mission.
The plane landed; Drake felt relieved to be on solid ground, even though the sword master's ability temporarily suppressed his deathly fear.
After retrieving his luggage, Drake and the black-suited man couldn't leave; a crowd of reporters with cameras awaited them.
Drake said, "They're not here for me, right? Is another VIP arriving in Japan today?"
The black-suited man checked his phone. "The second princess of the Familon Kingdom will arrive today and attend Hagun Academy."
Familon was a small European country; it was barely known a few years ago. Its recent fame was due to its second princess, Stella Vermillion.
Drake now understood this world's magic. Magic was linked to a sword master's destiny; the amount of innate magic power represented the weight of their destiny.
Innate magic power was unchangeable unless one transcended fate and became a Desperado. Only Desperados could increase their magic power through training.
Stella Vermillion possessed the highest level of human magic power—rated A-class, but several times stronger than a typical A-class sword master. She stood at the top of the sword master pyramid, born a powerhouse.
This was a sword master-centric world; Stella's talent made her country famous.
Drake remembered seeing her in the newspaper; they'd arrive in Japan on the same day.
Drake's arrival wasn't public knowledge; the reporters weren't interested in him; they left the airport.
The black-suited man contacted someone and led Drake to a long black car. Drake saw a woman in a suit leaning against the car.
Shinguuji Kurono, a little-known name. Her previous name, Takizawa, might be more familiar.
Drake knew the famous powerhouses—mostly from major competitions: the Fighting God Cup (Shinryuu Temple) and the KOK League (International Magic Knights Alliance).
The KOK League, with better management, was globally renowned. A-class league participants were world-class sword masters.
Takizawa was formerly ranked third in the A-class league, known as WorldClock. After marriage and childbirth, she became Shinguuji Kurono, retiring and disappearing from public view.
This former world-ranked third had unexpectedly taken over Hagun Academy.
Shinguuji Kurono saw them and looked at Drake. "You're the exchange student from Shinryuu Temple? Amazing! That place has exchange students!"
She was surprised; Shinryuu Temple was mysterious; little was known besides the Fighting God Cup. But they had exchange students. With Torajiro's involvement, she wouldn't refuse a talented student.
A student from Shinryuu Temple… how strong? With the Crimson Princess, this year's Seven Star Sword Festival would be interesting. Shinguuji Kurono smiled. Shinguuji Kurono—former world-ranked third, current Hagun Academy principal, and an unexpected troublemaker.
__________________
for more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.